Fabian Fritz holds an M.Sc. degree and works at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics . His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and numerical simulation of multiphase flows, particularly using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) . He collaborates on projects like PBF-LB/M (additive manufacturing) and contributes to Lagrangian fluid mechanics benchmarking frameworks. Research Trends: His publications emphasize numerical methods (SPH, level-set, finite-volume), multiphase flow modeling , heat transfer , and thermoacoustic stability . Recent work includes hardware-agnostic code optimization and adaptive mesh refinement techniques. Education: Completed a master’s thesis on Diffusive-Interface Modeling of Multiphase Flows with Surface-Tension Effects , supervised by P.D. Dr.-Ing. habil. Stefan Adami.
Jihyun Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. She was awarded the Anna Boyksen Fellowship by the Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) in 2021, hosted by Prof. Michael Zäh. Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (2016) Prior post at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (2016-2019) Her research focuses on mechatronics, robotics, manufacturing automation, and control systems , with applications in machine tools, additive manufacturing, and precision measurement. She integrates artificial intelligence and optimization to enhance industrial automation. Recent publications highlight work on vibration control , sensor fusion , and flexible manufacturing systems . Her team explores dynamic modeling , nanocomposite sensors , and human-in-the-loop robotics for industrial and marine applications. 2020 Remote Teaching Award, Schulich Engineering 2020 Early Achievement Award, Association of Korean-Canadian Scientists and Engineers 2018 Best Achievement Award, KIMM She supervises doctoral and master’s students at the University of Calgary, emphasizing hands-on experience and MATLAB/Python simulation skills in her lab. Her work bridges quantum logic and industrial robotics through interdisciplinary collaborations.
Prof. Dr. habil. Katrin Giller leads the Department of Molecular Nutrition Science (140a) at the University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, Bio Building I, Room 151, Stuttgart. Her research focuses on livestock nutrition, with specific interests in methane mitigation, antioxidant mechanisms, and metabolic syndrome in agricultural animals. Department: Molecular Nutrition Science (140a) Contact: katrin.giller@uni-hohenheim.de Office Hours: By appointment Her work spans nutritional biochemistry , ruminal fermentation , and sustainable livestock systems , often examining interactions between dietary compounds (e.g., spirulina, polyphenols, n-3 fatty acids) and animal physiology. Recent studies investigate antioxidant gene expression , transgenerational metabolic impacts , and feed efficiency . Current advisees include B.Sc. Viola Gauly, Fernando Giugno, Jana Kornherr, Mira Kühn, Daniel Obermüller, and Helen Pötzsch. The department's website details research projects, teaching events, and publications.
Prof. Torsten Wolfgang Kuhlen serves as a Universitätsprofessor at RWTH Aachen University, leading the Teaching and Research Area for Virtual Reality and Immersive Visualization within the Department of Computer Science. He is affiliated with Chair of Computer Science 12 (High Performance Computing), the Visual Computing Institute, and remains an integral part of the RWTH IT Center where his research group operates one of the world's largest Virtual Reality laboratories including the 30 sqm aixCAVE visualization chamber. The group maintains strong connections with Computational Science & Engineering Division, National High Performance Computing Center for Computational Engineering Science (NHR4CES), and VR in Science and Industry Network NRW e.V. Prof. Kuhlen's research spans virtual reality, immersive visualization, and multimodal 3D user interfaces with applications across simulation science, production technology, neuroscience, and medicine. His work combines basic research on advanced methods and algorithms with interdisciplinary collaborations involving RWTH Aachen institutes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and industry partners. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on audiovisual perception, immersive analytics, collaborative virtual environments, and practical VR applications in education and manufacturing. His research group has produced significant work on listening effort in virtual environments, immersive authoring techniques, and VR applications for scientific visualization. Notable projects include VRScenarioBuilder for automated vehicle testing and applications in monitoring additive manufacturing processes. The group actively participates in major conferences including IEEE VIS and EuroVis, with several award-winning contributions. Prof. Kuhlen has advised PhD students including Martin Bellgardt who recently completed his doctoral degree on "Increasing Immersion in Machine Learning Pipelines for Mechanical Engineering". The research group maintains state-of-the-art VR infrastructure including the aixCAVE facility which is open to all RWTH research groups.
