The “Haltestelle Zukunft” at Regensburg’s Fischmarkt has, over the past few weeks, become a unique space for meeting, dialogue and exchange. Organised by the City of Regensburg’s Creative Agency, the project makes use of the currently closed Keplerstraße as a public forum for discussions about the future of the city. Residents, policymakers, members of the city administration and a wide range of community stakeholders come together here to exchange ideas and perspectives. Through a total of three events, OTH Regensburg is also contributing to this dialogue.
The events highlight the broad range of topics explored by academic research, from questions of responsibility and prevention in youth criminal justice to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well as philosophical perspectives on current social developments.
Criminal Responsibility of Children: A Controversial Debate
The first event took place on 30 September under the title “Harsher Punishments or Better Solutions? The Criminal Responsibility of Children”. In an introductory talk, Prof. Dr Markus Enser from the Faculty of Social and Health Care Sciences at OTH Regensburg outlined the principles of youth criminal justice and explained, in an accessible way, at what age children and young people can be held criminally responsible.
The discussion that followed focused on the question of whether the age of criminal responsibility should be lowered. Participants engaged in a lively debate about the tension between the desire for consequences for young offenders and the need to prevent crime through effective prevention measures. They also discussed whether lowering the age of criminal responsibility would actually lead to a reduction in offending and what impact such a change might have on young people and society as a whole.
The event highlighted that there are no simple answers to complex social issues. Instead, meaningful debate requires consideration of legal, social and educational perspectives.
AI and Cybersecurity: Challenges of the Digital Future
On 9 October, OTH Regensburg addressed a very different issue concerning the future with another contribution to the series. Under the title “AI, Cyber Attacks and Digital Sovereignty: Are We Prepared?”, Prof. Dr Christoph Skornia, Vice President of OTH Regensburg for IT Security, Digitalisation, Sustainability and Social Responsibility, as well as STEM Promotion, discussed with the audience both the opportunities and the challenges of digital transformation.
Digital technologies now shape almost every aspect of our lives. At the same time, cyber attacks on businesses and public institutions are increasing, while artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the way we work and live. The participants agreed on these developments. Against this backdrop, the discussion focused on the conditions needed to ensure that the digital future can be shaped in a secure and self-determined manner.
Particular attention was given to the question of how society can strike a balance between remaining technologically competitive and fostering innovation, while at the same time limiting risks through appropriate regulatory frameworks. The consensus was that the overall benefit of new technologies for society should remain the primary objective, while potential negative consequences should be identified and addressed at an early stage.
OTH Regensburg in Dialogue with Society
The two events demonstrated just how diverse the challenges of the future can be. Through its contributions, OTH Regensburg brought academic perspectives into current societal debates and encouraged direct engagement with members of the public.
OTH Regensburg’s involvement in the “Future Stop” series will continue. On 20 October 2026, Prof. Dr Kriza will host a Philosophical Café. This popular format provides space for shared reflection, open questions and stimulating discussion.
