AI expert Sandra Wachter receives prestigious Humboldt Prize!

AI expert Sandra Wachter receives prestigious Humboldt Prize!

Potsdam, Deutschland - On May 6, 2025, the official award of the Alexander von Humboldt Prize took place. Sandra Wachter, an outstanding AI expert and lawyer, was recognized as one of six new Alexander von Humboldt professors. The Federal Minister of Education and Research, Cem Özdemir, and the President of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Robert Schlögl took place by the Federal Minister of Education and Research. According to Uni Potsdam Excellent research.

The newly awarded Humboldt professors change from abroad to the universities in Duisburg-Essen, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig and Potsdam. Sandra Wachter moves from the University of Oxford to Potsdam, where she will take over the "Technology and Regulation" professorship at the digital engineering faculty. This professorship is endowed with 3.5 million euros, with the Alexander of Humboldt Foundation and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research securing financing.

research focus and social responsibility

Wachter is known for her work at the interface of law, computer science and social science and has in particular developed the field of explanable artificial intelligence (AI). Their goal is how AI can be regulated to create fairer and more transparent systems. This is particularly relevant because your expertise should help strengthen the ethical and law requirements for AI in business and society in Germany.

Robert Schlögl pointed out the challenges with which freedom of science is faced with especially in the USA. He emphasized the need to protect and maintain freedom of science. "Freedom of science is a pillar of democracy," said Cem Özdemir and emphasized the support of the German science system for researchers who cannot work unhindered in their home countries. This is particularly important in times when the stress for scientists increases worldwide.

freedom of science in focus

In addition to the current challenges regarding freedom of science, a memorandum was published, which was published by the alliance of science organizations. This document includes "ten theses on freedom of science" and deals with topics such as the support of endangered researchers and the responsibility of information. According to Humboldt-Foundation it is crucial to strengthen the freedom of science and make its importance visible.

The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship ensures that these essential topics are encouraged in the international research context in Germany. The excellent scientists make a decisive contribution to the further development and diversity of science and open up new perspectives on social challenges.