DSI Community Work
A community of researchers and industry partners at the University of Zurich’s Digital Society Initiative interested in the future of work.
Knowledge exchange
Research in Practice
Understanding AI at work requires attention to the settings in which people actually use it. Alongside my academic research, I work directly with organizations on the human and organizational implications of AI.
At the University of Zurich, I chair DSI Community Work, a community of researchers and industry partners interested in the future of work, and coordinate the community of UZH.ai, the university’s AI hub, which connects everything related to AI within UZH and with external partners. In these roles I initiate and organize formats that bring researchers, students, and industry partners together — from hands-on workshops with industry participants to a two-day business–academia hackathon with large international companies. If you are interested in either community or in partnering on a format, feel free to reach out.
Roles at the University of Zurich
Building communities around work and AI at UZH.
UZH.ai
The University of Zurich’s AI hub, connecting everything related to AI within UZH and with external partners.
Digital Society Initiative (DSI), University of Zurich
Fellow of the University of Zurich’s interdisciplinary Digital Society Initiative.
Selected formats I initiate and organize
Bringing research and industry into one room.
Upcoming
UZH.ai Business–Academia Hackathon 2026
Human Factor Challenges of GenAI Implementation in Organizations
A two-day hackathon in which partner companies submit real challenges from their own GenAI adoption — from AI training and preserving critical thinking to technostress and human-in-the-loop approaches. Interdisciplinary student teams develop prototype solutions with mentors from academia and industry and pitch them to a jury of academic and industry experts.
- Partner companies
- DSV Switzerland, Swiss Re, Syngenta, KPMG, Hyatt Hotels, Airies
- Jury
- Experts from Deloitte, OpenAI, AWS and Korn Ferry
- Dates
- 22–23 October 2026, Bluelion Zurich
AI Adoption Lab
Will your AI get used?
A UZH.ai workshop with industry participants on what decides whether AI tools are actually used — trust, perceived usefulness, team dynamics, and fit with people’s daily work. In a new format, AI agents were embedded directly in the live discussions, so participants did not just talk about human–AI collaboration but experienced it first-hand.
- Organized with
- Peter Nestorov; technical implementation by Airies
Working with organizations
Selected invited talks, workshops and advisory
Alongside organizing these formats, I work with organizations directly through invited talks, workshops for leadership teams, and advisory engagements on AI at work, organizational learning and change, and the human side of digital transformation.
Responsible AI or just good PR?
The Human Factor of AI Implementation — Swiss Business School & International School of Zug and Luzern, Baar
Invited talkCritical issues in AI adoption
Workshop for the leadership of DSV Switzerland
Invited workshopSelected writing for organizations
Articles that translate research for managers and L&D teams.
Building Human-Centered Organizational AI Culture: A Guide for L&D Teams
Employee Chatbot Use Will Shape Your Company — Here’s How to Guide It
For partnerships with DSI Community Work or UZH.ai, talks and workshops, or advisory on the human side of AI in your organization, please get in touch at nick.kabrel@gmail.com.