Alicia von Schenk: Germany's Youngest AI Professor

Alicia von Schenk has taken over 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. A central theme of her work is the hype surrounding AI, which is often accompanied by exaggerated expectations. Von Schenk emphasizes that many people believe AI can completely replace human intelligence.

She explains that this is not the case, as AI systems are typically limited to specific tasks and do not possess the general understanding or creativity of a human. The professor highlights that the development of AI raises not only technological but also ethical questions. In particular, the responsibility of developers and companies implementing AI systems is of great importance. She calls for a stronger engagement with the societal impacts of the technology. Another myth that von Schenk debunks is the notion that AI is always objective and unbiased.

She points out that AI models are often trained on data that reflects human biases. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes if care is not taken in how the data is selected and processed. Von Schenk advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists, ethicists, and social scientists to address the challenges of AI. She sees the education of professionals as a key role in preparing future generations for the complex questions surrounding AI integration. The University of Würzburg plans to expand its research activities in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

This includes both the development of new technologies and the examination of their economic and social impacts. Von Schenk is convinced that a solid education in this area is crucial for Germany's competitiveness. A concrete example of AI application in business is the automation of processes in industry. Von Schenk explains that companies can not only save costs but also increase efficiency through the use of AI. However, she warns that this can also lead to job losses if measures are not taken in time.

The professor sees the necessity of creating political frameworks that promote the responsible use of AI. She calls on policymakers to develop clear guidelines that enable innovation while ensuring the protection of citizens. An example of this is the planned EU regulation on AI, which is set to come into effect in 2026. In conclusion, von Schenk emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI development. She urges companies to communicate openly about the algorithms and data used to gain public trust. "Without transparency, it will be difficult to fully harness the potential of AI," she says. The University of Würzburg will introduce a new study program in the upcoming semester focusing on the economic and ethical aspects of the technology.