Podiumsdiskussion zu Coding Life – Leben gestalten mit KI und biologischen Werkzeugen

In the organizer's words:

What if we could not only understand life, but also actively program it? The event "Coding Life - Shaping Life with AI and Biological Tools" takes a deep dive into synthetic biology with renowned experts. At the invitation of the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) and the Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Hamburg, the panelists will discuss the topic on June 8, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the Gartensaal of the Baseler Hof in Hamburg.

Coding Life refers to the principle that cells function like tiny high-tech computers. They read the genetic code, which researchers rewrite, add to or completely reinvent. Progress in the field of synthetic biology is rapid - largely driven by artificial intelligence. Today, modern AI models can calculate complex protein structures within seconds and even design new, customized proteins. In the near future, so-called AI agents could enable the next big leap in efficiency: they will increasingly plan experiments independently, evaluate data and optimize biological designs - with human intervention becoming less and less necessary.

This foreseeable automation raises questions that the panel discussion will explore. They include:

- What are we allowed to change?
- How much control should we leave to autonomous AI systems in the future?
- Who owns the machine-generated knowledge?
- Do we still think for ourselves or do we just prompt?

Discussing on the podium:

PD Dr. Jens Bohne, Hannover Medical School (MHH)

Prof. Dr. Jens Bosse, Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) and Hannover Medical School (MHH)

Prof. Dr. Blanche Schwappach-Pignataro, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and member of the Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Hamburg (AdWHH)

Moderation: Angela Grosse, science journalist

Following the one-and-a-half-hour discussion, there will be an opportunity for in-depth discussions with the experts.