Change of leadership at the Department of Computer Science at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Following a multi-stage process, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Council has appointed Sarah Hauser as the future Director of the Department of Computer Science at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). Sarah Hauser combines extensive management experience in the higher education sector with many years of teaching and research activities at various universities of applied sciences. As the current Vice Director and Head of Education at the Department of Computer Science at HSLU, Sarah Hauser is very familiar with the organization and has already been actively involved in important innovations and developments in recent years. As René Hüsler's deputy, she has already managed the department on an interim basis on several occasions and served as a member of the Executive Board. She will take over the reins on September 1, 2025.

Sarah Hauser's professional career began in 2001 at ETH Zurich, where she completed her Master of Science in Computer Science, specializing in Information Security and Software Engineering. She also attended courses at the University of the Arts in Berlin - a station that was formative for her multi-perspective approach and her great interest in interdisciplinary issues. Sarah Hauser gained practical experience as a computer scientist as a software developer at Skybow AG in Küsnacht and at EB Zurich and as an IT consultant at ERNI Consulting AG in Zurich.

Hauser and Hüsler: launching new degree programs as a tandem

Under the leadership of René Hüsler, the Department of Computer Science has grown considerably: the number of students has almost tripled since its foundation (from 521 to over 1300), the range of continuing education courses has expanded from 42 to 90, and the proportion of research funding has risen from 3.2 million to 8.6 million francs. Today, 330 employees work for the Department of Computer Science and around 200 graduates graduate every year.

René Hüsler and his management team, which also included Sarah Hauser, developed and established innovative degree programs such as Digital Ideation, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Information & Cyber Security and Immersive Technologies. Some of these courses are unique in Switzerland and address or even anticipate the needs of companies. With the introduction of several English-language degree courses, the department management took account of an internationalized job market in the globally networked industry. Another milestone was the "Blockchain Zug - Joint Research Initiative", a cooperation between HSLU and the University of Lucerne, which the Canton of Zug is funding with almost CHF 40 million in order to become a leading global center for blockchain research.

New task: expertise for digital transformation

René Hüsler is taking on a new challenge and will contribute his expertise to HSLU as Head of Digital Developments & Services. "We have recognized that digital transformation is a key prerequisite for the medium and long-term success of our university," says HSLU President Barbara Bader. In René Hüsler, the perfect person has been found. "As Director of the Department of Computer Science, he has had his finger on the pulse in recent years and knows which technological developments are really relevant and how to recognize potential at an early stage and use it strategically."

Source: Lucerne University