STS Roundtable Annual Conference – Berlin 2026
Sociotechnical Systems Design – New Challenges in Times of Omnipresent AI
29. September – 02. October 2026 in Berlin, Germany
Welcome to our conference on Sociotechnical Systems in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. As AI becomes an increasingly pervasive and often invisible part of how we work, organize, and interact, new questions arise about responsibility, transparency, governance, and the future design of human-centered sociotechnical systems.
This conference brings together researchers and practitioners to critically explore how sociotechnical systems can be designed, governed, and transformed in the era of ubiquitous AI. We welcome theoretical, empirical, and practice-oriented contributions and look forward to an inspiring exchange of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
What will happen?
The conference aims to create an open and engaging dialogue on Human-Centered AI (HCAI). Building on the spirit of previous exchanges, the focus will be on three interconnected perspectives:
– risk-aware regulation,
– participative implementation,
– and opportunity-oriented sociotechnical requirements engineering.
Discussions will explore AI applications ranging from products already available today to the next generation of Human-Centered AI systems. Through talks, discussions, and collaborative exchange, the conference seeks to connect theory and practice while shaping future approaches to responsible and human-centered AI development.
Where?
– Plenary Sessions from 30.09. – 02.10.2026 at Ludwig-Erhard-Haus, Goldberger Saal, (https://vbki.de/raumvermietung/), Fasanenstr. 85, 10623 Berlin
– Parallel Streams and Group Work nearby (5 minutes to walk) at VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Steinplatz 1, 10623 Berlin
– 29.09.2026: Pre-Conference Event at Hotel Aquino, Tagungszentrum, Hannoversche Straße 5b, 10115 Berlin-Mitte
Agenda
Our conference is designed as an interactive network conference, combining dynamic small-group discussions with engaging plenary sessions. It provides a platform for researchers and design practitioners to exchange experiences, explore emerging challenges, and develop new perspectives on Human-Centered AI. The agenda features inspiring keynote presentations by leading experts, addressing three key topics:
– monitoring and regulating the risks of today’s AI applications,
– human-centered design of AI-supported value creation processes, and
– sociotechnical requirements engineering for the next generation of Human-Centered AI.
Explore the full conference program by downloading the agenda here. For a more detailed overview, you can also browse the schedule day by day to discover sessions, speakers, and activities planned for each conference day.
Accommodation?
To ensure a comfortable stay during the conference, a selection of accommodations is available within convenient distance of the conference venues.
We have also secured a dedicated room block at special rates for conference participants at the “Motel one“. We encourage attendees to book early, as availability is limited and reservations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please use the booking request form when making your reservation at Motel One.
Who will be there?
The conference brings together practitioners and researchers with an STS background from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria – as well as everyone curious about sociotechnical perspectives on AI and Human-Centered AI (HCAI). International guests are especially welcome. Many contributions will share STS stories and experiences from the German-speaking countries – often presented in English for the first time – while also creating space for participants from abroad to share their own perspectives and case studies. Most importantly, this event is designed for active exchange. Participants are invited not only to listen, but also to contribute their own experiences, ideas, and STS-inspired cases to the discussion.
Who are the Hosts?
