Missing pictures of female researchers from the University of Bonn
Each of the 12 female researchers, whose work has shaped the development of their particular field in a different way, is being depicted through AI-generated images that explain their significance to research and their life story from a new perspective. In the process, the technology is serving as both a creative medium and a tool that puts the invisible faces of these women front and center.
With the exhibition series entitled “Versäumte Bilder” (“Missing Pictures”), Gesine Born and her Bilderinstitut are challenging visitors to view the history of women in science and academia from a new angle and acknowledge them as pioneers of research.
A detailed explanation of all twelve subjects in the exhibition can be found on the website of the Bilderinstitut.
“My exhibition is a call to recognize and render visible female researchers whose innovative ideas and breakthroughs were often overshadowed by their male colleagues. It offers a platform for telling their stories and demonstrating long-overdue appreciation for their extraordinary courage and their work.”—Gesine Born
Using AI for digital storytelling
The exhibition organized by the University Gender Equality Commissioner and the Bilderinstitut is showcasing missing pictures of female researchers from the University of Bonn in the University of Bonn Museum from April 2025 onward. This is being made possible by artificial intelligence. The Berlin-based science photographer Gesine Born has shone the digital spotlight on 12 exceptional female researchers from various faculties at the University of Bonn. The very latest AI technologies have been used to re-interpret old portraits and place them in a new context in order to lend a tangible visual form to the achievements of the women behind them.
Says Gender Equality Commissioner Gabriele Alonso Rodriguez: “This exhibition serves as a reminder of how, over so many years, numerous women in science and academia have remained virtually invisible despite their outstanding contributions to research. That’s something we now want to change.”
Her mit den Portr[AI]ts
Bild © Gesine Born/Bilderinstitut [KI-generiert]
Exhibition „Bring the Portr[AI]ts!“
April 10 to May 25, 2025 - extended to July 31, 2025
University Museum in the University of Bonn Main Building
Regina-Pacis-Weg 1 (enter via Kaiserplatz), 53113 Bonn
Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 5 pm
Free admission
Talks and guided tours
Lecture/ Topic
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Christine Krüger
Venue: Hörsaal XIV
Speaker: Maia George
Venue: Zoom, Anmeldung erforderlich
Registration is required at: https://gleichstellung.uni-bonn.de/de/ai-bias
Speaker: Isabel Busch
Venue: Hörsaal VII
Speaker: Feminist AI
Venue: Universitätsmuseum
Speaker: Feminist AI
Venue: Hörsaal XIV
Guided tours of the exhibition (30 minutes):
April 12, 2025, 2 pm, meet in the University Museum foyer (German)
May 3, 2025, 2 pm, meet in the University Museum foyer (German)
May 17, 2025, 2 pm, meet in the University Museum foyer (German)
In collaboration with
