Working with outstanding scientists from all over the world is a core element of the Leibniz AI Lab. To achieve this, the Leibniz AI Lab regularly invites professors to Hannover to contribute their share to the research and give new impulses. Prof Elisabeth Hildt from the Illinois Institute of Technology joint the Leibniz AI Lab in January 2023.
Start-ups are trained to present their idea in a so-called “elevator pitch”. Can you describe your research in a nutshell?
My research is at the intersection of Ethics and Technology and Bioethics. I am interested in ethical and societal implications of science and technology, in particular artificial intelligence, robotics, neurotechnology, and genetics. My current focus is on ethical aspects of artificial intelligence applications in medicine.
Why did you become part of the Leibniz AI Lab?
I want to learn about the great projects people conduct at the Leibniz AI Lab and hope to initiate interdisciplinary collaborations on ethical aspects of AI in medicine. One of the reasons for becoming part of the Leibniz AI Lab is the Leibniz Trustworthy AI Lab. The Leibniz Trustworthy AI Lab has established an inter-lab collaboration with the Z-Inspection® initiative that develops a process for assessing trustworthy AI. Having been part of this initiative for more than two years, the perspective of collaborating with Leibniz Trustworthy AI Lab researchers is very promising.
What wisdom would you pass on to (future) PhD students?
Be curious, follow your interests, and always strive for a good work-life balance.
Also, I would like to motivate students to develop the routine of reflecting about the ethical and societal implications of technology. I think this is important for students in electrical engineering and computer science who are directly involved in the development, design, and implementation of technology.
What do you like best about living and working in Germany?
I very much enjoy getting to know Hannover, the region, and the northern parts of Germany. And it is fantastic for me to be closer to home.