Adam Runions is a researcher in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, leading the MPG Partner Group in computational analysis of leaf development through collaborative work with Miltos Tsiantis. His group is embedded in the Graphics Cluster, focusing on interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of computer science and developmental biology. University of Calgary - Department of Computer Science MPG Partner Group (2022) Graphics Cluster affiliation His research explores computational modeling and analysis of plant form and development across multiple scales, integrating geometric modeling, physically-based simulation, and computer-aided design. Key themes include plant morphogenesis, self-organization of natural forms, and cross-disciplinary applications in computer graphics and animation. Recent publications emphasize plant development (leaf shape, bark patterning), mathematical modeling (auxin-driven patterning), and geometric techniques (subdivision surfaces, PUPs). Collaborations span institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. Scientific Awards Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Best Paper Award (International Conference on Cyberworlds 2015) Best Student Paper Award (Computer Graphics International 2011) The group actively recruits BSc, MSc, and PhD students with backgrounds in computer science and mathematics for projects on plant form simulation and digital content creation. Research integrates evolutionary biology, biomechanical modeling, and computational techniques.
Prof. Peter Scholze is a leading mathematician at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn, specializing in algebraic geometry and arithmetic geometry. He holds the academic rank of Professor and is part of the Arbeitsgruppe Algebraische Geometrie und Darstellungstheorie. His research focuses on foundational questions in algebraic geometry, number theory, and representation theory, particularly through the lens of the Langlands program, p-adic Hodge theory, and perfectoid spaces. Scholze has pioneered geometric approaches to the local Langlands correspondence and introduced revolutionary concepts like prismatic cohomology and condensed mathematics. He actively contributes to academia through advanced courses on topics such as geometrization of the Langlands program, étale cohomology, and condensed mathematics. His work bridges algebraic geometry with representation theory, addressing fundamental problems in arithmetic geometry and p-adic analysis. Scholze’s research outputs include seminal papers on perfectoid spaces, prismatic cohomology, and the geometrization of local Langlands correspondence. He collaborates extensively with leading mathematicians globally, contributing to collaborative research initiatives like the ARGOS seminar and the Habiro ring project. His teaching engagements include advanced lectures on algebraic geometry, representation theory, and p-adic geometry, reflecting his commitment to training the next generation of researchers. Despite no explicitly listed awards in the provided text, Scholze is widely recognized as a Fields Medalist (2018) and a leading figure in modern mathematics.
Prof. Dr. Markus Zimmermann leads the Chair of Product Development and Lightweight Design at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). With a background in mechanical engineering from TU Berlin and the University of Michigan, and a doctorate from MIT on solid-state singularities, he bridges academic rigor with industrial application. His career spans 12 years at BMW focusing on vehicle development before transitioning to academia. Specializes in solution space engineering for robust design Expert in additive manufacturing and systems engineering Develops methodologies for managing design complexity and uncertainty His research focuses on multidisciplinary design optimization and lightweight structures , particularly in robotics and automotive systems . His team applies digital twin frameworks and attribute dependency graphs to enhance design processes. Recent publications emphasize topology optimization in robotic systems and thermal management for medical X-ray sources. Key trends in his 2024-2025 publications include: Topological optimization for additive manufacturing and robotics Application of solution spaces to manage design uncertainty Development of compact X-ray systems for medical therapy Integration of digital twin technologies in industrial contexts
Markus Hausmann is a Professor of Topology at the University of Bonn since 2023. His research focuses on equivariant homotopy theory , with groundbreaking work on bordism theory and symmetry of spaces, including a 2022 publication in the Annals of Mathematics . He received the prestigious Minkowski Medal 2025 from the German Mathematical Society (DMV) for his outstanding contributions to mathematics. Current affiliation: University of Bonn (2023–present) Former roles: University Lecturer at Stockholm University (2021–2023), Postdoc at University of Copenhagen and Bonn Education: Mathematics studies at University of Bonn with a semester abroad at MIT His ERC Starting Grant 'BorSym' explores bordism of symmetries using algebraic methods, funded for five years. His work intersects topology , algebraic structures , and equivariant cohomology , with recent publications addressing symmetric spectra, global group laws, and subgroup lattices. The Minkowski Medal recognizes his international acclaim as a young mathematician. Scientific Awards : Minkowski Medal 2025 (DMV) Markus Hausmann's research bridges equivariant homotopy theory with applications to derived orbifolds and global symmetries , advancing foundational understanding in these areas.
