Chita R. Das is a Professor at Pennsylvania State University, known for extensive contributions in computer architecture, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Their research focuses on optimizing hardware-software co-design for edge computing, cloud infrastructure, and energy-efficient systems. Key areas include FPGA acceleration, GPU optimization, and serverless computing frameworks. Das collaborates frequently with institutions like AMD and Intel, addressing challenges in parallel computing and distributed systems. Their work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in recommendation systems, bioinformatics, and real-time video processing. Research interests span across hardware acceleration techniques, cloud resource management, and sustainable computing. Notable projects include adaptive training frameworks for intermittent power environments and neural-augmented game streaming for mobile platforms. Das's publications often address performance bottlenecks in modern architectures and propose novel solutions for latency and energy efficiency. Recent articles highlight innovations in serverless computing cost optimization, low-bandwidth VR streaming, and FPGA-based bioinformatics tools. Their contributions are characterized by interdisciplinary approaches combining computer architecture with machine learning and embedded systems.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Butz is a Full Professor and Chair for Human-Computer Interaction at the Department for Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). He leads the Media Informatics Group, focusing on innovative interaction techniques and interfaces in immersive environments like VR/AR, automotive systems, and smart spaces. His research emphasizes perceptual user interfaces, social robotics, and designing systems that balance invisibility with transparency. Key research areas include: Virtual/Augmented Reality interfaces for productivity and social interaction AI-driven decision support in safety-critical domains (aviation, healthcare) Haptic and wearable interaction technologies Automotive UI design for driver assistance systems Principles of explainable AI and human-AI collaboration His work bridges theory and practice through projects like: VR-based movement training systems AI trust calibration mechanisms Multi-modal interaction frameworks for automotive environments Systems for analyzing long-term music listening behavior Recent articles explore topics ranging from AI support in pilot decision-making to haptic wearables and creative writing interfaces. His team collaborates with industry partners on electric vehicle information systems and in-car interaction challenges.
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.
Ulrik Schroeder is a Universitätsprofessor (Full Professor) at RWTH Aachen University, leading the Chair of Learning Technologies within the Faculty of Computer Science. His research focuses on the intersection of educational technology, learning analytics, and immersive technologies with particular emphasis on practical implementations in higher education settings. Professor Schroeder's research spans multiple interconnected domains in educational technology. His primary interests include Learning Analytics implementation (particularly using xAPI standards), Virtual Reality applications for education, Open Educational Resources development and conversion, and gamification approaches for programming education. He has developed several notable tools including convOERter for OER conversion, WebWriter for creating explorable explanations, and various xAPI-based learning analytics infrastructures. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical educational applications, often focusing on computer science education contexts. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating Learning Analytics with immersive technologies, particularly Virtual Reality environments. His research demonstrates a systematic approach to educational technology development, with emphasis on scalability, interoperability through standards like xAPI, and practical implementation in real educational settings. The work increasingly focuses on personalized learning paths, quality assurance for educational resources, and privacy-conscious data collection. Co-editor of 21. Fachtagung Bildungstechnologien (DELFI) (2023) Co-editor of Hochschuldidaktik der Informatik HDI 2018 Co-editor of DeLFI 2018 conference proceedings Professor Schroeder has supervised numerous doctoral and postdoctoral researchers who frequently appear as co-authors on his publications, indicating an active research group. His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaborations across computer science, education, and psychology. Current major initiatives include the AIStudyBuddy project for study path analysis and the development of VR classroom simulations for teacher training. His research group, the Learning Technologies Innovation Lab, develops open research tools that support various aspects of educational technology research and implementation.
