Prof. Dr. Jörg E. Drewes is a Full Professor and Chair at the Research Institute for Urban Water Management, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. He also serves as Academic Program Director for Environmental Engineering at TUM and is a co-founder of Waterloop Solutions GmbH. His work spans advanced water treatment technologies, wastewater reuse, and environmental health surveillance. Affiliations : TUM, Colorado School of Mines, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, UNSW Water Research Centre Research focuses on advanced oxidation processes , membrane fouling mitigation , micropollutant removal , and wastewater epidemiology for public health. His team develops integrated systems for water-energy-food nexus applications and graphene oxide-based treatment solutions. Recent publications address PFAS remediation , UVC-LED pre-treatment for biofouling control, and GIS-based wastewater surveillance models . Awards include the Bayerische Staatsmedaille (2023) and William Dunbar Medal (2022). 2023 : Bayerische Staatsmedaille 2022 : William Dunbar Medal 2018 : IWA Fellow He leads the Nexus@TUM initiative and contributes to EU water resilience strategies. Collaborations include projects in Germany, China, India, and Spain, focusing on climate-resilient water systems and resource recovery .
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ahmad Osman is a Professor at the Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar), specializing in Test Technologies and Test Methods within the Faculty of Engineering. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position at Laval University in Quebec, Canada, in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence applications in Signal and Image Processing for Non-destructive Testing (NDT) , with extensive work on Deep Learning , 3D Ultrasound Tomography , and Sensor Data Fusion in industrial contexts. Engineering Artificial Intelligence Signal Processing Image Processing Non-destructive Testing Quality Control Augmented Reality Osman leads the AutomaTiQ research group and serves as Head of the Algorithms/Signal and Data Processing Department at Fraunhofer IZFP . His recent publications (2017–2022) emphasize Deep Learning for defect detection in CFRP , Terahertz Imaging for artwork diagnostics, and Acoustic Sensors for agricultural quality control. He has organized international conferences on Structural Health Monitoring and contributed to Springer books on NDT technologies. His projects include ComforTex-AI (2024) and development of 3D positioners for ultrasound measurements. Collaborations span institutions in Germany, Canada, Italy, and Brazil, with advisory roles in the German Society for NDT and technical committees for conferences in Montreal and Egypt.
Chanchal K. Roy is Professor of Software Engineering/Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan and Co-Director of the Software Research Lab. He leads an NSERC CREATE graduate program on Software Analytics Research and co-leads the Data Management group for an NSERC CFREF project on Food Security, with over 170 publications cited 6,000+ times. His research centers on software clone detection using the widely adopted NICAD system, software evolution, empirical studies, and AI-driven software analytics. Recent work integrates large language models for code generation, clone detection in the AI era, and developer interactions with tools like ChatGPT, emphasizing practical applications in maintenance and analytics. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward AI/ML integration in software engineering: 12 of 15 articles (2025) explore LLMs, quantum computing, or deep learning for tasks like bug localization, code snippet generation, and feature-toggle analysis. Key themes include empirical validation of AI tools, Stack Overflow data mining, and cross-domain frameworks for Society 5.0. His scientific awards include: Most Influential Paper Awards (SANER 2018, ICPC 2018) Outstanding Young Computer Science Researcher Award (CS-Can/Info-Can, 2018) New Researcher Award (University of Saskatchewan, 2019) New Scientist Research Award (College of Arts and Science, 2019) As lead of the NSERC CREATE program and CFREF data group, he mentors graduate students in software analytics while securing major grants. He actively serves on program committees for ASE, ICSE, and FSE, reviewing journals and organizing workshops on clone detection and empirical methods. His lab focuses on real-world applications in food security data management and software evolution. The Software Research Lab, co-directed by Roy, drives projects like NICAD and the NSERC CREATE initiative, emphasizing open-source contributions and industry collaboration. Current efforts include quantum-SE integration and AI-augmented maintenance tools under the CFREF food security mandate.
