The German Informatics Society (GI) has named Professor Erhard Rahm of Leipzig University and founding director of ScaDS.AI Dresden/Leipzig a GI Fellow in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the GI and to computer science. In explaining its decision, the society said that Rahm had established a national and international reputation in the fields of database systems, data integration, and data management. He also founded one of six interdisciplinary German competence centers for artificial intelligence and data science funded by the Federal Ministry of Research.

“I am greatly honored to be named a GI Fellow, and I am delighted that this also gives me the opportunity to represent Leipzig University as a leading center for computer science,” says Professor Rahm. His research focuses on database systems, data integration, and big data. He was the founding director of ScaDS.AI Dresden/Leipzig, which is part of the Network of German Centers of Excellence for AI Research.

Professor Rahm’s many areas of involvement

Rahm has been actively involved in the computer science community for decades, including as a member of a review board of the German Research Foundation (DFG), an adviser to the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI), spokesperson for the GI’s Databases and Information Systems division, a member of the GI Executive Board and its Vice President for Finance. GI Fellows play an active role in shaping the society and contribute ideas and expertise. Drawing on their experience, they advise and support the GI’s Executive Board and Executive Committee and help shape strategic issues. They are committed to contributing to the GI and its work, introducing topics themselves and advancing them both independently and together with others in the interests of society.

In addition to Professor Rahm, the German Informatics Society has named Professor Andreas Schwill of the University of Potsdam, Professor Karin Vosseberg of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Professor Wolfgang Lehner of TU Dresden and computer scientist Bernhard Witt as GI Fellows. According to the GI, through their work both within and beyond the society, the five new Fellows have had a lasting impact on the field in areas including database systems, computer science education, the development of independent digital systems at higher education institutions, data protection, and cybersecurity, as well as through their efforts to encourage more girls and women to pursue computer science.

German Informatics Society (GI)

The German Informatics Society (GI) describes itself as the largest professional society for computer science in the German-speaking world. Since 1969, it has represented the interests of computer scientists in academia, society, and politics and has advocated for digital transformation that serves the public good. With 14 divisions, more than 30 active regional groups, and numerous specialist groups, the GI provides a platform and a voice for all areas of computer science. 

GI press release and Susann Sika / Translation: Matthew Rockey