Digital Humanism unites the efforts of disciplines that traditionally do not collaborate. Together, we fulfill our societal obligation to develop and use technology responsibly.

Digital Humanism is a mindset, a philosophy, a political driving force, a scientific approach, and, most of all, a promise to society. Rooted in the Vienna Manifesto on Digital Humanism, our activities position human values, responsibility, and inclusion as guiding principles for the development and deployment of technology. It is a commitment to shaping, governing, and advancing technology in ways that serve people and contribute to a better future for all.

By bringing technological innovation and societal concerns into dialogue, Digital Humanism seeks to ensure that technological progress remains aligned with human needs and the common good. It embodies the shared vision expressed in TU Wien’s mission statement, Technology for People, and our faculty’s guiding principle, Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Society: advancing outstanding research and education that create tangible benefits for people and society.

Digital Humanism at TU Wien is reflected in a research approach that considers technological development together with its societal, ethical, and human implications.

It emphasizes the importance of critically reflecting on emerging technologies, understanding their potential impacts, and ensuring that decisions about their direction are not shaped by experts alone, but involve diverse perspectives from across society.

Key questions include how technologies can be developed and deployed in ways that are inclusive, responsible, and aligned with human values; how participation and diversity can contribute to equitable outcomes; and how to identify areas where ethically employed technologies can create the greatest positive impact.

The Digital Humanism initiative spans a wide range of educational outreach activities across nearly all levels of education. At the university level, a Master’s course on Digital Humanism was established following the first Vienna Workshop on Digital Humanism.

Building on this, the Vienna Doctoral College on Digital Humanism, a joint initiative of TU Wien, the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Economics and Business, the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF), and the City of Vienna, was established in 2024. The doctoral training program is dedicated to critically examining and shaping the digital transformation of society by fostering interdisciplinary research that bridges computer science, social sciences, and the humanities. The Doctoral College aims to cultivate a new generation of scholars equipped to understand, navigate and positively influence the complex interplay between technology and society.

Beyond degree programs, the Digital Humanism Summer School has become a leading initiative for interdisciplinary exchange, with growing international reach. At the same time, outreach activities extend into secondary education and lifelong learning, including the co-developed high school elective “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Humanism” at Gymnasium Stubenbastei and digital literacy courses at the Volkshochschulen Wien. Together, these initiatives form a continuous educational pathway that embeds Digital Humanism from early education to advanced research and public learning environments.

Our Partners. Alone we can do little – but together we can do much. Find our main players, cooperations and initiatives within and beyond TU Wien Informatics here. Their commitment and support make our efforts possible.

We foster a wide range of Digital Humanism activities that explore the relationship between technology, society, and human values through education, research, and dialogue. By integrating ethical reflection, critical digital literacy, and participatory formats, these activities form a living ecosystem that includes the Digital Humanism lecture series, summer schools, and the Digital Humanism Fellowship Program, organized in cooperation with the Institute for Human Sciences.

• Lecture Series
  Ongoing Series of Online Events, Lectures, and Discussions
• Doctoral College
  Vienna Doctoral College on Digital Humanism
• Summer Schools
  Our Summer Schools on Digital Humanism
• Digital Humanism Fellowship
  Our fellowship program in cooperation with the Institute for Human Sciences

As digital technologies reshape how we live, work, and interact, fundamental questions about their role in society are becoming increasingly urgent.

In 2026, TU Wien, The University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and the Central European University joined forces to establish the Center for Digital Humanism to explore these questions across disciplines.

The research center is taking shape as a collaborative space for research, education, and public engagement. It builds on the interdisciplinary research in the field of digital humanism and translates its principles into practical approaches for the development and use of technologies. As a partner for society, policymakers, industry, and education, the center will provide state-of-the-art research and practical guidelines. It will serve as an open forum beyond the traditional lecture room, hosting workshops, talks, and cultural events that encourage dialogue and collaboration around digital humanism.

Rooted in a growing research ecosystem, the new center will help shape global discussions on the development of digital technology and is supported by the City of Vienna and the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research

The UNESCO Chair on Digital Humanism aims to shape the development of digital technologies and policies toward human rights, democracy, participation, inclusion, and diversity.

Established in 2023, the Chair is held by Peter Knees and Co-Chairholder Julia Neidhardt

The Chair supports interdisciplinary collaboration in research and education, strengthens links with partner universities worldwide—particularly in the Global South—and contributes to integrating Digital Humanism perspectives into teaching curricula and technical courses at TU Wien. It also promotes reflection on ethical research practices aligned with UNESCO’s Recommendation on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, facilitates exchange on emerging research agendas, and serves as a point of connection for partners and activities within the international Digital Humanism initiative and our Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML).

Want to talk to real people about the challenges we face? Here are the leading experts and primary contacts for all our Digital Humanism initiatives.

Recent highlights, events, and news from all our Digital Humanism initiatives.
Want more? Head over to our Newsroom!