“Ensuring the quality of machine learning systems and AI is a big topic in our community. There is definitely a need for new training opportunities here, such as courses on testing with AI.”
Anna-Christina Feldhusen has been working for the Association Software Quality & Further Education (ASQF e.V.), the software quality and training working group, for 8 years, and has a somewhat atypical background for someone in the IT industry: “Before I joined ASQF, I worked in the Brandenburg State Parliament, among other places,” she says. “However, I have always been fascinated by topics related to digitalisation, which ultimately led me to join ASQF.”
While her role at ASQF involves supporting the Association’s working groups and managing partnerships and network development, a significant part of her work involves organising events, which are the Association’s core activities. “I organise small events such as meetups that last about two hours and are held in the evening,” she explained. “I also organise larger events, including our ASQF Days, of which we hold eight to ten annually. Our 11th ‘Quality Day Berlin’ is scheduled for November 26 2024 and will discuss the benefits, challenges, and tools and technologies available for AI-driven test automation.”
ASQF offers a wide range of topic-specific and partially regional working groups organised throughout the German-speaking region, including groups in Austria, and they are currently working on rebuilding a group in Switzerland. These working groups range from software testing and requirements engineering to industry-specific groups like health and automotive, with each group led by two to three active members appointed by the ASQF board.
Motivation and Future Visions for ASQF
ASQF’s motivation to participate in initiatives like the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative lies in the core idea of software quality, which is deeply rooted in the Association’s DNA. “We are convinced that quality cannot only be applied to software itself but also to embedded systems and other deep-tech topics,” Anna-Christina explains. “Our goal is to consider the concept of quality early in the development of programs and system, and to examine it from different perspectives. Our working groups provide the framework for this, whether for testers, requirements managers, or those who build and organise teams.”
Anna-Christina sees exchange and collaboration with partners and other platforms as one of the great opportunities for ASQF. “Platforms can work with us on joint events or further develop our training formats,” she said. “For example, we are currently finalising the exam questions for our new training ‘Secure Software Engineer’. We also offer trainings on project management and quality engineering for the Internet of Things, which are also available in English.”
New Challenges with AI and the Importance of Further Training
Currently, like many other organisations, ASQF is facing the challenge of adapting to new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). “In the testing community especially, there is intensive discussion around how AI can be used for testing, or how generative AI models, like ChatGPT, can be tested themselves,” she stated. “Ensuring the quality of machine learning systems and AI is a big topic in our community. There is definitely a need for new training opportunities here, such as courses on testing with AI.”
An example of the innovative power within the community is a recently published book titled ‘Fundamentals of Testing with AI’, written by three ASQF members, which has already attracted significant interest. “Again, it shows that as a network, we can provide a platform for exchanging and further developing ideas and standards,” Anna-Christina emphasised.
The Role of Standards and Certifications at ASQF
The standardisation of education and qualifications is another central aspect of ASQF’s work. Anna-Christina described how, in the early phase, ASQF was involved in developing the ‘Certified Tester’ standard, which is now recognised worldwide, but also noted that they need to keep an eye on the market and possibly develop new standards under the ASQF umbrella to meet future industry demands.
Future Visions and New Ideas for the Initiative
Close to the heart of both ASQF and the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative is an open and flexible approach strengthening the networking aspect. “We are currently working on setting up an AI working group that will operate on a supra-regional level and invite interested parties to participate – whether through content contributions or by providing venues for meetings”
For the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative Pledgers, this will be a great opportunity to meet regularly, get to know each other and exchange on the latest developments.
In the fast-paced world of digitalisation, ASQF are conscious of how important it is to have a strong network that focuses on quality and is willing to constantly evolve, and see the challenges posed by new technologies such as AI as an opportunity to expand knowledge and set new standards.
“At the end of the day, it’s about connecting people with technology and quality,” Anna-Christina concluded.
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