Microgravity Applications Professors and Supervisors in Germany | ApplySharif

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Oliver StaadtView profile

Professor

University of RostockGermany

Prof. Dr. sc. techn. ETH Oliver Staadt is Full Professor of Computer Science and Chair of Visual Computing at the University of Rostock , Germany. Since 2023 he also serves as Director of the Institute for Visual and Analytic Computing within the Faculty of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering . Previously he was Dean (2016–2018) and Vice Dean (2010–2016) of the same faculty. Education Ph.D. in Computer Science, ETH Zürich (2001) M.Sc. in Computer Science, TU Darmstadt (1994) Research Interests Prof. Staadt’s research spans virtual and augmented reality , computer graphics , visualization , telepresence , immersive analytics , and human–computer interaction . A particular focus lies on real-time rendering and display technologies for large high-resolution display systems, depth-image enhancement for RGB-D sensors, and interaction techniques that leverage spatial cognition and eye-tracking. His work is frequently applied to collaborative settings and microgravity environments, including experiments aboard parabolic flights and the International Space Station. Recent Publication Trends Between 2019 and 2021 his output centers on foveated rendering , AR viewpoint guidance , collaborative analytics on wall-sized displays , and embodied interaction metaphors . Earlier work addressed bandwidth-efficient telepresence, depth-image filtering, and physically-based animation. The corpus reveals a steady evolution from fundamental graphics algorithms toward applied immersive systems. Scientific Awards & Honors Fellow of the Eurographics Association Associate Editor, IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (past) Associate Editor, Computers & Graphics (past) Associate Editor, Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds (past) Associate Editor, Frontiers in Virtual Reality (current) Chair, Expert Group on Virtual & Augmented Reality, German Informatics Society (2013–2020) Advising & Funding He has successfully supervised more than ten PhD graduates whose dissertations range from collision detection and physically-based animation to 3D interaction in microgravity and predictive user modeling. Current PhD researchers include Bipul Mohanto, Mana Takhsha, and Sven Kluge. His projects are supported by national and EU programs such as EVOCATION, SMOOTH, ARGuide, 3DPick, DIVA, and Telepresence. Labs & Teams Prof. Staadt leads the Visual Computing Group at Rostock, operating state-of-the-art facilities including large tiled display walls, VR/AR laboratories, and motion-capture systems. The institute hosts interdisciplinary collaborations with partners in visualization, computer vision, psychology, and aerospace engineering.

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Florian ZaussingerView profile

Professor

University of Applied Sciences MittweidaGermany

Prof. Florian Zaussinger is a faculty member at the Faculty of Applied Computer and Life Sciences at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on thermal convection, fluid dynamics, and numerical simulations in both geophysical and astrophysical contexts. He has contributed extensively to studies on microgravity experiments, including the GeoFlow and AtmoFlow projects conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). University: Mittweida University of Applied Sciences Faculty: Applied Computer and Life Sciences Department: Mathematics Contact: +49 3727 58-1381 | florian.zaussinger@hs-mittweida.de | Building 6, Room 6-131 His research involves advanced numerical modeling of complex fluid systems, including spherical convection, dielectric heating, and double-diffusive processes. He has developed and applied computational tools like the ANTARES code to simulate convection in DA white dwarfs, planetary atmospheres, and Earth's mantle. His work bridges theoretical fluid mechanics with experimental validation in space-based microgravity environments. Recent publications highlight his expertise in thermo-electrohydrodynamic convection, planetary fluid flow analysis, and microgravity-induced instabilities. While the scraped data does not list scientific awards or students directly, his academic profile emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering and life sciences, particularly in applied mathematics for fluid dynamics and experimental data processing.

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Eric Josef Ribeiro ParteliView profile

Researcher

University of Duisburg-EssenGermany

Dr. Eric Parteli is a Heisenberg Group Leader at the Faculty of Physics, University of Duisburg-Essen , with affiliations to the University of Cologne (Computational Geosciences) and The University of Alabama . He leads research on Earth surface particulate materials and their dynamics under wind, fluvial processes, and gravitational forces. Current and former students include PhD candidates, Master/Bachelor candidates, and research assistants like Cong Jiang , Maria Determann , Mateusz Kryger , and Joel Jankowiak . His group develops computational tools to model particle interactions and feedbacks with geomorphology, biosphere, and atmosphere across scales, with applications in climate science, planetary geophysics, and natural hazard risk assessment. Key research themes include aeolian processes , hydrological modeling , granular material behavior , and coupled Earth surface systems . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His lab operates from Room MG 364 at the University of Duisburg-Essen and collaborates with the Computational Geosciences department at the University of Cologne. Recent publications highlight anomalous scaling in sand transport , angle of repose modeling , and regional hydrological systems in arid environments.