Kaye Morgan is a Research Fellow at Monash University's School of Physics within the Faculty of Science. She holds a Hans Fischer Fellowship at the Technische Universität München (TUM), hosted by Prof. Franz Pfeiffer. Her research focuses on phase contrast X-ray imaging (PCXI), particularly its application in biomedical research and translation to compact imaging systems for clinical use. Educated at Monash University, she earned her PhD in 2011, followed by a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (2012–2015) from the Australian Research Council. She is also a Veski Victorian Postgraduate Research Fellow, combining her roles at Monash with visits to TUM supported by her Hans Fischer Fellowship. Her research interests include developing PCXI methods for non-invasive imaging of soft tissues, such as lung and airway dynamics, and optimizing imaging techniques to minimize radiation exposure. Key projects include assessing cystic fibrosis treatments via airway surface hydration analysis and improving X-ray source accessibility for clinical applications. Notable achievements include pioneering single-grid phase imaging techniques and contributing to high-speed imaging of biological dynamics. Her work has been recognized with awards like the 2014 Tall Poppy Young Scientist Award and the 2011 Australian Synchrotron Thesis Medal. Morgan collaborates across disciplines, working with biomedical researchers to advance imaging technologies for respiratory health. Her publications span journals like Scientific Reports, Optics Letters, and the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Gianni Dal Maso is a Professor of Mathematical Analysis at the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy. He has been a faculty member at SISSA since 1985, first as Associate Professor and then as Full Professor since 1987. He has held several leadership positions at SISSA including Head of the Sector of Functional Analysis and Applications (1993-1998, 2001-2010), Deputy Director (2010-2015), and Coordinator of the Mathematics Area (2016-2020). His educational background includes: 1973-1977: Undergraduate student in Mathematics at the University of Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore 1977: Degree in Mathematics with honors at the University of Pisa (thesis: "Gamma-limits of set functions," advised by Ennio De Giorgi) 1977: "Diploma" in Mathematics from the Scuola Normale Superiore 1977-1981: Post-graduate Research Fellowship in Mathematics ("Perfezionamento") at the Scuola Normale Superiore Dal Maso's research focuses on the Calculus of Variations, with particular emphasis on semicontinuity and relaxation problems, Gamma-convergence, and more recently, free discontinuity problems and their applications to mechanics. His work bridges pure mathematical analysis with practical applications in material science, particularly in plasticity and fracture mechanics. He has developed mathematical frameworks for understanding crack propagation, material failure, and the behavior of solids under stress, contributing significantly to both theoretical foundations and practical modeling approaches in these areas. His extensive publication record shows a clear evolution from foundational work in Gamma-convergence (culminating in his influential book "An Introduction to Gamma-Convergence" in 1993) toward increasingly sophisticated models of material behavior, particularly in fracture mechanics and plasticity. Recent work demonstrates continued innovation in handling complex discontinuities, non-local effects, and multi-scale phenomena in material science applications. Among his notable scientific recognitions: 1982: Stampacchia Prize, awarded by the Scuola Normale Superiore 1990: Caccioppoli Prize, awarded by the Italian Mathematical Union 1996: Medaglia dei XL per la Matematica, awarded by the Accademia Nazionale delle Scienze detta dei XL 2003: Prize of the Minister for the Cultural Heritage for Mathematics and Mechanics, awarded by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei 2005: Prize Luigi and Wanda Amerio, awarded by the Istituto Lombardo Accademia di Scienze e Lettere Dal Maso has supervised 42 PhD students at SISSA, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic mentorship. His research has been significantly supported by multiple National Research Projects (PRIN) in Italy, and notably by an ERC Advanced Grant "Quasistatic and Dynamic Evolution Problems in Plasticity and Fracture" (QuaDynEvoPro) from 2012-2017, where he served as Principal Investigator. This major project focused on nonlinear evolution problems in plasticity and fracture, with three main research directions: plasticity with hardening and softening, quasistatic crack growth, and dynamic fracture mechanics. His scholarly activities extend to editorial service, with membership on the boards of numerous prestigious journals including Archive for Rational Mechanics and Analysis, SIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis, and Journal of Convex Analysis. He has also been active in the mathematical community through membership in scientific committees and academies, including the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei since 2014.
