Prof. Bianca van Kemenade leads the Systems Neuroscience of Action and Perception (SNAP) Lab at Justus Liebig University Giessen's School of Medicine. Her research focuses on action-based predictions, self-generated vs externally generated stimuli distinction, and neural mechanisms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Investigates how actions shape sensory perception through predictive coding Examines cerebellar and cortical contributions to sensorimotor processing Develops interventions for schizophrenia using neuroimaging techniques Recent work analyzes BOLD responses during visual feedback processing (2022-2025), explores speech-gesture matching networks (2024), and compares discrete vs continuous action feedback (2021). The lab employs fMRI, TMS, and behavioral methods. Current team members include postdoc Gizem Yildiz , PhD student Juan Carlo Cabato , and research assistants Sirine Nouira and Viktoria Zizer .
Prof. Dr. med. Andreas K. Engel serves as Director of the Institute of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology at the Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). His research focuses on neural oscillations, brain dynamics, and neurophysiological mechanisms in health and disease, particularly employing EEG, MEG, and brain stimulation techniques like tACS to study cognitive processes, motor control, and multisensory integration. Current affiliation: Institute of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, UKE Academic rank: Professor Email: ak.engel@uke.de Key research areas include: Neural oscillations and synchronization Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms (Parkinson's) Brain-computer interface development Neural coupling during social interactions Cortical network dynamics Neuromodulation techniques Recent publications demonstrate expertise in analyzing multisensory integration, phase-amplitude coupling, and applying stimulation methods to modulate cortical activity patterns. His work bridges computational neuroscience with clinical applications in movement disorders and cognitive impairments.
Dr. Alex Mitrevski is a Lecturer and postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems (A2S) at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (H-BRS). He completed his PhD in Knowledge-Based Systems at RWTH Aachen University, with a focus on robot action transparency and introspection. His research emphasizes cognitive robotics, lifelong learning, and robots' ability to adapt to human-centered environments. Education: PhD in Knowledge-Based Systems (RWTH Aachen University/H-BRS) Research Interests: His work spans knowledge representation, robot fault detection, simulation-based learning, and assistive robotics. He aims to develop service robots that enhance everyday human life through personalized interactions and robust failure analysis. Projects: KEROL : Developing simulation-based environments for robot skill evaluation. MigrAVE : Creating assistive technologies for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ROPOD : Innovating cost-effective autonomous logistics solutions. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 master's theses and R&D projects on topics like robot learning, fault diagnosis, and natural language processing. Actively involved in grant-funded initiatives for robotics deployment and therapy applications. Labs & Teams: Leads research at the A2S Institute, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects in cognitive robotics and autonomous systems.
Kyoungwon Seo is a Professor affiliated with Hanyang University, actively contributing to interdisciplinary research spanning Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Machine Learning, and Cognitive Science. His work focuses on applying advanced technologies like VR, EEG analysis, and large language models to address challenges in healthcare diagnostics, education, and workplace design. Co-founded the Imagine Lab at Hanyang University, exploring innovative HCI applications. Expertise in gamification strategies for manufacturing workforce behavior modification. Pioneer in developing EEG-SSVEP based machine learning models for early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). His research bridges theoretical foundations in decision theory (e.g., ambiguity models) with applied work in educational technology, including AI-enhanced learning platforms and chatbot systems for career counseling and critical thinking assessment.
Lena Marie Westermann serves as an Assistant Physician in the Department of Pediatrics within the Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Her clinical work focuses on pediatric care with particular expertise in youth medicine and rare genetic disorders. Fluent in both German (her native language) and English, she provides comprehensive medical services to pediatric patients while maintaining an active research profile. Dr. Westermann's research primarily centers on rare genetic disorders, particularly mucolipidosis and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Her work investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions, with specific focus on lysosomal function, bone metabolism, and skeletal development. She employs both clinical studies and mouse models to understand disease pathogenesis and evaluate potential therapeutic approaches. Her research bridges clinical pediatrics with fundamental molecular biology, contributing significantly to the understanding of these complex disorders. Analysis of Dr. Westermann's publication record reveals a consistent focus on rare lysosomal storage disorders, particularly mucolipidosis types II and III. Her work spans multiple organ systems affected by these conditions, including skeletal, renal, and neurological manifestations. The publications demonstrate a progression from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with recent work including therapeutic trials for CLN2 disease. Her collaborative approach is evident through extensive co-authorship across various disciplines including genetics, orthopedics, and neurology. Active researcher in rare genetic disorders with multiple publications in high-impact journals Collaborates with international research teams across various medical specialties Focuses on translational research connecting basic science findings to clinical applications Dr. Westermann works within the pediatric research ecosystem at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, contributing to specialized research groups focused on rare diseases and genetic disorders. Her work intersects with multiple departments including genetics, orthopedics, and neurology, reflecting the multisystem nature of the disorders she studies. She participates in collaborative research efforts that leverage the center's expertise in both clinical care and basic science investigation of rare pediatric conditions.
