Meet Burcu Bilgic – PhD Student in Computational X
Our IT:U Stories continues with Burcu Bilgic, a PhD student in Computational X in the GeoSocial Artificial Intelligence research group. Through explainable AI and geospatial data, she helps disaster response teams better understand fast-changing crises and act where help is needed most. In the future, her research could help save time, resources, and lives when it matters most.
ABOUT YOU
Where are you from?
I am from Ankara, the capital of Turkey, but I have been living in Austria for almost 4 years.
One fun fact/secret talent about you?
I can imitate several actors and actresses, and I can do it in different languages 😁
Where can we find you (in Linz) when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I am either playing tennis in some tennis courts or walking around Donaulände (Linz).
What did you study/work before IT:U?
I did an MSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with a specialization in Wireless Communication. Before that, I completed my bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with a minor in Computer Engineering.
ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH
What is your current research focus?
My research focuses on using Explainable Artificial Intelligence for geospatial data in disaster management.
Which project are you most proud of?
I led a project on Wireless Propagation Measurements with an international team of more than 20 engineers. Managing every phase taught me empathy, cross-cultural teamwork, and how to work with people from different disciplines.
Imagine your research reaches its full potential—what kind of impact would it have in the future?
My research could transform how disaster response teams understand and react to fast-changing crises. By combining explainable AI with geospatial data, it would give agencies transparent, real-time insights from multilingual sources like social media. This would help them spot urgent needs, see where risks are rising, and know which areas need help first.
PHD LIFE AT IT:U
One unique thing you find about working here at IT:U?
Here, unlike at other universities, technical and non-technical fields are not separated. People from different disciplines work together, and that wide mix of perspectives makes the projects unique.
What were the two biggest reasons for applying to IT:U?
First, IT:U’s interdisciplinary, project-based approach lets you work on real problems, not just theory. Second, the research environment is modern and focused on real-world topics and projects that I wanted to be part of.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to IT:U?
My advice is to come with an open mind and be ready for genuine interdisciplinary work. At IT:U, you learn by doing—collaborating on real projects with people from diverse backgrounds. If you enjoy hands-on learning, teamwork, and taking initiative, you will thrive in this environment.
PhD in Computational X – Now Open
Burcu’s story is just one example of how IT:U researchers are tackling real world challenges through interdisciplinary science and technology. The PhD in Computational X is now open across research groups including Computational Medicine and Health Data Science, Human Rights and Technology, Secure and Resilient Infrastructures, Energy Transition and Climate Futures, Acoustics, Analysis, and AI (3AI), Smart Sensing and Systems (S³ Lab), and Regulation and Governance of Information Technology.
Application deadline: 31.01.2026