Beng Chin Ooi is a Lee Kong Chian Centennial Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), School of Computing (SoC). He holds a B.Sc. (1st Class Honors) and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Monash University. His research focuses on database systems, large-scale analytics, and distributed computing. He has held leadership roles including Dean of School of Computing (2007–2013) and Director of Smart Systems Institute (2011–2021). Key achievements include the Singapore President’s Science Award (2011), ACM Fellow (2011), IEEE Fellow (2009), and multiple best paper awards. His work emphasizes scalable data management, blockchain systems, and healthcare data analytics. Education: Monash University (B.Sc., Ph.D.) Leadership: Dean (SoC), Director (Smart Systems Institute) Awards: Over 15 major honors including ACM SIGMOD E.F. Codd Innovations Award (2020) His research spans distributed databases, big data systems, and innovative applications of blockchain technology. Recent work includes NASI (neural architecture search) and Rafiki (ML-as-a-service).
Wolfgang Kunz is a Full Professor (C4, W3) and Chair of Electronic Design Automation at the Technische Universität Kaiserslautern since 2001. His academic career spans multiple prestigious institutions, including Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has held leadership roles such as Dean (2005-2007) and Vice-Dean (2007-2009) at TU Kaiserslautern. Habilitation (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), Computer Science, University of Potsdam (1996) Doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing.), Electrical Engineering, University of Hannover (1992) Dipl.-Ing. degree, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (1989) His research focuses on hardware verification, security, and optimization, particularly in embedded systems and processors. His work on formal verification methods has been commercialized by companies like Synopsys, Mentor Graphics, and Siemens EDA. His 2016-2021 publications address critical security issues such as Spectre/Meltdown and introduce innovative verification frameworks adopted by industry leaders like Infineon and OneSpin Solutions. Scientific awards include the IEEE Fellow (2006), German IT Society Award (2005), and TU Kaiserslautern Distinguished Teaching Award (2016). He has served on editorial boards of major journals and coordinated the Erasmus Mundus European Master Program in Embedded Computing Systems since 2010. Key students: Jörg Bormann, Raik Brinkmann, Tobias Ludwig Collaborations: Siemens EDA, Infineon, AbsInt, Intel SCAP Spin-offs: LUBIS EDA, OneSpin Solutions
Matteo Maffei is a Full Professor at TU Wien, leading the Security and Privacy group. He joined in 2017 after 11 years at Saarland University's CISPA. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (2006). He coordinates the TU Wien Cybersecurity Center, the SecInt Doctoral School, and the FWF Special Research Program SPyCoDe. His research focuses on formal methods for security and privacy, blockchain technologies, and web security. Roles: Full Professor, Coordinator of TU Wien Cybersecurity Center, Module Head of Christian Doppler Lab for Blockchain Technologies (CDL-BOT), Board Member of Vienna Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Cluster (ViSP). His work emphasizes formal verification of cryptographic protocols, smart contracts, and decentralized systems. Key achievements include ERC Advanced (2024) and Consolidator (2018) Grants, and leadership roles in conferences like IEEE Computer Security Foundations Symposium (CSF). Research Interests: Formal methods, smart contracts, blockchain scalability, web security, privacy-preserving protocols, and decentralized systems. His recent projects include optimizing Lightning Network channels, secure multi-hop payments, and AI-driven robustness verification. Publications: Over 200 publications in top venues like CCS, IEEE S&P, and CRYPTO. Recent work includes advancements in blockchain interoperability (e.g., Alba bridges), light client protocols (Blink), and neural network verification techniques. Grants & Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2024), ERC Consolidator Grant (2018), DFG Emmy Noether Fellowship (2009). Led projects funded by EU Horizon, FWF, and industry partners like ABC Research GmbH. Advising & Labs: Supervised over 20 PhD/Master theses. Active in the Christian Doppler Lab for Blockchain Technologies and the SPyCoDe SFB. Collaborates with institutions like SBA Research and Stanford University.
