Professor Sebastian Mueller is a faculty member at the TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Campus Heilbronn. He holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Mannheim and has served as Professor of Corporate Finance at the German Graduate School of Management and Law (Heilbronn) and as Assistant Professor in Finance at the University of Mannheim. His research focuses on asset pricing, digital finance, sustainable finance, and investor behavior. PhD in Finance (summa cum laude), University of Mannheim His empirical research combines quantitative methods with machine learning, text analysis, and generative AI to analyze financial market anomalies, economic linkages, and media impacts on investor decision-making. He teaches finance courses across TUM's Bachelor, Master, and Executive Education programs, including Corporate Finance, Digital Finance, and Sustainable Finance. His awards include the SUERF/UniCredit Foundation Research Prize (2019), Acatis Value Awards (2015, 2018), and the VHB Young Talent Award (2015). He supervises finance students through seminars and thesis projects while leading research initiatives at the Center for Digital Transformation and Global Center for Family Enterprise.
Eva Matick is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Philipps University Marburg. She works within the Work and Organizational Psychology Group, focusing on workplace health and employee well-being. Email: eva.matick@uni-marburg.de Office: Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany Phone: +49 6421 28-23990 Her research centers on the interplay between leadership behavior, job demands, and psychological outcomes, particularly sleep quality. Key themes include detachment mechanisms, social support systems, and stress management in high-pressure work environments. Recent publications highlight trends in workplace health interventions and organizational strategies to improve employee well-being. Notable topics include leadership's impact on sleep patterns and coping mechanisms for job demands. She contributes to teaching in psychology-related programs at Philipps University Marburg.
Michael D. Bauer is a Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Hamburg and Senior Research Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. He directs the Center for Monetary Research and holds multiple editorial positions in leading economics journals. His research program spans monetary economics, macro-finance, and climate finance, with particular expertise in yield curve dynamics, monetary policy transmission, and pricing of climate risks. He has developed influential models for term structure analysis and policy uncertainty measurement. Dr. Bauer has published extensively in top economics journals including American Economic Review, Journal of Finance, and Quarterly Journal of Economics. He currently leads research projects on corporate climate pledges and monetary policy communication effects. He teaches empirical asset pricing and macro-finance at UC Berkeley and University of Hamburg, and has received prestigious awards including the Heisenberg Professorship from the German Research Foundation.
Patrick C. Leyens serves as Professor of Civil Law, Commercial and Corporate Law at the University of Bremen's Faculty of Law, where he also holds the position of Vice Dean and Director of the Institute for Commercial Law. His academic career spans multiple European institutions including Erasmus University Rotterdam and Karl-Franzens-University Graz. His educational background includes law studies at the University of Cologne, an LL.M. from the University of London (2000), and both his PhD (2006) and Habilitation (2015) from the University of Hamburg under Professor Klaus J. Hopt. Prior to his current position, he worked as a research assistant at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg and held professorships at several German and Austrian universities. Leyens' research focuses on the intersection of law, technology, and business, with particular expertise in corporate governance, supply chain regulations, and digital transformation of commercial transactions. His work examines how traditional legal frameworks adapt to emerging technologies like AI and blockchain while maintaining legal certainty and protecting human rights. Recent publications analyze the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, smart contracts in B2B contexts, and AI liability frameworks. His publication trends reveal a consistent focus on how legal systems respond to technological disruption, with increasing attention to European regulatory developments in sustainability and digital markets. Recent work shows strong interdisciplinary connections between corporate law, technology regulation, and human rights frameworks. Best Teacher of the Year 2022/23 (European Master in Law & Economics program) Leyens actively supervises doctoral candidates including Stefan Heiss, whose dissertation on 'Artificial Intelligence and Civil Liability' received the Theodor Körner Award. He collaborates with legal practitioners through the annual 'Mergers & Acquisitions: Cycle of a Corporate Transaction' seminar co-organized with law firm Noerr. His research has informed policy discussions, including advising the German Federal Ministry of Finance on depositor and investor protection reforms. As Director of the Institute for Commercial Law, Leyens leads a research team including associates Niklas Derwort, Govinda Geiger, Julius Goetsch, and Paulina Skarke. His work bridges academic research and practical application through partnerships with legal practitioners and participation in professional committees including the Schmalenbach Society for Business Management and the Verein für Socialpolitik.
