The think tank analyses technological developments, identifies social trends and develops positions — so that AI serves humanity, not the other way around.
Humane use of IT requires that the technical and social aspects of technology are well understood. Only then can solutions be developed that genuinely serve people.
The Integrata Foundation think tank analysiert neue technische Entwicklungen und versucht, Trends zu erkennen, um daraus den Standpunkt der Stiftung zum jeweiligen Thema zu finden und festzulegen.
The work consists of literature study, structured discussion in roundtables and the development of positions with the foundation’s goals in mind. Anyone who is part of the foundation or invited by it to the discussion can participate.
We explicitly distinguish ourselves from the American concept of the "think tank" characterised by lobbying in government circles. We seek open discourse — with experts from academia, business and politics as well as with civil society.
We observe technological developments systematically — from AI regulation to the societal impacts of generative models.
In seven Special Interest Groups we develop positions — interdisciplinary, evidence-based and always with people in mind.
We carry our positions into the public sphere: as blog posts on HumanIThesia, at congresses, in the academy and in dialogue with politics and society.
The topics addressed are sometimes so complex that there are usually no simple solutions — which is why, as a think tank, we seek exchange with the public. We invite experts from academia, business and politics to the discussion and carry the discourse itself outward into civil society.Principle of the think tank
Currently, the topic of artificial intelligence is at the centre: from text generation with large language models through protein folding with AlphaFold to everyday translation programmes. These developments change our ability to do good — in medicine, in education, in democracy. But problematic phenomena such as fake news, algorithmic discrimination and the concentration of power are also growing. Orientation is needed here.
Within the think tank, seven working groups — so-called Special Interest Groups (SIGs) — have been established. Each SIG addresses a thematic focus from the perspective of humane technology use.
How does AI change learning, teaching and educational equity? The SIG examines the effects of AI systems on schools, universities and lifelong learning — and develops positions for a humane educational landscape.
Responsible leadership in the algorithmic organisation: how does AI change decision-making processes, leadership styles and the responsibility of leaders? The SIG develops orientation for ethically acting leadership in the AI age.
Digital democracy and AI-supported civic participation: how can technologies such as argument mining and AI analysis help strengthen societal participation — without fostering manipulation and the concentration of power?
Recognising, regulating and socially embedding AI risks: from cyber threats through algorithmic discrimination to the EU AI Act — the SIG develops practical positions for safe AI systems.
AI and climate change: curse and opportunity alike. The SIG analyses the resource consumption of AI systems, examines AI-supported solutions for climate problems and develops criteria for ecologically sustainable technology use.
AI in medicine: opportunity for all or privilege for the few? The SIG deals with AI in diagnostics, care and prevention — always with an eye on data protection, accessibility and the central role of people in the healthcare system.
Ethical foundations for a humane AI society: the SIG develops normative points of orientation for dealing with AI — from dignity and autonomy through transparency to the foundations of fair AI governance.
The think tank responds to socially relevant developments — here are our current fields of discussion.
The EU AI Act is the first comprehensive AI regulation worldwide. We analyse how it promotes humane AI use — and where it still needs sharpening.
Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical on AI (May 2026) offers surprising overlaps with the HCAI approach. We explore what secular AI ethics can learn from it.
Works councils face the greatest co-determination challenge since the introduction of the internet. What does AI mean for labour law, works agreements and dignity in the workplace?
How can citizens genuinely participate in an increasingly algorithmically structured society? Our Politaktiv project shows how AI can strengthen participation.
Thomas Vehmeier coordinates the work of the seven SIGs and is the primary contact for the Integrata Foundation think tank.
Thomas Vehmeier heads the Integrata Foundation think tank and coordinates the collaboration of the seven Special Interest Groups. He combines academic rigour with societal relevance and ensures that the foundation’s substantive work remains coherent, current and impact-oriented.
As Head of the Think Tank, he is the primary contact for all substantive questions, for cooperation requests with the think tank and for those interested in contributing to one of the SIGs.
Kontakt aufnehmen →The think tank thrives on committed people with expertise and conviction. Anyone who is part of the foundation or invited by it can participate.
Contribute your expertise — as an advisory board member, SIG member or guest speaker for one of our roundtables. The work is voluntary, intellectually demanding and socially relevant.
Write to us — we will discuss which SIG your expertise is best suited to.
A short conversation with the think tank leadership — straightforward and on equal footing.
You bring your perspective into roundtables, publications and congresses.