Dorina Siebert is a Researcher at the Chair of Metal Construction within the School of Engineering at the Technical University of Munich. She has been working as a research assistant at the Chair since 2019, contributing to various research projects related to steel and aluminum construction, fracture mechanics, and additive manufacturing in construction. Education: M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Technical University of Munich (2012-2019) Affiliation: Chair of Metal Construction, School of Engineering, Technical University of Munich Contact: dorina.siebert@tum.de, Room 0101.Z1.038, +49 (89) 289-22527 Dorina's research primarily focuses on the fatigue strength of aluminum structures, fracture mechanics in railway bridges, and the application of additive manufacturing techniques in construction. Her work on powder bed-based laser beam melting of metal has significant implications for modern construction methods. She also investigates safe operating time intervals for historic steel bridges and has contributed to the development of a mobile vehicle barrier, demonstrating the practical applications of her theoretical work. Her publication record shows a strong trend toward computational and experimental analysis of material behavior under stress, particularly in aluminum alloys and steel structures. She has published extensively on fatigue properties, fracture mechanics calculations, and additive manufacturing applications, with a clear progression toward more complex modeling techniques and practical engineering solutions. Her work bridges theoretical computational models with real-world infrastructure challenges. Dorina teaches courses including 'Constructing with aluminum' for the Summer semester 2025 and 'Fracture mechanics and fatigue' for the Winter semester 2024/25. She also leads a seminar on plate buckling and steel bridge construction, sharing her specialized knowledge with engineering students. Her teaching directly reflects her research expertise, creating a strong connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application for her students.
Renate Sachse is a Researcher and Responsible Investigator at the Chair of Structural Analysis, Technical University of Munich (TUM), under Prof. Kai-Uwe Bletzinger. She holds a Dr.-Ing. from the University of Stuttgart and has held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University (Bertoldi Lab) and TU Munich's Institute for Computational Mechanics. Her research focuses on biomimetic adaptive structures, biomechanics, and smart materials. Education M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Stuttgart, 2014) – Thesis: "Isogeometric Contact Analysis of Thin-Walled Structures" B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Stuttgart, 2011) – Thesis: "Elementary School Pavilion Structural Analysis" Study Abroad: École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP, France, 2012) Research Interests Her work integrates principles from biology and mechanics to design adaptive structures, including motion design, soft robotics, and active metamaterials. Notable projects include studying snapping mechanisms in plants (e.g., Venus flytrap) and developing bio-inspired systems like Flectofold shading devices. She also explores isogeometric analysis and structural optimization for thin-walled and slender structures. Grants & Awards Bertha Benz Prize 2022 (Daimler and Benz Foundation) Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellowship (€80,000 interdisciplinary grant) 3rd Place AVK-Prize for Innovations (2017, Flectofold Shading System) GAMM Juniors Fellowship (2020–2022) Teaching & Grants She teaches advanced finite element methods and nonlinear mechanics at TUM and has supervised projects in computational mechanics. Her grants include CareerDesign@TUM funding and the Klaus Tschira Fellowship for high-risk, interdisciplinary research. Labs & Teams Associated with the Chair of Structural Analysis at TUM, collaborating on projects like livMatS (Living Materials Systems) and the Harvard SEAS Bertoldi Lab. Involved in software development (e.g., Carat++, Kiwi!3d) and third-party initiatives (CoDA, FlexWing).
