Stefan Woltran is a Full Professor in the Databases and Artificial Intelligence department at TU Wien. He serves as Vice Dean of Academic Affairs for the Informatics Master program and leads the Research Unit for Databases and Artificial Intelligence. His research focuses on logic-based AI, including Propositional Logic, Nonmonotonic Reasoning, Argumentation frameworks, Knowledge Representation, and Logic Programming. He coordinates the Double-Degree Program Logic and Computation. His research projects include analyzing formal properties of logic-based AI approaches, complexity analysis, and developing algorithms via logic and dynamic programming. Notable projects include the HYPAR and REVEAL-AI initiatives exploring abstract argumentation and AI problem-solving. He has contributed to over 150 publications since 2001, focusing on argumentation frameworks, computational complexity, and formal methods. Woltran teaches courses such as Abstract Argumentation, Formal Methods in Computer Science, and Theoretical Computer Science. His work integrates theoretical advancements with practical solver development, such as the ASPARTIX system for argumentation tasks. He actively participates in international conferences and competitions in computational argumentation, emphasizing the application of formal methods to real-world problems.
Wolfgang Klas is a Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, leading the Research Group Multimedia Information Systems. His research focuses on multimedia systems, data management, and information retrieval, with significant contributions to multimedia content analysis and database systems. He has been actively involved in multiple research projects, including TP2 PRECIOUS (2013-2016), SciLink (2011-2014), and OptFI (2010-2013). His work intersects with emerging technologies like blockchain, as seen in his public engagements and talks on topics such as 'From Blockchain to Web' and IT4S Forum presentations. His research interests span multimedia systems, database design, and the application of declarative programming for security and data integrity. Recent projects emphasize fake review detection and sentiment analysis using advanced algorithms and neural models. He has collaborated internationally, contributing to workshops like SMAP 2020 and publishing in journals like Algorithms and Applied Sciences . Grants/Projects: TP2 PRECIOUS (2013-2016), SciLink (2011-2014), OptFI (2010-2013) Activities: Speaker at IT4S Forum (2024), Blockchain-related talks (2020–present) Labs/Teams: Research Group Multimedia Information Systems
Hans Tompits is an Associate Professor in the Department of Knowledge-Based Systems at Technische Universität Wien (Vienna University of Technology). His research focuses on computational logic, declarative logic programming, and formal methods, with a particular emphasis on Answer-Set Programming (ASP). He coordinates the Master's program in Logic and Computation and leads projects in areas such as formal methods for optimization, fault-tolerant autonomous systems, and algorithmic composition. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications, including tools like SeaLion (an ASP IDE with debugging support) and dlvhex (an ASP-based semantic web reasoner). He has contributed to foundational topics like program equivalence, debugging techniques, and integration of ASP with external systems. His recent projects address challenges in autonomous vehicle architectures, music composition algorithms, and safety-critical system design. Tompits has published extensively on topics ranging from nonmonotonic reasoning and modal logics to the development of declarative programming tools. His interdisciplinary approach spans computer science, mathematics, and AI, with applications in both academic and industrial contexts.
Nelson Nicolas Higuera Ruiz is a PreDoc Researcher at the Vienna University of Technology, affiliated with the Faculty of Informatics' Knowledge-Based Systems research group. His work bridges logic programming and deep learning for explainable AI. Research Focus: Neurosymbolic AI, Visual Question Answering (VQA), Answer Set Programming (ASP), and hybrid reasoning systems Projects: Leads optimization research in the LCS (2017–2025) project, developing neurosymbolic approaches for intelligent systems Key Contributions: Pioneering adaptive large-neighbourhood search algorithms for ASP optimization, modular neurosymbolic architectures, and contrastive explainability frameworks for VQA Collaborations: Active in international workshops and conferences including IJCAI, AAAI, and CLeaR, frequently collaborating with researchers like Thomas Eiter and Johannes Oetsch Publications: Focus on neurosymbolic integration, optimization algorithms, and explainability across AI, logic programming, and computer vision domains
Axel Polleres is a full professor at the Institute for Data, Process and Knowledge Management in Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien). He leads the department of Information Systems and Operations Management while maintaining active research in knowledge graphs, semantic web technologies, and ontology engineering. PhD and Habilitation from Vienna University of Technology Former positions at University of Innsbruck, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, DERI Ireland, and Siemens AG Co-chair of W3C SPARQL working group Editorial board member for Semantic Web Journal and IJSWIS His research focuses on: Querying and reasoning over ontologies Graph schema languages (SHACL, SPARQL) Wikidata constraint formalization Ontology reuse in collaborative platforms Crisis management knowledge graphs FAIR data principles implementation Recent publications analyze knowledge graph evolution, constraint validation methodologies, and semantic web standardization efforts. Key topics include: OWL/RDF interoperability solutions Unit conversion systems for Wikidata Partition-based query processing frameworks Network resilience analysis for urban planning Open data platform discovery tools Temporal analysis of collaborative knowledge graphs He has co-organized major conferences like ISWC2023 and ESWC workshops while maintaining active roles in European research projects. Current work involves spatiotemporal knowledge graphs for city resilience and semantic web infrastructure development.
