Cansu Demir, MSc

    I am a PhD candidate and researcher in human-computer interaction at the University of Salzburg, Austria, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces, advised by Alexander Meschtscherjakov and Manfred Tscheligi. Before that, I obtained a MSc in human-computer interaction and a BSc in computer science.

    I work at the intersection of human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence, with a focus on human-vehicle interaction and intelligent mobility systems. My primary goal is to design human-centered AI for automated vehicles. To this end, I develop in-vehicle intelligent agents, interaction techniques, and AI-driven mobility solutions.

    My work has been recognized and supported by several awards and fellowships (see below).

    Keywords: Human-Vehicle Interaction, Automated Driving, Intelligent Agents, Driving Behavior, Safety

    Contact: cansu.demir[at]plus.ac.at / LinkedIn / ORCiD / Google Scholar / ResearchGate
    Office: Jakob-Haringer-Straße 1, Techno 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

    Latest News

    Dec 2025: News article in Salzburger Nachrichten about my research: “Wiederholt prämiert für Forschung zu autonomem Fahren“.
    Nov 2025: I was invited to the Federal Chancellery of Austria by Elisabeth Zehetner and Maria Rauch-Kallat.
    Oct 2025: What an honor! I have been introduced as a role model for the LEA initiative.
    Jun 2025: I am selected as “35 under 35” by the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism!

    Publications (peer-reviewed)

    [1] Twin the Drive: An HGBR-based Machine Learning Model as a Vehicular Digital Twin for Risk Detection (Cansu Demir, Narges Mehran, and Alexander Meschtscherjakov). AutomotiveUI (2025). Read here

    [2] Understanding Driver Expectations and Preferences Around Data Transparency in Vehicular Digital Twins (Cansu Demir, Nicola Leschke, Glenda Hannibal, Mahdi Akil, and Alexander Meschtscherjakov). AutomotiveUI (2025). Read here

    [3] Unlocking Trust and Acceptance in Tomorrow’s Ride: How In-Vehicle Intelligent Agents Redefine SAE Level 5 Autonomy (Demir C, Meschtscherjakov A, Gärtner M). Multimodal Technologies and Interaction (2024). Read here

    [4] AutoMate – An Empathic First-Aid Communication System to Reduce the Bystander Effect in Car Accidents (Cansu Demir, Sonja Lang, Isabel Melibeu, and Alexander Meschtscherjakov). CHI (2023). Read here

    [5] Enlightening mode awareness (A. G. Mirnig, M. Gärtner, V. Wallner, C. Demir, Y. D. Özkan, J. Sypniewski, and A. Meschtscherjakov). Personal and Ubiquitous Computing (2023). Read here

    [6] External communication of automated shuttles: Results, experiences, and lessons learned from three European long-term research projects (A. G. Mirnig, M. Gärtner, P. Fröhlich, V. Wallner, A. Sjörs Dahlman, A. Anund, P. Pokorny, M. Hagenzieker, T. Bjørnskau, O. Aasvik, C. Demir, and J. Sypniewski). Frontiers in Robotics and AI (2022). Read here

    [7] Mode Awareness Interfaces in Automated Vehicles, Robotics, and Aviation: A Literature Review. (🏆 Best Paper Award, AutomotiveUI’21)(Yasemin Dönmez Özkan, Alexander G. Mirnig, Alexander Meschtscherjakov, Cansu Demir, and Manfred Tscheligi). AutomotiveUI (2021). Read here

    Professional Experience

    Doctoral Researcher (2024-present)
    University of Salzburg, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces

    Horizon Europe Young Observer (2022-2023)
    European Commission, Research Executive Agency

    Junior Researcher (2019-2023)
    University of Salzburg, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces

    Frontend Developer Intern (2023-2023)
    Salzburg AG, Department Digital Development

    UX/UI Designer Intern (2022-2023)
    Spar ICS

    IT Consultant (2019-2019)
    Securitas GmbH

    IT Technician (2016-2019)
    Polizeisportverein Salzburg

    Education

    Doctorate / Human-Computer Interaction (2024-present)
    University of Salzburg
    Thesis: Cooperative In-Vehicle Intelligent Agents in Automated Driving
    Supervised by Alexander Meschtscherjakov and Manfred Tscheligi

    MSc in Engineering / Human-Computer Interaction (2021-2023)
    University of Salzburg and University of Applied Sciences Salzburg
    Thesis: Shaping the Future of Autonomous Vehicle Experience with In-Vehicle Intelligent Agents (1,0)
    Supervised by Alexander Meschtscherjakov

    BSc / Computer Science (2017-2021)
    University of Salzburg
    Thesis: Implementing an open-source app to efficiently create video recordings for sign language classes (1,0)
    Supervised by Martin Murer

    A-Level (Matura) / Informationmanagement & Technology (2012-2017)
    Bundeshandelsakademie 1 Salzburg
    Thesis: Analysis of e-mobility based on the Mercedes Benz B-Class on business management principles

