Prof. Richard L. Peters is a Professor and Head of the Chair of Tree Growth and Wood Physiology at the Technische Universität München (TUM) since 2024. His research focuses on tree physiology, wood formation, and climate-forest interactions. He holds a doctorate summa cum laude from the University of Basel (2018) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Science (WSL) and Ghent University. His work integrates forest ecology, dendrochronology, and ecophysiology to address climate change impacts on forests. Education: B.Sc./M.Sc. in Biology at Utrecht University, Ph.D. from University of Basel (2018). Key career steps include a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) fellowship at Ghent University and coordination of the Swiss Canopy Crane II project (2021). Research Interests: Tree water-use strategies, drought tolerance mechanisms, carbon allocation dynamics, and the physiological basis of tree growth. He leads interdisciplinary projects to monitor forest responses to environmental stress using tools like the TreeNet network. Awards: Early Postdoc Mobility Fellowship (SNSF, 2019), Doctorate summa cum laude (2018). Contributions: Authored >180 publications, co-developed the datacleanr R package for ecological data processing, and pioneered methods linking tree-ring data with climate models. His work emphasizes the need for better observational data to improve vegetation models.
Prof. Mark Heitmann is a Professor of Marketing & Customer Insight at the University of Hamburg Business School. He holds a visiting appointment at Nova School of Business and Economics. His research focuses on AI-driven marketing strategies, social media analytics, brand equity, and consumer decision-making. He has held academic roles at institutions including the University of St. Gallen and Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel before joining Hamburg in 2011. Academic Career: Holds a PhD (2004) and post-doctoral Habilitation (2007) from the University of St. Gallen. Visiting researcher at Columbia University and the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. Research Interests: Applications of artificial intelligence in marketing Social media and digital transformation Ethical consumer behavior Brand self-expression and visual design Marketing technology (MarTech) innovations Key Achievements: Over 20 peer-reviewed publications in top journals like Journal of Marketing Research and Harvard Business Review . Award-winning research includes the MSI/H. Paul Root Award and IJRM-EMAC Best Article Award. Active in translating research into scalable commercial solutions through software-as-a-service ventures. Team & Collaborations: Leads a research team including M.Sc. candidates Sammar Rath, Julia Rosada, Maximilian Witte, Tijmen Jansen, Claus Hegmann-Napp, and Magdalena Heynicke. Engages in interdisciplinary projects with industry partners.
Prof. Dr. Ina Christin Meier serves as Head of Department and Head of Research Unit for Functional Forest Ecology at the University of Hamburg, within the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences. She is affiliated with the Institute of Wood Sciences (Institut für Holzwissenschaften) in the Department of Biology, where she leads research on forest ecosystem responses to global environmental changes at Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg. Dr. Meier's research focuses on the impacts of global change factors —including increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentration, summer drought, nitrogen deposition, and intensified management—on the biogeochemistry and biodiversity of temperate, boreal, Mediterranean, and global forest biomes. Her work spans functional ecology of forest trees and grasslands , interactions between roots, mycorrhizal fungi and soil , ecophysiology , and long-term changes in forest ecosystems . She has made significant contributions to understanding root carbon allocation, tropical forest responses to climate change, and the role of mycorrhizal relationships in forest ecosystems. Analysis of Dr. Meier's publication record reveals a strong emphasis on belowground ecology and global change biology , with particular attention to root systems across diverse biomes. Her research bridges plant physiology, ecosystem ecology, and climate science, often synthesizing data from multiple studies to identify broader patterns. She frequently investigates how carbon allocation to root exudates affects soil sequestration and drought response, and has developed important frameworks for understanding root trait responses to multiple global change drivers. Dr. Meier actively collaborates with international research teams across continents. Her work on Nature's Contributions to People has demonstrated that securing essential ecosystem services requires maintaining at least 20-25% semi-natural habitat in human-modified landscapes. She also investigates the chemical complexity of root exudates and their ecological significance, contributing methodological advances to this challenging area of research.
