About
Leif Kobbelt is a Full Professor of Computer Science and Head of the Visual Computing Institute at RWTH Aachen University. He previously held academic positions at the Max-Planck-Institute for Computer Science, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Diploma in Computer Science (1992), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- PhD in Computer Science (1994), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
His research focuses on computer graphics and geometry processing, with specific interests in 3D reconstruction, quad mesh generation, real-time rendering, and geometric modeling algorithms. He has pioneered techniques for efficient mesh processing, anisotropic geodesic computation, and procedural facade visualization.
Recent publications analyze nonlinear constraints in geometric modeling, quad layout optimization, and real-time rendering techniques. Key themes include mesh parameterization, multiresolution analysis, and computational geometry for interactive applications.
Scientific recognitions include:
- 2014 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (Germany's most prestigious research award)
- 2013 ERC Advanced Grant (ACROSS project)
- 2008 Eurographics Fellow
- 2004 Eurographics Outstanding Technical Contribution Award
- 2000 Heinz-Maier-Leibnitz Award
He leads major research initiatives like the excellence clusters UMIC (€40M) and AICES (€15M), and the ERC-funded ACROSS project (€2.5M, 2014-2018). He serves as principal investigator and reviewer for international journals and organizations.
