Prof. Dr. Matthias Schäfer has been appointed professor of avionics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the Faculty of Engineering at Hochschule RheinMain (HSRM) as of December 1, 2024. After studying computer science at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, he completed research stays at the University of Oxford and at armasuisse, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement. He went on to obtain his doctorate at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern on cybersecurity in aviation and to work as a lecturer in network security. Outside of academia, Matthias Schäfer founded his own company in 2014, a provider of air traffic data solutions, that he still manages today. He is also a co-founder of the non-profit organization OpenSky Network in Switzerland, which makes air traffic data available free of charge for research purposes.

What aspect of your research fascinates you the most?

I have spent over a decade studying cybersecurity and other aspects of aviation, particularly air traffic control. During a research internship, I started working on the cybersecurity of transponder signals. At first I couldn’t relate to it, but when I picked up real transponder signals for the first time, I was hooked. Suddenly I could see the planes around me on a screen and collect and analyze real data. This data and the somewhat antiquated technologies used in aviation quickly raised many questions: How safe are these systems? How do they work in their entirety? How can they be improved? Aviation is incredibly complex and there is always something new to discover.

What does “good teaching” mean to you?

For me, good teaching means building a connection with students and making an effort to help them progress. My most influential teachers have been those with a genuine interest in their subjects and in me as a person. They were approachable, enjoyed their subject and were committed to the success of their students. The teachers who make the biggest impression are generous with their time and attention. They always provide the support and, if necessary, the guidance needed to overcome challenges of any kind.

What did you want to be growing up?

I have been fascinated by computers since before I could read. At first, I was excited by how letters and numbers appeared on the screen when I typed on the keyboard, even though I didn't even understand what they meant. I then discovered early computer games, but my real interest was sparked when I started experimenting with the systems and programs myself – breaking things, fixing them and learning as I went. It was never just about playing, but always about understanding how everything works. To this day, I have remained curious to understand how things work and my passion for technology and problem solving has eventually led me to aviation.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

There are only 24 hours in a day. Whatever I do, I look for ways to combine things so that nothing gets left out. For example, I often watch series while working out at the gym to keep fit and relax at the same time. I also take advantage of working remotely to support my students and coworkers while still being there for my family.