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Prof. Dr. Patrick Huber is a leading physicist and Institute Director at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) , heading the Institute for Materials and X-Ray Physics (M-2) . He also leads the High-Resolution X-Ray Analytics of Materials group at DESY through a cooperative professorship. His research spans condensed matter physics , nanoporous materials , and X-ray analytics , with significant contributions to molecular water science and soft matter in confinement . Education: PhD in Physics (1999, Saarland University), Diploma in Physics (1995, Saarland University) Professional Career: Full Professor at TUHH (2020-present), Member of CRC 1615 (2023-present), Spokesperson for CMWS (2024-present), Cluster of Excellence BlueMat (2025) Research Interests focus on multi-scale material behavior under extreme confinement, particularly hierarchical porous silicon and silica systems . His work examines adsorption-induced deformation , elastocapillarity , fluid transport in nanopores, and metamaterial design principles using electrolytes , polymers , and liquid crystals . Fundamental studies include fluid interface thermodynamics and microscopic hydrodynamics . Scientific Awards include the Top Reviewer Award (2018) from Applied Physics Letters and the Dr.-Eduard-Martin Award (2000) for his dissertation. He contributes to 130+ publications with an h-index of 36 (2021). Advising and Grants involve supervising 18 doctoral and master's students , including Manuel Brinker , Marc Thelen , and Stella Gries . He participates in Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1615 , Cluster of Excellence EXC 3120 BlueMat , and the United Nations University Hub on Climate Engineering . Laboratory and Teams include the Institute for Materials and X-Ray Physics (M-2) at TUHH, the High-Resolution X-Ray Analytics group at DESY, and contributions to the Centre for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN) .

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanoporous Materials
• +6 more

Prof. Zeynep Altintas is a Full Professor (W3) at the Faculty of Engineering, Kiel University, where she holds the Chair of Bioinspired Materials and Biosensors within the Institute of Materials Science since 2022. She leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of materials science, biosensing, and computational design of functional materials for biomedical applications. Her research focuses on developing novel biosensing platforms using in silico designed functional materials for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety analysis. She has pioneered approaches in epitope-mediated imprinting, nanoMIP biosensors, and lab-on-a-chip sensing technologies. Her work bridges computational modeling with experimental validation to create high-affinity synthetic receptors for disease biomarkers. Prof. Altintas has received numerous prestigious accolades including the Life Outstanding Investigator Award for Women (2022), The Aventis Life Sciences Bridge Award with 100,000 euros prize money (2021), and recognition on Stanford University's Top 2% Scientists List (2021 and 2022). These awards reflect her significant contributions to advancing biosensor technology and materials science. She serves in editorial roles for high-impact journals including Biosensors and Bioelectronics (Elsevier), Scientific Reports (Nature), and Micromachines (MDPI). Her research has been supported by competitive funding including a Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (2016-2018) and various British Council travel grants. She has organized international scientific events and served on multiple conference committees. Prof. Altintas leads the Biomaterials and Biosensors Working Group at Kiel University, which is actively engaged in projects related to biomagnetic sensing, materials for brain applications, and cooperative actuator systems for nanomechanics. Her research group collaborates internationally across Europe, Turkey, and the UK, addressing critical challenges in healthcare diagnostics through interdisciplinary approaches.

• Biosensors
• Bioinspired Materials
• Molecular Imprinting
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Andreas Walther is a Professor of Macromolecular Materials and Systems at the Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. He is also a Research Fellow at the Gutenberg Research College and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. His research focuses on adaptive, bioinspired materials systems, self-assembly processes, and energy-driven functional materials. Key projects include the development of ATP-fueled systems, dissipative systems engineering, and light-actuated materials. Walther leads the Walther Lab, specializing in life-like materials and systems, and contributes to educational initiatives like the livMatS program. His expertise spans hierarchical self-assembly, biomimetic materials, and non-equilibrium systems. Recent work emphasizes communication in chemically fueled networks and programmable DNA coacervates. Publications highlight breakthroughs in ATP-responsive materials, scalable hydrogel synthesis, and light-controlled systems. Awards and grants include DFG funding for livMatS-related research. He advises two PhD students and collaborates widely across institutions.

