Christian Theobalt is a Professor of Computer Science at Saarland University and Scientific Director of the Visual Computing and Artificial Intelligence Department at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics . He leads the Saarbruecken Center for Visual Computing as a strategic partnership between Google and MPI. PhD in Computer Science (2005) from MPI-INF/Saarland University Postdoctoral Researcher at MPI (2005-2007) Visiting Assistant Professor at Stanford (2007-2009) His research focuses on the intersection of Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, and Artificial Intelligence , with specializations in: 3D/4D Human Reconstruction Neural Rendering Performance Capture Geometric Deep Learning Volumetric Video Quantum Visual Computing Recent article trends show emphasis on: Quantum computing applications in visual reconstruction Neural rendering with radiance fields Human motion capture from egocentric views Gesture-language interaction modeling Multi-modal scene understanding Real-time free-viewpoint rendering Scientific Awards : Fellow of EUROGRAPHICS (2022) CVPR Best Student Paper Honorable Mention (2020) ERC Consolidator Grant (2017) Karl Heinz Beckurts Award (2017) Busy Beaver Teaching Award (2016) ERC Starting Grant (2013) Advising over 50 students and researchers including: Current researchers: Viktor Rudnev, Linjie Lyu, Mohit Mendiratta Postdocs: Kwang In Kim, Kiran Varanasi Alumni: Franziska Mueller (Google), Dushyant Mehta (Qualcomm), Ayush Tewari (MIT) Grants include ERC grants, Google Glass Research Award, and multiple industry partnerships. His lab maintains cutting-edge facilities with: Multi-camera capture systems Quantum annealing infrastructure HDR radiance field technology GPU clusters for AI research Time-of-flight imaging systems Event camera arrays
Prof. Dr. Nikolaus A. Adams is a full professor and Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Engineering and Design. Born in 1963, he holds a doctorate from TUM (1993) and habilitation from ETH Zurich (1999). His research focuses on numerical methods, turbulent flows, microfluidics, and multiphase systems. He has held leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering since 2023 and Vice Dean (2015–2016). Education: PhD from TUM (1993), habilitation from ETH Zurich (1999) Research interests include aerodynamics, fluid-structure interaction, and numerical techniques for compressible flows. His work spans high-speed aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Awards include ERC Advanced Grants (GENUFASD 2023, NANOSHOCK 2015), the Gordon Bell Prize (2013), and Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011). Grants and leadership: Spokesperson of DFG SFB/TRR 40 (2008–2020), co-author of 'Large-Eddy Simulation for Compressible Flows' (2009), and editorial roles in J. Comput. Phys.
Max Planck Institute for Intelligent SystemsGermany
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.
Prof. Dr. Mirko Hornung is a Professor of Aircraft Design at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technische Universität München. His research focuses on conceptual aircraft design, integration of propulsion systems, and evaluation of aviation technologies in operational contexts. Education and Career: PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of the Bundeswehr (2003), awarded a research prize for work on reusable space transport systems. 2003–2009: Worked at Airbus Group (EADS) on military air systems, propulsion integration, and program management. Executive Director of Research & Technology at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, a think tank for long-term aviation developments. Research Interests: Aircraft design optimization, including hybrid energy systems, electric propulsion, and UAV technologies. Environmental sustainability in aviation, such as hydrogen-powered aircraft and lifecycle assessment. Aerodynamic and structural analysis, including flutter suppression and composite materials. Key Publications Highlight Trends: Focus on hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion for reducing environmental impact. Advancements in UAV design, including morphing wings and autonomous systems. Integration of AI-driven tools for propulsion optimization and lifecycle analysis. Scientific Awards: EADS Promotion Award (1995) Research Prize for Thesis on Reusable Space Transport Systems (2003) Advising & Grants: Directs research at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, collaborating on future aviation concepts. Engaged in interdisciplinary projects like FLEXOP UAV demonstrator and Ce-Liner eMobility studies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Aircraft Design Professorship at TUM and leadership roles at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, focusing on next-generation aviation technologies.