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Olfa Lopez-D’AngeloView profile

Researcher

University of Erlangen–NurembergGermany

Dr. Olfa Lopez-D’Angelo is a researcher at the Department of Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Her research focuses on granular rheology, additive manufacturing for space applications, and the behavior of materials under microgravity conditions. She leads the Rheologie granularer Materialien unter Weltraumbedingungen project (2023–2026), funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Her work bridges theoretical physics, experimental engineering, and space technology. Key research interests include granular fluid dynamics, powder-based manufacturing processes in low-gravity environments, and the structural analysis of metamaterials. She has contributed to pioneering studies on acoustically propelled macroparticles and granular piston-probing in microgravity. Her interdisciplinary approach is evident in collaborations with institutions like ESA and DLR, as well as her involvement in projects such as the VIP-DROP2 module for droplet dynamics experiments. Awards: Granular Matter Gordon Research Conference Poster Prize (2022) ELGRA Research Prize (2021) Fly Your Thesis! 2019 (2018) ESA Networking/Partnering Initiative Fellowship (2017) Dr. Lopez-D’Angelo actively disseminates her work through international conferences (e.g., DPG, IAC) and public engagement initiatives, including the podcast Talk That Science . Her research emphasizes practical applications in space exploration, such as in-situ resource utilization and advanced manufacturing systems for extraterrestrial environments.

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Gunnar FriegeView profile

Professor

Leibniz University HannoverGermany

Prof. Dr. Gunnar Friege is a Professor of Physics Education at the Institute for Mathematics and Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Leibniz University Hannover. He serves as the head of the Department of Physics Education and is actively involved in the Faculty Council. His office is located in Building 1109, Room 105 at Welfengarten 1A, 30167 Hanover, with office hours on Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 during the lecture period. Prof. Friege's research spans multiple areas of physics education with a strong emphasis on innovative teaching methods. His work focuses on digital teaching and learning, inquiry-based physics education, and the integration of technology in physics instruction. He has developed numerous projects exploring productive failure approaches in physics learning, smart experiments, and the use of eyetracking technology to understand student engagement with physics concepts. His research also extends to science communication, particularly through physics competitions and outreach activities. Analysis of Prof. Friege's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward inquiry-based learning approaches, formative assessment techniques, and the integration of digital technologies in physics education. His work frequently addresses practical classroom applications of theoretical educational concepts, with many publications providing concrete teaching materials and activities for specific physics topics ranging from buoyancy and thermodynamics to quantum physics and environmental science. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in publications connecting physics education with environmental issues, acoustics, and AI applications. Prof. Friege has been deeply involved in physics competitions throughout his career, participating in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) since 1996 in various capacities including as head of the German delegation. He has also been involved with the European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO) since 2017, the Federal Environment Competition (BUW) since 2004, and has created school-level competitions like inventor tournaments and MINT-Fights. His work with the World Federation of Physics Competitions (WFPhC) included serving as Treasurer and Vice President from 2002-2016. As a supervisor, Prof. Friege leads multiple research projects with doctoral students and collaborators including Muriel Schaber, Sophia Siegmann, Julia Hiniborch, and others. His current projects include SoMeCliCs (on social media and climate change education), Productive Failure in physics teaching, Smart Experiments, Eyetracking studies, MasterClasses in quantum physics, and the LernMINT research training group focusing on data-based teaching in STEM subjects. He also directs the Physics Didactics Working Group which investigates subject-specific media competence of prospective teachers and develops digital teaching scenarios.

