Overview
On 02.12.2025, the starting signal was given for the project „PALM – Prison Analytics with Large Language Models“ as part of the kick-off event in Graz. Under the leadership of Joanneum Research, the project partners gathered for a one-day workshop to officially launch the project and begin the conceptual work. This project, funded by the FFG, brings together experts from all over Austria to link data queries in the Austrian correctional system with approaches of artificial intelligence (AI), thereby supporting staff in correctional institutions and increasing security in corrections.
Project background and objectives
To this end, PALM is developing AI-based query options for existing data sets, with the specific adaptation of LLMs as a process taking center stage. The overarching goal of the project is to democratize access to existing information, to improve and make work processes in corrections more efficient, and to strengthen the concept of “dynamic security” in correctional institutions. Personality profiles or automated decisions about inmates are explicitly excluded; instead, data that has already been lawfully collected is to be made securely and effectively accessible.
Multidisciplinary consortium
The consortium behind “PALM” unites, through the organizations Joanneum Research, app informatics zt gmbh, PKE Holding AG, Software Competence Center Hagenberg GmbH and the Bundesministerium für Justiz, expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence, development of information technologies, security technology, and correctional management. Research Institute – Digital Human Rights Center plays a particularly important role in the project as a partner, contributing its expertise in data law and through the implementation of a risk and impact assessment.
Project kick-off and outlook
During the kick-off event, initial technical ideas were exchanged, legal questions discussed, and a joint approach for the successful implementation of the project was developed. The Research Institute was represented by Robert Rothmann, Mirjam Tercero und Madeleine Müller and is looking forward to a promising collaboration with all partner organizations to ensure the highest standards of fundamental rights and data protection law in this exciting field of research.
