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Professor Andreas Mildner, born in 1984, serves as Professor of Harp and Deputy Chair of the University Council at the University of Music Würzburg. He is also the spokesperson for the Harp Department at the institution. Mildner is recognized as one of the most interesting harpists of his generation, known for his "technical brilliance" and "incredibly aesthetic play with timbres." He discovered his passion for the harp at age six and began formal training at 14 in Gisèle Herbet's harp class, with further instruction from Ursula Holliger, Frederique Cambreling, and Marie-Pierre Langlamet. After graduating with honors in 2007, he completed his master class studies in 2009. Mildner has established himself as a much sought-after soloist both in Germany and internationally. His solo debut came at age 17 with the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra in Prague, and he has since performed with renowned orchestras including the WDR and SWR Symphony Orchestras and the Bremen Philharmonic. First prize at the 6th International Harp Contest Arpista Ludovico in Madrid Two special prizes for best interpretation of final concertos Bavarian Cultural Prize Bavarian Art Prize Scholarships from multiple prestigious foundations Mildner maintains an active performance schedule, regularly appearing at major music festivals worldwide including the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, Ludwigsburg Palace Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Central Europe Festival, World Harp Congress, Lucerne Festival, and International Harp Festival Rio de Janeiro.

• Harp Performance
• Classical Music
• Music Interpretation
• +2 more

Julian McAuley is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering. His research spans recommender systems, machine learning, natural language processing, music information retrieval, and multimodal learning. He maintains an active research group with numerous PhD students and postdocs working on cutting-edge AI problems. His research interests focus on developing advanced algorithms for personalized recommendation systems, with particular emphasis on sequential recommendation, multimodal learning, and integrating large language models with traditional recommendation approaches. His work bridges the gap between theoretical machine learning and practical applications across multiple domains including e-commerce, music, and healthcare. McAuley has published extensively in top-tier conferences including NeurIPS, ICML, KDD, SIGIR, and ACL, with his most recent work exploring the intersection of large language models and recommendation systems. His publications reveal a strong trend toward multimodal approaches that combine text, vision, and audio for more comprehensive understanding and recommendation. He has received significant research funding from major technology companies including Google, Amazon, Facebook, Adobe, and Samsung, as well as government agencies like the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense. His work has practical applications across multiple industries, with a focus on improving user experience through better personalization. McAuley advises numerous PhD students who have gone on to successful careers at leading technology companies and academic institutions. His former students include Wang-Cheng Kang and Jianmo Ni at Google DeepMind, Chris Donahue and Zachary Lipton as assistant professors at CMU, and Ruining He at Google Deepmind.

• Recommender Systems
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• +4 more

Susanne Moldenhauer is a faculty member at the University of Music Würzburg , specializing in Vocal Music, Opera Performance, and Song Interpretation . She is affiliated with the Department of Vocal Music, Opera School, and Song Interpretation , where she contributes to teaching and advising in classical voice disciplines. Her research and instructional focus centers on classical vocal pedagogy, opera training, and interpretive techniques for art song. She maintains an email contact at susanne.moldenhauer@hfm-wuerzburg.de and offers consultation by appointment.

• Classical Voice
• Vocal Pedagogy
• Opera Performance
• +3 more

Mariya Toneva is a tenure-track faculty member at the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems , conducting groundbreaking research at the intersection of Machine Learning , Natural Language Processing , and Neuroscience . She leads the Bridging AI and Neuroscience (BrAIN) group , focusing on computational models that align AI systems with human brain processes. Her work aims to enhance both AI capabilities and neuroscience understanding through this cross-disciplinary approach. Actively recruiting postdocs, PhDs, and research interns in areas like code/text representation, brain-AI alignment, and neuroimaging data analysis Collaborator on NIH-funded projects using fMRI and neuropixel data Research Themes : Her group explores neural mechanisms of language processing, event segmentation in narratives, memory reactivation via music, and effective human-AI collaboration frameworks. Key methods include LLM analysis, cross-modal similarity metrics, and naturalistic task-based fMRI studies. Key Publications (2024-2025): Brain-tuned speech models (INTERSPEECH 2025) Cognitive event boundaries in LLMs (Behavioral Research Methods 2025) Music-induced memory reactivation (biorxiv 2024) LLM-brain alignment reasons (EMNLP 2024) Advising : Mentors PhD candidates Omer Moussa (speech processing), Camila Kolling (representational similarity), and Gabriele Merlin (LLM alignment). Collaborates with institutions like MIT, NYU, and ETH Zurich.

• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Dr. Alexander Heinemann is a Lecturer and curator at the University of Tübingen's Institute of Classical Archaeology. Previously, he held a lecturer position at Freiburg University (2006-2017) and participated in archaeological projects across Turkey, Greece, and Italy. His work centers on Roman state monuments, visual narratives, and classical reception studies. PhD in Classical Archaeology (Heidelberg, 2003) Magister Artium in Classical Archaeology (Heidelberg, 1999) Research focuses include Roman Imperial topography , Greek vase painting , and visual culture analysis . His monograph on Dionysian imagery and co-edited volumes on symposion culture and visual narration highlight interdisciplinary approaches. Recent publications analyze Roman imperial iconography, Hellenistic ivory art, and Dante's archaeological engagement. Key themes involve political symbolism , ritual practices , and artifact contextualization . Traveling Fellow, German Archaeological Institute (2004/5) Gerda Henkel Foundation Fellow (2003/4) Active in public outreach through exhibitions like 'Vom Trinken und Bechern' and collaborative editorial projects, he serves as co-founder of das Rollpodest platform for archaeological collections.

• Classical Archaeology
• Art History
• Visual Culture of Antiquity
• +3 more

Konstantin Voigt, Professor of Musicology II , serves at the University of Würzburg within the Faculty of Philosophy and Institute of Music Research. His research spans medieval Latin song traditions, music theory, notation systems, and digital humanities applications. He also explores 20th-century composers like Arnold Schoenberg and the reception of medieval music in popular culture. Current: Chair of Musicology II, University of Würzburg (2024–) Previous: Tenure-track Professor, University of Freiburg (2020–2024) Education: PhD (Würzburg), MA (Erlangen-Nürnberg), Musicology & Art History Voigt's research bridges premodern music history with digital methodologies, focusing on: Medieval Latin song structures (9th–13th centuries) Development of musical notation and visualization Digital editions as tools for manuscript analysis Intermedial relationships in postmodern composition Stefan George’s poetry in Schoenberg’s works His recent publications analyze scribal practices in Paris 1139 manuscripts and digital approaches to monophonic music. He co-leads the Weave Lead project on French music reception in Central Europe before 1350 and contributes to the Corpus monodicum digital edition. Collaborations include PD Dr. Hana Vlhova-Wörner (Prague) and institutions like the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.

• Medieval Music History
• Latin Song Traditions
• Music Theory (Antiquity & Middle Ages)
• +7 more

Prof. Nicola Jürgensen is a distinguished German clarinetist and Professor of Clarinet at Faculty 1 of Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany. She also serves as Dean of Faculty 1 and is a Confidential Lecturer for the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. Her career seamlessly integrates performance, education, and artistic leadership. She is the Artistic Director of WDR 3 Campus Concerts and a board member of the Folkwang University Foundation. Professor of Clarinet, Folkwang University of the Arts (2018–present) Dean, Faculty 1 Artistic Director, WDR 3 Campus Concerts Board of Directors, Folkwang University Foundation Principal Clarinet (former), WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne (2001–2018) Regular coach, German National Youth Orchestra (2020–present) Nicola Jürgensen's research and artistic interests center on clarinet performance, chamber music, and contemporary repertoire. She is deeply committed to historical performance practice, evidenced by her recordings on basset clarinet, and to expanding the global reach of classical music through international masterclasses and festivals. Her work bridges traditional European repertoire and modern experimental works, including performances in avant-garde operatic productions. She has collaborated with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide, from Berlin and Leipzig to New York, Bangkok, and Auckland. Her recent artistic output reveals a strong focus on rediscovered works (e.g., Wilms' concerto), contemporary compositions (e.g., Kancheli, Zwilich), and cross-cultural collaborations (e.g., German Masters Music Festival in Thailand). She emphasizes pedagogical innovation and performance excellence, mentoring students who now hold principal roles in Germany’s top orchestras. Her recordings and performances consistently highlight expressive depth, technical mastery, and scholarly engagement with historical instruments and arrangements. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Mozart Prize, Wiesbaden Mozart Society German Music Competition Soloists' Prize (1999) Germany Radio Promotion Prize (2002) Nicola Jürgensen has been instrumental in guiding numerous students into prestigious orchestral positions and leads the ensemble 'Folkwang Clarinets' with her students. She holds multiple leadership roles in academic and artistic institutions and continues to perform as a guest principal clarinetist with major orchestras like the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Her involvement in grants and funding appears indirect through institutional roles and festival organization. She is actively involved with several artistic initiatives, including the 'Spannungen' festival, WDR 3 Campus Concerts, and international masterclass programs. Her ensemble collaborations and educational outreach reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility in classical music.

• Clarinet Performance
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Performance
• +5 more

Paula Schneider serves as Teacher for Special Tasks at the University of Art and Design Offenbach am Main , heading their book and paper workshop since 2020. She studied Book Art at Burg Giebichenstein Halle (2013-2019) and previously taught at Bezalel Academy (2017-2020). Her work bridges bookbinding , literary experimentation , and archival research through installations, artist books, and public interventions. Education : 2019: Diploma in Book Art, Burg Giebichenstein University of Halle Teaching : 2020–present: Lecturer for special tasks at HfG Offenbach 2017–2020: Annual courses at Bezalel Academy for Arts and Design, Jerusalem Screen printing tutor during studies Her artistic research explores narrative structures , time perception , and memory systems through works like Inner Monologue (2018) and Mio Mnemotop (2021). Recent projects include Night Frost (2024) examining textual accumulation and Cloudburst Working on the Textberg (2024) using mining metaphors for textual analysis. She examines book formats (e.g., leporello, monotypes, screen printing) to interrogate knowledge preservation (Rabaraababaraba, 2015) and urban observation (Praise of the Gate, 2023). Notable exhibitions include Because We Are Young (2021) analyzing GDR industrial history and Between (2019) at Halle/Leipzig Airport, which required mobile audience engagement with audio pieces about airport soundscapes. Her works have been featured in Text3 and Spin n errei tours. Contact: schneider@hfg-offenbach.de | Workshop: +49 69.80059-245 | Office: +49 69.80059-106

• Bookbinding
• Book Art
• Narrative Literature
• +4 more

Jan Reitzner is a Research Associate at the Chair of Church History I (Institute for Late Middle Ages and Reformation) at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. He holds a Dr. theol. (2022) from Georg August University of Göttingen and was awarded the 2023 Doctoral Award of the University Association. As an ordained volunteer pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover (since 2024), he combines academic and pastoral roles. His research focuses on medieval monasticism, liturgical practices, and Reformation-era theology, with particular attention to 12th-century French monasticism and the Gregorian Mass. He has held a DFG-funded research position (2018-2021) and served as a vicar in Bexhövede parish (2021-2023). Education PhD (Dr. theol.) in Protestant Theology, Georg August University Göttingen (2022) Scholarship holder, Konrad Adenauer Foundation (2013-2018) Studies in Protestant Theology at Universities of Wuppertal, Tübingen, Jerusalem, and Göttingen (2013-2018) Church examination, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover (2018) High school diploma, Carolinum High School Osnabrück (2013) Research Interests Dr. Reitzner's work bridges medieval monastic studies and early modern Reformation history. He examines how monastic traditions influenced late medieval liturgical practices ( Die Verba Seniorum monograph, 2022) and explores theological debates in Reformation-era Europe. His recent work on the Gregorian Mass (ZKG 2024) highlights liturgical developments in 12th-century France. He also engages in systematic theology through translations of Bruce McCormack's works on Barthian theology. Publications Trends His publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches: combining historical analysis (e.g., medieval liturgy studies) with systematic-theological reflections (e.g., translations of McCormack). Recent reviews demonstrate expertise in late medieval piety, Reformation-era doctrine, and early modern European church networks. Awards & Grants Doctoral Award of the University Association (2023) DFG Project: Reception of Apophthegmata Patrum (2018-2021) Labs/Teams Member of the Institute for Late Middle Ages and Reformation at Tübingen. Active in scholarly societies including the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Theologie (WGTh), Mediävistenverband, and Societas mediaevistica evangelicorum theologicorum.

• Church History
• Medieval Studies
• Reformation History
• +3 more

Aaron Cassidy is an American composer and conductor based in Berlin and Hannover. He serves as Professor of Composition and Director of Incontri – Institut für neue Musik at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover. His work emphasizes innovative graphical notations prioritizing physical sound production and non-geometrical rhythm theory. Cassidy’s compositions have been performed globally across 29 countries, with 12 commercial recordings on major labels like Kairos and NEOS. As a conductor, he specializes in contemporary and historical repertoire, leading over 100 world premieres with ensembles such as Ensemble Musikfabrik and ELISION. Notable engagements include the Munich Biennale and Melbourne Recital Centre. His recent research includes a 2025 reflection on non-geometrical rhythm and collaborative Erasmus+ residencies in Klagenfurt. Current projects include works for bassoon, violin-piano duet, and ANAM residency with ELISION in Melbourne (2025). Cassidy’s academic focus bridges compositional theory and performance practice. His research explores notation’s role in shaping musical interpretation, with particular attention to rhythm’s non-metric frameworks. Recent works like Reassessing Non-Geometrical Rhythm (2025) synthesize a decade of theoretical development. His teaching integrates experimental techniques and historical context, fostering innovation in Hannover’s new music institute.

• Contemporary Music Composition
• Musical Notation Innovation
• Non-Geometrical Rhythm Theory
• +3 more

Mischa Meier is a full Professor at the University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Faculty of Philosophy and Department of History. His research spans Ancient History , focusing on Sparta , Late Antiquity (4th–7th centuries), and the Ostrogothic Reich , with special interests in ethnological approaches , historical disaster research , and the reception of antiquity in music and literature . Educated in Classical Philology, History, and Pedagogy (University of Bochum, 1998) Key projects include the DFG-funded (Post-)Roman Transitions and the Historisch-philologischer Kommentar zur Weltchronik des Johannes Malalas Recipient of the 2022 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize and 2016–2018 VolkswagenStiftung Opus Magnum Fellowship His 15 most recent publications reveal trends in Late Antique societal transformations , Mediterranean pandemics , and comparative crisis studies , including works on Attila, Justinian, and Nero. He has edited major series like Malalas-Studien and Bedrohte Ordnungen , and participated in interdisciplinary projects such as Nomen et Gens and Transformationsprozesse und das Ende der Antike . Scientific Awards 2022 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2016–2018 VolkswagenStiftung Opus Magnum Fellowship 2015 Karl-Christ-Preis für Alte Geschichte 2004 Historikerpreis der Historiker/innen Deutschlands 2003 Westfälisch-Lippische Universitätsgesellschaft Preis Editorial & Advisory Roles Co-editor of Historia and Roma Aeterna series Scientific Board member for Millennium , OIKOS Netherlands , and Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften

• Ancient History
• Late Antiquity
• Spartan History
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Daiber is a full professor of Modern German Literary Studies at the Institute of German Studies , University of Regensburg, since 2003/04. His academic career includes a C4 professorship substitute at the University of Trier (2001-2003) and prior research assistantship at Trier (1995-2001). He holds a doctorate (1994) and habilitation (2001) from the University of Trier. Research Focus : Reception of scientific theories in literature (Enlightenment to contemporary), Literature and New Media, Interdisciplinary Romanticism studies Current Projects : DFG Project 'Knowledge + Meaning in Literature', Bavarian Academy of Writing Scientific Contributions : Authored 6 monographs including Kafka und der Lärm (2015) and Das uralte Menschheitsverlangen (2024), with particular emphasis on noise phenomena in early modernism, self-experimentation in Romanticism, and text-image relations. Co-editor of Regensburger Beiträge zur deutschen Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft and Aurora: Eichendorff Society Yearbook . Awards : Oskar Seidlin Prize (2002), Pegasus98 Online Literature Prize (DIE ZEIT/IBM/ARD), Trierer Literaturplakat Award (1990) Leadership Roles : Director of University Regensburg's Writing Workshop, Coordinator of DAAD exchange with Katowice (2001-2003), Master's program module coordinator for Literature and New Media His work bridges literary theory with scientific epistemology, exploring intersections between Romantic self-experimentation and digital hyperfiction through both traditional monographs and digital projects like Der Trost der Bilder .

• Reception of Scientific Theories in Literature
• Literature and New Media
• Literary Theory
• +6 more

