First New Year's Reception at the Faculty of Computer Science

On January 22, 2025, the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Computer Science invited all faculty members to the Faculty's first New Year's Reception. The New Year's Reception is intended to establish a new tradition of toasting the New Year together and looking back on the work of the past year with appreciation and thanks.

This year, the reception coincided with the change in our faculty management and provided a good opportunity for a symbolic handover. In his bilingual speech, former Dean Prof. Ivo F. Sbalzarini praised the Faculty's great successes during his time in office: "Together, we have managed to grow by 10 Chairs and become a very visible AI location. We have also simplified and digitalized many processes relating to studies and administration, and we are enjoying steadily growing student numbers and increasing internationality."

Prof. Sbalzarini proudly pointed out that the Faculty of Computer Science is a strong research partner in five out of six excellence cluster proposals and in many of the university's large collaborative projects: "Our research strength is also reflected in the new DFG Funding Atlas, in which we are ranked fourth among all computer science faculties in Germany." In conclusion, the former Dean thanked all employees for their commitment and achievements, which have collectively led to these successes.

After his speech, he handed over a Lego model of the faculty building as a symbolic baton to the new Dean, Prof. Christel Baier: "I am following in footsteps that have already paved the way for further great goals. We have set ourselves a mission statement and strategic goals, which we now need to bring to life together. I am confident that we will be able to achieve particular success in teaching and research in the coming years.

The subsequent catering was sponsored by Kernkonzept, which provided the culinary delights for the social get-together. The event was accompanied by great music from the student jazz band "Winelight Quartett" from St. Benno Gymnasium.