Information Science @ Uni Regensburg: 2026 Alumni Special

Dear all,

We hope you had a smooth transition into the new year ... and what better way to start the year than planning for the next Data Science @ Regensburg Meetup?

This time we have prepared an Alumni Special for you featuring some of our very own graduates who have found their way into academia, industry and local government. This should help answer the question "What job prospects are there for me with a degree in information science / human-centred AI / digital humanities / computer science / etc.?"

Are we just targeting students this time? Not at all. You do not have to be a student to attend and join the fun! One of the great features of our group is the mixed crowd you can expect at any of the meetings, and we very much hope you can join us (again) and contribute to the atmosphere.

So, are you in? We certainly hope so.

Cheerio,
Udo, David & Bernd

P.S.: Here is the line-up:

Speaker 1:
Max Schmidhuber (Data Scientist @ Bavarian State Tax Office / Bayerisches Landesamt für Steuern)

Title:
Permit A38, Please: Tales from Inside a German Government Agency

Abstract:
We all know the beast, and most of us dread it: bureaucracy. It is a jungle of forms, certificates, and red tape. But is this system a symptom of madness, or is it actually necessary for a diverse society to function?
This talk offers an inside look at a Bavarian government agency, shedding light on a daily life sandwiched between printed forms and coffee breaks.
I will argue that bureaucracy is actually—believe it or not—vital for democracy. More importantly, I will demonstrate how we, as information scientists, can help alleviate its most painful side effects.

Speaker 2:
Selina Meyer (Postdoctoral Researcher | Natural Language Understanding Lab @ UTN)

Title:
Doing a PhD (and beyond) - Turning Curiosity and Joy of Learning into a Career

Abstract:
If you enjoy learning, exploring new ideas and like being in university, you may have already thought about pursuing a career in academia. But the reality of academic work is more complex than simply “staying at university”. In this talk, I will share my journey through the academic jungle so far: what a typical day looks like, the research fields I’ve explored and come in contact with, and how these experiences reflect the diversity of information science and human-centered AI. I’ll also discuss the pros and cons of an academic career, including things I wish I had known earlier, and give some tips on what to pay attention to when applying for PhD positions, possible alternative funding paths, and the personal qualities that help you not just survive but thrive in academia.

Speaker 3:
Maximilian Weissenbacher (Senior AI Engineer @ PwC)

Title:
Working as AI Engineer in the German public sector

Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence is no longer limited to research labs or tech companies - it is increasingly shaping how governments and public institutions work. In this talk, I will share insights from my day-to-day work as an AI Engineer at PwC in the public sector and show what it means to build AI systems with real societal impact.

I will give an overview of the types of AI applications we develop, and discuss the unique challenges of applying AI in the public sector. This includes regulatory constraints, data quality, and the need for transparency and trust. At the same time, I will highlight the opportunities: how AI can improve public services, support administrative work, and contribute to more efficient and citizen-centric government processes.

Speaker 4:
Leah Schulte-Ortbeck (Enterprise AI & Data Analytics Architect @ BMW Group)

Title:
Learning by Doing: How My University Years Shaped My Career Path

Abstract:
This talk explores the often non-linear journey from university to entering professional life. Using my own academic background and early career decisions, I will reflect on how uncertainty, changing interests, and external expectations shaped my path towards my current role as an Enterprise AI & Data Analytics Architect for the R&D division at the BMW Group and provide some insights into this role.
Unlike many career talks that focus on linear success stories or predefined plans, this presentation emphasizes detours, doubts, and learning through trial and error. It highlights realistic decision-making processes and the value of adaptability, self-reflection, and persistence when moving from university into the job market.
Participants can expect an honest and relatable talk, with space to reflect on their own academic choices and plans for their future careers.