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Rainer Haag is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, leading the Haag Group in the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on biodegradable and sustainable materials, dynamic hydrogels, and polymeric nanosystems for biomedical applications. Department of Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin Member of SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces Collaborator in the StemGel startup project Co-founder of CSR|Berlin interdisciplinary research institute Research Interests: Development of stimuli-responsive polymers, multivalent virus inhibitors, and functional biointerfaces. Key projects include: Antiviral coatings using heteromultivalent polymers Thermoresponsive hydrogels for stem cell expansion Graphene derivatives for bacterial capture and disinfection Lignin upcycling for sustainable resin materials Supramolecular nanosystems for drug delivery Publication Trends highlight interdisciplinary work in polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications. Recent articles focus on: 2D polyglycerols for virus interactions Redox-responsive nanogels Mucus-inspired adhesive hydrogels Tumor-targeting micelles Bacterial disinfection using graphene composites Labs & Collaborations include the Polymeric and Supramolecular Nanosystems subgroup, the Dynamic Hydrogels and Biointerfaces team, and partnerships with MIT in developing bioinspired adhesives. His group contributes to DFG-funded SFB 1449 and CSR|Berlin initiatives.

• Biodegradable Materials
• Sustainable Polymer Chemistry
• Dynamic Hydrogels
• +7 more

Christoph Keplinger serves as Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Stuttgart, Germany, leading the Robotic Materials Department since 2020 and assuming overall institute leadership in 2023. He holds dual academic appointments as Honorary Professor at the University of Stuttgart and Eminent Visiting Professor of Soft Robotics at the University of Colorado Boulder, establishing him as a pivotal figure in bridging fundamental materials science with advanced robotics. His interdisciplinary approach integrates physics, chemistry, and engineering to pioneer breakthroughs in soft robotic systems. Keplinger's academic foundation includes a PhD in Soft Matter Physics from Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria, followed by postdoctoral research at Harvard University focusing on mechanics and chemistry of soft materials. This unique background enabled his transition into robotics innovation, particularly in electrohydraulic actuation systems. His research program centers on three synergistic pillars: (I) soft robotics development through novel actuator technologies like HASEL artificial muscles; (II) energy capture mechanisms using soft materials; and (III) functional polymers engineered for robotic applications. This work produces transformative hardware that mimics biological functionality, with significant implications for human-robot interaction, medical devices, and sustainable robotics systems. His group employs cutting-edge materials synthesis and characterization techniques to create lifelike robotic components. Analysis of recent publications reveals dominant trends in wearable haptic interfaces, electrohydraulic actuation systems, and tremor-suppression technologies. The research consistently leverages HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing Electrostatic) technology to achieve muscle-like performance in soft actuators, with applications spanning from fingertip haptic feedback to underwater manipulation systems. This trajectory demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental material properties toward practical implementations in medical rehabilitation and human augmentation. His exceptional contributions have earned prestigious recognition: 2017 Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, awarded for high-impact interdisciplinary research 2021 Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (declined to remain at MPI-IS), Germany's most valuable international research award 2013 EAPromising European Researcher Award from the European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles As principal investigator, Keplinger leads a dynamic interdisciplinary research group while securing competitive funding for frontier projects. His entrepreneurial vision materialized in 2018 through co-founding Artimus Robotics, where he serves as Chief Science Officer to commercialize HASEL technology. This dual commitment to academic research and industry translation exemplifies his dedication to real-world impact, particularly in creating biodegradable and sustainable soft robotic solutions. The Robotic Materials Department operates state-of-the-art facilities for materials fabrication, robotic integration, and haptic interface development. The team maintains strong collaborations across MPI-IS departments and external institutions including the University of Colorado Boulder, fostering innovation in sustainable robotics through initiatives like biodegradable electrohydraulic actuators. Current projects focus on wearable tremor suppression systems, electrohydraulic locomotion platforms, and energy-autonomous soft robots that address critical challenges in medical rehabilitation and human augmentation.

