Have your say and help shape the future
University members network to advance the topic of AI together
Coordination team, speakers and vice-rector kicked off networking on the topic of AI at the AI BBQ: (from left) Ursula Kocher, Erik Freier, Tobias Meisen (all AI4EF), Sabrina Bleidißel (Biology), Matthias Ehrhardt (AI4EF), Tobias Langner (Marketing), Detlef Sack (Politics), Stefan Kirsch (Vice-Rector for Research and Digital Affairs) and Kirsten Schindler (German Studies). // Photo Friederike von Heyden
Around 160 members of the university attended the AI BBQ, which marked the start of the "Artificial Intelligence for Empowering the Future" (AI4EF) field of activity. "The fact that we were able to reach researchers and employees from all faculties and the administration represents exactly what we want to continue to pursue: Shaping AI together and solving the challenges it presents us with," says organiser Dr Erik Freier from the Interdisciplinary Center Machine Learning and Data Analytics (IZMD) at the University of Wuppertal about the special constellation of participants.
From theoretical AI research and application-oriented research projects to operational AI users and those who want to become AI users: The initiated network is intended to enable knowledge transfer, mutual impulses and joint projects, make consulting services visible and make AI usable for everyone - both inside and outside the university.
In the keynote speech by Prof Dr Tobias Meisen, holder of the Chair of Technologies and Management of Digital Transformation and also a member of the AI4EF coordination team, it sounded like this: "Let's work together on questions to develop the kind of AI we want - human-centred, responsible, shaping society and creating value. That way, we can also help determine where we are heading as a BUW." Why not dare to say that there should be no way around the University of Wuppertal in the future "because we show how we make AI usable in an interdisciplinary way", emphasised Meisen.
Exciting questions that go beyond the technical
A joint project supported by the university's rectorate. In his welcoming address, the Vice-Rector for Research and Digitalization, Prof Dr Stefan Kirsch, emphasised that one of the aims was to offer researchers a research landscape with suitable funding lines, services and networks. "When we ask ourselves how our BUW researchers can have an impact on society, we also find the answers in the need for strong infrastructural resources," summarised Kirsch.
The event provided examples in the form of short presentations to show where and how intensively research is already being conducted at the university on a wide range of AI topics. In line with the idea of networking, the AI BBQ focussed on collaborations that the university's AI experts are currently implementing with BUW researchers from other departments: A selection that once again proves that AI raises questions that go beyond computer science. The examples came from writing research, democracy research, consumer research and biodiversity research.
Soon to be available: the digital construction kit for chatbots
One concrete format that the coordination team wants to establish in the future as a low-threshold offer for interdisciplinary exchange is a regular AI lunch. A digital construction kit for chatbots was also presented. This will soon be available to teaching staff at the university. They will then be able to configure their own chatbot with the scripts and presentations from their lectures in just a few clicks, which in turn will support their students in their learning.
KI4BUW
The app for recognising fire salamanders, the AI-supported analysis of road conditions or new lecture content to teach AI methodological skills in psychology - just three of 10 projects that are currently being implemented as part of the KI4BUW initiative. Others have already been completed or are in the planning stage. Through the two pillars of AI Makerspace (teaching) and DigiData (research), those responsible at the interdisciplinary centre Machine Learning and Data Analytics offer support for the joint teaching, research and application of AI technologies. The aims are to establish a university-wide infrastructure for the use and further development of current AI algorithms, an interdisciplinary transfer of knowledge about the application of AI algorithms and the promotion of the use of AI in teaching.
More information and contact details: https://ki.uni-wuppertal.de/
It became clear that the BUW has a say when it comes to AI. "With the Interdisciplinary Center Machine Learning and Data Analytics (IZMD), the university has created a powerful structure that combines AI expertise with scientific depth, innovative strength and interdisciplinary openness. The AI4EF field of activity builds on this research excellence and creates an institutional framework for transferring findings from basic and applied research into everyday university life and society," emphasises Vice-Rector Kirsch.
And Erik Freier motivates once again: "Everyone who was unable to attend the AI BBQ should also know: You can contact us quite easily with your questions and ideas. We are ready for further collaborations and exciting new projects."
Compact information: the AI4EF activity field
In the course of work on the new university development plan the Rectorate decided to establish four new fields of activity in a joint process with academics, committees and central institutions. These are AI, energy, sustainability and learning. The BUW is using them to define strategic priorities for its research landscape. The formats with which these are implemented are individual and up to the respective coordination teams.
With the Artificial Intelligence for Empowering the Future (AI4EF) field of activity, the University of Wuppertal is committed to a responsible, application-oriented and society-shaping role in dealing with artificial intelligence (AI). AI4EF pursues the goal of sustainably tapping the potential of AI for research, teaching, transfer and administration - as a contribution to a self-determined and sustainable use of digital technologies. AI is not seen as a technological game, but as an interdisciplinary field with profound social relevance.
