Microstructure Modeling Professors and Supervisors in Germany

Michael Ewald RübView profile

Professor

Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences JenaGermany

Prof. Dr. Michael Rüb is a faculty member at Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, where he has held the position of Professor in Physics-Intensive Technologies and Microstructuring since 2008. He maintains affiliations with multiple institutions, including mi2-factory GmbH (which he co-founded in 2016) and previous roles at Infineon Technologies Austria AG, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, and CERN. His research spans semiconductor physics, ion implantation, microstructuring, and power electronics, with emphasis on energy-filtered doping techniques and radiation-hardened devices. Key projects include: LUNTE2 (2021-2024): Comparative laser/ion irradiation for semiconductor reliability analysis BMBF Field-Stop Technology (2018-2023): Novel IGBT switches using energy filtration He has received notable awards: Research Prize, EAH Jena (2017) Teaching Prize, EAH Jena (2013) Infineon Awards 1st Prize for patent innovation With over 40 patents and publications in semiconductor technology, his recent work focuses on Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices and advanced implantation methodologies.

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Jan BohlenView profile

Research Professor

Stralsund University of Applied SciencesGermany

Dr. Jan Bohlen is a Research Professor at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, serving as a Senior Scientist in the Magnesium Innovations Centre (MagIC). His research spans magnesium alloys, corrosion science, and materials processing, with a strong focus on biomedical and lightweight structural applications. He investigates alloy design, microstructure-property relationships, and advanced manufacturing techniques like extrusion and rolling. Bohlen's recent work emphasizes machine learning-driven modeling for material behavior prediction and process optimization. His publications highlight trends in biodegradable Mg/Zn alloys, corrosion mitigation, and thermomechanical processing, aiming to enhance performance for medical implants and industrial components. He leads research at MagIC, collaborating on projects involving alloy development, dieless wire drawing, and texture control. No awards or student advisories are documented in the provided text.

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Anja BielefeldView profile

Assistant Professor

Frankfurt University of Applied SciencesGermany

Dr. Anja Bielefeld serves as Junior Research Group Leader at the Center for Materials Research (LaMa) of Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany, operating at the critical physics-chemistry interface within the university's "Materials, Molecules, and Energy" campus focus area. Her position represents an early-career academic role equivalent to Assistant Professor, dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration and shared large-scale research infrastructure. Her research program centers on computational modeling of solid-state battery microstructures, specifically investigating how particle morphology, pore networks, and electrode composition influence electrochemical performance. By translating experimental challenges into finite element simulations, her team addresses phenomena inaccessible to pure experimentation—such as ion-electron transport dynamics—to develop optimization frameworks for next-generation energy storage. This work directly responds to climate change imperatives by enhancing battery technology for mobile and stationary applications. Funding from multiple high-impact initiatives sustains her research trajectory, including the Research Campus of Central Hesse's junior group grant, EU TALISSMAN project for lithium-sulfur batteries, BattFutur SiMba for microstructure optimization, French-German HiPoBat consortium, and DELFIN's digital electrode design. These grants enable active recruitment of Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral candidates interested in computational electrochemistry and experimental validation. The research group comprises Johannes Schubert, Sascha Kremer, Jill Kessler, Jing Liu, Moritz Pawlowsky, Alexander Weiß, René Rekers, Felix Schnaubelt, Safoura Vaez, and Luigi Jacopo Santa Maria. Their collaborative environment leverages LaMa's shared facilities while maintaining strong international networks, with Dr. Bielefeld personally emphasizing work-life balance through outdoor activities and traditional East Frisian tea breaks.

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Esther KuehnView profile

Professor

Helmholtz Association of German Research CentersGermany

Prof. Dr. Esther Kuehn serves as Group Leader at the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Tübingen. Her translational research utilizes 3T, 7T, and 9.4T MRI to investigate cortical microstructure in health and disease across multiple neurological conditions. Her research focuses on cortical microstructure imaging using ultra-high field MRI to understand neural mechanisms in: Neurodegenerative diseases (ALS, Parkinson's) Neurological disorders (Multiple Sclerosis) Aging populations Sensorimotor system architecture Somatic pain pathways Her lab develops advanced imaging techniques to bridge structural and functional brain changes. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in layer-specific myelin mapping and computational modeling for fMRI data alignment. She actively organizes scientific events including the BrainInDepth2024 conference on AI applications in ultra-high field MRI research. Prof. Kuehn collaborates with researchers including Oliver Contier, Lisa Klemm, Elena Azanon, Stefanie Schreiber, Oliver Speck, and Christoph Reichert. Her lab currently recruits for positions including lab managers and MTAs to support ongoing translational neuroscience projects.

