On 1 November 2025, Prof. Dr. Thomy Phan took up the junior professorship for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the University of Bayreuth. The internationally acclaimed researcher brings with him extensive expertise in the fields of multi-agent systems, reinforcement learning, and optimization—topics that are among the most dynamic areas of AI research worldwide.
Prof. Dr. Thomy Phan studied and earned his doctorate at LMU Munich, where he completed his dissertation summa cum laude. His work has received numerous awards. Research stays and postdoctoral positions took him to renowned institutions such as the University of Southern California, UC Irvine, and Yale University.
When asked why he chose the University of Bayreuth, Phan emphasizes the unique research landscape: "With my multi-agent research, I want to develop flexible and scalable AI techniques that can be widely applied. The University of Bayreuth offers an interdisciplinary environment in which I would like to collaborate with scientists from various fields – for example, within the framework of RAIS², the Research Center for AI in Science & Society." He sees the combination of computer science, natural sciences, social sciences, and law as a decisive advantage for the responsible and effective further development of AI.
Phan also highlights the working atmosphere at the University of Bayreuth: "The University of Bayreuth is characterized by a very open and collegial environment in which people from different fields and disciplines can come together. As a campus university, it offers short distances that promote personal exchange."
Phan's scientific vision is ambitious: he wants to develop AI systems that are robust, scalable, and explainable—and can thus be used in areas such as logistics, robotics, energy, and science communication. His work on multi-agent pathfinding, emergent behavior, and resilient AI systems has already attracted considerable international attention.
With his professorship, the University of Bayreuth is further expanding its strategic focus in the field of artificial intelligence and strengthening the link between basic research and social application.
Students can look forward to innovative teaching formats that closely interlink theory and practice – from reinforcement learning and multi-agent systems to AI-supported optimization. Phan attaches great importance to involving young talents in research projects at an early stage and opening up international perspectives for them.
University of Bayreuth
Phone: +49 (0)921 - 55 5893 57
Mail: jennifer.opel@uni-bayreuth.de
