Humboldtian Scholarship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Griffith University, South Bank, Brisbane | 13–15 November 2026
What can we learn from Humboldt in the age of AI?
The 2026 Humboldt Kolleg in Brisbane brings together Humboldt Fellows, researchers and early-career scholars from across disciplines to consider how artificial intelligence is changing the way we create, access, interpret and communicate knowledge. Rather than treating AI as a specialist technical topic, the meeting asks a broader question: what does good scholarship look like in an age of almost unlimited information?
Alexander von Humboldt worked in a world of handwritten correspondence, detailed drawings, maps, instruments, specimens and long-distance travel. Today, knowledge moves globally in seconds, and AI can search, combine and analyse centuries of accumulated information. The tools are vastly different, but the underlying challenges may be surprisingly familiar: How do we analyse data, connect ideas, remain curious, and distinguish genuine insight from the sheer volume of information?
The Kolleg will approach these questions from many directions, including biomedical and chemical discovery, drug discovery, big data and modelling, cybersecurity and privacy, climate and sustainability, emerging technologies, philosophy, society, culture and ethics. We have put together a deliberately broad program that reflects Humboldt’s interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and his brilliant instinct to connect observations and ideas across fields.
Partial travel support for eligible non-local attendees has been generously supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Abstract submission and registration/payment are separate. Presentation requests may be made for an oral presentation, poster presentation, either format, or attendance only.
Abstract submissions close: 15 October
Abstract outcomes communicated: 20 October
Early-bird registration closes: 30 October
Standard registration: 31 October–10 November
Hotels: Some accommodation options within walking distance of the venue, with approximate nightly rates, include:
- Mantra South Bank — about 0.7 km
- Hotel Diana South Brisbane — about 0.9 km
- Rydges South Bank Brisbane — about 1 km
- Novotel Brisbane South Bank — about 1 km
- Swiss-Belhotel Woolloongabba — about 1.5 km
- Morgan Suites — about 1.8 km, serviced apartments
- Fleet Lane Apartments — about 2 km, self-contained apartments
- Riverside Hotel Southbank — about 2 km, with complimentary parking.
The Friday venue for the afternoon conference and Welcome Reception will be:
The Ship Inn, Sidon St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
The Saturday and Sunday venue will be at:
Griffith University Southbank Campus, 226 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Saturday’s Conference Dinner will be at:
Azure Mediterranean is located at River Quay, Shop 4/Sidon Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101 (situated right across the river from the CBD at South Bank).