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Agnes FlöelView profile

Professor

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)Germany

Prof Dr Agnes Flöel is a Professor at the University of Greifswald Medical School, where she leads research at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, sleep physiology, and brain stimulation. Her work focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying memory formation and cognitive decline in aging, with particular emphasis on sleep-related processes and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. Her research interests center on sleep physiology , cognitive neuroscience , and neurostimulation . Dr. Flöel investigates how slow oscillations, spindles, and delta waves interact during sleep to support memory consolidation, particularly in older adults and those with cognitive impairment. Her work extends to developing interventions combining cognitive training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance cognitive function in aging and early Alzheimer's disease. She also contributes to methodological advancements in sleep staging through deep learning approaches and addresses technical challenges in neuroimaging. Dr. Flöel's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with multiple high-impact papers annually, primarily focused on sleep neuroscience, brain stimulation, and cognitive aging. Her work shows strong collaborative patterns with researchers across Germany, particularly within the SFB 1315 research consortium. Recent publications (2022-2024) increasingly incorporate computational approaches, deep learning, and multimodal neuroimaging to address fundamental questions about neural plasticity and memory. Her research has been supported through the Collaborative Research Center 1315 (SFB 1315) funded by the German Research Foundation, focusing on neuronal circuits in aging. Dr. Flöel serves as principal investigator for multiple clinical trials examining brain stimulation approaches for cognitive enhancement in older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. Dr. Flöel leads a research group investigating sleep-brain interactions in aging, collaborating closely with computational neuroscientists, neurologists, and psychologists. Her team utilizes multimodal approaches including EEG, MRI, and behavioral assessments to understand neural mechanisms of cognitive decline and potential interventions.

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Kai WillnerView profile

Professor

University of Erlangen–NurembergGermany

Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Kai Willner is a distinguished Professor at the Chair of Engineering Mechanics within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). His research spans multiple domains of computational mechanics with significant contributions to structural dynamics, uncertainty quantification, and biomechanics. His current work focuses on innovative applications of fuzzy arithmetic in engineering systems and the mechanics of brain tissue. Principal Investigator for SFB 1540 EBM (Erforschung der Mechanik des Gehirns) Lead researcher on multiple DFG-funded projects including polymorphic uncertainty modeling Active participant in international collaborations on structural dynamics Member of the research group FOR 2271 on process-oriented tolerance management Willner's research interests center on computational mechanics with emphasis on uncertainty quantification , fuzzy-stochastic finite element methods , contact mechanics , and brain biomechanics . His work addresses fundamental challenges in modeling systems with uncertain parameters, particularly in heterogeneous materials and biological systems. His research group develops advanced computational frameworks that integrate fuzzy arithmetic with traditional finite element methods to handle epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties simultaneously, with applications ranging from microstructural analysis to brain mechanics. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, particularly at the intersection of computational mechanics and neuroscience. His work on brain mechanics within the SFB 1540 EBM project represents a significant shift toward biomedical applications of traditional mechanical engineering methods. His publications consistently demonstrate expertise in vibration analysis, structural dynamics, and uncertainty quantification, with increasing focus on applying these methods to biological systems and complex material behaviors. Prof. Willner has secured substantial third-party funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG), including multiple collaborative research center (SFB/TRR) projects, research units (FOR), and individual grants. His current major projects include the SFB 1540 EBM (2023-2026) investigating brain mechanics, and continuing work on polymorphic uncertainty modeling in heterogeneous materials. Within the SFB 1540 EBM consortium, Willner leads research on model-based matching of ex vivo and in vivo test data (project X01), focusing on resolving contradictions in mechanical properties of ultraweak brain tissue materials across different testing modalities. His team develops continuum-based simulation models to unify various experimental observations into a coherent mechanical framework for brain tissue.

