Whether psychology, law or natural sciences – AI is now part of every degree programme to varying degrees. The University of Graz is now taking a major step into the digital future and, on 21 May, will become the first university in Austria to launch a comprehensive AI chatbot for all students.
The tool, called "studiGPT", is available free of charge to around 30,000 students and provides support for a variety of study tasks, from drafting a study plan and improving texts to formulating emails and coming up with creative ideas. Students can also upload files and save successful commands, known as prompts, for further use. The University of Graz is the first in Austria to provide such an AI service for students.
Micro-degree in AI and Society
At the information event in the Alumni Lecture Hall, the Idea_Lab team also presented the contents of the Micro-Degree "AI and Society", from the theoretical basics to practical implementation in a group that prepares students for working in a company. The transdisciplinary additional training with 16 ECTS credits is open to all Bachelor's and Diploma students and can be credited as an elective.
"Our students learn to think outside the box. This training in AI therefore covers not only technical applications, but also legal and ethical aspects," explains Rector Peter Riedler. "At Graz University, we don't just want to discuss and research AI, we want to actively use and shape it," explains Markus Fallenböck, Vice Rector for Digitalisation. "One of our most important tasks is to prepare students well for the challenges of the future. Working with artificial intelligence will be one of the key skills for this," says Catherine Walter-Laager, Vice Rector for Studies and Teaching
The University of Graz is leveraging the strengths of a broad-based university to become a leading AI university. The interdisciplinary IDea_Lab at the University of Graz shows how future-oriented teaching and innovative research can enrich a degree programme.
In November, the University of Graz, together with Graz University of Technology, Joanneum Research and FH Joanneum, will host the second Technology Impact Summit, where experts will discuss the impact of AI on the world of work and everyday life.