• Soft Robotics
• Functional Polymers
• Energy Capture
• +4 more

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Selin Kara is a Professor at the Institute of Technical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover. She leads research in biocatalysis and bioprocessing, with a focus on sustainable and innovative enzyme-based technologies. Her leadership roles include Spokesperson of the Curriculum and Teaching Committee for Life Science and Chairperson of the Admissions Board for MSc Life Science. Full Name: Selin Kara Institution: Leibniz University Hannover Faculty: Faculty of Natural Sciences Department: Institute of Technical Chemistry Academic Rank: Professor Email: selin.kara@iftc.uni-hannover.de Her research interests center on biocatalysis and bioprocessing , particularly in redox biocatalysis , enzyme immobilization , non-conventional media such as deep eutectic solvents, biocatalytic cascades , and flow biocatalysis . She explores enzyme kinetics and process engineering to enhance efficiency and sustainability in chemical synthesis. Her group develops novel reactor systems and materials, including hydrogels and 3D-printed microfluidics, for advanced biocatalytic applications. She emphasizes green chemistry principles, aiming to replace traditional chemical processes with eco-friendly enzymatic alternatives. The most recent publications (2024–2025) demonstrate a strong trend in deep eutectic solvents , fusion enzymes , immobilization techniques , and sustainable synthesis of bio-based chemicals . Her work integrates experimental and computational methods to understand enzyme behavior and optimize reaction systems. Key themes include process intensification, solvent engineering, and industrial scalability, with applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and sustainable materials. She holds leadership positions in academic governance, including: Spokesperson, Curriculum and Teaching Committee, Life Science (BSc/MSc) Chairperson, Admissions Board for MSc Life Science Executive Board Member, Institute of Technical Chemistry Deputy Representative for Professors in Faculty Council and Examination Boards Her research is highly collaborative, involving interdisciplinary teams and international partners, and is consistently published in high-impact journals such as Green Chemistry , ACS Catalysis , and ChemSusChem . While specific scientific awards and student advisees are not listed in the provided text, her extensive publication record and leadership roles reflect significant academic contributions.

• Biocatalysis
• Bioprocessing
• Redox Biocatalysis
• +12 more

Amirreza Aghakhani is a Assistant Professor and Director of the Institute for Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems at the University of Stuttgart . His work focuses on Microrobotics and Biomedical Engineering , particularly in targeted drug delivery, microsurgery, detoxification, and diagnostics using micro- and nanofabrication and ultrasound technologies . Research Interests: Microrobotics, biomedical applications, wireless actuation, acoustic manipulation, lab-on-a-chip systems, and smart materials. Recent publications highlight advancements in piezoelectric energy harvesting , magnetic microrollers for therapy, and acoustic trapping of particles. His team explores adaptive microrobotic agents and biologically-inspired designs to bridge biomedical research with clinical applications.

• Microrobotics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Targeted Drug Delivery
• +7 more

Anna C. Balazs is Distinguished Professor and John A. Swanson Chair of Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, with an adjunct appointment in Chemistry and visiting professorships at Scripps Research Institute, UT-Austin and Oxford University. In 2025 she receives the €10,000 Gutenberg Research Award from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) for her pioneering theoretical work on smart soft materials. She earned an A.B. in Physics from Bryn Mawr College (1975) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT (1981), followed by post-doctoral research at Brandeis, MIT and UMass. Research interests span theoretical and computational soft-matter physics, focusing on: Statistical-mechanical modelling of polymer blends and composites Self-oscillating and chemo-responsive hydrogels Active matter, enzyme-powered swimmers and self-propelling sheets Self-healing, shape-morphing and bio-inspired materials Computer simulation of colloidal and interfacial phenomena Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trend toward integrating chemistry, fluid mechanics and elasticity to create life-like, autonomous soft machines. Key contributions include: Harnessing enzyme pumps to drive macroscopic sheet locomotion Designing chemically communicating micro-post arrays Creating dissipative materials with programmable, hierarchical 3-D architectures Scientific awards include: Gutenberg Research Award 2025 Polymer Physics Prize, American Physical Society SF Boys-A. Rahman Award, Royal Society of Chemistry Langmuir Lectureship Award, American Chemical Society Election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (2021) She serves on the Advisory Board of the DOE-BES Materials Council and on editorial boards for Langmuir , Soft Matter and Polymer Reviews . Her group collaborates closely with experimental teams world-wide, including the DFG-NSF “Confine” partnership with JGU and the CoM2Life Cluster of Excellence initiative.