Prof. Gisela Detrell is a Professor of Human Spaceflight Technology at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich. She specializes in developing technologies for astronautical spaceflight, including life support systems (e.g., microalgae photobioreactors), mission simulations (e.g., Mars/Moon concepts), and virtual reality tools for astronaut training. Her work bridges engineering, biotechnology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: Bachelor/Master in Aerospace Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) PhD from the University of Stuttgart and UPC (2015), focusing on reliability analysis of life support systems for long-duration space missions Research Interests: Prof. Detrell’s research emphasizes sustainable life support systems for extraterrestrial habitats, VR-driven astronaut training, and interdisciplinary design approaches for space stations. Her photobioreactor studies explore algae-based solutions for oxygen and food production on lunar/mars bases, while simulations address mission realism and team performance under extreme conditions. Articles Overview: Her publications span VR docking simulators, ISS-based photobioreactor experiments, and biofiltration systems for closed-loop life support. These reflect a focus on practical, scalable technologies for long-term space habitation. Awards/Grants: No specific honors or grants listed in the text. Her academic contributions are highlighted through her professorship and research group leadership. Labs/Teams: She previously led the research group at the Institute of Space Systems in Stuttgart and currently heads the Human Spaceflight Technology group at TUM.
Jan Borchers is a full professor of computer science and head of the Media Computing Group, an endowed Chair in the Computer Science Department at RWTH Aachen University. He serves as deputy member of the Faculty Council for Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences (2024-2026) and previously headed the Computer Science Department's Examination Board from 2015 until February 2025. Borchers established his research group in 2003, pioneering modern HCI academic research and teaching in Germany, and opened Germany's first Fab Lab in 2009. Borchers received his PhD 'summa cum laude' in computer science from Darmstadt University of Technology in 2000. Before joining RWTH Aachen, he held faculty positions at Stanford University and ETH Zurich. His PhD thesis, 'A Pattern Approach to Interaction Design,' became the first book to bring design patterns to HCI. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction with particular interest in new user interfaces for soft robotics, textile user interfaces, 3D printing and personal fabrication, augmented reality, wearable and tangible computing, interfaces for software development, deceptive patterns, and interactive guides and exhibits. He is a member of ACM, SIGCHI, SIGCHI Germany, and GI, and introduced the Interactivity format to the CHI conference in 2005. Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on deceptive patterns/dark patterns in UI design, textile interfaces, and the impact of generative AI on creative teamwork. His work spans from fundamental research in interaction techniques to practical applications in smart homes, accessibility, and children's interfaces, with a consistent focus on usability and user-centered design. IDC 2025 Best Work in Progress: 'If They Have No Choice, They'll Accept!' CHI'25 Student Games Competition Winner: 'The Deceptive Dungeon' RWTH-Wissenschaftsnacht 2024 Best Science Slam: 'Usability: 4 Prinzipien guter User Interfaces' Multiple CHI/UIST Honorable Mentions and Best Paper awards spanning two decades Author of influential books including 'A Pattern Approach to Interaction Design' and 'Arduino In A Nutshell' Borchers has provided extensive consulting, training, and user interface design services to major clients including AirBus, Apple, ARD, Bayer, Children's Museum Boston, Daimler, Handelsblatt, OTIS, Scout24, TEDx, and Deutsche Telekom. He actively organizes the Computer Science Department's weekly Faculty Lunch since 2003 and coordinates the department's public relations and web presence since 2010. He leads the Media Computing Group, which has become a leading German lab in terms of archival publications at CHI, the top international conference in HCI. Since March 2025, he serves as faculty patron for TechLabs Aachen, a student initiative providing practical digital skills training.