Prof. Dr. Christian Breitsamter is a Professor at the Technische Universität München (TUM), leading the Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics within the TUM School of Engineering and Design. He has held this position since 2007 and has been a member of key committees such as the ICAS Programme Committee and STAB-Programmleitung. His research focuses on aerodynamics of aircraft and rotorcraft configurations, including vortex dynamics, aeroelasticity, and fluid-structure interaction. Education: PhD in Aerodynamics (1997) Master’s in Aerospace Engineering (1989) Research Interests: Prof. Breitsamter’s work spans experimental and numerical studies of high-agility aircraft, helicopter aerodynamics, and advanced wing designs. Key areas include leading-edge vortices, gust load mitigation using flexible wings, and flow control techniques. His group investigates cutting-edge topics like deep learning for buffet prediction and hybrid neural networks for aerodynamic modeling. Awards: Willy Messerschmitt Preis (1999) AIAA Associate Fellow (2007) Advising & Grants: While specific student names are not listed, his research involves collaborative projects with industry partners (e.g., RACER Compound Helicopter) and EU initiatives like the FURADO program. His team contributes to the NFDI4ING infrastructure for engineering data. Labs/Teams: Active in the Aerodynamics Wind Tunnel facilities (Windkanäle A/B/C) and leads the SAGITTA flying wing demonstrator project. His group also explores membrane wings and elasto-flexible morphing technologies.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Zwick is a full professor and director of the Institute of High Frequency Engineering and Electronics (IHE) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He holds a Dipl.-Ing. (M.S.E.E.) and Dr.-Ing. (Ph.D.E.E.) from the University of Karlsruhe. His career includes roles at IBM Research (2001–2004), Siemens AG (2004–2007 managing automotive radar teams), and KIT since 2007. He leads research in high-frequency technologies, antennas, radar systems, and wireless communications. Research interests include radio wave propagation, antenna design, automotive radar architectures, and millimeter-wave systems. He has authored/co-authored over 400 papers, 20 patents, and received IEEE Fellow status (2018), honorary doctorate from Budapest University (2022), and membership in the Heidelberg Academy and acatech. His work emphasizes integrating sensing and communication systems, 3D-printed RF components, and high-frequency measurement techniques. Teaching focuses on high-frequency engineering, electronic circuits, and radar systems. He oversees the IHE’s laboratories, including the Microwave Engineering Lab and Student Innovation Lab. Recent work explores sub-THz communication, RIS-aided ISAC systems, and beamforming for reduced EMF exposure in urban scenarios.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Staudacher is the Director of the Institute of Aircraft Propulsion at the University of Stuttgart. His work focuses on aircraft propulsion systems, gas turbine performance, and turbomachinery design. He holds a professorship in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace, leading research in advanced engine technologies, erosion effects, and fault detection algorithms. Research interests include engine reliability, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimental validation of propulsion systems. His publications emphasize topics like neural network applications for fault detection, ice crystal icing simulations, and particle transport in additive manufacturing processes. Recent studies highlight the optimization of composite-cycle engines and assessment of mission severity caused by erosion. Key contributions include advancements in engine condition monitoring, transient performance analysis, and the development of Stuttgart University’s Altitude Test Facility (ATF). His work bridges theoretical models with industrial applications, addressing challenges in both civil and military aviation propulsion systems.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wild serves as an Academic Director at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), working within the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology at the Chair of Integrated Systems. He maintains an active research and teaching role at the institution, with his office located in Building N1 (Theresienstr. 90), Room N2136 in Munich, Germany. Dr. Wild's research focuses on advanced computing architectures, with particular emphasis on manycore system on chip (SoC) architectures, network processor (NPU) architectures, on-chip communication architectures including networks on chip (NoC), and system level design methodologies. His work bridges theoretical research with practical implementation, often exploring design space exploration techniques to optimize system performance. The evolution of his research over two decades demonstrates a consistent focus on improving communication architectures and system-level design for embedded and high-performance computing platforms. His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a growing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional hardware design, particularly in optimizing power-performance tradeoffs in embedded systems. There's a clear trend toward hardware-software co-design approaches, with significant work on SmartNICs, Linux system optimization, and network processing acceleration. His research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between computer architecture, networking, and machine learning. EUROPRACTICE representative for TUM city campus, facilitating access to commercial EDA tools for academic purposes Active collaborator with Professor Andreas Herkersdorf and other researchers at TUM Focus on practical implementations with FPGA-based prototyping and real system modifications Dr. Wild teaches several hardware design courses including VHDL Lab, SystemC Lab, and HW/SW Codesign, contributing to the education of next-generation computer engineers. His teaching directly complements his research in system design and hardware acceleration, providing students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies.
