Prof. Dr. Guido Kings is a Professor of Pure Mathematics at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Regensburg. His research focuses on Special Values of L-functions , Tamagawa Number Conjecture , and Polylogarithms , with significant contributions to Iwasawa Theory and Arithmetic Geometry . He has held leadership roles in research projects such as the CRC Higher Invariants. Prof. Kings has authored influential papers on topics like Eisenstein-Kronecker classes , p-adic interpolation , and regulators in arithmetic geometry . He received the Frontier of Science Award in recognition of his work. His team includes doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, such as Bernadette Melichar and Julio de Mello Bezerra. Current Affiliations: Faculty of Mathematics, University of Regensburg Recent Courses Taught: Analysis II, Advanced Seminar in Arithmetic Geometry, and Modular Forms Research Group: Comprises scientific staff (e.g., Han-Ung Kufner) and doctoral students working on number theory and algebraic geometry. His publications are widely cited in Annals of Mathematics , Duke Mathematical Journal , and Inventiones Mathematicae , reflecting his expertise in connecting motivic cohomology with p-adic analysis.
Prof. Dr. Niko Naumann is a faculty member at the University of Regensburg, affiliated with the Department of Mathematics (NWF I - Mathematics). His research focuses on the intersection of Arithmetic Algebraic Geometry and Motivic Homotopy Theory. His work explores stable homotopy theory, equivariant algebraic K-theory, and the application of topological modular forms to arithmetic problems. Notable collaborations include researchers such as Tobias Barthel, Akhil Mathew, and Justin Noel. The 15 most recent publications span topics in homotopy theory, algebraic geometry, and number theory, with a particular emphasis on nilpotence theorems, motivic spectra, and arithmetic invariants. Key journals include Inventiones Mathematicae, Advances in Mathematics, and Geom. Topol. Niko Naumann’s departmental role includes leadership in international academic exchange programs like ERASMUS. Current advisees or students are not explicitly listed in the provided text.
Prof. Dr. Nicole Ondrusch is a Professor at Heilbronn University (HHN) within the Faculty of Computer Science. She specializes in teaching methodological fundamentals of software engineering, including ERP systems, Design Thinking, Change Management, and digital transformation. Her research focuses on educational concepts for computer science technologies and future-relevant skills. Key Roles and Projects: Member of BW-CAR doctoral center Organizer of Barcamp Heilbronn, an unconference teaching project fostering student teamwork Principal investigator in funded projects like DigiTrans (digital transformation education) and DEV:GAMES (educational game development) SAP Academic Board DACH spokesperson since 2021 Research Interests: Her work emphasizes innovative teaching methods such as Design Thinking, agile project implementation, and digital experimentation. She explores ethical AI education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the societal impact of digital transformation. Nicole also develops practical teaching tools like virtual escape rooms and game-based learning frameworks. Grants & Partnerships: Funded by DAAD (DigiTrans), Stiftung Innovation, and others Collaborates with industry partners like SAP and local IT organizations (ConnectIT) Labs & Teams: She leads the Lab:D initiative, developing digital teaching platforms, and co-organizes the Barcamp, a student-led event integrating real-world project management and community building.
