On 1 September, another professorship was successfully filled in the Faculty of Applied Computer Science at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). Prof. Dr. Thomas Buchmann, an expert in software engineering and model-driven software development, joins the growing faculty at DIT with immediate effect.

The IT specialist looks back on a successful academic career at the University of Bayreuth. His diploma in mathematics in 2002 was later followed by a doctorate (2010) and habilitation (2017), both in computer science. "After that, I taught and researched for five years as an academic councillor at Bayreuth University," Buchmann reports. But the 45-year-old native of the Upper Palatinate also brings practical business experience with him to Deggendorf. Between his studies and his doctorate, Buchmann worked for Desko GmbH, a developer of hardware for reading documents such as ID cards, barcodes, magnetic strips and chip cards. There he headed the software development department for three years. Prof. Buchmann, who describes himself as "calm, level-headed, but also determined", finds the development dynamics at DIT particularly interesting. "The growth that the Deggendorf Institute of Technology has to show," says the software expert, "is quite impressive." This has excited him and he would like to be on board in order for him to bring his own extensive experience to research and contribute to teaching.

In September, preparatory courses for first-year students will begin at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). First-semester students can refresh their knowledge in basic subjects with this course offer. Registration is still possible.

The preparatory courses are offered in subjects such as accounting, mathematics, physics or computer science. The course "Studying with Success" provides prospective students with practical tips on how to organise their daily study routine, how to prepare for exams on an ongoing basis and how to work scientifically. The complete range of courses can be viewed on the internet at www.th-deg.de/en/study-with-us/prep-courses. Students can also register directly online. Questions about the courses can be answered by the Career Service via e-mail at vorbereitungs-kurse@th-deg.de or by phone at +49 991 3615 223.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) has been able to attract a first-class appointment for the professorship of "Global Public Health". Dr. Sabine Dittrich has held the position at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen since 1 August. Her students in the Master's programme Global Public Health can look forward to a lecturer with worldwide experience in public health.

Colourful and curious - that is simply Prof. Dr. Sabine Dittrich's motto. "From my red hair to my stories from all over the world - colourful, curious, yet determined and assertive. That probably describes me best," Dittrich says about herself. Her curiosity and hard work have taken as far as Singapore, England, the Netherlands, Laos and Switzerland. After almost 20 years abroad, the native of Augsburg is now returning to Bavaria. In her luggage: a lot of experience in terms of health care and research. Her area of expertise relates to how pathogens are detected, diagnosed and communicated in the health system. Her work in Laos and Geneva had the greatest impact on the microbiologist. In Asia, she researched and practised at the country's largest state hospital; in Geneva, she sat as an expert at the round table to help make global health decisions. She knows the systems inside and out. Sabine Dittrich has worked with the world's top infectious disease researchers, held positions at the EU and the Tropical Institute in Berlin, and maintains close ties with the University of Oxford. She now wants to bring her expertise, experience and networks to DIT. "I am looking forward to meeting the students and working with them on how to build better health systems. It will be great to educate this next generation to ensure that all people around the world have access to good healthcare including new technologies," says the newly appointed professor. At DIT, the combination of international orientation and a pragmatic and innovative environment appeal to her. Her students can expect practical examples and interactions with colleagues in international organisations as well as many discussions from her. After all, Dr Sabine Dittrich knows that only those who are open to new opinions and data can follow scientifically sound paths. Until the students return to the university in early October, the new professor and her dog are busy settling in and getting used to the local dialect.