Digital Society
Read here the latest news about research in Digital Society at the Faculty of Science and Engineering here.
His work has shaped modern approaches to nonlinear control, hybrid systems and complex physical systems. The recognition also highlights Groningen’s longstanding international strength in systems and control research, and his collaboration with researchers across disciplines.
Future Tech Ventures (FTV) has invested in Groningen-based startup Ximplic, a spin-off from the University of Groningen developing technology to dramatically reduce the energy consumption of artificial intelligence applications.
By 2030, artificial intelligence (AI) will consume enormous amounts of electricity, land, and water – equivalent to the needs of billions of people, scientists write in a recent report by the United Nations. Is AI even possible within planetary boundaries? In principle, yes, states the UN report. ‘Yes,’ says Xin Sun of the University of Groningen, ‘but not with the current geography of data centre expansion.’
Thijs van der Laan won the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 for students. The Master's student in Artificial Intellingence won the prize for the AI-based tool he developed that supports people with aphasia by predicting the possible next word when they hesitate. With the Ben Feringa Impact Award, the University of Groningen distinguishes special achievements of its researchers and students that links scientific research to societal or professional practice.
The 2026 Heineken Young Scientists Award for Natural Sciences has been awarded to Dr. Ayushi Rastogi of the University of Groningen. Rastogi receives the prize for her research on ways to develop reliable and future-proof software, thereby making the digital sector more accessible to a broader group of people. She focuses on the human side of software development by investigating how developers collaborate and deploy AI.
Davide Grossi is an expert in the field of collective decision making and computation. On June 12, he will deliver his inaugural lecture titled: Computing Democracy: Algorithms in Democratic Renewal
The projects are part of a Dutch–Japanese programme exploring alternatives to conventional computer chips. By combining photonics, quantum and neuromorphic technologies, the consortia aim to develop faster, more energy-efficient systems for applications such as AI, medical imaging and climate research.
The Netherlands is taking a major step toward energy-efficient computing with a €9 million grant from the NWO Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC) Long-Term Programme, awarded to the ”10X-Factor(y): Towards a Dutch ecosystem for neuromorphic technologies“ project. The project is managed by UG researchers affiliated with CogniGron, a research hub that develops highly energy efficient supercomputers. In total, the project will manage a total budget of 30 million euros, coming mainly from companies and private funders.
On April 2nd 2026, the Second National Congress on Autonomous Systems took place in Drachten. It brought together scientists, technology suppliers, businesses, and policy-makers to explore the potential of autonomous systems and how we can deploy them responsibly and effectively.
Dr. Ayushi Rastogi has been awarded the 2026 Pieter Langerhuizen Bate Prize for her research into the impact of AI on the work of software professionals with disabilities.
Electrical engineer Ming Cao tackles the ethical, legal, and societal aspects surrounding AI, as head of the ELSA Lab for Technical Industry.
The European Union recently decided that an AI Factory will be established in the former Niemeyer building in Groningen. Ronald Stolk, senior advisor for IT collaborations and programme leader for the digitization of the Nij Begun economic agenda, and Bart Verheij, Professor AI and Argumentation at the UG and digitization figurehead at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, explain how the project came about. They also reflect on the academic backgrounds and social opportunities.
Raffaella Carloni develops artificial limbs, including the bionic leg for which she received the 2024 Ben Feringa Impact Award. ‘I am fascinated by robotics and dream of replicating the remarkable abilities of the human body.'