Leadership Changes at BFH: New Heads of Industrial Engineering and Data Engineering

The Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) is relying on two proven experts to further build on its strengths in digital and industrial transformation. With Prof. Dr. Jörg Grimm in Industrial Engineering and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Vogel in Data Engineering, two experienced specialists will assume responsibility as of August 1, 2026, for areas that are central to the training of future professionals.

Jörg Grimm Takes Over the Industrial Engineering Department

Prof. Dr. Jörg Grimm succeeds Prof. Dr. Stefan Grösser, who founded and successfully established the Industrial Engineering Department about ten years ago. Grimm brings with him many years of experience in research and industry, as well as his previous work as a lecturer and head of the «Supply Chain and Process Engineering» specialization. His areas of expertise include procurement, technology-based innovations in and for supply chains, and the design of sustainable and resilient value creation networks.

«Industrial engineers play a key role in shaping a sustainable and competitive industry. Together with our team, we want to further develop the department and prepare our students to successfully integrate technological innovations into business and society,» says Jörg Grimm.

The demands placed on companies and their operating environment are changing rapidly. Digitalization, automation, sustainable production, and dealing with global uncertainties call for professionals who can combine technical and economic perspectives. The Department of Industrial Engineering addresses these developments through practice-oriented education, applied research, and close collaboration with industry partners.

Data Engineering as the Foundation of a Data-Driven Future

In the field of data engineering, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Vogel has taken over as program director from Prof. Dr. Erik Graf. Graf established the data engineering specialization within the bachelor’s program in computer science and played a key role in its development into a standalone bachelor’s program.

Jürgen Vogel has been conducting research and teaching in the fields of data engineering and machine learning for many years. His work focuses on the application of modern text analysis methods, such as large language models (LLMs), to develop innovative software solutions. Under his leadership, the program aims to further strengthen its position as a response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the data sector.

«Data is one of the most important resources in our society today. Our goal is to train professionals who can not only analyze data but also develop robust and responsible data infrastructures—as a foundation for innovation in business, industry, and the public sector,» explains Jürgen Vogel.

As AI applications become increasingly widespread, the importance of high-quality data and powerful data platforms is growing. Accordingly, there is a rising demand for specialists who can make data usable throughout its entire lifecycle—from collection and storage to intelligent analysis.

Working Together Toward Campus Biel/Bienne 2028

The further development of both areas is taking place against the backdrop of a significant milestone for BFH Technology and Computer Science: With the move to the new Biel/Bienne campus in the fall of 2028, modern conditions will be created for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative forms of teaching and learning, and even closer ties with business and industry.

«With Jörg Grimm and Jürgen Vogel, two distinguished individuals are taking on leadership roles in areas that are of central importance to the future of our department and our society. Together, they will further strengthen the education of the next generation of professionals and expand BFH’s position as a practice-oriented innovation partner,» says Prof. Dr. Roger Filliger, Director of BFH Technology and Computer Science.

The new campus offers ideal conditions for bringing together expertise in computer science, engineering, and management even more closely and preparing students for the challenges of an increasingly digitized and interconnected world of work.

Source: bfh.ch/ti