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Daniel LeidnerView profile

Professor

University of BremenGermany

Daniel Leidner is a Cooperation Professor at the University of Bremen and a researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) where he has been contributing to the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics since 2011. He earned his doctorate in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from the University of Bremen in 2017. Since 2017, he has led the Semantic Planning Group and the Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR, focusing on advanced task planning for autonomous robotic systems and enhancing the reliability of robotic operations in dynamic environments. Leidner's research interests span multiple areas in robotics and artificial intelligence. His work emphasizes developing robust and resilient robotic systems capable of autonomous operation in complex environments. He specializes in creating systems that can not only handle predictable scenarios but also flexibly respond to unforeseen events. His ERC Starting Grant project RECOVER.ME aims to equip robots with metacognitive abilities to autonomously manage hardware malfunctions by integrating formal reasoning with Vision-Language Models. This innovative approach enhances the resilience and efficiency of space robots, reducing the need for manual intervention during missions and leveraging insights from cognitive psychology for improved problem-solving capabilities. Leidner's research portfolio includes significant projects such as RECOVER.ME, FUTURO, EASE, OPERA, Smile2gether, Surface Avatar, and CoViPa. His publications demonstrate a strong focus on autonomous task planning, human-robot interaction, fault tolerance, and metacognitive capabilities in robotic systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in space teleoperation, assistive robotics, and cognitive reasoning for resilient robotic systems. ERC Starting Grant (2024) for project RECOVER.ME Georges Giralt PhD Award (Best European PhD Thesis in Robotics) Helmholtz Doctoral Prize MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35 Award Leidner has served as an advisor to the German Federal Government from October 2023 to July 2024, where he played a crucial role in developing a national strategy for AI-based robotics. His leadership in the Semantic Planning Group and Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR demonstrates his significant contributions to advancing robotic capabilities in challenging environments. His work bridges theoretical advances in cognitive robotics with practical applications in space exploration, healthcare, and industrial automation.

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Georg HerdrichView profile

Associate Professor

University of StuttgartGermany

Georg Herdrich is an Associate Professor and academic advisor for part-time studies at the Institute of Space Systems (IRS), part of the Faculty 6: Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy at the University of Stuttgart. His work focuses on advanced propulsion systems, plasma physics, and space technology applications. Key areas include ferrofluid-based attitude control, iodine thrusters (Project BOOST), and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) systems for heat flux and radio blackout mitigation (Project MEESST). He leads research on spacecraft re-entry dynamics, demisable materials, and CubeSat mission validation (e.g., PETRUS thruster on SONATE-2). Research Interests: Electric Propulsion Systems (MPD, PPT) Ferrofluidic Actuators and Thermal Control Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry Phenomena Spacecraft Materials and Sustainability CubeSat Technologies and In-Orbit Experiments Recent work emphasizes experimental validation of propulsion systems and MHD shielding, with contributions to EU-funded projects like MEESST and BOOST. His team collaborates on missions like FINIX (ferrofluid tech) and SOURCE (demise studies). Awards: No scientific awards explicitly listed in texts. Labs/Teams: Active in the Institute of Space Systems, leading propulsion and materials research groups. Involved in interdisciplinary teams for CubeSat development and plasma wind tunnel experiments.

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Daniela GrimmView profile

Professor

Martin Luther University Halle-WittenbergGermany

Prof. Dr. med. Daniela Grimm serves as Professor in the Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany. Her research focuses on space medicine applications and microgravity-induced physiological changes for advancing regenerative therapies. Her work centers on tissue engineering under microgravity conditions , cellular response mechanisms in space environments , and translational approaches for terrestrial medical applications . Key methodologies include 3D cell culture systems and molecular analysis of gravity-sensitive biological processes. Dr. Grimm leads multiple internationally funded projects including collaborations with Maastricht University (Netherlands, as Coordinator), Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie (Belgium), Space Applications Services (Belgium), and institutions across Germany including University of Cologne, MDC Berlin-Buch, and BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Her research portfolio encompasses projects 50WK2270A through 50WK2270I with focuses on space biomedicine and regenerative technologies. Current affiliations include partnerships with: Medical University of Graz (Austria) University Medicine Greifswald (Germany) Goethe University Frankfurt (Germany) IN SRL Impresa Sociale (Italy) RD Innovation (Denmark)

