Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany
Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788
Prof. Dr. Markus Meissner is a Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, leading the Chair of Experimental Parasitology. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of host cell invasion and modulation by Apicomplexan parasites, particularly Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium species. Research Group: Meissner Laboratory Location: Lena-Christ-Str. 48, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried Contact: markus.meissner@lmu.de His work investigates the secretory pathway of parasites, vesicular trafficking systems, and essential genes involved in host cell invasion and intracellular development. Toxoplasma gondii serves as a model organism for studying Apicomplexan biology, including nuclear division and CRMP complex functionality. Recent publications highlight the role of Rab GTPases in protein trafficking, chromatin remodeling in Plasmodium, and actin dynamics in parasite motility. Articles span topics such as egress factors, Golgi pathways, and lineage-specific organelle emergence, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, cell biology, and evolutionary analysis. The Meissner Lab includes PhD students (Peipei Qin, Yuan Song, Ella Schadt, Vitoria Catschor dos Santos) and postdocs (Dr. Wei Li, Dr. Miriam Rafajlovic). Research is conducted in Lena-Christ-Str. 48, Planegg-Martinsried, with a focus on experimental systems for studying parasite mechanisms.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arne Pietsch is a faculty member at the Technical University of Luebeck in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Economics . His expertise centers on apparatus and plant engineering for the food industry , with a focus on hygienic apparatus engineering and high-pressure technology . Specializations: Food process engineering, supercritical fluid applications, and industrial plant design Current role: Founding Officer in the department His research spans supercritical CO2 processes , including decaffeination, turbine cleaning, and polymer impregnation. He integrates high-pressure systems into engineering education and explores viscosity dynamics in food processing. Key publication trends (2012–2019) highlight work in: Supercritical fluid extraction and impregnation High-pressure equipment safety and design Gas-assisted oilseed pressing Coffee processing quality control
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Klein holds the Professorship of Plant and Process Engineering at the TUM School of Engineering and Design (Technical University of Munich). His research focuses on process engineering analysis and synthesis, particularly thermal/chemical unit operations applied to power plant technology. Develops thermodynamic substance models & simulation tools Expertise in industrial process design and optimization Collaborates on hydrogen liquefaction and biofuel production Research trends: 2016-2017 publications show emphasis on sustainable energy systems Combines traditional process engineering with modern optimization Key domains: hydrogen technology, chemical reactors, and thermal systems
Anne Seidlitz is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology at the Free University of Berlin since October 2024, previously holding the same position at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (2021-2024). Affiliated with the Institute of Pharmacy , she leads the Seidlitz Pharmaceutical Technology Group , focusing on solid dosage forms and biorelevant drug release studies using 3D printing and hydrogel compartments . Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Technology (Greifswald, 2009) Habilitation in Natural Sciences (Greifswald, 2015) Qualified Person under German Medicines Act (AMG) Visiting Professorships: Hamburg, Jena Research Interests: Formulation development for implants , intravitreal injections , and subcutaneous delivery systems , with emphasis on biorelevant dissolution testing under physiological flow/movement conditions. Her group pioneers 3D-printed drug delivery devices and custom hydrogel models for vitreal , ear canal , and vascular implants . Publication Trends: Recent articles focus on thermal stability of steroids during extrusion, individualized implant design , and hydrogel compartments for non-oral dissolution testing . Key collaborations include EUFEPS Network and APV (Association for Pharmaceutical Process Engineering). Scientific Involvement: Member of EUFEPS Network on Bioavailability Scientific Council, German Federal Chamber of Pharmacists Active in APV (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik) Student Supervision: Mentored 24+ theses including 3D-printed tablets , implant coatings , and vitreal drug distribution . Collaborates with institutions in Düsseldorf , Jena , and Hamburg .