• Adaptive materials
• Bioinspired systems
• Self-assembly
• +3 more

Prof. Laura Na Liu is a Professor and Director at the 2nd Physics Institute, University of Stuttgart, with a dual affiliation at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research. Her research bridges nanophotonics, DNA nanotechnology, and plasmonics, focusing on dynamic systems for biomedical applications, optical metamaterials, and synthetic biology. Key contributions include DNA-templated plasmonic architectures, reconfigurable metasurfaces, and synthetic cell components using DNA nanotechnology. Academic training includes advanced work in physics and materials science, with a career spanning leading institutions. Research interests emphasize the interplay between nanoscale structures and optical/chemical functionalities. Recent publications highlight innovations in programmable nanomaterials, real-time molecular tracking, and high-performance holography systems. Her work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches, addressing challenges in biophotonics, nanoelectronics, and smart materials. Awards and recognitions are listed in institutional records, while her lab actively collaborates with industry on applied photonics solutions.

• Nanophotonics
• DNA Nanotechnology
• Plasmonics
• +4 more

Prof. Fabian Meder is an Associate Professor at the BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy, leading the Lab for Surface Phenomena and Integrated Systems . He holds a PhD in Materials Science (2013) from the University of Bremen and has held positions at EMPA (Switzerland), University College Dublin (Ireland), and the Max Planck Institute (Germany). His research focuses on surface phenomena and their applications in energy harvesting, soft robotics, and biohybrid systems, particularly leveraging plant surfaces for sustainable technologies. Education: Bachelor's in Bio- and Nanotechnology (2008) – South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences PhD in Materials Science (2013) – University of Bremen Research Interests: Triboelectric charging and energy conversion on biological surfaces Plant-inspired biohybrid systems for autonomous energy generation Epicuticular electrification mechanisms and their ecological implications Soft robotics and sensor technologies integrated with natural systems Grants & Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2024) for the EpiC project on epicuticular electrification National Italian Habilitation (ASN) as Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry (2022) Labs & Teams: Leads the Lab for Surface Phenomena and Integrated Systems, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects in biohybrid robotics and energy harvesting.

• Surface phenomena
• Contact electrification
• Soft robotics
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Gil Westmeyer is a Professor of Neurobiological Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding joint appointments at the TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine and Health. He serves as Director of the Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine at Helmholtz-Zentrum München and leads the Chair of Neurobiological Engineering at TUM. His research program bridges molecular engineering, neuroimaging, and synthetic biology to develop next-generation tools for understanding and manipulating cellular networks. Westmeyer's educational background includes medical and philosophical studies in Munich, doctoral work on the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease under Professor Christian Haass, clinical training at Harvard Medical School, and postdoctoral research with Professor Alan Jasanoff at MIT. His laboratory focuses on creating genetically encoded molecular sensors and actuators that enable non-invasive imaging and remote control of cellular processes across multiple scales. His research spans three primary domains: molecular sensors for multimodal imaging (from electron microscopy to whole-organism optoacoustics), molecular actuators for spatiotemporal control of cellular processes, and neurobehavioral imaging in freely behaving model organisms. The lab's work integrates synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and advanced imaging techniques to create tools that map dynamic signaling processes and manipulate cellular functions with unprecedented precision. Westmeyer's publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in molecular engineering, with recent work focusing on genetically encoded barcodes for electron microscopy, intron-encoded reporting systems, multiplexed optoacoustic imaging, and magnetically responsive cellular compartments. His publications in high-impact journals like Nature Methods, Cell, and Nature Biotechnology reflect the significance of his contributions to molecular imaging and engineering. ERC Proof of Concept 'inteRNAlizer' (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant 'EMcapsulins' (2019) ERC Starting Grant 'MagnetoGenetics' (2013) Helmholtz Young Investigator's Group (2011) Westmeyer actively mentors students and researchers through multiple teaching positions at TUM, including courses in biological chemistry, genetic machine development (iGEM), mammalian cell technology, and neuro-recording methods. His laboratory develops technologies with clear translational potential for future neurotherapies and regenerative medicine applications, particularly through the creation of imaging-controlled cellular interventions. The lab maintains strong collaborations across disciplines and institutions, with research that contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing.

