Call for workshop
participation
“Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Tomorrow’s World”
October 4 – 7, 2017, Conference Hotel FREIgeist, Einbeck
Wanted: “Future Pilots” in the fields of engineering and social
sciences
Current developments surrounding the digitalization of society, especially in the field of “Artificial
Intelligence” (AI), have the potential to fundamentally transform the society. The ongoing and
expectable developments impacting virtually every part of society are characterized by high
dynamics of change. In view of such developments, science and scholarship must address the
following questions:

What are the opportunities and risks arising from an increasingly digitalized society?

In which way is AI already embedded in our life and what future developments can be
expected?

Which future technical and societal scenarios are realistic?

How can the scientific communities assume joint responsibility in areas such as security, private
sphere, or social justice?

How can science shape future developments and provide society with expert-informed
guidance?

And last but not least: What sort of future do we want to live in?
These and other pressing questions cannot be answered from within the boundaries of single
disciplines. The complex issues involved call rather for an intense interdisciplinary exchange to
elaborate joint solutions.
The workshop “Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Tomorrow’s World” organized by the
Volkswagen Foundation will provide a platform for such creative discourse. Members of the
scientific communities as well as representatives of other stakeholder groups are invited to
participate.
The workshop is to serve as a starting point for the Foundation’s possible further funding activities.
We are looking especially for “Future Pilots” working on specific issues of Artificial Intelligence –
whether in the field of technology or social sciences – and sharing the vision to tread new territory
to explore future scenarios together with other disciplines.
A group of 40 participants will attend the workshop held in the Conference Hotel FREIgeist in
Einbeck (between Kassel and Hanover) from October 4 – 7, 2017. In an informal atmosphere, the
event will provide the time and ambiance to approach key thematic fields of AI from the viewpoints
of technology and social sciences, identify important shared scientific issues and develop initial
approaches to finding solutions as well as possible project constellations. Applications are invited
from Europe-based scholars and scientists with PhD or superior academic qualification.
Interested persons from outside the scientific community should make contact with the Foundation
prior to submitting their application. Participation is by invitation only following selection by a
steering committee. The selected persons are expected to participate over the whole event. Travel
expenses and accommodation will be financed by the Volkswagen Foundation.
Are you a “Future Pilot” who would like to take part in exploring and shaping our digital future?
Then please send us your application via the Foundation’s electronic Application Portal
(https://portal.volkswagenstiftung.de) until June 20 latest. It should comprise your curriculum
vitae (max. 2 pages) together with a letter of motivation (max. 3 pages) addressing the following
issues:

Your field of work and related expertise. What is the significance of the topic for you personally,
your subject field, and society in general?

Which specific issues do you wish to contribute to the workshop? What hypotheses would you
put forward as a “Future Pilot”?

Why is it necessary in your case to adopt an interdisciplinary approach and how would you
benefit from discourse with other disciplines? What does your contribution to the workshop
consist of, what contributions do you need from others, and how would other disciplines benefit
from your particular contribution?

How could the Volkswagen Foundation further support the scientific community in this thematic
area?
The steering committee will develop central points for the workshop agenda based on the selected
proposals. Applicants will be notified of the selection result and receive more detailed information
on the workshop by around mid July 2017 latest.
The following persons will be pleased to answer any questions you may have in respect of
applications:
Dr. Hanna Wielandt (social sciences), phone: +49-(0)511-8381-291,
[email protected]
Dr. Franz Dettenwanger (engineering sciences), phone: +49-(0)511-8381-217,
[email protected]
Dr. des. Sebastian Schneider (humanities), phone: +49-(0)511-8381-373,
[email protected]