Benedikt Günther is a research scientist at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) working within the Chair of Biomedical Physics led by Prof. Dr. Franz Pfeiffer. His research focuses on the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS), a laboratory-scale inverse Compton X-ray source that provides synchrotron-like radiation for biomedical applications. Günther plays a key role in developing, optimizing, and characterizing this innovative technology, contributing to both its fundamental physics and practical medical applications. His primary research interests center around X-ray physics and imaging techniques, particularly laser enhancement cavities for inverse Compton X-ray sources, X-ray microscopy, dynamic phase-contrast imaging, and X-ray spectroscopy. Günther's work bridges fundamental physics with practical medical applications, developing instrumentation that brings synchrotron-quality imaging to conventional laboratory settings. His research has significant implications for improving medical diagnostics while making advanced imaging techniques more accessible. Analysis of Günther's publication record reveals a consistent focus on advancing compact X-ray source technology and its applications. His work demonstrates expertise in both theoretical modeling and experimental implementation, with publications spanning instrument development, imaging techniques, and specific medical applications. The research shows progression from fundamental source characterization to increasingly sophisticated biomedical applications, particularly in breast imaging, dental diagnostics, and materials science. 2019 Best Poster Award at the combined meeting of the 68th Denver X-ray Conference (DXC) & 25th International Congress on X-ray Optics and Microanalysis (ICXOM) for 'Full-Field Structured Illumination Super-Resolution X-ray Transmission Microscopy' Günther regularly presents his work at major international conferences including the International Particle Accelerator Conference, High-Brightness Sources and Light-driven Interactions Congress, and specialized X-ray imaging meetings. His research is conducted within the Munich Compact Light Source facility, a collaborative project involving physicists, engineers, and medical researchers working to develop laboratory-scale synchrotron technology for widespread biomedical use.
Natasa Sesum is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Rutgers University. Her research specializes in geometric flows and partial differential equations, with particular focus on Ricci flow, mean curvature flow, and their applications in geometric analysis. She maintains an active research program investigating singularity formation, ancient solutions, and asymptotic behavior in these flows. Her research explores fundamental aspects of geometric evolution equations, including: Classification of ancient solutions and singularity models Asymptotic behavior of flows on noncompact and singular surfaces Blow-up rates and curvature behavior at singular times Analytical aspects of Ricci and mean curvature flows Professor Sesum teaches across the mathematics curriculum, including undergraduate courses in Multivariable Calculus (Math 251), Linear Algebra (Math 350), Real Analysis (Math 311), and graduate courses on specialized topics in geometric analysis and PDEs (Math 510, Math 519). She has taught honors sections and maintains office hours by appointment.
Xieyuanli Chen is an Associate Professor at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), China. He holds a Dr.-Ing. (summa cum laude) from the University of Bonn (2022), a Master's in Robotics from NUDT (2017), and a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Hunan University (2015). His research focuses on robot learning, perception, and navigation, with an emphasis on LiDAR-based SLAM, autonomous systems, and semantic perception. Education: PhD: University of Bonn, 2018-2022 (supervised by Prof. Cyrill Stachniss) Master's: NUDT, 2015-2017 Bachelor's: Hunan University, 2011-2015 Research interests include robotics, autonomous systems, computer vision, and LiDAR perception. He has authored over 90 papers in top venues like TRO, RSS, ICRA, and CVPR. He serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE RA-L, ICRA, and IROS, and is a member of the RoboCup Rescue Robot League Technical Committee. Awards include the RSS Pioneer Award (2021), Best-in-Class RoboCup awards, and recognition as a World’s Top 2% Scientist (2024). His work spans LiDAR localization, moving object segmentation, and efficient semantic mapping. He advises students in robotics and autonomous systems. Labs/Teams: Active in the PRBonn group (University of Bonn) and leads research at NUDT on LiDAR-based perception systems.
