From Research to Action: ScamAI Partners Meet in Saarbrücken to Shape the Project’s Next Steps
On 18–19 February 2026, the six ScamAI project partners from Germany, Türkiye, Lithuania, Slovenia, Portugal and Bulgaria came together in Saarbrücken, Germany, for their first Transnational Project Meeting. Hosted by Saarland University, the meeting provided an opportunity to establish a shared approach to tackling scams through research, education and AI-supported learning.
Building a Common Foundation for Transnational Research
A central focus of the meeting was the preparation of the Transnational Report, which will provide a foundation for the project's educational activities.
Led by Saarland University, the research will involve focus groups and expert interviews conducted across the partner countries. The consortium outlined a common methodological approach, including standardised interview questions and documentation procedures to support consistent data collection and analysis.
Data collection is scheduled for April and May 2026, with the Transnational Report planned for completion by the end of August.
Developing Accessible, AI-Supported Learning
The partners also advanced the planning of the ScamAI Blended-Learning Programme, designed to help people recognise and respond to fraudulent practices.
Particular attention was given to older adults as the project's primary target group, while also considering students and employees. The discussions highlighted the importance of accessible language, interactive learning materials and adaptation to different national contexts.
A key element of the planned programme is the use of AI-powered role-playing simulations. These will allow learners to experience realistic scam scenarios, including simulated fraudulent phone calls, and practise recognising manipulation techniques in a safe learning environment.
The partners discussed pilot testing, multilingual adaptation and feedback-based evaluation as important steps in developing effective training materials.
Extending the Impact Through Local Ambassadors
To support the longer-term use of project results, the consortium explored a train-the-trainer approach for the ScamAI Ambassador Programme.
The proposed model will equip selected individuals with the knowledge and resources to share scam prevention skills within their communities. This approach is intended to extend the reach of the learning programme beyond its initial participants and support continued awareness-raising after the project ends.
Turning Joint Planning into Action
The meeting established responsibilities for project coordination, research activities and communication, alongside plans for regular online coordination and quality assurance.
The consortium also discussed the Habit Hack Summit activities and the development of the project website and dissemination materials.
The next phase will focus on preparing the common research protocol, organising national data collection and taking forward the development of learning activities. A further Transnational Project Meeting was scheduled for June 2026 in Portugal.
By combining expertise from six countries, ScamAI is laying the groundwork for educational resources that respond to different audiences and national contexts while pursuing a shared goal: strengthening people's ability to recognise and resist scams.