Catia Trubiani is a faculty member at the Gran Sasso Science Institute in L'Aquila, Italy, specializing in software performance engineering, architectural analysis, and cyber-physical systems. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications, focusing on performance antipatterns, uncertainty quantification, and DevOps practices. In research , she explores performance modeling of microservices, federated learning systems, and cyber-physical systems, with a strong emphasis on architectural decision-making under uncertainty. Her recent articles analyze performance regression testing, aging detection in networks, and anti-pattern correlation in distributed systems, reflecting her interest in robust, scalable software solutions. She collaborates extensively with researchers like Raffaela Mirandola , Alberto Avritzer , and Riccardo Pinciroli , contributing to tools and frameworks such as PLUS (Performance Learning for Uncertainty of Software) and VisArch (Visualisation of Performance-Based Architectural Refactorings). Her work has been published in journals including IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering and Future Generation Computer Systems , as well as conferences like ICSE, ECSA, and ICPE.
Dr. Mahdi Barhoush is a Postdoc researcher and teaching assistant at RWTH Aachen University since 2023. His work focuses on applying machine learning to medical domains, particularly in distributed learning systems and signal processing. PhD (2023): "Using machine learning in the medical field: speaker signal processing and distributed learning systems" MSc (2015): Communication Engineering, RWTH Aachen University BSc (2013): Telecommunication Engineering, Arab American University His research spans medical machine learning, edge computing, and IoT optimization, with recent publications on federated learning, split learning architectures, and privacy-preserving ECG classification systems. He contributes to advancements in energy-efficient AI for resource-constrained environments and speaker localization in hospitals. Scientific achievements include: Best Paper Award at RADAR 2024 He collaborates with the INDA Institute in Aachen, contributing to active research projects in distributed learning, 6G technologies, and biomedical AI applications.
Nadhir Ben Rached serves as a Lecturer at the School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, specializing in stochastic simulation methodologies with applications spanning wireless communications and stochastic differential equations. His research focuses on developing advanced importance sampling techniques for rare-event estimation, particularly in wireless network outage probability analysis and McKean-Vlasov stochastic differential equations. Key contributions include hazard rate twisting approaches, state-dependent sampling methods, and stochastic optimal control frameworks for efficient simulation of complex systems like biochemical reaction networks and green cellular networks under uncertainty. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a concentrated research trajectory toward integrating optimal control theory with Monte Carlo methods for rare-event probability estimation, alongside significant work on renewable energy integration in wireless networks. This evolution demonstrates increasing sophistication in handling high-dimensional stochastic systems through multi-level and multi-index computational frameworks. He actively supervises graduate research, currently advising PhD candidate Shyam Mohan Subbiah Pillai on numerical methods for stochastic optimal control applications in rare-event estimation and wireless networks, following successful supervision of the candidate's Master's thesis on McKean-Vlasov equation simulation techniques.
Prof. Dr. Tobias Windisch is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Kempten, where he serves as head of the Institute for Machine Vision within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. He leads the Optical 3D Measurement and Computer Vision Laboratory (3D visionlab) and oversees research activities focused on machine learning applications for industrial automation. Dr. Windisch received his PhD in mathematics from OvGU Magdeburg under the supervision of Thomas Kahle, and holds an Honors Master's degree in mathematics from TU Munich within the elite TopMath program. Prior to his academic career, he worked on machine learning projects for Robert Bosch GmbH and Daimler TSS GmbH (now Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation). His research spans machine learning, computer vision, and optical sensing with a strong focus on industrial applications. Windisch's work primarily explores how reinforcement learning can be combined with optical sensing to develop intelligent control strategies for manufacturing processes. His team develops mechanical processes built around machine learning models to further automate industrial applications using data from optical sensors. The research has practical applications in automotive production, quality control, and precision manufacturing. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward practical implementations of machine learning in industrial settings, with particular emphasis on reinforcement learning for process optimization, drift detection in high-dimensional data, and causal structure learning for manufacturing analytics. His work bridges theoretical machine learning with real-world industrial challenges. As a dedicated educator and research leader, Windisch maintains high standards for academic integrity and excellence. He believes in creating an environment where students can focus deeply, think boldly, and innovate through meaningful research. Dr. Windisch leads a dynamic research group with numerous Master's and Bachelor's students working on cutting-edge projects including reinforcement learning for active alignment, drift detection in sensory data, latent drift detection with Autoencoders, and representation learning for industrial processes. His laboratory, the 3D visionlab, serves as the physical hub for this research. The Institute for Machine Vision under his leadership develops practical tools and frameworks such as relign, lineflow, and driftbench that are openly available on GitHub, demonstrating his commitment to reproducible research and practical applications.
