Who is Who in VHB ProDok
Meet the lecturers of the VHB ProDok programme
Martin Spindler is Professor of Statistics and Data Science at the University of Hamburg Business School. He has been a visiting researcher at MIT, Columbia University and Boston College, among others. His research focuses on the fundamentals of AI and its applications in business administration and economics, particularly in the emerging field of causal machine learning. He will be teaching a ProDok course on this topic in October 2025.
What fascinates you about causal machine learning?
Causal Machine Learning is fascinating because it is a new type of AI that enables us to use data to answer questions about the ‘why’. In fact, all interesting questions are causal in nature. Causal machine learning is therefore important in all areas of business administration, including marketing, finance, health economics, operations research and human resources.
What challenges and opportunities do you think early-career researchers face?
Artificial intelligence (AI), large language models and digitalisation in general are among the greatest breakthroughs in human history. They open up new and exciting possibilities and opportunities for young researchers that cannot yet be foreseen. Exciting times! However, this also makes us forget that things don't always run 'perfectly' in academia.
What inspires you?
Currently, my main focus is on progress in the field of AI, and on how these methods can be sensibly used in business research and economics.
And what else?
I'm looking forward to the projects and conferences coming up this year. Above all, it will be exciting to see what further developments there are in the field of AI and data science.
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.