Made in Science – The official podcast of the University of Stuttgart

Transformation is not a trend – it’s a necessity.

We dive into circular economy models, new materials, systemic thinking, and the crucial role of universities and startups in shaping change. Bauernhansl also reflects on international experiences, educational reform, and how to maintain motivation in fast-paced times.

A conversation about courage, complexity – and the future we must actively design.

In this 50th edition of Made in Science, Prof. Inés de Castro – director of the Linden Museum Stuttgart and member of the University Council of the University of Stuttgart – reflects on the role of ethnological museums in a rapidly changing world.

How would governance work on Mars? And what can we learn about democratic preferences on Earth? In this episode, Professor André Bächtiger, a political scientist at the University of Stuttgart, discusses his ERC-funded research into the design of governance systems for the Red Planet and compares democratic models in the US, Germany and the Global South. He examines how dominant discourses shape democracy, the role of deliberation in education and the potential of AI in university discussions. Look forward to a stimulating conversation about the future of democracy - on Earth and beyond!

Professor Zamira Daw discusses her research on AI certification and integration in aerospace applications. She highlights her journey from Colombia to Germany and the US, emphasizing the importance of safety-critical systems in both medical devices and aviation. Daw explains the need for model-driven development and embedded systems to ensure AI safety in aviation. She notes the growing interest in AI but stresses its careful application. Daw also addresses the gender imbalance in STEM fields, advocating for early education to encourage girls. She highlights the importance of collaboration and mentorship in her work and the need for a balance between innovation and safety in AI.

Our interviewee is Amrei Bahr, a philosopher specialising in applied ethics, aesthetics and the philosophy of technology at the University of Stuttgart. She is one of the co-founders of the university policy initiative ‘I am Hanna’. We talk about her research on applied ethics. She criticises the current open access publication system, which she believes is still a financial burden for many researchers. Bahr also emphasises the ethical problems of global waste management, in particular the harmful conditions in the recycling of electronic waste in Ghana. She argues in favour of a more differentiated approach to recycling and calls for better working conditions in academia, referring to her campaign against fixed-term contracts.

The podcast features Dr. Gidok Kim, a leading scientist in thin-film technology at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart. The host discusses his career journey, his experiences as a researcher, and his time at Samsung Electronics. The episode offers fascinating insights into the life of a scientist and the intersection of industry and research.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Thilo Hagendorff, a visionary researcher and ethical trailblazer in the field of generative artificial intelligence.

But there is also a life beyond research: Hagendorff is a world record-breaking cyclist, a passionate animal rights activist and an author whose undercover investigations earned him a media award.

Whether it's the future of AI, personal growth through sport or the courage to tackle ethical dilemmas, this episode is a captivating insight into innovation and integrity.

This episode is about ‘3D computational geometry and architecture’. Our guest is Dr Gene Ting-Chun Kao, an R&D engineer from Stockholm. Dr Kao studied on the ITECH (Integrative Technologies and Architectural Design Research) Master's programme at the University of Stuttgart.

Our guest is Emese Weissenbacher, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Deputy Chairwoman of the Management Board at MANN+HUMMEL. She completed her studies in technically oriented Business Administration at the University of Stuttgart in 1994. The study programme is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Weissenbacher is one of the few women to have reached a position of influence in the male-dominated world of the automotive supply industry. We talk about her career path, the importance of topics such as digitalisation and sustainability in the world of work, and how a team leader should behave when taking charge of a new team. An inspiring conversation!

We are talking to Franziska Hild, doctoral researcher at the Institute of Space Systems in the group Numerical Simulation at the University of Stuttgart. We talk about the prestigous Amelia Earhart Fellowship and what Franziska Hild thinks about theory and testing. Furthermore, we would like to know what she would bring back to Earth from a visit to space.

Amelia Earhart Fellowship for Franziska Hild

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