Responsible AI Governance in Morocco: Data Protection, Digital Sovereignty, and Academic Integrity

This PhD research examines the legal and institutional governance of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in Morocco, with a focus on personal data protection, digital sovereignty, and academic integrity.

The rapid deployment of AI systems raises major legal challenges related to fundamental rights, algorithmic transparency, allocation of responsibilities, and trust in automated decision-making, particularly in public governance, higher education, and research.

The study analyses the Moroccan legal framework applicable to AI, notably Law No. 09-08 on personal data protection, in light of international and comparative standards (GDPR, OECD AI Principles, UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, EU AI Act). Using a doctrinal and comparative approach, it aims to identify regulatory gaps and propose legal solutions to strengthen responsible AI governance in Morocco.

Research environment

Candidates are expected to carry out their research full-time within the structures of the Euromed University of Fes.

PhD student’s responsibilities

The PhD student will be expected to:

• Conduct original legal research on responsible AI governance and data protection;
• Analyse national, comparative, and international legal frameworks;
• Participate in doctoral seminars, workshops, and scientific conferences;
• Produce academic publications in peer-reviewed journals (Scopus-indexed);
• Contribute to academic activities in compliance with ethical standards, particularly those related to academic integrity.

Candidate profile

• Master’s degree in Law (Master in Law), without restriction to a specific branch (private or public law), with an interest or background in digital law, data protection, public governance, private law liability, or regulation of emerging technologies;
• Jurist-oriented profile with the ability to analyse governance mechanisms, institutional accountability, and responsibility regimes in AI-driven systems;
• Strong motivation for research on responsible AI, digital sovereignty, and academic integrity;
• Excellent legal reasoning and academic writing skills;
• Proficiency in French and English (Arabic is an asset).

Application file

• CV with photo
• A cover letter
• A copy of diplomas
• A copy of academic transcripts
• A copy of CIN/Passport

Submission

Applications must be sent to the Doctoral Studies Center (CEDoc) of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes by February 14, 2026, to the following email address:

Euromed-CEDoc@ueuromed.org

For more information

Administrative Affairs Officer of the CEDoc:
Ms. Boutaina Jai Mansouri – b.jai-mansouri@emadu.ueuromed.org

Director of Research and of the CEDoc:
Prof. Abdelghafour Marfak – a.marfak@euromed.org

Thesis supervisor

Prof. Zakaria GARNO
Professor of Private and Digital Law – z.garno@ueuromed.org