Dr. Jan Christoph Munck-Rieder is a Lecturer at EBS Business School in Oestrich-Winkel, Germany. He serves as Co-Head of the Strascheg Center for Impact in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SCIIE) and leads the Gründungsfabrik Rheingau , a joint initiative with Geisenheim University. In addition to his academic role, he is the managing director of varISO GmbH in Mainz, a consultancy firm. Education: Business Administration studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Business Administration studies at Karlstad University, Sweden Research Interests: Dr. Munck-Rieder’s research focuses on innovation management , entrepreneurship , and innovation controlling . He explores how organizations can systematically manage innovation processes through effective control systems, balancing creativity with efficiency. His work also delves into the implications of digital transformation on budgeting, management accounting, and organizational development. He has contributed extensively to understanding how Industry 4.0 technologies reshape business models and control mechanisms in manufacturing and service sectors. Publications Overview: His recent publications span peer-reviewed journals and industry-focused outlets, with a clear emphasis on innovation control systems , new product development , and digital transformation . Topics include the performance effects of control instruments in innovation stages, bibliometric evolution of innovation control as a field, and empirical studies on digital budgeting. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in corporate and startup environments. Books and Editorial Contributions: Controlling von Start-Ups & Start-Up-Initiativen (2019, co-authored with R. Gleich) Co-editor of Kennzahlen optimal nutzen (2018) Multiple chapters in edited volumes on controlling, innovation, and digital transformation Industry Engagement & Consulting: Dr. Munck-Rieder has extensive consulting experience with firms such as INVENSITY , Volkswagen Consulting , Horváth , and SGP Management Consultants . His dual role in academia and industry allows him to integrate practical insights into research and teaching, particularly in innovation and entrepreneurship education.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Steimle is a Professor at the Institute of Mathematics within the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology at the University of Augsburg, Germany. He serves as the Erasmus representative for the Institute and is a core member of the Differential Geometry research team, collaborating with Professors Bernhard Hanke and Peter Quast. His office is located in space 3020 (L1) with contact email wolfgang.steimle@math.uni-augsburg.de. Steimle completed his academic training at the University of Münster, earning a diploma (Master's equivalent) in 2007 with thesis "Whitehead-Torsion und Faserungen" and a PhD in 2010 under Tom Farrell and Wolfgang Lück with dissertation "Obstructions to Stably Fibering Manifolds". His research centers on Differential Geometry and Algebraic Topology , with primary focus on manifold classification , automorphisms of manifolds , Algebraic K- and L-theory , and positive scalar curvature . He bridges abstract homotopy theory with geometric applications, particularly through cobordism categories, Waldhausen K-theory, and the assembly map. His work connects higher category theory with classical manifold problems, yielding insights into metric spaces and curvature constraints. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dominant trend in applying stable infinity-categories to geometric topology, with significant contributions to Hermitian K-theory and the topology of positive scalar curvature metrics. His research consistently integrates algebraic techniques with differential geometric structures, advancing understanding of manifold automorphisms and classification. As an educator, Steimle has taught extensively across all levels, including Bachelor courses in Linear Algebra and Topology, Master lectures in Algebraic Topology and K-Theory, and specialized seminars on Lie Groups, Reflection Groups, and Cobordism Categories. He has supervised doctoral researchers including Georg Frenck, Helge Frerichs, Andreas Huber, and Lukas Schönlinner within the Differential Geometry group.
