Setting Standards for Ethical AI in Europe

Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently transforming all spheres of our lives. In future, many processes will be either partially or completely controlled by AI, which makes it very important to provide a guiding framework for the responsible development of AI applications. In the EU project CERTAIN (Certification for Ethical and Regulatory Transparency in Artificial Intelligence), a research team of the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences works on new measures for securing ethical and regulatory standards in artificial intelligence. The objective is to develop solutions that support organisations and companies in complying with the European regulations for AI development and the responsible handling of data in a fast and cost-effective manner. 

“In CERTAIN, we want to develop tools that make AI systems transparent and verifiable of in accordance with the requirements of the EU’s AI Act. Our goal is to develop practically feasible solutions that help companies to efficiently fulfil regulatory requirements and sustainably strengthen confidence in AI technologies”, emphasises Sebastian Neumaier, project manager and Senior Researcher at the St. Pölten UAS’ Institute of IT Security Research.

More Transparency, More Innovation

The project aims to develop comprehensive guidelines and digital tools in compliance with the existing European legal bases for artificial intelligence (e.g., the EU’s “AI Act”). CERTAIN wants to create user-friendly solutions for the public sector and for companies. These measures are to assist them in understanding complex provisions in the field of AI, to recognise the advantages of progressive technologies and innovations, and to use them for their own purposes.

Data Management

CERTAIN seeks to establish common standards that strengthen cooperation in data processing and AI and promote sustainable growth. By introducing norms for data interoperability and adhering to existing regulations, the project contributes to the creation of open and trustworthy European data spaces. CERTAIN develops transparent and data user-friendly solutions to guarantee the responsible handling of data and resources.

AI & Sustainability

In addition to compliance with regulations, CERTAIN also addresses the ecological challenges of the AI value chain. In line with the EU programme “Green Deal”, CERTAIN sets particularly great store by energy-efficient AI and sustainable methods of data management.

Practice-Oriented Exchange

The project team of the St. Pölten UAS is in constant exchange with diverse players. In CERTAIN, researchers, companies, and users adopt a highly practical approach to continually develop, test, and optimise new ideas, products, or services together. At the same time, the project team informs stakeholders, partners, and AI providers with regard to legal, ethical, and technical matters and serves as the central point of contact for questions pertaining to certification.

About the EU Project CERTAIN

The research project “CERTAIN – Certification for Ethical and Regulatory Transparency in Artificial Intelligence” is implemented under the external leadership of Idemia Identity & Security France in a collaboration with the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences and 19 partners from ten European countries. The project brings together a diverse consortium of leading industrial companies, academic institutions, and research organisations.

A kick-off meeting of all consortium partners took place in Osny (France) in January 2025.

CERTAIN is an innovation measure financed through the programme “Horizon Europe – Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space” of the European Commission which started in January 2025.

Further information on the project is available on folowing websites:

• Research website
• LinkedIn Channel
• Project website