Prof. Karen Alim is a Professor of Biological Physics and Morphogenesis at the Department of Physics, Technische Universität München (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences. She holds a PhD from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2010) and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University (2010–2015) before leading a Max Planck Research Group in Göttingen. Her research focuses on non-neuronal information processing in living systems, particularly using Physarum polycephalum to study physical principles of network adaptation, fluid dynamics, and morphogenesis. Education: PhD in Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2010) Studies at Universität Karlsruhe, LMU München, and University of Manchester Research Interests: Prof. Alim explores how biological systems process information without neurons, emphasizing adaptive flow networks, mechanical signaling in plants, and collective behavior in active matter. Her work combines theoretical modeling with experimental systems like slime molds and plant tissues. Awards: ERC Starting Grant (2020) Elisabeth-Schiemann-Kolleg Fellowship (2013–2018) DAAD Stipendium (2011–2014) John Birks Award (2004) Advising & Grants: While specific grant details beyond the ERC award are not listed, her research has been supported by major funding bodies. No student advisees are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Labs/Teams: Leads the Biological Physics and Morphogenesis group at TUM, focusing on interdisciplinary studies of living systems' physical principles.
Prof. Dr. Markus Schwarzländer leads the Arbeitsgruppe for Plant Energy Biology at the Institute for Plant Biology and Biotechnology (WWU Münster) . His research focuses on mitochondrial physiology, redox signaling, and biosensor development in Arabidopsis thaliana and other plant species, integrating molecular biology with systems-level analyses to understand energy regulation. Key Research Areas: Mitochondrial-NAD(P)H dynamics Redox-regulated signaling networks Organelle communication Stress-adaptive metabolism Recent work highlights Golgi-localized mitochondrial uncoupling proteins , chloroplast-mitochondria redox coupling , and mitochondrial calcium uniporter function . His group employs cutting-edge fluorescent biosensors and proteomic approaches to dissect energy physiology. Students benefit from hands-on training in bioimaging , metabolic modeling , and organelle biology through iMoPLANT and Life Sciences programs. Scientific Awards: DAAD Fellowship (2019) As an active member of the Faculty of Biology , he collaborates with international institutions including University of São Paulo , CEA France , and Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology , while maintaining a robust publication record in top journals like Plant Cell and Nature . His teaching emphasizes integrative plant sciences and advanced biosensing techniques for B.Sc. and M.Sc. students.
Bonnie Honig, Nancy Duke Lewis Professor at Brown University, holds joint appointments in Modern Culture and Media and Political Science , with courtesy roles in Religious Studies and Theater and Performance Studies . Her scholarly work intersects democratic theory , feminist critique , and cultural analysis , examining how inherited political narratives shape collective action. Education: PhD (Johns Hopkins, 1989), MSc (London School of Economics, 11981), BA (Concordia University, 1980) Central to her research is a reexamination of classical texts like Sophocles' Antigone and Euripides' Bacchae to develop agonistic democratic models . Her Antigone, Interrupted (2013) challenges heroic readings of Antigone, proposing instead a collective feminist politics rooted in textual counter-interpretations. Public Things: Democracy in Disrepair (2017) argues for shared objects as democratic orientation devices , while Emergency Politics (2009) analyzes crisis responses beyond Schmittian frameworks. The 2021 dual publications A Feminist Theory of Refusal and Shell Shocked: Feminist Criticism After Trump extend these themes through Trump-era analysis and queer theoretical lenses . Scientific Awards: 2023-24 Guggenheim Fellowship 2012 David Easton Prize 2012 Okin-Young Award 2007-08 American Philosophical Society Fellowship 1994 Scripps Prize Affiliated with the American Bar Foundation and Digital Democracy Group at Simon Fraser University, Honig's teaching spans feminist theory , Politics and Film , and advanced seminars on Arendt . Her Shell Shocked analysis of Trump-era disaster patriarchy connects classical feminist frameworks to contemporary political crises.
