The Weizenbaum Conference 2026, titled "Generative AI and Society: What is at stake?", is an international event organized by the Weizenbaum Institute. Scheduled for June 10-11, 2026, in Berlin, Germany, the conference aims to explore the interfaces between humans and technology, focusing on the societal impacts of Generative AI (GenAI).
Key topics include the integration of GenAI into work routines and knowledge production, addressing biases and pitfalls, and examining the influence of AI systems on political power relations, the economy, and the workplace. The conference promotes interdisciplinary exchange and emphasizes the responsibility of scientists and businesses in handling digital technologies.
The event will feature a dynamic program with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions that delve into the integration of neurotechnology with adaptive interfaces, enhancing human-machine interaction. Networking opportunities will be available, fostering collaboration among scholars, artists, activists, and human rights advocates.
The conference is ideal for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in the societal implications of Generative AI. It provides a platform to discuss and understand the impact of GenAI comprehensively, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
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Speakers(77)
Alexander Smit
University of Groningen
Alexander Smit of the University of Groningen rethought digital exclusion among disadvantaged low-literate citizens.
Alicja Pawluczuk
University of Leeds
Alicja Pawluczuk from the University of Leeds discussed co-constituting digital inclusion.
Andrea Schaffař
Paris Lodron University Salzburg
Andrea Schaffař from Paris Lodron University Salzburg discussed self-care through algorithm curation.
Angela Sasse
Professor of Human-Centred Security at Ruhr University Bochum
Prof. Dr. Angela Sasse studied psychology and completed her doctorate in Computer Science, focusing on human-centred technology and security, and was admitted to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in 2023.
Anna Süß
CORRECTIV – Recherchen für die Gesellschaft
Anna Süß of CORRECTIV co-presented on the case of CORRECTIV.Faktenforum.
Anne K. Krüger
Research Group Lead at Weizenbaum Institute
Anne K. Krüger studies the reorganization of knowledge practices and evaluation through digitalization, with research situated at the intersection of Critical Data Studies, Organizational Sociology, and Science and Technology Studies.
Anne Mollen
Scientist at Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS)
Anne Mollen is a scientist at CAIS, focusing on sustainability, digitalization, and automation in media communication.
Augusto Santos
University of Erfurt
Augusto Santos is affiliated with the University of Erfurt and presented on state-led content moderation regulations across nations.
Brent Mittelstadt
Director of Research at Oxford Internet Institute
Brent Mittelstadt is the Director of Research at the Oxford Internet Institute, specializing in AI ethics and technology law.
Carlo José Napolitano
São Paulo State University
Carlo José Napolitano from São Paulo State University contributed to discussions on state-led content moderation regulations.
Caroline Lindekamp
CORRECTIV – Recherchen für die Gesellschaft | TU Dortmund
Caroline Lindekamp from CORRECTIV and TU Dortmund discussed combining prebunking and debunking through peer production.
Christian Herzog
Professor for the Ethical, Legal, and Societal Aspects of AI at University of Lübeck
Christian Herzog is a transdisciplinary researcher and professor at the University of Lübeck, focusing on ethical issues in AI.
Christian Strippel
Research Group Leader at Weizenbaum Institute
Christian Strippel leads research groups at the Weizenbaum Institute, focusing on media usage and digitalization.
Claes de Vreese
Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Society at University of Amsterdam
Claes de Vreese is a professor at the University of Amsterdam, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Society, with a focus on media and democracy.
Curd B. Knüpfer
University of Southern Denmark
Curd B. Knüpfer of the University of Southern Denmark analyzed digitally-networked elites and hyper-partisan media.
Dagmar Hoffmann
University of Siegen
Dagmar Hoffmann of the University of Siegen co-presented on digital well-being and literacy.
Danaé Metaxa
University of Pennsylvania
Danaé Metaxa of the University of Pennsylvania contributed to discussions on algorithm auditing in social media.
Daniela Zetti
University of Lübeck
Daniela Zetti from the University of Lübeck co-presented on contextual problem-solving strategies for digital sovereignty.
Dietmar Kammerer
Research Data Officer at Weizenbaum Institute
Dr. Dietmar Kammerer is responsible for the development and operation of the Open Access Repository 'Weizenbaum Library' and research data management. His interests include surveillance, privacy, data protection, and Open Science.
Dorian Cavé
Weizenbaum Institute
Dorian Cavé from the Weizenbaum Institute explored decolonial ICT and emancipatory technologies.
Elizaveta Kuznetsova
Researcher at Weizenbaum Institute
Elizaveta Kuznetsova focuses on political communication and social media, investigating their impact on democracy.