Cornelia Schneider is a Professor and Head of the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt. She leads research in digital health and care technologies, focusing on applications like Augmented Reality, sensor data analysis, and social robotics for vulnerable populations. Her work emphasizes user-centered design and has been supported by projects funded by FFG and the Active Assisted Living Programme. Her research spans telemedicine infrastructure, elderly care robotics, and health monitoring systems. Notable projects include 24/7-Digital (2023-2026), Care about Care (2021-2023), and AgeWell (2019-2022). She has pioneered solutions like CARU cares and DigiCare training programs. Dr. Schneider has been recognized with the AAL Award (2014) and the tecnet | accent Innovation Award (2021). She coordinates interdisciplinary teams and actively participates in conferences like Health Informatics Meets Digital Health. Her lab collaborations include FOTEC and Salzburg Research, where she previously led the e-Health Competence Center until 2019.
Professor Robert Eason is a leading academic at the University of Southampton, specializing in photonics and laser technology. His research spans interdisciplinary areas combining Machine Learning , Medical Diagnostics , and Microfluidics . Research Interests : Eason focuses on AI-driven laser applications, including deep learning for phototherapy , autonomous laser machining , and low-cost paper-based diagnostic devices . His work bridges photonics with biomedicine and advanced manufacturing. Recent Publications : His 2025 article in Scientific Reports explores AI simulations for psoriasis treatment, while 2024-2022 works address laser-controlled microfluidics, deep learning in microscopy, and reinforcement learning for laser machining. Supervision : He supervises PhD student Georgia Mourkioti in laser-based research projects. External Roles : Eason has served as a speaker at international conferences including the International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication (2018), LAISER (2019), and Deep Learning for Control of Light-Matter Interactions (2022).
Georges Gielen is Full Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven, Belgium, and part-time Research Director at imec. He has held multiple leadership roles including Chair of ESAT Department (2012-2013, 2020-2024) and Vice-Rector for Science, Engineering & Technology (2013-2017). His academic career spans over 30 years at KU Leuven, progressing from Assistant to Full Professor. His research focuses on analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design automation , with expertise in CAD tools, design optimization, sensor interfaces, and neuromorphic systems. His work bridges hardware design with machine learning, particularly in hardware-efficient AI implementations and biomedical applications. He has pioneered techniques for automated analog circuit sizing, topology synthesis, and reliability-aware design in nanometer CMOS. Gielen has received numerous accolades including the IEEE CAS Mac Van Valkenburg Award (2015), IEEE CAS Charles Desoer Award (2020), and EDAA Achievement Award (2021). He holds an ERC Advanced Grant AnalogCreate and is an IEEE Fellow since 2002. As a prolific scholar, he has chaired major conferences including DATE (2006), ICCAD (2007), and ESSCIRC (2017). He has graduated over 55 PhD students through the MICAS research group at KU Leuven, currently supervising 13 doctoral candidates. His research team collaborates extensively with imec and industry partners on cutting-edge projects in carbon-aware AI accelerators, uncertainty-aware design, and neuromorphic sensor interfaces.
Mathias Benedek is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Graz, Austria. He directs the Creative Cognition Lab and is actively involved in several research networks, including the "Complexity of Life" profile area, the "Brain and Behavior" research network, and the "FUTURE EDUCATION" research network at the University of Graz. His research focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying creative thinking, with particular emphasis on the role of memory processes, metacognition, and eye movement patterns during creative ideation. Dr. Benedek's work bridges psychological theory with empirical research methods including eye tracking, neuroimaging, and computational modeling of creative processes. His research has important implications for understanding how creative potential develops and how it can be assessed and nurtured in educational and professional contexts. Dr. Benedek's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on creative cognition across multiple dimensions. His recent work has expanded into emerging areas such as human-AI collaboration for creative tasks, automated assessment of creativity using large language models, and the relationship between physical activity and creative performance. His research shows a strong trajectory toward more ecologically valid methods for studying creativity in real-world contexts, moving beyond traditional laboratory paradigms. Seraphine Puchleitner Anerkennungspreis (PhD Supervision Award), University of Graz, 2021 William-Stern-Preis, German Psychological Society, 2019 Research Prize, University of Graz, 2017 Research Prize (Publication Category), Initiative Gehirnforschung, 2016 Berlyne Award, Division 10, American Psychological Association, 2015 Dr. Benedek has demonstrated strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers, as evidenced by his 2021 PhD Supervision Award. His research has been supported by multiple grants from national and international funding bodies, though specific grant details are not provided in the available information. His professional service includes leadership roles in the Initiative Gehirnforschung Steiermark since 2010 and active membership in several psychological societies across Europe and North America. Dr. Benedek leads the Creative Cognition Lab at the University of Graz, which employs a multidisciplinary approach to studying creative processes. The lab integrates methods from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and computational modeling to investigate the mechanisms underlying creative thought. Current research projects examine the relationship between eye movements and internal cognitive processes, the development of automated assessment tools for creativity, and the application of creativity research to educational contexts.
