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2025 was a year full of change for the IT Center, both technically and organizationally, as well as on a human level. While new services were launched, major infrastructure projects were implemented, and digital work processes continued to converge, there were also many moments that enriched our everyday work. Whether new AI initiatives, important security measures, service updates, or team events: the year was marked by change.
In our annual review, we summarize the developments that had a particular impact and the highlights that accompanied us in 2025.
Experiencing Community: Celebrations, Events, and Special Moments
This year, too, there were numerous events on the program that strengthened our collaboration and gave our community new impetus. The summer party, company excursion, Oktoberfest, and Christmas party provided opportunities for encounters, exchanges, and team spirit. At the company run, our colleagues were once again active in sports and set an example for team spirit on and off the track.
New Services and Technical Milestones
2025 was a year of major technical changes and successful launches:
- nrw, ELN, and DataStorage.nrw were successfully launched, expanding our service landscape with powerful tools for research and science.
- The productive operation of Microsoft Azure marked a significant step toward hybrid cloud infrastructures.
- The replacement of the partner procedure and the new software shop ensured modernized and simplified processes.
- Large migration projects such as the X-WiN migration and the migration from sciebo to Nextcloud contributed to the stability and future viability of the IT infrastructure.
These innovations are making a significant contribution to the digital development of RWTH Aachen University and to meeting the growing demands of research, administration, and teaching.
Focus on IT Security
One topic that was particularly relevant for us in 2025 was phishing. The high number of fraudulent emails made it necessary to raise awareness across the board. Together with the RWTH community, we were able to make an important contribution to cyber security through communication measures, advice, and education.
Research, AI & Networking
With initiatives such as KI:connect.nrw, WestAI, and other projects in the field of artificial intelligence and digitalization, we have set new impulses this year. The goal was and remains to make innovations visible, promote exchange, and support research in the long term.
One highlight this year was the introduction of our new AI-supported chatbot: Ritchy. It is a great help in handling the approximately 65,000 inquiries received by the IT-ServiceDesk each year.
There were also innovations in communication: we were able to establish new social media channels and expand the dialogue with the community with Bluesky and Instagram.
Awards & Special Achievements
One of the highlights of the year was the EUNIS 2025 Best Paper Award, which was presented to our colleagues Bernd Decker and Denise Dittrich for their work on cost management of generative AI in higher education. The award underscores the scientific excellence of our team. In addition, IT Support was successfully recertified, which is further proof of its professionalism, quality, and customer focus.
Modernization in the Background: Network, Infrastructure, and Services
Network renewal, service updates, and system adjustments ensured greater stability and performance in 2025. Many of these developments run in the background, but they are what enable reliable IT services for the entire RWTH.
New Faces: Our Trainees
We are particularly pleased to have welcomed numerous new trainees again this year. They bring curiosity, motivation, and fresh ideas with them – an important contribution to the future of the IT Center.
Conclusion
2025 was a year full of changes, challenges, and successes. With new technologies, strong partnerships, and a dedicated team, we have taken important steps toward the future.
Of course, there were many other successes, changes, and topics that shaped our year in 2025 – this review therefore only provides a compact overview. This makes us all the more excited about 2026 and all the opportunities and developments that lie ahead.
We would like to thank all our colleagues, partners, and the RWTH community for their great cooperation!
Responsible for the content of this article is Malak Mostafa.
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