The Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS)  is considered the oldest scientific conference in the field of information and system sciences. In its 59th edition in January 2026, it once again brought together researchers from around the world to discuss current developments and innovative research.

The Department of Information Systems was represented at the conference with three research contributions:

• Marie Griesbach presented her paper “Towards Simulating User Behavior for Automating Usability Tests by Employing Large Language Models” (co-authors: Janina Lütke Stockdiek, Hendrik Winkelmann, and Christian Grimme) in the Human-Computer Interaction track. The paper examines the usability testing capabilities of LLMs by employing it to autonomously navigate and interact with applications in order to complete tasks. The generated streams of thought are then compared with human think-aloud protocols.
• Mara Burger presented her paper “Designing Explainable AI: The Case of Dashboard Design for Fraud Detection in Public Transport Ticketing Systems” (co-authors: Hans-Henning Näscher, Gregor Kipping, Michael Gau, and Jan vom Brocke), which focuses on the design of an algorithm for fraud detection in public transport ticketing systems.
• The paper “Law Meets GenAI: Using Artificial Intelligence to Derive Conceptual Models from Legal Regulations” by Binh An Patrick Nguyen, Hendrik Scholta, David Roth-Isigkeit, Christian Djeffal, and Friedrich Chasin examines the use of generative AI to derive conceptual models from by administration lawyers. Notably, the German word “doch (but)” prompted the AIs to perform actions that, according to their statements, had not previously been possible, such as creating process models. 

At the beginning of January, around 35 students took part in this year’s ski seminar at a mountain hut in the Kleinwalsertal (Austria). The ski seminar was held in cooperation with the University of Koblenz and was organized by Prof. Patrick Delfmann (University of Koblenz), with support from Prof. Dennis Riehle (University of Koblenz) and Janis Elmer from the Department of Information Systems (University of Münster).

Four seminars from Münster participated: “Flow Factory: Processes & AI” as both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s seminar, “Digital Enablers of the Circular Economy”, and “Ski Seminar on Vision Transformer”.

As part of the Bachelor’s seminar “Flow Factory: Processes & AI”, led by Prof. Jan vom Brocke, Janis Elmer, Sandro Franzoi, and Tobias Zimmermann, students explored the use of artificial intelligence for analyzing, controlling, and optimizing business processes. After an introduction to the fundamentals of scientific research methods, they worked in small groups on current research projects at the Flow Factory. The aim was to gain new insights at the intersection of processes and AI and to prepare these findings scientifically.

In the seminar “Digital Enablers of the Circular Economy”, Master’s students investigated how information systems can support the transition toward a circular economy under the supervision of Dr. Michael Koddebusch, Celine Poppe, and David Stanlein. They developed research questions on topics such as Green IT/IS, digital platforms, and circular product design and completed a full academic conference cycle – from preparing a research paper and receiving peer reviews to presenting and revising their work. In doing so, they deepened both their subject-matter knowledge of the circular economy and their academic research and writing skills.

In the Master’s seminar “Vision Transformer”, led by Jan Pauls and Dr. Karsten Schrödter, students deepened their understanding of transformer architectures and examined current vision transformer models for semantic segmentation. They implemented the models using PyTorch and discussed different architectures as well as their current applications in computer vision, gaining insights into modern research trends and application areas of vision transformers.

In the Master’s seminar “Flow Factory: Processes & AI”, led by Prof. Jan vom Brocke, Janis Elmer, Sandro Franzoi, and Tobias Zimmermann, students examined the use of artificial intelligence in business process management. After learning advanced research methods, they investigated how human–AI collaboration can improve process efficiency, how predictive analytics can anticipate bottlenecks, and which ethical and practical challenges arise when implementing AI in complex process landscapes.

In addition to engaging final presentations, the seminar also offered ample opportunities for sporting activities: under excellent weather conditions, participants enjoyed skiing together and exchanging ideas in an alpine setting.

Our Career Development Center (CDC) looks back on a diverse and practice-oriented semester. Over the past months, students gained a wide range of insights into career paths, corporate practice, and key future skills. The A.S.I. Application Guide provided in-depth knowledge for a confident start to the application process. The workshop with PwC focused on assessment centers, case studies, soft-skill exercises, and individual feedback. viadee offered hands-on insights into pentesting and web security, providing an application-oriented introduction to IT security.

