Katharina Eggensperger is an Early Career Research Group Leader at the University of Tübingen , leading the AutoML for Science group within the Cluster of Excellence Machine Learning for Science . She previously completed her Ph.D. at the University of Freiburg under Frank Hutter and Marius Lindauer (2022), and actively contributes to the AutoML community through open-source tool development and competition leadership. Co-developer of AutoML.org tools Faculty member of IMPRS-IS Chair for multiple AutoML workshops/conferences (2019-2025) Her research focuses on automated machine learning (AutoML) with specific attention to: AutoML Systems Hyperparameter Optimization Tabular Machine Learning Scientific Applications of ML She has organized multiple AutoML schools and conferences, including serving as Program Chair for AutoML 2024 and Non-archival Track Chair for AutoML 2025. Her work emphasizes making machine learning accessible through automation while maintaining scientific rigor and interpretability, particularly for tabular data applications. Katharina actively recruits PhD students through IMPRS-IS and collaborates with institutions like the University of Freiburg and Cyber Valley .
Professor Yann Disser is a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics at TU Darmstadt since 2021. He previously held an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) position at TU Darmstadt (2016-2021), a PostDoc position at TU Berlin (2012-2016), and a Visiting Professor role at Augsburg University (2015). His research spans Combinatorial Optimization , Online Algorithms , Graph Exploration , Computational Complexity , and Robust Optimization . Current position: Professor (W2), TU Darmstadt Previous: Assistant Professor (2016-2021), TU Darmstadt PostDoc & Habilitation: TU Berlin (2012-2016) His research focuses on algorithmic approaches to optimization problems, including: Combinatorial Optimization for problems like Steiner trees and knapsack variants Online Algorithms with applications to scheduling and transportation Graph Exploration by mobile agents and complexity bounds Computational Complexity of linear programming pivot rules Network Flows and geometric reconstruction Recent publications analyze incremental maximization with greedy methods, lower bounds for active-set methods , and universal circuit designs . His work appears in top venues like IPCO , ESA , and SODA . He advises a team of researchers including David Weckbecker, Farehe Soheil, and Alexander Birx. Current and past advisees often focus on algorithmic theory, with placements at institutions like HPI Potsdam and Merck.
Tien N. Nguyen is a Professor in the Computer Science Department at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas. He has been actively contributing to the software engineering research community since 2005, with significant publications and service to major conferences including ASE, ICSE, and ESEC/FSE. His extensive research portfolio spans multiple areas at the intersection of artificial intelligence and software engineering. Dr. Nguyen's research focuses on AI/ML4Code, encompassing Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing for Software Engineering and Software Security. His work specifically addresses Program Analysis, Software Evolution and Mining, Software Security, Software Maintenance, Mining Software Repositories, Version and Configuration Management, and Web Code Analysis and Security. His research has been consistently funded by multiple NSF grants including NSA NCAE-C-002-2021, CNS-2120386, CCF-1723215, CCF-1723432, CNS-1723198, and others dating back to CCLI-0737029. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward leveraging large language models for various software engineering tasks including program analysis, bug detection, code completion, and automated program repair. The research spans both theoretical foundations and practical applications, with numerous papers accepted at top-tier conferences across multiple years. His scientific contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards: ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Award at FSE 2024 IEEE Computer Society TCSE Distinguished Paper Award at SANER 2022 ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper and ASE Best Paper Award at ASE 2014 ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Award at ASE 2012 ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Award at ESEC/FSE 2009 Dr. Nguyen has served in numerous leadership roles including Program Co-Chair for ICSE 2020 Demonstrations, Doctoral Symposium Co-Chair for ESEC/FSE 2021, NIER Track Chair for ASE 2020, and Tutorials Co-Chair for ASE 2024. He has received multiple NSF grants supporting his research in software analysis, mining, and security. His work with the Boa infrastructure for ultra-large-scale code mining has established significant infrastructure for the research community. His laboratory focuses on AI for software engineering, with particular emphasis on program analysis, software security, and mining software repositories. The research group develops techniques that bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and practical software engineering challenges, creating tools that are both theoretically sound and practically applicable to real-world software development.
