Algorithms, Platforms, and AI: Science Communication in the Digital Transformation
On December 3, at 11:15 | IRIS Panel: Rethinking presence—telepresence robots as a medium for inclusive science communication
How do telepresence robots transform scientific communication? What does “presence” mean when technology takes over representation? This panel explores how telepresence affects credibility, participation, proximity, and inclusion. Through a hybrid setup combining physically present and robotically connected participants, the discussion will address key issues of authenticity, platform logics, ethical responsibility, and technological innovation.
Communication robots can help break down barriers and open new possibilities for participation. An interactive survey will invite the audience to reflect on the core question: Are robots enough for real encounters – or do we still need human presence?
The goal of the session is to critically assess the potential of robotic mediation as a tool, an experiment, and a provocation.
Moderation:
- Janis-Anne Fischer, Cyber Valley
Panelists:
- Jun.-Prof. Dr. Maria Wirzberger, University of Stuttgart, Interchange Forum for Reflecting on Intelligent Systems (IRIS)
- Prof. Dr. Michael Sedlmaier, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Visualization and Interactive Systems
- Dr. Ksenia Keplinger, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
On December 4 | IZKT has two events to offer:
Slot 1
10:15 a.m. | Short presentation
The university is a networked platform for centrally and decentrally organized science communication.
Speakers:
Dr. Florian Krüger, University of Stuttgart, University Communications
Dr. Elke Uhl, University of Stuttgart, International Center for Culture and Technology Research
Slot 2
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Panel
Understanding through visualization – clarity between insight and manipulation
Moderation:
Apl. Prof. Dr. Felix Heidenreich, Universität Stuttgart, Internationales Zentrum für Kultur- und Technikforschung (IZKT)
Panelists:
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Amrei Bahr, Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Philosophie
Prof. Dr. Michael Sedlmair, Universität Stuttgart, Visualisierungsinstitut
Prof. Dr. Steffen Staab, Universität Stuttgart, Institut für KI
Gesine Born, Bilderinstitut, Berlin
Registration is required to attend the event: Science Communication Forum