Dr. Lothar Richter is a researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the Chair for Bioinformatics within the Department of Informatics. He holds a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.) and is actively involved in interdisciplinary research spanning bioinformatics, machine learning, and computational biology. His work integrates advanced data mining techniques with biological applications, particularly in protein structure-function prediction and medical informatics. Research Interests: Bioinformatics & Computational Biology: Development of algorithms for protein structure and function prediction. Machine Learning in Healthcare: Application of radiomics and predictive modeling in oncology. Data Mining Systems: Design of inductive databases and query languages for biological data analysis. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on leveraging computational methods to address complex biological questions, from predicting protein interactions to modeling drug resistance in HIV. Recent work emphasizes translational applications, such as machine learning-based radiomics for sarcoma diagnosis. Affiliations & Contact: Technical University of Munich - Informatics 12 (Chair for Bioinformatics) Email: lothar.richter@mytum.de Room: 5609.01.061, Boltzmannstr. 3, Garching b. Munich
Heiner Böttger is a Full Professor of English Didactics and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany, where he has served since 2007. He holds the Professorship for Didactics of English Language and Literature within the Faculty of Languages and Literature. His academic journey includes positions at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and visiting professorships at institutions including Akdeniz University in Turkey, Aristotle University in Greece, and Long Island University in New York. Professor Böttger's research focuses on the intersection of language education and neuroscience, with particular expertise in foreign language anxiety (xenoglossophobia), sensitive phases of language development, multilingual didactics, and evidence-based foreign language teaching. His work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical classroom applications, emphasizing how insights from neuroscience can transform language teaching methodologies. He has pioneered approaches to early foreign language learning, corporate language instruction, and the psychological aspects of language acquisition including memory, resilience, and mindfulness. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory toward integrating neuroscientific findings with language education. Recent works focus on language educational neurosciences (LEN), outdoor language learning, storytelling techniques, and the neuromotor foundations of speaking skills. Böttger's research shows increasing sophistication in connecting brain-based learning principles with practical language teaching strategies across diverse contexts from primary education to corporate settings. As an active academic, Böttger serves as Chairman of the Early language learning advisory board BIG (foundation Lernen, Munich) and as an External Academic Reviewer to the Greek state. His professional activities demonstrate a commitment to advancing evidence-based language education through both theoretical contributions and practical implementation.
Prof. Dr. med. Th. Hummel is a senior physician and department head at the ENT Clinic of the Carl Gustav Carus Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden. He leads the Interdisciplinary Center for Smell and Taste and the 'Smell and Taste' department, with a distinguished career in clinical and research aspects of chemosensory function. Education: Human Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (1980–1986) Promotion (MD Thesis), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (1987) Habilitation in Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (1996) Extraordinary Professorship, TU Dresden (2003) His research focuses on the physiology and pharmacology of smell, taste, and trigeminal sensation , employing psychophysical, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging methods. He investigates chemosensory dysfunction in neurological (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s), psychiatric (schizophrenia), and systemic conditions, as well as post-traumatic and post-infectious loss. His work includes developing diagnostic tools like the Sniffin’ Sticks and Universal Sniff Test. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on olfactory training, neural correlates of smell, chemosensory changes in disease, and methodological innovation in sensory testing , often using fMRI, EEG, and large-scale clinical data. Scientific Awards: ECRO Award for Excellence in Chemosensory Research (1996) Alexander von Humboldt Prize (2009) Professor Dr. Ludwig-Haymann Prize (2018) Prof. Hummel has held editorial roles in major journals including Chemical Senses , European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology , and PLoS One . He has not explicitly listed advisees, but his extensive collaborative network suggests mentorship of junior researchers. His research is supported by numerous publications and high citation metrics (h-index 114, over 52,000 citations). He is actively involved in multiple research consortia across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on smell and taste disorders. His lab contributes to both clinical diagnostics and fundamental neuroscience of chemoreception.
Dr. Jana Jungjohann is an Assistant Professor for Digital Support and Inclusive Education at TU Dortmund University's Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. She earned her PhD in 2020 from TU Dortmund University with a dissertation on theory-based learning progression diagnostics for basal reading competencies in inclusive elementary schools, complementing her Master of Education in Special Education (2015) and Bachelor of Arts in Rehabilitation Science (2013) from the same institution. Her research specializes in developing and evaluating web-based diagnostic tools for inclusive education, focusing on areas such as digital learning progress monitoring, reading competency assessment, and teacher training in diagnostics. She investigates school performance dynamics for students with and without special educational needs, emphasizing prevention strategies and intervention methodologies in inclusive settings. Dr. Jungjohann's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on adaptive testing methodologies, teacher competency assessments, and digital screening tools for phonological awareness and reading fluency. Her work consistently bridges diagnostic theory with practical classroom applications, particularly through platforms like Levumi for learning progress monitoring.