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Axel SielaffView profile

Researcher

Technical University of DarmstadtGermany

Dr. Axel Sielaff is a Researcher at the Institute for Technical Thermodynamics at Technische Universität Darmstadt since 2008. His work focuses on boiling and evaporation phenomena, particularly in microgravity environments and complex fluids. He has conducted research visits at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Education: He holds a Diplom in Mechanical Engineering (Energy and Process Engineering) from Leibniz University Hannover. He also completed visiting studies at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing), Zhuhai MTU Maintenance, and Brunel University, West London. Research Interests: His group investigates two-phase heat transfer, nucleate boiling dynamics, and the effects of microgravity on evaporation. Projects include multiscale experiments on complex fluids, numerical simulations of bubble growth, and applications in spacecraft thermal management via the RUBI experiment on the International Space Station. Key areas include microlayer formation, electric field effects on bubble detachment, and residue formation of fuels/AdBlue under high-velocity airflow conditions. Technical Contributions: Develops experimental setups for sub-millimeter scale analysis and high-precision infrared thermography. Collaborates internationally on projects such as the Multiscale Boiling Investigation (ISS-based) and Deposit Formation Studies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Boiling and Evaporation research group at TU Darmstadt, contributing to both fundamental and applied thermal engineering research.

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Matthias O. FranzView profile

Professor

University of Applied Sciences KonstanzGermany

Matthias O. Franz is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences, Konstanz, Germany, since 2007. His academic work spans theoretical and applied research in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Computational Neuroscience. Research Interests His research focuses on interdisciplinary applications of computational methods, including: Machine Learning algorithms for image analysis and signal processing Computer Vision techniques in object recognition and 3D reconstruction Computational Neuroscience studies on echolocation and visual saliency Quantum Physics applications in space missions Notable contributions include kernel methods for image modeling, steganalysis frameworks, and biomimetic navigation systems inspired by biological processes. Publication Trends Dr. Franz’s 15 most recent publications (2022–2011) demonstrate a trajectory from foundational work in nonlinear system modeling to applications in space technology, computer vision, and acoustic signal analysis. Key trends include: 2022: Image novelty detection using mean-shift algorithms for sensor technology 2015: Dual-species atom interferometry for space-based physics and hybrid image registration 2014: Geometric primitive classification in point clouds and multi-camera stereo matching 2013–2011: Steganalysis, Gaussian process calibration, and computational models of echolocation 2008–2007: Early work on Wiener series and visual saliency prediction

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Domenico GiuliniView profile

Professor

Leibniz University HannoverGermany

Prof. Domenico Giulini is a Professor for Theoretical Physics at Leibniz University Hannover, affiliated with the Institute of Theoretical Physics and the Riemann Center for Geometry and Physics. He holds a PhD (1990) from the University of Cambridge and has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Freiburg, University of Zurich, and the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. His research focuses on theoretical/mathematical aspects of general relativity, including exact solutions, asymptotic symmetries, and quantum gravity applications. Education: 1981–1984: Undergraduate studies in Physics and Mathematics at University of Heidelberg 1984–1985: Part III Mathematical Tripos at University of Cambridge 1985–1990: Graduate studies and PhD at University of Cambridge 1996: Habilitation (Venia Legendi) at University of Freiburg Research Interests: Giulini's work addresses foundational questions in general relativity, such as the Hamiltonian formulation, gravitational wave dynamics, black hole thermodynamics, and the interplay between quantum mechanics and classical gravity. He also explores post-Newtonian approximations and geometric aspects of spacetime structure. Recent lectures cover advanced topics like canonical gravity, relativistic localization, and quantum cosmology. Teaching: He has taught courses on analytical mechanics, general relativity, electrodynamics, and black hole physics. Notable seminars include explorations of global black hole properties, Hamiltonian systems with symmetries, and KAM theory. Affiliations: Member of the QUEST cluster of excellence (Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research) and collaborator with the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM). Labs/Teams: Leads the Giulini Research Group, focusing on theoretical physics and mathematical methods in relativistic field theories.

