How can artificial intelligence accelerate scientific discoveries in neuroscience? Award-winning neuroscientist Dr. Malene Overby explored this question during a guest talk at Munich University of Digital Technologies & Applied Sciences (MUDT), giving students an insight into the intersection of AI, biology, medicine and engineering.

The session formed part of MUDT's approach to exposing students to ideas and expertise that go beyond the traditional boundaries of an engineering curriculum.

From Amino Acids to AI and Protein Folding

During her guest talk, Dr. Malene Overby took students on a journey from amino acids and proteins to protein folding, structural protein analysis and the potential applications of these technologies in understanding and treating diseases.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing scientific research, including fields that may initially appear far removed from software engineering, data science or digital technologies.

For MUDT students, this interdisciplinary perspective is particularly important.

The session demonstrated how developments in artificial intelligence, data science and computational methods can contribute to scientific discovery and potentially transform areas such as neuroscience, biotechnology and healthcare.

Why Should Engineering Students Learn About Neuroscience?

Not every subject discussed during the guest talk forms part of the core curriculum of a Bachelor of Engineering program.

That is precisely the point.

At MUDT, we believe that preparing students for the future requires both strong technical foundations and exposure to disciplines, industries and ideas beyond their immediate field of study.

Traditional academic and professional boundaries are becoming increasingly interconnected. Artificial intelligence is being applied across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, cyber security, pharmaceuticals, mobility and many other sectors.

Tomorrow's engineers therefore need more than expertise in a single discipline.

They need the curiosity and confidence to understand how their technical knowledge can interact with entirely different fields.

Developing T-Shaped Talent

MUDT's educational approach aims to develop what is often described as T-shaped talent.

The vertical part of the “T” represents deep knowledge and practical skills in a student's primary field — such as software engineering, cyber security, data science or artificial intelligence.

The horizontal part represents something equally important: the ability to understand other disciplines, communicate with people from different professional backgrounds and apply technical knowledge to new contexts.

This combination becomes particularly valuable in an economy where AI and digital technologies increasingly connect previously separate industries and disciplines.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Guest talks and interaction with external experts are an important part of the learning environment at MUDT.

Our students have opportunities to meet professionals and thought leaders from a broad range of sectors — from technology and startups to banking, finance, pharmaceuticals and scientific research.

These encounters allow students to see how the concepts they study at university are applied in practice and to discover fields and career possibilities they may not previously have considered.

Dr. Malene Overby's guest talk on AI and neuroscience was another example of this interdisciplinary approach.

For an engineering student, a discussion about proteins and neuroscience may initially seem outside the traditional curriculum. But in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, data and computational science, these connections are exactly where many future innovations may emerge.

Preparing Engineers for an Interdisciplinary Future

At Munich University of Digital Technologies & Applied Sciences (MUDT), our goal is to combine hands-on, active learning with a broader understanding of the world in which technology is developed and applied.

Students need strong technical competencies.

But they also need curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, communication skills and exposure to people who are pushing the boundaries of their respective fields.

By bringing experts from different industries and scientific disciplines into the university, we want students to ask new questions, discover new possibilities and understand just how widely their engineering and digital skills can be applied.