#DigHum2025

#DigHum2025 brought together experts to discuss technology through the lens of human values and democratic principles. Challenging the digital, empowering the human.

Thank you for being part of this conference!

The conference in 2025

The Digital Humanism Conference on 26 to 28 May brought together global thinkers, innovators, and policymakers to explore Digital Humanism’s potential. 

Under the patronage of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, renowned international speakers shared their perspectives, provided fresh insights, and highlighted potential pathways to creating a digital future that benefits all.

The three-and-a-half-day programme focused on AI and society, platforms and power and disruptive innovation, and opened with a splendid introductory evening at the cinema, featuring a screening of the AI-generated film Eno.

Monday, 26 May

AI and society

The first day of DigHum2025 Vienna focuses on societal challenges of AI. Starting from the politics of AI to questions of sustainability, robustness, and socio-economic issues the day will explore trustworthiness in AI and other societal challenges. It includes testing the limits of what we know as AI today. 

Tuesday, 27 May

Platforms and power

The second day addresses burning questions of large platforms, their role in the AI ecosystem and questions of control and governance. It will further include a debate about progress on international governance as well as key questions in managing AI cybersecurity.

Wednesday, 28 May

Disruptive innovation

The third day of DigHum2025 Vienna presents a dynamic programme of workshops, panels, and discussions, critically examining the nature of innovation—how disruptive is it really?

Speakers will explore the evolving role of AI in innovation, its potential for social transformation, and its impact on democracy. The day will feature reports on Austrian AI initiatives, discussions on teaching Digital Humanism, and debates on funding priorities for a sustainable and equitable digital future. Sessions will also draw lessons from social media, journalism, and civic participation in the age of AI.

Key statements and conclusions

Digital Humanism is essential to securing a good life in the digital age. Read about conclusions from the #DigHum2025.

Read key statements

Audio & Video

Watch the session recordings in video or audio-only format on YouTube.

Watch videos

Impressions

Want to relive the highlights? Browse the photo recap.

View photo recap

Keynote speaker highlights

Highlights from our keynote and panel speakers:

Anna Bon

Anna Bon

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Michael Bronstein

Michael Bronstein

AITHYRA Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences

Katja Bühler

Katja Bühler

VRVis

Mark Coeckelbergh

Mark Coeckelbergh

University of Vienna

Noshir Contractor

Noshir Contractor

Northwestern University

Michael Cusumano

Michael A. Cusumano

MIT Sloan School of Management

Annabelle Gawer

Annabelle Gawer

University of Surrey

Wendy Hall

Dame Wendy Hall

University of Southampton

Edward A. Lee

Edward A. Lee

UC Berkeley

Lawrence Lessig

Lawrence Lessig

Harvard University

Marc Rotenberg

Marc Rotenberg

Center for AI and Digital Policy

Max Schrems

Max Schrems

NOYB

Moshe Vardi

Moshe Y. Vardi

Rice University

Toby Walsh

University of New South Wales

Christiane Wendehorst

Christiane Wendehorst

Austrian Academy of Sciences and University of Vienna

View all speakers of #DigHum2025

Partners of #DigHum2025

DighHum2025 thanks its great partner companies and organisations. Thank you!

Organised by

Digital Humanism Association | Verein zur Förderung des digitalen Humanismus

Supported by

City of Vienna

Vienna Science and Technology Fund

In cooperation with

Logo ÖAW

Statistics

  • 3 1/2 days of programme
  • 28 sessions as keynotes, panels, discussions, fish bowls, lunch and lightning talks
  • Over 120 international speakers
  • Around 500 guests in total from the global and national research and DigHum community, international experts, decision-makers from politics and administration and stakeholders from industry
  • Many specials, like the DigitalCity couch corner and lunch talks, Kurier’s Was Jetzt Schule award ceremony with pupils, project lightning talks around DigHum in action and dedicated student sessions with speakers in conversation with students
  • … and so many new connections and conversations between speakers and participants.

Media coverage

Browse a selection of press coverage on the 2025 conference – with some of our highlights marked with a star ★.

Organisation

The conference board consisted of the Conference Chair, the Senior Advisory Board and the Programme Committee.

Conference Chair: Erich Prem (eutema GmbH, Digital Humanism Association)

Programme Chair: Hannes Werthner (TU Wien)

Senior Advisory Board: Noshir Contractor (Northwestern University), Misha Glenny (IWM), George Metakides (Digital Enlightenment Forum), Helga Nowotny (ETH Zurich), Moshe Vardi (Rice University)

Programme committee: Anita Eichinger (Vienna City Library), Peter Knees (TU Wien, UNESCO Chair on Digital Humanism), Katja Mayer (University of Vienna, ZSI Vienna), Michael Stampfer (Vienna Science and Technology Fund WWTF), Stefan Woltran (TU Wien)

The conference was organised by the Digital Humanism Association | Verein zur Förderung des digitalen Humanismus.

Thank you! Join us in 2026!