Prof. Dr. Robert Blick is a faculty member at the University of Hamburg , leading the Institute for Nanostructure and Solid State Physics under the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Natural Sciences. He serves as Director of the Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN) and Head of the Board of Examiners of Nano-Science. Research Focus: Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), quantum dots, superconducting thin films, biomaterials, and nanomechanical devices. Key Collaborations: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), molecular-beam epitaxy groups, Forschungslabor Mikroelektronik Deutschland. His academic contributions span nanoscience, materials growth, and biomedical applications. Current funding includes support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Exzellenzcluster CUI, and the Joachim Herz Foundation. The CHyN research group operates a state-of-the-art clean room facility for electron-beam and focused-ion-beam lithography, enabling 8nm feature definition on 6-inch wafers. Applications of his work include memristor technology, quantum devices, and advanced biosensors. His PhD students include Ahmed Alshaikh, Kristian Deneke, Daniel Hensel, Marianna Brede, Daniel Schmidt, Malte Siegmund, and Jan Stelzner. Senior researchers Dr. Stefanie Haugg and Dr. Robert Zierold contribute to materials growth and atomic layer deposition.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Müller is a Full Professor at the Chair of Structural Mechanics within the TUM School of Engineering and Design at Technical University of Munich (TUM). Since 2004, he has held this distinguished position, and since 2014, he has served as Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at TUM. His research focuses on structural dynamics and vibroacoustics, with specific expertise in dynamic soil-structure interaction, sound radiation analysis, and seismic risk assessment. Professorship: Structural Mechanics University: Technical University of Munich School: TUM School of Engineering and Design Department: Chair of Structural Mechanics in Civil Engineering Prof. Müller's research spans multiple domains, including: Structural Dynamics : Examining building and vehicle vibrations, seismic soil-structure interaction, and advanced model order reduction techniques Vibroacoustics : Investigating sound radiation from vibrating structures and developing acoustic metamaterials for noise control Computational Methods : Pioneering hybrid deterministic-statistical approaches, Wave Based Methods (WBM) for saturated elastodynamic structures, and parametric model order reduction His recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Wave propagation analysis in poroelastic media Bayesian parameter updating for structural models Acoustic metamaterials for vibration control Advanced numerical methods for seismic risk assessment Hybrid ITM-FEM approaches for soil-structure interaction Energy flow analysis in timber structures Awarded the Spindler Prize in 1984 , Prof. Müller also holds significant academic leadership roles: President of European Association for Structural Dynamics (EASD) Chairman of Bavarian-French University Center (BayFrance) Active member of ASIIN accreditation agency and Bavarian Chamber of Engineers Previously served as Dean of Civil Engineering and Surveying at TUM (2010-2014) He leads the Structural Dynamic Lab (formerly Vibroacoustics Lab) and has developed interactive web apps for engineering education. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in construction acoustics, transportation noise control, and geothermal energy infrastructure analysis.
Mehrdad Salehi is a researcher at the Chair of Computer Science Applications in Medicine at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) . His work focuses on the intersection of computer science and medical imaging, with expertise in ultrasound technology, deep learning, and surgical navigation systems. Key research areas include sonification of medical data, 3D ultrasound reconstruction, and machine learning-based segmentation. He has contributed to innovative projects like PRO-TIP calibration phantoms and ColibriDoc autonomous docking systems. His publications highlight trends in acoustic feedback mechanisms, neural radiance fields for medical imaging, and real-time image analysis. He can be reached at mehrdad.salehi@tum.de .
Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Michael Vorländer is a full Professor and Chair of Technical Acoustics at the Institute of Technical Acoustics (ITA), Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He has been the head of the institute since 1996 and is a leading figure in acoustics research and academic leadership. His extensive service includes being President of the European Acoustics Association (EAA), the International Commission for Acoustics (ICA), the German Acoustical Society (DEGA), and elected President of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) for 2024–2027. Education: Diplom-Physiker, RWTH Aachen (1984); Dr. rer. nat., RWTH Aachen (1989); Dr.-Ing. habil., TU Dresden (1995) Professional Leadership: Pro-Dean (2007) and Dean (2009) of Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, RWTH Aachen; Spokesperson of Professors, RWTH Aachen (2012) Editorial Roles: Editor-in-Chief, Acta Acustica (1998–2003); Editorial Board, Applied Acoustics (since 1996) Michael Vorländer's primary research interests lie in the fields of auralization, room acoustics, building acoustics, psychoacoustics, acoustic measurement technology, and virtual acoustics . His work integrates physical acoustics with human perception, focusing on the simulation and reproduction of sound fields in virtual environments. He leads research in binaural technology, electroacoustics, and auditory scene analysis, with applications in noise research and interactive virtual environments. His group is involved in the Priority Program SPP2236 - AUDICTIVE, focusing on auditory cognition in interactive virtual settings. While specific recent publications are not listed, his research output is extensive, as indicated by links to filtered publications. His body of work consistently bridges theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and practical application in architectural and virtual acoustics, contributing to both engineering standards and perceptual understanding. Michael Vorländer has received numerous scientific awards recognizing his contributions to acoustics, including the prestigious RWB Stephens Medal, W.C. Sabine Medal, and Rayleigh Medal . He is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America and holds honorary memberships and awards from acoustical societies in Europe and beyond. He advises doctoral students and leads a multidisciplinary research team at the ITA, fostering collaboration in areas like acoustic virtual reality and spatial audio. His leadership in international societies and editorial boards highlights his role in shaping the global acoustics community. He has been instrumental in advancing research infrastructure and academic collaboration in technical acoustics. The research at his institute is organized into key areas: Acoustic Virtual Reality and Auralization, Binaural Technology and Spatial Audio, Auditory Scene Analysis, Psychoacoustics and Noise Research, Electroacoustics, and Room Acoustics. These labs and teams work on projects ranging from fundamental auditory perception to applied engineering solutions for noise control and virtual sound environments.
DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, AachenGermany
Magnus A. Rueping is a highly distinguished Professor of Chemistry at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. With an impressive h-index of 107 and over 35,502 citations from 430 documents, he stands as a leading figure in modern synthetic chemistry. His research group maintains active collaborations with 651 co-authors worldwide, reflecting his significant impact on the chemical sciences community. Professor Rueping's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas in organic chemistry and catalysis. His work primarily focuses on developing novel sustainable methodologies including photoredox catalysis, electrochemical synthesis, and mechanochemistry. He has made significant contributions to the fields of $$\text{C-H}$$ functionalization, late-stage modification of complex molecules, and sustainable chemical transformations. His research group explores the intersection of traditional organic synthesis with emerging technologies to create more efficient and environmentally friendly chemical processes, with particular emphasis on nickel catalysis and metal-organic frameworks. Analysis of Professor Rueping's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong trend toward integrating multiple activation modes in single catalytic systems. His work increasingly combines photochemistry, electrochemistry, and mechanochemistry (particularly resonant acoustic mixing) to develop novel catalytic platforms that minimize waste and energy consumption. A notable research direction involves the application of copper nanoclusters and cerium-based metal-organic frameworks as heterogeneous photocatalysts for challenging organic transformations. His group has also pioneered methods for $$\text{C-Ge}$$ and $$\text{C-S}$$ bond formation with exceptional selectivity. Professor Rueping's research has attracted substantial funding and recognition, as evidenced by his high citation metrics and publication record in top-tier journals including Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Angewandte Chemie. His work bridges fundamental chemical research with practical applications