Volker J Schmid is a Professor of Bayesian Imaging and Spatial Statistics at the Department of Statistics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He leads the Bayesian Imaging and Spatial Statistics group and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives like the Munich Center of Machine Learning. His work bridges statistical theory with applications in medical imaging and biology. PhD in Statistics (2004), LMU Munich Diploma in Statistics (2000), LMU Munich Abitur, Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Gymnasium Cham (1993) His research focuses on Bayesian computational methods for high-dimensional data, particularly in medical imaging (MRI, DCE-MRI) and biological microscopy (e.g., 3D nuclear architecture analysis via super-resolution microscopy). Key applications include disease mapping , image segmentation , and spatio-temporal modeling . His software tools (e.g., nucim , bioimagetools , BAMP ) enable quantitative analysis in nuclear imaging and age-period-cohort modeling. His 15 most recent publications span Bayesian modeling for medical imaging , spatio-temporal epidemiology , and computational biology . Topics include co-localization metrics in fluorescence microscopy, nuclear architecture analysis, and dynamic Bayesian frameworks for MRI data. Collaborations extend to neuroimaging, oncology, and nuclear biology.
Prof. Dr. Christian Mayer is a Professor in Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen. He serves as Head of the working group focusing on origin of life research, nanocapsules, and NMR spectroscopy techniques. His research group is located at Universitätsstraße 5, D-45141 Essen, Germany, with contact information including phone number +49 201 183-2570. Prof. Mayer's research interests primarily focus on the origin of life in deep tectonic fault zones of the first continental fragments, where he collaborates with Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schreiber from the Faculty of Biology and Prof. Dr. Oliver Schmitz from Applied Analytical Chemistry. His work investigates how vesicle formation occurs in tectonic fault systems through cyclic phase transitions of carbon dioxide, creating ideal conditions for molecular evolution. He specializes in pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG-NMR), high-resolution NMR, and solid-state NMR techniques to characterize nanoscale systems including nanocapsules, vesicles, and microemulsions. His recent publication trends reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus spanning physical chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and astrobiology. The articles demonstrate increasing integration of computational methods with experimental approaches, particularly in analyzing molecular structures and dynamics. His research has evolved from fundamental studies of nanocapsule systems to broader investigations of protocell formation mechanisms under early Earth conditions, with recent work extending to astrobiological contexts including potential life formation on Titan. Prof. Mayer has established significant collaborations across multiple disciplines, particularly with geologists and biologists, to investigate the physical chemical processes that could have led to the emergence of life. His work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with practical applications in nanomedicine, particularly in developing artificial oxygen carriers based on nanocapsule technology. His laboratory utilizes high-pressure facilities to simulate early Earth crust conditions, with a particular focus on supercritical CO 2 environments. The working group combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to understand vesicle formation processes and their implications for the origin of cellular life.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Knieling (HafenCity University Hamburg) specializes in Urban Planning and Regional Development , focusing on sustainable metropolitan governance, climate resilience, and land use policy. As co-chair of Hamburg's Senate Climate Advisory Board , he drives policy recommendations on net-zero land consumption , climate action plans , and spatial governance reform . Co-chair, Hamburg Climate Advisory Board (2021–present) Member, Advisory Council for Spatial Development, German Federal Ministry Co-leader, DFG Research Training Group 'City Science Lab' Coordinator, EU projects 'SMARTilience', 'RESCUE', 'Area21' His research explores climate-resilient urban governance through comparative studies of cities like Halle (Saale) and Mannheim , emphasizing collaborative planning and smart city technologies . Recent work addresses heat action planning , spatial equity , and digital policy tools for sustainable development. Key publication trends include land consumption reduction (30 ha/day target), urban-rural partnerships , and AI in spatial planning . His Urban Governance Toolbox project (2023) exemplifies solutions for municipal climate resilience. Students under his supervision include: Leon Thümer (B.Sc., 2020 - 'Co-Creation in Real Estate') Laura-Darleen Klein (M.Sc., 2023 - 'Age-Friendly Cities') Charlotte Muhl (M.Sc., 2018 - 'Urban Commons') He leads the Urban Planning and Regional Development department, mentoring 12+ research associates and coordinating interdisciplinary projects with institutions like Goldsmiths University , Leuphana University , and Georgia Tech .
