From April 8th to 10th, 2026 we received a visit from Prof. Grischa Liebel.
Prof. Grischa Liebel is an Associate Professor in Software Engineering and the director of the CRESS research center at Reykjavik University, Iceland. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. His research focuses on human factors in software engineering, typically in areas such as modeling and model-based engineering, requirements engineering, processes, and education. Much of Grischa’s research is done in collaboration with industry – and with humans.
He gave the lecture with the Title: “I like to use my brain”: Neurodiversity in Software Engineering
Abstract: Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that describes variation in brain function among individuals, including conditions such as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or dyslexia. Neurodivergent individuals can face substantial barriers in society due to their conditions, e.g., difficulties with communication, reading or writing, or reduced attention span. While conditions included in the neurodiversity term have traditionally been considered as disabilities in medical terms, these individuals often exhibit strengths in comparison to neurotypical individuals, for instance, close attention to detail or higher creativity. In ongoing research, we seek to understand how neurodivergent individuals can be more effectively involved in software engineering activities, what relevant strengths they exhibit, and how we can tailor software engineering methods to better support their needs and strengths. In this talk, I will give an overview of current research on neurodiversity in software engineering and future directions open for exploration.
