The role of the criminologist between action-research and artificial intelligence is the focus of a seminar organised by the Second Cycle Degree Programme in Criminology for Investigation and Security at the University of Bologna, Italy.

The seminar provided an opportunity to introduce ARIEN and the approach to criminological research being explored within the project. Through cooperation between researchers, European law-enforcement agencies, companies and research centres developing AI-based tools, ARIEN connects the study of illicit drug markets with investigative needs and technological development.

Drawing on SOCIOGRAPHY’s involvement in the project, the contribution examined how criminological expertise can inform this collaboration. Understanding criminal behaviour, interpreting social contexts and formulating relevant research questions remain important alongside the development of analytical technologies.

The seminar also addressed the skills and competencies required of criminologists. Public interest in the profession has grown, but media portrayals do not always reflect the complexity of research and professional practice. The initiative offers students an opportunity to consider these expectations alongside the methodological preparation and critical judgement the work requires.

ARIEN provided a practical example of this evolving research environment, in which criminologists work across disciplinary and organisational boundaries to address questions concerning crime, technology and society.