Dies Academicus

The last Dies Academicus took place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The ceremony in the Aula provided an overview of what has been and is being achieved at the KU in research and teaching.

This year, the focus was on digitalization. New technological possibilities are already having a profound impact on all areas of social life. Artificial intelligence and the handling of large amounts of data also pose challenges for science. The KU has responded to this by establishing the Mathematical Institute for Machine Learning and Data Science (MIDS). Experts in the fields of mathematics and computer science are laying the scientific foundations here that will help to exploit the potential of digitalization. Guided by a Christian view of humanity, the the KU focuses on the question of how technical progress can be steered in a direction that benefits society. How can artificial intelligence and big data be used responsibly? How can these tools be used to address issues of sustainability and social justice? As part of the federal-state program to promote early-career researchers, the KU was able to secure tenure-track professorships in the field of digitization a few years ago. The professorships contribute to anchoring questions surrounding new technological possibilities in an interdisciplinary manner. At Dies Academicus, these young researchers had their say and provided insights into their work.

During the ceremony, students, alumni, and scientists were also honored for outstanding achievements in their studies, research, teaching, and transfer. The reception that followed offered family members, friends, and supporters of the University the opportunity to engage in conversation with one another.

>> List of prize winners of recent years