Dr. Vincent Fortuin is a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and a research group leader at Helmholtz AI in Munich. He leads the Efficient Learning and Probabilistic Inference for Science (ELPIS) group and holds multiple prestigious fellowships including the Branco Weiss Fellowship. His academic affiliations include the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, the Konrad Zuse School of Excellence in Reliable AI, and the Munich Center for Machine Learning. Dr. Fortuin earned his BSc in Molecular Life Sciences from the University of Hamburg (2012-2015), followed by an MSc in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics from ETH Zürich (2015-2017), where he received the ETH Excellence Scholarship and the Willi Studer Prize. He completed his PhD in Machine Learning at ETH Zürich (2017-2021) under the supervision of Gunnar Rätsch and Andreas Krause, supported by a Swiss Data Science Center PhD Fellowship. Prior to joining TUM, he was a Research Fellow at St. John's College, University of Cambridge (2022-2023). His research focuses on the intersection of Bayesian statistics and deep learning, specifically developing methods for more robust, data-efficient AI systems with reliable uncertainty estimates. His work addresses critical limitations in standard deep learning approaches, particularly their tendency to be overconfident in predictions and require large datasets for training. He investigates better priors and more efficient inference techniques for Bayesian deep learning, deep generative modeling, meta-learning, and PAC-Bayesian theory, with applications in scientific and biomedical domains. Dr. Fortuin's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on improving uncertainty quantification in deep learning systems, with increasing emphasis on practical applications in scientific contexts. His work spans from theoretical foundations of Bayesian deep learning to practical implementations in protein design, materials science, and medical applications. A notable trend is his exploration of how to make Bayesian methods more scalable and applicable to modern large-scale AI systems while maintaining theoretical guarantees. Branco Weiss Fellowship (2023) St John's College Research Fellowship (2022) Swiss National Science Foundation Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship (2022) Swiss Data Science Center PhD Fellowship (2018) ETH Excellence Scholarship (2015) Willi Studer Award (2018) Dr. Fortuin actively supervises PhD and Master's students through his ELPIS research group at Helmholtz AI. He serves as a regular reviewer and area chair for major machine learning conferences and is an action editor for TMLR. He co-organizes the Symposium on Advances in Approximate Bayesian Inference (AABI) and the ICBINB initiative, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field through community building. His research group receives funding from multiple sources including Helmholtz AI, the Branco Weiss Fellowship, and collaborations with international institutions. Dr. Fortuin leads the Efficient Learning and Probabilistic Inference for Science (ELPIS) group at Helmholtz AI, which focuses on fundamental machine learning research motivated by real-world scientific problems. The group collaborates extensively with researchers across Helmholtz centers and international institutions, particularly in biomedical applications where reliable uncertainty estimates are crucial.
Prof. Dr. Peter Vorderer is a full professor of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim's Philosophical Faculty, leading the Institute for Media and Communication Studies. He holds a PhD from TU Berlin and has held professorships at institutions such as the University of Toronto, USC's Annenberg School, and the Free University of Amsterdam since 2010. His research focuses on media psychology, exploring media effects, entertainment media narratives, and the pervasive role of digital connectivity in everyday life. Education includes studies at Heidelberg and Mannheim Universities, with additional training at NYU and the University of Michigan. He has served as editor for Zeitschrift für Medienpsychologie and Media Psychology , and as President of the International Communication Association (2014-2015). His work bridges psychological and societal impacts of media, emphasizing entertainment's cognitive and emotional dimensions. Key research themes include media-induced resonance theory, mobile communication's psychological effects, and digital dependency. His 15 most recent articles (2014-2020) reveal a focus on media's role in well-being, social behavior, and cognitive processing. Awards include ICA Fellowship (2016). His lab contributes to understanding media's dual hedonic/eudaimonic functions and their societal implications.
Prof. Dr. Teresa Sansour is a full Professor of Pedagogy and Didactics in Cases of Intellectual Development Impairments with Special Consideration of Inclusive Educational Processes at the Institute for Special and Rehabilitation Education, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg. She joined the university in April 2020 and has held leadership roles including Vice Director for Teaching at the Center for Teacher Education (since October 2021) and Deputy Institute Director (since April 2025). Her academic affiliations reflect a deep commitment to inclusive and special education. Her research focuses on educational interactions in the context of intellectual disabilities, inclusive subject didactics, the participation of people with complex disabilities, and the professionalization of educators and prospective teachers. Key research areas include inclusive literacy, art education, teacher motivation, and social integration. She leads significant funded projects such as Literary Texts in Simple Language (LiES) and Lighthouses for Participation , both aimed at enhancing inclusion for people with disabilities. The recent publications of Prof. Sansour span topics such as school absenteeism in autism, self-concept in intellectual disabilities, inclusive art education, and participation models. Her work demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary and applied focus, combining qualitative methods with pedagogical innovation. She frequently publishes in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes on special education, inclusive didactics, and disability studies. Member, German Society for Educational Research (DGFE), Section Special Education Member, Network for Complex Disabilities e.V. Chair, Advisory Board of the Georg-Leffers-Stiftung Chair, Association for the Promotion of Pedagogical Rehabilitation and Social Integration of People in Risk Situations Board Member, German Interdisciplinary Society for Research Promotion for People with Intellectual Disabilities (DIFGB) Prof. Sansour actively contributes to academic leadership and teacher training. She serves as program coordinator for the Bachelor’s in Special Education and accreditation officer for the Special Education/Social Studies cluster. Her work includes advising on inclusive curricula, fostering research collaborations, and securing external funding for inclusive initiatives. She has not received explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. She is involved in multiple collaborative research teams and projects focused on inclusion, literacy, and disability rights.
