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The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation invites applications from early-career researchers from various disciplines to participate in a symposium jointly organised with the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES) on the theme of “How to improve model robustness".
The symposium will take place from 06 November 2025 to 09 November 2025 in Mannheim (Germany) and aims to stimulate and establish international engagement and collaboration amongst early-career researchers in Germany and Brazil working in a broad range of disciplines. It is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas across both disciplinary and national boundaries by adopting a format that will allow for extensive discussion and debate, with considerable time set aside for this and other networking opportunities.
Thematic focus
BRAGFOST 2025 brings together the best experts in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and machine learning with experts in biomass valorisation and bioprospecting for the bioeconomy, creating a melting pot of disciplines. The aim is to improve the application of GenAI based technology in general, including specific solutions for bioeconomy research areas mentioned above.
Whilst many papers have been published on GenAI and the bioeconomy, few discuss both. Collaboration between the two could create more tailored solutions for our major industries. However, good quality data and the right problem formulation are required. Bringing together domain and AI experts could help address the lack of appropriate AI and other advanced data analysis technologies for biomass valorisation and bioprospecting.
A dialogue between the two fields could pave the way for progress and opportunities for future research and applications. We will focus on identifying improvements for sustainable approaches that are poorly represented in digital technologies.
The 2025 symposium will include the following sessions:
- Generative AI and its impact on immersive technologies
- Generative AI in industry and the future of labour and agriculture
- Ethics, laws and the ESG in the Generative AI Revolution
- Enhanced scientific research with Generative AI
Each of the sessions will draw on the broad range of disciplines and expertise present to improve the dialogue between GenAI and machine learning, and the fields of biomass valorisation and bioprospecting for the bioeconomy.
CONNECT
Participants are eligible to apply for CONNECT, a follow-up programme for participants in Frontiers of Research Symposia offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. It provides grants for short working visits to Germany or Brazil that can be taken up at any time after the symposium.
Eligibility requirements for researchers from Germany
Researchers at all career stages are eligible to apply provided that they
- are based in Germany,
- work at research institutions in Germany,
- have completed a PhD within the last 15 years,
- are fluent in spoken and written English.
Participants are expected to attend the entire symposium. Attending the event in its entirety is mandatory in order to meet the requirements to apply for the Humboldt Foundation’s CONNECT programme.
Application process
Applications may be submitted online at https://humboldt-frontiers-of-research.net/application/ until 28 February 2025. Only applications received by the deadline will be considered.
Applicants should provide:
- the completed application form (accessible via the link)
- a curriculum vitae (two pages max.)
- a list of key publications (one page max.)
Applications must be completed in English. Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact stephanie.dill[at]avh.de.
Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- proven research interest in and/or experience with the symposium topic
- previous commitment to and experience with interdisciplinary research projects
- added value of the symposium for applicant’s academic career development
Successful applicants will be notified of their selection in April 2025.
Logistics
Duration: Evening of 06 November 2025 until afternoon of 09 November 2025
Hotel and Meeting Venue: Hotel Mannheimer Hof, Augustaanlage 4-8, 68165 Mannheim
Accommodation: 06 November 2025 until 09 November 2025 (3 nights)
Participants' travel, accommodation and meal expenses will be covered by both organisations for the specified conference dates.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact stephanie.dill[at]avh.de.