AI in everyday university life – routine or new territory? Science Management Network visits the Media Lab
More than 25 colleagues from a wide range of departments at TU Braunschweig came to the Media Lab in August for a meeting of the Science Management Network. The network is aimed at colleagues who work in science management – an interface between administration and research. They develop and support processes, coordinate projects and create structures that support research and teaching.
The participants started the event together with an impulse. Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
In a positive atmosphere, participants were able to explore the Media Lab, which recently hosted the University Future Festival. Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
Small groups explored the question "Where and how do I use AI in my everyday work?" Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
Phillip Preuß from MediaLab was able to enrich the groups with practical experience. Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
In a more in-depth step, the groups also discussed the limits of AI use. Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
The network derives its strength from open exchange. Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
More than 25 employees from a wide variety of departments at TU Braunschweig attended the network meeting at the Media Lab. Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
Participants return to their institutions with fresh ideas and valuable practical experience. Photo credit: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
The network, which is still in its early stages, was founded last year. “The mailing list is growing, and there is a lot of interest, especially from new colleagues who don’t yet have their own network,” says Theresa Wegner, founder of the network. Establishing contacts in other departments can often take a long time. This is where the network meetings come in: they offer exchange formats, excursions and impulse talks.
“I found it extremely valuable to meet colleagues with similar networking interests in a relaxed atmosphere – a great opportunity to make new contacts and finally put faces to familiar names.” Christin Teskey, National Collaborative Research, Research Services
At the summer meeting in the Media Lab at TU Braunschweig, the focus was on how much artificial intelligence is already part of our everyday work. The network used the excursion to the MediaLab to focus on AI tools. As soon as they entered the Media Lab, it was clear to everyone that a lot of the work here revolves around trying out new formats and testing new technologies. The discussion revealed a wide range of AI usage – from “in daily use” to “hardly any contact points yet”.
“The event was a great opportunity to get to know colleagues from the administrative departments, faculties and other institutions better. It allowed us to broaden our own perspectives and question our own routines – that’s exactly what makes networking so valuable.” Kai Brunzel, Head of the Student Office
In small groups, participants discussed where AI is already providing concrete help – for example, in structuring large amounts of data and drafting texts. At the same time, they also reflected critically: Where are the limits? Which tasks cannot be sensibly automated? And how can we ensure that the new possibilities are handled responsibly?
There was much to discuss and many new contacts were made. The participants return to their institutions with fresh ideas and valuable practical experience. Those who would like to dive deeper into the topic can look forward to exciting events at the Media Lab in the coming months (https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/medialab/courses).
“For me, the network is a great opportunity to meet people with different perspectives at the interface between science and administration. Through exchange, we can complement each other and achieve better support for central university functions.” Anna Lux, Managing Director Future City
The next network meeting will take place in November 2025 on the topic of ‘Ecoversity’. Thanks to funding from the Ecoversity Fund, representatives from non-university institutions in the region will also be guests at the next meeting. The dates for network meetings are always published on the website about three months in advance and are also announced in the mailing list. You can register directly for the mailing list and receive an invitation by email.
“The network thrives on the desire for exchange, inspiration and new ideas – so suggestions for further dates are very welcome,” says Theresa Wegner, emphasising the importance of participation and involvement. The network is organised by the Strategic University Development Unit.
Text: Theresa Wegner