We spoke with him about what the position involves, what his research is about, and his passion for sports.

What is your field of research?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: I work in the field of software engineering.

What exactly is it about?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: Mastering variability and complexity of software in cyber-physical systems, such as large-scale industrial plants, requires new software engineering methods and tools, particularly for variability modeling and product configuration as well as to support maintenance and evolution.

Why did you decide to come to the JKU?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: JKU Computer Science researchers, particularly in software engineering, are among the world's most renowned researchers. The JKU’s computer science program is outstanding. In addition, the JKU boasts Austria’s most beautiful campus.

What do you find fascinating about your area of research?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: I enjoy being able to assist and support software engineers in their work, especially when it comes to large software systems and their variability and complexity.

Why is this research even necessary, meaning how will it improve our lives?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: There are no technical or organizational processes and no services not related to software systems. The communication and lifestyle of people as well as the security and critical infrastructure of whole nations depend on software. Conducting research in the field of software engineering - meaning how to successfully and systematically design, test, and maintain software – is essential if we are to master our software systems' ever-increasing complexities.

Why should students take your classes?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: I teach the required fundamentals together with actual hands-on, real-world examples from my many years of experience of conducting applied software engineering research.

What are you currently working on?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: I am head of a Christian Doppler Lab focusing on variability in cyber-physical production systems, in which we work together with Primetals Technologies. I also head the JKU/Dynatrace Co-Innovation Lab that focuses on handling enormous amounts of data at run-time, performing research in cooperation with Dynatrace.

What are your hobbies?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: I am a passionate distance runner for distances ranging from 200 meters to marathons. My personal best 5-km time is 16:33 minutes, and my personal best half marathon time is 1:19:36.

What else do you want to do or accomplish in your lifetime?
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rick Rabiser: I would like to continue working with brilliant and talented people as well as conducting research on the latest software engineering trends for many years to come, especially in support of young people's educational, professional and personal growth, particularly my daughter. And I would like to continue to set many more personal best running times!

Click here to learn more about the LIT Cyber-Physical Systems Lab.