Prof. Dr. Frank T. Piller is a University Professor and Co-Leader of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) at RWTH Aachen University, where he also serves as Academic Director of the Executive MBA program at RWTH Business School. He leads a research team of approximately 30 doctoral students, 5 postdocs, and over 20 student researchers within the TIME Research Area of the School of Business and Economics. His educational background includes a doctoral degree in Operations Management from the University of Würzburg (1999) and a Habilitation degree from TUM Business School (2004) on "Innovation and Value Co-Creation." Prior to joining RWTH Aachen in 2007, he was a Research Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management and faculty at TUM Business School. Prof. Piller is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in customer-centered value creation, specializing in mass customization, personalization, and customer co-creation. His current research focuses on how established companies can transform in response to disruptive business model innovations, with particular emphasis on digital transformation (Industry 4.0), AI-augmented innovation, and sustainable business models. He is particularly known for his work on innovation ecosystems, platform-based business models, and stakeholder-oriented technology development. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward integrating artificial intelligence with traditional innovation management frameworks, exploring how AI transforms manufacturing systems, innovation processes, and business models. His work increasingly addresses the challenges of digital transformation in established industries while maintaining focus on customer co-creation and mass customization principles. His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: Co-Creation Award of the PDMA Nomination for "Innovating Innovation" Prize by Harvard Business Review and McKinsey "Lecturer of the Year" by Executive MBA students at TU Munich RWTH Aachen Rector's Prize for Excellent Teaching (since 2010) Grant for innovative "Flipping the Classroom" teaching concept ERC Synergy Grant for SAFER Grid project (2025-2031) Prof. Piller maintains an extensive research network spanning academia and industry. He collaborates with numerous corporations including 3M, Adidas, BASF, EON, J&J, P&G, Siemens, and Vodafone, as well as many technology startups across Europe and North America. As a co-founder, supervisory board member, and investor in innovative startups, he actively transfers research into practice. His research has received significant funding, most notably the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant for the SAFER Grid project. He leads the Technology and Innovation Management Group (TIM) within the TIME Research Area at RWTH Aachen, which comprises over 100 senior and junior researchers working at the intersection of innovation, technology management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The institute is a leading European research institution for strategic, behavioral, and computer-supported technology and innovation management.
Prof. Dr. med. Franz Lennard Ricklefs is a Senior Physician and Head of the Working Group at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Hamburg Faculty of Medicine. He is a Medical Specialist in Neurosurgery with cross-disciplinary expertise in neuro-oncology, molecular pathology, and extracellular vesicle research. Affiliations: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), International Consortium on Meningiomas (ICOM) Research Interests: His work focuses on neurosurgical oncology, particularly glioblastoma and meningioma pathobiology. He investigates DNA methylation patterns, extracellular vesicle biomarkers, and liquid biopsy implementation in clinical neuro-oncology. Additional interests include surgical outcomes for epilepsy and aneurysm management. Article Trends: Over the last decade, Dr. Ricklefs has published extensively on: Extracellular vesicle applications as liquid biopsy markers DNA methylation subclasses for glioblastoma and meningioma Multicenter surgical outcome benchmarking Immune evasion mechanisms in neuro-oncology Technological innovations in neurosurgical visualization Molecular characterization of rare CNS tumors Professional Contributions: He co-authored the MISEV2023 guidelines for extracellular vesicle studies and participates in international consensus reviews for meningioma classification. His collaborations span institutions across Europe and North America.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Staudacher is the Director of the Institute of Aircraft Propulsion at the University of Stuttgart. His work focuses on aircraft propulsion systems, gas turbine performance, and turbomachinery design. He holds a professorship in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace, leading research in advanced engine technologies, erosion effects, and fault detection algorithms. Research interests include engine reliability, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimental validation of propulsion systems. His publications emphasize topics like neural network applications for fault detection, ice crystal icing simulations, and particle transport in additive manufacturing processes. Recent studies highlight the optimization of composite-cycle engines and assessment of mission severity caused by erosion. Key contributions include advancements in engine condition monitoring, transient performance analysis, and the development of Stuttgart University’s Altitude Test Facility (ATF). His work bridges theoretical models with industrial applications, addressing challenges in both civil and military aviation propulsion systems.
Prof. Dr. Urs Fischbacher is a full-time Professor at the Department of Economics at the University of Konstanz, holding the Chair of Behavioral Economics. He is also affiliated with the Thurgau Institute of Economics in Switzerland. Research Focus: Behavioral Economics, Experimental Economics, Game Theory, Social Preferences, Public Goods, Trust and Cooperation, Decision-Making under Stress, and Neuroeconomics. Key Projects: Evaluation of educational interventions in Colombia, analysis of leadership selection in inequality perception, and studies on social pension targeting in Bangladesh. Academic Contributions: His recent articles focus on super-additive cooperation mechanisms, responsibility attribution in decision chains, stress-induced prosociality, and diversity policy impacts. Work spans interdisciplinary collaborations with psychologists and neuroscientists. Contact: Based at the University of Konstanz (Room F315) and Thurgau Institute of Economics. Office hours require appointment via email.
