It was during this celebratory event in the buildings of INSA Lyon that Prof. Dr. Philippe Gréciano, President of the FGU, Prof. Dr. Frédéric Fotiadu, Director of INSA Lyon, and Prof. Dr. Jan Hendrik Schumann, President of Passau University, officially signed the launch of their new franco-german chair in “AI and Cybersecurity”. Jessica Engel, the German Consul General in Lyon, addressed some welcoming words for those present.
“The opening of the first Franco-German chair at INSA Lyon in cooperation with the University of Passau is the result of long-standing collaboration between the two institutions," said Jessica Engel. "The topic of AI and Cybersecurity could not be more relevant: to become more independent and find solutions that comply with European standards, we need (European) research supported by entrepreneurial activities. In view of the significant needs, these activities come at just the right time. Congratulations and best wishes.”, the General Consul stated. The importance of bridging research and industry was further illustrated by the presence of Dr. Alexander Krebs, representative of Atos Germany. The long-standing partnership between Atos Germany and Atos France will thus continue to deepen.
By way of introduction, Prof. Dr. Harald Kosch, Vice President for Academic Infrastructure and IT at the University of Passau (and Chair of Computer Science with a focus on Distributed Information Systems), and Prof. Dr. Lionel Brunie, Head of the Computer Science Department at INSA Lyon, presented the newly created professorship. It also examines the social, ecological, and ethical impacts of AI and cybersecurity. Key topics will include political implications, such as digital sovereignty, as well as its societal facets, with for instance, trustworthy AI and privacy protection.
"This chair of excellence in AI is unique in the world. It reaffirms Europe's digital sovereignty," declared FGU President Philippe Gréciano, highlighting the cross-border dimension of this format: "Thanks to our initiative, the FGU is developing new collaborations: at the European level, with the IRIXYS research center, and at the international level, particularly with Japan, where we are developing several programs in the field of AI and cybersecurity in partnership with Tohoku University, the German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH) Tokyo, and the French Embassy in Tokyo. In the context of Choose France 2026, Horizon Europe 2026, and VivaTech 2026, the Franco-German partnership is the winning tandem for the future of Europe."
"With the establishment of the Franco-German chair for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity at INSA Lyon, in cooperation with the University of Passau, we are sending a strong signal for the future of European research cooperation," emphasized President Jan Hendrik Schumann. "I would like to express my special thanks to the FGU for its support, as well as to INSA Lyon for its substantial investment, which made this initiative possible. For me, especially in times of global challenges, this project impressively demonstrates how long-standing collaboration grows into strong, future-oriented partnerships."
Frédéric Fotiadu, Director of INSA Lyon, added : “Topics such as digital sovereignty, trustworthy AI, data protection, ethics, sustainability, and the responsible use of new technologies require interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches. This chair will provide a unique platform for such dialogue. ”
As long-standing partners of the Franco-German University, INSA Lyon and the University of Passau have maintained close cooperation in the field of internationally-oriented doctoral training since 2008.
More informations on the “Franco-German Professorships” pilot project is available on Franco-German University’ Website. Further information regarding the Franco-German chair in AI and Cybersecurity can also be found at www.irixys.org.