News

AI-Chat with new Features

For the new semester, the University of Mainz's AI chat is getting an update with new features and an improved user interface.

Clearer Interface & new Icon

In the chat window, you will find a new icon to the right of the plus sign +: the hash symbol

When you hover over the icon with the mouse, the label Integrations appears. Clicking on it opens a menu with three integrations:

Tools
Web search
Code interpreter

Web search and code interpreter were previously located below the chat window.

New Tools in AI Chat

You can access the tools via the new hash symbol. You must reactivate the tools for each new chat.

1.Automatic Web Search Function

The automatic web search is available to the model as a tool, which it uses as needed, multiple times if necessary. This can be useful, for example, for complex questions and multi-step solutions.
Unlike simple web search, the model itself decides whether or not to use the web search tool.

2.Automatic Web Extraction Function

Automatic web extraction is also available to the model as a tool that it can use as needed.
This allows it to retrieve URLs specified in the chat or known elsewhere and obtain the page content. The tool is an alternative to manually attaching website content.

Automatic Model Preselection

The new “Auto” mode is now selected by default for new chats. This means that the AI chat automatically selects the appropriate model for your request. In this mode, you no longer need to select a model manually.

The process uses a language model to analyze your input and decide which AI model is most suitable.

It checks

whether your request contains images
whether it is a knowledge query, a creative task, or something else
the difficulty level of the question

The process does not evaluate by subject area, but by the nature of the request. The selected model is displayed to you after selection.

You can still select the desired model for a chat yourself, thereby bypassing the automatic selection.

Model Replacement

The Qwen3 235B model is being replaced by the new Qwen3 235B VL variant, which now also recognizes and can process images. Gemma 3 27B, which was previously used for image processing, is therefore being removed from the model selection. All image requests will be processed via Qwen3 235B VL in the future.

Since Qwen3 Coder 30B now only fulfills niche functions (e.g., as a “task” model or for FIM) and better alternatives are available in the chat context, it can now only be used via the API.

Extended Documentation

You can find new comprehensive documentation on agentic coding and API usage on our websites.

https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/ai-chat-agentic-coding/

https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/ai-chat-api-usage/

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

Data Center takes over Services of the JGU Main Printing Office

In future, services provided by the JGU main printing office will be taken over by the Data Center.

This includes, in particular, the printing of exams, seminar documents, brochures, and flyers.

The printing office team and the Data Center are currently preparing for the upcoming move.

Until the final takeover at the end of the year, the printing office will continue to be available at its familiar address (Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 1).

Further information is also currently available on the main printing office website:
https://www.verwaltung.zentrale-dienste.uni-mainz.de/zentraldruckerei/

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

Passkeys: Mandatory Login for two Applications starting in September

Starting September 1, 2025, logging in with passkeys will be mandatory for two applications:

For internal viewing of the JGU directory of persons and institutions:
https://personen.uni-mainz.de/.
The public view will remain visible without logging in.
For the JGU workflow software: https://digitale-dienste.uni-mainz.de/jobrouter/login

From the effective date, registration for these applications will only be possible with a passkey. You can also use passkeys from home via a remote desktop connection, and there is no time limit for creating them on your account website.

Training and Support:
Since August, German-language training courses have been available once a quarter on the university's continuing education portal. You can find them in the IT and Digitalization category.

The next training course will take place on August 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

If there is enough interest in an English-language event, we will also offer training in English again. Unfortunately, this offer has not been taken up enough in the past.

Further Information on Passkeys

General Information: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/passkeys/
Create and Use Passkeys: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/create-and-use-passkeys/
Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/passkeys-frequently-asked-questions/

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

New AI Models for the University AI Chat will be launched on August 25

Starting August 25, the Data Center will make two new models available for the AI chat.

