In my current position of Professor of Machine Learning and Optimisation at Paderborn University my research mainly focuses on (Trustworthy) Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Automated Algorithm Selection and Configuration, Exploratory Landscape Analysis, (Multiobjective) Evolutionary Optimisation and Data Stream Mining. I am also (Guest) Professor of Data Science in the Data Management and Biometrics group at the University of Twente (NL) and until 2023, I was with the Department of Information Systems, University of Münster, Germany for ten years as Professor of Data Science: Statistics and Optimization. Moreover, I am currently key supporter of the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (CLAIRE) and Member of the European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS).

My group offers basic and advanced courses in the areas of (human-centered and trustworthy) AI / data science, machine learning, algorithmics and optimisation, as well as specific courses, e.g. on automated algorithm selection and configuration, streaming data, or social media analytics. Building on my involvement in the European AI-initiative CLAIRE and my international research network, invited talks of well-known international researchers complement lectures and seminars. Through my experience from externally funded projects and my work in strategic management consulting, I support the transfer of methodological knowledge through targeted and informative applications and case studies. The statistical software R is used in exercises and also interactively in lectures.

My work strongly fosters knowledge transfer from university to industry and vice versa. Transfer of current scientific findings into teaching and the integration of application-oriented research approaches are important ingredients of high-quality lectures. I have long-term experience in third-party funded projects cooperating with industry, was member of the scientific advisory board of an AI startup company for several years and used to work as analytics consultant in a strategic management consulting company. Also, I am involved in the executive Master and Certificate programs ’Data Science’ as well as ’IT Management’ at the University of Münster Professional School.