Together with the Brandenburg Minister of Science, Martina Münch, and President of the University of Potsdam, Oliver Günther, HPI Director, Prof. Christoph Meinel introduced the newly founded Faculty of Digital Engineering on 1 April. Under the leadership of Münch, the Ministry of Science has accompanied and supported the joint goal of the cooperation partners.
Research as the driving force behind dynamic economic development
"Since its inception the Hasso Plattner Institute has developed into one of the top addresses for computer science worldwide and, with its curriculum, regularly achieves top places in the rankings. Both institutions have not only gained great international recognition but are also a driving force for a diverse and sustainable knowledge-based society and dynamic economic development," said Münch.
HPI Director Prof. Christoph Meinel also sees the expansion of HPI as an important location factor for Potsdam, Berlin, and the state of Brandenburg: "With the expansion of HPI and the creation of the new faculty, we are creating the conditions to attract top researchers to the region. This strengthens the importance of the location as a center for scientific research in the critical issues shaping the future."
University President praises Hasso Plattner's engagement
The joint Faculty of Digital Engineering is being funded by the Hasso Plattner Foundation. It is therefore the first privately financed faculty at a public university in Germany. "Thanks to the exemplary engagement of Hasso Plattner, the new faculty will have more than 20 professorships, besides the 20 existing professorships in the field of computer science in our five other faculties. With 40 IT professorships in Potsdam, we are in an excellent place in relation to Europe as a whole," said the University President in praising the engagement of HPI benefactor and science patron Hasso Plattner. Plattner had already announced plans last year to expand the institute he founded both in terms of structure and content.
In addition to the expansion of research activities in the area of digital engineering, the Faculty has planned four new master's degree programs: Digital Health, Smart Energy, Cybersecurity, and Data Engineering. Up to 12 additional professorships are to be created, with the appointment of new professors to begin shortly. The construction of the new premises started at the beginning of this year.