GPT-OSS 120B and Qwen3 235B replace Nemotron Ultra 253B

The GPT-OSS 120B model is characterized by its particularly efficient use of computing resources and delivers results with comparatively low energy consumption. It responds quickly and reliably without placing unnecessary strain on servers.
GPT-OSS 120B provides solutions for various tasks, such as summarizing texts, answering knowledge questions, or generating creative content.

With reasoning enabled, Qwen3 235B delivers even better results for applications in science, technology, and software development. It impresses with advanced capabilities in solving complex problems, technical analysis, and code architecture. The variant without reasoning can be a valuable alternative when working with text or implementing code.

Overall, the models perform very well in key comparison categories and are among the best freely available models. A core selection of eight important benchmarks, which evaluate skills such as mathematical problem solving and programming tasks, can be found at https://artificialanalysis.ai/.

The following models are also available:
- Gemma3 27B for processing text and images
- Qwen3 Coder 30B for fast and accurate coding with low complexity

Standardized Limits for processing large Amounts of Text

The amount of text that the models can process at one time has been standardized. All models have around 64,000 tokens available, which is approximately 50,000 words. Tokens are small units into which the model breaks down text in order to understand it. The more tokens, the more information the chat can process and take into account at the same time.

When working with language models, there is an upper limit to how much text can be processed at one time. When you upload a document, the system automatically selects only the text passages that are most relevant to your question. These selected text passages are so short that they always remain within the permissible upper limit of 64,000 tokens.

The upper limit becomes relevant if, after uploading, you select the option to send the entire text of the document to the model at once. If the entire text exceeds the upper limit, the request will be rejected and you will receive an error message. The limit is also relevant for those who use our API interface for their own applications, as the maximum context size usually has to be stored here (output tokens are not included here).

New Features and Adjustments in recent Months

We are continuously updating and optimizing the system to offer you the highest possible level of AI chat platform. The following summary shows you the most important user-side changes in recent months.

Optimized web search mechanism: Our search function has been redesigned to deliver relevant results even faster and avoid technical issues.

Advanced Features

Embedding API: Developers can use our embedding model bge-m3 to integrate their applications even better with our system.
OCR function: Text from scanned documents is also extracted after uploading and made available to the language model (may take 1-2 minutes).

Advanced Language Features

Speech-to-text/transcription with Whisper: Create transcripts from audio and video files with maximum accuracy or speak prompts into a microphone.
Text-to-speech (English) with Kokoro: Have English texts read aloud.

User Interface & Login:

The user interface has been improved and the buttons are easier to find.
Login now takes place via login.rlp.net.

For more information about the models and other important information, please visit our website: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/ai-at-jgu/

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

Seafile Update with new User Interface and Features

At the beginning of September, the Data Center will upgrade Seafile to the new version 12. This will change the user interface and add additional features to Seafile.

The new “files” menu item combines various areas
New “plus sign” design element
Switch between list and grid view in the file view
Detailed information and file operations are easily accessible for selected objects
Optimized image view – also for mobile devices
Secure, anonymous sharing: protection through Seafile login or email confirmation

Detailed information can be found on our website:
https://www.zdv.uni-mainz.de/seafile/#Aktuelles_Update_Anfang_September

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

Adobe campus license will not be renewed in November 2025 – alternatives are already available

JGU's current license agreement for Adobe products ends on November 22, 2025. Due to significant price increases and low usage figures, the university will no longer be able to obtain a new campus license in the future.

Information for Students
Information for employees

Information for Students

What does this mean for your studies?

Adobe programs will no longer be available in the computer labs as of 22 November.
The associated Adobe training courses will no longer be offered and have already been canceled for the winter semester.

Your Options After 22 November 2025

Using Alternative Programs

We have already licensed and purchased many alternative programs. You can use these free of charge.
You can switch to the programs immediately! You can find a thematic overview of all alternatives on our website: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/adobe-alternatives/
Using the ZDV apps, you can assign most programs to the computers in the computer pool rooms.
The three important programs Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator are being replaced by the Affinity programs. You can also download these to your private computer for your studies:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/affinity-programs/
We have purchased and licensed PDF‑XChangePRO for the PDF program Acrobat Pro. This is also available to you free of charge:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/program-pdf-xchange-pro/

Training

In the past, we offered training for the Adobe programs Photoshop and InDesign. With a short survey, we want to determine the need for training for the alternative programs from Affinity.