Prof. Dr. Bernd Skiera holds the first chair for electronic commerce in Germany at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main since 1999. He serves on the board of efl - The Data Science Institute and the Schmalenbach Society, while representing Germany at the European Marketing Community (EMAC). Chair of Marketing, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main Board member, efl - The Data Science Institute National representative, European Marketing Community (EMAC) His research focuses on MarTech/SalesTech integration, customer value management, online advertising analytics, data-driven pricing models, and the economic implications of internet privacy regulations. He leads the ERC Advanced Grant project on cookie usage restrictions' economic consequences. Recent publications examine dynamic pricing in digital markets, competition visualization using big data, and AI applications in marketing analytics. The ERC Advanced Grant research has produced empirical analyses of GDPR impacts on advertising ecosystems. 2015 Journal of Marketing Best Paper Award 2013 International Journal of Research in Marketing Best Paper Award Multiple MSI/H. Paul Root Award recognitions He has mentored 17 doctoral students who became professors globally, including at London Business School and LMU Munich. His work bridges marketing analytics with financial valuation through customer equity modeling.
Viktor Golinets is a Professor of Hebrew Linguistics at the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies , where he has held the Chair of Hebrew Linguistics since 2018. Previously, he served as a Junior Professor at the same institution from 2012 to 2018. His academic journey includes a PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from the University of Munich (2010) and a Magister degree in Semitics from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2004). Education: PhD (Altorientalistik, LMU Munich, 2010), Magister (Semitics, LMU Munich, 1997-2004) Professional Roles: Professor (Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies, since 2018), Junior Professor (Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies, 2012-2018), Scientific Assistant (University of Basel, 2007-2012) Golinets’ research focuses on the linguistic and textual history of the Hebrew Bible , ancient Bible translations , and historical grammar of Hebrew . He specializes in Masoretic studies, Semitic epigraphy, and comparative analysis of Northwest Semitic languages like Amorite, Aramaic, and Ugaritic. His work addresses textual criticism, biblical hermeneutics, and the evolution of Hebrew from Masoretic to modern usage. His publications and articles reveal a strong emphasis on Hebrew onomastics , epigraphic analysis , and the role of language in Jewish cultural identity . He has contributed to international colloquia on textual criticism and Semitic philology. Memberships: German Oriental Society, European Association of Biblical Studies, International Association for Comparative Semitics, Association of Judaists in Germany, and others Golinets serves as Deputy Rector at Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies and has collaborated on projects like the Hebrew-Greek Text-Critical Synopsis of the Book of Jeremiah and the Biblia Hebraica Transkripta. His expertise in Hebrew manuscripts and Semitic languages informs both his teaching and research.
Professor Vitali Wachtel of Bielefeld University's Faculty of Mathematics specializes in advanced stochastic processes, probability theory, and their applications in mathematical modeling. Since 2021, he holds a W3 Professorship and serves as Principal Investigator in CRC 1283 'Taming uncertainty and profiting from randomness and low regularity in analysis, stochastics and their applications' since 2023. Chaired Examination Boards for Bachelor & Master Business Mathematics Member, Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences Research focus: Markov processes, random walks in cones, branching processes Research Trends: His recent work spans critical multitype branching in random environments (2025), asymptotic expansions for conditioned random walks (2024), and invariance principles for integrated processes. He explores connections between stochastic processes, combinatorial structures, and risk modeling with level-dependent premiums. Awards: Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship (2017), Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Teaching: Coordinates modules including 'Stochastic Processes' (24-M-PT-STP) and 'Introduction to Probability Theory' (24-B-EW-5). Active in curriculum development and academic governance through multiple university committees.