Das Career Development Center (CDC) unserer Fakultät blickt auf ein abwechslungsreiches und praxisorientiertes Semester zurück. In den vergangenen Monaten erhielten Studierende vielfältige Einblicke in Karrierewege, Unternehmenspraxis und zentrale Zukunftskompetenzen. Der A.S.I. Bewerbungsguide vermittelte fundierte Kenntnisse für einen souveränen Einstieg in den Bewerbungsprozess. Im Workshop mit PwC standen Assessment Center, Case Studies, Soft-Skill-Übungen sowie individuelles Feedback im Fokus.

The School of Business and Economics has appointed Dr. Christian Böing as honorary professor, thereby recognising his impressive commitment to the department, his outstanding achievements in the field of market-oriented corporate management in professional practice and his contribution to teaching at the Marketing Center Münster. Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer, Dean of the School, presented him with the certificate and congratulated him together with Prof. Dr. Manfred Krafft and Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hennig-Thurau. Christian Böing studied and obtained his doctorate at the University of Münster and is currently CEO of the accompio Group.

Die Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät hat Dr. Christian Böing zum Honorarprofessor ernannt und würdigt damit sein beeindruckendes Engagement für den Fachbereich, seine hervorragenden Leistungen im Bereich der marktorientierten Unternehmensführung in der beruflichen Praxis und sein Einbringen in die Lehre des Marketing Centers Münster. Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer, Dekan der Fakultät, überreichte ihm die Urkunde, und gratulierte gemeinsam mit Prof. Dr. Manfred Krafft und Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hennig-Thurau. Christian Böing hat an der Universität Münster studiert, promoviert und ist aktuell CEO der accompio Group.

In der vergangenen Woche reiste Prof. Johannes Becker, Leiter des Instituts für Finanzwissenschaft, gemeinsam mit Bachelorstudierenden nach Berlin, um sich dort im Rahmen des Seminars „Krisenpolitik: Welthandel unter Druck“ über die aktuelle US-Zollpolitik, insbesondere unter der Präsidentschaft von Donald Trump, auszutauschen. Das Seminar wurde gemeinsam mit Studierenden und Lehrenden der TU Dresden durchgeführt und fand in der Landesvertretung des Freistaates Sachsen statt.

With the research project SMARD-GOV, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen–Nuremberg (FAU), the University of Münster, and the software and consulting company Prosoz Herten GmbH are investigating the use of data protection compliant Large Language Models (LLMs) in public authorities. The aim is to develop secure and legally compliant AI-based decision-making systems, exemplified by applications in the area of building permit procedures. The project combines technical, legal, and social science research and takes into account the specific requirements of public administration.

Prof. Paulina Jo Pesch from FAU coordinates the project and, together with her team, analyzes the legal framework for the use of LLMs in data protection and AI regulation. Prosoz, represented by CDO and AI expert Christian Rupp and his AI team, contributes its practical experience in software development for municipalities and supports the project through its professional network. At the University of Münster, the IT Security research group led by Prof. Rainer Böhme conducts training sessions and tests to evaluate the effectiveness of data protection measures in LLMs. In addition, the Chair of Digital Innovation and the Public Sector, headed by Prof. Tobias Brandt, is conducting empirical research into the use of LLMs in public authorities.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) from 2025 to 2027 and will make an important contribution to the privacy-compliant use of modern AI technologies in the public sector.

Der aktuelle Steuerstreit zwischen Union und SPD zu Erbschaft-, Einkommen- und Unternehmenssteuern sorgt zu Beginn des Jahres für politische Spannungen. Während die Union auf Entlastungen für Unternehmen drängt und eine vorgezogene Senkung der Körperschaftsteuer fordert, setzt die SPD stärker auf Umverteilung und höhere Belastungen für Spitzenverdiener und große Erbschaften. Prof. Dr. Nadine Riedel vom Institut für Wirtschaftspolitik und Regionalökonomik betont im Handelsblatt insbesondere die Bedeutung einer wirksamen Unternehmensbesteuerung für Investitionen.

