SAIL in 2025 – Year in Review (Part 3)

As the year drew to a close, the final months of 2025 brought a series of highlights that once again underlined the diversity and collaborative spirit of the SAIL research network.

🧠🤖 SAIL Hackathon: AI in Health Sciences
From 7–9 November, we hosted the SAIL Hackathon “AI in Health Sciences” at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (HSBI). Students from HSBI, Bielefeld University, and beyond worked intensively on developing AI models that detect movements and movement intentions from EEG brain signals. Focusing on machine learning for brain–computer interfaces, the hackathon explored applications in prosthetics, orthoses, and rehabilitation. Guided by Prof. Wolfram Schenck and Dr. Peter Kuchling, teams combined theory, experimentation, and creative problem-solving.

🌍 Strong international presence & awards
SAIL members continued to present their research at major international venues, including ISWC 2025 in Nara (Japan), HAI 2025 in Yokohama (Japan) and K-CAP 2025 in Dayton, Ohio (USA). We are especially proud of two outstanding recognitions: At HAI 2025, Clarissa Sabrina Arlinghaus received the Best Workshop Paper Award for her work on conformity dynamics in AI systems. At ISWC, David Maria Schmidt was awarded the Best ORKG Comparison Award for “CompoST” and nominated for Best Paper and Best Student Paper.

🤝 Citizen Hackathon at GENIALE: “AI and Us”
As part of GENIALE 2025, the Citizen Hackathon at Wissenswerkstadt Bielefeld offered a space for dialogue with the public on “Sustainability through AI”. Organised by Peter Kuchling with support from Sinem Görmez, the event fostered insightful discussions beyond academic contexts.

🎓 SAIL Retreat: Reflecting and connecting
From 17–18 November, the SAIL network gathered in Bad Sassendorf for its annual retreat. PhD candidates and PostDocs presented their work in poster sessions and talks, highlighting progress across all SAIL research and application areas. Beyond the scientific programme, the retreat provided valuable time for networking, reflection, and strategic exchange, a fitting conclusion to the year.

With this, another successful SAIL year comes to an end. Thank you to everyone who contributed. We look forward to what’s next! ✨