• Molecular Sensors
• Molecular Actuators
• Neuroimaging
• +7 more

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Schmitz serves as Institute Director and Vice Dean at the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems, RWTH Aachen University. Her leadership within the Production Technology Cluster and extensive contributions to fluid power engineering establish her as a leading authority in mechanical engineering research and education. Her research spans fluid power systems, hydraulic component design, tribology, and physics-informed machine learning applications. She pioneers sustainable propulsion solutions through bio-hybrid fuels research while addressing fundamental challenges in polymer material behavior under hydraulic stresses. Current work focuses on carbon-neutral heavy-duty transportation, physics-based neural networks for lubrication modeling, and advanced control systems for electro-hydraulic actuators. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant trend toward integrating physics-based modeling with deep learning to solve complex engineering problems. Her team consistently develops novel frameworks for cavitation prediction, flow rate determination, and material compatibility assessment - significantly advancing fluid power system reliability, efficiency, and digitalization. Scientific recognition includes: GfT Förderpreis 2023 for experimental and simulative investigation of partially hydrostatic relieved contacts in variable speed axial piston machines As head of the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems, she leads cutting-edge research in sustainable fluid power technologies. The institute maintains strong industry partnerships while driving innovation in hydraulic component design, digital twins for condition monitoring, and next-generation propulsion systems through its position within RWTH Aachen's Production Technology Cluster.

• Fluid Power Engineering
• Hydraulic Systems
• Tribology
• +4 more

Sisi Fan is a Researcher at the 2nd Physics Institute, University of Stuttgart, specializing in DNA nanotechnology and synthetic biology. Her work focuses on engineering DNA-based nanoscale systems for applications in materials science, biomedicine, and molecular computing. Her research interests include DNA origami structures, programmable molecular systems, and their integration into synthetic cells and diagnostic platforms. Notable projects involve reconfigurable DNA networks for membrane engineering and spatiotemporal control of biochemical reactions. Recent publications highlight advancements in DNA-based photonic materials, enzyme-free catalytic circuits, and nanomedicine applications using gold nanostars for targeted therapy. She explores interdisciplinary interfaces between nanotechnology and cell biology, with contributions to cellular nanomechanics and immune response modulation via nanoparticle systems. Dr. Fan collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance nanotechnology-driven solutions in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biomaterials. Her lab at the University of Stuttgart emphasizes both fundamental research and translational biomedical applications.

• DNA Nanotechnology
• Synthetic Biology
• Biosensors
• +3 more

Professor Friedrich Simmel (*1970) holds the Chair of Physics of Synthetic Biosystems at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience. His research laboratory is located at Am Coulombwall 4a in Garching near Munich, where he leads a vibrant research group focused on the physics of synthetic biological systems. Professor Simmel's research interests center on bionanotechnology, particularly artificial molecular machines and nanostructures made from DNA molecules, as well as the design of artificial biochemical control circuits. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology to create novel synthetic biosystems with programmable functions. Key research areas include DNA origami, DNA nanotechnology, synthetic gene circuits, and biomimetic systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward increasingly complex DNA-based nanodevices with applications in biosensing, nanomedicine, and synthetic biology. The research shows progression from fundamental DNA nanostructure design to functional systems with practical applications in diagnostics and biocomputation. His group has pioneered approaches for creating DNA-based nanorobots, synthetic membrane channels, and programmable biochemical oscillators. ERC Advanced Grant (2015) Human frontier science program (HFSP) young investigator award (2006) Emmy Noether Young Researcher of the German Research Foundation (2002) acatech - the German Academy of Science and Engineering (2013) Professor Simmel actively mentors numerous students and junior researchers, as evidenced by the many co-instructors listed on his practical courses. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including the ERC Advanced Grant. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations across disciplines, working with researchers in microfluidics, synthetic biology, and biomedical engineering. The group operates within TUM's advanced infrastructure for biophysics and nanotechnology, including facilities for electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography.

