"Future of AI” Summit in Aachen

What is the “Future of AI” Summit about?

The unique and exclusive AvH “Future of AI” Summit from 27 to 28 September 2023 at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen is organised by two AI experts, Professor Holger Hoos from RWTH Aachen University and Professor Aimee van Wynsberghe from the University of Bonn under the auspices of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Talented young researchers, working in AI or a closely related area at German Universities and carefully and competitively selected by our AI experts, can look forward to joining this once-in-a-lifetime event, during which they will have not only the chance to get to know other young researchers from all across Germany and to discover Aachen (where a major AI week event will happen from 25 to 29 September), but first and foremost to interact with AI professors awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and currently established in top-notch German Universities, all this inspired by the Heidelberg Laureate Forum model. Not only will you have the chance to interact with these professors, but also to present your research and gain insights from the leading thinkers in AI across Germany. This opportunity is open to researchers across all disciplines from computer science to humanities and social sciences.

Logo of the RWTH AI Centre Logo of the AvH Foundation Logo of the University Bonn

General information for young researchers

The most important information on participating in the AI Summit in Aachen is listed below. Any modifications and amendments to the FAQ will be published on this website. Therefore, we invite you to visit this site regularly for updates.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please feel free to send your query to our administrative assistant Maddy Ruppé.

Programme

When and where?

The AI Summit will be taking place from Wednesday, 27 September, 14:30 to Thursday, 28 September 2023, 14:00 at RWTH Aachen University, Aachen.

What do we expect from you?

If selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event, you will be expected to present your research in AI, using a poster during our poster session highlighting young talent in AI across Germany. Furthermore, you can look forward to interacting with leading AI researchers from around Germany (Alexander von Humboldt Professors).

What can you expect from the programme?

Wednesday, 27 September:

  • Until 14:00: Trip to Aachen
  • 14:00 - 15:30: Check-in and welcome
  • 16:00 - 17:00: "Future of AI in Europe" Poster session (led by the young researchers, interacting with the AI professors)
  • 17:00 - 18.30: "Future of AI in Europe" Panel discussion (participation as audience members)
  • 19:00 - 20:00: Sunset reception (informal get-together between the young researchers and the AI professors)
  • 20:00: Dinner (informal dinner between the young researchers and the AI professors)

Thursday, 28 September:

  • 9:00 - 12:00: Lab-Crawl (specially for you)
  • optionally, 12:00 onwards: Participation in Aachen AI Week events (further information will follow)

Application phase

Who can apply?

Young researchers of any nationality working in artificial intelligence (or closely related fields) at a non-profit research institution in Germany at the following levels:

  • PhD candidates in their 2nd year or beyond,
  • Postdocs and junior researchers who have not yet been appointed to a tenured professorship, including tenure-track junior professors and junior group leaders

We attach great importance to diversity and therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are currently underrepresented in the AI ecosystem.

Please note: If your academic status changes between the submission of your application and the date of the AI Summit, the status at the point of submission will be the status that is recognized.

Where and when to apply?

Submit your complete application package as PDF to Maddy Ruppé

Application phase: from 16 May to 23 June, 2023.

What do you need to apply?

Your application has to be in English and will be reviewed based on:

  • your CV and letter of motivation including your field of research, a short summary of your thesis topic,1-3 relevant publications (if you have any) and other scientific achievements
  • a letter of recommendation (from an expert in AI or a closely related area)
  • your title and a short abstract for the poster, aimed at an academic audience with some AI expertise
  • a short abstract aimed at the general public

Timeline and selection process

  • Application phase: 16 May – 23 June, 2023
  • Reviewing phase: 26 June – 3 July, 2023
  • Acceptance/rejection notification: 14 July, 2023 at the latest

Selection process: you will be notified about the acceptance or rejection of your application after careful reviewing of your complete documents by AI experts Prof. Holger Hoos from RWTH Aachen University and Professor Aimee van Wynsberghe from the University of Bonn. All successfully submitted applications are treated equally.

Arranging your visit

Travel expenses

If selected, your travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the organisers. You will also be provided with good food, including coffee, snacks, appetisers, and dinner on Wednesday, as well as breakfast at your hotel on Thursday.

Your trip to Aachen

You are responsible for organising your trip to and from Aachen yourself. The organizers will refund the price of one 2nd class train ticket to and from Aachen after the Summit.

  • Mandatory on-site check-in is on Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 from 14:00 to 15:30.
  • The "Future of AI" Summit programme ends on Thursday, 28 September, 2023 at 12:00.
  • Aachen is easily reachable by train

Hotel accommodation and meals

The Chair of Artificial Intelligence Methodology of RWTH will book and cover the costs for a single hotel accommodation (including breakfast) from 27 September to 28 September, 2023.

  • Each invited young researcher will have their own hotel room.
  • The hotel is within approx. 5min walking distance of the Chair of AIM.
  • Check-in is generally possible after 3:00 p.m. on the arrival day. The hotel allows you to store your luggage at the hotel if you arrive early.
  • All additional costs for extras such as telephone calls, mini-bar, etc., will be at your own expense.

The event organisers will also provide meals throughout the AI Summit.

  • Breakfast will be at the hotel.
  • Dinners, and coffee breaks with snacks will be provided by the organisers.

Do you have any questions about the AI Summit?

Feel free to contact our administrative assistance Maddy Ruppé.

We are looking forward to receiving your application and hopefully to meeting you in person in Aachen soon!

Photo of Holger H. Hoos Prof. Dr. Holger H. Hoos Chair Holder, Alexander von Humboldt Professor

E-mail: hh[at]aim[dot]rwth-aachen[dot]de
Phone: +49 241 80 21451

Photo of Maddy Ruppé B.A. Maddy Ruppé Research Network Coordinator

E-mail: ruppe[at]aim[dot]rwth-aachen[dot]de