What are you doing today?
In conversation with "Carlumnus" Prof. Dr. Christian Komusiewicz
| Organization: | Friedrich Schiller University Jena |
|---|---|
| Subject areas: | Mathematics |
| Main topics: | MINT Impulses |
You were sponsored by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung as part of its young talent development program. Where were you working at the time and what did you do?
Prof. Dr. Christian Komusiewicz: The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung funded my doctoral project in theoretical computer science at the University of Jena from 2007. During my doctorate, I worked on algorithmically difficult computational problems that play a role in the analysis of biological or social networks.
How do you remember this time?
It was an exciting and free time. I had the feeling that I was constantly discovering something new, both in science and in university life.
What are you doing today?
After long periods in Berlin and Marburg, I am now back at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, where I hold the professorship for Algorithm Engineering. So I have remained true to science and my subject. In my current position, I also have contact with the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung again: I was pleased to be able to work on the "Interactive Inference" project funded by the CZS as soon as I moved to Jena.
What excites you most in your current position?
First of all, the world of algorithms still fascinates me. When I have a better understanding of a problem and have been able to use this knowledge to develop an algorithm that solves the problem faster or better, for example, then that is always a fulfilling feeling. In my role as a professor, I am also thrilled to be able to support the development of young researchers.
With the knowledge of today: What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your career?
My impression is that knowledge often only becomes valuable and useful when you actively acquire it over a longer period of time, through research, discussion or writing. To exaggerate a little: I'm even a bit happy about the things I didn't know at the beginning and now think I know.
My impression is that knowledge often only becomes valuable and useful when you actively acquire it over a longer period of time, through research, discussion or writing.
Could you imagine doing something completely different? And if so, what would that be?
I would also have liked to be a musician.
Last question: What buzzword comes to mind when you think of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung?
A stroke of luck. This applies to me personally, as I have now benefited several times from the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung's research funding, but also to the funded locations, which owe a lot to it. I was very pleased when I recently realized that the construction of the Abbeanum in Jena almost 100 years ago was financed by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung. Such a long-term commitment is extraordinary.
Thank you very much for being available for the interview in the “Carlumni” newsletter!
Prof. Dr. Christian Komusiewicz
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Fakultät für Mathematik und Informatik
Algorithm Engineering Lab
Your contact for all questions relating to the CZS Alumni Portal, alumni sponsorship and the "Carlumni" network:
Petra Dabelstein
Member of the Management Board, Head of Communications
Phone: +49 (0)711 - 162213 - 25