A spotlight on: AI, people and society | Current calls & upcoming events | DWIH, PhD pathfinder, participatory AI & more ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Newsletter September 2024
Dear reader,  
 
Artificial intelligence is probably the most revolutionary technological development of recent years. And since the introduction of large language model-based applications such as ChatGPT, it has become an ever-present subject in media, business, politics and science. This year, the German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH) – a network of German research institutions, universities and research-based companies – are therefore focusing on the topic of artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on “Artificial Intelligence: Spotlight on People and Society”.  
 
Inspired by the DWIH, this month’s newsletter takes a closer look at the impact AI has on our society and the pressing ethical questions that need to be answered – from the use of AI in medicine or as a participatory tool in science to Germany’s human-centred AI strategy. 
 
Also, we are particularly excited to finally present the PhD Pathfinder to the public! This innovative tool will support researchers interested in pursuing their PhD in Germany, helping them navigate the German research landscape and select the right path for their doctoral journey. 
 
In short: there’s plenty to discover after our summer break. We wish you an enjoyable read!
Wherever you see this tag, the post connects to our monthly spotlight topic.
Current calls
Apply by: 16 September 2024 
PhD & Postdoc: disciplines related to the field of artificial intelligence
DAAD Postdoctoral Networking Tour in Artificial Intelligence
Go to German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Apply by: 7 October 2024 
PhD: translational medicine
ATLAS Translational PhD Program
Go to ATLAS
Apply by: 15 October 2024 
Postdoc & Advanced research: all disciplines
ERC Starting Grants
Go to European Research Council (ERC)
Apply by: 29 October 2024 (registration until 15 October) 
Postdoc & Advanced research: machine learning and data science, molecular chemistry and pharmacology
DFG Priority Programme “Utilization and Development of Machine Learning for Molecular Applications – Molecular Machine Learning”
Go to German Research Foundation (DFG)
Apply by: 30 October 2024 
Postdoc & Advanced research: natural or engineering sciences, medicine or psychology
Hector Research Career Development Award
Go to Hector Fellow Academy
Apply by: 15 November 2024 
PhD: machine learning and related research areas
ELLIS PhD Program
Go to ELLIS
Apply by: 1 December 2024 
PhD: all disciplines
Scholarships for doctoral students from the Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
Go to Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
Apply by: various deadlines 
PhD & Postdoc: all disciplines
Falling Walls Labs 2024
Go to Falling Walls Foundation
Apply by: any time 
Graduates & PhD: all disciplines
Scholarship programme of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
Go to Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
A spotlight on: AI, people and society
© iStock/gorodenkoff
WEBSITE
The DWIH focus topic 2024: how artificial intelligence impacts people and society 
 
AI has been rapidly evolving into a key technology – with both potential benefits and risks on a societal and personal level. International research collaborations, such as those facilitated by the German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH), play a crucial role in shaping and addressing this transformative potential. This is why the DWIH have made “Artificial Intelligence: Spotlight on People and Society” their focus topic of the year.  
 
For more than a decade, the DWIH have been bringing together stakeholders from science and industry from both Germany and the Centres’ respective host countries. Valuable international networks have emerged from this cooperation. Since 2018, the DWIH have been organising specialist events around the annual focus topic where leading science and business representatives provide valuable insights into current research and innovation. This year, the DWIH in New York, São Paulo, Tokyo, San Francisco and New Delhi delve into AI-related issues – aiming at a joint international commitment to make sure that this technology serves the benefits of humanity. Find out more about all activities on their website!
A closer look: work in Germany
© DAAD
WEBSITE
How to do a PhD in Germany: the new PhD Pathfinder tool
Finding a PhD position or supervisor can feel like entering a labyrinth – even more so when you are planning to do your PhD in another country. Research in Germany has developed a new tool that will assist you in finding your way through the German PhD system. By answering simple questions, the PhD Pathfinder helps you choose a PhD path and offers valuable tips on finding a position, supervisor and funding. If you are planning a PhD in Germany, this is the perfect starting point for your journey!  
 
