A Historic Step: RWTH Establishes Its New Faculty of Computer Science
The former Department of Computer Science will become Faculty 9.
The central function of computer science at RWTH Aachen University is visible everywhere. Hardly any major research project is conducted without the involvement of the chairs from the computer science department. “Cutting-edge research, international projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration shape our scientific profile, and they form the basis of our success,” says Professor Leif Kobbelt, Chair of Computer Graphics, Geometry, and Multimedia. What is particularly important to note here is that he is also a founding dean of the new Faculty of Computer Science at RWTH, which opened on October 1, 2025.
It is rare for new faculties to be established at German universities. At RWTH, this was last done in 1966, when the Faculty of Medicine was opened. Fifty-nine years later, founding dean Kobbelt describes the transfer of the former Computer Science Department to the new Faculty 9 at RWTH as a step that is pragmatic, pioneering, and that was long overdue. “On the one hand, it clearly shows that computer science is an important key discipline at RWTH, and on the other hand, it makes computer science more agile and flexible,” he explains.
Professor Ulrich Rüdiger, Rector of RWTH Aachen University, says: “Computer science is one of the flagships of RWTH and it is a central component of our strategy. By taking this important step, we are documenting this significance and creating structures for a successful future for computer science and RWTH as a whole.”
The story of computer science at RWTH Aachen University began in 1972, when the computer science degree program was introduced. As the range of courses on offer gradually expanded and the importance of computer science in research grew, the Computer Science Department was founded in 1986 as part of Faculty 1, which was then called the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences. The department grew in size and importance, both in terms of the number of students it had and in terms of the subjects it taught. By then, computer science students made up around half of the combined student body of Faculty 1, since this subject area had a very wide range of courses.
Computer Science as a Key Driver
Forty professorships ensure a wide range of topics, and there is an emphasis on striking a balance between a deep foundation in the theory and working in an interdisciplinary and application-oriented manner. “In Aachen, we have a lively tradition of working with other disciplines, especially with the engineering sciences and medicine, but also with many other areas, and we are known for our very strong research groups,” says Kobbelt.
Computer science is a key driver in the University's profile areas such as information and communication technology, it is involved in the University's clusters of excellence, and it is the origin of the AI Center. The networks are also reflected in various bridge professorships in other faculties that work on topics related to computer science.
National and international rankings document the leading position of computer science in Aachen. For years, the faculty has achieved top positions in renowned university rankings, which demonstrates the high quality of its teaching and research. These successes reflect its commitment to promoting excellent study conditions and innovative research projects.
An Interdisciplinary Hub
“We want to continue to grow in terms of quality,” says Leif Kobbelt, outlining the goal. To achieve this, the faculty wants to form an interdisciplinary hub that establishes collaborations within RWTH Aachen University and beyond. The faculty concept was specifically designed to benefit students as well, as they will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects whilst they are still studying. Based on the core disciplines, this will create a unique package that will make Aachen an even more attractive place to study.
Despite all this, the start will be a quiet one. When the new faculty begins operations on October 1, founding dean Kobbelt and his team will initially focus on ensuring that everything runs smoothly. With Professor Ulrik Schröder as Vice-Dean for Teaching, Professor Martin Grohe as Vice-Dean for Finance, Professor Bastian Leibe as Vice-Dean for Structure, Professor Christina Büsing as Vice-Dean for Equal Opportunities, Professor Michael Schaub as Vice-Dean for Research, and Alexandra Kwiecien as Managing Director, the team of deans is ready for election by the university senate.
There will also be a big celebration – but this will take place later. The founding ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2026. The Coronation Chamber of the City Hall has been reserved. A week earlier, on June 18, 2026, the traditional Computer Science Day will also take place.
– Author: Thorsten Karbach