in pharmaceutical development and sustainable manufacturing. As a dedicated mentor, Professor Rueping has supervised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who contribute to his diverse research portfolio. His laboratory operates state-of-the-art facilities for advanced organic synthesis, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and materials characterization. Current research directions include developing new methodologies for late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutical compounds, creating sustainable approaches to chemical manufacturing, and engineering novel catalytic materials for energy applications. His group's recent expansion into diagnostic technologies (nanobody-based lateral flow assays) demonstrates the versatility and interdisciplinary nature of his research program.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jana Bochert is a faculty member at the Faculty of Sustainable Infrastructure at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt , specializing in Construction Informatics , Construction Mechanics , and Foundations of Civil Engineering . She focuses on seismic analysis, soil-structure interaction, and structural dynamics, particularly for critical infrastructure like nuclear power plants. Email: Jana.Bochert@thi.de Phone: +49 841 9348-2393 Office: Room CN115 Research Interests Her research centers on: Seismic soil-structure interaction Wave propagation in soil under dynamic loads Development of computational methods for structural analysis Dynamic response of nuclear power plant foundations Impact of transportation and demolition on soil vibrations Finite element modeling of civil structures Publications & Research Trends Her work spans 2008–2021 , with a focus on: Seismic safety protocols for nuclear infrastructure Time-domain modeling of soil dynamics Comparison of simulation methods (2D vs 3D) Acoustic and vibration analysis in urban environments Integration of soil nonlinearities into structural design Dynamic load effects from trains and demolition
Herbert Buchner is a researcher affiliated with the University of Cambridge in the Information Engineering Division , focusing on Machine Learning for Signal Processing and Human-Machine Interfaces . Research Interests : Acoustic scene analysis, biomedical interfaces, haptic systems, wave-domain adaptive filtering, and sensor networks. Applications : Speech recognition, wavefield synthesis, active noise control, and full-duplex communication systems. His work explores TRINICON (a framework for broadband adaptive MIMO filtering), blind source separation, and wave-domain filtering, emphasizing theoretical rigor and real-time implementation. Key Awards : Best Paper Award at ITG Conference on Speech Communication (2008) Best Student Paper Award at IEEE Intl. Workshop on Acoustic Echo and Noise Control (2001) Publications highlight 15 recent articles in areas like: Wave-Domain Adaptive Filtering Blind Source Separation for Convolutive Mixtures Robust Extended Multidelay Filters Multichannel Acoustic Echo Cancellation Active Room Compensation Biomedical Signal Processing
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jochen Steffens is a faculty member at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf , affiliated with the Faculty of Media . His research spans interdisciplinary domains at the intersection of music, soundscapes, and cognitive-affective processes. Research Focus : Music listening behavior, soundscapes, noise perception, music recommendation systems, film music, and the psychological effects of sounds. Teaching : Supervises final theses and offers modules aligned with examination regulations of 2018, including topics in media informatics and mixed reality applications. Technical Contributions : Develops tools for soundscape exploration (e.g., Advanced Soundscape Search) and music information retrieval (MIR) systems for live performance visualization. Methodological Expertise : Utilizes computational music analysis, experience sampling, statistical learning, and multilevel modeling to investigate situational and demographic influences on auditory perception. Applied Research : Explores the impact of room acoustics on customer satisfaction in restaurants, motivational music in sports, and semantic expression in audio branding.
Peter Jax is a Full Professor at RWTH Aachen University , leading the Chair of Communication Systems . His research focuses on speech and audio processing , with expertise in active noise control , spatial audio , and machine learning applications for acoustic systems. Diploma in Electrical Engineering (1997), RWTH Aachen University PhD (2002), RWTH Aachen University Research areas include binaural direction-of-arrival estimation , MIMO acoustic system identification , and adaptive filtering for consumer and medical audio applications. Recent articles highlight innovations in ambisonics upscaling , noise control for UAVs , and data-driven uncertainty modeling in headphones. Scientific honors : Distinguished Member of Technicolor Fellowship Network (2010) Johann-Philipp-Reis Preis Borchers Medal E-Plus Award for Best Dissertation With over 25 patents in speech/audio processing and leadership roles in industry (Deutsche Thomson OHG, 2005–2015), he bridges academic research and industrial innovation.
