Summer School 2019
In August, the Institute for Legal Informatics hosted its third international and interdisciplinary summer school, ‘IT Law and Legal Informatics.’ From 19 to 30 August, young researchers from all over the world gathered on the campus of Saarland University for an intensive two-week exchange and joint research. Financial support was provided by saaris, among others.
As in previous years, the Summer School served as a melting pot for people of different nationalities, bringing together young scientists in an interdisciplinary academic discourse. This year, 26 participants from 18 different countries (including Egypt, Russia, Spain and Oman) took part. A unique feature of the Summer School is the panel of highly qualified academics who also guide the young researchers in their own projects.
During the summer school, lecturers gave presentations on topics such as ‘IT Security and the Internet of Things,’ ‘Artificial Intelligence,’ and ‘Legal Tech.’ Another highlight was the German-Japanese conference on ‘New Technology Governance,’ at which renowned researchers from Japan and Germany spoke about current technical and legal aspects of new technologies.
The programme was opened by University President Prof. Dr. Manfred Schmitt. Other participants included Prof. Dr. Jana Koehler from DFKI and Ammar Alkassar, Saarland's representative for innovation and strategy. Prof. Dr. Burkhard Schäfer from the University of Edinburgh gave an exciting lecture on ‘Treating friend, foe and stranger alike: legal, ethical and regulatory issues of medical AIs on the battlefield’. Prof. Dr. Ken Satoh, who had travelled from Japan for the conference, gave a lecture on ‘AI applications to law and PROLEG (PROlog based LEGal) support system’. . Prof. Dr. Raja Chatila (Sorbonne University) and Professor Dr. Mayu Terada (Hitotsubashi University) also travelled to the conference especially for the summer school, making the teaching staff extremely international!
The conference concluded by offering summer school participants the opportunity to present their research findings in a series of short presentations. This allowed the young researchers to actively contribute and learn how to give presentations in front of an international and high-profile audience.
In addition, the Summer School's supporting programme provided an insight into the rich culture of the Saarland and prestigious European legal institutions. Once again, the European Parliament in Strasbourg opened its doors to us. The programme also included wine tasting, a tour of the Bruch Brewery and a guided tour of Saarbrücken. Further excursions to Malbrouck Castle near Thionville, the Saar Loop and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte rounded off the programme. At the end, the institute directors presented the young researchers with their certificates of participation.
So, the third edition of the Summer School was also a resounding success. Participants not only benefited professionally – the new friendships they formed and the enjoyable cultural programme will surely remain in their memories for a long time to come.