Heiko Rieger

Prof. Dr. Heiko Rieger is a full Professor in the Department of Theoretical Physics at Saarland University, within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology. He leads a research group focused on theoretical biophysics, statistical physics, and computational physics, with significant involvement in the Collaborative Research Center SFB 1027, which investigates the physical principles of biological functioning.

His research interests lie primarily in non-equilibrium systems, encompassing a broad range of phenomena including:

• The biophysics of killing, particularly how cytotoxic T cells eliminate infected or cancerous cells.
• Tumor growth dynamics, vascularization, interstitial fluid flow, and drug delivery.
• Active matter, collective behavior of self-propelled particles, and pattern formation.
• Stochastic search processes and optimization strategies in biological and physical contexts.
• Quantum phase transitions, relaxation, and thermalization in isolated quantum systems.
• Imbibition and fluid flow in nano-porous media.

His recent publications (2024–2025) demonstrate a strong trend toward interdisciplinary modeling at the interface of physics and biology. Key themes include non-reciprocal interactions in flocking and active matter, stochastic thermodynamics in particle-field systems, collective chemotactic search, and crosstalk in cytoskeletal components during cell migration. His work combines analytical theory with computational simulations, often in collaboration with experimental groups.

Prof. Rieger actively supervises a team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, contributing to the training of the next generation of theoretical physicists. His group members include Astik Haldar, Anil Kumar Dasanna, Marc Thome, Atul Tanaji Mohite, Jiwon Choi, Barbara Schmidt, Johannes Sicks, Marwa Hijazi, and Ivan Hornak.

His research is supported through institutional affiliations and collaborative grants, notably within SFB 1027. He has no listed scientific awards in the provided text, but his extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Physical Review Letters, Nature Communications, Biophysical Journal, and European Physical Journal underscores his scientific impact.

The Rieger group is based at Campus E2.6, Room 4.17, Saarbrücken, and is part of a vibrant theoretical physics community at Saarland University.