Prof. Dr. Gunnar Friege is a Professor of Physics Education at the Institute for Mathematics and Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Leibniz University Hannover. He serves as the head of the Department of Physics Education and is actively involved in the Faculty Council. His office is located in Building 1109, Room 105 at Welfengarten 1A, 30167 Hanover, with office hours on Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 during the lecture period. Prof. Friege's research spans multiple areas of physics education with a strong emphasis on innovative teaching methods. His work focuses on digital teaching and learning, inquiry-based physics education, and the integration of technology in physics instruction. He has developed numerous projects exploring productive failure approaches in physics learning, smart experiments, and the use of eyetracking technology to understand student engagement with physics concepts. His research also extends to science communication, particularly through physics competitions and outreach activities. Analysis of Prof. Friege's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward inquiry-based learning approaches, formative assessment techniques, and the integration of digital technologies in physics education. His work frequently addresses practical classroom applications of theoretical educational concepts, with many publications providing concrete teaching materials and activities for specific physics topics ranging from buoyancy and thermodynamics to quantum physics and environmental science. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in publications connecting physics education with environmental issues, acoustics, and AI applications. Prof. Friege has been deeply involved in physics competitions throughout his career, participating in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) since 1996 in various capacities including as head of the German delegation. He has also been involved with the European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO) since 2017, the Federal Environment Competition (BUW) since 2004, and has created school-level competitions like inventor tournaments and MINT-Fights. His work with the World Federation of Physics Competitions (WFPhC) included serving as Treasurer and Vice President from 2002-2016. As a supervisor, Prof. Friege leads multiple research projects with doctoral students and collaborators including Muriel Schaber, Sophia Siegmann, Julia Hiniborch, and others. His current projects include SoMeCliCs (on social media and climate change education), Productive Failure in physics teaching, Smart Experiments, Eyetracking studies, MasterClasses in quantum physics, and the LernMINT research training group focusing on data-based teaching in STEM subjects. He also directs the Physics Didactics Working Group which investigates subject-specific media competence of prospective teachers and develops digital teaching scenarios.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Grätsch is a faculty member at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Technology and Computer Science, specifically in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Production. His office is located in Room 226e at Berliner Tor 21, 20099 Hamburg, with contact number +49 40 428 75-8705. Prof. Grätsch specializes in computational mechanics with a focus on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and its applications in vibroacoustics. His research particularly addresses noise emission from wind turbines, structural vibration analysis, and mechanical system simulations. He has developed sophisticated models for predicting and reducing tonal noise in wind energy systems, with emphasis on gearbox vibrations and acoustic radiation from large structures. His publication record shows a consistent research trajectory focused on wind turbine noise simulation, with recent work (2018-2022) concentrating on hybrid multistep procedures, large-scale finite element modeling, and practical applications for noise reduction in wind energy systems. His work bridges theoretical computational methods with practical engineering applications in renewable energy technology. Prof. Grätsch holds several administrative roles including Program Coordinator for the Master's program 'Calculation and Simulation in Mechanical Engineering', Spokesperson for the Mechanics Group, Member of the Department Council for Mechanical Engineering and Production, and Deputy Member of the Confidence Committee of the Faculty of Technology and Computer Science. He is also a Member of the Editorial Board of Computers & Structures. His research projects focus on vibroacoustics, particularly addressing noise emission from wind turbines through computational simulation and structural analysis. His work has practical implications for the wind energy industry seeking to reduce environmental noise pollution while maintaining energy production efficiency.
Sascha Spors is a Professor at the Chair of Signal Theory and Digital Signal Processing within the Institute of Communications Engineering at the University of Rostock. His work spans spatial audio processing, medical signal processing, and data-driven methodologies. Chair of the AES Technical Committee on Spatial Audio Ombudsperson at the University of Rostock Research focuses on spatial sound capture/synthesis, perception of synthetic sound fields, and biomedical applications like implant monitoring via electrical impedance tomography. He contributes to open science initiatives and research data management frameworks. Key collaborations include memberships in the IEEE Signal Processing Society, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Akustik (DEGA), and Audio Engineering Society (AES).