Anna Maria Oberländer is Assistant Professor for Information Systems and Digital Transformation at the University of Bayreuth's Faculty of Law and Economics. She also serves as Deputy Academic Director of the Research Center Finance & Information Management and holds a leading position at Fraunhofer FIT's Branch Business & Information Systems Engineering, where she co-heads a research group and manages the Digital Innovation Lab as one of its co-founders. Dr. Oberländer earned her Master of Science with honors from the Elite Graduate Program Finance & Information Management at the University of Technology Munich and the University of Augsburg in 2015, including a research visit at Queensland University of Technology. She was accepted into the 16th class of the Bavarian EliteAcademy, receiving leadership training across Germany, Belgium, China, and Vietnam. Prior to academia, she worked as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company from 2015 to 2018, supporting clients in Advanced Industries and Financial Services with digital transformations. She completed her dissertation at the University of Bayreuth's Law and Economics Faculty in 2020. Her research focuses on understanding and designing digital transformation and innovation from established companies' perspectives. She examines digital transformation processes and patterns, the relationship between organizational digital transformation and digital ecosystems, organizational ambidexterity, resource-based digital opportunities for incumbents, and the socio-technical and economic impacts of IoT and AI technologies. Her work spans theoretical frameworks like the OCO (Orientation, Cooperation, Orchestration) Theory for understanding digital ecosystems' influence on transformation. Dr. Oberländer's recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrated digital-sustainability research (twin transformation), AI strategy and implementation, digital ecosystem dynamics, and industry-specific digital innovation. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications across diverse sectors including public administration, manufacturing, and smart cities. She has developed capability maturity models for twin transformation and explored semantic search adoption in SMEs. Science Award 2020 from Universitätsverein Bayreuth e.V. With extensive industry experience at Siemens, Siemens Financial Services, Allianz, and McKinsey & Company, Dr. Oberländer brings practical insights to her academic work. Her Fraunhofer FIT role connects her research to real-world applications through the Digital Innovation Lab. She has led collaborative research projects across multiple industries, including the print industry's sustainability potential with AI, dairy industry digital innovation, and public administration digitalization. Dr. Oberländer co-heads a research group at Fraunhofer FIT and manages the Digital Innovation Lab, which serves as a hub for collaborative research between academia and industry. Her work with the Research Center Finance & Information Management facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration across finance and information systems domains.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arne Pietsch is a faculty member at the Technical University of Luebeck in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Economics . His expertise centers on apparatus and plant engineering for the food industry , with a focus on hygienic apparatus engineering and high-pressure technology . Specializations: Food process engineering, supercritical fluid applications, and industrial plant design Current role: Founding Officer in the department His research spans supercritical CO2 processes , including decaffeination, turbine cleaning, and polymer impregnation. He integrates high-pressure systems into engineering education and explores viscosity dynamics in food processing. Key publication trends (2012–2019) highlight work in: Supercritical fluid extraction and impregnation High-pressure equipment safety and design Gas-assisted oilseed pressing Coffee processing quality control
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Christian Krupitzer is a Tenure Track Professor in Food Informatics at the University of Hohenheim's Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He leads the Department of Food Informatics and is a member of the Computational Science Hub (CSH). His research focuses on self-adaptive software systems, machine learning (especially edge computing), IoT technologies, and software engineering applied to food processing and agricultural systems. Education: PhD in Business Information Systems (Dr. rer. pol.), University of Mannheim (2018) M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Business Information Systems, University of Mannheim (2010–2012) High School Diploma (Abitur) from Wilhelmi-Gymnasium Sinsheim (2007) Research Interests: Krupitzer’s work integrates computational methods with food science, emphasizing adaptive systems for food quality monitoring, IoT in agriculture, and machine learning for predictive analytics. He explores edge computing’s role in real-time decision-making and secure group communication schemes for IoT networks. Publications: His recent work spans predictive maintenance in Industry 4.0, digital twins in food systems, and blockchain applications in supply chain authentication. The articles highlight trends in interdisciplinary approaches combining AI, IoT, and domain-specific challenges in food production and logistics. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly listed in the provided materials. Grants & Advising: While specific grants are unmentioned, his roles as department head and tenure-track professor suggest involvement in research funding. No formal advisee list provided, though his team includes postgraduate researchers like Dana Jox, Daniel Einsiedel, and others. Labs & Teams: Leads the Food Informatics department and collaborates with the Computational Science Hub. His team focuses on developing innovative solutions for food systems through computational methods.