Oliver Deussen is a Professor of Visual Computing at the University of Konstanz, recognized by the German Informatics Society (GSI) as a Fellow for his contributions to computer science. His research focuses on visualization, robotics, and environmental modeling, particularly in plant and landscape representation. He has pioneered methods in image manipulation and robotic painting, emphasizing digitalization's societal impacts. His work spans computational biology (e.g., schooling fish behavior) and AI-driven creative technologies. Research Interests: Visualization techniques, swarm behavior analysis, robotic creativity, and interdisciplinary applications of computer science. He explores how computational methods can model natural systems and enhance human-machine interaction. Awards: Fellow of the German Informatics Society (GSI) His research often bridges theory and practice, with contributions to SLAM frameworks, style transfer algorithms, and uncertainty visualization tools. Collaborations in robotics and biology reflect his commitment to applied computational research.
Meg Crofoot is a Professor at the University of Konstanz and Director of the Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. She previously held roles as a Professor at the University of California, Davis, a lecturer at Princeton University, and a research fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Her research focuses on the evolution of social complexity in animal societies, leveraging GPS technology and remote sensing to study group dynamics in primates and other species. Key projects include investigating baboon movement decisions in Kenya and capuchin tool use in Panama. Crofoot has received prestigious awards like the Packard Fellowship and Alexander von Humboldt Professorship. She advocates for diversity in science and collaborates globally to advance understanding of animal sociality.
Prof. Dr. Marcus Vetter is the founder and director of the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (A²IR) at Mannheim University of Technology's Faculty of Information Technology. His work bridges Deep learning Medical imaging and navigation Embedded systems Real-time computing Software engineering for medical devices He has taught courses including Deep Learning Methods, Image-Guided Medicine, and Embedded Systems. Education Computer Science, Technical University of Mannheim, 1999 Doctorate ('summa cum laude superato') in 'Image-based navigation systems', University of Heidelberg, 2003 Research focuses on AI-driven medical imaging tools, real-time deformation models, and open-source frameworks like MITK. His 15 most recent publications span 6D pose estimation for medical robotics Spectroscopy-based diagnostics Formal software verification Gesture and gaze recognition interfaces UAV drive train optimization Scientific achievements Doctorate with distinction (2003) Co-founder of MITK open-source project Director of A²IR institute since 2007 He has received BMBF grants for real-time deformation models and tracking systems, and has led development of navigation systems for laparoscopic surgery and cardiac ablation procedures.
Lung-Pan Cheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Taiwan University. His research focuses on creating innovative interfaces that bridge physical and virtual realities, with particular emphasis on virtual reality systems, haptic feedback mechanisms, and perceptual illusions. Dr. Cheng's work explores how to create more immersive and believable virtual experiences through: Novel haptic feedback systems that simulate physical interactions in virtual environments Real walking techniques that overcome physical space limitations in VR Perceptual illusions that enhance the sense of presence in virtual worlds Human actuation approaches that leverage people as part of the VR infrastructure Optical illusions applied to digital media and gaming experiences Advanced fabrication techniques for interactive physical objects His recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate a continued trajectory of innovation in VR interaction techniques, with work focusing on directional force feedback, infinite vertical navigation, and the integration of optical illusions into virtual experiences. Dr. Cheng's research consistently combines hardware innovation with perceptual psychology to create compelling user experiences that push the boundaries of virtual environments. Dr. Cheng has received notable recognition for his work: Best Paper Award at CHI 2022 for 'AirRacket: Perceptual Design of Ungrounded, Directional Force Feedback to Improve Virtual Racket Sports Experiences' SIC People's Choice Award at UIST 2022 for 'Garnish into Thin Air' His research has been featured in media outlets including MIT News and New Scientist, indicating broader impact beyond academic circles. Dr. Cheng maintains active collaborations with researchers worldwide, as evidenced by his international co-authorship patterns across multiple disciplines including computer science, psychology, and engineering.
