Remembering Margrit Betke: Researcher, mentor, educator and advocate
With deep sadness and a heavy heart, we share the news that Professor Margrit Betke passed away on August 13, 2025.
Margrit was a beloved colleague and dear friend to those of us in the department for over 25 years. Her passion for research and unwavering commitment to using AI for the betterment of society were truly inspiring. Her notable contributions included pioneering work in human-computer interaction for people with disabilities, innovations in medical imaging for lung cancer, and video-based ecological censusing for conservation. Beyond her research, Margrit was a dedicated educator, a beloved advisor, and an exceptional mentor. She deeply cared for her students and advisees, always taking the time to support them through their academic and personal challenges.
Margrit played a pivotal role in several major initiatives at Boston University. She was a key member of the Taskforce on Data Science, whose recommendations led to the creation of the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences in 2019. She was also instrumental in the development of the Master’s in AI program within CAS/CS, which she led as director for many years.
In addition, she was a passionate advocate for women in STEM, serving as a major contributor and leader in the BU Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) efforts, and as a co-PI on a related NSF grant.
A memorial service to recognize and remember Margrit will be held at University Lutheran Church, 66 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA on Saturday, 20 September at 10:30 am ET. A Zoom link will be provided (and available on the church website, www.unilu.org) for those not able to attend in person. All are welcome.