Dr. Bettina-Johanna Krings is a Scientific Associate at the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where she has been working continuously since 1995. She currently serves as Deputy spokesperson for the topic "Work and Technology" within the focus area "Humans and Technology" at KIT and is a Member of the Ethics Advisory Board of the research network "Village Community 2.0 – Aging in Rural Areas." Her role includes being the Responsible Coordinator for Technology Assessment in Teaching at KIT, demonstrating her commitment to integrating research and education. Dr. Krings completed her dissertation in 2015 on "Strategien der Individualisierung" (Strategies of Individualization) at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, supervised by Prof. Dr. Birgit Blättel-Mink and Prof. Dr. Tilla Siegel. Her academic journey began with work as a scientific associate in educational management programs and gender equality initiatives in Argentina during the early 1990s before joining ITAS. Her research focuses on the critical intersection of technology, work, and society. Main content areas include technical innovations and their impacts on work structures, concepts of human-machine relations, theory and methods of technology assessment, and sociological theories of modernity. She examines how digitalization transforms work environments, particularly in care settings, and investigates ethical dimensions of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Her work consistently addresses questions of human-centered technology design, the future of work in rapidly changing technological landscapes, and the societal implications of technological change from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Her extensive publication record (2015-2025) reveals a clear evolution toward increasingly applied research on ethical technology implementation, with particular emphasis on AI applications in workplace contexts, participatory technology development in healthcare, and the transformation of work through digitalization. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in collaborations across sociology, engineering, healthcare, and ethics disciplines. Dr. Krings leads and participates in multiple significant research initiatives including the investigation of 4-day week models and digitalization in geriatric care, international Graduate Summer Schools on "Knowledge Production in Modern Societies," and the Artificial Intelligence for Work and Learning in the Karlsruhe Region (KARL) project. She also contributes to KIT's Umbrella Strategy 2025 on Human Resources (Subproject 7: Visions of Future Work), Kopernikus: SynErgie Cluster VI on organizational development with fluctuating energy supply, and the "NoWa – Norms in demographic change" project, demonstrating her engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of technology assessment.
Dr. Michael W. Schmidt is a postdoctoral researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) , affiliated with the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) since 2020. His work bridges philosophy with technology assessment, focusing on the Philosophy of Technology , Reflective Equilibrium , and Political Philosophy . He explores ethical dimensions of autonomous vehicles , AI ethics , and robotics , emphasizing public reason and human rights . Education : PhD in Philosophy (KIT, 2022) with a thesis on reflective equilibrium as a form of life. Research Themes : Methodology of reflective equilibrium, epistemology of understanding, Rawlsian political theory, and ethics of socio-technical systems. Recent Publications : Analyze AI ethics implementation, social media's impact on democracy, and governance frameworks for sustainable energy transitions.
Prof. Dr. Daniela Beisser is a Professor at the Department of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FB 8) of the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in Recklinghausen, Germany. Her research focuses on bioinformatics and biostatistical methods for high-throughput 'omics data, applied to biomedicine and freshwater ecology. She previously held academic roles at the University of Duisburg-Essen (2017–2023) and University Hospital Essen. 2004–2008: B.Sc. in Molecular Biology with Bioinformatics focus, FH Gelsenkirchen 2006–2008: M.Sc. in Molecular Biology with Bioinformatics focus, FH Gelsenkirchen 2008–2011: Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg Her research integrates computational approaches with experimental data to study molecular responses to environmental stressors in freshwater organisms, genome analyses in human and protists, and proteomic studies in plants. She also investigates eco-evolutionary theories in microorganisms and links biodiversity to ecosystem functions. Recent publications highlight her work on amplicon sequencing (Natrix2 pipeline), metatranscriptomic analysis of microbial communities, and machine learning frameworks for environmental data. She contributes to software tools like TaxMapper and BioNet for reproducible workflows. Best Poster Award, German Conference on Bioinformatics (2013) Travel scholarships: DAAD, DAAD PROMOS, German Symposium on Systems Biology E-fellows.net scholarship (2006–2008) She has supervised numerous PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students on topics such as protist community dynamics , fungal degradation processes , and stressor recovery mechanisms . Her lab collaborates on the CRC 1439 'RESIST' project and develops tools for environmental DNA analysis.
Nada Mimouni is a Researcher at Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, affiliated with the Cédric Laboratory's Secure Systems and Data Mining teams. She has authored 15+ peer-reviewed publications across 2012–2025, focusing on knowledge graphs, legal informatics, and cybersecurity. Her Contextual cybersecurity Semantic knowledge representation Legal information systems Ontology engineering Medical system protection Policy analysis research spans interdisciplinary applications including EU regulatory frameworks and healthcare infrastructure security. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in contextual knowledge graphs, analogical reasoning, and cyber-physical incident management. Notable recognition includes the Most Inspiring Managerial Implications Award (2019).