Max Planck Institute for Sustainable MaterialsGermany
Dr. Barak Ratzker is a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials , affiliated with the Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design department. His work focuses on the sustainable synthesis of materials, particularly through hydrogen-based reduction pathways and advanced sintering techniques like spark plasma sintering (SPS) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). His research spans transparent ceramics, MAX/MXene phases, and alloy design. Key research areas include: Hydrogen reduction of oxides for sustainable metallurgy Pressure-assisted sintering (SPS/HIP) of transparent ceramics Microstructure engineering in refractory materials Development of MXene-based composites for electronics Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of solid-state reactions His recent publications highlight trends in: Environmentally conscious processing of ferromanganese oxides High-pressure synthesis of MAX phases and MXenes Optimization of optical and mechanical properties in ceramics Dynamic deformation behavior under extreme conditions Biological material interactions (e.g., crusticul-chitin systems)
Günther Muth is a Research Professor at the University of Tübingen, where he leads a research group within the Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine. He is part of the Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds under Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt's research team, focusing on the biology of Streptomyces plasmids and conjugative DNA transfer mechanisms. Dr. Muth completed his biology diploma at Friedrich-Alexander University in Erlangen and earned his doctoral degree in genetics under Alf Pühler at the University of Bielefeld. His postdoctoral training included positions at the department of genetics in Bielefeld, Behringwerke in Marburg, and returned to Bielefeld genetics department before working as a group leader in Wolfgang Wohlleben's groups from 1994-2019. His research focuses on the unique conjugation mechanisms in Streptomyces, which differ significantly from the type IV secretion systems found in other bacteria. He investigates how plasmids transfer DNA between bacterial cells and spread throughout recipient mycelium, with particular emphasis on the TraB protein as a DNA translocase. His laboratory has developed important genetic tools including the pSG5-based thermosensitive vector family for actinomycetes research. Analysis of Dr. Muth's recent publications (2015-2022) reveals a sustained focus on Streptomyces conjugation mechanisms, with increasing use of advanced imaging techniques like fluorescence microscopy. His work has progressed from basic conjugation studies to understanding molecular details of the TraB translocase and developing genetic tools, while recently expanding into metagenomic approaches for identifying biosynthetic gene clusters and plant-microbe interactions. Within his department, Dr. Muth leads Team Muth and collaborates with other research groups including Team Brötz-Oesterhelt, Team Hughes, Team Oesterhelt, Team Sass, and Team Stegmann. His laboratory currently includes PhD student Paul, Linkon, and likely receives research funding for his work on bacterial conjugation and plasmid biology, though specific grant details are not provided in the available information.
Peter Philip is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics of Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich. His career since 2008 at LMU includes research in shape optimization and numerical analysis of integro-partial differential equations, with prior roles at the Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS) and the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). He has taught extensively across mathematics disciplines and led software development for crystal growth simulations. Positions: Academic Senior Counselor (2013–present), Academic Counselor (2008–2013), Industrial Postdoctoral Fellow (2004–2006), Research Associate (1997–2004) Education: Habilitation (2012) and Ph.D. (2003) in Mathematics from LMU Munich and Humboldt University Berlin, respectively; Diplom in Mathematics (1997, with excellence) from Free University Berlin Research Interests: His work focuses on Shape optimization via control of integro-partial differential equations Conductive-radiative heat transfer analysis and control Crack propagation modeling using energy functional minimization Numerical simulation of semiconductor crystal growth processes Finite volume methods for anisotropic and complex geometries Optimal control of electromagnetic heating systems Publications: He has published extensively in applied mathematics journals, with key contributions to conductive-radiative heat transfer, sublimation growth of SiC crystals, and crack propagation models. His work bridges theoretical analysis, numerical implementation, and industrial applications. Teaching: Since 2008, he has taught courses such as Numerical Mathematics, Analysis, Linear Algebra, and Axiomatic Set Theory, with a teaching load of 13 hours per week. His lectures include both foundational and advanced topics, supported by freely downloadable lecture notes.
