Interview with Dr. Marc Büttner, Senior Data Scientist, Novalytica
Marc Büttner joined our Novalytica team as Senior Data Scientist in mid-August. In his unusually diverse career, Marc Büttner combines engineering knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit and neuroscientific research.
During his doctorate, Marc Büttner worked intensively on the development of data pipelines, statistical analysis and machine learning methods. With his additional experience as founder of Strival GmbH and his work in international research projects at the interface of technology and biology, he is a valuable addition to the Novalytica team. Just as he is scaling majestic peaks in the picture, Marc is taking our team to new heights of data science.
Find out more about Marc Büttner in the interview below.
What particularly attracted you to apply to Novalytica?
After my PhD, my goal was to use the knowledge I had gained in my research in data science and machine learning effectively outside the academic environment. Novalytica impressed me with the wide range of its projects and provides the ideal platform to help organizations unlock the full value of their data.
What were your first impressions?
I received a very friendly welcome from the entire team and was able to start working on my first projects straight away. Of course, there are a lot of new things to learn at the beginning, but that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to. I particularly like the support within the team. If I have any questions, I can easily turn to an expert in the team and work on more complex topics within a short space of time.
What experience from your doctorate or start-up time do you think you can contribute here in particular?
I think a special feature of both research and spinning off a business idea is the high level of personal responsibility, which can be incredibly motivating but also very challenging. In addition to this fundamental attitude towards independently implementing complex projects, I was also able to acquire many technical skills. Accordingly, I am already looking forward to using my knowledge of analyzing complex data sets with methods from the fields of data science and machine learning in particular in upcoming projects.
How do you assess current developments in the field of artificial intelligence and what opportunities does this present for companies?
In general, I find the developments in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence fascinating. We are currently experiencing a boom in the research and application of large language models (LLMs) in many areas of our society. I am convinced that many traditional tasks can be designed more efficiently, creating more scope for developing creative solutions to difficult problems. I also find the research field of neuro-AI, which is at the interface between neuroscience and artificial intelligence, exciting. I am convinced that algorithms based on information processing in the brain will have a major impact in the future.
What is your passion besides data?
As a balance, I spend a lot of time in nature and enjoy the mountains in Switzerland, especially hiking in summer. Last year, I also discovered running and am currently training for my first marathon in November.