Gerhard Friedrich is a Full Professor at the University of Klagenfurt, leading the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences (2013–2021). His roles include Coordinator for International Relations of the Faculty of Engineering and Member of the Faculty Conference of Technical Sciences. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Vienna University of Technology and has extensive industry experience, including heading departments at Siemens Austria and research roles at Siemens Corporate Research and Stanford Research Institute. Research focuses on knowledge-based systems, recommender systems, configuration and planning, and production informatics. His work bridges theoretical AI with practical applications in manufacturing, software development, and business processes. He has authored a book on recommender systems (translated into Japanese and Chinese) and contributed to prestigious journals like Artificial Intelligence and IEEE Transactions . He has organized major conferences such as the German Conference on Artificial Intelligence (2016) and served as editor and program committee member for leading venues. His awards include Fellowships from the European and Asia-Pacific AI Associations (2012, 2023). His advising and grants include leadership in applied AI projects and international collaborations. He directs the Intelligent Systems and Business Informatics research group, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation.
Franz Wotawa is a Professor of Software Engineering at Graz University of Technology. He holds a M.Sc. (1994) and PhD (1996) from Vienna University of Technology. He has served as head of the Institute for Software Technology from 2003–2009 and since 2020. His research focuses on model-based reasoning, software testing, autonomous systems, and diagnosis, with over 390 peer-reviewed publications. He founded Softnet Austria (2006) to bridge research and industry. He leads the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Quality Assurance Methodologies for Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems since 2017 and has supervised 90+ master and 36+ PhD students. His awards include the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Diagnosis Community. He is a member of Academia Europaea, IEEE, and AAAI. **Education**: M.Sc. in Computer Science, Vienna University of Technology, 1994 PhD, Vienna University of Technology, 1996 **Research Interests**: Model-based reasoning, qualitative reasoning, theorem proving, mobile robotics, verification/validation, software testing/debugging, AI, and autonomous systems. **Notable Projects**: A-IQ Ready (2022–2026): Quantum sensing for autonomous systems. ALFA (2024–2027): AI for smart diagnosis in building automation. Bilateral AI (2024–2029): Combining symbolic and sub-symbolic AI. VARCOS (2025–2028): Vehicle-road cooperative systems for autonomous driving. **Awards & Memberships**: Lifetime Achievement Award (2016, International Diagnosis Community) Senior Member, AAAI Member of Academia Europaea, IEEE, ACM, and Austrian Computer Society **Labs/Teams**: Christian Doppler Laboratory for Quality Assurance Methodologies (since 2017). Active in Cluster of Excellence “Bilateral AI” at TU Graz.
Reinhard Pichler is a Full Professor at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), affiliated with the Faculty of Informatics and the Department of Databases and Artificial Intelligence . His research focuses on Database Theory , Computational Logic , and Parameterized Complexity . He leads multiple research projects like DeConquer (2023–2027) and HyperTrac (2018–2022), addressing challenges in query optimization and hypergraph decompositions. He holds the prestigious START Prize (2014–2022) for young researchers. His work spans theoretical foundations (e.g., hypertree decompositions) and practical applications (e.g., SPARQL query processing systems like SparqLog). He contributes to academic governance, serving on faculty councils and curriculum commissions. His research innovations bridge algorithmic theory and real-world database systems, emphasizing efficient query evaluation and tractability analysis. Key contributions include advancing fractional hypertree decompositions , SPARQL query optimization , and consistent query answering . His projects often involve collaborations with industry and international funders like the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF). He actively publishes in top venues like Journal of the ACM , ACM Transactions on Database Systems , and Proceedings of the VLDB Endowment . His academic leadership extends to course design, teaching advanced topics like Complexity Theory and Theoretical Computer Science . He mentors doctoral students and oversees research teams exploring cutting-edge areas like uncertain databases and cloud-based computational social choice .