Dr. Simon Christ is a Researcher at the Department of Computational Biology within the Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics at Leibniz University Hannover's Faculty of Natural Sciences. His office is located in Building 4160, Room 110 at Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover. He can be contacted via phone (+49 511 762 16174) or email (christ@cell.uni-hannover.de). Christ holds a Doctor rerum naturalium (PhD) from the University of Potsdam (2020) and a Master of Science from Humboldt University of Berlin (2014). His doctoral research focused on morphological transitions of vesicles under nonuniform conditions, while his master's thesis examined non-Markovian systems in statistical physics. His research focuses on computational approaches to biological systems, including: Development of reproducible scientific workflows and open-source tools Agent-based simulations of biological processes Numerical solutions of differential equations in biological contexts Computational modeling of membrane dynamics and vesicle behavior Research software engineering practices and tools He is proficient in multiple programming languages including Julia, C/C++, MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, and R, and is a certified instructor for The Carpentries. Christ's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on research software engineering, computational biology methods, and biophysical modeling of cellular systems. His work frequently appears in computational biology, biophysics, and software engineering journals, with consistent contributions to open science practices and reproducible research methodologies. No specific awards or student advising relationships are mentioned in the available documentation. His current work appears to be conducted within the computational biology research group at Leibniz University Hannover, with collaborations extending to other institutions including the University of Potsdam and Max Planck Institute.
Dr. Alina Schmitz is a Researcher at the Chair for Social Structure and Sociology of Ageing Societies within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Technische Universität Dortmund . She serves as Scientific Coordinator of the HBS doctoral program New Challenges in Aging Societies (funded by Hans Böckler Foundation) and has held visiting researcher positions at King’s College London and Boston University. Education: PhD in Sociology (2020, TU Dortmund), MA in Rehabilitation Sciences (2015, University of Cologne) Key Research Areas: Health sociology, life course analysis, social inequality, gender disparity, quantitative aging research Recent Projects: DFG-Project AGE-WELL on material conditions and older wellbeing in Germany/Poland; German-Israeli Minerva School collaboration on social networks Her research demonstrates significant focus on health inequalities across Europe, particularly examining gender differences and regional disparities through multilevel analyses. Recent publications investigate pandemic impacts, caregiving strain, and fundamental cause theory through quasi-experimental approaches. Scientific Leadership: Speaker of Medical & Health Sociology Section (DGS 2024), PhD Committee Member (TU Dortmund 2022) Major Awards: Daimler & Benz Fellowship (2024), Young Scientist Award (ASI 2021), Minerva School funding (2021) She actively contributes to doctoral education through course instruction in health and life-course sociology, while maintaining memberships in six major academic societies including the German Sociological Association and European Population Studies.
Dennis Dreiskämper is Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at TU Dortmund University's Faculty of Arts and Sports Sciences since August 1, 2024. Previously, he served as study program coordinator at the University of Münster's Institute of Sports Science (2017-2024), becoming a senior lecturer in higher education in 2020. His career includes research positions at Münster's Department of Sport Psychology (2011-2017) and international stays at Kingston University London (2014) and Deakin University Melbourne (2017). His academic credentials include: 2022: Habilitation with Venia Legendi for Sports Science, University of Münster 2015: PhD (Dr. phil.) in Sports Science, University of Münster (DFG Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World) 2011: Master of Arts and first state examination in sports and Latin (third subject history), University of Münster 2009: Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Latin (third subject History), University of Münster Dreiskämper's research centers on physical self-concept development, childhood health through physical activity, psychosocial aspects of exercise, and physical activity interventions. He investigates motor and psychosocial development trajectories in children and adolescents, develops motor diagnostics tools, and creates assessment instruments for physical self-concept. His work addresses trust dynamics in sports teams and anti-doping initiatives within sports associations, with particular focus on questionnaire development and measurement validation. His extensive publication record demonstrates strong focus on team cognition in sports, anti-doping legitimacy, talent selection processes, and pandemic impacts on youth physical activity. Dreiskämper employs innovative methodologies including virtual reality assessments of shared mental models and cross-cultural comparisons between German and Australian children. His work frequently bridges traditional sports psychology with emerging esports research. Professional affiliations include: Member of the German Sports Youth (dsj) research network since 2022 Member of the NRW Children and Youth Sport Research Network since 2019 His research has practical applications for sports clubs, educational settings, and public health initiatives focused on youth development through physical activity. The 'Move for Health' project represents a significant collaborative effort generating findings on mental health and physical activity among German children and adolescents.