• Soft matter theory
• Polymer physics
• Smart materials
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Job Boekhoven is an Associate Professor at the Department of Bioscience , TUM School of Natural Sciences , Technical University of Munich . His research focuses on synthetic life , chemically fueled self-assembly , and supramolecular materials , aiming to synthesize life from scratch. Research Interests include creating synthetic cells that compete for resources, replicate, and undergo Darwinian evolution . His lab designs molecules like lipids , peptides , and nucleic acids that self-assemble into active compartments regulated by chemical energy. These systems exhibit life-like hallmarks such as emergence , self-division , and controllable lifetimes . Scientific Awards include: ERC Consolidator Grant (2024) Lecturer Award by Association of the Chemical Industry (2024) ERC Starting Grant (2019) Volkswagen Foundation 'Life?' Grant (2019) Max Planck Fellow (2019) VCI Dozentenpreis (2021) Thieme Chemistry Journal Award (2017) Rubicon Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013) Publications highlight trends in nonequilibrium materials , dynamic combinatorial libraries , and protocell engineering . His work bridges synthetic chemistry with biophysics to explore life's origins and applications in materials science .

• Synthetic Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Andreas Walther is a Professor of Macromolecular Materials and Systems at the Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. He is also a Research Fellow at the Gutenberg Research College and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. His research focuses on adaptive, bioinspired materials systems, self-assembly processes, and energy-driven functional materials. Key projects include the development of ATP-fueled systems, dissipative systems engineering, and light-actuated materials. Walther leads the Walther Lab, specializing in life-like materials and systems, and contributes to educational initiatives like the livMatS program. His expertise spans hierarchical self-assembly, biomimetic materials, and non-equilibrium systems. Recent work emphasizes communication in chemically fueled networks and programmable DNA coacervates. Publications highlight breakthroughs in ATP-responsive materials, scalable hydrogel synthesis, and light-controlled systems. Awards and grants include DFG funding for livMatS-related research. He advises two PhD students and collaborates widely across institutions.

• Adaptive materials
• Bioinspired systems
• Self-assembly
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Leonid Ionov is a leading academic at the Faculty of Engineering Science , University of Bayreuth, specializing in Biofabrication and 4D Printing . He has held professorial roles since 2017, with prior positions at the University of Georgia and TU Dresden. Research Priorities: Smart responsive polymers, 3D/4D bioprinting, self-healing electronics, and bioinspired surface engineering. Teaching: Offers advanced courses in 3D Printing of Polymers , Biofabrication , and Polymer Science . His work integrates stimuli-responsive materials with additive manufacturing to create bioinspired actuators, vascular scaffolds, and self-healing conductive systems. Recent articles focus on 4D-printed vascular junctions , multi-responsive cellulose composites , and dynamic bilayer morphing . Scientific Achievements Recipient of the 2022 North Bavaria Business Plan Competition award 2012 Georg Manecke Prize for biopolymer research Developed European patents for Li-S battery cathodes and microfluidic devices Trained over 20 PhD/postdoc alumni now at institutions like Iowa State University and Harvard Medical School . Leads a multidisciplinary lab with advanced equipment for polymer synthesis, electrospinning, and cell culture studies.

