In sustainability studies the 'rebound effect' explains why people use clean devices such as smart heating longer – it is economical and clean so leaving it on won't hurt. As a result, one could end up using the same amount of energy as with your old, inefficient heating. But also in 5G, the rebound effect is expected to occur – both in ways related to sustainability and 'smartness'. Should we throw ourselves enthusiastically into 5G, without thinking about how we use our internet connections in the future? A mini essay by Socrates Schouten (in Dutch).
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Sensemakers knowledge sharing: Deepfakes & Digital Humans

This Wednesday we have 2 speakers introducing you to the latest on synthetic media (deepfakes) and digital humans.
Manon den Dunnen
Introducing you to the latest developments in synthetic media (deepfake, LLM's)Mao Lin Liao (Reblium)
Introducing the challenges and possibilities of customized digital humans (avatars) and their various applications.
Looking forward to seeing you! Presentations are in Engels, maar we spreken ook Nederlands!
Last spots available for "Prototype for Change" project. Pitching your digital challenge february 4 and receive a prototype of a new website in june 2025 by talented, datadriven students UvA!

Do you work on innovative new ideas and are in for a project where talented students develop digital prototypes of websites aiming for Change? Do you want work with students from the most innovative datascience programme of the University of Amsterdam? Please reach out to me and drop me an email at: s.a.hansen@uva.nl or call me.
Students Computational Social Science are tasked with designing a website aimed at driving behavioral change in the contexts of climate change, surveillance, renewable energy, Circular economy or health. The project involves iterative prototyping and testing phases, which include conducting focus groups and experiments to refine users’ experience and impact.
The final deliverables include:
- A website (in python)
- A written report, investing divergent stakeholder perspectives and emphasizing effective opportunities for digital interventions
Students will also prepare and deliver a presentation of the study’s major findings to the partner, stakeholders, and their peers.
In 16 weeks from a challenge and idea into a prototype.
The only commitment we ask is your time, for at least 1 hour a week.
Please let us know if you have interesting project ideas!
greetings, Suzanne Hansen, head of partnerships Computational Social Science
M: 06- 482 72 193 | s.a.hansen@uva.nl
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De opleiding Computational Social Science, is een innovatieve datascience opleiding van de UvA gericht op de publieke sector. Onze internationale en gepassioneerde studenten werken 2x per jaar, in februari en september in teams aan digitale producten zoals websites, data analyses, infographics en meer.
Wat wij zoeken zijn ambitieuze opdrachtgevers en innovators, die 1 uur per week willen investeren en boeiende challenges kunnen aandragen gericht op gedragsverandering en systeemverandering.
Bel gerust als je meer informatie wilt. Mijn nummer is 06- 482 72 193 en mail is s.a.hansen@uva.nl
Onze studenten werken op de Roeterseiland campus in Adam Oost, waar we voor onze partners ook een fijne werkplek kunnen bieden op de momenten dat zij online of fysiek studenten coachen en inspireren.
TH/NGS 2024 - Generative Things

Back in November 2014, we organized the first Dutch chapter of ThingsCon in Amsterdam, after the inspiring first Berlin edition in spring 2014. After 4 years in Amsterdam, 4 in Rotterdam en 2 Covid editions, we decided to go back to Amsterdam, and also go back to Volkshotel, to mark our 10 years celebration!
Our theme for this edition: Generative Things
The inspiration for this year’s conference is the transformation of the new generative artificial intelligence in our digital lives to the physical world, the objects we use, and the places we live. What will be the physical realization of the “generative twin intelligence”? What will it mean for makers and designers of these things? How will ethics play out, and what new models of use and trust will emerge?
The program is ready. Check the latest confirmed program here. They are all inspired by this theme.
- Workshops and talks
- Exhibition with the best work
- Specially commissioned exhibition
On the latter:
We want to create an exhibition commissioned by ThingsCon to explore the next decade of living with things. We hope to inspire designers and makers of future things. We like to explain the context of an experience that ignites debate and critical thinking by engaging our community through speculative objects and things.
Our program:
🎓 <strong>Thursday</strong>: long-form workshops for even more in-depth knowledge exchange and interacting with peers.
🎉 <strong>Thursday evening</strong>: celebrating 10 years of ThingsCon with special evening program with inspirational talks, music, and drinks
🎤 <strong>Friday</strong>: the good old mix of inspiring keynotes, short project-pitches, 2-hour workshops, exhibition, and meeting each-other.
This year, the regular price for one day is <strong>100 eu</strong>, and the full conference pass is <strong>175 eu</strong>. The ticket includes entrance and catering on the conference days. You are also invited to join our special Thursday evening program.