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Three Questions for

© Fraunhofer IESE

Prof. Dr. Jens Heidrich - Professor of Applied Computer Science

Prof. Dr. Jens Heidrich was appointed to Mainz University of Applied Sciences in October 2023, where he teaches Applied Computer Science in the Department of Technology.

What motivated you to make the move to Mainz University of Applied Sciences?

The move to Mainz University of Applied Sciences was an exciting opportunity for me to combine my passion for teaching and the transfer of research findings. Until September 2023, I served as head of department at Fraunhofer IESE in Kaiserslautern, where I worked intensively on applied research projects covering various topics related to software engineering and artificial intelligence (AI). I find it particularly appealing that the university offers the opportunity to directly incorporate application-oriented research findings into teaching, thereby making the students’ education even more practice-oriented and up-to-date. This is especially important in the field of AI, as the field has evolved rapidly in recent months and years.

In the age of ChatGPT and similar tools, teaching data literacy skills is essential for all students. For aspiring computer scientists, it is particularly important to master the reliable development of systems that incorporate AI models. Mainz University of Applied Sciences offers me the opportunity to become deeply involved in this area and to pass on my knowledge to the students. I’m also looking forward to further strengthening the collaboration between the university and Fraunhofer. This partnership allows us to offer students valuable insights into applied research and to work together on practical solutions to current challenges.

What appeals to you most about your new position?

Above all, I’m excited by the chance to directly integrate my practical experience from industry into my teaching and thus bridge the gap between theory and practice. It gives me great pleasure to help students understand the importance and applications of software engineering—and, in particular, the development of AI systems. Mainz University of Applied Sciences, with its institutes such as i3mainz, also offers an excellent environment for working with companies at the intersection of teaching, research, and practical application. I also see great potential in interdisciplinary collaboration between departments and look forward to conducting research on innovative projects together with colleagues and students. Furthermore, international networking and exchange with foreign research institutions and companies are very important to me.

What topic would you like to discuss with students in a casual setting?

I’m always open to a good conversation and am interested in many topics that concern students at this stage of their lives. I’d especially like to discuss their views on the future and their expectations. Computer science—and AI in particular—are playing an increasingly important role in our society and offer numerous opportunities to change the world for the better. For example, I’m interested in how students see their role in this development and what challenges they foresee in the future. Another exciting aspect would be how we can ensure that AI systems function reliably and safely. This is especially true in safety-critical applications, such as autonomous driving or medicine. In current research and in the media, we repeatedly read about challenges associated with the use of AI models, such as bias, a lack of transparency, or false predictions. What do students think about this, and what, in their view, could lead to greater trust in the use of AI systems? Such discussions are invaluable for jointly developing new ideas and solutions.

 

Under the heading “Three Questions for,” newly appointed professors are introduced in no particular order. The following articles, among others, have appeared in the “Three Questions for” series: