Belkis Ezgi Arikan is a researcher at Justus Liebig University Giessen , affiliated with the Department of Psychology and Sports Science . Her work focuses on sensorimotor integration, tactile suppression, and neural mechanisms underlying action-outcome monitoring. She collaborates with Prof. Dr. Fiehler and Dr. Voudouris on project A4 (Predictive somatosensory processing during voluntary movements). Department: Psychology and Sports Science Collaborators: Dr. Dimitris Voudouris, Prof. Dr. Katja Fiehler Her research investigates: How the brain processes self-generated vs. externally generated sensory feedback Neural correlates of tactile suppression networks Role of cerebellum and angular gyrus in temporal recalibration Modulation of BOLD responses during action monitoring Recent publications reveal trends in predictive coding , sensorimotor recalibration , and neural suppression mechanisms across tactile, visual, and multisensory domains. Her work employs neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and behavioral paradigms to study self-motion perception and feedback processing. She contributes to understanding how the brain distinguishes self-initiated from external sensory events, with implications for motor learning and perceptual timing mechanisms.
Max Planck Institute for Biological IntelligenceGermany
Maude Baldwin is the Director of the Evolution of Sensory and Physiological Systems department at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence. Her research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying sensory receptor evolution in vertebrates, particularly in birds. Education : Ph.D. from Harvard University (Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 2007-2014); B.A. from New York University (Gallatin School of Individualized Study, 2005). Research Interests include: Evolution of taste receptors, such as the repurposing of savory receptors for sweet detection in hummingbirds. Convergent evolution in sensory systems across vertebrates. Integrative approaches combining molecular methods, cell culture, and behavioral studies. Impact of dietary shifts on ecological and physiological adaptations. Publication Trends reveal a focus on comparative genomics , protein evolution , and sensory system adaptation , with specific attention to bird taste receptors , gene loss , and echolocation genetics . Labs & Teams : Baldwin leads a multidisciplinary team at the Max Planck Institute, recruiting researchers in comparative genomics , organoid technology , and vertebrate natural history . The group investigates sensory-diet coevolution and physiological trade-offs.
Harald Fuess is a Professor of Cultural Economic History at the Heidelberg Centre for Transcultural Studies since 2009. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and B.A. from Princeton University , with prior teaching roles at the University of Sheffield, Sophia University, and visiting appointments at Oxford, Duisburg-Essen, Columbia, and Tokyo University. He serves as the Erasmus Coordinator for Asian Studies and as University Scientific Coordinator of the Hexagon Alliance . Education: Princeton University – B.A. Harvard University – M.A., Ph.D. His research spans modern Japanese history , gender dynamics , transcultural economic relations , and Eurasian cultural flows . Publications focus on Japan's legal sovereignty, consumption patterns, and the Meiji Restoration's global impact. Key academic contributions include leadership roles such as President of the European Association for Japanese Studies (2008-2011) and ongoing membership in its Executive Council (since 2000) . He has held administrative positions including Director of the Cluster Graduate School Transcultural Studies (2012-2017) and Speaker for Research Area C "Health and Environment" (2009-2012) . Recent publications analyze topics ranging from historiography of the senses to colonial legal frameworks in East Asia. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary issues like tourism's economic impact and intellectual property evolution in transnational contexts.
Helmholtz Association of German Research CentersGermany
Dr. Sabine Krabbe is a Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn, Germany, where she leads research on neural circuit mechanisms underlying adaptive learning and state-dependent decision-making. Her work integrates neuroscience, molecular biology, and behavioral approaches to understand how internal states influence behavior and how these processes are disrupted in neurological disorders. Dr. Krabbe's research focuses on the interactions between midbrain circuits of the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area with their output structures such as the striatum and amygdala. She investigates how these networks integrate internal states with environmental cues to produce appropriate behavioral responses. Her laboratory employs state-of-the-art techniques including deep-brain calcium imaging at single-cell resolution in mice, opto- and pharmacogenetic manipulations, anatomical tracings, and molecular approaches to characterize neural circuit elements in detail. Her recent publications reveal significant insights into amygdala interneuron plasticity during fear learning, brain-wide representational drift in memory consolidation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease progression. Her work demonstrates how activity patterns within specific neural circuits change in early stages of neurodegenerative diseases and how this dysfunction contributes to cognitive deficits and emotional disturbances. Dr. Krabbe is actively involved in the neuroscience community, organizing the BonnBrain Conference 2026 and sharing research through social media platforms. She has established herself as an emerging leader in the field of systems neuroscience with a particular focus on the neural basis of emotional states and decision-making processes.
