St. Pölten UAS Hosts Fulbright Professor

The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences welcomes an international expert for AI and Security: Akbar Siami-Namin. The US researcher from the Texas Tech University spends time at the UAS within the framework of the renowned Fulbright scholarship – one of the most acclaimed exchange programmes for science and teaching in the world. Until the end of June, he will continue to work with students and researchers of the Department of Computer Science & Security, thus systematically promoting internationalisation at our institution.

Internationalisation at Home

For four months, Akbar Siami-Namin from the Texas Tech University in Lubbock (Texas, USA) contributes his expertise in artificial intelligence and IT security to the St. Pölten UAS where he shares his knowledge in courses and engages in intensive exchange with the researchers of the Department of Computer Science & Security. His close collaboration with students and UAS researchers continues until the end of June – a significant added value for our university of applied sciences.

“The cooperation with international experts such as Siami-Namin does not only strengthen our research competencies at the St. Pölten UAS, but also promotes our scientific exchange with US universities. At the same time, what we refer to as ‘internationalisation at home’ gains in importance as well: guest lectures and English-taught formats bring international perspectives directly to our campus”, emphasise UAS Executive Directors Hannes Raffaseder and Johann Haag.

Ideal bridge between artificial intelligence and IT security

“We are very happy to welcome Akbar to our department! His passion for natural language processing and machine learning on the one hand, and programme analysis and software testing on the other builds the ideal bridge between artificial intelligence and IT security”, says Simon Tjoa, Head of the Institute of IT Security Research and the Department of Computer Science & Security at the St. Pölten UAS.

“It was not only the Austrian culture and location that convinced me to come here, but also the high standing of the local higher education institutions. They enjoy an excellent reputation and are known to set great store by high standards. The educational system here offers high-quality training that brings together theoretical knowledge and applied sciences – a particular benefit for the students”, says Siami-Namin.

Fulbright Professorship

The Fulbright programme is among the most renowned and prestigious international exchange programmes in the world. It is offered by the United States and allows for intensive academic exchange. It gives professors and researchers the opportunity to teach and conduct research at an Austrian higher education institution for the duration of a semester. The selection criteria for the Fulbright programme are strict and focus on academic excellence, convincing career goals, and a pronounced commitment to science, society, or culture.

Further Information

• Study programmes of the Department of Computer Science & Security
• Institute of IT Security Research