PS As the PhD Pathfinder is a new tool, we are really interested in your feedback. You can find a short questionnaire at the end of the Pathfinder – we appreciate your help.
© Zeitverlag
PUBLICATION
Interested in studying or doing research in Germany? 
New edition of “ZEIT GERMANY: Study and Research” out now
Every year, German magazine ZEIT Campus publishes “ZEIT GERMANY: Study and Research”, its magazine for international high-school graduates, university students and young researchers interested in coming to Germany. This year’s magazine once again impresses with its entertaining and helpful content and appealing design. From cultural tips and portraits of student life to a guide on balancing parenting and career and a glossary of German university jargon – find individual articles or the entire e-paper on this website!
© DAAD/Uta Konopka Photographie
VIDEO
AI and participation – a lecture at the Institute for Ethics in Artificial Intelligence
The Institute for Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (IEAI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) was founded in 2019 and fosters the integration of ethical and societal priorities into the development of AI technologies. In June, the institute hosted a virtual lecture by Professor Daniel Gatica-Perez on the topic of “Participatory AI: For whom? For what?”. He offers hands-on insights into his work which uses AI systems for participatory research methods that allow more people to take part in a project. You can find a summary of his case studies and the entire video on the IEAI’s website.
The bigger picture: life in Germany
© iStock/SDI Productions
VIDEO
Exploring lifelike AI, the impact of social media and AI ethics – in under 13 minutes
German AI start-ups like “Smart Reporting” are revolutionising medicine, aiming at better patient care and easier workflows for doctors. But medicine in particular is a field that raises crucial ethical questions regarding the use of AI. How would you feel, for example, if an AI decided which patient should be treated first in a hospital? This short and snappy video explores the implications of “emotional” AI, social media’s influence on our perception of the future and the benefits and risks of AI in medicine.
In case you missed it
Germany’s AI strategy reviewed by OECD
Since 2018, Germany has continually adapted its AI strategy, one of the first national efforts to systematically promote AI development and adoption. The strategy focuses on a sustainable and human-centred approach and applications that enhance human capabilities, respect privacy and ensure fairness. Now, the OECD has reviewed Germany’s AI strategy and emphasises the strength of the German research landscape and computational capacity. You can find the complete report here!
Sandra Wachter becomes Humboldt Professor for Artificial Intelligence at Hasso Plattner Institute
Lawyer and AI expert Professor Sandra Wachter has been successfully nominated for a “Humboldt Professorship for Artificial Intelligence 2025”. She has been working at the University of Oxford since 2017, in the last two years as Professor of Technology and Regulation. Her research focuses on legal and ethical aspects of AI, robotics and big data as well as internet and platform regulation. The Humboldt professorship is endowed with 3.5 million euros – making it the most highly endowed international award for research in Germany. Congratulations!
Robotics Institute Germany established
The Robotics Institute Germany (RIG), jointly founded by Germany’s leading robotics centres in July 2024, is to become the central contact point for robotics in Germany. At the “AI-based Robotics 2024” conference in Berlin, Professor Angela Schoellig from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and RIG spokesperson Professor Tamim Asfour from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) presented the RIG concept for AI-based robotics. The project is publicly funded for the next four years.
Upcoming events
16. – 20.09. 
SEPT 2024 · GERMANY & ONLINE
Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany
17.09. 
SEPT 2024 · ONLINE
Kick-Off Event for the German Postdoc Network (GPN)
17. & 18.09. 
SEPT 2024 · ONLINE
Career Paths to a Professorship – for Postdocs – exclusive event for the Postdoc Appreciation Week
19.09. 
SEPT 2024 · HAMBURG / GERMANY
Hamburg Science Summit 2024: “Europe’s Path Towards Tech Sovereignty”
24.09. 
SEPT 2024 · ONLINE
DFG Info Talks: Funding Opportunities for Research Careers – Emmy Noether Programme
27.09. 
SEPT 2024 · BERLIN / GERMANY
Women+ in Data and AI
23.10. 
OCT 2024 · ONLINE
“Meet Your Future You” – Women in Science
12. & 13.11. 
NOV 2024 · TOKYO / JAPAN
Generative AI: Pathways to Democratization, Transparency and Sustainability (DWIH Tokyo)
Your turn!
When you use AI in your work or daily life, do you think about possible ethical implications?
Yes, all the time
Sometimes
Not at all
Let’s stay in touch
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