A behind the scenes look at the creation of the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences (DAS)

With the establishment of the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences (DAS), the University of Salzburg made a clear commitment to future-readiness, digital innovation, and structural transformation. Since January 1, 2022, the DAS Faculty has brought together key competencies in research, teaching, and digitalisation – and is now considered a pioneer in Austria’s higher education landscape.

The vision emerged early, shaped by strategic foresight and bold reform efforts. One of the driving forces behind this initiative was the rectorate led by Hendrik Lehnert, which recognised the signs of the times: digitalisation, data science, and artificial intelligence were no longer purely technical disciplines – they had become the core of societal transformation. The University no longer wanted to merely react, but to actively help shape these developments.

From Idea to Institution

As early as 2020, a strategic leadership team – including Rector Hendrik Lehnert and vice-rectors Martin Weichbold and Nicola Hüsing – began developing the plan to establish a faculty that would be structurally and thematically dedicated to these future-oriented fields. Starting in summer 2020, regular, constructive, and respectful exchanges were held with representatives of the departments that would become part of the new faculty, as well as with Dean Arne Bathke. The challenge was to consolidate existing strengths in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Many of these developments had emerged bottom-up: committed faculty members had initiated innovative study programmes, including Austria’s first Master’s programmes in Data Science and in Human-Computer Interaction, the interdisciplinary Bachelor’s programme “Digitalisation – Innovation – Society,” as well as international programmes like the Erasmus Mundus Copernicus Master in Digital Earth. However, without an appropriate structural framework, these initiatives risked remaining isolated.

Itzling as a Science Campus of the Future

A second impulse came from spatial development: the Itzling campus was to be positioned as a vibrant scientific hub. Departments such as Computer Science, Geoinformatics (Z_GIS), the Human-Computer Interaction division (HCI), as well as Chemistry and Physics of Materials in a newly built lab facility were already located there. A previous attempt to establish Itzling as a “Science & Technology Hub” had not been sustainable without proper structural backing. The new faculty aimed to address this – creating a connected scientific space with a coherent thematic direction.

The Founding Process

The official launch process began in summer 2020. Through digital workshops and meetings, the academic and organisational concept was developed. The name captured the vision: DAS – Digital and Analytical Sciences. On January 1, 2022, the faculty was officially established – bringing together four departments: Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces, Geoinformatics, Computer Science, and Mathematics.

Stefan Lang, now Dean of the DAS Faculty and successor to Arne Bathke, was also a central figure in the founding process. As a Professor of Geoinformatics and later Vice-Rector for Digitalisation and Internationalisation, he played a strategic and scientific role in shaping the faculty. With his experience in building research capacity at Z_GIS, numerous European and global collaborations, and particularly his leadership of the Christian Doppler Laboratory GEOHUM, he brought valuable international perspective and long-standing expertise. Alongside Arne Bathke and Stefan Lang, the initial deanery team included Günter Maresch (Mathematics). Later, Verena Fuchsberger-Staufer (AIHI) and Sebastian Forster (Computer Science) joined the team.

Lang emphasises that the success of the faculty’s creation rested on two pillars: strong commitment and innovative ideas from the departments, and a clear vision backed by strategic support from the rectorate. Without this political and institutional backing, the faculty would not have been possible.

National Impact – International Visibility

Today, the DAS Faculty is considered the first of its kind in Austria with a clear thematic focus. It was externally evaluated early on and received highly positive reviews. Collaborations with Salzburg Research, iSpace, and all universities in the region, as well as flagship projects like the iDEAS:lab, the Salzburg Lab for Intelligent Data Analytics (IDA), the MINT:labs, the state-funded EXDIGIT project, and several Digital Humanities initiatives highlight the DAS Faculty’s role as a driving force for innovation.

Arne Bathke and Stefan Lang draw a clear conclusion: the founding of the DAS Faculty was not merely an act of structural change but a bold decision to make the University of Salzburg future-proof. Or, as Lang puts it: “Together, we implemented something that was necessary – and that is already making us visible nationally and internationally.”

Vision and Goals of the DAS Faculty

The founding of the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences not only closed a structural gap but also articulated a clear vision. The DAS Faculty sees itself as an internationally visible, thematically focused institution that both drives technological innovation and critically reflects on it – with the goal of providing digital solutions to major societal challenges.

The faculty is dedicated to building an innovative research and educational hub that combines academic excellence with social responsibility. DAS strengthens Salzburg’s scientific landscape through interdisciplinary research across the entire digital spectrum: from mathematical foundations to data-driven decision support. Through its thematic focus, the synergy of strong departments, and close collaboration with regional and international partners, DAS is creating a unique centre of expertise – with the potential to make Salzburg a visible lighthouse in the digital research landscape of Europe.

History of the Deans of the DAS Faculty

The University of Salzburg Code of Conduct

The University of Salzburg (PLUS) is dedicated to fostering a professional environment built on mutual respect, integrity, and social responsibility. As a modern institution—exemplified by the forward-thinking establishment of the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences (DAS)—the University ensures that its structural growth is matched by the highest ethical standards.

The Code of Conduct serves as a binding framework for all members of the university community, including staff, students, and associated persons. It outlines core principles across several vital areas:

• Scientific Integrity: Commitment to the principles of good scientific practice and the protection of intellectual property.

• Respectful Culture: Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or bullying, ensuring a safe learning and working climate for everyone.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Active promotion of gender equality and accessibility for persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

• Responsibility & Compliance: Guidelines for the transparent use of resources, the prevention of conflicts of interest, and a commitment to ecological sustainability.

Reference Document

For detailed information on these guidelines and specific regulations, please refer to the official document: Code of Conduct

The PLUS Respekt project serves as the University of Salzburg’s primary information and support platform. It is specifically designed to be the central point of contact  if the values and rules established in the Code of Conduct are violated.

The initiative ensures that studying and working at the university takes place in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and misconduct.

Core Functions of PLUS Respekt:

• Navigation to Support: It helps affected individuals find the right internal or external advisory office in just a few steps.

• Empowering “Active Bystanders”: It provides guidelines for witnesses of misconduct to intervene safely and support those affected.

• Prevention and Awareness: By providing clear definitions, it helps the university community recognize and name boundary violations early on.

Where to go if the Code of Conduct is Violated

Depending on the nature of the violation, the following contact points are available through the PLUS Respekt portal:

1. Working Group on Equal Treatment (AKG): The first point of contact for discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or sexual orientation, as well as cases of sexual harassment.

2. Department of Family, Gender, Disability & Diversity (FGDD): Support for discrimination related to disabilities or chronic illnesses.

3. Works Council (for Staff): Contact point for workplace conflicts and bullying/mobbing.

4. ÖH Advisory Center (for Students): Initial counseling and support for all students.

5. Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic / Psychological Student Counseling: For emotional support and crisis intervention.

Important: All consultations are strictly confidential and can be conducted anonymously upon request. No measures will be taken without the explicit consent of the person seeking help.

Detailed contact information and help resources can be found directly on the portal page: PLUS Respekt