Dr Alejandra López becomes CIO and head of the University of Freiburg’s Computer Centre
Freiburg, 01/10/2025
Dr Alejandra López has been head of the University of Freiburg’s computer centre since July. On 1 October 2025, she will also take on the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO). With her many years of experience in university IT, she is committed to the service-oriented development of central infrastructures and services.
On 1 October 2025, Dr. Alejandra López will take over as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the University of Freiburg. The CIO role is anchored at the level of the Rectorate as a strategic management task and shapes the university’s long-term digitalisation strategy. López has been head of the computer centre, which is responsible for IT operations, since July 2025. In her new dual role, López will combine the operational and strategic perspectives of IT at the University – from the enhancement of central services to supporting the digital transformation process in studies, teaching and research.
López brings with her many years of management experience in university IT, IT security and digitalisation. From 2020 to 2025, she was CIO and head of the Centre for Information and Media Services at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Prior to that, she was responsible for the ‘Operational Processes & Systems’ department at the Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing at TU Dresden. After completing her doctorate in telematics in 2000, she gained several years of experience in industry before working in IT service management at the TU Ilmenau.
Service-oriented enhancement of central infrastructures and services
Her focus in Freiburg is on the service-oriented enhancement of central infrastructures and services. This includes, in particular, strengthening information security and data protection, sustainable identity and access management, and high-performance campus and research data services. In addition, López plans to introduce AI-based, user-friendly solutions specifically where they create measurable, added value for studies, research and administration.
López is particularly keen to work closely with the University’s faculties and research institutions. Her goal is to better coordinate the different needs in research and teaching and to further increase the performance of IT services through synergy effects.
“Digital transformation at universities is more than a technical task. It is a cultural and strategic challenge as well,” López emphasises. “I look forward to actively shaping this process together with University management, the administration, the faculties and all members of the University of Freiburg.”