Eloïse Changyue Soulier
University of Hamburg
Eloïse Changyue Soulier from the University of Hamburg explored autonomy and relationality in the digital age.
Florian Butollo
Professor of Sociology of Digital Transformation and Work at Goethe University
Florian Butollo leads research projects on 'Generative AI in the World of Work' and 'Digital Business Model Innovation and Work', and served as an expert member of the German Bundestag’s Enquete Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
Florian Irgmaier
Researcher at Weizenbaum Institute
Florian Irgmaier investigates power imbalances and contestation in digital contexts, contributing to critical assessments of AI narratives.
Florian Meissner
Lecturer at Macromedia University
Florian Meissner teaches media management and journalism at Macromedia University, with expertise in crisis communication and international journalism research.
Francesca Bria
Honorary Professor at Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, UCL
Francesca Bria is an innovation economist and digital policy expert, serving as Honorary Professor at UCL's Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose.
Helen Thornham
University of Leeds
Helen Thornham of the University of Leeds co-presented on collective care in meaningful digital inclusion.
Ina Schieferdecker
Honorary Professor at Technical University of Berlin
Ina Schieferdecker is an Honorary Professor at the Technical University of Berlin, specializing in software-based innovations.
Isabelle Freiling
University of Utah
Isabelle Freiling from the University of Utah co-presented on the impact of social media platforms on academic research.
Jaana Davidjants
Tallinn University
Jaana Davidjants of Tallinn University co-presented on curating algorithms for self-care.
Jason Branford
University of Hamburg
Jason Branford of the University of Hamburg discussed relational approaches to digital sovereignty.
Jenni Niemelä-Nyrhinen
LAB University of Applied Sciences
Jenni Niemelä-Nyrhinen from LAB University of Applied Sciences contributed to discussions on algorithm curation for self-care.
Jeremias Adams-Prassl
Fellow at Magdalen College, University of Oxford
Jeremias Adams-Prassl is a Fellow at Magdalen College, University of Oxford, focusing on technology, innovation policy, and the future of work.
Josephine B. Schmitt
Scientist at Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS)
Josephine B. Schmitt is a scientist at CAIS, with expertise in media psychology and communication sciences.
Josie Hamper
University of Oxford
Josie Hamper from the University of Oxford contributed to discussions on algorithm curation for self-care.
Judith Möller
Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung, Hans-Bredow-Institut | Universität Hamburg
Judith Möller, associated with the Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung and Universität Hamburg, researched conceptual understanding in generative AI.
Juliane Mendelsohn
TU Ilmenau
Juliane Mendelsohn from TU Ilmenau discussed normative power and autonomy in the digital era.
Katrin Tiidenberg
Tallinn University
Katrin Tiidenberg of Tallinn University co-presented on curating algorithms for self-care.
Kiran Kappeler
University of Copenhagen
Kiran Kappeler from the University of Copenhagen studied generative AI knowledge measurement.
Konstanze Möller-Jansen
TU Dresden
Konstanze Möller-Jansen of TU Dresden presented on algorithmic domination.
Laura Sūna
University of Siegen
Laura Sūna from the University of Siegen discussed the relationship between digital well-being and digital literacy.
Leonie Wunderlich
Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung I Hans-Bredow-Institut
Leonie Wunderlich from the Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung studied young users' information practices on TikTok.
Lion Wedel
Weizenbaum Institute
Lion Wedel of the Weizenbaum Institute discussed user-centered approaches to classifying TikTok.
Lubna Rashid
Academic and Educator at Independent
Lubna Rashid's work lies at the intersection of ecological sustainability, behavioral psychology, digital entrepreneurship & innovation, and social justice, with extensive experience in post-conflict and refugee settings.
Luis Morales-Navarro
University of Pennsylvania
Luis Morales-Navarro, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, co-presented on algorithm auditing for youth empowerment.
Marc Steen
Senior Research Scientist at TNO
Marc Steen is a senior research scientist at TNO, specializing in Human-Centred Design and Responsible Innovation.
Marco Dürr
University of Applied Sciences Neu-Ulm
Marco Dürr from the University of Applied Sciences Neu-Ulm discussed pre-bunking interventions for cognitive immunology.
Marten Risius
University of Applied Sciences Neu-Ulm
Marten Risius of the University of Applied Sciences Neu-Ulm co-presented on countering anti-democratic beliefs.
Martin Herbers
Zeppelin Universität gemeinnützige GmbH
Martin Herbers from Zeppelin Universität discussed the maker movement and democratic participation.
