The Cluster of Excellence CITEC and eight partners from four continents are working together as part of the international technology network “InterACT”

Bielefeld University and its Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC) have joined the InterACT network. The partners in this network are dedicated to researching and developing technologies that will enhance global communication and cooperation. A total of nine universities and institutes from Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America belong to this network. In addition to Bielefeld University, new members of the network also include Stanford University (USA) and the Queensland University of Technology (Australia). The network is being coordinated by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

The Cluster of Excellence CITEC is working with renowned universities such as Stanford University as part of the InterACT network. Photo: CITEC/Bielefeld University

The research network was founded in 2004, and originally began as a cooperation between the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Carnegie Mellon University (USA). Today, it connects researchers from around the globe who initiate joint research projects and come together to meet at network conferences.

In order to promote discourse in research, InterACT also offers exchange programs for young researchers, which provide them with access to specialized laboratories where they can work on their respective research projects. Master’s degree students and doctoral researchers from Bielefeld University’s Faculty of Technology will soon be able to apply for grants for guest research visits at InterACT partner institutions. The CITEC Office will provide more information on applying to these opportunities in the coming weeks.

“Internationality is a guiding principle of our research,” says Helge Ritter, who serves as Coordinator of the Cluster of Excellence CITEC and Program Officer of InterACT on behalf of Bielefeld University. “This international character can be seen in our Virtual Faculty as well as in the Interactive Intelligent Systems Thematic Network, which is coordinated by CITEC. With our new membership in InterACT, we will strengthen and add to our international cooperative research activities, and we will also bring our innovations in human-oriented technology to important partners.”  

The name “InterACT” stands for “Center for Advanced Communication Technologies.” In this network, partner institutions work together on technologies to optimize human interaction with machines and facilitate understanding among people. The Center’s research ranges from artificial vision and language production to the Internet of Things and Smart Rooms that make everyday living easier for their residents. Bielefeld University is working together as part of this Center with the following institutions: Carnegie Mellon University (USA), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT, Italy), Waseda University (Japan), the University of Southern California (USA), the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST, Japan), Stanford University (USA) und the Queensland University of Technology (Australia).  

More information is available online at:
InterACT website: https://interact.anthropomatik.kit.edu