Bernhard Aichernig is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. His work bridges formal methods, model-based testing, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on automata learning, digital twins, and AI-assisted programming. Institution: Institute of Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Key Research Areas: Model-Based Testing, Automata Learning, AI-Driven Verification His research explores the integration of machine learning into formal verification, enabling scalable testing of complex systems like IoT devices and reinforcement learning agents. Recent projects include AI-Augmented DevOps frameworks (AIDOaRT) and digital twin validation (LearnTwins). Notable scientific awards include multiple best paper recognitions at SEFM (2020, 2021) and the TAYSIR Competition first place (2023). His publications emphasize hybrid approaches combining genetic programming, SMT solving, and neural networks for system modeling. 2025 : AI-assisted programming, timed automata via domain knowledge 2024 : Stochastic environment modeling, Git system learning 2023 : Reinforcement learning under partial observability, digital twins for VPN servers He actively contributes to testing frameworks like AALpy and investigates explainable AI for fault diagnosis in cyber-physical systems.
Hannes Hick is a Professor at Graz University of Technology , affiliated with the Institute of Machine Elements and Development Methodology . His research focuses on mechanical development, tribology, and systems engineering for automotive and industrial applications. He actively contributes to engineering education and methodology standardization. Research Interests Hydrogen internal combustion engines System modeling and digital twins Tribology in electric drivetrains Sustainable engineering practices MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) Friction and wear analysis Article Trends His recent work emphasizes hydrogen propulsion systems, model-based approaches for interdisciplinary engineering challenges, tribological optimization for sustainable mobility, and integrating AI with mechanical design workflows. Labs and Teams He leads research at the Institute of Machine Elements, focusing on mechanical validation and development methodologies for advanced powertrain systems.
Univ.-Prof. Martin Pinzger is a Professor at the Department of Informatics Systems, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt. He serves as Head of Department and Member of the Senate, actively contributing to academic governance. Research Focus: Automating Software Engineering Tasks, Mining Software Repositories, Program Analysis, Software Evolution and Visualization Recent Work: Developing tools for API evolution analysis, cybersecurity AI (CAI), robotics benchmarking (RobotPerf), and dependency validation His research combines empirical studies with tool development for software maintenance and security. Current projects address challenges in REST API breaking changes, cloud security certifications, and robotic system performance evaluation. Publications since 2023 demonstrate continued engagement with topics spanning AI-driven code segmentation, microservice API evolution, and cybersecurity tool development. Key trends include cross-disciplinary applications of NLP to software engineering and security-focused tool creation. Contact: martin.pinzger@aau.at
Prim. Assoc. Prof. PD Dr. Walter Struhal MSc FEAN serves as Head of the Clinical Department of Neurology at University Hospital Tulln since 2017 and holds a shared leadership role at the University Clinic for Neurology (Karl Landsteiner Private University of Health Sciences) since 2019. His career bridges clinical neurology and translational research in autonomic nervous system disorders. Research Focus : Struhal specializes in autonomic dysfunction, particularly its role in Alzheimer's dementia, post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae, and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple system atrophy. His work emphasizes modern diagnostic tools such as wearable ECGs and power modulation spectrum algorithms for signal quality control. Recent collaborations include developing the NEUROGED Guidelines for neurogenic urinary/sexual symptoms and mapping autonomic education gaps in European neurology training. Scientific Contributions : As a Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology (FEAN) , he co-led international studies on ECG quality indices (PDQI/MSQI) and participated in the AFFRICATE Project analyzing autonomic impacts of cerebral vascular interventions. His 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) span stroke care economics, dysphagia management, and autonomic testing innovations, reflecting his commitment to clinical-neurological research infrastructure development. Scientific Awards : Metric-based scholarship for Austro-Mir space research Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology (FEAN)