Maryna Sydorova
University of Bern
Maryna Sydorova from the University of Bern contributed to studies on intuition in climate change information searches.
Matti Kortesoja
Tampere University
Matti Kortesoja of Tampere University co-presented on deliberate dwelling and disconnection in algorithm curation.
Michael V. Reiss
Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung, Hans-Bredow-Institut
Michael V. Reiss of the Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung examined self-assessment and factual knowledge in generative AI.
Mike Cowburn
Zeppelin Universität
Mike Cowburn of Zeppelin Universität contributed to discussions on connective factions in politics.
Mykola Makhortykh
University of Bern
Mykola Makhortykh of the University of Bern co-presented on search suggestions and political beliefs in climate change information.
Nikolas Becker
Head of Politics & Science Division at Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V.
Nikolas Becker heads the Politics & Science division of the Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. and is involved in AI standardization and conformity.
Paola Verhaert
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Paola Verhaert from Vrije Universiteit Brussel analyzed digital inclusion policies in Flanders.
Petra Molnar
Associate Director at Refugee Law Lab at York University
Petra Molnar is a lawyer and anthropologist specializing in technology, migration, and human rights. She is the co-creator of the Migration and Technology Monitor and a Fellow at the Berkman Klein Centre for Critical Internet at Harvard University.
Philip Howard
Professor at University of Oxford
Philip Howard is a professor at the University of Oxford and Chair of the International Panel on the Information Environment, specializing in technology innovation and public policy.
Quentin Bukold
Weizenbaum Institute
Quentin Bukold from the Weizenbaum Institute explored mass comment campaigns in European public consultations.
Raffael Heiss
MCI – The Entrepreneurial School
Raffael Heiss of MCI – The Entrepreneurial School addressed social media platforms' influence on academic research.
Rainer Rehak
Weizenbaum Institute
Rainer Rehak of the Weizenbaum Institute critically assessed the power and promise of sustainable AI.
Regina Cazzamatta
University of Erfurt
Regina Cazzamatta is associated with the University of Erfurt and co-presented on comparative state-led content moderation regulations.
Regina Sipos
Technical University of Munich
Regina Sipos of the Technical University of Munich explored using generative AI to grapple with digital futures.
Renée Ridgway
Aarhus University
Renée Ridgway of Aarhus University contributed to discussions on digital sovereignty problem-solving strategies.
Robin Preiß
University of Lübeck
Robin Preiß from the University of Lübeck co-presented on digital sovereignty strategies.
Rosemary Wilkinson
University of Leeds
Rosemary Wilkinson of the University of Leeds co-presented on the affordances and limits of collective care in digital inclusion.
Sandra Wachter
Professor of Technology and Regulation at Oxford Internet Institute
Sandra Wachter is a professor at the Oxford Internet Institute, researching the legal and ethical implications of AI and big data.
Sascha Hölig
Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung I Hans-Bredow-Institut
Sascha Hölig of the Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung co-presented on sensemaking in the age of algorithms.
Sigrid Kannengießer
Professor of Communication Studies at University of Bremen
Prof. Dr. habil. Sigrid Kannengießer specializes in media sociology, focusing on the intersection of media, communication, and society.
Tobias Ebbrecht-Hartmann
The Hebrew University, Department of Communication & Journalism
Tobias Ebbrecht-Hartmann of The Hebrew University presented on digital media literacy for resilience in algorithmic environments.
Victoria Vziatysheva
University of Bern
Victoria Vziatysheva from the University of Bern researched citizen information-seeking behavior on climate change.
Vihang Jumle
University of Bern
Vihang Jumle of the University of Bern co-presented on the role of search suggestions in climate change information.
Winnifred Louis
The University of Queensland
Winnifred Louis from The University of Queensland contributed to discussions on future-orientation pre-bunking interventions.
Yasmin Kafai
University of Pennsylvania
Yasmin Kafai from the University of Pennsylvania focused on promoting computational empowerment for youth through algorithm auditing.
Yunkang Yang
Texas A&M
Yunkang Yang from Texas A&M co-presented on the radicalization of politics through digital networks.
Zachary Cooper
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Zachary Cooper from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam discussed rights in generative-AI creative works.
danah boyd
Partner Researcher at Microsoft Research
danah boyd is a Partner Researcher at Microsoft Research and founder of Data & Society, examining the intersection between technology and society.
Event Details
- Date
- June 15-16, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇩🇪 Berlin, Germany
- Weizenbaum Institute
- Pricing
- Check official website
- Audience
- Researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and individuals interested in the societal implications of Generative AI.