Rainer Watermann is a Full Professor for Empirical Research in Education at the Free University of Berlin since 2011, previously serving as Full Professor for Education and Empirical Research in Schools at Georg-August University of Göttingen (2005-2011). His academic career includes significant research positions at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin (1997-2005). Watermann earned his Diploma in Educational Science from the University of Münster (1996), followed by a Dr. phil (2002) and Habilitation (2005), both from Freie Universität Berlin. His educational background established the foundation for his extensive research in educational transitions and disparities. His research focuses on educational transitions, particularly from primary to secondary school and into higher education, examining motivational factors, social background influences, and achievement goal development. Watermann's work consistently addresses how social disparities affect educational opportunities and outcomes, with particular attention to gender differences and longitudinal developmental patterns. His methodological expertise includes latent class analysis, structural equation modeling, and large-scale assessment design. Watermann's publication portfolio reveals consistent research trajectories examining motivational frameworks (particularly expectancy-value theory), educational transitions, social disparities in education, and political socialization. His work spans both theoretical development and practical applications for educational policy and practice, with increasing focus on intervention effectiveness in recent years. As an active member of the academic community, Watermann serves on multiple editorial boards including the Swiss Journal for Educational Sciences and Empirical Educational Science , and regularly reviews for major educational and psychological journals. He has also contributed to significant research centers, including serving as spokesman for the Center for Empirical Research on Teaching and Learning in Schools (ZeUS) at the University of Göttingen (2008-2010). Watermann maintains an active research program with numerous collaborations across Germany and internationally, evidenced by his consistent publication record through 2025. His work bridges educational psychology, sociology of education, and policy-relevant research, maintaining strong connections between theoretical frameworks and practical educational contexts.
Prof. Dr. Michael Gröschel is a Professor of Business Informatics at the Faculty of Computer Science, Mannheim University of Technology. His expertise spans Business Process Management (BPMN, Process Mining), Digital Transformation, and innovative Business Models. He teaches courses on BPM, project management, and e-business, often collaborating with industry clients through student projects. As a consultant, he specializes in BPMN training and IT-driven business strategy. His work emphasizes practical applications of IT tools like RPA and low-code platforms. Recent publications focus on RPA bot performance evaluation, AI in automotive trade, and business model-IT alignment. Prof. Gröschel’s research bridges academic insights with real-world challenges, particularly in leveraging technology for business innovation. He has authored books and articles on business intelligence tools, mobile business strategies, and digital customer care. His consulting services include executive coaching for academic career advancement and enterprise IT management best practices. Office: Building A, Room 007c | Phone: +49 621 292-6764 | Professional website available for further engagement opportunities.
Axel Dreher is Professor of International and Development Politics at Heidelberg University’s Alfred-Weber-Institute for Economics. He is a leading scholar in political economy and development economics, with extensive affiliations including the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, CEPR, CESifo, KOF, AidData, and EUDN. He serves as Editor of the Review of International Organizations and Co-Director of the Center for European Studies (CefES) at the University of Milan-Bicocca. Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg (2011–Present) Georg-August University Göttingen (2008–2011) ETH Zurich (2005–2008) University of Konstanz (2004–2005) University of Exeter (2003–2004) University of Mannheim (2000–2003) His research centers on political economy , economic development , foreign aid , and globalization . He investigates how political institutions, leadership incentives, and geopolitical interests shape development outcomes and international financial flows. His work often employs empirical and geospatial methods to analyze aid allocation, corruption, migration, and the rise of emerging donors like China. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on China’s overseas development finance , regional favoritism , and the political determinants of aid . Keywords span political economy, development economics, and international relations, with subfields including Chinese foreign aid, geospatial analysis, governance, institutional quality, and South-South cooperation. His recent book Banking on Beijing and award-winning paper Wedded to Prosperity exemplify his cutting-edge contributions to understanding the political economy of development. Scientific awards include: 2023 Best Paper Award, Political Economy of Aid Society (PEAS) 2023 Best New Dataset Award, International Political Economy Society International Geneva (IG) Award 2020 Excellence in Refereeing Award, World Bank Economic Review (2019) 2010 KfW Excellence Award for policy-relevant research Multiple DFG and Swiss research grants Dreher has advised over 30 PhD students on topics ranging from aid effectiveness to political violence and migration. He has received major research grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG), Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), European Commission, and VolkswagenStiftung. His leadership roles include organizing the annual Political Economy of International Organizations conference series and serving on editorial boards of top journals such as World Development and Defence and Peace Economics . He is actively involved in academic labs and research networks including the Courant Research Center on Poverty and Equity at Göttingen, AidData at William & Mary, and the Center for European Studies (CefES). His current work continues to explore the intersection of politics, development, and globalization, particularly through georeferenced data and natural experiments.
