Ralf Herbrich

Professor at Hasso Plattner Institute

Ralf Herbrich is a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence and sustainability, currently serving as a Professor and Managing Director at the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering in Potsdam, Germany. He has held this position since April 2022, where he leads the Chair of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability. His academic journey began with a Diploma in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Statistics from the Technical University of Berlin, completed in 1997 and 2000, respectively.1 2

Career Highlights

Herbrich's professional background includes significant roles at major technology companies:

Microsoft Research Ltd.: He worked there from 2000 to 2012, advancing through various positions including Research Manager and Director of the Future Social Experiences (FUSE) Lab UK.
Facebook: He served as an Engineering Manager from 2011 to 2012.
Amazon: From 2012 to 2020, he was the Director of Machine Learning and later became Managing Director of the Amazon Development Center in Germany.
Zalando SE: He held the position of Senior Vice President for Builder Platform and AI from 2020 to 2022.1 3 4

Research Interests

Herbrich's research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence with sustainability practices. His work explores energy-efficient algorithms for AI tasks and the application of AI methods to enhance energy management systems. He emphasizes a people-first approach in his research, aiming to solve real-world problems through innovative applications of AI.3 5 6

Publications and Impact

He has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers in various domains, including machine learning theory, natural language processing, and computer vision. His contributions have garnered significant recognition, reflected in his high citation index within the academic community.1 7

In summary, Ralf Herbrich is a leading expert in artificial intelligence with a robust background in both academic research and practical applications across some of the world's largest tech companies. His current focus on sustainability aligns with global efforts to leverage technology for environmental benefits.