Prof. Dr. Ioachim Pupeza serves as Group Leader in the Department of Spectroscopy/Imaging at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany. His research focuses on advanced optical measurement techniques, particularly in the field of field-resolved spectroscopy and precision optical measurements. Dr. Pupeza's research interests center around optical spectroscopy with a particular emphasis on field-resolved techniques that capture the complete electric field waveform of light-matter interactions. His work spans infrared spectroscopy , molecular fingerprinting , ultrafast laser technology , and precision optical measurements . He has made significant contributions to electro-optic sampling techniques, which enable characterization of electric-field waveforms across the terahertz to visible spectral range. His research also extends to mid-infrared light generation , terahertz spintronic emitters , and cavity-enhanced spectroscopy , with applications ranging from fundamental physics to medical diagnostics. Analysis of Dr. Pupeza's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward increasingly sophisticated field-resolved spectroscopy techniques with applications in both fundamental science and practical diagnostics. His work has evolved from basic measurement techniques to applications in cancer detection through molecular fingerprinting of biofluids. A consistent theme across his publications is the pursuit of higher precision, broader bandwidth, and improved sensitivity in optical measurements, often achieving attosecond-level precision. His research bridges physics, engineering, and medical applications, demonstrating how fundamental optical advances can translate to real-world diagnostic tools. Dr. Pupeza leads the research group "Field-Resolved Optical Precision Measurement Methods" at Leibniz-IPHT, which appears to collaborate extensively with other research institutions and groups. His work involves sophisticated laser systems including high-power Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillators, femtosecond enhancement cavities, and dual-oscillator systems for precision measurements. The group's research has implications for molecular spectroscopy, medical diagnostics, and fundamental studies of light-matter interactions at the most fundamental time scales.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Henrich Schleifenbaum is a Professor and Chair of Digital Additive Production at RWTH Aachen University, where he leads research in the Profile area Production Engineering (ProdE). His work advances additive manufacturing (AM) through interdisciplinary approaches combining materials science, process engineering, and digital technologies. His research encompasses: Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process optimization and defect mitigation Development of novel alloys/composites for AM applications Sustainable manufacturing practices including material recycling Integration of AI/ML for accelerated material and process design Digital tools for automated design and distributed manufacturing Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on: Multi-material processing and microstructure control Machine learning-driven alloy development Standardization and scalability of AM processes Advanced simulations for meltpool dynamics and thermal behavior Applications in aerospace, construction, and biochemical engineering He leads the Chair of Digital Additive Production, collaborating with industry partners to translate research into industrial solutions for next-generation manufacturing.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Udo Fiedler is a faculty member at the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM), Department of Business Administration and Economics, where he serves as Head of the Production Engineering Laboratory and Member of the Senate. His academic work focuses on manufacturing engineering with specialization in high-speed machining, production processes, and machine tools. His research interests include: High-Speed Machining (HSC) and precision manufacturing Green machining of sintered parts in the green state Process optimization using statistical experimental design Machine tool technology and NC programming Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing education Process monitoring and control for increased manufacturing safety Prof. Fiedler's publication record demonstrates an evolution from fundamental machining processes toward integrating AI with traditional manufacturing. His recent work shows strong emphasis on applying artificial intelligence to quality prediction, optimizing green machining processes, and implementing Industry 4.0 concepts through learning factory approaches, bridging traditional manufacturing engineering with modern digital technologies. His significant scientific contributions include: Development of methods for NC programming of complex workpieces Research on stability lobe diagrams for milling processes Studies comparing different production methods including HSC, EDM, and generative processes Work on mechatronic tool holders for process monitoring Applications in the ophthalmic industry for precision machining of spectacle lenses Prof. Fiedler teaches multiple courses at THM including Factory Planning/Ergonomics, Handling and Assembly Technology, Innovative Manufacturing Processes, and Machine Tools at the bachelor's level, and Learning Factory 1 and 2 at the master's level. He leads current research projects including Klag-Robotics (2023-2025), Loewe Project OST (2018-2021), and GrünSpan (2014-2015), demonstrating sustained research activity across multiple manufacturing domains.