• Biofabrication
• 3D Printing
• Stimuli-Responsive Materials
• +4 more

Seraphine V. Wegner is a Full Professor at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry within the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster. She leads an active research group focused on the spatiotemporal control of cell-material and cell-cell interactions using visible light. Her work bridges synthetic biology, cell biology, and photochemistry to create innovative approaches for tissue engineering and minimal cellular systems. Dr. Wegner's educational background includes a PhD from the University of Chicago (2005-2010) and undergraduate studies at Middle East Technical University in Turkey (2002-2005). Her career path has taken her through prestigious institutions including the Max Planck Institutes in Mainz and Heidelberg, where she established her independent research before joining the University of Münster as a Full Professor in 2019. Her research spans several interconnected areas including light-controlled minimal cellular systems, photoswitchable cell-cell interactions for tissue engineering, light-controlled cell-material interactions, and engineering designer biofilms with light. These research themes share a common thread of using light as a non-invasive tool to precisely control biological processes with high spatial and temporal resolution. Dr. Wegner's publication record shows consistent high-impact output across leading journals in cell biology, synthetic biology, and materials science. Her recent work demonstrates increasing sophistication in multi-color light control systems and applications in both fundamental biological questions and potential therapeutic approaches. ERC Consolidator Grant (2024): LIGHTHOUSE - Light as a signal for nonchemical cell-to-cell communication ERC Starting Grant (2018): ARTIST - Artificial cell-cell interactions for light switchable cell organization and signaling Young Leaders in Science Program, Schering Foundation (2016) MaxSynBio Independent Group Leader, BMBF/MPG (2015) Her research group actively collaborates across disciplines, with projects spanning from fundamental biophysics of cell adhesion to potential medical applications in tissue engineering and bacterial therapeutics. Dr. Wegner has established herself as a leader in the emerging field of optogenetic control of multicellular systems.

• Synthetic Biology
• Cell Biology
• Photochemistry
• +5 more

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 .

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Biopharmaceutics
• 3D Printing in Drug Delivery
• +3 more

Prof. Robert Göstl is a Professor leading the Research Group Göstl at RWTH Aachen University, with a concurrent position as Associated Scientist at the University of Wuppertal. His research bridges synthetic organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, photophysics, and materials science, focusing on mechanoresponsive biomaterials and polymer mechanochemistry. His group investigates stress interactions with materials through innovative approaches like molecular fractography and force-induced bond scission. Key research areas include: Development of optical force probes for polymer damage analysis Ultrasound-activated therapeutic release systems Mechanochemical activation of biomolecules Design of stimuli-responsive hydrogels and microgels Analyses of recent publications show strong emphasis on ultrasound-mediated drug delivery (40% of recent works), advanced polymer characterization techniques (25%), and biomaterial applications (35%). Primary methodologies include mechanophore design, super-resolution microscopy, and nanoparticle-polymer composites. Prof. Göstl currently supervises six PhD students working on projects including: Microgel-cell interactions Nanoscale fractography of composites Force-induced reaction pathways Thermally stable optical probes His laboratory develops experimental platforms for polymer mechanochemistry including specialized synthesis routes, confocal microscopy setups, and ultrasound application systems for material testing.

• Polymer Chemistry
• Mechanochemistry
• Materials Science
• +2 more

Dr. Thomas Brandstetter is a researcher and group leader at the University of Freiburg's Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), leading the Bioanalytical Surfaces group since 2007. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Freiburg (2000) and has extensive postdoctoral experience in biochip technologies and clinical applications. His research focuses on developing innovative bioanalytical platforms for DNA/RNA detection, protein analysis, and biomedical applications such as tumor cell capture and biofilm prevention. He has pioneered surface-attached polymer networks and hydrogel coatings to enhance biochip sensitivity and reusability. Key research areas include biochip technology, microfluidics, surface chemistry, and materials science. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges in diagnostics, such as point-of-care testing and in vivo diagnostics. Notable projects include hydrogel-based sensor surfaces, PCR-compatible metallic coatings, and functionalized medical wires for capturing rare cells in blood. He oversees a team of PhD students and postdocs, contributing to advancements in analytical chemistry and biomedical engineering. Dr. Brandstetter has published extensively on topics like DNA microarray platforms, NASBA amplification, and antibacterial coatings. His lab collaborates with industry partners like Genescan Europe AG and contributes to translational research through patents on biochip fabrication and medical devices. He is actively involved in teaching and mentoring, fostering the next generation of researchers in bioanalytical technologies.

