AI's Future Explored at Leopoldina's Annual Meeting

Published Date : 25/09/2025 

This year’s Annual Assembly of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina focuses on artificial intelligence, bringing together experts to discuss its advancements, applications, and ethical implications. 

The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina is set to host its highly anticipated Annual Assembly in Halle (Saale) on Thursday, 25 September, and Friday, 26 September. This year’s theme, 'Artificial Intelligence in All Its Facets,' promises a comprehensive exploration of AI’s current and future impact on various fields, including research, medicine, and society.

The event will feature renowned experts from diverse disciplines, discussing the latest developments in AI research and their practical applications. Dr Lydia Hüskens, Deputy Minister President and Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, and Dr Rolf-Dieter Jungk, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), will open the assembly with welcome addresses.

Leopoldina President Professor Dr Bettina Rockenbach emphasizes the dual nature of AI’s impact: “The progressive development of artificial intelligence creates enormous opportunities for research, medicine, communications, and many other areas – but also raises questions about risks and responsibility. Building on its broad interdisciplinary expertise, the Leopoldina is focusing on all aspects of artificial intelligence at this year’s Annual Assembly.”

On the opening day, Dr Cordelia Schmid, a leading computer scientist, will deliver a keynote lecture on the development of artificial intelligence, its current capabilities, and potential future uses. This will be followed by a podium discussion titled, “Artificial intelligence in the services of humans – (How) can we achieve this?” The discussion will feature AI researchers Professor Dr Niki Kilbertus and Professor Dr Nadja Klein, computer scientist Dr Cordelia Schmid, and innovation researcher Professor PhD Dietmar Harhoff. The discussion will be moderated by journalist Christoph Drösser.

The second day of the Annual Assembly will delve into the practical applications of AI across various sectors. Professor Dr Sami Haddadin, an expert in robotics, will explain how machines learn to move, ‘think,’ and adapt. Professor Dr Susanne Crewell, a meteorologist, will discuss how AI is revolutionizing weather forecasts and enhancing our understanding of climate change. Dr Philipp Lorenz-Spreen, who studies the interplay between human behavior and online platforms, will address the ethical challenges posed by AI. The physician and physicist Professor Dr Moritz Helmstaedter will conclude the event with a lecture on the mutual inspiration between artificial and biological intelligence.

The assembly will also recognize outstanding contributions to AI research. Professor Dr Zeynep Akata will receive the award “ZukunftsWissen – the Early Career Award from the Leopoldina and Commerzbank Foundation” for her work in explainable AI. Her research focuses on developing AI that combines visual, linguistic, and conceptual elements, making its decisions comprehensible to humans. A video of her discussing her research is available on the Leopoldina’s YouTube channel.

In addition, the Cothenius Medal 2025 will be awarded to Leopoldina Member Professor Dr Kai Simons for his lifetime’s work in science. A biochemist, Simons has made pioneering contributions to the understanding of cell membranes and the interaction between viruses and host cells.

Talented pupils from throughout Germany will attend the event as guests, following the lectures and engaging in discussions with researchers. Funding for their participation is provided by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation. (Post) doctoral fellows were also able to apply for funding to attend, thanks to the support of the Friends of the Leopoldina Academy and the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation.

The scientific coordination of the 2025 Annual Assembly is led by Professor Dr Dr Thomas Lengauer and Professor Dr Klaus-Robert Müller, both members of the Leopoldina. They discuss the event’s vision in an interview on the Leopoldina website.

The lectures will be held in either English or German and will be simultaneously translated into the other language. The event will be livestreamed on the Leopoldina’s YouTube channel, available in English or German from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. The full Annual Assembly programme is available on the Leopoldina’s website.

The Leopoldina, founded in 1652, is the German National Academy of Sciences. It provides independent, science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society and represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. With around 1,700 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. The Academy is committed to the common good. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main focus of this year’s Leopoldina Annual Assembly?

A: The main focus of this year’s Leopoldina Annual Assembly is artificial intelligence, exploring its advancements, applications, and ethical implications.

Q: Who are the keynote speakers at the event?

A: Dr Cordelia Schmid, a leading computer scientist, will deliver the keynote lecture on the development of artificial intelligence.

Q: What award will be presented at the assembly?

A: Professor Dr Zeynep Akata will receive the 'ZukunftsWissen – the Early Career Award from the Leopoldina and Commerzbank Foundation' for her work in explainable AI.

Q: How can the public follow the event?

A: The lectures will be livestreamed on the Leopoldina’s YouTube channel, available in English or German from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Q: What is the role of the Leopoldina in the scientific community?

A: The Leopoldina, as the German National Academy of Sciences, provides independent, science-based policy advice and represents the German scientific community in international dialogues. 

More Related Topics :