Christof Löding , currently an Adjunct Professor at the Lehrstuhl für Logik und Theorie diskreter Systeme (Informatik 7) department of RWTH Aachen University , is a leading researcher in Automata Theory , Formal Verification , and Logic in Computer Science . His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in software verification, automata minimization, and game theory. Research Interests include automata theory, formal verification, logic, tree automata, game theory, and computational models. Publications span topics like Finite-valued Streaming String Transducers , Deterministic Parity Automata , and Stochastic Game Strategies . Collaborations with researchers like Emmanuel Filiot , Sarah Winter , and León Bohn highlight his contributions to automata and verification. Email : loeding@informatik.rwth-aachen.de He has actively published in venues such as ICALP , LICS , and STACS , focusing on deterministic automata, transducers, and logic-based computational systems. His work on Hyperlogic for Strategies in Stochastic Games (2025) and Minimal History-Deterministic Automata (2025) showcases his ongoing influence in formal methods and automata theory.
Thorsten Koch is a Professor for Software and Algorithms for Discrete Optimization at Technische Universität Berlin , with multiple leadership roles including Head of the Applied Algorithmic Intelligence Methods (A²IM) , Digital Data and Information for Society, Science, and Culture (D²IS²C) , Kooperativer Bibliotheksverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (KOBV) , and Forschungs- und Kompetenzzentrum Digitalisierung Berlin (digiS) . Based at Zuse Institute Berlin and affiliated with TU Berlin's Institute for Mathematics, he focuses on integrating mathematical optimization with high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to solve complex real-world problems. Research Pillars : Mathematical optimization algorithms Quantum computing applications AI/ML integration in decision systems Energy systems optimization Scientific software development Leadership Roles : Head of Applied Algorithmic Intelligence Methods (A²IM) Head of Digital Data & Information for Society, Science, and Culture (D²IS²C) Head of Kooperativer Bibliotheksverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (KOBV) Head of Forschungs- und Kompetenzzentrum Digitalisierung Berlin (digiS) Key Collaborations : Working with IBM Quantum on quantum optimization Collaborating across institutions for energy system modeling Developing open-source optimization tools like SCIP Contributing to digital library infrastructure Recent Research Trends : Quantum optimization benchmarking Machine learning-aided optimization Multi-objective decision frameworks Energy infrastructure optimization Adaptive algorithm design CO2 network modeling Impact : Advancing hybrid optimization methods Developing open-source tools for scientific computing Building digital infrastructures for libraries and research Exploring quantum-classical algorithm synergies
Zhifan Ni is a Ph.D. candidate and Researcher at the Chair of Media Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), focusing on deep learning methods for digital twinning in the 6G Future Lab project. His research bridges computer vision and human activity understanding. Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (TUM, 2019 and 2022) Key Research Areas: Deep learning, 3D reconstruction of indoor environments, and 2D/3D scene understanding His work aligns with projects like the Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI) and 5G Testbed Bayern. While no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, his contributions to publications reflect expertise in visual computing and interactive systems. Contact: zhifan.ni@tum.de
Thorsten A. Kern is Professor and Director of the Institute of Mechatronics in Mechanical Engineering at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). He joined TUHH in January 2019 after serving as R&D manager for interior components at Continental, leading a team of 300 engineers worldwide. From January 2023 to January 2025, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and is elected to serve as Vice President for Teaching and Learning from October 2025 to October 2028. Since 2022, he has been Vice President of the EuroHaptics Society. Dipl.-Ing. (2002), Darmstadt University of Technology Dr.-Ing. (2006), Darmstadt University of Technology Prof. Kern's research focuses on electromagnetic sensors and actuators, particularly their system integration in high-dynamic applications. His work spans human-machine interfaces, haptic devices, and the intersection of technology with arts. He has a strong interest in medical applications including robotic rehabilitation systems, wearable exoskeletons, and telemanipulation systems. His research also extends to maritime applications, including ship energy systems and ocean monitoring technologies. Prof. Kern's recent publications reveal a strong focus on haptic interfaces, rehabilitation robotics, and maritime energy systems. His work combines theoretical modeling with practical implementation, often involving interdisciplinary teams. There's a clear trajectory toward tele-rehabilitation systems with haptic feedback, maritime power systems optimization, and novel sensor development. His research demonstrates consistent integration of mechanical, electrical, and control engineering principles to solve complex real-world problems. Over 30 patent families with >120 patent applications worldwide Main editor of "Engineering Haptic Devices" (3rd edition) Vice President of EuroHaptics Society (since 2022) Prof. Kern shows a strong passion for entrepreneurship and mentors young people through the Impossible Founders network. He actively supports students in IP-oriented exploitation of research findings, leveraging his extensive patent experience. His research is supported by various projects in haptics, mechatronics, and rehabilitation engineering, with collaborations spanning academia and industry. Prof. Kern leads the Institute of Mechatronics in Mechanical Engineering (M-4) at TUHH, which houses specialized laboratories including the Haptics Lab, PHiLsLab (Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Laboratory), and Optics Lab (Goniometer Laboratory for Measuring Light Fields). His research team includes multiple research assistants and doctoral students working on electrical measuring systems, autonomous multi-sensor drifters, SMART Sensor Particles, and human-machine collaboration projects.