Dr. Tiare Feuchtner is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Konstanz since 2021. She previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Vienna and Aarhus University, where she coordinated the MADE Fast project. PhD: Computer Science, Aarhus University (2018), thesis: 'Designing for Hand Ownership in Interaction with Virtual and Augmented Reality' Master's: Computer Science, Berlin Institute of Technology Bachelor's: Media Informatics, Technical University of Vienna Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, emphasizing embodiment and novel user interfaces for immersive cross-reality (XR) technologies. She investigates embodied user interfaces that enable direct interaction through virtual bodies ('avatars') with transformations, augmentations, and 'superpowers' via multisensory feedback. Current projects include Interoceptive Signalling in Mixed Reality and Real-Time Optimization of XR User Interfaces. Her recent articles explore hybrid input devices, haptic props for 3D manipulation, physiological feedback in collaboration, and adaptive XR interfaces. She has received awards for her work, including the Microsoft Imagine Cup (2013). She actively contributes to academic service through conference organization (e.g., AlpCHI'26, QiVC'23), program committees (CHI, ISMAR), and workshops (Women* in Computing, Hybrid User Interfaces). Her teaching includes courses on human-computer interaction, Unity, and spatially-aware interactive spaces.
Prof. Dr. Tobias Glasmachers is a Full Professor at the Institut für Neuroinformatik , Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, specializing in the Theory of Machine Learning . He leads the Optimization of Adaptive Systems group and holds appointments in both Computer Science and Interdisciplinary AI research. Key Research Areas : Optimization algorithms, evolutionary computation, reinforcement learning, supervised learning, and neural networks Technical Focus : Gradient-based methods, support vector machines, and adaptive coordinate descent Applications : Robotics, waste sorting facilities, 3D game environments (e.g., Doom/Minecraft), and human-centered AI design Notable Contributions : Development of LM-MA-ES evolution strategy, Hessian Estimation Evolution Strategy, and tachAId tool for ethical AI design. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical implementations across diverse domains. Teaching : Offers courses in Informatik 1 - Programmieren, Machine Learning: Supervised Methods, and Evolutionary Algorithms. Supervises numerous Bachelor's and Master's theses on AI/ML applications.
Mahsa Bagheri is a Researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, affiliated with the Department of Energy Policy and Energy Markets. She holds a PhD from the Technical University of Darmstadt (2024), where her dissertation focused on reducing residential energy consumption through behavioral changes. She earned her M.Sc. in Architecture, Building and Planning from Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands) and B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering from Shiraz University (Iran). Education: B.Sc. Architectural Engineering, Shiraz University, Iran M.Sc. Architecture, Building and Planning, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands PhD in Energy Policy, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany Research Interests: Her work centers on energy policy, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. Key areas include behavioral science in energy consumption, housing policy design for sufficiency lifestyles, decarbonisation pathways for the building sector, and policy evaluation for climate neutrality. She explores intersections between socio-economic factors, technological innovation, and regulatory frameworks to achieve sustainability goals. Projects: She leads or contributes to major initiatives like CACTUS (climate targets via sufficiency), RokiG2050 (carbon-neutral buildings), and RES-H&C Pathways (renewable heating/cooling strategies). Her work often involves EU policy analysis, energy demand modeling, and cross-country sustainability comparisons. Labs/Teams: She is part of the Energy Policy and Energy Markets team at Fraunhofer ISI, collaborating with interdisciplinary groups on global energy transition challenges.
Dr. Andrea Zenker is Deputy Head of the Department of Policy and Society at Fraunhofer ISI, where she leads research on regional innovation systems and sustainability transitions. She holds a doctorate in geography from the Université de Strasbourg and an MBA-equivalent degree. Her research examines: Regional innovation policy instruments Cross-border knowledge transfer mechanisms Mission-oriented transformation strategies Cluster development in transitional economies Evaluation methodologies for research programs Recent publications focus on solution-oriented innovation processes, structural change policies, and the interplay between innovation governance and sustainability transitions. Her work typically combines qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze policy interventions across European regions.
