Researchers from the University of Fribourg, together with Swiss and Japanese university partners, are leading an international project to investigate AI in society, art, and science.

An international research team, coordinated by scientists at the Human-IST Institute of the University of Fribourg, has received significant project funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation for the research project 'Performing AI: Governance, Agency, Action'. This interdisciplinary project will examine the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in politics, art, and everyday life. 'Performing AI' combines the expertise of various sociological, artistic, and scientific approaches to explore AI as a living social and cultural phenomenon. In addition to the University of Fribourg, the University of Lausanne, Zurich University of the Arts, and the University of Tokyo are also leading participants.

Redefining boundaries
"Artificial intelligence is on everyone's lips, but it's a broad term that is defined and understood differently. Our goal is to develop a deeper understanding of how AI 'performs' and operates in various contexts," explains Dr. Anna Jobin from the University of Fribourg. "'Performing AI' explores AI from a novel perspective that puts the concepts of performance and performativity at the center. We don't view AI as an isolated technical phenomenon, but as a dynamic interplay of discourses, material processes, and concrete applications." Prof. Dr. Christopher Salter, Director of the Immersive Arts Space at Zurich University of the Arts, emphasizes the artistic dimension: "In our 'Immersive Arts Space', we explore how AI constantly redefines the boundaries between human and machine in art - and vice versa. This opens up fascinating perspectives for artistic practice and our understanding of the relationship between technology and creativity." Dr. Olivier Glassey from the University of Lausanne, who also heads the Musée de la main UNIL-CHUV, brings another perspective: "By examining AI in everyday life and in public spaces such as museums, we gain valuable insights into the societal impacts of this technology. This is crucial for an informed public debate." Prof. Dr. Takashi Ikegami from the University of Tokyo, an expert in 'Artificial Life', emphasizes the technical dimension: "We are investigating how AI systems can interact and act in real-time, and what new possibilities this opens up for research into multimodal AI and embodiment."

The 'Performing AI' project aligns with the University of Fribourg's strategy to promote interdisciplinary research and particularly to examine societal issues and problems related to digitalization. It also enriches the university's new interdisciplinary Master's program in 'Digital Society'. Rector Katharina Fromm underlines the significance of the project: "This research will not only deepen our understanding of AI but also provide important impulses for public debate and future technology development. It once again demonstrates how important our university's interdisciplinary approach is for tackling complex societal challenges."

The 'Performing AI' project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and will be conducted over a period of 4 years. It promises to provide new insights into the role and impact of AI in our society.