Digital Farming Is Only as Strong as the Systems Behind It

Digitalisation in agriculture is often discussed as a global transition, as if farms everywhere are moving along the same technological paths. My own experience suggests something more nuanced. Having grown up in the Dominican Republic and now living and studying in Switzerland, I have come to realise that agricultural digitalisation is not simply about adopting…

When Artificial Intelligence becomes a Partner

Artificial intelligence is increasingly discussed as a tool that optimizes processes, increases efficiency, or supports decision-making. However, empirical evidence shows that AI has already moved far beyond this instrumental role. For a growing number of people, AI functions as a social and emotional counterpart. One they talk to daily, confide in, feel attached to, and…

Ethics & Trust in Artificial Intelligence

How much of your life are you willing to trust to a machine? AI has quietly become part of our everyday lives. It’s always available, stores huge amounts of information, and can help us instantly. Most of us use it daily without thinking about what that trust really costs. After the lecture on ethics and…

The Hidden Cost of Perfectly Optimized Food

Imagine you walk into a food factory fifteen years from now. The space is black and sterile, humming with the sound of machines. No windows. No natural light. No humans in sight. A mixing machine adjusts water temperature and flour hydration in real time, its sensors reading dough elasticity to the microsecond. Perfect loaves emerge…

AI’s Hidden Environmental Cost: How Bad Are AI Systems Really for the Planet?

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked-about technologies of the 21st century. Tools like ChatGPT feel light, quick and helpful, but behind every answer lies a huge machine infrastructure that consumes vast amounts of energy and natural resources. While AI can support society in many ways, its environmental footprint is becoming impossible to…

The Intersection of Blockchain and Sustainable Agriculture: Where the Digital and Green Revolutions Meet

Blockchain was initially introduced to revolutionize the financial sector. The emergence of Bitcoin in 2008 opened the door to a decentralized financial system, but the potential of blockchain extends far beyond digital currencies. Today, blockchain technology is creating profound changes across various industries, from agriculture to supply chains, energy, and food production. This article explores…

Humanizing Machines: The Ethical and Psychological Challenges with AI

Have you ever felt a surge of emotion while working with an AI tool? In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the lines between humans and machines are blurring. This phenomenon sparks crucial ethical and psychological debates about the impact and the consequences of humanizing machines. With…

Navigating the 6Ds of Digitalization:  A Blueprint for Future Readiness

In an era where technology evolves at a rapid speed, understanding the forces that drive digital transformation is essential for staying relevant. For many people this can be overwhelming. The 6Ds of digitalization—Digitized, Deceptive, Disruptive, Dematerialized, Demonetized, and Democratized—offer a framework for anticipating and adapting to the changes brought about by exponential technologies and can…

The Future of Laboratories: Digitalization with LIMS

In recent years, digitalization has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, and laboratories are no exception. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are at the forefront of this change, helping scientists manage complex data, automate processes, and enhance collaboration. But what does this mean for everyday laboratory work and how does the path to a…