Stephan Preihs is a postdoctoral researcher and group leader at the Institute of Communications Technology of the Leibniz University Hannover , with a focus on acoustics, digital signal processing, and immersive audio systems. He received his Dipl.-Ing. in electrical engineering (communications engineering) from the same university in 2010 and his Dr.-Ing. in 2016. Education: Dipl.-Ing., Electrical Engineering (Communications Engineering), Leibniz University Hannover (2010) Dr.-Ing., Leibniz University Hannover (2016) Research Interests: Acoustics for immersive audio reproduction Digital signal processing and audio coding Signal detection/classification Psychoacoustic models Audio transmission for PMSE Recent Article Trends: Deep learning in sound source localization Wind turbine noise analysis via immersive audio Advancements in headphone technology Immersion prediction in spatial audio Low-latency communication protocols Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award at IEEE International Workshop on Networked Immersive Audio (2024) AES Show 2024 Best Technical Paper Award AES Spring 2021 Student Paper Award AES Poster Award 2019 AES Convention Student Paper Award 2019 Teaching: Lecturer for '3D Audio - Fundamentals of Spatial Reproduction Systems' Lecturer for 'Applications of Digital Audio Signal Processing' Coordinator of student laboratories in 'Audio Communication and Acoustics' and 'Transmission Technology'
André Siegel is a Lecturer for special tasks at the Electronic Media Technology Group, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Technical University of Ilmenau. He is actively involved in research and teaching related to audio engineering and acoustics, with a focus on spatial sound reproduction and simulation. His research interests span Audio Engineering , Room Acoustics , Binaural Sound Reproduction , Spatial Audio , Acoustic Simulation , and Audio Signal Processing . His work emphasizes practical implementations in real environments, including crosstalk cancellation, head-related transfer function measurement, and sound field analysis. The publications reflect a consistent research trajectory from 2005 to 2013, with a concentration on spatial audio technologies, room simulation methods, and perceptual aspects of sound reproduction. Key themes include the optimization of stereo and binaural systems, low-frequency acoustic behavior, and advanced measurement techniques using vector sensors and spherical arrays. André Siegel has not been awarded any scientific prizes or fellowships mentioned in the available data. He collaborates with researchers such as Hans-Peter Schade, Stephan Werner, and Julius T. Fricke. His work contributes to both academic knowledge and practical applications in room acoustical consultancy and immersive audio systems. He is based in Helmholtz Building, Room H 3529, and can be contacted at andre.siegel@tu-ilmenau.de.
Prof. Timo Gerkmann is a Professor at the University of Hamburg's Department of Informatics, leading the Signal Processing Research Group. His research focuses on statistical signal processing and machine learning for speech and audio applications, including communication devices, hearing aids, audiovisual media, and human-machine interfaces. He previously held roles at Technicolor Research & Innovation, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Siemens Corporate Research. His work emphasizes generative models, diffusion-based approaches, and acoustic signal enhancement. He currently serves as Senior Area Editor of the IEEE/ACM Transactions on Audio, Speech, and Language Processing. Research Interests: Statistical Signal Processing for Speech and Audio Machine Learning Applications in Acoustic Environments Diffusion Models for Audio Restoration Audio-Visual Speech Enhancement Human-Machine Interaction Systems Acoustic Scene Analysis Publications Highlight Trends: Recent works focus on diffusion models for speech enhancement, generative approaches to dereverberation, and audiovisual multimodal analysis. He has pioneered frameworks like ReverbFX datasets and FlowDec codecs, emphasizing perceptual quality and unsupervised domain adaptation. Advising & Grants: While no specific students or grants are listed, his research group actively publishes in top venues, indicating sustained academic contributions. His work bridges theoretical signal processing with applied systems engineering. Labs/Teams: Leads the Signal Processing (SP) Research Group at UHH, specializing in cutting-edge audio technologies and human-centric signal processing solutions.
