CORE INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE TEXT:
1. New AI Support Service: KI-LOTSE
* Purpose: To support universities nationwide in the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It acts as a “control center for orientation, technology, service and expertise.”
* Activities:
* Advising on legal, technical, and organizational issues related to AI integration in teaching, studying, research, and administration.
* Building a central collection of AI request examples (accessible online).
* Providing topic-focused handouts and guidelines.
* Timeline: January 2026 – March 2029
* website: www.ki-lotse.ai
* Funded by: BMFTR (Federal Ministry of Education and Research)
2. Continued Funding for Digitalization Advisory: University Forum for Digitalization (HFD 4.0)
* Purpose: To continue and expand advisory services on the digitalization of studying and teaching. It’s a transfer-oriented competence center.
* Activities:
* networking actors from universities, politics, business, and society.
* Supporting the implementation of innovative approaches.
* Classifying technological trends.
* Timeline: January 2026 – 2030 (HFD 4.0 – fourth funding period)
* Website: www.hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de
* Funded by: BMFTR
* Initiated by: HRK (German Rectors’ Conference), Stifterverband, and CHE Center for University Progress (as 2014)
3. Key Quote from Prof. Dr. Ulrike Tippe (HRK vice President):
* Digitalization and AI are fundamentally changing work, information access, and interaction.
* AI creates new opportunities for universities in research, teaching, studying, and administration.
* KI-LOTSE will help universities systematically leverage AI’s potential.
* A key focus is enabling students to use AI reflectively.
* collaboration and exchange are crucial for addressing challenges, building resilience, and fostering innovation.
4. Overall Context:
* The German higher education sector is actively preparing for and integrating AI and digital technologies.
* these initiatives are supported by significant funding from the BMFTR and collaboration between key organizations in the higher education landscape.
* There’s a strong emphasis on both the practical implementation of digital tools and the responsible and reflective use of AI, notably by students.
Worth a look