Visions of the future: Readings and workshops on AI at the University of Bamberg!

Visions of the future: Readings and workshops on AI at the University of Bamberg!

On May 20, 2025, the University of Bamberg invites you to a special reading and conversation with the author Ralph Hammerthaler and the renowned computer scientist Prof. Dr. Ute Schmid. The event will take place at 6:15 p.m. in lecture hall U5/00.24. Hammerthaler will present his new work “The Automatic Empire,” which is set in the late 21st century. The novel deals with central themes such as global warming, the integration of robots into everyday life and the Mars landings. Admission to the event is free, making it a special opportunity for those interested. uni-bamberg.de reports that the reading also includes a discussion between the participants and the speakers.

Prof. Dr. Ute Schmid, holder of the Chair of Cognitive Systems, not only works at the University of Bamberg, but also heads the Explainable Artificial Intelligence project group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits. Her research focuses on interpretable and human-like machine learning, which makes the reading particularly relevant as Hammerthaler's book draws thematic parallels to the challenges of modern AI. Against this background, she recently received the Rainer Markgraf Prize 2020 for her knowledge transfer between the university, research and education.

Further events in May 2025

On May 21, 2025, there are two more events on the University of Bamberg's program. At 4:00 p.m. the university invites you to a reading and panel discussion with Johannes Franzen. He will present his book “Anger and Valuation: Why we argue about taste” (2024). The focus will be on the discussion about evaluations in the cultural sector in the context of social media. This event also takes place in the lecture hall U5/02.22 and is free of charge.

Following the discussion at 5:00 p.m., the film project “When Times Change You” will be presented in lecture hall M3N/02.32. The project, which was initiated by the Franz-Ludwig-Gymnasium in Bamberg, deals with the culture of remembrance under National Socialism and has been awarded several prizes. Admission to this film premiere is also free.

Visiting professorship and workshops on artificial intelligence

Another highlight of the event series is the Johann von Spix guest professorship on May 22, 2025. The lecture by the Senior Research Scholar at Stanford University, Edward Zalta, is entitled “Where Mathematics, Metaphysics, Logic and Computer Science Meet” and begins at 4:00 p.m. in the lecture hall U2/00.25. Admission here is also free. 

Furthermore, a workshop series on artificial intelligence will start on May 22, 2025, which is aimed at employees of small and medium-sized companies. This takes place in the SME AI experience center in the innovation center at the Cleantech Innovation Park and deals with the use of AI in production. Participation is also free, but registration is required.

In summary, it can be said that the University of Bamberg is offering an attractive and diverse program in May 2025. What all events have in common is free admission, which appeals to a broad audience. These initiatives not only promote the exchange of knowledge, but also offer insights into current social challenges such as the role of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives, which is made possible in particular by the support of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and other institutions. Also reports on this theater-an-der-ruhr.de.