Maxim Friesen

Title of the Keynote

Importance of Practice-Oriented Studies and International Research Collaborations for Academic Careers in Engineering

Engineering is a practical field that requires the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and work in interdisciplinary environments. Ignoring this from a research perspective can quickly lead to a gap between academia and industry. Similarly, neglecting collaborations on an international level can lead to a narrow perspective and a lack of diversity in research that may limit potentials for innovative solutions to global challenges. By engaging in practical studies, students and researchers can gain hands-on experience, develop problem-solving skills, and acquire industry-specific knowledge that can enhance their employability and research output. Furthermore, collaborating with international researchers can lead to the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and techniques, leading to breakthroughs in different fields. These collaborations also provide opportunities for exposure to diverse cultures and can foster global relationships, leading to greater career opportunities and potential for impactful research. This talk will therefore highlight personal experiences of how a combination of practical studies and international collaborations can broaden the horizons of academic engineers and enrich their professional and personal growth.

Kaja Balzereit

Title of the Keynote

A PhD topic between Theory and Application: Reconfiguration of Hybrid Systems

Systems operating in the real world are susceptible to faults such as component faults or outages of subsystems. Reconfiguration is the adaptation of a system's configuration to recover desired system operation in the presence of faults. However, especially for hybrid systems, identifying a new configuration is challenging, as discrete and continuous aspects need to be considered.

In this talk, a novel approach to reconfiguration of hybrid systems is presented. This approach is based on a fundamental technique of Artificial Intelligence, the logical reasoning. This fundament is used to create an intuitive and human-understandable problem representation, that is compatible with efficient solution strategies such as satisfiability solving. Thus, the theory of efficient logical reasoning is connected to the application of a real-world application, the reconfiguration. This talk will discuss the challenges one faces when bridging the gap between theory and practice, and highlight the results of this approach.

Peter Wissbrock

Title of the Keynote

Bridging the Gap: Industrial Doctorate Programs and the Transfer of Research to Real-Life Applications

Added value for society is created when research results are transferred to real-life applications. Knowledge sharing and technology transfer between academia and industry are integral aspects, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. An industrial doctorate program serves as a platform for successful collaboration between academia and industry, enabling the transfer of research results into practical applications. The program benefits from the close collaboration between candidates, academic supervisors, and industry mentors, leading into interdisciplinary cooperations. This concept allows doctoral candidates conducting research that addresses real-world challenges faced by industries. The outcomes of such collaborative efforts extend beyond innovation and competitiveness, positively impacting society by translating theoretical knowledge into practical advancements. Industrial doctorate programs also contribute to the development of a skilled workforce, equipping candidates with specialized knowledge and transferable skills essential for driving research initiatives and industrial transformations.