Alicia von Schenk: Germany's Youngest AI Professor

Alicia von Schenk has established the chair for "Economics of AI" at the University of Würzburg at just 30 years old. Her research focuses on the economic impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its integration into various industries. In a recent interview, she addressed the most common misconceptions surrounding the technology and its societal relevance. The professor emphasizes that the current hype around AI is often characterized by exaggerated expectations. Many people believe that AI is capable of completely replacing human intelligence.

Von Schenk points out that AI systems typically take on specialized tasks and do not possess the comprehensive cognitive abilities of a human. This misunderstanding can lead to unrealistic expectations that are problematic both in business and society. Another myth that von Schenk addresses is the notion that AI is always objective and unbiased. She explains that AI models are based on data created by humans and can therefore reflect human biases. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes if the underlying data is not diverse enough.

The professor thus calls for a critical examination of the data used to develop AI systems. Von Schenk highlights that education in the field of AI should encompass not only technical skills but also ethical considerations. The University of Würzburg adopts an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to understand the social and economic implications of AI. This is crucial for making responsible decisions in the development and application of AI technologies. The professor also sees the need to better educate the public about AI.

Many people have only a limited understanding of what AI can actually achieve and the risks associated with it. Von Schenk plans to offer public lectures and workshops to disseminate knowledge about AI and promote informed discussions. A central concern of von Schenk is the promotion of diversity in AI research. She emphasizes that diverse perspectives and backgrounds are essential in the development of AI systems to find innovative solutions and minimize biases. The University of Würzburg has already initiated programs to bring more women and underrepresented groups into technical degree programs.

Alicia von Schenk's research is supported by various funding programs, including the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This support enables her to realize innovative projects and actively involve students in research. Her work could contribute in the long term to increasing the acceptance of AI in society and responsibly utilizing its potential. The University of Würzburg plans to host a symposium on Artificial Intelligence next year, bringing together experts from various disciplines. The aim is to discuss current developments and challenges in the field of AI and to develop solutions. The symposium is expected to take place in May 2027.