Dr. Wolfgang Eppler is a Researcher at the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he has been working since 2023. His research focuses on the societal implications of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Prior to his current position, he served in various leadership roles related to staff representation at KIT and its predecessor institutions. Dr. Eppler received his education at the University of Stuttgart, where he completed his computer science studies from 1980 to 1986. He then worked as a research assistant at the University of Karlsruhe and the Research Center for Information Technology (FZI) from 1987 to 1993, during which time he earned his doctorate on the topic of "Pre-structuring of neural networks with fuzzy logic." Dr. Eppler's research spans multiple domains at the intersection of technology and society. His early work focused on neural networks, fuzzy logic, and their applications in areas such as electronic noses, medical imaging, and high-energy physics data processing. In recent years, his research has shifted toward technology assessment, particularly examining the societal impacts of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the governance of emerging technologies. His interdisciplinary approach combines technical expertise with social science perspectives to address complex questions about the role of technology in society. Analysis of Dr. Eppler's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the ethical, governance, and societal implications of artificial intelligence. His 2024-2025 work addresses critical issues such as EU AI regulation, generative AI for technology assessment, the grounding of large language models, and algorithmic bias. This represents an evolution from his earlier technical work on neural networks and data processing systems toward more policy-oriented research that bridges technical and social dimensions of technological change. Throughout his career, Dr. Eppler has been actively involved in institutional governance and staff representation. From 2009 to 2023, he served as Chairman of the Staff Council at KIT, and from 2005 to 2009 as Chairman of the Works Council at the Karlsruhe Research Center. His publications on university governance, particularly regarding the KIT merger and models for democratic science institutions, reflect his practical experience and theoretical interest in participatory decision-making in academic settings. Dr. Eppler is a member of the Research Group "Digital Technologies and Social Change" at ITAS, where he contributes to projects examining the societal dimensions of technological innovation. His interdisciplinary background enables him to bridge technical and social science perspectives in assessing emerging technologies.
/georgkav/georg.jpg)
