Berlin Technical University Picks Turkish Academic Fatma Deniz as President

Turkish Scientist Fatma Deniz Elected President of TU Berlin

Berlin’s Technical University (TU Berlin), one of Germany’s most prestigious scientific institutions, has chosen Turkish scholar Prof. Dr. Fatma Deniz as its next president. The election, finalized on 3 December, marks the first time a Turkish-origin academic will lead the 247-year-old university.

The vote took place in the university’s Extended Academic Senate, where Deniz received 42 votes, defeating current president Geraldine Rauch, who received 18. Five candidates initially entered the race, but three withdrew after the first round, leaving Deniz and Rauch in the final ballot. Deniz will officially assume office on 1 April 2026 for a four-year term.

A Career Spanning Neuroscience, AI, and Cognitive Science

Born in Munich in 1983 and raised partly in Bursa, Fatma Deniz completed high school in Turkey before returning to Germany for her bachelor’s studies in computer science. She went on to specialize in computational neuroscience, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence, completing advanced research in the United States at institutions including UC Berkeley.

At TU Berlin, she previously served as Vice President for Digitalization and Sustainability, a position that placed her at the heart of the university’s modernization efforts — from digital infrastructure to data-driven academic planning.

Her research blends AI, brain science, language processing, and vision, focusing on how the human brain perceives and interprets the world. This interdisciplinary approach has made her a notable figure in Europe’s rapidly expanding AI and cognitive science fields.

“We need a culture of trust, learning, and accountability”

Following her election, Deniz emphasized the need for a modern, research-driven, student-centered university.

In her own words:

“Our shared goal is a contemporary technical university built on scientific excellence. We need structures — and a culture — where learning, openness, and accountability come naturally.”

She underlined that critical thinking and hands-on learning would remain priorities, alongside strengthening the university’s international visibility in science and engineering.

Significance of the Appointment

The election has drawn attention beyond Germany for several reasons:

• TU Berlin is one of Europe’s leading institutions in engineering, computer science, and technology.
• Deniz’s background in AI and neuroscience aligns with the fields shaping global research agendas.
• Her election represents a milestone for the Turkish scientific diaspora, highlighting the rising presence of Turkish academics in European research institutions.

For Berlin’s academic community, Deniz’s presidency signals continuity in innovation but also a fresh vision rooted in digital transformation, interdisciplinary science, and sustainability.

A New Chapter Beginning April 2026

Prof. Dr. Fatma Deniz will take office on 1 April 2026, beginning a term during which she is expected to guide TU Berlin through major global shifts in technology, research funding, and AI-driven innovation.

Her election is widely regarded as both a personal achievement and a symbolic moment in German-Turkish academic history.