# Institute for Software Technology

> research facility of the German Aerospace Center

**Wikidata**: [Q2288505](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2288505)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-for-software-technology

## Summary
The Institute for Software Technology is a research facility of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) based in Cologne, Germany. It focuses on advancing software technology, particularly in aerospace and related fields, and is led by Director Michael Felderer since 2023. The institute operates under the DLR umbrella, contributing to scientific research and innovation in software systems.

## Key Facts
- **Parent organization**: German Aerospace Center (DLR).
- **Headquarters**: Cologne, Germany (Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln).
- **Director**: Michael Felderer (since January 2023).
- **Affiliated researcher**: Stephan Druskat (ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4925-7248).
- **Identifiers**: GND ID 1317330668, VIAF ID 1711170671814516650005.
- **LinkedIn followers**: 1,744 (as of January 8, 2026).
- **Official names**: "Institut für Softwaretechnologie" (German) and "Institute for Software Technology" (English).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Institute for Software Technology?
A: It is a research institute under the German Aerospace Center (DLR) specializing in software technology, headquartered in Cologne, Germany.

### Q: Who leads the institute?
A: The director is Michael Felderer, who has held the position since January 2023.

### Q: What organizations is it affiliated with?
A: It is part of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and collaborates with the University of Cologne.

## Why It Matters
The Institute for Software Technology plays a critical role in advancing software innovation within Germany’s aerospace sector and beyond. As part of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), it addresses complex challenges in software development for aerospace applications, ensuring reliability and safety in critical systems. Its work supports national and international research initiatives, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. By focusing on cutting-edge software technologies, the institute contributes to technological sovereignty and competitiveness, particularly in sectors like space exploration, aviation, and digital infrastructure. Its integration with the University of Cologne strengthens the bridge between fundamental research and practical applications, driving long-term scientific and economic impact.

## Notable For
- **Leadership**: Directed by Michael Felderer, a professor at the University of Cologne, ensuring strong academic-industry collaboration.
- **Specialization**: Focus on software technology for aerospace and critical systems, emphasizing safety and reliability.
- **International Reach**: Maintains bilingual online presence (German and English) to disseminate research globally.
- **Research Infrastructure**: Part of DLR’s network, leveraging shared resources and expertise in aerospace and technology.

## Body
### Organization
- **Parent Organization**: The institute is a subsidiary of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), a national research organization.
- **Headquarters**: Located at Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany.

### Leadership
- **Director**: Michael Felderer has served as director since January 2023. He also holds a W3 professorship in computer science at the University of Cologne.
- **Affiliations**: The institute collaborates with academic institutions, including the University of Cologne.

### Research Focus
- **Specializations**: Software engineering, safety-critical systems, and aerospace-related software solutions.
- **Key Personnel**: Stephan Druskat, a researcher affiliated with the institute, contributes to its scientific endeavors (ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4925-7248).

### Digital Presence
- **LinkedIn**: Maintains a profile (@dlr-software-technology) with 1,744 followers as of January 8, 2026.
- **Website**: Accessible in German (https://www.dlr.de/de/sc) and English (https://www.dlr.de/en/sc).

### Identifiers
- **GND ID**: 1317330668 (German National Library identifier).
- **VIAF ID**: 1711170671814516650005 (Virtual International Authority File).

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.dlr.de/de/sc/ueber-uns/das-institut/institutsleitung)