Mindshift: How have you experienced the development of the forum over the past three years?
Vicki Nash: It has been fantastic to see how it has grown and matured. The original idea of bringing this group of institutions together in this beautiful city was a good one from the outset. In the first year, we focused on getting our bearings, getting to know each other and trying to understand each other's areas of work. However, I really appreciate that this year we are focusing on specific projects that we can actually work on together. That seems to me to be the best use of our resources.
Mindshift: Collaboration is a good keyword – which forms of cooperation already exist between the Oxford Internet Institute and TUM Campus Heilbronn?
Vicki Nash: There are a number of joint open lectures here on campus. Not only I, but also Professors Chris Russell and Carl Frey have given lectures here. We have an ongoing research project with the Campus Founders with one of our DRLs (Department Research Lecturers), Fabian Braesemann. On the other side of the Channel, we have also had students and staff from TUM visiting Oxford. For example, I have collaborated with Barbara Prommegger (Head of the ‘Technology, Work and Health’ research group at TUM) and, on another occasion, a colleague conducted research with Jens Förderer (at that time: TUM Campus Heilbronn) and one of his doctoral students, resulting in joint publications. The collaboration has paid off in a relatively short period of time.
Mindshift: Oxford and TUM Campus Heilbronn are also collaborating in the Joint Global AI Research Hub. Do you think that, after all the hype surrounding AI, something meaningful can emerge that will advance society?
Vicki Nash: Yes, I do. One advantage of my many years of experience in technology research is that I can look back and recognize patterns in how we adapt to these new innovations. One of the concepts we often talk about is what is known as domestication. This is simply the idea that there is initially a hype, and then these technologies gradually find their way into everyday life and become part of it. There will be AI tools for families that will become established and that we will use regularly without thinking about it. These could be everyday technologies that help with weekly shopping or budget planning, for example, but also quite revolutionary technologies.
Mindshift: You are also facing a transformation yourself. Your time as director of the Oxford Internet Institute is coming to an end. What are your plans for the future?
Vicki Nash: Building the institute was challenging, but it was worth it. The position of director is one of the classic positions in a university department that rotates. You take it on for a certain period of time, then pass it on to someone else and can devote yourself to your research again. So, I won't have to teach much next year. In fact, I'll spend much of that time reading the new literature on topics such as AI, children and families. I'll also be going on a research trip to New Zealand. I'd like to come back to Heilbronn and spend more time here. It would be great to stay for a few weeks, jog along the Neckar River and collaborate on some research projects. I would really enjoy that.