Today, Prof. Tobias Kowatsch and his team, Lola Ackermann, Helen Galliker, Dr. Anja Bischof, and Marc Grüner, were honored to contribute to the 20-years anniversary of the Children’s University Lecture Series at the University of St. Gallen (HSG). The lecture was entitled Healthy with Artificial Intelligence: Brilliant or Creepy? (in German: Gesund mit Künstlicher Intelligenz: Genial oder gruselig?). Over 500 schoolchildren in the booked-out lecture learned more about the following CDHI projects:

1. Clara: Nocturnal Cough Detection and Asthma Control Prediction
2. stressOUT: Detection of Stress at the Workplace by PC Mouse Interactions
3. Holgraphic Physiotherapy Coaching with Alex
4. Breeze: A Gameful Biofeedback Breathing Training for Mental and Physical Well-being

A special thanks goes to Lola Ackermann, who developed an interactive image-based AI-based survey tool that allowed the children to provide answers to multiple-choice questions via paper-based colorful answer cards. Moreover, we thank Helen Galliker, who presented the holographic physiotherapy coach Alex and how she developed it. Dr. Anja Bischof and Marc Grüner took over the role of mental fitness coaches and supported two young students in conducting the slow-paced breathing training Breeze.

In addition, we thank Edith Steiner, Noreen Marty, and Roger Rothenbacher for their support in preparing and executing this special lecture. We finally thank photographer Hannes Thalmann, HSG, for capturing the various emotions of the children.

Background on HSG’s yearly Children’s University: In the winter semester of 2003/04, the HSG launched Switzerland’s first Children’s University with the topic “Where does money come from?” Now, in 2024, HSG proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Children’s University offers lectures by HSG professors, covering diverse topics such as business administration, economics, and law. These lectures aim to complement school curricula by introducing children to socially relevant subjects and fostering critical thinking. Each session uses relatable, everyday examples to make complex ideas accessible. The program is designed as a series of independent lectures, allowing children to attend one or more sessions without needing prior knowledge. The goal is to educate and familiarize children with higher education, regardless of their future educational paths. Participation is free to students from grades three to six.

This initiative continues to spark curiosity and inspire young minds, making education an exciting adventure for future generations. We at CDHI were more than happy to contribute to this year’s edition to this wonderful lecture series.