+49 234 32 10672
linda.rustemeier@pknrw.de
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Research
The Department of Computer and Data Science addresses questions and challenges arising from digitalization and develops solutions using scientific methods. Its research focuses particularly on applied problems in computer science, many of which have an interdisciplinary character or can only be solved through inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. Research topics include data protection, data security, integrity, efficiency, and user-friendliness of digital systems, as well as user-centered visualization, efficient interaction, and operability or interoperability.
Concept of Research
The Department conducts research in four key areas: ‘Cyber Security’, ‘Data Science’, ‘Visual Computing’, and ‘Business Informatics’. Each professor in the Department is assigned to one or more of these areas. Through intensive interdisciplinary collaboration within the Department and across these research areas, there is a continuous exchange on current research perspectives and projects. This enables the Department to play an active role in shaping innovation within computer science and digitalization.
Cyber Security
This key research area addresses innovative approaches to attack prevention, detection, containment, and tracing in digital environments, as well as the development and analysis of advanced and future-proof privacy protection methods. It evaluates the security of fundamental algorithms, protocols, technologies, and implementations, identifies vulnerabilities, and develops countermeasures to mitigate risks associated with ongoing digitalization.
Data Science
The Data Science research area focuses on developing and advancing methodological approaches that enhance the understanding of data science and AI techniques. Research in this field provides tools and frameworks for the responsible use of data for the benefit of society and the support of digital transformation. Data Science combines methods from computer science, statistics, and mathematics, with applications including business model optimization, process automation, and fraud detection. Data-driven AI algorithms and machine learning methods are used for modeling and evaluation.
Visual Computing
Research in this area deals with the processing of visual information — both from the perspective of data generation and from that of data analysis, preparation, and visualization. Particular attention is given to real-time capabilities and interaction with computer-controlled devices, leading to both fundamental and applied scientific insights and solutions, depending on the focus of the research.
Business Informatics
Business Informatics examines the planning, development, implementation, and operation of information systems and their economic use in enterprises and organizations. It addresses organizational challenges such as the design and optimization of intra- and inter-company business processes, as well as societal and individual phenomena. The field studies organizational change and its interactions with information systems — from the strategic to the operational level — as key areas of analysis and design.
Disciplinary Positioning
The Department defines itself as an interdisciplinary research environment that promotes collaboration across established academic boundaries. Its professors include computer scientists, natural scientists, engineers, and business information systems experts. This diversity enables a broad, interdisciplinary research spectrum and facilitates the exploration of cross-cutting issues such as diversity and the implications of demographic change.
Activities
The Department offers two doctoral programs: ‘Applied Computer Science and Business Informatics’ and ‘AI and Data Science’. Within this framework, it regularly organizes colloquia, seminars, methodological workshops, and lecture series.