Tim Wharton is a Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton's School of Humanities and Social Science, specializing in pragmatics, non-verbal communication, and relevance theory. His research bridges linguistics, cognitive science, and emotion studies. He leads projects like the Leverhulme-funded 'Searching for Relevance' and collaborates internationally on interdisciplinary work. Active in academic networks, he co-edits journals and supervises PhD students exploring areas from metaphor to communication access. Notable publications include Pragmatics and Non-Verbal Communication (2009) and Pragmatics and Emotion (2023). His work emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance pragmatic theory. Education: No explicit qualifications listed, but his publications suggest advanced training in linguistics and cognitive science. Grants: Leverhulme Research Project Grant (2025), Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship (2018–2020). Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Relevance and Emotion Special Interest Group; affiliated with the Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences and University of Oslo.
Dr. Pierre-Louis Bazin is a Researcher in the Department of Neurophysics at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences. He holds a PhD from INRIA Rocquencourt (France) and conducted postdoctoral research at Brown University and Johns Hopkins University in the US. His work focuses on advanced neuroimaging techniques, including high-resolution MRI parcellation, quantitative MRI, and subcortical structure analysis. Key projects involve developing automated segmentation tools (e.g., Nighres), exploring cerebellar and subcortical anatomy, and investigating neurodegenerative markers using multi-modal approaches. Education 1995-1998: Electrical Engineering Diploma, SUPELEC (France) 1998-2001: PhD in Computer Vision & Graphics, INRIA Rocquencourt (France) 2001-2003: Postdoc in Computer Vision & Archaeology, Brown University (USA) 2003-2006: Postdoc in Neuroimaging, Johns Hopkins University (USA) Research Interests High-field MRI (7T+) applications in structural and functional brain mapping Development of neuroimaging software tools (e.g., Nighres) Subcortical and cerebellar morphometry in health and disease Quantitative MRI techniques for histology correlation Connectivity analysis in psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) Awards Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) membership (2020, 2024) Grants & Labs : Directs the Neurophysics lab at MPI-CBS. Active in large-scale projects like the Amsterdam Ultra-high field adult lifespan database (AHEAD). Collaborates on tools like MP2RAGEME for multi-parametric MRI. Labs/Teams : Leads neuroimaging method development and clinical translation efforts in Leipzig, Germany.
Prof. Dr. Imke Niediek is a Professor at the Institute of Education for Special Needs at Leibniz University Hannover. Her research focuses on inclusive education, supported communication, and digital media in educational contexts. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, exploring topics such as peer interactions in inclusive settings, video analysis methodologies, and the role of technology in special education. Her work emphasizes participatory approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing issues like cultural inclusion, spatial design for accessibility, and gender representation for individuals with disabilities. Niediek’s contributions span academic research, policy reflection, and practical applications in education.
Daniela Sammler is an Adjunct Professor at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and leads the Neurocognition of Music and Language Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience, linguistics, and musicology to explore shared neural mechanisms in music and language processing. PhD in Psychology from the University of Leipzig and Max Planck Institute (2008) Habilitation on intonation in speech and music (2018) Venia Legendi in Frankfurt (2022) Her research focuses on neurocognitive overlaps between music and language, including syntax, prosody, and interpersonal interaction. Key findings include cortical tracking of rhythm, neural hubs for melodic processing, and evidence of universal links in speech-song perception despite cultural diversity. Recent publications analyze audio-motor coordination in duets, prosody-emotion mapping, and dyslexia-related auditory processing deficits. Awards include the Otto Hahn Medal (2010) and European historic preservation recognition (2012). Co-led studies with institutions like Western Sydney University and University of Glasgow Editor for The Oxford Handbook of Language and Music (under contract) Grants from Max Planck Society and Heisenberg Foundation
Maren Eikerling is an Assistant Professor at Paderborn University's Faculty of Arts and Humanities, specializing in Clinical Linguistics and speech therapy. She leads the SprachNetz project at the Institute of German Studies and Comparative Literature, focusing on digital networking for language education and rehabilitation. Her research explores multilingualism, cognitive neuroscience, and child development in clinical contexts. Education: Bachelor's and Master's in Clinical Linguistics (Bielefeld University) Doctoral Training: Psychology, Linguistics, and Cognitive Neuroscience (University of Milan-Bicocca) Her recent publications in Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics examine bilingual children's language processing and cross-cultural speech therapy practices. She employs digital communication tools to support multilingual education and intervention strategies.
