During the initial phase of AutoLearn-SI (WP1 and WP2, covering months 1–15), the project successfully established the ERA Chair within JSI's Computer Systems Department, putting in place all key governance and management structures, including the Executive Science Committee, Management Board, and Advisory Board. The ERA Chair holder and PhD candidates were recruited in line with the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Foundational project documents were delivered, including the Data Management Plan, the Dissemination and Exploitation Plan, and the ERA Chair's strategic sustainability plan. The project's public-facing presence was launched through a dedicated website, social media accounts, and a suite of promotional materials, complemented by press releases and editorial articles targeting the international AutoAI research community. On the scientific side, the three PhD students commenced work on their respective topics — covering experimental databases and meta-features for single-objective optimization, experimental databases and meta-features for multi-label classification, and automated algorithm selection and configuration — producing initial state-of-the-art knowledge reports as the foundation for future AutoML and AutoOPT research. Educational activities were also completed, including a two-day exploratory workshop bringing together leading EU researchers from associated partner institutions, a Science Communication training event, and an AI and Data Privacy & Security training event, all open to national and international students and young entrepreneurs.
