Fulbright Scholar Davide Tuzzolino to Advance Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence and Law at Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University is pleased to announce the appointment of Davide Tuzzolino, J.D., Ph.D., Esq., as its 2026 Fulbright Scholar. An accomplished legal scholar and practicing attorney (avvocato) admitted to the Italian Bar at the Court of Appeal of Rome, Tuzzolino brings internationally recognized expertise in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with a particular focus on their implications for private law. His Fulbright residency reinforces the University’s enduring commitment to global engagement, interdisciplinary research and ethical leadership in the digital age.

Tuzzolino’s research explores the private law dimensions of new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital identity, data governance, cloud computing, blockchain, the Internet of Things, smart cities, non-fungible tokens and robotics. His work places particular emphasis on data protection and management, contract law, intellectual property, cybersecurity, liability and governance areas of increasing relevance for lawmakers, institutions and industry stakeholders worldwide. His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in highly ranked journals, as well as presentations at leading academic conferences and professional forums.

Currently, Tuzzolino serves as a research associate at the Mediterranea International Centre for Human Rights Research (MICHR). He has also collaborated extensively with prominent European universities and research centers, including LUISS Guido Carli University of Rome, the European University of Rome and the Just AI Lab at the University of Stirling. Through these affiliations, he has contributed to interdisciplinary research initiatives examining how legal systems at both national and European levels are adapting to technological innovation, including participation in applied research projects funded at the national and European scales.

During his Fulbright appointment at Seton Hall University, Tuzzolino will design and lead a one-credit course, IDIS 2222 Artificial Intelligence and Law during the Spring 2026 semester. A 12-session seminar, the course will begin on February 4 and will meet on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m., with registration now open in Banner.

The course will provide students with a forward-looking overview of Italian and European legal frameworks governing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Integrating doctrinal analysis with practical case studies, lectures will address key issues such as data protection, intellectual property, cybersecurity, neuromarketing, environmental sustainability and human rights in the digital age. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the course aims to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to understand how law is responding to rapid technological change. 

A distinctive feature of the course will be the participation of guest speakers drawn from leading European academic and professional institutions. These experts will offer first-hand insights into contemporary debates on AI regulation, policy development and legal practice, enriching the learning experience and exposing students to current regulatory challenges at the international level. The seminar will be open to enrolled students, with selected sessions also accessible to external participants.

“Davide Tuzzolino’s scholarship exemplifies the rigorous, globally engaged and ethically grounded work that the Fulbright Program and Seton Hall University seek to advance,” said Jonathan Farina, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “His expertise in artificial intelligence and law will provide our students with critical perspectives on how legal systems can responsibly guide technological innovation, while further strengthening our commitment to interdisciplinary education and international collaboration.”

Mary Kate Naatus highlighted the broader institutional significance of the appointment, noting that “scholars like Dr. Tuzzolino enrich the intellectual life of the University classroom. His presence at Seton Hall reflects our dedication to bringing global perspectives to campus and to preparing students to engage thoughtfully with complex, real-world challenges shaped by technology, policy and ethics.”

Reflecting on his upcoming residency, Tuzzolino remarked, “Joining Seton Hall University as a Fulbright Scholar is both an honor and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a community that values ethical reflection, international dialogue and interdisciplinary inquiry. I look forward to engaging with students and colleagues in examining how legal frameworks are evolving to govern artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and how law can promote legal certainty and innovation.”

Tuzzolino’s appointment as a 2026 Fulbright Scholar highlights Seton Hall University’s continued investment in international scholarship, academic excellence and thought leadership, particularly in fields where law, technology and society intersect on a global scale. 

Students can register for IDIS 2222 (1 credit) via Banner. 

Categories: Education, Law