CfP: Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Small Subjects

The rapid spread and low-threshold use of artificial intelligence (AI) is permanently changing research practices at universities and scientific institutions. The automated processing of large amounts of data and its linking and analysis in a very short time are challenging established research methods in many disciplines. While these developments are already being discussed intensively in data-intensive subjects, the consequences for minor subjects remain unclear: What role does AI play in the future development of minor subjects at German universities? What subject-specific, structural and research policy opportunities and challenges are associated with the increasing use of AI for minor subjects? How can small disciplines strategically use AI to further develop and strengthen their research?

These and other questions are the focus of the conference “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Small Disciplines”, organised by the Centre for Small Disciplines and the Academy of Sciences and Literature | Mainz. The aim of the conference is to discuss the impact of AI on minor subjects together with researchers from minor subjects, representatives from science research, higher education policy and management, research funding, and experts in digital research data infrastructures.

The call for papers is aimed at representatives of small disciplines who have already integrated AI into their everyday research or who would like to make a reflective contribution to the discourse on the changes brought about by AI in small disciplines. Submissions are possible for Option 1: a presentation in Session 1 or Option 2: a station in the World Café. Additional contributions and discussion formats involving the various participant groups are also planned. The conference also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary and inter-institutional networking.

Option 1 | Presentation in Session 1 “How AI is changing minor subjects: impulses and perspectives”
Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026, afternoon

In Session 1, we invite you to examine the diverse effects of AI on minor subjects from the perspective of different academic cultures. Three ten-minute keynote speeches will illustrate how AI influences concrete research work in minor subjects and what opportunities and challenges this presents for the future development of these subjects.

Option 2 | Station at the World Café “AI in everyday research in minor subjects”
Date: Friday, 20 November 2026, morning

The aim of the World Café is to present the experiences of minor subjects in dealing with AI, to highlight synergies and networking opportunities, and to develop new ideas together with experts in digital research infrastructures. Ten to 15 stations will discuss specific applications of AI in everyday research in small disciplines. The presentations – for example, in the form of a poster – will be supplemented by a five-minute short lecture summarising the content of the presentation.

We welcome abstracts of up to 300 words and ask for details of the planned contribution (preference option 1 or option 2) and personal details (name, institution, subject area). Applications can be sent by email to kleinefaecher@uni-mainz.de until 15 March 2026. Feedback on applications will be provided by the end of April 2026. The final programme will be published by mid-June 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Kyra Riedschy at kleinefaecher@uni-mainz.de.

Further information can be found here.