Prof. Dr. M. Bjørn von Rimscha is a full-time Professor of Media Economics at the Department of Social Sciences, Media and Sport, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. He serves as Prodekan for Studium und Lehre since 2023 and previously held leadership roles including Geschäftsführender Leiter of the Institute for Journalism. His research focuses on media economics, digital transformation, advertising markets, and cross-border media management. Positions: Professor (2015–present), Prodekan (2023–present) Education: Freie Universität Berlin, University of Ulster Key Collaborations: Co-edited De Gruyter Handbook of Media Economics (2024), Handbuch Medienökonomie (2021) His recent work examines digital disruption in media industries, payment models for journalism, and the economic value of creativity. He advises PhD students like Robin Riemann and holds editorial roles at the Journal of Media Business Studies . Contact: b.vonrimscha@uni-mainz.de
Christopher Deninger is a distinguished Professor in the Mathematical Institute at the University of Münster, Germany, where he leads research in Arithmetic Geometry and Representation Theory. His office is located in Room 413 of the Einsteinstr. 62 building, and he maintains active teaching responsibilities including courses in Representation Theory of Finite Groups, Linear Algebra, and specialized topics like Adic Spaces. Deninger's research spans multiple interconnected domains of modern mathematics, with a consistent focus on the deep connections between number theory and geometry. His work has evolved from classical arithmetic geometry to incorporate increasingly sophisticated connections with p-adic analysis, dynamical systems, and more recently proalgebraic fundamental groups. A unifying theme throughout his career has been exploring analogies between different mathematical structures, particularly those connecting analytic number theory with dynamical systems on foliated spaces. His recent publications reveal a continued expansion of his research program into new territories while maintaining connections to his foundational work. The most recent papers show increasing integration of algebraic topology concepts with arithmetic geometry, particularly through proalgebraic fundamental groups and their applications. The consistent thread throughout his decades of publications is the search for deeper structural connections between seemingly disparate areas of mathematics, particularly those bridging analysis, geometry and number theory. Professor Deninger has mentored an extensive number of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, as evidenced by the comprehensive list of former members in his working group. His collaborations span the international mathematical community, with numerous joint publications with leading mathematicians across Europe and beyond. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the available materials, his sustained publication record across decades suggests consistent research support for his mathematical investigations. The Mathematical Institute at Münster provides the institutional home for Deninger's research activities, where he maintains an active working group focused on arithmetic geometry and related fields. His office environment includes support staff and colleagues working in closely related mathematical domains, creating a vibrant research community centered around advanced topics in pure mathematics.
Prof. Dr. Frank T. Piller is a University Professor and Co-Leader of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) at RWTH Aachen University, where he also serves as Academic Director of the Executive MBA program at RWTH Business School. He leads a research team of approximately 30 doctoral students, 5 postdocs, and over 20 student researchers within the TIME Research Area of the School of Business and Economics. His educational background includes a doctoral degree in Operations Management from the University of Würzburg (1999) and a Habilitation degree from TUM Business School (2004) on "Innovation and Value Co-Creation." Prior to joining RWTH Aachen in 2007, he was a Research Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management and faculty at TUM Business School. Prof. Piller is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in customer-centered value creation, specializing in mass customization, personalization, and customer co-creation. His current research focuses on how established companies can transform in response to disruptive business model innovations, with particular emphasis on digital transformation (Industry 4.0), AI-augmented innovation, and sustainable business models. He is particularly known for his work on innovation ecosystems, platform-based business models, and stakeholder-oriented technology development. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward integrating artificial intelligence with traditional innovation management frameworks, exploring how AI transforms manufacturing systems, innovation processes, and business models. His work increasingly addresses the challenges of digital transformation in established industries while maintaining focus on customer co-creation and mass customization principles. His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: Co-Creation Award of the PDMA Nomination for "Innovating Innovation" Prize by Harvard Business Review and McKinsey "Lecturer of the Year" by Executive MBA students at TU Munich RWTH Aachen Rector's Prize for Excellent Teaching (since 2010) Grant for innovative "Flipping the Classroom" teaching concept ERC Synergy Grant for SAFER Grid project (2025-2031) Prof. Piller maintains an extensive research network spanning academia and industry. He collaborates with numerous corporations including 3M, Adidas, BASF, EON, J&J, P&G, Siemens, and Vodafone, as well as many technology startups across Europe and North America. As a co-founder, supervisory board member, and investor in innovative startups, he actively transfers research into practice. His research has received significant funding, most notably the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant for the SAFER Grid project. He leads the Technology and Innovation Management Group (TIM) within the TIME Research Area at RWTH Aachen, which comprises over 100 senior and junior researchers working at the intersection of innovation, technology management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The institute is a leading European research institution for strategic, behavioral, and computer-supported technology and innovation management.