With over 270 degree programs, FAU is among the 15 largest and leading universities for research in Germany. Over 6,000 employees and more than 39,000 students promote a culture of innovation, diversity and passion.
Get to know our newly-appointed professors who are driving forward research with their fresh ideas and creative approaches. Find out more about the people behind our research projects and their career paths, visions, and motivation for a successful academic future.
Prof. Dr. Gözde Gül Şahin – Professorship for Intelligent Speech Systems
She has wanted to become a researcher since she was eleven – Prof. Şahin introduces herself.
What is your main area of research?
I work in natural language processing (NLP), the field behind technologies such as large language models, machine translation, and grammar correction. While these systems are very powerful, they still struggle with less common situations—for example, languages or topics with little available data, or tasks they have not encountered before. My work focuses on creating high-quality datasets, building efficient models, and designing thoughtful tests to better understand and improve how well these systems adapt to new and challenging cases.
Why did you choose this topic?
I am especially fascinated by how humans can learn and generalize from just a few examples—something current AI models still struggle to do—and by the broader question of how we should define intelligence. While researchers have worked on these questions for a long time, important pieces are still missing. Making progress here would have a major impact on democratizing NLP technologies and on better supporting domain experts, such as scientists and lawyers, not just everyday users.
Where were you before coming to FAU?
Just before joining FAU, I was a professor at Koç University, one of Türkiye’s leading research universities. Prior to that, I was a member of the UKP Lab at TU Darmstadt, one of Germany’s largest and most influential NLP labs, and I also completed a research visit at the University of Edinburgh.
Where did you study and what subjects?
I received my bachelor’s and PhD degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, and my master’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Sabancı University.
Which events and activities would you like to take part in in Erlangen and the surroundings?
As I’m still quite new to the area, I’m really looking forward to experiencing the traditional Erlanger Bergkirchweih. I also appreciate how Erlangen and its surrounding region offer many opportunities for hiking, cycling and skiing. I’m excited to explore these and to try new outdoor activities, such as horse riding.
What is your most useful tool as a professor?
I use many digital tools for organizing notes and papers but nothing beats the traditional pencil and paper when it’s time to imagine and discuss ideas.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I have wanted to be a scientist since I was 11. With a close friend who dreamed of becoming a movie director, we even formed a band called “iencetor22” blending the endings of science and director. Unfortunately, our music career didn’t take off, but I’m happy that we both made progress toward achieving our original dreams.
Do you have a role model? If so, did they influence your academic or professional career?
I have been fortunate to have many role models and mentors—mostly (though not only) women from underrepresented communities. Seeing what they have achieved firsthand has inspired me to be more resilient, ambitious, and confident in my own path. They have helped me shape my career goals and, just as importantly, have shown me that kindness and excellence in research can truly go hand in hand.
Have you got any hidden talents?
I would not say “talent” but I am a “slightly above the average” guitar player, singer, and salsa dancer.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do?
Speak German like a native speaker! Jokes aside, my list is long, but on a personal level I’ve always wanted to visit the Galápagos Islands and hike the entire Lycian Way coastal trail in Turkiye. Professionally, I’ve long wanted to write a book—which is one of my next goals.