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Studierende sitzt am Arbeitsplatz und schaut auf den Laptop. © Aliona Kardash​/​TU Dortmund

Award for Dr. Magdalena Wischnewski and Dr.-Ing. Alexander Puzicha from the TU Dortmund University Young Academy

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© Dr. Maria Verena Peters
V.l.n.r.: Dr. Nick Große; Dr. Alexander Puzicha; Dr. Lea Winand; Dr. Charlotte Behlau; Dr. Birgit Zeyer-Gliozzo; Dr. Jens Mazei; Dr. Dorothea Metzen / Magdalena Wischnewski ist nicht abgebildet
Dr. Magdalena Wischnewski and Dr.-Ing. Alexander Puzicha from the Department of Computer Science receive funding from the TU Dortmund University Young Academy.

The Department of Computer Science at TU Dortmund University is delighted to announce the successful funding of two outstanding young researchers by the TU Dortmund Young Academy. Dr. Magdalena Wischnewski and Dr.-Ing. Alexander Puzicha each receive funding of 9,550 euros for their groundbreaking research projects.

How does language influence our trust in AI?

In her project "Using mentalistic vocabulary for LLM - Effects on perceived anthropomorphism, perceived agency, and users' trust", Dr. Magdalena Wischnewski investigates how the way we talk about large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT influences our perception of and trust in these technologies.

The language we use shapes our thinking - this also applies to our dealings with artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Wischnewski is analysing the extent to which the use of mentalistic vocabulary (e.g. terms such as "think", "feel", "understand") contributes to the anthropomorphization of language models and what effects this has on users' trust. The project is supported by Dr. Dennis Nguyen, who is involved as a project partner.

Novel technologies for autonomous inland navigation

Dr. Alexander Puzicha's research focuses on the development of innovative software and hardware systems for autonomous inland navigation and the hybrid use of waterways. He focuses on three central challenges:

  1. Hybrid communication between manned and unmanned vessels
    - Development of methods for the detection, classification and localization of ship horn sound signals and their delivery
    - Research into autonomous radios for VHF communication with ships, locks and ports
  2. GNSS-free navigation using advanced sonar technology
    - Adaptation of localization and mapping techniques (SLAM) to the special features of scanning and sidescan echo sounders
    - Consideration of ship position and water level fluctuations to correct charts created
  3. Rule-based navigation using formal logics
    - Mapping of relevant legal texts into formal logics for rule-based and comprehensible avoidance procedures
    - Alternative to the current practice of minimizing learned cost functions, which are often difficult for captains to understand

These developments are bundled in the "Autonomous Nautical Systems" working group, in which various chairs of the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and Information Technology work together.

Young Academy - funding for excellent research

The TU Dortmund University Young Academy supports doctoral researchers in the qualification phase in building up a research profile with strong third-party funding. Further information on the Young Academy can be found here.

The official TU Dortmund University announcement on the kick-off workshop and the new funding recipients can be found here.

 

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