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Windmann is a Professor at the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main , affiliated with the General Psychology II department. Her research spans cognitive psychology, social psychology, neuropsychology, and decision-making, with a focus on altruism, emotional processing, facial perception, and consciousness. Department: General Psychology II, Institute of Psychology University: Goethe University Frankfurt am Main Her work investigates biases in perception, memory, and decision-making, particularly how context and emotional states influence human behavior. Recent publications explore pandemic-related psychological profiles, waste separation behavior, and the neural correlates of altruism and cooperation. Recent trends in her research include mindfulness interventions , social dynamics during crises , and facial perception's role in social cognition . She has published in journals like Health Psychology Open , Personality and Individual Differences , and Frontiers in Psychology . Her lab collaborates internationally and engages in interdisciplinary studies, though no explicit scientific awards or student lists are detailed in the provided texts. Contact: s.windmann@psych.uni-frankfurt.de
Prof. Nicola Breugst is a Professor of Entrepreneurial Behavior at the TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich. Her research focuses on the psychological dimensions of entrepreneurship, particularly the interplay between founders' thought processes, emotions, and their social/environmental contexts. She explores how entrepreneurial teams influence decision-making, employee motivation, and venture success. Her work challenges the 'lone entrepreneur' myth, emphasizing systemic interactions between founders and their ecosystems. Education: B.A. in Psychology from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich; Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship from Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Professional Experience: Held academic roles at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Max Planck Institute for Economics, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, and National University of Singapore. Research Interests: Entrepreneurial cognition, team dynamics, equity distribution, founder relationships, and the socio-economic factors shaping new ventures. Notable contributions include studies on trust in teams, envy's role in performance, and pivoting strategies in uncertain markets. Awards: 2022 Teaching Excellence Award (TUM School of Management), 2020 Best Paper in Entrepreneurial Cognition (Academy of Management), and multiple recognitions for mentorship and scholarly contributions. Grants/Advising: Extensive supervision of doctoral students (2018 award), with research supported by international collaborations. Active in entrepreneurial education and cross-cultural studies.
Leonhard Schilbach is a Specialist in Psychiatry & Psychotherapy and a Research Group Leader affiliated with the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN) at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). He is based at LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf and maintains an active research profile in social neuroscience and psychiatry. His work bridges clinical psychiatry and cognitive neuroscience, focusing on real-time social interaction. His research centers on the second-person neuroscience approach, emphasizing online social cognition—how humans understand each other during actual, dynamic social interactions, as opposed to passive observation ( offline cognition). He investigates the neural and behavioral mechanisms of interpersonal coordination, social motivation, and self-regulation using advanced techniques like functional MRI and dual eye-tracking . His work suggests that social interaction itself is intrinsically rewarding and shapes cognitive processes. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in developing and applying novel methodologies (e.g., dual eyetracking, hyperscanning) to study real-world social dynamics. These works span disciplines including social neuroscience , clinical psychiatry , and cognitive psychology , with applications in understanding disorders such as addiction. The articles emphasize ecological validity and the need for interactive paradigms in social neuroscience. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Leonhard Schilbach has supervised at least one graduate student, Dr. Lara Henco. While no specific grants are listed, his research group leadership and publication record in high-impact journals suggest active funding. His work likely involves interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with neuroimaging and computational modeling teams. He leads a research group focused on social interaction and is associated with the GSN at LMU Munich, indicating involvement in a broader network of systemic neuroscience research. His personal website (www.leonhardschilbach.de) serves as a hub for disseminating his scientific contributions and theoretical perspectives.