Take the survey and give us feedback on how you have used Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator so far in your studies. The survey takes a maximum of 2 minutes:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/BkhXmgWdDT

We know that switching from familiar programs always involves a certain amount of effort. The selected alternatives were deliberately chosen because they cover most Adobe programs and require a short training period.

Information for employees

What does this mean for you?

All paid Adobe programs are affected by this decision.
As of 23 November 2025, you will no longer be able to use Adobe programs with the existing campus license.
We will then centrally uninstall the software, including all programs, from the computers managed by the Central Data Protection Administration (ZDV). You do not need to take any action yourself.

As of 22 November 2025, employees have two alternatives

Use alternative programs
We have already purchased and licensed professional programs for all common application areas. These are available to you immediately free of charge. Find out on our website which programs you need for your work and switch before November:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/adobe-alternatives/
Continue licensing Adobe programs
If you continue to rely on Adobe programs for your work, you can purchase a new license through us. This individual license must be financed by your respective institution; billing is handled by the ZDV. Since the conditions depend heavily on the number of licenses ordered, we request your order via the following web forms:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/adobe-licensing/

Important information about the transition is available on our website

Alternative programs that you can already use:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/adobe-alternatives/
We have purchased and licensed PDF‑XChangePRO for the PDF program Acrobat Pro:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/program-pdf-xchange-pro/
Three important programs, Photoshop, InDesign, and InDesign, are being replaced by the Affinity programs: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/affinity-programs/
Order Adobe individual licenses: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/adobe-licensing/

We will support you during the transition

We know that the transition will mean additional work for you. Our goal is therefore to make the switch to alternative programs as smooth as possible for you.

Even before the campus license expires, you will have the opportunity to try out and directly use the new alternative programs; we have already purchased and licensed all programs.
In a weekly question and answer session, you have the opportunity to ask questions about the planned migration, alternative products, licenses, and costs. We cannot answer specific application questions about individual programs in this format.
Every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and every Thursday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.
BBB room: https://bbb.rlp.net/rooms/ens-mkb-x60-ags/join
Initial training offers for Affinity’s alternative programs are already available on the university’s continuing education portal.
- Affinity Publisher (alternative to InDesign)
- Further courses are in the planning stage.
We have answered the most important questions for you:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/adobe-transition-frequently-asked-questions/

If you have any further questions, please contact directly: softwarelizenzen@zdv.uni-mainz.de.

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

The new BBB Version simplifies Digital Collaboration and Interaction in Video Conferences

With the new version of the BigBlueButton (BBB) video conferencing system, there are numerous new functions and existing ones have been significantly improved. The most important new features include:

Extended communication options: The chat now offers the option of editing or deleting messages afterwards, as well as replying directly and responding with emojis. The push-to-talk function has also been integrated. Simply press the “M” button to facilitate short verbal messages.
Upgraded whiteboard: New tools such as a highlighter, automatic grouping of objects and an expanded shapes palette provide more flexibility when presenting.
Easy use: Direct buttons for frequently used actions, an improved “Away” status and seamless switching between audio modes contribute to a more intuitive user experience.
Support and orientation: A new “tour” function helps newcomers with initial orientation, while flexible survey result displays and a “read” status for private messages make communication more efficient.

Technical Background

More flexibility: The new version 3.0 makes it possible to add new plugins without changing the basic structure of the platform. We have added the new functions "Select random participant", "Write subtitles" and "Tour".
Faster and still open source: The platform was accelerated and stabilized by replacing central components. Further changes to technical components were necessary to ensure that BigBlueButton remains freely accessible and customizable for everyone.

