Digital Humanism
Digital Humanism is a joint initiative from actors in science, politics, business and civil society, committed to making technological development human-centered, according to the motto: we can and want to actively shape the world we live in, while we still have the opportunity to do so - "we can choose anything ... as long as we can still choose anything." We want to continue living in a civilization based on the rule of law, fundamental and human rights, the social market economy and fact-based free discourse.
The starting point for Digital Humanism in Vienna is based on preliminary work by the WWTF (2019 study) and the "Vienna Manifesto on Digital Humanism", which you can read and sign here.
Digital Humanism Conference 2025
From May 26 to 28, 2025, the international#DigHum2025 conference "Shaping our future" took place at the MuseumsQuartier Vienna. The event brought together around 500 participants in over 28 sessions – national and international experts from science, technology, policy, administration, industry, civil society, NGOs, and international organizations. The aim was to look at digitalisation from the perspective of human values and democratic principles and to discuss how digital change can be shaped in the interests of a shared digital future. The discussion focused in particular on how democracy, human rights, inclusion, diversity, and environmental regeneration can be maintained and promoted in the digital age in such a way that these benefits are accessible to all. The conference was held under the patronage of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. High-profile international speakers provided new perspectives and solutions for shaping a digital future that strengthens people and society.
The Digital Humanism Conference 2025 was supported by a strong and committed global and national community. It provided a space for intensive exchange, interdisciplinary impulses, and practical insights—an important step toward further establishing digital humanism as a framework for future developments in science, technology, and society.
Read the official conference statement here.
A detailed review with impressions and highlights can be found in the recap:
WWTF Digital Humanism research funding
In 2020, WWTF launched its first major call for projects in the field of Digital Humanism, calling for computer scientist and researchers from the humanities and social sciences to work together interdisciplinary on questions of digitization. The Digital Humanism Roadmaps call of 2022, a cooperation with the Vienna Business Agency, aimed at the adoption of Digital Humanism principles in the strategies of Vienna science and research organisations and companies. In 2023, WWTF launched its second call for scientific projects in the field of Digital Humanism.