Axel Berndt

Professor Axel Berndt holds a Professorship for Modeling of Linked Virtual Data Spaces at Paderborn University's Musicology Seminar Detmold/Paderborn through KreativInstitut.OWL since 2023. His interdisciplinary work bridges musicology, computer science, and digital media, with appointments spanning multiple institutions including OWL University of Applied Sciences, University of Music Detmold, and Technischen Universität Dresden.

His research focuses on music informatics, particularly sonification (data-to-sound conversion), AI in music composition, and human-technology interaction in musical contexts. Recent projects include coral reef sonification (winning the 2025 Data Sonification Award), Mozart Deconstructions using AI, and the BMBF-funded IdiN project developing digital sheet music systems for opera theaters.

Professor Berndt's publication trends reveal a consistent focus on practical applications of music technology:

• 2024: FlowScore (MEI streaming), Arpeggiatorum (audio-controlled MIDI), Mozart Deconstructions
• 2023: Sonification as artistic composition technique, Generative Art Conference publications

His scientific recognition includes:

• Data Sonification Awards 2025 - Climate Change Category for 'The Reef'
• BMBF DATIpilot Funding for IdiN project (2024)

As Principal Investigator for the BMBF-funded IdiN project with Deutsche Oper Berlin, Professor Berndt leads research in human-technology interaction for cultural institutions. His lab develops practical solutions like Arpeggiatorum for pipe organs and the LOSCOPe system for opera score management, with strong industry connections to the games industry, organ building, and museum technology sectors.

KreativInstitut.OWL serves as his primary research hub, fostering collaborations between OWL University of Applied Sciences, Detmold University of Music, and Paderborn University. Current projects include Interface Modules for Musical XR, OCANIA networked performances, and ASCIImage Rhapsody live coding installations.