About
Norbert Preining has been involved in the Open Source movement for more than 30 years, contributing to and leading of a variety of projects, like TeX Live, Debian, EventYay, and is serving as officer of large societies and organizations dedicated to OSS and research.
He stands at the crossroads of diverse disciplines as a Researcher, Developer, and Open Source Enthusiast. Based in Japan, his professional journey spans multiple domains, including associate university professor in mathematical logic, professional in areas like machine learning, big data, and software development, showcasing a remarkable blend of theoretical insight and practical application.
Currently, Norbert serves as a Principal Software Engineer at arXiv, contributing to the forefront of academic publishing and scientific communication. Prior to this, he honed his skills as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Mercari, Inc., where he tackled complex challenges in the e-commerce space with innovative AI solutions.”
Current employer
arXiv / Cornell University
Other affiliations
I expect to remain on the board of the TeX User Group as well member of the Executive Committee of the Kurt Gödel Society.
I also expect my current employer to remain the same.
What areas of the Board’s work do you see yourself contributing towards?
I see myself putting effort into some of the core areas of the OSI, namely furthering open source adoption, outreach to under-represented areas, as well as furthering work on Open and Explainable AI.
Open Source Adoption:
With years of hands-on experience in developing and maintaining open source projects, I have a deep understanding of the technical challenges and best practices in the field. My contributions to and leadership in projects like TeX Live, EventYay, and Debian demonstrate my ability to manage complex software systems, ensure their stability and growth, while working actively on community building and fostering collaborative environments for new-comers as well as experts.
Outreach and Advocacy:
My experience in academia and involvement in various educational programs equip me to lead outreach efforts that educate the public and potential contributors about the benefits and principles of open source. I can develop and deliver workshops, seminars, and online courses to spread awareness and knowledge. As a seasoned speaker and writer, I can effectively communicate the importance of open source to diverse audiences.
Open and Explainable AI:
My expertise in AI – both on the research side related to explainable AI as well as practical experience in high-stake production environments – allows me to contribute to OSI’s understanding and definition of Open AI.
What goals do you hope to achieve for OSI and the world of open source by serving on the Board of Directors?
Considering the already high adoption of open source software in all areas of our life, I see it as a goal of the OSI to spread awareness and create a sustainable environment for open source developers and projects. To stay realistic, I would be happy if I could hel
p further one or more of the following goals that are close to my personal interest:
- Educational Outreach: Organizing workshops, webinars, and conferences to educate developers about the benefits and best practices of open source, nurturing a knowledgeable community.
- Community Building: Promoting geographical diversity and diversity in general in a software world that feels very much unbalanced.
- Advocacy and Policy: Working with policymakers and industry leaders to advocate for open source principles, creating a favorable environment for open source projects.
Previous board service
- Kurt Gödel Society
- TeX User Group
Main social media account or blog
https://www.preining.info/blog
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