International student- and graduate workshop, Faculty of History and Cultural Studies –
Historical Seminar, Institute of Classical Studies, Institute of Anthropology and African Studies, Institute of Art History and Musicology
17–18 November 2025, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Application deadline: 6 October 2025
The wave of developments in generative artificial intelligence is challenging some of the core concepts in History and Cultural Studies: ‘credibility’ and ‘truth’ as benchmarks for knowledge production can no longer be taken for granted, and questions arise about whether ‘creativity’ as a source of human culture can now be ascribed to machines. At the same time, the technology opens a wide range of new methods and possibilities – from text and image recognition and classification to forms of academic writing. Application and reflection go hand in hand, sharpening our understanding of generative AI. The combination of active use, experimentation and critique forms the starting point for this event organised by the Faculty of History and Cultural Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University.
The international workshop is aimed at advanced students, graduates and doctoral candidates from Mainz and international universities. It seeks to foster exchange across the fields and perspectives mentioned above. Keynotes and discussions with internationally renowned scholars introduce the topics. These will be prepared and followed up in four thematic groups led by lecturers from the four institutes of the faculty. These groups will focus on the societal and technical frameworks of knowledge production as well as questions of authenticity and creativity in machine-generated outcomes.
(Dr. Andreas Frings)
Large data models for the training of algorithms are often created for very low wages, notably in African countries. How can such realities be represented, and what are the consequences? How are inequalities and injustices that are present in existing data reproduced in LLMs, and to what extent do they even produce new inequalities and injustices, also through different access options?
(Dr. Maxime Brami)
In the humanities, classification algorithms – including clustering and neural networks – enable the automatic categorisation of image and text data, for example for the analysis of works of art, historical documents or literary styles. They thus facilitate the discovery of patterns, similarities and structural connections in large digital collections. How can old data and traditional categories be used for new research?
(Dr. Jan Beek, Prof. Dr. Thomas Blank, Prof. Dr. Jörg Rogge)
As distinctions between human and machine-generated content become increasingly blurred, authenticity and deception turn into constant challenges. How should research respond when the boundaries are no longer clear?
(Prof. Dr. Stefanie Acquavella-Rauch, Dr. Steffen Haug)
The arts experiment with new techniques considering their creative potential. They often make deliberate use of the “errors” and limitations of machines. What do the results of these experiments imply for our perspective on generative AI?
Students and graduates from Mainz and international universities are invited to participate in the workshop. A total of 40 places are available. Travel costs (up to £300, exceptions possible in case of need) and accommodation from 16–19 November 2025 will be covered for 20 international participants. Selection will be based on demonstrated interest in the topic and willingness to contribute to discussion.
Please submit your application by October 6, 2025, including an abstract (max. 350 words) outlining your main research question in relation to generative AI, an indication of your preferred section, and a short CV to: AI-workshop@uni-mainz.de.
Participants will be notified in the second week of October.
Organisation: Faculty 07 (working group from the Institut für Altertumswissenschaften, Institut für Ethnologie und Afrikastudien, Institut für Kunstgeschichte and Musikwissenschaft, Historisches Seminar und Dekanat); practical organisation: Deanery of 07 (Prof. Dr. Stefanie Acquavella-Rauch, Dr. Oliver Gupte, Dr. Steffen Haug, Sabine Wilke); contact Dr. Steffen Haug: steffen.haug@uni-mainz.de.