Last week, Prof. Johannes Becker, Head of the Institute of Public Economics, travelled to Berlin with bachelor's students to discuss current US tariffs policy, particularly under the presidency of Donald Trump, as part of the seminar ‘Crisis Policy: World Trade under Pressure’. The seminar was held in collaboration with students and lecturers from TU Dresden and took place at the State Representation of the Free State of Saxony.

Das Projekt „BEAM“ (Belonging, Empowerment, Access & Mentorship) der Women+ in Information Systems Initiative wurde beim Neujahrsempfang der Universität Münster mit dem Gleichstellungspreis 2025 ausgezeichnet. Der Preis wird alle zwei Jahre vom Rektorat vergeben und würdigt Projekte, die sich in besonderer Weise für Chancengleichheit und Gleichstellung einsetzen.

The project “BEAM” (Belonging, Empowerment, Access & Mentorship), part of the Women+ in Information Systems Initiative, was awarded the 2025 Gender Equality Award at the New Year’s Reception of the University of Münster. The prize is awarded every two years by the Rectorate and recognizes projects that make an outstanding contribution to equal opportunities and gender equality.

In der aktuellen Spiegel-Titelstory „Das verdient Deutschland. Der große Gehaltsreport“ wird das Paper „The Gender Pension Gap in Germany – Reasons and Remedies“ von Prof. Dr. Christoph Schneider vom Finance Center Münster aufgegriffen. Gemeinsam mit der Mannheimer Finanzwissenschaftlerin Prof. Dr. Alexandra Niessen-Ruenzi untersucht Schneider, wie sich Einkommens- und Rentenunterschiede zwischen Frauen und Männern im Lebensverlauf entwickeln.

In the current Der SPIEGEL cover story, “What Germany Earns: The Comprehensive Pay Report,” the paper “The Gender Pension Gap in Germany – Reasons and Remedies” by Prof. Dr. Christoph Schneider of the Finance Center Münster is featured. Together with Mannheim-based public finance scholar Prof. Dr. Alexandra Niessen-Ruenzi, Schneider examines how income and pension disparities between women and men evolve over the course of their lives.

The project “BEAM” (Belonging, Empowerment, Access & Mentorship), part of the Women+ in Information Systems Initiative, was awarded the 2025 Gender Equality Award at the New Year’s Reception of the University of Münster. The prize is awarded every two years by the Rectorate and recognizes projects that make an outstanding contribution to equal opportunities and gender equality.

This year, the Gender Equality Award was split between two projects, with each project receiving €10,000: the “Administrative Professionals Day Empowerment Program for University Secretariats” from the SUN – Office Network, and the BEAM project, which will use the funding to further implement and expand their activities.

BEAM is part of the newly established Women+ in Information Systems Initiative, founded by Fumi Kurihara (Assistant Professor at the Department of Information Systems). The initiative is dedicated to empowering female students in Information Systems and fostering a strong sense of community from the start of their studies. It aims to help students make their time in Information Systems feel more connected, supportive, and inspiring. The initiative aims to foster environments where friendships can flourish, ideas can evolve, and future paths can emerge together.

As part of BEAM, a variety of formats are planned, including mentoring programs, workshops, networking events, panel discussions, and informal meetings. These activities aim to address three key challenges: 1. lack of role models, 2. limited self-confidence, and 3. experiences of isolation.

Women+ welcomes everyone who wants to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive Information Systems community. The initiative is built on the belief that meaningful progress toward gender diversity is only possible when students of all genders are included, and all voices are heard.

Links related to this news:

More information about Women+ in Information Systems

Video of the 2025 Gender Equality Award+

More information about the Gender Equality Award

Fumi Kurihara receiving the Gender Equality Award (© Uni Münster - Thomas Mohn).

© Uni Münster - Peter Leßmann

Since the end of 2025, the School of Business and Economics has been presenting its new Research Highlights in the corridor of the Forum Oeconomicum library. The selected publications reflect the cutting-edge research being conducted at the department: all articles have been published in leading international journals in the highest category (A+). The exhibition highlights the current topics and social challenges being researched – from AI-supported business models and new work to energy and sustainability.