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Diaaeldin DaghmaView profile

Researcher

Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant ResearchGermany

Diaaeldin Daghma serves as Group Leader of EdTissOmics at the Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) in Quedlinburg, Germany, within the Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops since November 2023. His research spans plant biotechnology, mutagenesis, and cell biology with particular focus on plant embryogenesis and cereal genetics. Dr. Daghma's research interests center on plant biotechnology and mutagenesis, with significant contributions to understanding barley pollen embryogenesis, Arabidopsis embryo development, and CRISPR-based genome editing techniques. His work demonstrates expertise in cellular dynamics during plant development, epigenetic regulation, and advanced microscopy techniques. Early career research included bone biology and osteoporosis models, indicating a transition toward plant-focused research in recent years. His publication record shows consistent output since 2011 with 14 documented works, featuring prominent journals in plant science and developmental biology. Recent publications (2021-2023) focus on doubled haploid barley production, CRISPR applications, and Arabidopsis embryo development, reflecting his current research trajectory in plant biotechnology. Dr. Daghma has served as a peer reviewer for Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, demonstrating active engagement in the academic community. His collaborative work with researchers like Kumlehn, Hensel, and Melzer indicates strong institutional partnerships within plant biotechnology.

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Anna PlachtiView profile

Researcher

Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human FactorsGermany

Dr. Anna Plachti is a Scientific Associate at the Leibniz Institute for Working Environment (IfADo) in the Department of Ergonomics, where she leads the Networking group focused on Aging and Information Processing. Her professional trajectory includes postdoctoral positions at Research Center Jülich's Institute of Neuroscience and the Danish Magnetic Resonance Research Centre. Her academic credentials include a Dr.rer.nat. in Psychology from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (2020), Master's degrees in Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (University of Cologne, 2016) and Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 2014), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg, 2011). Dr. Plachti's research spans computational, cognitive, and clinical neuroscience with emphasis on brain structure across the entire lifespan. She employs advanced neuroimaging techniques to investigate hippocampal organization, brain-behavior relationships during development, and neural mechanisms of cognitive processes. Her work in the Dortmund Vital Study examines structural brain changes throughout life, with special attention to aging processes and information processing capabilities. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on hippocampal structure-function relationships across the lifespan, developmental neuroscience, and brain aging. Her research demonstrates increasing leadership in large-scale collaborative projects, including international efforts to generate simulated datasets for studying brain development. European Lifebrain consortium member studying brain structure changes across adulthood Contributor to major publications in Human Brain Mapping, NeuroImage, and Cerebral Cortex Active participant in the Dortmund Vital Study examining brain structure across lifespan Her research program bridges multiple disciplines including neuroscience, psychology, and computational modeling, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern brain research. Dr. Plachti maintains active collaborations with international research teams investigating brain development, aging, and neurological disorders.

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Erhan GençView profile

Professor

Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human FactorsGermany

Prof. Dr. Erhan Genç serves as a University Professor (W2) for 'Neuroscientific Foundations of Differential Psychology' at TU Dortmund University since 2023, operating under the Jülich model for research activities at IfADo (Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors). He leads the 'Neuroimaging and Interindividual Differences' research group at the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance in Dortmund, Germany. His primary research focuses on: Neural basis of interindividual differences in cognitive functions and personality Application of multimodal neuroimaging methods (7T, 3T EEG/fMRI, TMS/fMRI, DWI, neurogenetics) Genç's research program investigates how variations in brain structure and function correlate with differences in cognitive abilities and personality traits. His work employs advanced neuroimaging techniques to uncover neural mechanisms underlying human intelligence and cognitive control processes, with particular emphasis on structural and functional brain connectivity. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding the relationship between brain microstructure (particularly white matter organization and neurite architecture), brain network properties, and cognitive abilities. His recent work has established important links between polygenic scores, brain network efficiency, and intelligence measures. Methodologically, his expertise spans diffusion MRI for assessing microstructural properties of brain tissue, functional MRI for investigating brain connectivity patterns, and multimodal integration of different neuroimaging techniques to provide comprehensive insights into brain-behavior relationships.

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Annabelle Kehl-BeckmannView profile

Professor

Federal Bank of Germany UniversityGermany

Professor Annabelle Kehl-Beckmann serves as Head of University at Deutsche Bundesbank University of Applied Sciences, holding a full professorship in quantitative finance. Her academic leadership includes membership in the University Senate and oversight of academic operations. Her research focuses on extreme value theory applications in financial risk modeling , with specialized expertise in event risk quantification, market/credit risk parameterization, and jump-diffusion processes. Key contributions include developing generalized Pareto models with time-varying thresholds for tail risk estimation in equity markets and banking supervision contexts. Publications since 2009 demonstrate consistent specialization in extreme value modeling for financial risk , with recurring themes in equity event risk, credit derivatives valuation, and regulatory capital frameworks. Her work bridges theoretical statistics with practical banking supervision requirements. Teaching responsibilities encompass advanced quantitative finance topics including: Stochastics and financial mathematics Credit portfolio modeling Rating validation procedures Interest book present value management Market risk model development Professional development includes significant industry engagement through workshops with Deutsche Bundesbank, DekaBank, and HSH Nordbank, alongside management of third-party-funded research projects in extreme value modeling.

