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International Future Labs for Artificial Intelligence : Date: , Theme: international affairs

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding three international research groups to conduct joint research in Germany on various areas of artificial intelligence (AI).

International Future Labs
International Future Labs © BMBF

Germany excels in AI research. But scientific excellence thrives on collaboration with the best in the world. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research therefore aims to strengthen cross-border research cooperation while enhancing Germany’s visibility as a research and innovation hub. To this end, it launched a competition to establish International Future Labs in 2019. The aim is to bring together outstanding scientists from the world over to collaborate on current research and development questions in AI.

The three future labs bringing together AI researchers from Germany and around the world

In May 2020, three research teams in Berlin, Hannover and Munich began working together on research into current questions in AI:

Using artificial intelligence for Earth observation

Led by the Technical University of Munich in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center, the AI4EO Future Lab will focus on the development of AI technologies for Earth observation. Examples include big data analysis of satellite data to model global urbanisation, global nutrition and the management of natural hazards. In this way, smart data from space is harnessed to help decision-makers down on the ground shape sustainable and liveable cities or contain forest fires at an early stage.

Artificial intelligence and personalised medicine

A future lab coordinated by Leibniz University Hannover is working on smart, reliable and responsible systems with an application focus on personalised medicine. The researchers at the Leibniz AI Lab aim to use machine learning among other things to speed up diagnostics and drug development and to improve personalised treatment.

Artificial intelligence for more efficient biolabs

The third future lab, KIWI-biolab, will use AI technologies to analyse data on microorganisms and enable computers to plan lab experiments autonomously. Focuses include the development of new medical drugs and the production of sustainable plastics and raw materials. The research team is led by Technische Universität Berlin.

Ancient wisdom, new knowledge – Research on ethics in AI : Date: , Theme: international affairs

Artificial intelligence does not have a conscience – unless it’s taught one. That is the task of Professor Mrinalini Kochupillai. At the Future Lab AI4EO she examines ethical issues in the use of Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation.

LeibnizAILab develops an AI solution for breast cancer : Date: , Theme: International Future Labs

Chemotherapy or operation? Doctors have to choose the best possible treatment for breast cancer patients. But what is it? The AI programme developed by the LeibnizAILab is designed to help them answer this question.

Bespoke AI medicine : Date: , Theme: International Future Labs

Will a medical procedure be effective or not? Artificial intelligence could provide doctors with vital clues. The team at the LeibnizAILab is currently investigating what this might look like.

What is AI and why do we need International Future Labs? : Date: , Theme: International Future Labs

In four short videos, the BMBF and researchers show how artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit the population.

Because they can do it better – robot systems in biotech : Date: , Theme: International Future Labs

Nicolas Cruz has great belief in what people can do. He says they are still smarter and more precise than robots. But what people cannot do is conduct thousands of biotech experiments at the same time. Which is why he wants to let machines do this task.

AI4EO: Earth from space – AI in Earth observation : Date: , Theme: international affairs

Researchers are coming to Berlin, Hannover and Munich to start work at the International Future Labs for Artificial Intelligence. The AI4EO team in Munich will use AI techniques to analyse satellite data.

AI4EO: Introducing the AI-team : Date: , Theme: international affairs

The plan: 31 researchers coming to Munich from all over the world. The project: artificial intelligence (AI) in Earth observation. That was the vision for the AI4EO International Future Lab before the pandemic.