Seit Ende 2025 präsentiert die Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät im Flur der Bibliothek Forum Oeconomicum die neuen Research Highlights. Die ausgewählten Publikationen spiegeln die Spitzenforschung am Fachbereich wider: Alle Artikel sind in führenden internationalen Fachzeitschriften der höchsten Kategorie (A+) veröffentlicht. Die Ausstellung macht sichtbar, an welchen aktuellen Themen und gesellschaftlichen Herausforderungen geforscht wird – von KI-gestützten Geschäftsmodellen über New Work bis zu Energie und Nachhaltigkeit.

In Part 23 of the Alumni Stories, we introduce Hendrik Tigger. After completing vocational training as an industrial management assistant, he studied Business Administration at the School of Business & Economics and gained his first practical experience in tax consulting and auditing while still a student. Following the successful completion of his diploma degree, he began his professional career as an audit and tax assistant. Today, Hendrik Tigger is both a certified tax advisor and auditor and serves as managing director and shareholder of two companies: Merco GmbH StBG and Dr. Merschmeier + Partner GmbH, WPG StBG, both based in Münster. While at Merco he primarily advises small and medium-sized enterprises as well as private individuals on tax-related matters, his work at Dr. Merschmeier + Partner focuses on auditing, particularly in the social sector and among public-sector enterprises, which he also supports with tax and business advisory services.

In Teil 23 der Alumni Stories stellen wir Hendrik Tigger vor. Nach seiner Ausbildung zum Industriekaufmann studierte er Betriebswirtschaftslehre an der Wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Fakultät. Heute ist Hendrik Tigger sowohl Steuerberater als auch Wirtschaftsprüfer und als Geschäftsführer und Gesellschafter zweier Gesellschaften tätig: der Merco GmbH StBG sowie der Dr. Merschmeier + Partner GmbH, WPG StBG, beide mit Sitz in Münster. Während er bei Merco vor allem kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen sowie Privatpersonen in steuerlichen Fragen berät, liegt sein Schwerpunkt bei Dr. Merschmeier + Partner auf der Wirtschaftsprüfung, insbesondere im sozialen Sektor und bei Unternehmen der öffentlichen Hand, die er zudem steuerlich und betriebswirtschaftlich begleitet.

Over the last few days, several members of our department attended the 46th ICIS – The International Conference on Information Systems 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, one of the most prestigious conferences in the Information Systems community.

• Prof. Jan vom Brocke took part in the panel “A discussion with the AIS presidents”. Together with his co-authors André Sagodi, Benjamin van Giffen, Johannes Schniertshauer, and Klemen Niehues, he received the AIS Senior Scholars Best IS Publication Award 2025 for their paper “How Audi Scales Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing – MIS Quarterly Executive”.
• Shariga Sivanathan presented her research with Michael Schüngel and Tobias Brandt on digitalization initiative in healthcare at the pre-ICIS workshops SIG Health and SIG Adit. As part of the AIS Entrepreneurial Innovation Fellowship, she also presented her research with Tobias Brandt on failure of digital ventures. In addition, she was served as lead chair for the AIS Doctoral Student Corner and played a key role in organizing all activities for the PhD students. Shariga received the AIS Doctoral Student College Volunteer Service Award 2025 for outstanding service and was elected as the next AIS Doctoral Student President.
• Dr. Timo Strohmann joined the SIG AI workshop, contributing to discussions on trustworthy conversational agents in finance. He also received the AIS Senior Scholars Best IS Publication Award 2025, together with his co-authors Ricarda Schlimbach, Bijan Khosrawi-Rad, Tim C. Lange, and Susanne Robra-Bissantz, for their CAIS paper “Design Knowledge for Virtual Learning Companions from a Value-centered Perspective”.
• Daria Stumkat presented her research in the IS for Sustainability track, focusing on how IT strategy and sustainability strategy can be aligned in organizations.
• Robin Killewald contributed to the MSQE workshop on future of AI.
• Ronja Dobler and David Stanlein participated at the Paper-a-Thon and the SIG Green Workshop.

Furthermore, Fumi Kurihara and Josephine Moritz from the Flow Factory joined the ICIS to exchange ideas and connect with the international IS community.