Sabine Seidel is a full Professor at the Institute of Crop Production, Department of Agrarwissenschaften, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her research integrates plant modeling, sustainable agriculture, and digital farming to enhance climate-resilient and resource-efficient crop systems. Her research interests focus on the development and testing of innovative, diverse (organic) cultivation systems, particularly mixed cropping and intercropping. She investigates ecosystem services such as yield and greenhouse gas emissions through measurements and modeling. Her work emphasizes the interactions between genotype, environment, and management (G×E×M), especially concerning water, nitrogen, and root dynamics. She also explores root growth responses to nutrient deficiency and drought stress, and leads initiatives in digital farming, including AI tools for pollinator detection and digital twin development in agriculture. Analysis of her recent publications (2024–2025) reveals a strong trend in interdisciplinary research combining field experiments with advanced modeling. Her work spans agroecosystem modeling, intercropping systems (especially wheat and faba bean), soil-crop interactions, and the application of AI and machine learning in agriculture. She frequently contributes to multi-model studies and calibration protocols, emphasizing model accuracy and validation. Her research is highly collaborative, involving teams across Germany and Austria. Root:shoot ratio under conservation tillage Phenotypic plasticity in winter wheat Resource acquisition in intercropping Digital crop growth simulation using GANs Soil carbon sequestration and organic matter dynamics She has been actively involved in the PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence as a junior research group leader (2020–2025), focusing on optimizing plant mixtures through field experiments and modeling. Prior to this, she conducted postdoctoral research on subsoil management at the University of Bonn. Her work bridges ecology, plant science, soil science, and digital technologies. She earned her doctorate on plant modeling and irrigation from the Technical University of Dresden and studied agricultural sciences at the Technical University of Munich. She is based in Vienna and maintains an active presence in knowledge transfer, with media contributions in print and online outlets discussing sustainable farming practices.
Rudolf Ramler is an External Lecturer at TU Wien's Faculty of Informatics, Department of Information Systems Engineering. He specializes in software testing methodologies, automated testing frameworks, and software quality assurance. His research focuses on improving testing practices for legacy systems, industrial automation software, and defect prediction in software projects. He teaches the Software Testing course (VU 188.280) in 2025S. His work spans empirical investigations, tool-supported testing, and systematic literature reviews. Ramler has contributed to projects like CDL-SQI (2018–2024), exploring practical approaches for testing industrial automation systems. Research interests include test code readability, automated testing strategies, and value-driven testing frameworks. His publications address challenges in retrofitting tests for legacy code, comparing manual and automated testing efficacy, and developing context-specific defect prediction models. He has collaborated with industry partners to apply academic research to real-world software engineering problems.
Bernhard Schmidpeter is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) at the Department of Economics, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business. He specializes in institutional economics and labor economics, focusing on topics such as labor market dynamics, public policy impacts, and behavioral economics. His teaching includes courses like 'Specialization Course - Institutional Economics' in the Bachelor's program. Research interests span labor market effects of immigration, wage disparities, and health economics. He actively publishes in peer-reviewed journals and engages in policy-relevant studies. Currently affiliated with the university, he contributes to both teaching and applied research in economics and public policy.
Tobias Ofner-Graff is a researcher at the Institute of Forest Growth within the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Based at Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, 1190 Wien, his work focuses on advanced forest monitoring technologies. His research interests include: LiDAR and remote sensing applications in forestry Automated forest inventory systems Forest regeneration quantification Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data analysis Sustainable forest harvesting planning Recent project contributions include: Leading lidar-based forest monitoring systems development Developing spatial forest growth models Implementing digital inventory workflows His publications demonstrate expertise in: Quantifying forest resources through 3D point clouds Advanced timber stack measurement techniques ALS data integration for forest modeling Mobile laser scanning applications Forest climate adaptation strategies