Prospects: Improved video conferencing functions (LiveKit): (planned end of SS25)

Better picture and sound quality: Even with a weak internet connection, the quality is now better and the transmission is smoother.
Modern technology: LiveKit supports technologies that automatically adapt the video quality to the Internet speed
Better compatibility: Firefox users can now also take part in conferences without any technical detours.

Schedule

Conversion of the standard version to BBB 3.0: 19.07-20.07.
Conversion of the “Preview” version to BBB 3.0+LK: 19.07. Planned conversion of the “Big” version for particularly large conferences to BBB 3.0: 02.08.

During the changeover phase, you can continue to use BBB without any problems.

All new functions can be found on the Digital Teaching website: https://digitale-lehre.uni-mainz.de/tools/bbb/

All new functions briefly explained in the video: https://www.vcrp.de/digitale-lehre/tools/bbb-neuerungen/

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

New Certificate for login.uni-mainz.de

A new certificate for login.uni-mainz.de was activated during the morning of May 7, 2025.

What does this mean for you?

Not much will change for you. The new certificate will be accepted automatically.

For administrators:

If you administer a system with single sign-on login, please check whether the new certificates from the metadata have been entered in your system.
You can retrieve the certificate at https://login.uni-mainz.de/FederationMetadata/2007-06/FederationMetadata.xml.

What kind of certificates are these?

The certificates are used to authenticate the login information between the login server and the target system.

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

New AI Service available for JGU

The Data Center (ZDV) has provided a new AI service for Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). This service, which is accessible at https://ki-chat.uni-mainz.de, includes several powerful language models, including Nemotron Ultra 253B, Gemma3 27B and Qwen2.5 Coder 32B.

The AI chat is initially only available to JGU employees who can log in with their JGU account. The Data Center controls and hosts the service itself, so the data (except for the web search) remains within JGU.

Future Developments

The new service will also be available to students in the future. In addition to regularly updating the language models, further improvements are in progress. The aim is to optimize the search and extraction of documents and to create a permanent knowledge repository. Connections to platforms such as Moodle or BBB and initial integrations (e.g. calculators) are also planned.

Learn More

Further information on the use of AI in higher education and support in using the service can be found on the website of the Digital Teaching Competence Team (https://digitale-lehre.uni-mainz.de/ki-in-der-hochschulbildung/ ).

Technical background information: https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/ai-at-jgu/

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.

Change at Overleaf: Centrally funded Licence ends in May

The University will no longer provide centrally funded licenses for Overleaf Server Pro in the future. The current licenses for Overleaf Server Pro expire on 19.05.2025. After this date, you will have two options for continuing to work with Overleaf:

You can continue to use the extended Community Edition on local University servers. In the week from 12.05. to 16.05. 2025, we will convert the existing installation at latex.zdv.uni-mainz.de to the Extended Community Edition. You can then continue working as usual.
You can use Overleaf Professional in the cloud. There are three different license models for this. In addition to a free version, there are also two paid licenses: https://jgu.to/yqbr

Please check which license is right for you. The ZDV will take care of the paid licenses and charge the costs directly to your cost center. You can take advantage of this offer immediately.

We will show you the differences and similarities below:

	Extended Community Edition https://latex.zdv.uni-mainz.de	In Cloud \| Standard https://www.overleaf.com/
Collaboration with others within JGU	by invitation via email address	by invitation via email address
Collaboration with others outside JGU	link sharing only possible anonymously	by invitation via email address
Data storage	on local university servers	Digital Science UK Ltd uses Google Cloud
Shows a history of all changes directly	√	√
Git and GitHub synchronization	-	√
Mendeley and Zotero integration	-	√
Costs	-	from standard paid licence

You will find more information under:
https://www.en-zdv.uni-mainz.de/overleaf-latex-zdv-uni-mainz-de/

More news from the Data Center → may be found here.