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Event • 2 Dec 2024
AICS formally launches with inaugural kick‑off event
On 2 December 2024, the AI, Computing & Society (AICS) initiative was formally launched at the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI‑SWS) in Kaiserslautern.
The event marked the beginning of a new interdisciplinary collaboration between MPI‑SWS and the Department of Computer Science at Rheinland‑Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern‑Landau (RPTU), bringing together researchers from computer science, cognitive science, and the social sciences to address the scientific and societal challenges of increasingly AI‑driven, computing‑mediated societies. The programme combined institutional perspectives with scientific talks, highlighting both the vision behind AICS and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Opening the initiative
The event opened with welcome addresses from leaders representing the Max Planck Society, MPI‑SWS, RPTU, and the State of Rhineland‑Palatinate, reflecting the shared commitment to strengthening AI research through collaboration across institutions and disciplines.
Speakers included:
Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer — President, Max Planck Society
Prof. Dr. Malte Drescher — President, RPTU
Clemens Hoch — Minister for Science and Health, State of Rhineland‑Palatinate
Prof. Dr. Derek Dreyer — Managing Director, MPI‑SWS
Prof. Dr. Christoph Garth — Dean, Department of Computer Science, RPTU
Prof. Dr. Krishna P. Gummadi — Scientific Director, MPI‑SWS, AICS co-founder
Together, they highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing the opportunities and challenges created by rapidly advancing AI technologies.
The vision for AICS
Krishna P. Gummadi, Scientific Director at MPI‑SWS and one of the founders of AICS, introduced the initiative and its research vision. His presentation outlined the motivation behind AICS: understanding how advances in artificial intelligence are transforming society, while developing the scientific foundations needed to design AI systems that are reliable, accountable, and socially beneficial.
Rather than viewing AI solely as a technological challenge, AICS approaches it as a scientific field that spans computing, human behaviour, institutions, and public policy.
Invited keynote speakers
The programme also featured invited talks from internationally recognised researchers whose work reflects the interdisciplinary goals of AICS.
Alan Mislove discussed research on large-scale online platforms and algorithmic systems, drawing on his work in algorithm auditing, privacy, and the societal impacts of digital technologies.
Meeyoung Cha presented perspectives from computational social science, including research on online information ecosystems, misinformation, and the societal implications of AI-enabled platforms.
Building an interdisciplinary community
Beyond the presentations, the kick‑off event provided an opportunity for researchers, students, institutional partners, and invited guests to meet and discuss future collaborations.
The event reflected AICS’s commitment to creating an interdisciplinary research environment where advances in artificial intelligence are studied alongside their broader implications for individuals, institutions, and society.