Daniel J. Abadi is a prominent researcher in database systems at Yale University. With over two decades of impactful research, he has made significant contributions to the fields of distributed databases, transaction processing, and column-oriented database systems. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations that have influenced both academia and industry. Dr. Abadi's research primarily focuses on database system architecture, with particular emphasis on: Distributed and geo-replicated database systems High-performance transaction processing Column-oriented and analytical database systems Stream processing and real-time analytics Cloud and serverless database technologies Integration of machine learning with database systems His recent work shows a continued focus on addressing scalability challenges in modern database systems, with particular attention to multi-region transaction processing, automated data management, and the integration of machine learning techniques. The trend in his publications indicates a strong emphasis on practical, deployable systems that solve real-world problems faced by industry. Dr. Abadi has been instrumental in several major research initiatives and reports that have shaped the direction of database research, including the Seattle Report and the Cambridge Report on Database Research. Throughout his career, Dr. Abadi has mentored numerous students and collaborated extensively with leading researchers in the field. His work has received significant recognition through widespread citations and adoption of his ideas in both academic and industrial database systems.
Lukas Seitner is a researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the School of Computation, Information and Technology and the Department of Electrical Engineering. He operates within the Associate Professorship of Computational Photonics led by Prof. Christian Jirauschek, focusing on advanced modeling of quantum cascade devices and terahertz photonics systems. His research spans quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), terahertz frequency combs, optical solitons, and computational photonics. Seitner has developed sophisticated simulation frameworks including Maxwell-Bloch and density matrix approaches to study nonlinear dynamics in optoelectronic devices. Key contributions involve passive mode-locking mechanisms in THz QCLs, graphene-integrated saturable absorbers for pulse generation, and backscattering effects in ring-cavity soliton formation. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical device engineering for next-generation terahertz sources. As an educator, Seitner serves as assistant lecturer for multiple courses including Computational Photonics Laboratory (5 PR), Partial Differential Equations for Electrical Engineering (4 VI), and Simulation of Quantum Devices (4 VI). He actively participates in doctoral candidate seminars and specialized courses on quantum engineering, demonstrating strong commitment to academic training in photonics and quantum device physics. His teaching integrates cutting-edge research concepts into practical computational exercises. Seitner maintains active collaboration within the EU Project QOMBS and contributes to TUM's Computational Photonics group research infrastructure. His technical expertise encompasses numerical methods for partial differential equations, semiconductor device simulation, and nonlinear optical modeling. Current projects focus on optimizing THz comb sources for spectroscopic applications and extending quantum walk models for novel frequency comb generation mechanisms.
Prof. Gabriele Schrag holds the Professorship of Microsensors and Actuators at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology. Her research focuses on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), including microsensors, actuators, and their applications in acoustics, microfluidics, and bioengineering. She has pioneered work in virtual prototyping for system-level modeling to enhance device robustness and performance. Education: PhD (summa cum laude) from TUM on 'Modeling coupled effects in microsystems' Habilitation in sensor systems technology (2018) Acting head of the Chair of Technical Electrophysics (2018-2023) Research emphasizes acoustic MEMS transducers , electrohydrodynamic printing , and physics-based modeling . Notable projects include developing piezoelectric MEMS microphones with corrugated membranes and integrated micropump systems. Awards include the Bavarian Prize for Good Teaching (2021) and Eurosensors Fellow Award (2019). Her work bridges virtual prototyping with real-world applications , addressing challenges in miniaturization, energy efficiency, and sensor integration for medical and industrial systems.
