"Let's Play!" in the Sarntal Valley

With their contributions, computer scientists from Stuttgart in particular contributed to the success of this year's 2023 'Ferienakademie' in the Sarntal Valley. Between September 17 and 29, lecturers from the University of Stuttgart imparted knowledge about modern algorithms, sustainability and quantum technologies.

The Department of Computer Science was represented by Prof. Volker Diekert and Prof. Miriam Schulte. Other lecturers included Prof. Jens Anders from the Institute for Intelligent Sensor Technology and Theoretical Electrical Engineering at Faculty 5, Dominik Göddeke, Principal Investigator at the "Data-Integrated Simulation Science" (Exc 2075), and Junior Prof. Maria Wirzberger, Spokesperson of the Stuttgart Research Focus IRIS and Co-Director of the AI Software Academy (AISA).

Carme Homs Pons and Julia Pelzer report: "Our department participated with the course 'Let's Play! Simulated Physics for Games', led by Prof. Miriam Schulte and Munich colleague Prof. Hans-Joachim Bungartz. The attendees' task was to develop a game of their choice. They were inspired by the second cornerstone of the Holiday Academy, hiking. The challenge in their game "Surviving Sarntal" is to climb a mountain as a hiker while avoiding falling rocks.

The development of the game required many hours of intensive programming work and good teamwork. To recharge our legs and minds, we enjoyed the best of traditional South Tyrolean cuisine in the hotels.

We are already looking forward to the next 'Ferienakademie' in September 2024, once again full of exciting hikes, heated discussions, intensive collaboration and a brief insight into South Tyrolean culture at the annual Heimatabend. Perhaps next year we can even outdo this year's lively participation from Stuttgart?"

The “Ferienakademie” (Vacation Academy) is organized by TU Munich, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg as well as the University of Stuttgart and promises a “study of exciting topics in an alpine environment”. The interdisciplinary course for selected students takes place in the Sarntal Valley at the end of September each year and is financed by companies as well as sponsoring associations and the participating universities' own funds. The application period for the next Vacation Academy starts in February 2023.