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Christoph SchmidhammerView profile

Professor

Federal Bank of Germany UniversityGermany

Professor Christoph Schmidhammer serves as Head of University and faculty member at the Deutsche Bundesbank University of Applied Science, teaching Microprudential banking supervision, Bank management, Quantitative methods, and Business administration with specific courses on banking supervision, financial statement analysis, and the Basel Capital Accord. His academic credentials include: Business Administration studies at the University of Regensburg featuring a study abroad period at University College Dublin PhD from University of Regensburg with doctoral thesis "Essays on Index Product Pricing" Dr. Schmidhammer's research centers on market microstructure (ETFs, certificates, futures markets, indices), operational risk, and banking product pricing. His empirical work examines pricing efficiency and tracking errors in German index products, with particular focus on DAX ETFs and bond market strategies during low-interest periods. Analysis of his publication history reveals evolving research trajectories from traditional banking topics toward fintech disruption, especially peer-to-peer lending platforms. His 2020-2022 work demonstrates increasing emphasis on digital two-sided platforms' impact on banking supervision frameworks while maintaining core expertise in index replication mechanisms. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. Professional details regarding doctoral student supervision, research grants, or leadership of dedicated research teams were not provided in the available information. His industry background as a consultant for Bavarian credit cooperatives implementing Basel II requirements informs his practical approach to banking regulation topics.

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Paul Dirk BonsView profile

Professor

Bochum University of Applied SciencesGermany

Professor Paul Dirk Bons is a faculty member at the University of Tübingen's Faculty of Geosciences, leading the Structural Geology working group. His research focuses on microstructural processes in geological materials and ice dynamics, with extensive DFG-funded project experience. His primary research spans structural geology and rock deformation mechanisms, specializing in subgrain structure development in rocks/metals, numerical modeling of partial melt microstructures, and deformation-recrystallization processes in polar ice. He also investigates fluid pathways in hydrothermal systems, exemplified by his Mount Painter Inlier case study in South Australia, integrating geology, materials science, and computational techniques. Professor Bons has directed multiple completed DFG projects including 'Subgrain structure development in rocks and metals (MineralSubstructureDynamics)', 'Numerical modeling of partial melt microstructures', and polar ice deformation studies. His work demonstrates expertise in computational geodynamics through infrastructure-focused programs and standard grants. He heads the Structural Geology working group at Tübingen, which conducts advanced microstructural simulations of deformation mechanisms across geological materials and ice systems.

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Ashish Kumar SrivastavaView profile

Professor

DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, AachenGermany

Prof. Ashish Kumar Srivastava serves as a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at G.L. Bajaj Institute of Technology and Management, Greater Noida, India, with over 16 years of experience in teaching, research, and administration. Recognized as a Top 2% Scientist globally, his work bridges advanced manufacturing and materials engineering. His academic foundation includes: B.Tech from Institute of Engineering and Technology, VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur M.Tech from Uttar Pradesh Technical University, Lucknow Ph.D. in Materials and Manufacturing from Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad (2018) Dr. Srivastava specializes in friction stir-based technologies , focusing on additive manufacturing, microstructural characterization, and functional material development. His research drives innovations in metal matrix composites and surface engineering, with strong industry applications in aerospace and automotive sectors. Current projects emphasize process optimization and property enhancement through novel fabrication techniques. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a concentrated focus on metal additive manufacturing , particularly friction stir methods and laser powder bed fusion. These works investigate microstructure-property relationships, defect mitigation, and mechanical behavior of 3D-printed alloys like SS316L, demonstrating interdisciplinary integration of experimental and computational approaches. Key recognitions include: Top 2% Scientist of the world He has secured significant research funding, completing two government projects and currently leading a Council of Science and Technology (CST) UP grant. His innovation extends to four filed patents with the Government of India. Academically, he mentors 4 Ph.D. scholars, 8 postgraduate projects, and 42 undergraduate projects while serving as guest editor for special issues in Coatings Journal and Materials Journal , plus editorial board member for five international journals. He actively reviews for Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley publications.

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