Prof. Dr. Jörg Schultz serves as a Professor for Bioinformatics at the Faculty of Biology, University of Würzburg, a position he has held since 2003. He is also a Group Leader at the Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology (CCTB) and was a member of the CCTB Managing Board from 2015-2019. His academic journey includes significant roles as Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin (2002-2003) and at cellzome in Heidelberg (2000-2002). He completed his PhD studies at EMBL Heidelberg (1996-2000) after conducting his diploma thesis there in 1995-1996, following biology studies at the University of Konstanz (1991-1996). Prof. Schultz's research spans bioinformatics, computational biology, and evolutionary genomics, with notable contributions to protein domain analysis, phylogenetics, and structural bioinformatics. His recent work has focused extensively on plant genomics, particularly studying carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap to uncover the evolutionary roots of plant carnivory. His research integrates computational methods with biological questions to address fundamental evolutionary patterns and molecular mechanisms across diverse organisms. Prof. Schultz has maintained a prolific publication record since the late 1990s, with his most recent work demonstrating continued innovation in computational approaches to biological questions. His publications reveal a consistent trajectory from foundational work on protein domain evolution (including the development of the SMART database) to current research on plant genomics, molecular evolution, and bioinformatics tool development. His work shows particular strength in bridging computational methodology with biological insight across multiple domains. Among his significant contributions is the development of the ITS2 Database, a widely used resource for phylogenetic analyses, along with various computational tools including ALVIS for sequence alignment visualization, reper for repetitive element analysis, and BCdatabaser for DNA barcoding. These resources have advanced methodological capabilities in the bioinformatics community. As an academic mentor, Prof. Schultz has guided numerous students and researchers through his laboratory at the University of Würzburg, contributing significantly to the education and training of the next generation of bioinformaticians. His leadership roles demonstrate his commitment to advancing computational and theoretical biology as academic disciplines while maintaining strong connections between computational approaches and biological discovery.
Prof. Dr. Julia Bernstein is a Professor of Discrimination and Inclusion in Immigration Society at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (since 2015), affiliated with the Department of Social Work and Health. Her academic background includes a B.A. in Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, and Art History (1992–1995), an M.A. in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology (1996–2000) from the University of Haifa, Israel, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Goethe University Frankfurt (2009). She leads the research area Social Legacy of National Socialism and coordinates international projects on antisemitism prevention. Bernstein's research examines discrimination through interdisciplinary lenses, focusing on: Antisemitism in institutional and everyday contexts Migration, identity, and transnationalism among Russian-speaking Jews Stereotyping mechanisms and racialization processes Holocaust memory and its societal repercussions Food sociology as a marker of cultural identity Her recent publications (2020–2022) demonstrate a strong focus on antisemitism in educational settings, analyzing victim perspectives, teacher training gaps, and pedagogical counter-strategies. She frequently addresses media representations of Jewish communities and the normalization of Israel-related antisemitism. Honors include the Barbara-und-Piergiuseppe-Scardigli-Preis for her dissertation (2011) and nomination for the WISAG-Preis (2010). Bernstein directs federally funded projects like Mach mal keine Judenaktion! (2017–2019) and collaborates with institutions including the German Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, Anne Frank Educational Center, and Tel Aviv University's Kantor Center. At Frankfurt UAS, she teaches courses on antisemitism, social inequality, and Holocaust legacy in Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Diversity and Inclusion programs. She mentors emerging scholars through the Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk and co-leads the Frankfurt meets Haifa academic exchange initiative.
Prof. Dr. Karin Schumacher is a Professor of Plant Developmental Biology at Heidelberg University and currently serves as Vice-Rector for Quality Development and Sustainability. Her research focuses on plant cell biology, particularly vacuole dynamics, ion homeostasis, and membrane trafficking in Arabidopsis. She leads the Cell Biology Research Group at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) and has held leadership roles such as Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences. Her work integrates computational modeling with experimental approaches to study plant growth and stress responses. Dr. Schumacher's academic career includes a Doctorate from the University of Cologne and a Habilitation from the University of Tübingen. She has held professorial positions since 2007 and contributed to advancements in understanding plant membrane systems, including V-ATPase function and calcium signaling. Her research publications emphasize vacuolar ion transport, autophagy mechanisms, and plant stress physiology. Her administrative roles include enhancing early career researcher support and promoting sustainability in university operations. She is an active member of scientific societies like the German Botanical Society and serves on editorial boards such as Plant Cell . Her interdisciplinary work bridges cell biology, molecular genetics, and systems-level plant physiology.
