Completing my PhD at the University of Klagenfurt through the OeAD scholarship has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life—both professionally and personally. I conducted my doctoral research in the Transportation Informatics Group, within the Institute of Smart Systems Technologies at the University of Klagenfurt, under the supervision of Professor Kyandoghere Kyamakya. Currently, I serve as a lecturer in the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa, where I continue to pursue research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Time Series Forecasting (TSF). These fields are not just intellectually stimulating—they are vital to building smart, efficient systems that address real-world challenges. My passion for technology is deeply rooted in a desire to innovate for social good.
The Austrian Chapter: A Foundation of Excellence
Studying in Austria was more than an academic pursuit—it was a life-shaping experience. I am very grateful for the OeAD scholarship that provided the financial stability that allowed me to focus fully on my research. Furthermore, one of the greatest gifts I received was the mentorship I was given. I had the privilege of working with a thesis supervisor who was intentional about training not just a scholar, but a researcher with purpose. I learned the art of meaningful research—how to ask the right questions, how to stay curious, and how to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving field.
Austria also gave me the opportunity to discover Europe. While I admired the breathtaking beauty of Austria itself, conference participation allowed me to explore Germany, Poland, France, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, among others. These travels provided me with invaluable exposure and the chance to connect with fellow PhD students and researchers across the continent—an enriching experience both academically and personally.
I am grateful that many of these connections have grown into lasting collaborations. Together, we plan to continue joint projects and publications that bridge Austria, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Challenges, Lessons, and Inspirations
Like any academic journey, mine was not without challenges. The most difficult part was being away from my family—my wife and three children—while working on my thesis. Yet, that separation became a source of strength—a reminder of why I needed to stay focused and push forward. It fueled my determination to complete my research and reunite with my family, stronger and more fulfilled.
What motivates me today is my sense of calling. Teaching is more than a profession—it is a vocation. For me, education goes beyond sharing knowledge; it is about empowering the next generation of innovators. This perspective keeps me inspired daily.
A lasting piece of advice I carry with me comes from my supervisor in Austria: to remain relevant in research, stay curious, collaborate widely, and focus on solving real-world problems. When progress feels slow, persistence and mentorship are key. These principles continue to guide me.
Looking Ahead: Building for Impact
As I look to the future, I am committed to advancing my research in AI and ML, particularly in transfer learning, knowledge distillation, and meta-learning. My goal is to contribute to building intelligent systems that address meaningful societal challenges. To this end, I will also keep in touch with the Transportation Informatics Group from the Institute of Smart Systems Technologies at the University of Klagenfurt, collaborating on various research projects that not only deepen academic knowledge but also foster innovations with real-world impact.
To future OeAD scholarship holders, my message is simple: stay focused, enjoy the magic of Austria, and—most importantly—use this unique opportunity to establish networks that will carry you far beyond your studies.
About Dr. Vianney W. Kambale
Dr. Vianney W. Kambale, an OeAD Scholar Alumnus (OeAD-Sonderstipendium, 07/2022–04/2025), holds a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering from the University of Klagenfurt, Austria. He is the recipient of the Best Paper Award at the 2025 IEEE Conference on Information Communication Technology and Society (ICTAS 2025).
Currently, he serves as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. He also supervises students’ research projects across Austria, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