Philipp Neumann is a Professor and Chair of High-Performance Computing at Helmut Schmidt University since 2019. Previously, he held roles including Senior Researcher at the German Climate Computing Center (2016–2019), Postdoc at the University of Hamburg (2017–2019), and completed his Habilitation in Scientific Computing at TU Munich (2019). He transitioned to DESY/Universität Hamburg in May 2024. Education : PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Scientific Computing at TU Munich (2008–2013) Habilitation in Scientific Computing at TU Munich (2019) Studies in Technomathematics at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (2003–2008) Research Interests focus on high-performance computing, parallel and distributed systems, computational science, and applications in climate modeling. His work bridges computational methods with medical challenges, including surgical simulation training, wound healing mechanisms, and gastrointestinal pathology. Professional Activities include leadership roles in major conferences such as steering committee member for ISPDC (since 2021) and program committee roles in IPDPS, ICCS, and IEEE Cluster. He also managed the DFG priority program SPPEXA (2013–2016). Labs/Teams include the Chair for High-Performance Computing at Helmut Schmidt University and collaborations with the German Climate Computing Center. His current work at DESY/Universität Hamburg likely expands these computational efforts into interdisciplinary research.
Eduardo Velloso is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Sydney , focusing on interaction design for emerging technologies . His work explores novel user experiences through input modalities, interaction devices, and AI/ML integration in systems. Education: PhD in Computer Science (Lancaster University, UK), Bachelor in Computer Engineering (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Research Interests: Interdisciplinary work combining Human-Computer Interaction , Augmented/Virtual Reality , Eye Tracking , Wearable Computing , and Machine Learning . Publication Trends: Recent work addresses methodology in HCI , AR/VR applications , AI integration , and sensor-based interaction . Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award at CHI Best Paper Award at UIST Best Paper Award at TOCHI Best Paper Award at TEI Supervision: Actively supervises PhD students and collaborates with companies/government on projects like VR training systems and AI mediation tools . Labs/Teams: Affiliated with institutions in Australia (University of Sydney) and Brazil (PUC-Rio), with global co-authors in projects involving mixed reality , wearables , and AI ethics .
Prof. Dr. Janick Edinger is a Professor of Distributed Operating Systems at the Department of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, Germany. He leads a research group focused on distributed, context-aware, and adaptive computing systems, with a strong emphasis on edge computing, computation offloading, and assistive technologies. Education: PhD in Computer Science, University of Mannheim Studies at National Taiwan University Studies at University of Alberta, Canada Research stays at University of British Columbia, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Georgia State University, USA His research explores how edge computing and computation offloading can enable efficient, privacy-preserving processing of sensor and video data close to their sources, particularly in dynamic environments. He investigates the integration of autonomous and heterogeneous systems—such as drone fleets and mobile devices—into scalable middleware platforms for real-time monitoring and decision-making in logistics and industrial operations. His work also emphasizes societal impact, contributing to accessible routing, adaptive interfaces, and crowd-sourced mapping. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in edge computing, federated learning, privacy-preserving analytics, and assistive technologies. Topics include WebAssembly-based offloading, emotion prediction via eye tracking, real-time traffic detection, and predictive maintenance in Industry 4.0, showcasing a blend of foundational systems research and applied human-centered computing. Scientific Awards: PerCom 2021 Mark Weiser Best Paper Award Best Paper Award at IEEE PerCom 2021 for 'Voltaire: Precise Energy-Aware Code Offloading Decisions with Machine Learning' Prof. Edinger actively advises students and leads research projects involving grants and collaborations. His team includes PhD candidates and researchers working on middleware, edge systems, and context-aware applications. He has served on conference program committees, such as shadow PC member for EuroSys 2021, and publishes in top venues including IPDPS, PerCom, CHIIR, and COMPSAC. Labs and Teams: He leads the Distributed Operating Systems research group at the University of Hamburg, where he mentors students and collaborates on projects involving edge computing, IoT, and adaptive systems.