Marc Erich Latoschik is a Professor in the Department of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Würzburg, Germany. He previously held roles at Bayreuth University, Bielefeld University, and FHTW Berlin. His research focuses on virtual and augmented reality, embodiment, human-computer interaction, and applications in health, education, and social systems. Education: Completed his PhD in 2001 at Bielefeld University with a thesis on multimodal interaction in virtual reality. Research Interests: Embodied interaction, virtual embodiment, presence and plausibility in VR/AR, avatar design, social virtual reality, health applications (e.g., VR therapy for body image issues), and XR security/privacy. Active in developing frameworks like Reality Stack I/O and MAIL for VR/AR research. Key Projects: ViTraS study on body image exercises in VR, avatars for mass use via smartphone reconstruction, and motion-based biometrics in XR. Collaborates with medical teams on cybersickness detection and emergency training simulations. Labs/Teams: Leads research groups on immersive technologies and social VR applications. Involved in interdisciplinary projects combining HCI, AI, and healthcare.
Gerd Bruder is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida , affiliated with the Department of Computer Science . He previously held positions as a Research Associate Professor at UCF's Institute for Simulation and Training (2016-2022), Post-Doc at University of Hamburg (2014-2016), and Post-Doc at University of Würzburg (2011-2014). Habilitation : Computer Science, University of Hamburg (2017) Ph.D. : Computer Science, University of Münster (2011) M.Sc. : Computer Science (minor in Mathematics), University of Münster (2009) Research Interests : Gerd Bruder's work focuses on Extended Reality (XR) systems, spanning Virtual Reality (VR) , Augmented Reality (AR) , and Mixed Reality (MR) . Key areas include human factors , digital twins , 3D user interfaces , and perceptual modeling , with applications in healthcare, military operations, architecture, and smart environments. Recent Publications highlight innovations in XR locomotion , trust calibration with autonomous agents, spatial cognition , and haptic-visual integration . His 2025 articles address task-switching efficiency in XR and collaborative mixed reality design. Scientific Awards : Best Paper at ACM VRST 2023 2021 TechConnect Innovation Award Best Demo at ACM SUI 2021 Multiple Best Paper Awards (2016-2023) Best Poster & Demo Awards (2015-2020) Patents include systems for medical simulation , smart environment interruption management , and adaptive AR interfaces . His work bridges academic research and practical applications across VR, AR, and MR domains.
Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger is a behavioral ecologist and evolutionary biologist at Bielefeld University 's Faculty of Biology , where he leads the Department of Animal Behaviour since 2013. His research spans avian and marine mammal systems, focusing on life history strategies, parasite-host interactions, and environmental adaptation. Education: Biology studies at Bielefeld University (1994-1996) MSc in Oxford (1996-1997) PhD at Bielefeld University with Fritz Trillmich and Jan Lindström (1998-2000) Research Themes: Behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and population dynamics across tropical and temperate ecosystems. Key projects include NC³ (Niche Choice/Construction) and studies on Galápagos sea lions, common buzzards, and pinniped species. Scientific Leadership: Spokesperson, SFB TRR 212 "NC³" (2018-2025) Advisory Board member: German Ornithologists Union, IUCN SSC pinniped group, German Primate Centre Peer review roles: Humboldt Foundation, DFG, HFSP, NSF Awards: Leopoldina Prize (2001) Niko Tinbergen Award (2008) DFG Heisenberg Professorship (2010-2015)
Prof. Veronika Somoza is a leading academic in Nutritional Systems Biology, currently affiliated with the University of Vienna and Technical University of Munich (TUM). She holds a professorship in Molecular Food Science and has led key research groups such as the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Bioactive Aromatics. Her career includes roles at institutions like the German Research Institute for Food Chemistry (Garching) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Education: Diplom (Justus Liebig University Giessen, 1991), PhD (University of Vienna, 1995), Habilitation (Kiel University, 2002) Research Focus: Bioactive food compounds, flavor chemistry, taste receptor signaling, and gastrointestinal physiology Her work bridges food science and human health, particularly in understanding how food ingredients influence digestion, inflammation, and disease. Notable contributions include discoveries on bitter peptide effects on gastric acid secretion and flavor perception modulation. Awards: FEMA Excellence in Flavor Science (2016), ACS AGFD Fellow (2020), Hans Adolf Krebs Prize (2004) Prof. Somoza has pioneered methodologies in atomic force microscopy for foodborne virus detection and developed bitterness-masking compounds for pharmaceuticals. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates nanobiophysics with nutrition to advance functional food design and clinical applications.