Prof. Dr. Philipp A. Rauschnabel serves as Professor of Digital Marketing and Media Innovation at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich's Faculty of Business Administration. Recognized as one of the world's leading scientists in augmented reality, virtual reality, and metaverse research, he bridges academic theory with practical business applications across multiple industries. His educational background includes: Habilitation, Dr. habil; PD, Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg Dr. rer. pol. (psychological brand management, 2014, summa cum laude), Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg M.Sc. in Marketing and Distribution Management, Georg-August University of Göttingen (best of class) BA in Business (Marketing and Business Information Systems), Merseburg University of Applied Sciences (Top 10% graduate) Rauschnabel's research centers on the practical implementation of spatial computing technologies in marketing contexts. He has developed influential frameworks including the XR framework that redefines the relationship between augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. His work examines how these technologies transform consumer-brand relationships, workplace operations, and marketing strategies across retail, manufacturing, and service industries. He particularly investigates the psychological mechanisms through which AR/VR experiences influence consumer behavior, brand love, and purchasing decisions. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear progression from basic AR applications toward more sophisticated spatial computing environments and persistent metaverse experiences. His research demonstrates increasing sophistication in understanding contextual factors, emotional responses, and long-term consumer engagement with these technologies. The work consistently bridges theoretical marketing concepts with practical implementation challenges faced by businesses. His significant scientific recognition includes: Top 1% Scientist (Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, 2023) Top 2% Scientist (Stanford List 2023) Microsoft Academics listed as one of the top 5 AR researchers worldwide based on citation output (2021) Named one of the top 15 AR marketing researchers worldwide (Kumar, 2021) Prof. Rauschnabel serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Business Research and chairs the bdvb research institute. He has provided expert consultation to the German Federal Government on XR/Web3/Metaverse (2022) and regularly advises major corporations across multiple sectors including food, home appliances, insurance, automotive, and telecommunications across Germany, USA, Switzerland, China, and Austria. His practical consulting work complements his academic research, creating a valuable feedback loop between theory and practice. He leads multiple research initiatives on augmented reality marketing and spatial computing, collaborating with industry partners to develop practical applications of these emerging technologies. His work emphasizes the importance of understanding both the technological capabilities and human factors that determine successful implementation of AR/VR in business contexts.
Núria Agell Jané is a Full Professor at ESADE Business School , Universitat Ramon Llull, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Decision-Making Systems. She leads the JUICE (Judgements and Decisions in the Market Place) research group and the ESADE D3 - Institute for Data-Driven Decisions . Doctorate in Applied Mathematics (Qualitative Reasoning Modelling), UPC-BarcelonaTech Bachelor's in Mathematics, University of Barcelona Her research focuses on Artificial Intelligence , Decision-Making Systems , and Fuzzy Logic , with applications in Business, Marketing, and Sustainability. Recent publications emphasize Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets , Consensus Modeling , and AI in Sustainable Development . She coordinates multiple publicly and privately funded projects applying AI to Business and Marketing challenges. As PhD Programme Director (2005-2013) and current Department Director of Operations, Innovation and Data Sciences , she has shaped academic and research strategies at ESADE. Her work spans collaborations with institutions like LAAS-CNRS (France) and University of Edinburgh Business School , with over 40 journal publications and 50 conference contributions. She has directly supervised 11 PhD students in AI and Decision Sciences.
Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg is a Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Strategy at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) since 2017, where he also served as Department Head of the Operations and Technology Department from 2017 to 2023. Prior to joining KLU as an Associate Professor in 2012, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Cologne (2010–2012) and a strategy consultant at Booz & Company (2006–2010). His research interests span supply chain analytics and technology integration inventory modeling for intermittent demand digital transformation in operations management additive manufacturing in after-sales services human-machine interaction in forecasting pharmaceutical supply chain challenges IoT-enabled vendor-managed inventory behavioral aspects of operations . Recent publications highlight empirical studies leveraging machine learning for semiconductor order fulfillment, typologies for additive manufacturing adoption, and process mining applications in SCM. His work frequently combines theoretical modeling with real-world validation, including partnerships with firms in food manufacturing, postal services, and medical devices. He earned a PhD in Supply Chain Management from Münster University (2006) and a Diplom in Industrial Engineering from Paderborn University and Monash University. He has held visiting scholar roles at institutions like Cornell, NUS, Oxford, and Stellenbosch.
