Who is Who in VHB ProDok
Die Referentinnen und Referenten des VHB ProDok-Angebots
Arne Schulz is currently working as a deputy professor of Service Operations at the HSU, and is based at the University of Hamburg. His research focuses on identifying, formalising and analysing scientifically and practically relevant decision problems using a variety of quantitative optimisation methods. He teaches the VHB ProDoc course Advanced Topics in Mathematical Programming.
What fascinates you about mathematical programming?
These are mainly two points: 1. The combination of a relatively simple structure and a huge range of applications for which mathematical programming can be used. 2. Mathematical programming helps me a lot to better understand problem structures and to gain new insights into problems (e.g. complexity, structural similarity to other problems).
What challenges and opportunities do you think early-career researchers face?
The main challenges remain the lack of predictability and transparency, and the glass ceiling preventing progression to lifetime professorship. If it helps, I feel the same way. However, tenure-track positions and the high proportion of professors who will be retiring in the next few years also offer opportunities. Hopefully, this will also help to reduce these challenges.
What inspires you?
Anything can serve as inspiration. It is important to approach a problem as impartially as possible, or to take a step back from time to time. This allows inspiration to unfold its magic.
Who is Who - About this campaign
VHB ProDok lecturers are distinguished by their strong research skills, internationally recognised expertise and high level of professional commitment. Most of them have been involved in the ProDok programme for many years. As part of the 'Who's Who' campaign, they share insights into their personal motivations and what participants can expect from their courses in short interviews.
The campaign aims to demonstrate that VHB ProDok offers much more than just a course programme. It is a network of dedicated scientists from the German-speaking region and beyond who prioritise sound research, methodological quality and collaborative exchange.