Dr. phil. Stefan Ladwig is a researcher at the Institute for Automotive Engineering (Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge) at RWTH Aachen University, specializing in traffic psychology, user acceptance, and human-machine interaction for automated driving systems. His work addresses psychological and ergonomic aspects of emerging mobility technologies, including seating ergonomics, trust-building mechanisms, and communication strategies for autonomous delivery robots. Research Focus: Automated driving, interior design psychology, driver/passenger behavior, and safety requirements. Projects: Lead roles in UrbANT (autonomous delivery robot) and SteeringBow (dynamic driving experience). Collaborations: Affiliated with Aldenhoven Testing Center, Future Mobility Partnership e.V., and innocam.NRW. Ladwig’s recent publications examine rotated seating positions, visual dominance in speed adaptation, and trust-relevant driving scenarios, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to optimizing human-vehicle interactions. His work spans ergonomics, energy management, and behavioral interventions to enhance safety and usability in next-generation mobility solutions.
Anna Levina is an Assistant Professor for Computational Neuroscience at the University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Department of Computer Science under the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the self-organization of neuronal activity, critical dynamics in neural networks, and the excitation/inhibition balance in cortical circuits. Current positions: Assistant Professor (since 2018), Group Leader (2017-2018), Equality Officer (Computer Science) Previous roles: IST Fellow (2015-2017), Associated Researcher (2011-2015), Postdoc/PI (2011-2015), Postdoc (2008-2011) Her research integrates mathematical modeling , statistical physics , and computational neuroscience to study criticality phenomena, neural avalanches, and adaptive network dynamics. Key interests include: Self-organized criticality in neural systems Excitation/Inhibition balance mechanisms Network topology and dynamics Timescale analysis in neural processing Stochastic modeling of neural activity Recent publications reveal trends in understanding critical dynamics across biological and artificial networks, with applications to memory systems, sensorimotor integration, and disease modeling. She has received recognition as an IST Fellow .
Sarah Pink is a leading Professor at Monash University , holding a joint appointment across the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture and the Faculty of Information Technology . She serves as Director of the FUTURES Hub and Emerging Technologies Research Lab , focusing on human futures in digital and net zero transitions. PhD in Social Anthropology, University of Kent Honorary Doctorates from Malmö and Halmstad Universities Fellow, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Her research spans design anthropology, emerging technologies, automated decision making, and future mobilities . Recent work examines: AI ethics in clean energy Smart homes for seniors Automated mobility futures Selected 2025 article trends show focus on technological ethics, urban data systems, and human-machine interaction across 6 subfields including automated decision making and sensory design. Major awards: CIOB Award for Best International Paper (2016) Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Gold (2021) Good Design Awards (2023) As research director for Monash Grid Innovation Hub and Human-Centred Computing , she leads projects funded by Australian Research Council, EU, and national research councils across five countries. Her lab engages 20 active projects and 20+ industry partners globally.
Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity at the Humboldt University BerlinGermany
Dr. Peter Bartsch serves as curator of the fish collection and construction project officer at the Museum für Naturkunde (MfN), Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, which is affiliated with Humboldt University Berlin. With expertise in ichthyology, embryology, and comparative anatomy, Dr. Bartsch has been instrumental in the museum's collection management and building renovation projects since joining the institution as a research associate before becoming curator in 2000. Dr. Bartsch received his academic training in ichthyology, embryology, and comparative anatomy at the University of Cologne. His academic career includes positions as a research assistant at the University of Tübingen and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Natural History Museum in Stockholm before joining the Museum für Naturkunde. Dr. Bartsch's primary research focuses on the evolution and systematics of major groups of bony fishes (Osteichthyes), with particular emphasis on primitive ray-finned fish lineages. His work integrates morphological analysis of both fossil and extant species to understand evolutionary relationships. A significant portion of his research centers on the developmental biology of ancient fish groups, especially the Polypteridae (bichirs), examining embryonic development, skeletal formation, and sensory systems. More recently, his interests have expanded to include the logistics and optimal management of research collections, reflecting his administrative responsibilities at the museum. Analysis of Dr. Bartsch's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on fish morphology, evolution, and development, with particular attention to primitive actinopterygian lineages. His work spans both systematic taxonomy and functional morphology, with increasing attention to museum collection management challenges. The publications demonstrate expertise in comparative anatomy across diverse fish groups including chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) and basal actinopterygians. Recent work shows integration of molecular phylogenetic approaches with traditional morphological analysis. Dr. Bartsch has held significant administrative roles at the Museum für Naturkunde, serving as head of the collections department from 2011 to 2013. He was responsible for the museum's construction program for the east wing reconstruction, completed in 2010, which created modern facilities for the storage and scientific processing of the museum's wet collections. Currently, he manages the second phase of the building's renovation that began in 2011 and participates in planning for the future development of the museum's facilities. The Museum für Naturkunde houses extensive ichthyological collections that form the basis for Dr. Bartsch's research. His work involves close collaboration with various research teams within the museum, particularly in the areas of molecular phylogenetics, collection preservation, and paleontological research. The museum's facilities include specialized laboratories for morphological analysis, molecular studies, and collection management that support his research activities.
