HCDS at PIER Day 2025: AI & Data Science

26 November 2025, by Janis-Marie Paul

Photo: Janis-Marie Paul

On 25 November 2025, the Hub of Computing and Data Science (HCDS) at the University of Hamburg took part in this year's PIER Day on the DESY campus in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld. The HCDS was represented by its Scientific Director, Prof. Chris Biemann, who engaged in discussions with stakeholders from research and infrastructure about future collaborations in the field of AI & data science during the event.

In addition, colleagues from the HCDS presented their current research work as part of the PIER PLUS poster walk ‘AI and Science: Unexpected Connections and Method Innovation’. Their posters helped to highlight the breadth and relevance of data science research at the University of Hamburg.

PIER Day 2025 focused in particular on the joint research perspectives of DESY and the University of Hamburg, including nanochemistry, detector development, artefact profiling, and innovative methods in the field of artificial intelligence. A highlight was the keynote speech by Lucie Flek (University of Bonn): ‘From Dark Matter to Dark Triad and Back: What Physics Can Teach AI — and What AI Can Teach Physics,’ which impressively demonstrated the connection between fundamental physics research and modern AI methods.

The key initiatives for strengthening AI & data science in Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld were also presented, including the joint AI & Data Science Platform of DESY and UHH, DASHH, VISTA, and activities of the PIER PLUS programme.

The subsequent panel discussion, ‘Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld and Beyond: Towards an Attractive Hub for AI & Data Science,’ brought together leading voices from research and infrastructure and provided exciting insights into the strategic future of the location.

By participating in PIER Day, the HCDS underscores its active role in data-driven research and its close networking with partner institutions in the Hamburg science community.