New at UDE: Dominik Sobania
Software Evolution
- 19.05.2026
We love using software that runs quickly and requires little memory or power. Dr Dominik Sobania is investigating how it can be further optimised. He conducts research and teaches as a newly appointed assistant professor of ‘Generative Artificial Intelligence in Software Engineering’ at the Faculty of Computer Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen.
For Prof. Dr Dominik Sobania, software optimisation is at the heart of his work. The aim is to improve the efficiency of existing software systems: the software should require fewer resources – such as less energy or processing time – whilst ensuring identical behaviour. “We make targeted changes to the source code to make software more efficient without altering its functionality,” he explains.
To achieve this, his research uses techniques such as genetic improvement and large language models (LLMs). The approach is based on the principles of natural evolution and optimises software over several generations. The LLMs act as the driving force by making targeted changes to the source code, known as mutations.
LLMs can utilise specialised analysis tools to ensure that these changes are made precisely and effectively. This enables the models to examine parts of the code independently and actively measure their performance. “By using these tools, the LLMs are able to make informed decisions about the next mutations,” said Sobania. “This means that changes to the code are not made arbitrarily, but precisely where they will most significantly improve the software’s efficiency.”
Dominik Sobania completed a BSc in Computer Science (2009–2012) at the University of Mainz and went on to complete two Master’s degrees at the Technical University of Darmstadt: Internet and Web-Based Systems and Computer Science in 2015 and 2020, respectively. From 2015 to 2017, he also worked as a software developer at SinnerSchrader in Frankfurt. Following the completion of an outstanding PhD (2022) at the University of Mainz and a research stay at University College London (2022) in England, he continued his research as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Mainz (2023–2025). His research has received several awards.
More information:
Prof. Dr. Dominik Sobania, Faculty of Computer Science and Software Engineering, dominik.sobania@uni-due.de