Fifty representatives from the Faculty of Computer Science at universities across Germany gathered at Fachhochschule Dortmund from October 11 to 13, 2026, to discuss future topics in computer science education, artificial intelligence, and new doctoral opportunities at universities of applied sciences. The university hosted the 45th Annual Conference of the Association of Computer Science Departments (FBTI).
The conference was organized by Prof. Dr. Gabriele Kunau and Prof. Dr. Erik Kamsties from the Faculty of Computer Science. “The personal exchange with colleagues from all over Germany is incredibly valuable—especially in times when AI and digital transformation are rapidly changing the field of computer science,” emphasizes Professor Kunau. “The intensive debates on the further development of study programs and on independent doctorates at universities of applied sciences have made it clear: We are actively shaping the computer science education of tomorrow, staying close to real-world practice and keeping pace with technological developments,” adds Prof. Kamsties.
Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel, president of the Fachhochschule Dortmund, and Prof. Dr. Daniel Hamburg, dean of the faculty, opened the conference. The conference program, which spanned several days, covered numerous topics:
- the further development of computer science study programs and new recommendations from the German Informatics Society (GI),
- the use of AI in teaching and research,
- doctoral opportunities at universities of applied sciences (HAW), including those offered by the Doctoral School NRW and the Graduate Center of the Fachhochschule Dortmund,
- research funding for universities of applied sciences (HAW), presented by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia,
- digital sovereignty, high-performance computing, and the implementation of the EU AI Act at universities.
The Fachhochschule Dortmund was represented with several presentations. Prof. Dr. Andreas Harrer and Dr. Kim Lauenroth took stock of the Digital Design study program after two years. Prof. Dr. Christoph M. Friedrich spoke about AI in research, using the DFG Research Training Group WisPerMed as an example. Prof. Dr. Stephan Weyers, Vice Rector for Teaching and Academic Affairs, presented his thoughts on the management of study programs.
In addition to the academic program, the conference offered ample opportunity for networking: during a city tour starting at the Dortmunder U, at a reception at Dortmund City Hall, and during group dinners in downtown Dortmund.