Prof. Dr. Nadine Lehnen is a Research Group Leader at the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM). Her work bridges computational neuroscience and psychosomatic disorders, focusing on the central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms underlying functional symptoms that lack organic explanations. Research Focus : Functional somatic disorders, sensorimotor processing, vestibular system dysfunction, and computational modeling of symptom pathogenesis. Key Collaborations : EURONET-SOMA Group, interdisciplinary teams in neuroscience and clinical psychology. Her recent studies explore sensorimotor dysregulation in irritable bowel syndrome, post-COVID symptoms, and functional dizziness, emphasizing transdiagnostic mechanisms. Publications highlight translational approaches combining computational and experimental methods to redefine understanding of persistent physical symptoms. She mentors students such as Dr. Lena Schröder and Dr. Dina von Werder, contributing to training in psychosomatic research. While no specific awards are listed, her work has been supported by institutional affiliations and collaborative grants.
Ruben Portugues is a Professor of Brain Circuit Function and Dysfunction at the Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich (TUM). He is a full member of the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), an associate and advisory board member of the Munich Center for Neurosciences (MCN), and leads a research group focused on understanding the neural basis of behavior. His lab uses larval zebrafish as a model organism to investigate sensorimotor control, decision-making, and motor learning through whole-brain imaging and circuit analysis. His research interests lie at the intersection of systems neuroscience and behavior. He investigates how brain circuits process sensory information, integrate it with motor output, and enable adaptive and flexible behavior. Key areas include the function of the cerebellum, heading direction networks, sensorimotor transformations, and the neural mechanisms of decision-making. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques including custom-built microscopes, behavioral assays, and computational analysis. The recent publications and preprints from his lab demonstrate a strong trend in decoding distributed neural circuits underlying navigation and decision-making in zebrafish. There is a clear focus on identifying specific brain regions (e.g., interpeduncular nucleus, cerebellum) and cell types involved in processing visual, motor, and spatial information. The work increasingly emphasizes whole-brain functional imaging and the emergence of cognitive-like representations such as allocentric heading direction. FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE) PhD Thesis Prize (awarded to student Luigi Petrucco) Ruben Portugues actively mentors PhD students, including current advisees Luigi Petrucco, Ot Prat, and Shuhong Huang, and has successfully graduated Dr. Elena Dragomir and Dr. Vilim Štih. His lab engages in extensive collaborations, hosts visiting researchers, participates in teaching (e.g., CSHL Imaging Course, Cajal Course), and secures resources for advanced research. The lab is known for building its own microscopes and software, fostering technical innovation. The Portugues Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines experimental neuroscience with computational and engineering approaches. They regularly hold retreats, participate in scientific events, and contribute to community initiatives like the Munich Brain Day. The lab is preparing to relocate to the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, marking a new phase in its research trajectory.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, where she leads the Evolution & Behavioral Ecology of Ants research group at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME). Previously, she was Professor in Behavioral Ecology at LMU Munich (2004-2010) and Assistant Professor in Zoology at the University of Regensburg (2000-2004). She earned her PhD in Biology from Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg in 1998. Her research integrates approaches from behavioral ecology through genomics to epigenetics, focusing on ants as model organisms to study complex social behaviors. Host-parasite coevolution and social parasitism in ants Molecular mechanisms underlying division of labor Reversal of the fecundity-longevity trade-off in social insects Gene regulation in phenotypic plasticity Evolution of chemical communication systems Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of social behavior, with particular emphasis on host-parasite interactions, epigenetic regulation of behavior, and genomic adaptations in social insects. Her work increasingly combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional genomic approaches to understand the molecular basis of social evolution. Among her notable scientific achievements: Speaker of Research Training Group 2626 GenEvo: Gene Regulation in Evolution (2019-present) Speaker of EES Master Program funded by VW foundation (2007-2010) DAAD Fellow at State University of New York (1992-93) Prof. Foitzik has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs, including Maide Macit, Tom Sistermans, and Marcel Caminer. Her research is supported by multiple DFG-funded projects investigating host-parasite coevolution, the role of gene regulation in division of labor, and parasite interference in host gene expression. She serves as Handling Editor for Biology Letters and previously served on the editorial board of Insectes Sociaux. Her research group operates within the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME) at Mainz, with laboratory facilities at the Biozentrum I. The group collaborates extensively with researchers across Germany and internationally, including partnerships with institutions in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Bristol, and Tel Aviv.