Prof. Dr. Hilary Anne-Marie Mooney serves as Professor of Catholic Theology and Religious Education at the University of Education Weingarten, Germany, a position she has held since her 2009 appointment. Previously, she was appointed "außerplanmäßige Professorin" at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg in 2006 and held visiting professorships at Weingarten (2007-2008). Her academic career spans multiple institutions including Boston College, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, and Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, where she conducted habilitation research from 1998-2000 and 2001-2005. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Ancient Greek and Latin, University College Dublin Baccalaureate in Divinity in Philosophy and Theology, Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy, Dublin Doctorate in Theology, Phil.-theol. Hochschule Sankt Georgen, Frankfurt am Main (1991) Habilitation in Dogmatics, History of Doctrine, and History of Theology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (2003) Dr. Mooney's research centers on systematic theology and historical theology, with specialized expertise in ancient church history and medieval theology. She is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on Johannes Scottus Eriugena's theological framework, particularly regarding theophany and theological anthropology as demonstrated in her monograph Theophany: The Appearing of God According to the Writings of Johannes Scottus Eriugena (2009). Her scholarship consistently bridges patristic sources (especially Gregory of Nyssa) with contemporary theological challenges, exploring themes of imago Dei, eschatology, and mystical theology within early Christian thought. She maintains active dialogue with modern theologians including Hans Urs von Balthasar and Bernard Lonergan, examining intersections between theological aesthetics and anthropological foundations. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: first, sustained engagement with Eriugena's thought across multiple dimensions including creation theology, wisdom literature, and sin theology; second, comparative studies of patristic writers (particularly Gregory of Nyssa) on eschatological themes and imago Dei concepts; third, contemporary applications of historical theology to issues of pluralism, tolerance, and scriptural interpretation. Her methodological approach consistently integrates historical-critical analysis with hermeneutical reflection, demonstrating how ancient theological frameworks address modern anthropological and ecclesiological questions. Scientific Awards: Lonergan Fellowship at Boston College (1990) DFG Habilitation Fellowship (1998-2000) Dr. Mooney has provided significant academic leadership through her service on the executive board of the German section of the European Society for Catholic Theology (2015-2023) and editorial roles including co-editing the series Ökumenische Religionspädagogik (2009-present). While specific grant details beyond her DFG fellowship are not enumerated, her sustained research output indicates continuous funding support. Her teaching encompasses systematic theology, historical theology, and religious education methodology, though specific student mentorship details are not provided in the source text. She maintains active international scholarly engagement through presentations at major conferences including the International Conference on Patristic Studies in Oxford and the Annual Lonergan Workshop at Boston College. Her collaborative work extends across European theological networks, particularly through her involvement with Pro Oriente publications and the European Society for Catholic Theology. Current research directions appear focused on integrating patristic anthropology with contemporary theological challenges, as evidenced by her 2024 publications addressing memoria, transformation, and biblical-doctrinal roots within modern theological frameworks.