Johannes Peter Wallner is an Associate Professor at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), working in the Institute of Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence within the Faculty of Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering. He leads the Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KRR) research group and has previously been a researcher at TU Wien's DBAI group and the Constraint Reasoning and Optimization group at the University of Helsinki. Dr. Wallner's research focuses on knowledge representation and reasoning, artificial intelligence, argumentation, abduction, belief change, inconsistency handling and measurement, computational social choice, computational complexity, Boolean satisfiability, and answer set programming. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, particularly in developing computational models for argumentation systems. He has made significant contributions to structured argumentation frameworks, including assumption-based argumentation and ASPIC+. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward advancing algorithmic approaches to probabilistic argumentation, abstraction techniques in argumentation systems, and applications of argumentation in domains like healthcare. He has been particularly active in exploring the computational complexity of various argumentation semantics and developing efficient algorithms for reasoning tasks. Dr. Wallner has received multiple prestigious awards including being selected for the IJCAI 2024 Early Career Track (only 12 researchers globally selected), being named a Top Scholar by ScholarGPS in 2024 (top 0.5% worldwide in AI), and receiving the AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar Honorable Mention in Knowledge Engineering in 2021 and 2022. As Principal Investigator, Dr. Wallner has secured significant research funding from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), including two major projects: "A Novel Computational Workflow for Argumentation in AI" (grant P 35632, 358,848 €) and "Extending Belief Change to Advance Dynamics in Argumentation" (grant P30168-N31, 353,438 €). He is highly active in the academic community, serving on program committees for major AI conferences including AAAI, IJCAI, KR, and ECAI, and was a member of the Program Committee Board of IJCAI (2022-2024). He leads the Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KRR) research group at TU Graz, which develops both theoretical foundations and practical implementations for computational argumentation systems. The group has contributed to several software systems including CEGARTIX (a SAT-based argumentation system), Vispartix (visualization of argumentation frameworks), ADFsys (an ASP-based argumentation system for abstract dialectical frameworks), and others that implement various argumentation frameworks.
Nicola Leone is a Full Professor of Computer Science at the University of Calabria , Italy, within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science . Since 2000, he has held key academic and administrative roles, including Head of Department, Coordinator of the PhD Program in Mathematics and Informatics, Member of the Academic Senate, and Director of the PhD School in Systems Engineering, Informatics, Mathematics, and Operation Research. His research spans foundational and applied areas in Artificial Intelligence and Database Systems , with a focus on knowledge representation and reasoning , deductive databases , semantic web , answer set programming , and ontologies . He has been instrumental in advancing the theoretical and practical aspects of these fields, contributing to both academic discourse and real-world applications. Leone has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the EurAI Fellowship , the ACM-PODS Alberto O. Mendelzon Test-of-Time Award , and multiple civic honors for scientific excellence. He has served on over 100 program committees and held editorial roles in top-tier journals. He has supervised 25 PhD dissertations and over 200 master’s theses , with many of his former students now holding professorships and contributing significantly to AI research. His leadership in education and research has shaped a generation of scholars in computer science and AI.
Shqiponja Ahmetaj is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Knowledge-Based Systems at the Faculty of Informatics, TU Wien. She specializes in semantic web technologies, knowledge representation, and graph data management. Her research focuses on SHACL validation, ontology integration, and formal methods for constraint satisfaction in graph databases. Education: PhD in Computer Science, TU Wien (2019): 'Rewriting approaches for ontology-mediated query answering.' MSc in Computer Science, TU Wien (2013): 'Planning in graph databases under description logic constraints.' Roles: Course instructor for 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,' 'Knowledge-based Systems,' and 'Semantic Technologies.' Principal investigator in projects like FRESH (2021–2026) and SEE (2012–2016). Research Interests: Her work addresses challenges in semantic web validation, ontology semantics, and graph data evolution. She develops formal methods for SHACL constraint validation, explanation generation for non-validation, and repair algorithms. Her contributions bridge the gap between semantic web standards and practical database systems. Her recent publications focus on SHACL validation of evolving graphs , ontology-ontology interoperability , and consistent query answering under constraints . Projects like FRESH emphasize theoretical and applied aspects of SHACL in knowledge graphs. Grants & Projects: FRESH (FWF, 2021–2026): 'Shapes in Graph Data: Theory and Implementation.' SEE (WWTF, 2012–2016): 'SPARQL Evaluation and Extensions.' Advising: Supervised theses such as 'SHACL validation of evolving RDF graphs' (2023) and 'A metaheuristic approach to crowdsourced package delivery' (2023). Labs/Teams: Active in TU Wien's research groups on semantic technologies and knowledge representation, collaborating with international institutions on projects like OMEGA and KtoAPP.
