Rethinking man and machine: Professor Ignacio Alvarez is Bavaria's top professor at THI

"With Professor Ignacio Alvarez, THI has one of the most internationally renowned personalities in the field of Human-Centered Intelligent Systems among its ranks - a field of research that develops intelligent systems that are specifically geared towards the needs and behaviour of people," emphasised Science Minister Markus Blume with regard to the top professor's first summer semester at THI. "As Bavaria's top professor, he is decisively driving forward the development of AI and automated driving - with a clear focus: people at the centre of technological innovation. Professor Alvarez brings with him extensive experience from leading global companies and research institutions - a real asset for Bavaria."

With the Top Professorships Programme (SPP) as part of the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria, the Bavarian Ministry of Science is promoting research at the highest level. Admission to the programme at a state technical university or university of applied sciences is endowed with up to 3.5 million euros over a period of five years in addition to the professorship provided by the university. This creates excellent conditions for cutting-edge research by recognised luminaries from Germany and abroad. Since the start of the 2021 programme, top professorships at universities, universities of applied sciences and art colleges have been approved for a total of around 59 million euros.

Professor Alvarez took up his professorship at THI on 1 January 2025. As part of the Bavarian Top Professorship Programme, THI has been able to recruit an internationally recognised expert with a focus on applied research in the field of Human-Centered Intelligent Systems, in particular automated and intelligent transport systems. The professorship is located at the interface of formal methods, Artificial Intelligence, autonomous driving and human-centred design and is divided into five areas: Automated Driving Systems, Automated Driving Safety, Passenger In-Cabin Monitoring, Human-AI Collaboration and Collaborative Machine Programming.

As part of his professorship at THI, Professor Ignacio Alvarez will establish an internationally oriented research group in the field of Human-Centered Intelligent Systems and cooperate with the research institutions AImotion Bavaria and CARISSMA. Professor Alvarez will be closely involved in the THI Doctoral School and will contribute his expertise to teaching in English and German.

Professor Alvarez can look back on an impressive international career: at BMW, he was responsible for the development of innovative voice-based assistance systems and networked mobility services. He then conducted research into automated driving technologies and AI-based mobility solutions at Intel Labs (USA). With over 150 patent applications and around 60 scientific publications, he is one of the most prominent minds in his field. He has also been actively involved in the development of international standards.

Professor Alvarez's appointment not only strengthens THI's research profile, but also Bavaria's strategic position in the field of intelligent mobility. His international network, his industrial experience and his transfer orientation open up opportunities for cooperation with industry and science - especially with regard to the automotive industry in the Ingolstadt region. As an experienced mentor and researcher, he supports the development of pioneering technologies and specifically promotes young scientists.

Professor Ignacio Alvarez in a video interview:

The Bavarian Top Professorship Programme: Prof. Dr Ignacio Alvarez