Internationally Renowned Computer Scientist and Mathematician Appointed to Cybersecurity Professorship
In July 2025, internationally renowned computer scientist and mathematician Dimitris Simos will assume the professorship for Cybersecurity at the University of Salzburg and the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (FH Salzburg). This cross-institutional endowed professorship, initiated within the framework of the EXDIGIT project and anchored at both academic institutions, will offer a forward-looking focus in research and teaching.
Dimitris Simos has previously held prestigious research positions, including visiting scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA, senior researcher at the COMET Center SBA Research in Vienna, and Austria’s Science and Technology Representative at the United Nations for disaster and risk management. With over 150 publications, he is one of the leading voices in the field of secure systems.
Simos will offer English-language courses at both institutions and will lead cybersecurity research projects within his joint research group.
Innovative Collaboration Between the University of Salzburg and FH Salzburg
The State of Salzburg is building a strategic focus area in cybersecurity, with this state-endowed professorship serving as a flagship project to expand this expertise. In addition to research and education, targeted initiatives will also support companies and startups in the cybersecurity sector and address the daily challenges in the field. This is a consistent continuation of the implementation of the WISS – Science and Innovation Strategy of the State of Salzburg.
The University of Salzburg and FH Salzburg maintain a long-standing and diverse partnership, now crowned by this unique joint professorship in a future-oriented field. Generously funded by the WISS programme of the State of Salzburg, this initiative enables both institutions to combine and strengthen their respective areas of expertise.
Dimitris Simos began his teaching and research activities at both institutions in early July.
EXDIGIT: Excellence in Digital Science and Interdisciplinary Technologies
The goal of the EXDIGIT project is to promote Excellence in Digital Science and Interdisciplinary Technologies.
The University of Salzburg is the largest educational institution in the province of Salzburg and boasts a long-standing tradition of excellence. With a 400-year history, it now combines outstanding research, modern teaching, and social responsibility. Around 18,000 students are currently enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. The university’s profile as a comprehensive institution includes six faculties, 34 departments, and approximately 90 degree programmes, many of which are offered in English. As a member of the European University Alliance CIVIS, the university is well connected across Europe and globally, while maintaining strong regional roots. It is a place of critical thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary dialogue. The joint professorship is based at the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences (DAS), providing an agile environment that actively shapes the digital transformation of society.
More information is available on the University of Salzburg website .
The Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (FH Salzburg) offers 3,400 students high-quality academic education with strong practical relevance. The FH provides a diverse portfolio of degree programmes in fields such as Applied Social Sciences, Business and Tourism, Creative Technologies, Health Sciences, Design, Green Engineering, and Information and Digital Technologies. The range includes 18 bachelor’s and 16 master’s programmes, along with a broad spectrum of continuing education opportunities. With a focus on innovation in research and teaching and a strong international orientation, FH Salzburg acts as a pioneer and initiator of sustainable and relevant solutions for business and society.
More information is available on the FH Salzburg website .
Contact
University of Salzburg Dr. Sophie Mönnich-Lux Phone: +43 662 8044-2024 Email: sophie.moennich-lux@plus.ac.at
FH Salzburg Mag. Karin Motzko Phone: +43 676 84 77 955 02 Email: karin.motzko@fh-salzburg.ac.at