Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 18m

Street & lights — Munich, 16 October 2025.

#photography#StreetPhotography #monochrome #blackandwhite #Munich

A brightly lit tram travels along tracks at night in a high-contrast black and white photograph. The tram's illuminated windows create striking white rectangles against the dark surroundings. In the background, several tall residential tower blocks stand prominently lit against the night sky, while smaller buildings and streetlights dot the urban landscape. The composition creates a dramatic interplay between light and shadow, emphasizing the geometric lines of the tram, tracks, and architecture.

Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 2h

The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg harbour with seagulls. — Hamburg, 12 October 2025.

#photography #StreetPhotography #ArchitecturalPhotography #monochrome #blackandwhite #Elbphilharmonie #Hamburg

Black and white photograph of a crowded waterfront promenade with seagulls flying overhead against a cloudy sky. The Elbphilharmonie's distinctive wave-like architecture dominates the right side of the frame, while a tall ship's mast is visible at the far right. Various modern and historic buildings line the harbour, with pedestrians filling the walkway below.

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

Passed Wonder @passedwonder.bsky.social · 5h

Ahh, modern #architecture. The #future staring at you with dozens of eyes.
#Walktober #psychogeography #photography #London

Series of suspended lit globes tended towards panes of glass on the opposite end with darkness beyond, and various metal and glass structures of a building around them. It is not clear which way is up or down.

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

Paintings of London @paintingsoflondon.bsky.social · 5h

'Mornington Crescent' (1910) by Spencer Gore

(Private collection)

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

Patrick Cramer @patrick-cramer.maxplanck.de · 1d

During my visit to the German Embassy in Brasília, I emphasized our commitment to deepen cooperation with Latin America, with Brazil as a key partner in science, innovation and climate research. I truly value the spirit of collaboration that drives this partnership.

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

CILIP @cilip.bsky.social · 11h

We're counting down to #GreenLibraries Week! Here's your chance to plan & promote your climate-facing, green activities to your community and have a great Green Libraries Week and half-term. Add your activities to our interactive map of 'greenspiration'!
www.cilip.org.uk/page/GreenLi...

Green Libraries Week map 2025 tite, image of the map with entries on the right side, small text below - Submit your entryto be featured this year and seedling graphic above it

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 3d

#Podcasdt: Jane Austen. The life of a Regency literary icon

#history

bbc.com/audio/play/m...

BBC Audio | You're Dead To Me | Jane Austen: the life of a Regency literary icon

Join Greg and his guests to learn about the life and works of literary legend Jane Austen.

bbc.com

Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 3d

"Statt nur um Selbstdarstellung kann es auch um Inhalte gehen: Ricarda Lang, Steffen Mau, Bodo Ramelow und Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk zeigen in ihren Gesprächsbüchern, dass man nicht immer gegeneinander antreten muss."

www.faz.net/aktuell/feui...

Gesprächsbücher von Ricarda Lang, Mau, Ramelow, Kowalczuk:

Statt nur um Selbstdarstellung kann es auch um Inhalte gehen: Ricarda Lang, Steffen Mau, Bodo Ramelow und Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk zeigen in ihren Gesprächsbüchern, dass man nicht immer gegeneinander ant...

www.faz.net

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 3d

The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg harbour. — Hamburg, 12 October 2025.

#photography #StreetPhotography #ArchitecturalPhotography #monochrome #blackandwhite #Elbphilharmonie #Hamburg

Black and white photograph of Hamburg's harbour with the distinctive Elbphilharmonie concert hall dominating the skyline. The modern glass building with its wave-like façade rises behind historic waterfront structures. In the foreground, various boats and vessels are moored at wooden piers, with flags fluttering in the breeze. Harbour cranes are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

Andrea Schlotfeldt @medienrecht.bsky.social · 10d

@deutschebahn.com Diese ausgeleierten Steckdosen in den ICEs: das ist doch ein Missstand, der sich beheben ließe, oder🤔? (Falls nicht, woran liegt‘s?) #Akkuaufladen #…

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 7d

The European Commission published a European Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Science.

#AI

research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/str...

European AI in Science Strategy

The Commission has launched a European Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Science to reinforce Europe’s technological and scientific leadership, as well as its competitiveness.

research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 8d

Houses. — Pinneberg, 8 October 2025.

#photography #StreetPhotography #ArchitecturalPhotography #monochrome #blackandwhite

Black and white photograph of modern white residential buildings arranged in a row along a curved pathway. The multi-story structures feature flat roofs, rectangular windows, and dark balconies with metal railings. Low hedges and small trees separate the buildings from a grass lawn and paved walkway in the foreground. The minimalist architecture creates a rhythmic pattern against an overcast sky.

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

ZBW – Leibniz Informationszentrum Wirtschaft @zbw-leibniz.bsky.social · 17d

Die Zahl gefälschter Forschungsarbeiten wächst deutlich schneller als die legitimer Wissenschaft. Vor diesem Hintergrund sprechen wir in unserem Podcast mit @jasminschmitz12.bsky.social über Paper Mills, Journal Highjacking, Deindexierung und die Rolle der Predatory Journals: zbw.to/blKTs

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 11d

#Doku: KI. Der Tod des Internets

#AI

www.arte.tv/de/videos/12...

