Julia Christina Hess
Lead Global Chip Dynamics
Julia Christina Hess leads interface’s work on semiconductors through the Global Chip Dynamics Programme. Her research examines the strategic importance of semiconductors for Europe and the global, interdependent value chain, considering both its significant ecological footprint and evolving geopolitical context.
An expert on semiconductor-related policies from national industrial strategies to chip diplomacy, Julia has spoken at national and international conferences, events, and hearings. Most recently, she presented her work as a subject matter expert during New York Climate Week and to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy of the European Parliament. She is regularly interviewed or provides commentary for outlets including die Zeit, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Politico, Deutschlandfunk, Internationale Politik, and IPG Journal.
Julia has been with interface since 2019, initially conducting research at the intersection of AI and foreign policy, with a focus on AI governance. In 2021, she was a fellow at the Gesellschaft für Informatik's AI Camp.
Publications by Julia Christina Hess
Direct Emissions in Semiconductor Manufacturing Are Increasing Again – What Is Behind the Shift?
Julia Christina Hess, Maria Nowicka
Built for Purpose?
Demand-Led Scenarios for Europe's AI Gigafactories
Julia Christina Hess, Dr. Felix Sieker
Semiconductor Emission Explorer: Tracking Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Chip Production (2015-2023)
Julia Christina Hess, Anna Semenova
Chip Production’s Ecological Footprint: Mapping Climate and Environmental Impact
Julia Christina Hess
Chip Diplomacy - Analysis of technology partnerships
Julia Christina Hess, Jan-Peter Kleinhans
Who is developing the chips of the future? RELOADED
Jan-Peter Kleinhans, Julia Christina Hess, Laurenz Hemmen
Other Input from Julia Christina Hess
The Semiconductor Emission Explorer
An Online Tool to Track Chip Industry Emissions
Maria Nowicka, Julia Christina Hess
Europas Traum von der digitalen Souveränität
Julia Christina Hess
How the Semiconductor Industry Can Become More Sustainable
Julia Christina Hess
Eine Gigafactory reicht vorerst: Besonnen statt groß denken!
Julia Christina Hess
The hidden ecological costs of AI: why chip production poses an additional challenge
Julia Christina Hess
Viel Zuckerbrot, wenig Peitsche
Europa treibt den Ausbau der Halbleiterindustrie derzeit massiv voran. Subventionen sollten jedoch an nachhaltige Fertigung geknüpft werden.
Julia Christina Hess
Events with Julia Christina Hess
May 2026
Thursday
28
16:00 - 17:00
(CEST)
Past
Webinar
Julia Hess & Maria Nowicka speak on the environmental implications of Europe’s AI infrastructure expansion
Julia Christina Hess, Maria Nowicka
May 2026
Tuesday
19
15:00 - 15:30
(CEST)
Past
Talk
Julia Christina Hess and Catherine Schneider speak at re:publica 2026
Catherine Schneider, Julia Christina Hess
May 2026
Friday
08
08:00 - 09:00
(CEST)
Past
Expert Briefing
Parliamentary Breakfast: AI Data Centers and Their Infrastructure: What Europe Needs Now
Julia Christina Hess, Maria Nowicka
April 2026
Monday
13
15:15 - 16:00
(CEST)
Past
Panel Discussion
Panel on Techno-feudalism, Media, and Diplomacy
Julia Christina Hess
Meet other Experts
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Lena-Maria Böswald
Senior Policy Researcher Digital Public Sphere
Helene Pleil
Senior Policy Researcher Cybersecurity & Emerging Threats