Katja Bühler

VRVis

Katja Bühler is the scientific director of the Vienna Research Center for Visual Computing with the mission to bridge the gap between science and industry. Visual Computing uses visual means to make data understandable and usable for humans or, conversely, to make information from visual media accessible. In combination with AI and simulation, it provides a basic technology for the realisation of human-centred interaction with machines and data.

As head of the Image Informatics Group at VRVis, her research focuses on the development of highly efficient methods for human-centred access to the information encoded in advanced imaging data. Her interdisciplinary group covers deep expertise in image analysis, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, data mining, visualisation, and human-computer interaction. Together, they create innovative solutions for application areas such as medicine, life sciences, agriculture, and manufacturing. Katja studied mathematics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and holds a PhD in computer science from TU Wien. She regularly acts as a scientific expert for the European Union, in particular in the context of the implementation of large-scale scientific data infrastructures. She is a member of the management board of Austrian Bioimaging and the executive board of the Digital Humanism Association.

VRVis

Katja Bühler

Panel

AI meets society

Monday, 26 May

14:00–15:30

3 questions for … Katja Bühler

Why do we need Digital Humanism?

We are currently experiencing rapid technological developments in information technology and artificial intelligence in particular, which are having a major impact on numerous aspects of our lives. As a researcher, I see the great potential of this development, but also the already apparent and possible future negative effects of a development that is still heavily under-regulated and technology-centred. To me, Digital Humanism offers an important framework for stepping back, pausing and reflecting on where we as humans want to position ourselves in the context of increasingly ‘intelligent’ machines: How do we form such an ‘intelligence’? What tasks and decisions do we want to fully delegate to it? Where do we need support by machines, and how do we shape the future teaming of humans and AI?

To me, Digital Humanism offers an important framework for stepping back, pausing and reflecting on where we as humans want to position ourselves in the context of increasingly 'intelligent' machines: Where do we need support by machines, and how do we shape the future teaming of humans and AI?

—Katja Bühler

AI in the medical field can help save lives. How can Digital Humanism support this goal?

AI is already providing significant support for data-driven life science research, identification of disease patterns, development of new drugs and advancement of precision and personalised medicine. AI also has great potential to assist clinicians in daily clinical practice, including fully automated diagnosis for standard examinations, accelerating and supporting physicians’ diagnostic workflows, and optimising patient management. At the same time, medical care is a critical application environment for AI when there is a possible direct impact on human health. The principles of Digital Humanism address several issues of particular relevance to such high-risk applications and support the formulation of necessary regulatory frameworks, such as the EU AI Act. At VRVis, our research in the medical field aims to bring this to life. This includes work on the reliability and transparency of machine-made decisions and human-centred applications, with the goal of ensuring human oversight of critical decisions.

At VRVis, our research in the medical field aims to bring this to life. This includes work on the reliability and transparency of machine-made decisions and human-centred applications with the goal of ensuring human oversight of critical decisions.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic when you look into the future—and why?

First of all, I am optimistic because AI can do a lot for us! Applied to automation, process optimisation, workflow and decision support, AI can alleviate pressing issues such as demographic change and the associated skills shortage. Language barriers will become less of an issue, and existing knowledge is already more efficient and accessible, promoting inclusion. In research, AI is already helping us to generate new knowledge and technologies efficiently and quickly from the flood of research and data available worldwide. At the moment, however, I feel that we are being overwhelmed by the technological development and vision of AI driven by a few big tech companies. Given the power of these companies and the way they operate, I sometimes fear for the future. But this is exactly what we need to see as a call to action! I think it’s good that we are creating a counterpoint here in Europe, and Digital Humanism is an important part of that.

Thank you, Katja Bühler!