Kassel successful in BMBF funding program for young female AI scientists

The AI junior research group "Graphs in Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks (GAIN)"started its work at the University of Kassel and Fraunhofer IEE in mid-September. The group, led by Dr. Josephine Thomas, focuses on the dynamics and explainability of Graph Neural Networks. "Graph Neural Networks are a machine learning method which is particularly well suited for processing network data - and the world is full of networks. Whether it's Facebook, protein interactions, or utility networks such as the power grid, they can all be represented as graphs," explains Dr. Josephine Thomas.

The goal of the GAIN junior research group is to develop algorithms for previously unsolved problems in the dynamics of graph neural networks to enable their application in the field of renewable energy, among others. Another focus will be on the explainability of the algorithms to facilitate their transition from basic research to application.

"We are very pleased about the BMBF's funding commitment for the GAIN junior research group," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sick, mentor of the AI junior research group and head of the Department of Intelligent Embedded Systems, with which the group is associated. Prof. Sick is also director at the Scientific Center ITeG (Institute for Information Technology Design) at the University of Kassel and director of the Institute for Systems Analytics and Control (ISAC). GAIN will further expand the work of both institutions in the field of AI and significantly strengthen the collaboration with Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel.

Background

The BMBF is funding the AI junior research group with a total of four staff positions and additional funds for student assistants and powerful AI computers over a period of four years. The project is funded within the framework of the BMBF's guideline "Promotion of AI Young Scientists". The purpose of the funding is the research of AI questions on novel and innovative topics by junior research groups led by women. The targeted support of women is intended to increase the participation and influence of women in AI research in Germany. The applicants had to prevail in a two-stage, competitive selection process. A total of twenty projects were selected nationwide, which will now receive funding.

Contact:

Dr. Josephine Thomas
E-mail: josephine.thomas[at]uni-kassel[dot]de