Freiburg, 31/03/2025
The University of Freiburg is providing its members and associates with a new web application – HAWKI – that enables them data-protection-compliant access to generative AI models for administration, research, teaching and learning.
HAWKI is an open-source web application developed at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK Hildesheim, Germany) that enables all members and associates of the University of Freiburg with a university account to use various AI models in compliance with data protection. Via HAWKI it is possible to access ChatGPT from OpenAI as well as other Large Language Models (LLM).
HAWKI can be accessed via the authentication of your university account. All enquiries are sent bundled via the application interface (API) of the University of Freiburg to the third-party providers, no user personal data is transmitted.
In addition, the data stored in prompts (instructions or requests to AI) are not used to train that AI and are deleted after a retention period of 30 days.
The university is offering an online course ‘Einführung in den Einsatz von generativen KI-Systemen/LLMs Allgemein’ [Introduction to the use of generative AI systems/LLMs General] on the ILIAS study platform to give guidance on the use of generative AI. The module includes an introduction to the subject of AI and information about data protection as well as responsible use of generative AI.
IT Services at the University of Freiburg invites all members and associates of the university to a video conference on 14 April 2025 from 10.30 to 11.15 am. The organisers will be presenting the HAWKI application and use of the LLMs available, show how users can make use of HAWKI, and offer tips on how use of generative AI can simplify everyday working, teaching, and learning. You can access the event here [page in German].