Best Paper Award for Tobias Baumeister, Paul Hofmann and Lea Klein

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Tobias Baumeister and his supervised students, Paul Hofmann and Lea Klein, from the Chair of Computer Architecture received the Best Paper Award at the EAI CSECS 2025 Conference for their paper „Block-Based Learning: A Gamified Simulator for GPU Programming Education.“

The paper presents µGPUSim, a block-based, gamified GPU simulator designed to facilitate GPU programming education. The simulator addresses the unique challenges of teaching GPU architecture and programming concepts in higher education by employing a simplified architecture and visual programming approach that eliminates syntax barriers while providing immediate visual feedback.

Built using the Godot game engine, µGPUSim incorporates gamification elements including achievement badges, star ratings, and persistent progress tracking. The evaluation across multiple student cohorts in computer architecture courses at FAU demonstrated high acceptance rates and significantly improved motivation among students, with the gamified elements substantially contributing to their learning experience.

You will find further information at Webpage of the Chair of Computer Architecture.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Fey

Head of Post Silicon Technologies

FAU Research Center Embedded Systems Initiative (ESI)
Management Committee