2024

Modern architecture and construction methods create an ever-increasing demand for reinforced concrete, generating huge amounts of CO2 emissions. The new TATuP Special topic shows what a sustainable material transition could look like.

A new TAB report sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of near-natural forest conversion in Germany – from ecological principles to innovative technologies and funding models.

What contribution can technology assessment make to sustainable development? Armin Grunwald, head of ITAS, was invited to speak on this topic by the United Nations Commission on “Science and Technology for Development” in Geneva.

In the PREFIGURE project, KIT researchers and their European partners explore how housing inequalities and energy vulnerability hinder a just green transition. The focus is on local initiatives for housing energy upgrades in seven countries.

Technical innovations are processes strongly driven by emotions. Cultural anthropologist and sociologist Franziska Sörgel explores this thesis in her dissertation.

The visit of Belgian sociologist Anne Bergmans marks the start of the ITAS Senior Fellowship Program. The professor from the University of Antwerp will work with ITAS researchers on issues related to the sustainable use of the deep subsurface.

Sustainable products need engineers with a focus on sustainability and the corresponding training. ITAS has developed educational videos that present different aspects of the topic for the use in engineering courses.

Together with the “Theater of the Anthropocene,” ITAS will design and implement a theater trilogy at the interface of art and science. The first performances are planned for 2024.

The Committee for Education, Research and Technology Assessment of the German Bundestag has decided on TAB's work program for 2024/25. Security and defense policy topics are of great importance.

Until September, ITAS is hosting Mine Güngörmüşler, one of KIT’s International Excellence Fellows in 2024. In Karlsruhe, the associate professor from Izmir University of Economics will analyze the potential benefits of a novel biohydrogen technology.

The restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic have also hampered the work of real-world laboratories. In the "DuPa – Dual Mode Participation" project, researchers have researched new formats that combine digital and face-to-face participation.

How can technology assessment help prevent the misuse of technology to promote radicalization and terrorist violence? The current TATuP Special topic seeks to put issues of malevolent creativity and civil security on the TA map.

Professional football is experiencing a veritable "data revolution". In a short profile on the EURO24, the TAB looks at the changes and potential that this development brings for players, scouts and coaches as well as spectators.

The TAB has identified trends and systemic risks for the critical infrastructure systems of energy, agriculture and food as well as transport and mobility. The results are available on a new, modular microsite.

The Futurium exhibition is visiting schools all over Germany with its mobile Futurium. ITAS researchers accompany the mobile future lab and investigate how it affects the way we deal with topics of the future.

Climate justice, freedom energies, or frankenfood – moral values are omnipresent in debates on social and scientific topics. The MoWiKo project investigates the appropriate communication of ethical aspects.

In the new contract period with the German Bundestag, the TAB has further developed its formats. Armin Grunwald presented the innovations at his presentation of the 2023 Activity Report to the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment.

Whether for steering vehicles, making medical diagnoses, or supporting the courts – increasingly far-reaching decisions are in the hands of artificial intelligence. The current TATuP Special topic asks about the consequences.

Only a small part of the German economy's demand for raw materials is covered by recycled materials. Using the example of plastic packaging, electrical appliances and building materials, the current report identifies policy options to change this.

Do AI models and their applications bear systemic risks or could they even take on a life of their own and thus become an existential threat? ITAS investigates this issue on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 

Climate protection or the final disposal of highly radioactive waste are challenges that will affect us for a long time to come. ITAS now wants to contribute to the basic understanding of the political approach to such “long-term problems.”