Anthony A. Hyman FRS MAE is a British molecular cell biologist, director and scientific member at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, Germany, and honorary professor at the Faculty of Biology, TU Dresden . Since 1999 he has co-directed MPI-CBG, serving as Managing Director from 2010–2013. He is celebrated for elucidating how microtubule cytoskeleton networks control cell division, spindle positioning and cell polarity, and for discovering that membrane-less cellular compartments arise via liquid–liquid phase separation—a paradigm honoured by the 2023 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. Education : BSc, University College London PhD, University of Cambridge (1987) – thesis on establishment of division axes in C. elegans early embryonic divisions Research Interests : Hyman’s laboratory integrates quantitative imaging, biophysics and biochemistry to decipher cytoplasmic organization. Core themes include: • Microtubule dynamics and spindle assembly : discovery of key stabilizing (XMAP215) and destabilizing (XKCM1) factors. • Phase separation & biomolecular condensates : revealing how intrinsically disordered proteins and RNA demix to form liquid droplets, with implications for ALS and age-related diseases. • Cell division parts lists : pioneering genome-wide RNAi screens in C. elegans and human cells (EU MITOCHECK & MitoSys consortia). Scientific Awards & Honours : EMBO Member (2000) and Gold Medal (2003) Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany’s highest research award (2011) Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS, 2007) Member, Academia Europaea (2014) Schleiden Medal, Leopoldina (2017) NOMIS Distinguished Scientist Award (2020) Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences (2021) HFSP Nakasone Award (2021) Körber European Science Prize (2022) Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2023) Member, National Academy of Sciences (2020) Member, German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2021) Leadership & Service : Beyond directing MPI-CBG, Hyman served on the Strategic Advisory Board of the Wellcome Trust and co-founded Dewpoint Therapeutics to translate condensate biology into medical applications. His group continues to lead international consortia investigating the physical basis of cellular compartmentalization. Laboratory & Teams : The Hyman Lab at MPI-CBG comprises physicists, chemists and biologists who exploit advanced live-cell imaging, in vitro reconstitution and genome engineering to dissect how phase separation governs cytoplasmic architecture. Ongoing projects target the molecular grammar of condensate formation and therapeutic modulation in neurodegeneration.
Francesca Bottanelli is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy at Freie Universität Berlin. She leads the Bottanelli Group focusing on membrane trafficking mechanisms, combining advanced microscopy techniques with molecular biology approaches. Her research explores cargo transport pathways, organelle dynamics, and the role of ARF GTPases in intracellular trafficking. Education : PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Leeds (2011), Advisor: Dr. Jürgen Denecke MSc in Plant, Food and Environmental Biotechnology, University of Milan (2006) BSc in Plant Biotechnology, University of Milan (2004) Research Focus : Bottanelli’s work integrates STED super-resolution microscopy with CRISPR-based technologies to study membrane organization. Key areas include: Actin-driven plasma membrane compartmentalization ARF GTPase regulation in endosomal recycling Development of biosensors for phosphoinositide signaling Dynamic ER-to-Golgi transport mechanisms Publications Trends : Recent work emphasizes novel imaging tools (e.g., Pitstop inhibitors, TurboID tagging) and functional insights into membrane trafficking pathways. Her 2025 FAB-CRISPR method represents an innovative gene editing approach for mammalian cells. Laboratory : The group maintains state-of-the-art microscopy facilities and collaborates on projects involving viral entry mechanisms and organelle crosstalk. Open positions focus on postdoctoral research and PhD training in structural immunology and molecular cell biology.
Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck SocietyGermany
Guillaume WEICK serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Strasbourg within the Physics and Engineering Department, conducting research at the Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS). His academic journey began with a PhD in Condensed Matter Theory from Universität Augsburg and Louis Pasteur University (2003-2006), followed by postdoctoral positions at Freie Universität Berlin (2006-2009) and CNRS-IPCMS (2009-2012) before joining the faculty in 2012. Dr. WEICK's research program centers on theoretical investigations of quantum phenomena at the nanoscale. His work spans several interconnected domains: Mesoscopic quantum systems and transport phenomena Topological aspects of light-matter interactions Collective excitations in nanostructured materials Orbital magnetism in confined quantum systems Quantum effects in artificial materials mimicking graphene properties His theoretical approach combines quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical physics to model complex behaviors in engineered nanostructures. Analysis of his recent publications (2018-2025) reveals a strong focus on topological aspects of polaritonic and plasmonic systems, quantum transport in disordered environments, and magnetic properties of nanoscale objects. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in handling complex light-matter interactions, particularly in systems exhibiting topological protection and edge states. The research shows clear progression from fundamental plasmonic phenomena toward more complex topological and many-body quantum effects. As an educator, Dr. WEICK teaches across the physics curriculum from undergraduate to master's level, covering foundational topics like electrostatics and fluid mechanics alongside advanced subjects including quantum mechanics, nonlinear physics, and statistical physics. His teaching portfolio reflects deep expertise in both classical and quantum theoretical physics. He actively participates in the GDR 2426 Mesoscopic Quantum Physics research network and contributes to the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute QMat focused on quantum science and nanomaterials. His laboratory work is primarily theoretical, developing models to explain and predict quantum phenomena in nanoscale systems without experimental apparatus requirements.