Dr. Thomas E. Winkler serves as Head of Junior Research Group at the Institute of Microtechnology within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Technische Universität Braunschweig, with additional affiliation to the Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ). His research bridges microtechnology and biomedical applications through innovative engineering solutions. Dr. Winkler earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Biophysics and Nanotechnology from Johannes Kepler University, Linz (2005-2011), followed by a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland, College Park (2011-2017). After completing postdoctoral research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm (2017-2021), he established his independent research group at TU Braunschweig. His research program focuses on developing advanced microfluidic platforms for biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on creating Lab- and Organ-on-a-Chip systems, bioelectrochemical sensors, and iPSC-based cellular models for neuropsychiatric disorder research. This interdisciplinary work combines engineering precision with biological complexity to address pharmaceutical and medical challenges. Fulbright Foreign Student Fellow (2011-2017) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Individual Fellowship (2018-2020) Dr. Winkler leads the Biomicrosystems Integration research group, which maintains strong connections with the Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering. His laboratory work represents TU Braunschweig's strategic commitment to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mechanical engineering and life sciences, with applications in drug development and personalized medicine.
David W. Hogg is Professor of Physics and Data Science in the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics in the Department of Physics at New York University. He serves as Senior Research Scientist in the Astronomical Data Group in the Center for Computational Astrophysics of the Flatiron Institute and maintains an affiliation with the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg. His primary research focuses on observational cosmology, particularly approaches that use galaxies to infer physical properties of the Universe. He also conducts significant research on stellar kinematics in the Milky Way and the measurement and discovery of exoplanets. Across all domains, Hogg develops engineering systems and statistical methodologies that enable large-scale astrophysical projects for both his research group and the broader community. Recent work demonstrates expertise in robust statistical methods, particularly dimensionality reduction techniques like Robust-HMF. His research bridges theoretical statistics with practical applications in major astronomical surveys including Gaia, SDSS-V, and SPHEREx. He frequently explores connections between Bayesian and frequentist approaches to astronomical data analysis, with recent work on nuisance parameter integration, anomaly detection, and robust matrix factorization. Research supported by NYU, NASA, NSF, Moore Foundation, Sloan Foundation Additional support from Max Planck Society, Humboldt Foundation, ERC, Simons Foundation Hogg is actively involved in major astronomical projects including Astrometry.net, Gaia, and SDSS, with long-term comprehensive goals of analyzing all galaxies, stars, and astronomical images. His work emphasizes open science principles, reproducible research practices, and the development of publicly accessible tools for the astronomical community.
Prof. Dr. Daniel Hug is a Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) , affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and the Institute of Stochastics . His research focuses on Probability , Geometry , Convex geometric analysis , Stochastic geometry , and Educational mathematics . He contributes to the DFG Priority Program Random Geometric Systems and previously participated in the DFG research unit Geometry and Physics of Spatial Random Systems . Prof. Hug has co-authored two influential monographs: Poisson Hyperplane Tessellations (Springer Monographs in Mathematics) and Lectures on Convex Geometry (Springer Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 2020). His work spans theoretical advancements in convex and stochastic geometry , including integral geometry, random mosaics, and tensor valuations, alongside applied studies in digital microstructures and Minkowski tensors . His publications from 2025–2024 emphasize hyperbolic space , Boolean models , and Minkowski tensor estimators , reflecting ongoing collaborations with researchers like M. Klatt, C. Thäle, and R. Schneider. Prof. Hug leads courses such as Stochastic Geometry and seminars on Random graphs and tessellations , and is actively involved in working groups like AG Stochastische Geometrie and AG Stochastik .