Dr. Maria Májeková is a tenured Junior Group Leader and Professor in the Plant Ecology Group at the University of Tübingen’s Faculty of Science (Germany). She specializes in plant functional traits, ecological stability, and climate change impacts, with a focus on plant-water relationships, decision-making under competition, and community dynamics. Her research bridges field experiments, long-term studies, and greenhouse trials across scales from individual plants to ecosystems. Academically, she holds a PhD (2014) and MSc (2009) from Comenius University in Bratislava. Her current projects include DFG-funded studies on niche partitioning in grasslands and plant traits’ role in stability. She advises PhD and master’s students on topics like drought strategies and global change impacts in South African flora. Her work spans diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, floodplains, and restored arable lands. Key collaborations include the University of South Bohemia and the University of Hohenheim. Teaching focuses on plant ecology, biometry, and vegetation science methods at the University of Tübingen. Notable contributions include exploring trait-based ecology challenges, drought tolerance mechanisms, and plant behavior under stress. She leads interdisciplinary teams and contributes to global ecological frameworks like the DFG Biodiversity Exploratories program.
Jhou Sih-Ting is a Visiting Fellow at the European Research Center on Contemporary Taiwan, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, and a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University. She holds an MA in Public Administration and Policy from National Taipei University. Her research focuses on public policy, local governance, public-private partnerships, environmental energy policy, civil servant behavior, and anti-corruption mechanisms in Taiwan's public administration. She has been recognized for her proposal on citizen participation in renewable energy programs, winning the Taiwan Ministry of Education Youth Policy Award in 2014. Her publications explore themes such as intergenerational collaboration in social services, tourism marketing strategies, and bureaucratic reforms. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy analysis, emphasizing Taiwan's governance challenges.
Dr. Michael Heide is a Junior Research Group Leader at the German Primate Center in Göttingen, funded by an ERC Starting Grant. His research focuses on the developmental and evolutionary basis of primate neocortex morphology, particularly the genetic mechanisms underlying differences in size and folding across species. He holds a PhD from the University of Heidelberg and completed postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden. His work employs brain organoid models to study species-specific genes like ARHGAP11B, comparing human, chimpanzee, and other primate species. Key research themes include neural stem/progenitor cell biology, evolutionary genetics, and comparative neuroanatomy. His ERC grant supports investigations into how primate-specific genes influence neocortex development. Recent publications highlight discoveries about ARHGAP11B’s role in cortical expansion and folding, as well as single-cell genomic analyses of human brain development. His group collaborates with institutions like the MPI-CBG and the Max Planck Society. Dr. Heide’s research integrates molecular genetics, developmental biology, and evolutionary perspectives to bridge gaps in understanding primate brain evolution. His lab is affiliated with the German Primate Center’s neurosciences and molecular biology programs.
Tomo Nagashima is a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Technology-Enhanced Learning in the Department of Computer Science at Saarland University, Germany, and a Faculty Associate at Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. He directs the interdisciplinary LaLa Lab (Learning to Adapt, Learning with Agency Lab), where he leads research on intelligent systems that support human learning, student agency, and self-regulated learning in STEM contexts. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon University, advised by Dr. Vincent Aleven, and a Master’s in Learning, Design, and Technology from Stanford Graduate School of Education, where he worked with Dr. Candace Thille. His research is deeply collaborative, involving co-design with educators and learners, and is grounded in school-based experimental and qualitative studies. Nagashima’s research interests span Technology-Enhanced Learning, Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence in Education, and the learning sciences. He focuses on designing and evaluating intelligent tutoring systems, educational games, and AI-integrated learning environments that foster meaningful student engagement. His work emphasizes student choice-making, conceptual learning in mathematics, and children’s understanding of AI. His recent publications, presented at top venues like AIED, CHI, ISLS, and EC-TEL, reflect a strong trend toward understanding student agency in AI-supported learning, optimizing feedback and interface designs in intelligent tutors, and developing trustworthy AI agents through co-design with students. These works integrate cognitive, affective, and motivational dimensions of learning. Humboldt Foundation Henriette Herz Scout (2025) Busy Beaver (Outstanding Teaching) Award Nominee (2024) Best Paper Nominee, AIED25 Nagashima actively mentors PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Man Su (Echo), Shintaro, and Mirella. He has secured internal funding for projects like AlgeSPACE in collaboration with Prof. Maria Theobald at Trier University. His lab has an active hiring pipeline for postdocs and thesis students, supported by the Humboldt Fellowship program. The LaLa Lab fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment focused on co-design, school-based research, and open science. It emphasizes partnerships with international researchers and institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Oulu, where lab members have undertaken mobility visits.
