Humanist Conference 2025
Virtual Centre of Excellence
27th.-29th. August 2025
Chemnitz, Germany
The focus of the 2025 Humanist Conference was on
» Innovative and intelligent mobility solutions and applications for diverse user groups «
For further details please see the official Humanist Website
(https://www.humanist-vce.eu/chemnitz2025.html)
Review: HUMANIST-VCE 2025 Conference at Chemnitz University of Technology
From August the 27th to 29th, 2025, more than 90 participants from 12 countries took part in the HUMANIST - Virtual Centre of Excellence Conference to share the latest research findings on innovative, intelligent and human-centred mobility solutions for various user groups. The conference was organised by the Professorship of Cognitive Psychology and Human Factors in Chemnitz during the Capital of Culture year and offered a diverse programme covering various modes of mobility.
Over the three days of the conference, research findings were presented on topics ranging from highly automated vehicles and micromobility to walking and cycling. Among other things, the conference addressed issues relating to automated and assisted mobility, human-machine interaction, road safety and the needs of vulnerable road users. Particular attention was paid to the needs of older people and people with specific requirements, with a focus on topics such as accessibility, inclusion, autonomy and efficiency.The programme was complemented by an interactive poster and demo session, which provided a lively and practical insight into various AHF research projects – including work from the mobility group on VR-supported studies in cycling and walking, studies on smart charging and new approaches to promoting fairness and diversity in the context of AI-supported mobility from the Digital Innovation Hub ‘Focus Human’ project.
Inspiring highlights of the event were the two keynotes by Carmelo D'Agostino (Lund University, SWE) on the use of AI to analyse human error in road traffic and Nicole van Nes (TU Delft, NLD) on perspectives for shaping future mobility. Both presentations provided valuable impulses for scientific exchange and stimulating discussions. The conference concluded with the presentation of the Early Career Best Paper Award (winner: Katharina Kummerer, BMW Group) and the Best Presentation Award (winner: Adelina Berkemeier, Chair of Ergonomics and Innovation Management, TU Chemnitz) by the Humanist Network.
The conference demonstrated how interdisciplinary and international mobility research is today and the importance of human-centred approaches for the development of sustainable, safe and inclusive transport systems.
