Bias, Macht und die Zukunftsverantwortung von Hochschulen - U:FF 2026

Bias, Power, and the Future Responsibility of Universities: A presentation by Johanna Leifeld and Sarah Becker at the University:Future Festival 2026. Artificial intelligence is often considered a neutral tool for efficiency. However, AI systems do not emerge outside of societal structures, but rather translate power relations and hierarchies of knowledge into technical decision-making logics. Universities bear a special responsibility here: They shape democratic culture, influence societal transformation processes, and educate future decision-makers. This presentation explores why bias cannot simply be "trained away" and what it means to understand AI as a socio-technical practice with long-term consequences for knowledge systems and participation. Using a four-level model (data, modeling, decision-making processes, and use), we demonstrate how biases arise and become institutionally effective. Finally, we discuss concrete levers, from guidelines and participatory formats to teaching and governance strategies, for a responsible, bias-sensitive approach to AI. ] ... /// The sixth edition of the University:Future Festival took place from June 22-24, 2026, under the motto "Under Pressure!" The hybrid festival was held in person in Berlin, Braunschweig, Essen, Graz, Hamburg, and Nuremberg. The University:Future Festival (U:FF) is the largest event dedicated to the (digital) future of academic education. Topics included AI, future skills, didactics, and strategic processes. Participants enjoyed a diverse program with approximately 280 presentations from around 550 speakers! The University:Future Festival is a collaboration between the Higher Education Forum on Digitalization, the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education, and the Stifterverband (Donors' Association for German Science). The partner stages were organized by the Emerging Tech Lab and the Media Lab of the Project House at TU Braunschweig, ORCA.nrw, Graz University of Technology, Ohm University and UTN Nuremberg, and the University of Hamburg in conjunction with OERCamp. More information is available at https://festival.hfd.digital/de/