Dr. Julia Carina Böttcher is a research associate in the field of scientific reflection at ZIWIS (Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Wissenschaftsforschung) at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. She holds a habilitation from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (2025) and is a member of the Leopoldina Center for Science Studies project group. Her work bridges the history of science, early modern history, and the interplay between natural science and politics. PhD in History of Science (University of Regensburg, 2017) Habilitation in History of Science (LMU Munich, 2025) Researcher at University of Regensburg and LMU Munich post-2017 Her research focuses on observation practices during 18th-century exploration trips, academic communities (e.g., Leopoldina Academy), and the political behavior of scholars . Key themes include elite identity formation, bodily practices, and the institutional dynamics of scientific networking. She is currently concluding her DFG-funded project on The Politics of Networking (2020–2023) and will serve as interim professor for History of Science at LMU Munich in 2025. Her 15 most recent publications (2024–2019) analyze collection practices, scientific communities, and the cultural history of expeditions. Articles span topics from 18th-century anatomical research to Enlightenment botanical enthusiasm, often emphasizing methodological innovation and institutional interplay. She is an alumna of the Young Research Fellows program at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities and maintains active collaborations in international research networks. Her work has contributed to re-evaluating the Leopoldina Academy's role as a strategic scholarly collective in early modern Europe.

• History of Science
• Early Modern History
• Scientific Expeditions
• +3 more

Prof. Katharina Thoma is a renowned opera director currently serving as Head of the Opera School at the University of Music Würzburg . She also holds the positions of Deputy Chair of the Music Academy and Dean of Studies . With a career spanning major European opera houses including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and Glyndebourne Festival, she specializes in blending historical accuracy with modern theatrical innovation. Studied piano at Lübeck University of Music Resident director at Dortmund Opera (2011-2014) Visiting professor at Graz University of Music (2018) Freelance director since 2008 Katharina Thoma's research and practice focus on opera stage direction , scenic training for singers , and historical opera interpretation . Her work spans from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary political operas, emphasizing: Contextual authenticity in period-specific productions Modern reinterpretation of classical works Interdisciplinary approaches to staging Integration of visual and musical elements Training of next-generation opera performers Exploration of war-related themes in opera Notable productions include: 2024: Johann Strauss' The Bat (University of Music Würzburg) 2023: De Falla's El retablo de Maese Pedro 2022: Britten's The Rape of Lucretia 2019: Schönberg's Pierrot lunaire 2007: European Opera Directing Competition Finalist Her artistic contributions have been recognized with: Second Prize at the European Opera Directing Competition 'Camerata Nuova' (2007) Katharina Thoma actively mentors young singers and develops innovative opera productions at the University of Music Würzburg's Opera School. Her recent work includes: Wagner operas debut (2019/20 season) Collaboration with composers like Richard Jones and Christof Loy Participation in renowned festivals (Munich Biennale, Glyndebourne) The Opera School under her leadership focuses on comprehensive training combining: Historical performance practices Contemporary staging techniques Technical vocal training Interdisciplinary collaboration

• Opera Directing
• Classical Music
• Scenic Arts
• +3 more

Nicola Zambon is a researcher at the Institute for Religious Studies (WE 8), Free University of Berlin , with a focus on Phenomenology , Modern Philosophy , and Philosophy of Religion . He holds an Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale in practical and theoretical philosophy and history of philosophy (2023) and completed his PhD at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2014). His research explores self-deception , myth theory , and phenomenological anthropology , with a particular emphasis on Kant, Nietzsche, and Blumenberg. Education PhD in Philosophy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2014) Habilitation, Italy (2023) Studies in Bologna, Mainz, Freiburg im Breisgau (2002–2009) Research Interests : Zambon's work bridges phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Blumenberg) with modern philosophy (Spinoza, Kant, Vico) and philosophy of religion/psychoanalysis . He investigates self-deception through Kantian moral philosophy, myth theory in contemporary culture, and anthropological concepts like tactility and the life-world. His forthcoming monograph on visibility (2025) extends these themes. Recent Publications include studies on self-deception (2024), Blumenberg's dialectics of Enlightenment (2022), and Kant's moral anthropology (2020). His edited works feature in the Zeitschrift für Kulturphilosophie and Phänomenologische Forschungen . Scientific Awards : Oskar-Karl-Forster-Preis der LMU München (2014) Grants and Fellowships : Nietzsche-Fellowship, Klassik Stiftung Weimar (2023) Fellow, Research Institute for Philosophy Hannover (2022–2023) DAAD/FMSH Research Grant, Paris (2015) DFG Research Grant, Paris (2016–2017) Academic Activities : Zambon is a member of the Käthe-Kluth-Nachwuchsgruppe (2024–2027) and the Hans Blumenberg-Gesellschaft . He teaches courses on Blumenberg's philosophy , Nietzsche , and modern religious thought at FU Berlin and international institutions like the University of Turin (visiting professor, 2025).

• Phenomenology
• Modern Philosophy
• Philosophy of Religion
• +6 more