Robert McColl Millar is a Professor at the University of Aberdeen specializing in historical linguistics and Scots language studies. His research examines language contact phenomena, dialectological variation, and sociolinguistic dynamics within Scottish linguistic communities. His primary research domains include: Historical development of Scots in relation to English and Gaelic Dialectology of Scottish regional varieties (particularly Doric and fishing community dialects) Language policy and standardization efforts for Scots Lexical variation and attrition in endangered dialects Sociolinguistic aspects of language identity and nationalism Historical sociolinguistics of Scotland Language contact-induced change Analysis of Millar's recent publications (2024-2016) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Scots Language Documentation through dialect surveys, lexical studies, and orthographic analysis; (2) Language Contact Mechanisms examining borrowing, interference, and structural change in historical English; (3) Sociopolitical Dimensions exploring Scots' relationship with Scottish identity, nationalism, and language policy. His work consistently bridges theoretical linguistics with practical language planning concerns. No scientific awards are documented in the available sources. While student advising details remain unreported, his publications indicate extensive collaboration with research forums like the Forum for Research on the Languages of Scotland and Ulster. Grant funding specifics are not publicly itemized, though his edited volumes suggest institutional and conference-level support. No dedicated laboratories or research teams are specified in current public materials.
Wiebke Kirleis is Professor for Environmental Archaeology and Archaeobotany at the Institute for Pre- and Protohistory, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU). She has held this position since May 2014 and was previously a junior professor at the same university from 2008 to 2014. She is actively involved in major interdisciplinary research projects, including the Cluster of Excellence ROOTS and the Collaborative Research Centre 1266 'Scales of Transformation', where she serves as co-speaker and technical platform speaker. PhD in Natural Sciences, University of Göttingen (2002) Diploma in Biology, University of Göttingen (1998) Studies in Botany, Anthropology, and Environmental History, University of Göttingen (1990–1998) Wiebke Kirleis' research centers on the interaction between humans and plants during the late Pleistocene and Holocene, with a focus on plant economy, domestication, agricultural development, and landscape transformation. Her work explores how wild and cultivated plants were used for nutrition, ritual, and technical purposes, and how agricultural innovations such as ploughing and manuring impacted Central European landscapes. She has a strong geographical focus on Northern and Central Germany, Southeastern Europe, the Near and Middle East, and Southeast and East Asia, particularly Indonesia. Her methodological expertise includes archaeobotany (analysis of charred and waterlogged plant remains), palynology (pollen and spore analysis from sediment cores), and anthracology (study of charcoal remains). Her recent research includes studies on broomcorn millet diffusion, early farming in Scandinavia and Russia, and plant use in Bronze Age settlements across Europe and Turkey. She leads and collaborates on numerous interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing the integration of botanical data into broader archaeological narratives. Her publications reflect a consistent trend in environmental archaeology, focusing on plant domestication, agricultural transitions, and human-induced landscape change. Keywords across her recent work include archaeobotany, palynology, Neolithic and Bronze Age subsistence, and environmental reconstruction. Her research spans subfields such as food security, cultural transmission of plant use, early monumentality, and socio-economic aspects of prehistoric agriculture. Board member, Cluster of Excellence ROOTS Co-speaker, CRC 1266 'Scales of Transformation' Speaker, ROOTS Technical Platform Board member, Johanna-Mestorf-Akademie Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, Dithmarschen Stone Age Park (since 2023) Full member, German Archaeological Institute (DAI) Elected member, Commission for Archaeology of Non-European Cultures (KAAK) Wiebke Kirleis has supervised numerous research projects funded by the DFG and other agencies, including the Graduate School 'Human Development in Landscapes'. She has advised students and collaborated internationally with institutions in Italy, Norway, Indonesia, and Australia. Her leadership roles in academic self-administration include serving on planning, budget, and equality committees at CAU Kiel. She is committed to science communication, having launched the digital exhibition 'Alles bleibt anders' and produced educational films on archaeobotany. She is also involved in mentoring female postdocs through the via:mento program. She leads the archaeobotanical component in the 'Superfood' module of the SFB 1266 digital exhibition and is actively involved in the ROOTS Cluster’s Subcluster 'Dietary ROOTS'. Her lab and research team operate within the Institute for Pre- and Protohistory, contributing to the university’s strong focus on interdisciplinary landscape archaeology.
