New “Institute of Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Science"

The Bavarian Minister of Science, Bernd Sibler, shared his thoughts on the joint initiative of the KU and the city of Ingolstadt: “With the Institute of Applied Mathematics and Data Science in Ingolstadt, the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and the city of Ingolstadt will be establishing an institute for tackling the questions of the future! This institute is a valuable enrichment for the university, the university location Ingolstadt and the science hub Bavaria: The KU hones its profile in the STEM area and at the same time strengthens research on forward-looking topics in Bavaria. Furthermore, the institute holds tremendous potential for the young generation. I want to thank all parties involved for their exemplary commitment. At the location in Ingolstadt, you significantly contribute to our common progress. You pave the way for new innovations.”

“The KU focuses on digitalization as a scientific cross-cutting issue. We want to make our contribution to a human-centered digital society and establish our own expertise in the field of mathematics and technology that will complement our profile in social and economic sciences and the humanities very well”, explains KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien. She went on to say that the new institute helped the KU to strengthen the university location Ingolstadt and in addition offered additional possibilities for completing degrees in applied mathematics or data science. “On the other hand, the institute will also create new research perspectives for the region, for example with regard to topics such as mobility, artificial intelligence and data science. There will be many opportunities for cooperation with the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, the Fraunhofer Application Center and the Ingolstadt-based research center for artificial intelligence (AININ)”, Gien says.

“The provided funding will strengthen the university and science location Ingolstadt and also offer additional forward-thinking momentum for the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. Ingolstadt will experience a boost in the field of AI. A total of 1,000 additional places for students equate to approx. 250 graduates per year in what is clearly a future-oriented discipline: STEM”, says mayor Dr. Christian Lösel.

The Institute of Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Science at the KU Ingolstadt campus is organized as part of the KU Faculty of Mathematics and Geography. The funding provided by the city of Ingolstadt offers the KU the possibility to establish new chairs in the following disciplines:

Machine Learning and Optimization
At the intersection of mathematics and computer science, this field will develop and analyze algorithms that will enable computers to classify pictures and detect error patterns in the production. Amongst others, it focuses on mathematical analysis of neural networks and image and signal processing.

Technomathematics
This subject area focuses on the mathematical modeling and development of numerical methods for problems in engineering and natural sciences, for example in connection with chemical and mechanical processes in complex materials or questions concerning the optimization or optimal control of technical processes.

Geomatics
In geomatics, spatial data collected by terrestrial, airborne and satellite-based systems are gathered, analyzed and modeled. Through the networking of sensors, structures and changes in our environment are recorded and processed immediately. The collected data is then used to create computerized models that help in developing a better understanding of processes in road traffic and air transport. These, in turn, can serve as a basis for long-term planning in traffic and infrastructure or when it comes to the prevention of natural hazards.

In addition to the three endowed chairs, the Chair of Computational Science which is currently located in Eichstätt will be moved to Ingolstadt. The spectrum will further include a tenure track Professorship of Data Science for which the KU had successfully raised funds in a nationwide competition only recently. Together with other tenure track professorships that will be established by the KU in the fields of sociology, psychology, journalism and linguistics, digitalization issues will be discussed in an interdisciplinary dialog at the KU across multiple faculties and subjects. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the new institute will closely collaborate with the Eichstätt Chairs of Statistics and Physical Geography as well as the Chair of Information Systems at KU’s Ingolstadt School of Management.

In addition, it is planned to further expand on the teaching offer at the Ingolstadt campus by adding a Bachelor’s degree program in Data Science or Technomathematics as well as a related Master’s program. Like this, the KU will be able to offer an additional 1,000 places of study at its location in Ingolstadt.

The proposal submitted by mayor Dr. Christian Lösel will be discussed in different committees: the city’s committee of urban development and digitalization (October 8), the cultural and school committee (October 16) and the financial and staff committee (October 17). The Ingolstadt city council will discuss and vote on the proposal on October 24, 2019.