AI Winter School 2026

Generative AI is transforming established ways of working, thinking and producing knowledge. In particular, this change challenges doctoral candidates and staff at universities alike. Consequently, it calls for an in-depth discussion about the usefulness, applicability and consequences of generative AI in academia and society.

We encourage you to bring your perspective to the table and challenge our experts. We hope to make you AI literate. More precisely, we want you to be knowledgeable of the functioning, competent in the use and critical of the consequences of generative AI.

You will explore the technical, ethical, philosophical and political dimensions of generative AI while reflecting on your own doctoral research projects. Specifically, the 4-day Winter School includes the following formats:

• 3 keynote lectures
• 7 workshops
• 4 try-out and self-reflection sessions
• 1 serious game

Join us from December 1^st to 4^th, 2026, in the Leuphana Central Building, C40.601/605.

Registration for Leuphana PhD candidates opens September 1^st via myStudy. Examination for Leuphana participants:

• active participation across all four days
• short poster-presentation of your PhD project (submittable until November 15th)
• submission of a 2000 word reflective essay (submittable until January 31st; more details to come)
• credits: 5 ECTS, module “Discussing Research Perspectives”

Registration for non-Leuphana PhD candidates opens October 1^st. Examination for non-Leuphana participants:

• active participation across all four days
• short poster-presentation of your PhD project (submittable until November 15th)
• credits: confirmation of participation

The Winter School is organised by Leuphana Graduate School and Leuphana AI Campus. It is funded by the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education.