Prof. Jens Hüppmeier is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, affiliated with the Department of Technology - Natural Sciences. He has served as Studiendekan (Dean) of the Natural Science Technology Division within the Faculty of Technology since 2022. His expertise spans reaction technology, advanced process control, and data-driven modeling of chemical reactors. He teaches courses including Mathematics 1, 2, 3, Reactor Technology, and Petrochemical Processes. Key research interests include reactor simulation and optimization, model-based process development, and petrochemical process analysis. He advises on technical and scientific matters related to apparatus and materials in chemical engineering contexts.
Prof. Gil Marom is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering within Tel Aviv University's Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering. He leads the Marom Research Group, focusing on computational multiphysics models and biomechanics to address cardiovascular diseases, spinal cord injuries, and innovative ventilation systems. His research spans: Cardiovascular biomechanics (heart valves, circulatory systems) Computational fluid dynamics and fluid-structure interaction Spinal cord injury mechanisms Biomimetic ventilation systems inspired by biological transport Current projects include mitral valve treatment optimization, placental hemodynamics modeling, and bioinspired ventilation for indoor spaces. Prof. Marom's publications demonstrate consistent focus on computational biomechanics with recent emphasis on: Cardiac device optimization (ventricular expanders, annuloplasty devices) Patient-specific modeling of valvular pathologies Multiphysics approaches to spinal cord injuries Translational applications of fluid dynamics in medical contexts He advises numerous graduate students on projects including: Mitral valve biomechanics Cerebral aneurysm morphology Placental hemodynamics Spinal cord injury multiphysics Biomimetic ventilation systems His laboratory develops advanced computational frameworks to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic innovations.
Prof. Dr. Sophia Rudorf is a Professor in the Department of Computational Biology at the Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. Her research focuses on the intersection of computational methods and molecular biology, particularly in understanding protein synthesis mechanisms and gene expression regulation. Her research interests center on computational modeling of biological processes, with particular emphasis on mRNA translation, codon usage optimization, and ribosome profiling. Dr. Rudorf employs advanced computational techniques to analyze protein synthesis dynamics, gene expression patterns, and the relationship between codon usage and translational efficiency. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation to uncover fundamental principles of cellular processes. Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent focus on protein synthesis mechanisms, with evolving methodologies from basic kinetic modeling to advanced computational approaches incorporating machine learning and high-resolution profiling techniques. Her research spans from fundamental studies of translation kinetics to applied work in protein expression optimization. Dr. Rudorf currently leads the "Matrix Evolution" project (2024-2027), a collaborative effort focused on hierarchically structured bio-inspired matrices. She has also completed significant projects including research on chloroplast translation apparatus dynamics in plants and algae (2021-2025), a programming language education initiative (2022-2023), and a BEREIT funding project (2024).
Torsten Birth-Reichert serves as Professor for Plant Engineering and Process Simulation in Energy Technology at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Production within the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). His research focuses on developing concepts for demand-oriented Power-to-X systems, system integration and infrastructure development, limit-oriented methods for efficiency assessment of processes and technologies, and resource efficiency and recovery concepts. His work bridges theoretical engineering principles with practical energy technology applications. Birth-Reichert teaches Apparatus Engineering, Plant Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, and Mathematics 1 at the Bachelor level, and Energy-efficient plant systems and hydrogen technology at the Master level. He holds significant leadership positions as Deputy Head of CC4E at HAW and Group Leader ERS at Fraunhofer IFF. His active research portfolio includes major projects such as Plasma2X, Hymspiel, EnEff-H-Pump, ADM, and X-Energy (including subprojects), demonstrating his substantial contribution to energy technology research and development.