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Sören HeizmannView profile

Researcher

Technical University of MunichGermany

Sören Heizmann is a scientific researcher and doctoral candidate at Technische Universität München (TUM) since 2022. He holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, and has accumulated extensive experience in space propulsion technology through roles at a Large System Integrator, a New Space company, and the European Space Agency (ESA/ESTEC). Research Focus centers on developing spaceflight-capable high-pressure electrolysers for Water Electrolysis Propulsion (WEP), with additional work on system analysis and satellite integration of WEP technologies. As Technical and Innovation Manager of the S4I2T (Solar for Ice to Thrust) project, he leads development of a cleaner, more efficient in-space propulsion system that demonstrates propellant refilling between CubeSats and end-to-end ISRU technology chains. Specializes in water-based propulsion systems Expert in electrolyser design and testing Focuses on miniaturized satellite propulsion Advances sustainable space mobility Projects include the EIC-funded S4I2T initiative and contributions to TUM's SPARK research center - the world's first university-focused space propulsion innovation hub. His work emphasizes reducing space debris through clean propulsion technologies, enabling autonomous orbital maneuvers, and developing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) propulsion solutions.

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Mustafa GündoğanView profile

Researcher

Humboldt UniversityGermany

Dr. Mustafa Gündoğan is a researcher at the Institute of Physics (Department of Physics) at Humboldt University of Berlin. He is a member of the AG IQS research group and has been awarded a prestigious “Starting Researcher Grant” from the Einstein Stiftung Berlin (2025), securing 800,000 euros over four years for his project: “Enhanced cold-atom quantum memories by dynamic density engineering.” His work focuses on quantum optics, Bose-Einstein condensates, and the development of quantum memories for applications in space-based quantum communication networks. His research interests include satellite quantum networks, entanglement dynamics under gravitational fields, and the optimization of quantum memory systems for practical deployment. Recent projects emphasize mobile and room-temperature quantum devices, as well as the integration of quantum technologies into global communication infrastructure. Dr. Gündoğan’s publications highlight advancements in quantum illumination, secure quantum key distribution, and the theoretical limits of photonic memory systems. His work on motion sensing via atomic optical memories bridges quantum mechanics with precision instrumentation. Collaborative efforts, such as the proposed distributed academic publishing system, reflect his commitment to open science practices. Awards: Starting Researcher Grant (Einstein Stiftung Berlin, 2025). Grants: 800,000 EUR over four years for cold-atom quantum memory research. Key Collaborations: AG IQS, international space quantum communities, and interdisciplinary workshops.

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Andre MelzerView profile

Professor

University of GreifswaldGermany

Prof. Andre Melzer is a faculty member at the Institute of Physics of the University of Greifswald, leading the Colloidal (Dusty) Plasmas working group. His research focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of dusty plasmas, including their structure, dynamics, and behavior under microgravity and magnetic fields. Teaching: Experimental Physics II (B.Sc. Physics, Physics Teaching Degree) Labs: COMPACT, Parabolic flight experiments, Magnetized dusty plasmas, Yukawa Cluster, Nanodust laboratory Research Interests: The group investigates phenomena such as phase boundaries in binary dusty systems, 3D imaging of dust clusters, ion focusing effects, and particle charging mechanisms. Their work bridges astrophysical plasma behavior with industrial applications like thin-film deposition and plasma etching. Publications: Highlighted by the monograph Physics of Dusty Plasmas: An Introduction (Springer, 2019), which systematizes experimental methodologies and theoretical frameworks for dusty plasma studies. Facilities: The group operates specialized laboratories including microgravity simulation platforms and magnetized discharge setups for advanced plasma diagnostics.

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Rainer HerpersView profile

Professor

Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied SciencesGermany

Prof. Dr. Rainer Herpers is a full Professor at the Department of Computer Science within the Graduate Institute at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences . He serves as Scientific Director of the Graduate Institute and Director of the Institute of Visual Computing (IVC), leading interdisciplinary projects that bridge Computer Vision , Human Perception , and Real-Time Systems . His research explores gravitational effects on spatial orientation, serious games for medical training, and FPGA-based computer vision solutions. Research Interests: Computer Vision and Machine Vision Face and Gesture Recognition Artificial Neural Networks Robotics and Real-Time Systems Medical Informatics Usability in Work Safety Article Trends: Recent work focuses on gravity perception (2023-2024), neural network applications in environmental monitoring, and machine learning for network traffic analysis. Collaborations with York University and DLR highlight his interdisciplinary approach. Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award, IBM Centre for Advanced Studies in Computer Science (2020) Labs: Leads the Computer Vision Lab (C065) and Immersive Visualization Lab (C061) , developing systems like the FIVIS Bicycle Simulator and SimuBridge platform for education and safety evaluation.

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