Focus on AI: NTA 2026 brings science and society together
How is artificial intelligence changing our society, and how can we address the associated opportunities, risks, and unanswered questions? The 12th conference of the Network for Technology Assessment (NTA), held at OTH Regensburg from September 21 to 23, addressed these topics.
Under the title “Social Change Through AI? Overcoming Disorientation,” 125 participants from academia and the professional world gathered. The conference was organized by Prof. Dr. Karsten Weber and the Institute for Social Research and Technology Assessment (IST).
A particular highlight was the public panel discussion “Social Change Through AI?” held at the Trinity Church in Regensburg. About 70 attendees discussed the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence with experts. The panel included Prof. Dr. Frank Pallas (computer scientist, University of Salzburg), Prof. Dr. Jessica Heesen (media ethicist, University of Tübingen), Prof. Dr. Ute Schmid (computer scientist, University of Bamberg), and Max-R. Ulbricht (Office for Technical Data Protection at the Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information). The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Karsten Weber.