Jochen Merker serves as Professor for Analysis and Optimization at the Faculty of Computer Science and Media, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig). His academic profile demonstrates deep expertise in mathematical analysis, numerical methods, and computational mathematics with applications across various scientific domains. Institution: Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig) Faculty: Computer Science and Media Position: Professor for Analysis and Optimization Contact: Available by appointment via email Professor Merker's research spans multiple mathematical disciplines with particular emphasis on partial differential equations, numerical analysis, and mathematical modeling. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in fluid mechanics, epidemiology, and machine learning. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of doubly nonlinear evolution equations, positivity preservation in numerical methods, and rate-induced tipping phenomena. His research demonstrates how advanced mathematical techniques can solve complex problems in physical systems and data science. Analysis of his publication trends reveals a consistent focus on mathematical rigor combined with practical applicability. His recent work shows increasing integration of mathematical theory with computational approaches, particularly in digital learning environments and e-assessment systems for STEM education. The interdisciplinary nature of his publications demonstrates how mathematical analysis serves as a foundation for solving problems across physics, engineering, epidemiology, and computer science. Primary research areas: Mathematical Analysis, Numerical Methods, Partial Differential Equations Application domains: Fluid Mechanics, Epidemiology, Machine Learning Methodological focus: Positivity preservation, Maximum principles, Numerical stability Educational contributions: Digital teaching in STEM fields, E-assessment systems Professor Merker actively contributes to the academic community through his research publications and educational initiatives. His work on digital teaching methods for STEM disciplines reflects his commitment to modernizing mathematical education. While specific grant information isn't available in the provided materials, his extensive publication record suggests sustained research activity across multiple projects. His laboratory or research team likely focuses on computational mathematics and numerical analysis, though specific details aren't provided in the source material.
Prof. Dr. Ghassan Karame is a Full Professor of Computer Science at the Ruhr-University Bochum , leading the Chair for Information Security. He is a Principal Investigator in the Cluster of Excellence CASA and Director of the Horst Goertz Institute for IT Security since October 2023. Additionally, he serves as a part-time Chief Scientific Advisor at NEC Laboratories Europe . His research focuses on blockchain security and privacy , platform/storage security , and machine learning security . He has contributed to improving cryptocurrency protocols, hardware-assisted secure systems, and decentralized trust mechanisms. Education : PhD in Computer Science from ETH Zurich (2011) His recent work explores federated learning security, side-channel attacks in TEEs, and practical blockchain scalability solutions. He has served on over 50 program committees and held editorial roles at IEEE TDSC and IEEE TIFS. Notable Awards : 2024 Outstanding Editorial Board Member Award (IEEE Signal Processing Society) 2020 Value Realization Award (NEC) 2019 IEEE TC Best Paper Award Degree among top 2% authors (Stanford-Elsevier) His teaching includes courses on systems security, blockchain security, and practical ML security, with thesis projects in blockchain, ML, and platform security. He leads the Information Security Chair , part of major research initiatives like CASA and HGI.
Bilal Zafar serves as Professor and Chair of AI and Society at Ruhr University Bochum, leading research at the Research Center for Trustworthy Data Science and Security. He holds dual affiliations as Principal Investigator at the Cluster of Excellence CASA (Cyber Security in the Age of Large-Scale Adversaries) and member of the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security, focusing on the societal implications of artificial intelligence systems. His educational foundation includes a PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS) and Saarland University, completed under the co-supervision of Krishna P. Gummadi and Manuel Gomez Rodriguez. This training established his expertise in the intersection of human behavior and machine learning systems. Zafar's research centers on human-centric AI development, specifically creating algorithms to enhance fairness, explainability, and robustness in machine learning models. His work addresses critical challenges in human-AI interaction, including bias mitigation in algorithmic decision-making, counterfactual explanation generation, and reliability verification in production systems. This research directly impacts real-world AI deployment across healthcare, finance, and social media platforms where transparency and equity are paramount. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant trends in large language model explainability (35% of output), bias quantification methodologies (25%), and robustness verification frameworks (20%). His work consistently bridges theoretical advances with industrial applications, particularly in monitoring deployed models and developing counterfactual explanation techniques for complex systems. As leader of the AI and Society Team, Zafar directs a multidisciplinary research group investigating societal impacts of AI through both technical development and policy engagement. The team actively collaborates with industry partners including Amazon Web Services and Bosch, leveraging his prior industry experience to translate academic research into practical solutions for trustworthy AI deployment.