• Biochip Technologies
• Analytical Chemistry
• Genomics
• +5 more

Matthias Meier is a Full Professor at the Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, and Principal Investigator at Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München. His research focuses on advancing microfluidic organ-on-chip technology for single-cell and whole-organ disease modeling. Education: PhD in Biophysics (University of Basel, 2006) Research Interests: Dr. Meier's work bridges bioengineering and metabolic disorders, using organ-on-chip platforms to study stem cell differentiation, pancreatic/adipose tissue interactions, and dynamic microenvironmental signals. His lab integrates microfluidics with hiPSC-derived organoids for obesity and diabetes research. Publication Trends: Recent studies emphasize organ-on-chip systems, single-cell analysis , and stem cell engineering , with applications in cardiovascular disease modeling, spatial transcriptomics, and bioelectronic monitoring. Scientific Awards: Feodor-Lynen Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008) Emmy-Noether Fellowship (2012-2018) ERC Consolidator Grant (2017) Advising & Grants: He has led independent research groups with major grants, focusing on energy imbalance mechanisms and patient-specific organoid models for metabolic disease therapies. Labs & Teams: The Matthias Meier Lab develops microfluidic platforms to control chemical, architectural, and mechanical cues for hiPSC differentiation, emphasizing spatial protein profiling and organoid assembly.

• Bioengineering
• Microfluidics
• Organ-on-Chip Technology
• +5 more

Dr. Elisha Krieg serves as Group Leader at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden and TUD Young Investigator at Dresden University of Technology, Germany. Her research pioneers programmable biomaterials using DNA nanotechnology for advanced biomedical applications, bridging synthetic polymer science with biological complexity. Her academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel (2013) M.Sc. in Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel (2009) Vordiplom in Chemistry, University of Cologne, Germany (2006) Krieg's work centers on developing DNA-based nanomaterials that translate nanoscale programmability to macroscopic functional materials. Her group designs synthetic polymers functionalized with DNA modules to create reconfigurable platforms for diagnostics, tissue engineering, and nucleic acid purification. This approach leverages DNA's molecular precision to overcome limitations of conventional synthetic polymers, enabling dynamic biomaterials that respond to biological cues. Recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward clinical translation, with 12 of 15 recent papers focusing on DNA-encoded hydrogels for cell culture matrices and nucleic acid diagnostics. The research spans fundamental supramolecular chemistry to applied biomedical engineering, emphasizing scalability and point-of-care compatibility. Key recognition includes: HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowship during Harvard tenure Krieg actively recruits MSc/PhD students through DIGS-BB and secures competitive funding including the TUD Young Investigator program. Her mentorship emphasizes interdisciplinary training in polymer chemistry, molecular biology, and nanomaterial characterization. Current grants support three core application areas: DNA/RNA purification for sequencing diagnostics, dynamic 3D cell culture matrices, and pathogen detection systems. The Krieg Group operates within the Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, utilizing advanced facilities for DNA nanotechnology, polymer synthesis, and nanomaterial characterization including cryo-EM and rheology.

• DNA Nanotechnology
• Programmable Materials
• Biomaterials
• +3 more

Professor Achim Göpferich holds the Chair of Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Regensburg , Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy. He has led this position since 1997 and maintains active research in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. 1997: Habilitation at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg 1991-1993: Postdoctoral work at MIT 1987-1991: Doctorate at Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg 1982-1987: Pharmacy degree at Heidelberg University His research focuses on pharmaceutical technology , particularly: Nanoparticle design for targeted drug delivery Hydrogel-based controlled release systems Enzyme-activated delivery mechanisms Biodistribution and cellular uptake dynamics Clinical applications in ophthalmology and oncology Surface modification of nanocarriers Recent work emphasizes smart nanomaterials that respond to biological triggers, with applications in inflammatory diseases and cancer therapy. His group has developed innovative techniques for radiolabeling and characterizing nanoparticles. As head of the Pharmaceutical Technology chair, he leads a team exploring: Novel polymer hydrogels Lipid nanocapsule formulations Peptide-conjugated delivery systems Enzymatic activation of therapeutic cargos

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Hydrogels
• +3 more