The Protestant City Academy of Darmstadt will launch the Frank Schirrmacher Forum on November 4th.
The Protestant City Academy of Darmstadt its new program on November 4, 2025, with the theme "The Emerging Unease in the Digital AI World." Dr. Franz Grubauer emphasizes that, in light of current crises and upheavals, the academy aims to convey "more confidence and concrete perspectives for action than ever before."
In addition to exploring artificial intelligence (AI), the upcoming series will also address the topics of intergenerational relationships and places of longing .
Kick-off with the Frank Schirrmacher Forum
The eighth Frank Schirrmacher Forum on Digitalization marks the start of the series. The central question is how data sovereignty, social justice, and cultural values can be safeguarded in AI development.
"In Darmstadt, we are fortunate to be able to draw on an exceptionally large pool of scientific and professional expertise in AI and digitalization," explains Dr. Grubauer.
The first lecture will be given on Tuesday, November 4th , at 7:30 pm in the Open House, Rheinstraße 31 , by political scientist Prof. Dr. Michèle Knodt (TU Darmstadt) on the topic:
“Security and Resilience in the AI World: How Digital Infrastructure Can Be Made Crisis-Proof and Secure for Citizens.”
Moderated by Dr. Franz Grubauer and Dr. Anna Scholz , honorary study director of the City Academy.
Further dates in November and December
- November 11: Prof. Dr. Kristian Kersting, Co-Director of the Hessian Center for AI, speaks about “Successful AI made in Europe – trustworthy, secure, reliable and sustainable” .
- November 18: Journalist and AI expert Marcus Schwarze gives a presentation on “Experiences in the use of artificial intelligence – effects, side effects and reasonable dosage” .
- November 24 (Monday): Prof. Dr. theol. Florian Höhne (University of Erlangen) will speak on “Religion and anthropological foundations – Do we need to rethink humanity in the AI era?” .
- December 2nd: Alexandra Geese , Member of the European Parliament (Greens/EFA) , will give the lecture “How can politics and civil society actively participate in shaping participatory AI ecosystems?” – this event will in a hybrid format , with the speaker joining remotely and the option to participate online.
Further series of topics from 2026 onwards
From February 27, 2026, the City Academy will be dedicated to the topic “Rewriting the Generational Contract? Justice and Responsibility Between Generations” , followed by the series “Paradises: Places of Longing, Temptations and Earthly Art of Living” , which starts on March 24, 2026 .
Further information and registration at www.ev-akademie-darmstadt.de
(DARMSTADT – RED/ PM)