    Teaching

    SS 26 UV Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction, University of Salzburg
    WS 25/26 UV Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction, University of Salzburg

    Invited Talks

    09/2025. Invited presenter at TU Chemnitz, MuC: “Accessible Automated Automotive Workshop Series”
    05/2025. Research pitch at SIGCHI Austria Meeting, University of Vienna
    [to be completed]

    Selected Research Projects

    EXDIGIT: Excellence in Digital Sciences and Interdisciplinary Technologies
    – Funded by Land Salzburg
    – Partners: Salzburg Research, Innovation Salzburg
    – Duration: 04/2022 – 03/2028

    HADRIAN: Holistic Approach for Driver Role Integration and Automation Allocation for European Mobility Needs
    – Funded by EU Horizon 2020
    – University partners: Athens, Granada, Surrey and Delft
    – Industry partners: Virtual Vehicles, Ford, ASFINAG
    – Duration: 12/2019 – 05/2024

    CARA-II: Cooperative and Assistive Driving for Ageing Road Users
    – Funded by AAL Programme, the European Commission and the Flemish, Dutch and Austrian authorities​.
    – Partners: Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit Österreich (Austrian Road Safety Board)
    – Industry partners: F2S2, SD-Insight, Jesco Auto Training School)
    – End-user organizations: EURAG Austria, 50PLUS, KBO-PCOB, NEOS
    – Duration: 12/2019 – 04/2021

    Digibus Austria: AV Shuttle Research for Regional Mobility Systems
    – Funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG and the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology
    – Partners: Salzburg Research, ÖBB, Prisma Solutions, Commend, Easy Mile, Kapsch, Fluidtime, Herry, Virtual Vehicle, AIT, BOKU
    – Duration: 04/2018 – 03/2021

    Selected Activities

    Startup Salzburg Incubator (2025): Adaptive Safety Wearable for Driving Behaviror Change
    – Top 10 in Red Bull Basement National Final
    – Startup Summit 2025 in Vienna, AT

    FFG Fit4Funding Course, Training on EU Funding by FFG Academy 7th March to 11th April 2025

    Selected Awards, Prizes, Grants and Scholarships

    2026. Travel Grant CIVIS BIP (Lausanne, Switzerland.
    2025. “35 under 35” awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism.
    2025. ACM Travel Grant to AutomotiveUI (Brisbane, Australia).
    2025. Travel Grant to EXPO (Osaka, Japan).
    2025. Travel Grant CIVIS Hackathon (Rome, Italy).
    2024. National Finalist of Red Bull Basement Austria 2024 with our Intelligent Mobility Startup.
    2024. Marie Andeßner Prize for outstanding and innovative Master’s thesis.
    2023. Performance Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement in Master’s program.
    2022. Exclusive Salzburg AG Scholarship in the field of technology, innovation and sustainability.
    2021. Best Paper Award [7] for research titled “Mode Awareness Interfaces in Automated Vehicles, Robotics, and Aviation: A Literature Review”.

    Selected Press Coverage

    2025. Wiederholt prämiert für Forschung zu autonomem Fahren, Salzburger Nachrichten
    2024. Interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit an der DAS Fakultät, YouTube
    2022. FH-Studentin ist Young Observer für EU-Förderprogramm, FHS News
    2022. PLUS Master’s student selected by the EU as Horizon Europe Young Observer, PLUS News

    Community Service

    Reviewer since 2024: CHI, HRI, MuC, AutomotiveUI
    Student Volunteer: MuC’25, AutomotiveUI’25
    Student Member of the Faculty Council at the DAS Faculty at the University of Salzburg
    SIGCHI Austria Member
    Various activites in Europe’s Civic University Alliance (Hackathon, Blended Intensive Program)

    MINT (STEM) Outreach

    I am actively involved in MINT/STEM education as a STEM ambassador since 2019 and a LEA (Let’s Empower Austria) role model since 2025 in Salzburg.
    Through hands-on workshops, talks, and public events such as the Long Night of Research, MINTwoch, and European Researchers’ Night, I invite children and young people – especially students from grades 7 to 10 – to explore science and technology alongside real researchers.
    These activities spark long-term interest in STEM, showcase diverse educational and career pathways, and aim to inspire the next generation of talent, with a special focus on empowering girls and young women in STEM.

    – Information on various STEM projects can be found here: https://www.mint-salzburg.at/angebote/
    – New MINT dates: https://www.mintlabs.at/termine/
    – Following pictures show impressions of the latest MINTwoch, European Researchers’ Night, Kinderstadt Mini-Salzburg etc.

    Personal

    My life goes beyond research! When I’m not riding my Kawasaki Ninja, I’m constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and grow.
    I’m fluent in German (native) and Turkish (native), with a strong command of English (C1), French (A2), and Croatian (A1).

    Gallery

    Credits: Benedikt Schemmer, Philipp Carl Riedl, Simon Haigermoser, Joachim Bergauer, Kay Müller, BMWET/Noisternig