Claus Haslauer serves as Scientific Director at the Institute for Modelling Water and Environmental Systems and the Groundwater and Contaminated Site Remediation Test Facility (VEGAS) at the University of Stuttgart. He holds the academic rank of Professor within the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, specifically in the Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management. Haslauer has been affiliated with the institute since January 2019 and maintains an active research and teaching profile. His research interests focus on groundwater modeling, contaminant transport processes, environmental remediation technologies, hydrogeology, and soil engineering. Haslauer's work particularly emphasizes PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) research, investigating immobilization techniques, leaching behavior, and remediation strategies for these persistent contaminants. His methodological approaches include experimental testing at various scales (batch, column, lysimeter), numerical modeling, and field applications of remediation technologies. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward addressing complex environmental contamination challenges, particularly PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater systems. His research employs multi-scale experimental approaches combined with advanced modeling techniques to understand contaminant behavior and develop effective remediation strategies. The work spans fundamental hydrogeological processes to practical field applications, with significant emphasis on translating laboratory findings to real-world remediation scenarios. Haslauer teaches courses including Soil Engineering, Soil Experiments, Environmental Analytical Techniques, Statistics for Engineers, Environmental Measuring and Monitoring Technologies, Groundwater and Soil Remediation, and Hydrogeology Field Practice. His teaching integrates theoretical concepts with practical laboratory and field experiences, reflecting his research focus on experimental approaches to understanding subsurface processes.
Dr. Jan Salmen is a researcher at Ruhr University Bochum's Faculty of Computer Science, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroinformatics (INI). His work focuses on real-time systems, computer vision, and machine learning. Doctoral thesis: Efficient video-based driver assistance systems Salmen's research spans autonomous driving, traffic sign recognition, stereo vision, and sports analytics. He has contributed to benchmarks in traffic sign detection and soccer analysis. Publications highlight his expertise in image processing, pattern recognition, and sensor fusion for autonomous systems. Key trends include optimization of machine learning algorithms for real-time applications. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at INI, which integrates experimental psychology, neurophysiology, and robotics into artificial cognitive systems research.
Prof. Dr. Haris Gačanin is a faculty member at RWTH Aachen University, affiliated with the Institute for Distributed Signal Processing under the College of Electrical Engineering. His research focuses on integrating machine learning with wireless communication systems, particularly in industrial IoT, edge computing, and network optimization. Current academic rank: Professor Contact: harisg@dsp.rwth-aachen.de Research Interests: Wireless systems, machine learning, signal processing, and network optimization. Key contributions include: Adaptive resource allocation in IIoT and vehicular networks AI-driven channel estimation and feedback mechanisms Security-oriented emitter identification via metric learning Federated/transfer learning for edge environments Hardware-efficient deep learning models for mmWave and THz communications Methodological Focus: Combines reinforcement learning, attention mechanisms, and robust neural architectures with practical implementations on FPGA and vehicular systems.
Dongheui Lee is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Automatic Control Engineering (LSR) within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at Technische Universität München (TUM). She leads the Dynamic Human Robot Interaction for Automation System Lab. Her research focuses on human motion understanding, physical human-robot interaction, and machine learning in robotics. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Kyunghee University (2001-2003), PhD in Mechano-Informatics from the University of Tokyo (2007). Prior roles include research scientist at KIST Korea (2001-2004) and project assistant professor at the University of Tokyo (2007-2009). Research Interests: Human-robot collaboration, probabilistic robotics, motion recognition, and incremental lifelong learning mechanisms. She has contributed to advancements in motion primitives, compliant physical interaction, and real-time object tracking. Selected Awards: Finalist for KUKA Service Robotics Best Paper Award (2009), Hirose Scholarship (2006-2007), and multiple grants from KRF, KOSEF, and international robotics competitions. Key Publications: Focus on prioritized inverse kinematics, motion imitation, and adaptive control systems. Her work bridges robotics theory and practical applications in humanoid robots and human-robot interaction.