Dr. Matthew James Slater is the Head of the Aquaculture Research Group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, focusing on sustainable marine bioeconomy. His work emphasizes integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), holothurian ecology, and economic development through aquaculture. He leads applied research with industry partners to develop sustainable feed solutions and improve aquaculture practices. Research interests include optimizing feed ingredients from by-products (e.g., black soldier fly larvae, shrimp processing remains) and exploring the ecological roles of sea cucumbers. He investigates the effects of environmental factors (soundscapes, light, temperature) on aquatic species and promotes circular economy principles in aquaculture. Key contributions span over 60 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work on microplastic contamination in fish and the economic value of small-scale fisheries. His research integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges in aquaculture sustainability and food security. Contact: matthew.james.slater@awi.de | +49(471)4831-2727 | Alfred Wegener Institute, Bussestraße 27, 27570 Bremerhaven
Dr. Katja Wehner is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Biology at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, specializing in soil arthropod ecology with a focus on oribatid mite communities across forest microhabitats including litter, soil, dead wood, and tree bark. Her work examines their role in forest food webs and responses to environmental stressors. Education: PhD in Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt (2009). Dissertation: 'Parthenogenesis and Sexuality in Oribatid Mites' Diploma in Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt (2004). Thesis: 'Variability at the hsp82-locus of the parthenogenetic oribatid mite Platynothrus peltifer' Research Focus: Dr. Wehner investigates biotic interactions and acarological dynamics in Central European forests, emphasizing how land-use intensity, drought, and structural factors shape oribatid mite biodiversity. Her work integrates community ecology, soil science, and microhabitat specialization to understand ecosystem resilience and food-web interactions, with particular attention to parthenogenetic versus sexual reproduction strategies in microarthropods. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2018-2022) reveal a strong emphasis on anthropogenic impacts, including land-use change effects on aboveground-belowground linkages, drought/storm damage consequences for soil communities, and microhabitat-driven variations in mite sex ratios and seasonal dynamics. Her collaborative work in journals like Nature Communications and Global Ecology and Conservation demonstrates methodological integration of field surveys, controlled experiments, and multi-taxon analyses. Collaborative Networks: Dr. Wehner actively participates in large-scale ecological initiatives including the Biodiversity Exploratories project, collaborating with researchers from institutions like the Technical University of Munich and University of Würzburg on cross-taxa biodiversity studies. Her co-authorship on multi-investigator papers indicates strong engagement with Germany's ecological research infrastructure.
Peter Breunig is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf (HSWT), working within the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition. His academic focus centers on agricultural marketing, market theory, and sustainable food systems. As Coordinator specializing in "Marketing and Management in Agribusiness" and Public Relations lead for the Agriculture department, he plays a significant role in shaping the institution's engagement with industry and the public. His educational expertise is reflected in his comprehensive teaching portfolio covering: Agricultural markets Fundamentals of Agricultural Marketing Marketing and Management of Regional Value Chains (Master) Market theory and market policy Regional marketing Strategies of International Agricultural Marketing (Master) Processes and economics of crop/animal production Professor Breunig's research bridges theoretical market concepts with practical applications in agriculture, with particular emphasis on sustainability transitions. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across agricultural economics, food science, environmental studies, and technology fields. Recent publications reveal a clear trend toward addressing sustainability challenges in food systems, particularly regarding consumer acceptance of alternative proteins, climate impacts of agricultural practices, and digital transformation in agriculture. Among his notable scientific contributions are studies on: Media portrayal of new genetic technologies in agriculture Consumer acceptance of animal-free dairy products Climate change mitigation potentials in agricultural systems Digital transformation frameworks for agricultural ecosystems Professor Breunig has supervised numerous master's theses across diverse topics in agricultural marketing and management, and currently mentors doctoral candidates including Tanja Strobel-Unbehaun and Hanno Koßmann. His research projects include "Mastering opportunities yourself - scouting, career guidance and key qualifications in Agriculture" where he serves as project lead, demonstrating his commitment to developing future agricultural professionals.