KI: Der Tod des Internets - Die ganze Doku | ARTE

Das Internet wird überschwemmt von KI-generiertem Müll. Automatisierte Bots produzieren eine Flut aus KI-generierten Inhalten, der das Internet zu ersticken droht. Der Wissensraum wird mit Desinformat...

www.arte.tv

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

Linus Westheuser @lwestheuser.bsky.social · 13d

🎺 Heute ist Kinostart von "Kein Land für Niemand": ein Film über die menschlichen Kosten von Abschottungspolitik und Rechtsruck.

Neben Kolleg:innen wie @mafaalani.bsky.social @helenasteinhaus.bsky.social @nataschastrobl.bsky.social @mfratzscher.bsky.social durfte auch ich Einschätzungen beisteuern:

Kein Land für Niemand - Abschottung eines Einwanderungslandes (Trailer)

YouTube video by Kein Land für Niemand

www.youtube.com

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 12d

Next Time You Consult an A.I. Chatbot, Remember One Thing: Chatbots want to be your friend, when what you really need is a neutral perspective.

#AI

www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/w...

Next Time You Consult an A.I. Chatbot, Remember One Thing

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

Steffen Mau @steffenmau.bsky.social · 13d

Ein von Michael Zürn und mir verfasster Nachruf auf Claus Offe. Ein bemerkenswerter Mensch und Wissenschaftler www.faz.net/aktuell/feui...

Sozialwissenschaftler Claus Offe gestorben

Claus Offe prägte die Sozialwissenschaften mit scharfsinnigen Analysen und gesellschaftskritischen Perspektiven. Als Grenzgänger zwischen Soziologie und Politologie bleibt sein Werk wegweisend.

www.faz.net

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 14d

Trees by the water. — Wedel, 21 September 2025.

#photography #NaturePhotography #monochrome #blackandwhite

A row of tall, slender trees stands along the edge of a still body of water in black and white. The trees create a striking silhouette against a dramatic cloudy sky, their reflections visible in the calm water below. A walkway or pier runs along the waterfront, and additional trees are visible on the right side of the frame.

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 15d

Why AI needs social science

#AI #SocialScience

blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...

Why AI needs social science | British Politics and Policy at LSE

AI is about humans, that's why it needs to be shaped not just by computer science, but by social science.

blogs.lse.ac.uk

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 15d

#Barcelona Is Made of Math

www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Barcelona Is Made of Math (Gift Article)

A virtual tour of the architecture in a city where mathematics and exploration meet.

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

MaxPlanckInstitute for the Study of Religious & Ethnic Diversity @mpimmg.bsky.social · 15d

We are thrilled to announce that @steffenmau.bsky.social, one of Germany’s leading sociologists, has been appointed Director at our Institute. He will lead a new Department on Inequality, Transformation & Conflict, addressing pressing societal challenges via cutting-edge social science research.

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 15d

The Real Stakes, and Real Story, of Peter Thiel’s Antichrist Obsession

#TechBros

www.wired.com/story/the-re...

The Real Stakes, and Real Story, of Peter Thiel’s Antichrist Obsession

Thirty years ago, a peace-loving Austrian theologian spoke to Peter Thiel about the apocalyptic theories of Nazi jurist Carl Schmitt. They’ve been a road map for the billionaire ever since.

www.wired.com

Reposted by Thomas Gerdes

Steffen Mau @steffenmau.bsky.social · 15d

Ich freue mich sehr darauf!

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft @maxplanck.de · 15d

Herzlich willkommen, Steffen Mau! 👏 Der Soziologe wird als Direktor am Max-Planck-Institut zur Erforschung multireligiöser und multiethnischer Gesellschaften in Göttingen und unsere Forschung zu #Ungleichheit und Konflikten ausbauen. @steffenmau.bsky.social @mpimmg.bsky.social

Ausbau der Forschung zu Ungleichheit und Konflikten

Soziologe Steffen Mau an das Max-Planck-Institut zur Erforschung multireligiöser und multiethnischer Gesellschaften in Göttingen berufen. Neuausrichtung des Instituts startet

https://mpg.de/25487784/ausba…

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Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 18d

Why AI systems may never be secure, and what to do about it.
A “lethal trifecta” of conditions opens them to abuse.

#AI

www.economist.com/science-and-...

Why AI systems may never be secure, and what to do about it

A “lethal trifecta” of conditions opens them to abuse

www.economist.com

Thomas Gerdes @thomasgerdes.de · 19d

KI-Agenten: Tech-Expertin Meredith Whittaker warnt vor Sicherheitsrisiken

#AI #AIAgents #Podcast

www.deutschlandfunk.de/ki-agenten-m...

US-Tech-Expertin Meredith Whittaker warnt: KI-Agenten sind ein Sicherheitsrisiko

Hotels buchen, Freunden schreiben, mit Kreditkarte zahlen: KI-Agenten sollen uns Alltagsaufgaben abnehmen. Doch sie gefährden Datensicherheit und Privatsphäre.

www.deutschlandfunk.de

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