Christian Haubelt is a Professor at the Institute of Computer and Network Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Rostock, Germany. He is actively engaged in research and teaching in the areas of embedded and cyber-physical systems, smart implants, and IoT. His work is supported by multiple national and international projects including ELAINE (SFB 1270), SmILE (EU), 6G-Health (BMBF), and GenerIoT (BMBF). His research interests include: Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems Smart Sensors and Smart Implants System-Level Design Methodologies SystemC-based Modeling and Verification Design Space Exploration and Multi-Objective Optimization Industrial Internet of Things and 6G for Healthcare His recent publications focus on real-time communication protocols, 5G/6G localization, smart implants, and secure IoT systems. Trends show a strong emphasis on integrating embedded systems with medical and industrial applications, particularly leveraging TSN, MQTT-SN, and OPC UA for reliable and secure communication. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical implementation in safety-critical domains. Christian Haubelt has supervised multiple researchers including Michael Nast, Benjamin Rother, Nico Kalis, and Nico Graumüller. He leads several funded research projects such as ELAINE, SmILE, 6G-Health, and SUSTAIN, which focus on smart implants, secure IoT, and next-generation medical systems. These projects involve collaboration with DFG, EU, and BMBF. He is involved in the following research labs and teams: Embedded Systems and Cyber-Physical Systems Group Smart Implants Research Team (SmILE, ELAINE) 6G-Health Localization Team Industrial IoT Security (SUSTAIN, CargoAssist)
Andrés Bruhn is a Professor for Intelligent Systems and Dean of Computer Science Studies at the University of Stuttgart, where he leads research in the Institute for Visualization and Interactive Systems (VIS). His academic career spans over a decade with significant contributions to computer vision, particularly in optical flow, scene flow, and motion estimation. As Dean of Studies, he oversees academic programs while maintaining an active research agenda focused on cutting-edge computer vision problems. Bruhn's research interests center around computer vision with emphasis on optical flow estimation, scene flow, motion analysis, and adversarial machine learning. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, developing algorithms that address real-world challenges in motion estimation, image processing, and visual understanding. His research group has pioneered approaches that combine variational methods with deep learning, creating robust systems for motion analysis that can withstand adversarial attacks and challenging environmental conditions. The publication record demonstrates a strong focus on advancing the state-of-the-art in motion estimation, with recent work exploring adversarial attacks on optical flow systems, high-resolution datasets for benchmarking, and multi-frame fusion techniques. His research shows consistent innovation, moving from traditional variational methods to modern deep learning approaches while maintaining mathematical rigor. The work spans both theoretical contributions and practical implementations with real-world applicability. Bruhn has mentored numerous researchers who appear as first authors on publications, including Jenny Schmalfuss, Lukas Mehl, and Azin Jahedi, indicating his commitment to developing the next generation of computer vision researchers. His leadership role as Dean of Studies demonstrates institutional recognition of his expertise and administrative capabilities.
Yasutoshi Makino is a researcher specializing in ultrasound-based haptics, tactile feedback systems, and human-computer interaction. He has collaborated extensively with Hiroyuki Shinoda and other colleagues, focusing on mid-air haptic displays, noncontact object manipulation, and sensory reproduction. Research Interests Makino's work explores the intersection of acoustics, neuroscience, and engineering to create immersive tactile experiences without physical contact. His innovations include ultrasound-driven actuation mechanisms, thermal sensation rendering, and real-time human motion prediction for robotic systems. Recent Publications The 15 most recent articles highlight advancements in airborne ultrasound tactile displays, texture synthesis via GANs, and applications in guide dog training analysis, virtual reality, and interactive robotics. Key themes include dynamic pressure control , multi-stimulus integration , and low-latency systems . Collaborations Co-authored with Masahiro Fujiwara (43 papers) Collaborated with Hiroyuki Shinoda (145 papers) Worked with Shun Suzuki, Takaaki Kamigaki, and Ryoya Onishi on thermal and mechanical haptic feedback systems.
Rishabh Dabral is a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics since August 2024, leading the "3D Visual Intelligence" group. He is also affiliated with the Research Training Group on Neuro-Explicit Models of Language, Vision, and Action at Saarland University. Expertise: 3D computer vision, computer graphics, human-object interaction modeling, and motion synthesis. Leadership: Conducts cutting-edge research on 3D human performance capture and physical plausibility in motion. His research focuses on: 3D human pose estimation under gravity constraints Multi-modal gesture synthesis using neural architectures Quantum auto-encoding for 3D representations Wearable robotics informed by human behavior Temporal dynamics in human-object interaction Recent publications at top venues like SIGGRAPH , CVPR , and ICCV demonstrate his work on: Music-driven motion synthesis Egocentric motion capture systems Reactive two-person interaction models Diffusion-based gesture generation Object-aware motion prediction Wearable robotic limb design