Max Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesGermany
Dr. Kenneth Zick is a Research Professor at the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute (USC ISI), where he serves as Research Director of Transformational Computing. His work focuses on game-changing computer architectures, hardware, and systems for solving critical government problems, with expertise in unconventional computing, quantum computing, and bio-inspired systems. Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Dr. Zick's research interests span unconventional computing , bio-inspired systems , Ising machines , quantum annealing , FPGA-based solutions , and neuromorphic computing . His group develops hardware-centric algorithm discovery and Cosm, a heuristic algorithm for sparse Ising optimization. Current projects include superconducting digital architectures, analog-digital hybrid computing, and human-AI co-design for breakthrough hardware. His team leverages advanced facilities such as USC ISI's MOSIS 2.0 and the California DREAMS hub in the DoD Microelectronics Commons, with expertise in high-speed I/O, FPGA prototyping, and radiation-hardened systems. He has received a NASA Fellowship for his Ph.D. work and mentored students like Aditi, who won the USC ECE Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.
Prof. Vahid Jamali is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Resilient Communication Systems Group at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. His research focuses on resilient communications, 6G wireless systems, bio-inspired molecular communication, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). He holds a Doctoral Degree from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany, and has served as a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University and FAU. Education PhD in Communication Systems, FAU (2019) Visiting Researcher at Stanford University (2017) Research Assistant at FAU's Institute for Digital Communications (2013-2019) Research Interests Resilient Networks : Emergency networks, RIS-based systems, and resilience-by-design architectures. Wireless Innovations : 6G technologies, holographic MIMO, and joint communication-sensing systems. Bio-inspired Systems : Molecular communication modeling using biological principles like diffusion and chemical reactions. Recent Work Trends His 2024-2025 publications emphasize RIS optimization (e.g., temperature-aware phase shifts, fast beam switching) and molecular communication (e.g., Poisson channel identification, bio-inspired receiver designs). Emerging themes include AoI-based RIS reconfiguration and integrated sensing-communication-powering (ISCAP) for IoT. Lab Activities He leads the Resilient Communication Systems Group, exploring cutting-edge RIS hardware (e.g., liquid crystal implementations) and theoretical foundations for future wireless systems.
Prof. Dr. Florian Knoll is a full professor in Computational Imaging at the Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. He leads the Computational Imaging Lab, focusing on machine learning applications in medical imaging, particularly accelerating MRI through innovative reconstruction algorithms and translating them into clinical practice. His research emphasizes improving MRI speed, artifact robustness, and accessibility, alongside developing quantitative biomarkers for disease processes. Knoll's work is funded by NIH grants, including projects on machine learning for musculoskeletal imaging, MR fingerprinting, and deep learning frameworks for MRI reconstruction. He is a key figure in open science initiatives, co-creating the fastMRI dataset with Facebook AI, providing public access to over 1300 knee and 7000 brain MRI scans. He currently serves as deputy editor of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and chairs the ISMRM Reproducible Research Study Group. His contributions extend to reproducible research, maintaining GitHub repositories with code for image reconstruction techniques (e.g., AGILE, gpuNUFFT) and educational materials. He teaches medical imaging fundamentals at FAU, integrating theoretical and practical insights for students and researchers. Grants: NIH R01EB024532, R21EB027241, P41EB017183, R01EB029957 Labs/Teams: Computational Imaging Lab, fastMRI initiative Software: GitHub repositories for MRI reconstruction (e.g., github.com/FlorianKnoll )
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Gerd Terörde is a Professor of Electrical Drive Technology at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Faculty of Management, Culture and Technology. He holds a Diplom in Electrical Engineering from RWTH Aachen and a Dr.-Ing. habil. from TU Berlin. His career includes research at RWTH Aachen, KU Leuven, and TU Berlin, as well as industry roles as a project leader at Atlas Copco Airpower in Belgium. Education: 1989–1996: Diploma in Electrical Engineering (RWTH Aachen) 2002: PhD in Electrical Engineering (KU Leuven) 2008: Habilitation in Electrical Drive Technology (TU Berlin) Research focuses on electrical drives, power electronics, and control systems, with emphasis on sensorless control, renewable energy integration, and high-performance drive systems. He teaches courses on electrical machines, power electronics, control theory, and regenerative energy systems. Publications include a textbook on electrical drives and numerous patents/contributions to international journals and conferences. His work addresses topics like inverter systems, motion control algorithms, and energy-efficient drive solutions. Labs/Teams: Active in university research groups focusing on electrical drives and energy systems within the Faculty of Management, Culture and Technology.