Largus T. Angenent is a W3 Professor in Environmental Biotechnology at the University of Tübingen, within the Faculty of Science and Department of Geosciences. He leads the Angenent Lab, a research group dedicated to advancing carbon-negative technologies and sustainable bioprocesses. His work bridges academic innovation and real-world application through entrepreneurial ventures and international collaborations. His research focuses on developing novel biological and thermochemical technologies to recover and utilize carbon from waste streams, including anaerobic digestion, chain elongation, pyrogenic biochar production, and CO2 capture. He aims to transform industries such as wastewater treatment, chemical production, and food systems into carbon-negative processes. The Angenent Lab emphasizes innovation through microbiome engineering and systems analysis. The research trends indicate a strong focus on sustainability, climate change mitigation, and circular bioeconomies, leveraging both biological and thermochemical pathways to convert waste carbon into valuable products like fuels, plastics, and food. Humboldt Professor Max Planck Fellow Prof. Angenent is actively involved in mentoring PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering innovation through close collaboration. His lab has successfully translated research into two startups—Electrochaea and Capro-X—and is developing more spin-offs. He serves as a Co-PI team member of the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Center at Aarhus University, enhancing scale-up and industrial collaboration. He also participates in university sustainability initiatives and hiring committees. The Angenent Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of environmental science, biotechnology, and engineering. It functions as a satellite facility for the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Center and maintains a strong entrepreneurial culture focused on translating bench-scale discoveries into scalable, sustainable technologies.
Verena Tiefenbeck is a Professor and Chair of Digital Transformation at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), leading a Bavarian Ministry-funded junior research group since 2019. Her work bridges digital transformation with behavioral science, focusing on high-resolution behavioral data to drive sustainability in energy, mobility, health, and human-AI collaboration. Education: MSc in Mechanical Engineering & Management (TU Munich, Ecole Centrale Paris) Doctorate: ETH Zurich (2014) Research explores how digital technologies shape human behavior through real-time feedback, algorithmic transparency, and nudges. Key areas include energy conservation, sustainable mobility, and AI adoption in organizational contexts. Her recent publications examine peer-to-peer energy markets, digital food labeling, and algorithmic fairness in HR. Core research themes across 2024-2025 publications include: Digital feedback mechanisms for energy/water conservation Algorithmic transparency in AI-driven recruitment Behavioral economics of renewable energy communities Digital nudges in health decisions and sustainable consumption Methodological transparency in design science research
Professor Johanita Kruger is a faculty member at the University of Applied Sciences Fulda, Germany, where she holds the position of Professor of Food Technology and Nutrition. Previously, she has held roles including Researcher at the University of Hohenheim and Lecturer at the University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on nutrient bioavailability, particularly inhibitors and enhancers of bioactive compounds, with an emphasis on polysorbate micelle absorption mechanisms, food-to-food fortification strategies, and mineral bioavailability in African green leafy vegetables. She collaborates internationally on projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and USAID, addressing issues such as micronutrient deficiencies and food processing innovations. Her educational background includes a PhD in Nutrition from the University of Pretoria, alongside extensive post-doctoral and research experience across multiple institutions. University of Applied Sciences Fulda, Germany (2023–present) University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart (2020–2023; 2016–2018) University of Pretoria, South Africa (2015–2015; 2011–2013) Her research interests span food biofunctionality, including the development of novel micellar formulations and the evaluation of food processing techniques to enhance nutrient bioavailability. Key projects include defining food-to-food fortification strategies and investigating iron/zinc bioavailability in traditional African diets. She has contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations, such as the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Processing. Publications highlight advancements in polysorbate micelle stability, polyphenol encapsulation, and the efficacy of tropical plant-based fortification. Her work bridges laboratory research and real-world applications, aiming to improve global food security and nutritional outcomes. Laboratory activities include the USAID-funded Food Processing Lab and collaborative projects with institutions in France and Slovenia. No scientific awards are explicitly noted in the provided text. Her advising and grants include DFG funding for micelle absorption studies and contributions to the Kenyan Flour Blending Initiative. Students and lab teams focus on topics like cereal biofortification and nutrient-micelle interactions.
