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Future-oriented AI: Cluster of Excellence with an ethical focus in Darmstadt!
Saarland University is part of the new RAI Cluster of Excellence, which develops pioneering AI systems and promotes ethical standards.
Future-oriented AI: Cluster of Excellence with an ethical focus in Darmstadt!
On May 23, 2025, the new Cluster of Excellence “Reasonable Artificial Intelligence” (RAI) was presented under the leadership of the Technical University of Darmstadt. One goal of the cluster is to develop a new generation of AI systems that are characterized by sensible use of resources, data protection and continuous improvement. Professor Isabel Valera from Saarland University is part of the core team and therefore contributes significantly to the cluster's strategy and research.
The RAI Cluster of Excellence addresses current weaknesses in current AI systems, including a lack of logical thinking skills and difficulties in new situations. The projects are also intended to overcome the high need for adaptation and the extensive resource requirements of existing AI technologies. Multidisciplinary teams work in four clearly defined research areas to actively shape the AI of the future.
Research areas of the cluster
- Systemic AI: Entwicklung von Software- und Systemmethoden zur effizienten Integration von RAI-Systemen.
- Observational AI: Kontextbezogenes Lernen zur Ausstattung von RAI mit gesundem Menschenverstand.
- Active AI: Erforschung von lebenslangem, adaptivem Lernen, um anpassungsfähigere RAI-Systeme zu schaffen.
- Challenging AI: Entwicklung von Verfahren zur Evaluierung und Verbesserung der RAI-Systemleistung.
Marcus Rohrbach, computer science professor at TU Darmstadt, highlights the importance of RAI both for the future of AI in Germany and worldwide. Integrating technological capabilities with ethical standards, efficiency and transparency is a core responsibility of the cluster. Kristian Kersting, co-director of hessian.AI and computer science professor at the TU, thanks the inclusion of RAI in the federal and state excellence strategies. He also emphasizes the need for a European-sovereign AI to create its own standards and trustworthy technologies.
Ethical framework and international recommendations
In the context of the ethical use of artificial intelligence, UNESCO has issued a fundamental recommendation that focuses on human rights and fundamental freedoms. This international legal basis, based on two years of intensive negotiations, provides a global frame of reference for all countries, regardless of their form of government or economic strength.
The Recommendation introduces essential values and ethical principles such as privacy, transparency and non-discrimination. It is emphasized that AI should not only respect people's rights, but also promote them. A central element of the recommendation is the precautionary principle, which states that if there is a reasonable possibility of negative effects, the use of certain AI applications should not be pursued further. The sustainable use of AI systems in connection with environmental protection is also addressed.
The German Commission for UNESCO is actively committed to implementing the recommendation in Germany by providing information, advising and organizing specialist events. Together with experts, concrete approaches are developed, including measures for gender equality and the ethical use of AI in art and culture.