• DNA Nanotechnology
• Synthetic Biology
• Bionanotechnology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Andreas Reiner is a faculty member in the Department of Cellular Neurobiology at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum. His research focuses on glutamate receptor signaling, synaptic plasticity, and the development of optical techniques for studying receptor dynamics in the central nervous system. University: Ruhr University Bochum School: Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology Department: Cellular Neurobiology Email: andreas.reiner@ruhr-uni-bochum.de His work emphasizes the use of chemical photoswitches (photoswitchable ligands) for light-based activation/inhibition of ionotropic (iGluRs) and metabotropic (mGluRs) glutamate receptors, enabling precise optogenetic and pharmacological studies. Research also explores receptor desensitization, subunit occupancy, and structural diversity. Recent publications highlight advancements in photoswitchable tools (2023), structural analysis of kainate receptors (2021), and subunit-selective antagonists for NMDA receptors (2020). Earlier work (2013-2016) established foundational techniques for optogenetic control of glutamate receptors.

• Glutamate receptor signaling
• Synaptic plasticity
• Neuropharmacology
• +5 more

Dr. Benjamin Rost is a researcher at the Institute of Neurophysiology within the Faculty of Medicine at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. He is a core member of Collaborative Research Center SFB 1315 (Project C01), focused on developing molecular tools for memory engram manipulation and investigation. His research centers on optogenetic technology development and neural circuit analysis, with specific expertise in synaptic plasticity mechanisms, calcium signaling control, and neuromuscular junction modeling. Key contributions include engineering calcium-permeable channelrhodopsins (CapChRs) for precise intracellular signaling manipulation, developing bistable opto-GPCRs like PdCO for multiplexed circuit interrogation, and creating self-organizing neuromuscular junction models from human stem cells. His work bridges molecular engineering, electrophysiology, and disease modeling to address fundamental questions in neural communication. Recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated optogenetic tools with enhanced spatiotemporal precision. His 2022-2025 work demonstrates progression from foundational presynaptic optogenetics (2022) to asymmetric plasticity discovery (2025), with critical intermediate advances in calcium signaling (2022), stem cell-based disease models (2023), and high-throughput screening systems (2024). This evolution highlights his interdisciplinary approach combining biophysics, stem cell biology, and circuit neuroscience. Dr. Rost operates within Prof. Dietmar Schmitz's laboratory at Charité's Institute of Neurophysiology, leveraging SFB 1315 resources for memory engram research. His team employs advanced techniques including patch-clamp electrophysiology, stem cell differentiation protocols, and custom-built optogenetic hardware like the RainbowCap illumination system for microplate-based assays.

• Optogenetics
• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Andreas Peil is a Researcher and Project Leader of the RISC project ('Hybrid DNA Nanomotors') at the 2nd Physics Institute of the University of Stuttgart. His work focuses on the intersection of nanotechnology, biophysics, and materials science, particularly in DNA-based nanomaterials and their applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and optoelectronics. He leads research on DNA origami architectures, dynamic nanoscale systems, and plasmonic materials. His recent projects include the development of transformable plasmonic helices and modular rotary nanodevices. Peil’s research interests span DNA nanomotors, photonic nanomaterials, and lipid membrane modulation using DNA origami networks. He has contributed to advancements in gold nanoparticle-mediated nanoarchitectures and enzymatic functionalization of polyketide biosynthesis pathways. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals like Angewandte Chemie and Small . While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his publications reflect innovation in biomimetic systems and nanomechanical designs. He advises students in experimental nanotechnology and collaborates on grants related to hybrid nanomaterials. His lab focuses on translating fundamental research into applied technologies for diagnostics and drug delivery systems.

• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics
• DNA Nanomotors
• +3 more

Karsten Danzmann is a Professor at Leibniz Universität Hannover and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) since 2002. He leads the Laser Interferometry and Gravitational Wave Astronomy department, focusing on advanced technologies for gravitational wave detection. Education : Diploma in Physics (1977), Universität Hannover PhD in Atomic and Molecular Physics (1980), Universität Hannover His research interests span gravitational wave astronomy, laser interferometry, quantum measurement, and space-based detector technology. He pioneered key innovations at the GEO600 detector, including squeezed light implementation and high-power lasers, now used in LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA. He also leads the LISA space mission consortium for low-frequency gravitational wave detection in space. Scientific awards : Honorary Doctorate (RWTH Aachen, 2025) Edison Volta Prize (2018) Princess of Asturias Award (2017) Gruber Prize (2016) Hall of Fame der deutschen Forschung (2019)

• Gravitational Wave Astronomy
• Laser Interferometry
• Quantum Measurement
• +2 more

Vanessa Barth is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Freiburg's Cluster of Excellence livMatS (Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies), where she investigates reversible oxygen storage using endoperoxide chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Henning Jessen. Her work bridges organic synthesis and engineering applications, particularly for pneumatic systems and micro-actuation devices requiring triggered oxygen release. Her research interests focus on Organic Chemistry and Materials Science, with specialization in synthesizing tunable anthracene-endoperoxides that release oxygen via temperature, mechanical stress, or pH triggers. She develops real-time optical sensor systems for monitoring oxygen kinetics, contributing to bioinspired materials design and sustainable energy storage solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. Analysis of Barth's 2024-2025 publications reveals consistent advancement in endoperoxide applications, evolving from fundamental synthesis to integrated sensor-actuation systems. Her work demonstrates strong cross-disciplinary integration of chemical kinetics, materials characterization, and micro-engineering, primarily targeting biomedical and sustainable technology domains. No scientific awards are documented in available sources. As an early-career doctoral researcher, she has not yet assumed student advising roles or independent grant leadership.

• Organic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Sensor Development
• +2 more

Peter Zahn is a Science Manager for Nanoelectronics and Coordinator of the Research School NanoNet and HZDR Career Center at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). He holds the academic title of PD Dr. habil., reflecting his expertise in advanced materials research. His primary affiliation is within the Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research , specifically leading the Nanoelectronics FWIO department. Zahn’s work focuses on nanomaterials, thermoelectrics, and spintronics, with a strong emphasis on computational modeling and experimental characterization of electronic and thermal transport phenomena in novel materials systems. His research interests span nanoelectronic devices, including molecular junctions and nanowires, as well as the thermoelectric properties of layered materials and superlattices. Zahn has pioneered studies on the electrical and mechanical behavior of germanium nanowires and the adsorption dynamics of organic molecules on metallic surfaces. His contributions to understanding spin-dependent transport phenomena, including the extrinsic spin Hall effect and magnetoresistance in metallic systems, are also notable. Key trends in his articles include advancements in nanomaterial fabrication techniques, computational simulations of molecular and electronic systems, and the optimization of thermoelectric materials for energy conversion. His work bridges theoretical predictions with experimental validation, often employing first-principles calculations and atomistic modeling. Zahn’s coordination roles involve fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through the NanoNet research school and supporting early-career researchers via HZDR’s Career Center. He has contributed to annual reports highlighting the institute’s achievements in ion beam physics and materials innovation. His research infrastructure includes state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and advanced characterization tools at HZDR, enabling cutting-edge studies in nanoelectronics and materials science.

• Nanoelectronics
• Thermoelectrics
• Spintronics
• +3 more