Thomas Eiter is a Full Professor at the Institute of Logic and Computation, Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien), where he serves as Head of Research Unit. He is a Full Member of the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences since 2022 and holds leadership roles within the university. His research focuses on knowledge representation and reasoning, computational logic, algorithms and complexity in AI, declarative problem solving, nonmonotonic logic programming and databases, and reasoning about actions and change. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in artificial intelligence, particularly in logic programming and knowledge-based systems. He has made significant contributions to Answer Set Programming (ASP), developing frameworks like DLV and HEX programs that enable sophisticated reasoning capabilities. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on stream reasoning (LARS framework), knowledge forgetting, modular reasoning systems, and the integration of logic programming with ontologies. His research shows consistent contributions to both theoretical foundations and practical implementations of AI systems over several decades. ACM Fellow (2020) Fellow of the European Association for AI (2006) Distinguished Paper Award of the 17th International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI, 2001) Prominent Paper Award of the Artificial Intelligence Journal (2013) Test of Time Award (10 years) of the International Conference on Logic Programming (2013) Eiter has led and participated in numerous research projects, both internationally funded (such as LogiCS@TUWien, Humane AI, AI4EU) and nationally funded (including projects like BILAI, TAIGER, and several FWF-funded initiatives). His research unit has received substantial support from European Commission programs (H2020) and Austrian funding agencies (FWF, FFG, WWTF). He is actively involved in the academic community as a member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), Academia Europaea, and has served on the Executive Council of AAAI. His research unit maintains strong connections with international collaborators and has developed influential systems like the DLV answer set programming system.
Alexander Beiser is a Researcher at TU Wien's Department of Databases and Artificial Intelligence, part of the Faculty of Informatics. His work focuses on neurosymbolic reasoning, logic programming systems like Answer Set Programming (ASP), and hybrid grounding techniques to optimize computational workflows. He teaches the 2025S Algorithms and Data Structures course (186.866) as a VU lecture. His research bridges formal methods with practical applications in AI, emphasizing user interaction frameworks (e.g., clinguin) and improving efficiency in logic-based systems. Key areas include advancing neurosymbolic integration with LLMs, optimizing ASP-driven systems through hybrid grounding, and developing tools for interactive logic programming. Recent contributions address bottlenecks in grounding processes via splitting and rewriting strategies, aiming to enhance scalability in complex reasoning tasks. Alexander is based at Favoritenstrasse 9, Room HA0302, and can be reached via alexander.beiser@tuwien.ac.at. His work reflects a blend of theoretical advancements and applied systems engineering in AI and database technologies.
Alexis de Colnet is a PostDoc Researcher at the Vienna University of Technology , affiliated with the Faculty of Informatics and the Algorithms and Complexity department. Their work focuses on overcoming intractability in knowledge compilation, computational complexity, and model counting. Research Interests: Knowledge Compilation Computational Complexity Artificial Intelligence Model Counting Answer Set Programming Theoretical Computer Science Recent Publications explore trends in proof systems, compilation efficiency, and translations between machine learning models for explainability. These works are deeply rooted in theoretical computer science and AI, addressing challenges in knowledge representation and computational hardness. Projects: Overcoming Intractability in the Knowledge Compilation Map (2022–2025) QBFPC (2022–2025) Funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).
Daria Stepanova is a researcher at the Institute of Information Systems , Technische Universität Wien. Her work focuses on Answer-Set Programming (ASP), inconsistency resolution in hybrid knowledge bases, and optimization algorithms for scheduling and scene generation. Education: PhD (Dr.techn.) in Technical Sciences, MSc in Computer Science. Research Interests: Answer-Set Programming for scheduling and optimization Inconsistency handling in Description Logic Programs Hybrid reasoning systems combining logic and semantic methods Applications of automated reasoning in manufacturing and gaming Publications highlight trends in ASP-driven scheduling, inconsistency repair techniques, and semantic scene generation using contextual reasoning and algebraic measures. Labs & Teams: Active member of the Network Lab at TU Wien Collaborator on projects like ALASPO and Angry-HEX
