idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
05/26/2026 - 05/29/2026 | Berlin
Exploring the Frontiers of AI-driven Research
Machine learning models have demonstrated a vast capacity to learn complex phenomena from data and to reproduce them accurately, for example by providing precise predictions of molecular properties or by generating human language in natural conversations. However, due to their black-box nature, such models often resemble oracles with vast stores of knowledge rather than scientific tools capable of reporting or communicating the reasoning underlying their predictions. This limitation constrains their potential impact in scientific applications, where understanding why a model arrives at a prediction can be as important as the prediction itself and can substantially accelerate scientific discovery and understanding.
In this workshop, we seek to develop a broader and more systematic understanding of how the explanation and interpretation of artificial intelligence models can enable AI-driven research from both theoretical and applied perspectives. In particular, we aim to explore how AI-driven research can be enriched beyond model validation and trust assessment. The workshop will include invited talks, poster sessions, and dedicated time for discussion, fostering informal exchange across disciplines such as molecular science, medicine, digital humanities, geoscience, and related fields.
Confirmed Speaker
The workshop is currently in the planning phase. So far, we are pleased to announce that the following renowned speakers have confirmed their participation.
The speaker list will be continuously updated in the coming days.
Dr. Bruno Andreis, University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science
Prof. Przemysław Biecek, Warsaw University of Technology, Department of CAD/CAM Systems Design and Computer-Aided Medicine
Dr. Jochen Büttner, Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology Jena
Prof. Dr. Gustau Camps-Valls, Universitat de València, Image and Signal Processing
Dr. Maximilian Dax, Research group leader at ELLIS Institute and MPI in Tübingen
Prof. Dr. Begüm Demir, BIFOLD/TU Berlin, Remote Sensing Image Analysis
Prof. Dr. Martin Hebart, Universitätsklinikum Giessen, Professor for Computational Cognitive Neuroscience and Quantitative Psychiatry
Dr. Anna Hedström, postdoctoral fellow at the ETH AI Center of ETH Zürich
Kevin Höllring, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy
Lorenz Hufe, University of Oxford, Fraunhofer HHI
Prof. Dr. Dagmar Kainmüller, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Biomedical Image Analysis
Prof. Dr. Frederick Klauschen, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Director and Chair, Pathology & Dean of Research
Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Dominik Kowald, Know Center Research GmbH and University of Graz, Professor for AI-based Information Retrieval in Digital Humanities
Dr. rer. nat. Sebastian Lapuschkin, Head of Explainable Artificial Intelligence Group, Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institute
Prof. Dr. Anatole von Lilienfeld, University of Toronto, Professor & Clark Chair of Advanced Materials at the Vector Institute
Dr. med. Philipp Keyl, Junior Group Leader, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich
Prof. Dr. Marina Meila, Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo and Canada CIFAR Chair in AI, Vector Institute
Prof. Dr. Carolin Müller, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy
Prof. Dr. Tomaso Poggio, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL, McDermott Professor in Brain Sciences
Prof. Iyad Rahwan, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development
Prof. Dr. Katharina Rohlfing, Paderborn University, AG Psycholinguistik
Prof. Dr. Alexandre Tkatchenko, University of Luxembourg, Professor in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Prof. Dr. Carlos Zednik, Eindhoven University of Technology, Industrial Engineering and Innovation Science
About the Workshop
The workshop is jointly organized by ELLIS Unit Berlin and BIFOLD - The Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data.
Date: 26.05.2026 - 29.05.2026
Location: Lanolinfabrik Salzufer, also known as Forum Digitale Technologien (FDT)
Salzufer 15-16, 10587 Berlin, Groundfloor
The aim of the three-day-workshop plus an optional preceding half-day tutorial is to bring together internationally renowned scientists, local scholars, and students. The tutorial offers a concise introduction to paradigms and tools that enrich AI-driven research with transparency and understanding. Through hands-on discussions, practical software demonstrations, and concrete application examples, participants will gain familiarity with key explanation methods for machine learning models. No prior experience is required - the tutorial is designed to ensure everyone can follow the main workshop with confidence.
Registration
While preference will be given to ELLIS, ELIZA and Hector Fellow Academy researchers, applications are warmly welcomed from qualified individuals worldwide.
The final agenda is still under revision but will comprise keynotes, scientific presentations of varying length, poster sessions, and in-depth discussions in an informal and engaging setting.
Workshop Organizers
Dr. Thomas Schnake, University of Toronto
Dr. Oliver Eberle, BIFOLD/TU Berlin
Prof. Dr. Grégoire Montavon, BIFOLD/Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Prof. Dr. Matteo Valleriani, Max-Planck Institut Berlin
Prof. Dr. Wojciech Samek, Fraunhofer HHI Berlin/TU Berlin
Prof. Dr. Klaus-Robert Müller, BIFOLD/TU Berlin
Information on participating / attending:
Registration required.
Registration closed on May 11, 2026.
Date:
05/26/2026 13:00 - 05/29/2026 18:00
Registration deadline:
05/11/2026
Event venue:
Lanolinfabrik Salzufer, also known as Forum Digitale Technologien (FDT)
Salzufer 15-16, 10587 Berlin, Groundfloor
10587 Berlin
Berlin
Germany
Target group:
Scientists and scholars
Relevance:
international
Subject areas:
Information technology
Types of events:
Presentation / colloquium / lecture, Seminar / workshop / discussion
Entry:
05/13/2026
Sender/author:
Jean-Paul Olivier
Department:
Communications
Event is free:
no
Language of the text:
English
URL of this event: http://idw-online.de/en/event81587
AI to Accelerate Scientific Understanding Workshop You can combine search terms with and, or and/or not, e.g. Philo not logy.
You can use brackets to separate combinations from each other, e.g. (Philo not logy) or (Psycho and logy).
Coherent groups of words will be located as complete phrases if you put them into quotation marks, e.g. “Federal Republic of Germany”.
You can also use the advanced search without entering search terms. It will then follow the criteria you have selected (e.g. country or subject area).
If you have not selected any criteria in a given category, the entire category will be searched (e.g. all subject areas or all countries).
