ELIZA Fellow Explores AI’s Future in DAAD Feature

Artificial intelligence, and particularly large language models, has transitioned from an academic frontier into a force reshaping society. In a candid interview with DAAD, Professor Gurevych—renowned ELIZA fellow and head of TU Darmstadt’s Ubiquitous Knowledge Processing (UKP) Lab—shares her insights on how LLMs are becoming ubiquitous companions in our lives. This feature highlights the significance of such interviews for the research community, the importance of the ELIZA network, and the far-reaching impact of their work.

In the DAAD feature, Professor Gurevych articulates the journey from early ambitions of programming linguistic rules to today’s data-driven, highly capable models that power applications as diverse as automated tutoring and semantic search engines. She explains that what makes LLMs particularly powerful is modeling semantic similarities: the ability for machines to understand and relate different expressions of the same meaning, thereby improving everything from automated question answering to contextual text summarization.

Beyond technical explanations, Gurevych addresses the unfinished challenges—such as ensuring AI’s alignment with societal values and responsible deployment. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, robustness, and ethical considerations in the future evolution of LLMs. For students and non-specialists, the interview demystifies how LLMs support daily activities, illustrating why their responsible design is crucial as they become deeply woven into social fabric.

Professor Gurevych exemplifies the caliber of ELIZA fellows: internationally known leaders who blend research excellence with deep commitment to training the next generation of AI experts. Her work on semantic understanding and the social dimensions of AI mirrors ELIZA’s philosophy—where innovation is fused with responsibility and global collaboration.

The interview draws attention to ELIZA’s interconnected, interdisciplinary nature. As Professor Gurevych notes, “To be successful, you need alliances that make it possible to tackle major research challenges in larger and more diverse teams.” Through ELIZA, German ELLIS units work together with partners in business, medicine, psychology, and beyond, orchestrating research and education at the highest international level. DAAD’s endorsement and coverage amplify this collaborative message, modeling for the world how well-structured networks can break silos and promote scientific progress.

Professor Gurevych discusses how ELIZA creates a unique training ground for future AI leaders: from cross-institutional mentoring and joint research projects, to international exchanges and industry-academia partnerships. These elements not only support academic productivity—reflected in top-tier publications—but foster a sustainable research culture in Germany and Europe.

For early-career researchers and students, DAAD interviews like this serve as an accessible entry point to learning about high-impact pathways and the value of working within integrated, interdisciplinary teams. The social, ethical, and scientific challenges highlighted set an example of the holistic mindset that ELIZA expects and cultivates.

DAAD’s support of ELIZA, as evident in both coverage and funding, strengthens long-term research collaboration. Notably, bibliometric studies confirm that DAAD funding leads to sustainable international partnerships, increases the global mobility of scientists, and enhances the visibility of research produced within Germany. Features like Professor Gurevych’s interview are key touchpoints that highlight these dynamics in action.

As LLMs increasingly influence everyday life, it is such expert dialogue—centered around both discovery and responsibility—that will determine technology’s trajectory. For current and prospective members of the ELIZA community, and for all those invested in the future of AI, this interview provides inspiration, insight, and a call to collaboration.