From 13th to 18th September 2026, our PhD candidate Justin Kreikemeyer took part in the 13th Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF) as one of 200 selected young researchers.
The HLF brings together young researchers from all around the world with laureates of the most prestigious awards in mathematics and computer science: the ACM A.M. Turing Award, the ACM Prize in Computing, the Fields Medal, the Abel Prize, and the IMU Abacus Medal. Through a mix of scientific and social program, the forum enables exchange across borders, both on current research and on the challenges both disciplines face. This year, many discussions centered on how computer science and mathematics can adapt to the rapid advances in artificial intelligence. For mathematics, this is a particularly relevant topic and was the subject of the panel discussion "AI in Mathematical Research", which is now also available on YouTube.
At the un-conference, a new format in which participants propose and vote on sessions for the final day of the forum, Justin led a discussion session together with Oliver Gracewood (Mathematics, University of Auckland) and Michael Bonfert (Computer Science, ZEIT SPRACHEN) on "The Academic System in the Age of AI – Rethinking Publishing, Incentives, and Research Culture".
The session focused on how the scientific system can cope with the sharply increased number of submitted papers and how the review system and incentives can adapt.
Justin summarized his experience at the HLF on his blog His conclusion: "The HLF was the most exciting conference I have attended so far. During this week, I was surrounded by a group of peers from all around the world and immersed in discussions on the broad (research) topics currently relevant to them. My network is now enriched with many new contacts that may in the future facilitate collaboration and the next steps of my career. I took home several learnings, for example on how to deal with the rapid changes induced by AI. The encouraging words from the laureates in the Spark Sessions and personal conversations will motivate me for years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend applying for this unique experience to any young researcher."
Justin thanks the Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation and SAP for making his participation possible.