Ethics in Practice
Designed as a space for open dialogue and mutual learning, this dynamic platform brings together researchers, industry leaders, and policy-makers to engage with real-world ethical challenges in the development and application of technology.
As a core element of our research environment and an integral part of our teaching approach, Ethics in Practice fosters meaningful exchanges between academia and practice. These sessions help bridge the gap between theoretical reflection and practical decision-making, equipping students, scholars, and professionals with the critical tools needed to navigate the complex ethical landscape of today’s tech-driven world.
Ethics in Practice - Summer 2026 Term Card
We were proud to continue our Ethics in Practice series in summer term of 2026.
This term, we were especially excited to welcome guest speakers from Siemens and Aleph-Alfa / N8N.
Tobias Haar (n8n/AlephAlpha) - How should organisations govern AI when regulation cannot answer every practical question?
26 May 2026
Location: Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg Campus
How should organisations govern AI when regulation cannot answer every practical question? This was one of the central themes of our Ethics in Practice session, where we were delighted to welcome Tobias Haar from n8n and Aleph Alpha for a thought-provoking discussion on AI governance in industry and the public sector.
Together, we explored questions such as:
- If employees use unapproved AI tools to meet growing expectations and workloads, where does responsibility lie?
- Can technical guardrails and "policy as code" promote ethical behaviour, or do they risk replacing ethical judgement with automated compliance?
- As AI systems become more autonomous, how can accountability and meaningful human oversight be maintained?
- What should effective AI policies look like: a list of restrictions, or a framework that helps people navigate uncertainty and make responsible decisions?
The discussion highlighted that governing AI is not only a technical or legal challenge. It is also a question of organisational culture, responsibility, and values.
Alexander Bayer (Siemens) - Ethics in Practice with Siemens
05 May 2026
Location: Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg Campus
In the context of our Ethics in Practice series, we recently welcomed Alexander Bayer, Head of Environmental Value Creation at Siemens and a leading figure in the development of Siemens' GreenDigitalTwin.
The interactive session addressed some of the most pressing tensions in corporate sustainability: What happens when sustainability lacks a business case altogether or only offers a long-term one that conflicts with short-term profit interests? How can companies and employees be motivated to act more sustainably?
A key insight from the event was that transparency is essential for sustainable action. Before organisations can make meaningful and sustainable progress, they need to understand the ecological footprint of their own products and processes. This is precisely where tools such as the Green Digital Twin can prove valuable: by making environmental footprints visible and directing attention toward more sustainable alternatives.
The discussion repeatedly returned to ethical principles such as responsibility as an important framework for navigating these challenges. It also addressed regulatory dimensions and the role of KPIs in steering sustainable action within business contexts.
Ethics in Practice - Summer 2025 Term Card
In the summer term of 2025, we were especially excited to welcome guest speakers from Lufthansa, Mercedes-Benz, and Katulu, who shared their insights and experiences at the forefront of ethical innovation in industry.
Ethics in Practice - Summer 2024 Term Card
In the summer of 2024, we hosted talks by speakers from Aligned AI, Zentrum für vertrauenswürdige Künstliche Intelligenz (ZVKI), Deutsche GigaNetz, Google,and Airbus.
Lucy Davis (ex-Google) - Big Tech and Responsible AI: Can self-regulation work?
04 June 2024
Location: Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg Campus
Lucy Davis is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience at Google, specialising in AI ethics, regulation, and reputation management. Before leaving Google in March 2024, Lucy held several distinguished roles at the company, including Head of Responsible AI (Marketing, EMEA), Head of Regulation & Reputation (Strategic Partnerships, EMEA), and Head of Brand & Reputation Programmes (Marketing, UK). Lucy holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford and is currently pursuing a Masters in Practical Ethics, also at Oxford. Her extensive background and ongoing education make her a leading voice in responsible AI and ethical practices in technology.
Lucy’s talk focused on the ethical challenges in the industry where she worked. The event took place under the Chatham House Rule.
Mai Do & Dr. Sergei Bobrovskyi (Airbus) - Ethics by Design in Complex Corporate Environments: Balancing Innovation, Compliance, and Cost Efficiency
18 June 2024
Location: Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg Campus
This session explored strategies for embedding ethics by design in a heterogeneous corporate environment, emphasising the need to find common ground among stakeholders with divergent interests. These interests include strict formal compliance, cost containment, and low overhead, alongside the innovative ambitions of AI developers. By examining these dynamics, we aim to provide insights into effectively harmonising ethical practices with the multifaceted demands of a large organisation.
This talk was part of our 'Ethics in Practice' series and focused on Airbus. The event took place under the Chatham House Rule.
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