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New TU Braunschweig professor bridges AI, Holocaust studies and education

From AI-powered classrooms to graphic novels on history's darkest chapter, one scholar is redefining how we teach—and learn. His dual mission? Critical thinking meets cutting-edge tech.

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New TU Braunschweig professor bridges AI, Holocaust studies and education

Dr Jan-Erik Leonhardt has taken up a new role as Junior Professor of English Language Teaching at Technische Universität (TU) Braunschweig. His appointment brings fresh initiatives, including plans for a research centre dedicated to visual Holocaust narratives. Alongside this, he is developing an AI-driven tool to support democratic education in schools.

Leonhardt first connected with TU Braunschweig during a temporary lectureship, where he found students eager to learn and colleagues committed to excellence. These positive experiences influenced his decision to join the university permanently.

His research explores how literature, films, TV series, and artificial intelligence can enrich English classrooms. One ongoing project examines the skills teachers need to incorporate films effectively into lessons, drawing on data from multiple countries. Beyond classroom-focused work, Leonhardt is laying the groundwork for the Centre for Pictorial Holocaust Narratives. This initiative will analyse graphic novels and picture books depicting the Holocaust, approaching them from both literary and language-teaching perspectives. While still in its early stages, the centre aims to provide resources for educators and learners engaging with complex historical narratives. Day-to-day, Leonhardt balances research with mentoring students and collaborating with peers. His broader goal is to help teachers and pupils develop critical thinking when working with diverse texts and media.

The new centre and AI learning tool reflect Leonhardt's focus on combining technology with humanities-based education. His cross-national study on film competencies and the planned Holocaust narratives project will offer practical tools for schools. These efforts align with TU Braunschweig's commitment to innovative teaching and research.

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