Frank Fitzek serves as Full Professor holding the Deutsche Telekom Chair of Communication Networks at Dresden University of Technology, where he directs the Centre for Tactile Internet (CeTI) Cluster of Excellence and maintains association with the Faculty of Computer Sciences. His work is institutionally anchored within the School of Engineering Sciences and actively engages with 5G Lab Germany and 6G-life Hub initiatives, positioning him at the forefront of next-generation communication research. Fitzek's research spans communication networks, tactile internet systems, 5G/6G mobile technologies, network coding, quantum networking, virtual twinning, and haptic feedback systems. His recent publications demonstrate emphasis on resilient network architectures through quantum security protocols, cloud-native 5G implementations, theoretical communications frameworks, and human-computer interaction in mixed reality environments. This work consistently bridges theoretical innovation with practical testbed validations across multiple emerging technology domains. As Director of CeTI, Fitzek leads a major interdisciplinary research cluster focused on ultra-low latency networks enabling remote physical interaction. His affiliations with 5G Lab Germany and 6G-life Hub facilitate industry-academic collaboration on standardization and deployment of future communication infrastructures, with particular emphasis on network coding techniques and tactile internet applications that transform industrial automation and teleoperation scenarios.
Prof. Dr. Harald Reiterer is a leading researcher in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Konstanz, where he has served as Professor since 2009. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. (1991) and habilitation (1995) from the University of Vienna, followed by roles including Senior Researcher at Fraunhofer FIT and Associate Professor at Konstanz. He currently holds multiple leadership roles: Dean of the Faculty of Sciences , Senator of Section 1 , and Consulting Dean . Ph.D. in Computer Science (University of Vienna, 1991) Venia Legendi (Habilitation) in HCI (University of Vienna, 1995) His research focuses on: Interaction Design for mixed reality environments Information Visualization in immersive contexts Hybrid User Interfaces combining physical and virtual elements 3D Object Manipulation in handheld AR Behavioral Analytics through mHealth interventions Recent work explores: Avatar representation in Augmented Reality (2024) Node selection efficiency in Virtual Reality (2024) Peripheral vision toolkits for Head-Mounted Displays (2023) Hybrid interface optimization for Mixed Reality (2023) Smartphone AR extensions for Spatial Memory (2023) Key scientific contributions: Landeslehrpreis 2021 for interdisciplinary exhibition design Development of Colibri cross-reality toolkit (2023) Foundational work on Re-locations for remote collaboration (2022) He leads numerous projects including: SMARTACT (Smart Mobility, 2015-2023) SFB TRR 161 (2009-2027) on XR interface measurement Blended Library (2011-2015) for future library design
Dieter Uckelmann serves as Professor of Information Logistics and Scientific Director of the Institute for Applied Research at Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (HFT Stuttgart). He holds multiple leadership positions including Spokesperson for the research focus 'Smart Technologies, Processes and Methods' at HFT Stuttgart since March 2023 and Scientific Director of the Institute for Applied Research since September 2023. His academic journey began with mechanical engineering studies in Braunschweig, followed by doctoral research at the University of Bremen focusing on 'Quantifying the Value of RFID and the EPCglobal Architecture Framework in Logistics.' Uckelmann's research spans Internet of Things applications across Industry 4.0, logistics, smart buildings, and smart cities, with significant contributions to educational technology including learning analytics and AI in teaching. His work bridges technical innovation with practical implementation, particularly in digital transformation of laboratories and smart city infrastructure. He has led numerous research projects including KNIGHT (AI for teaching), InDeckLe (earth composite ceiling systems), iCity initiatives, and DigiLab4U (online laboratories). His publication record shows a clear progression from foundational RFID and IoT research toward emerging technologies like the Industrial Metaverse, 5G applications, and AI-driven educational systems. Recent work demonstrates strong integration of physical and digital systems, particularly in urban environments and educational contexts, with increasing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency applications. Co-editor of International Journal of RF-Technologies: Research and Applications Member of PhD Association BW, Research Unit III Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Mentor in the HAWCareer mentoring program Program Committee Member for IEEE RFID, IEEE/ITMC, AIET, and other major conferences Associate Editor for Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering Professor Uckelmann actively mentors students and researchers, with his team contributing to projects across smart city infrastructure, digital learning platforms, and industrial IoT applications. He leads the Industrie 4.0 Laboratory which focuses on industrial IoT applications, digital twins, and the industrial metaverse, with research spanning RFID, RTLS, wireless sensor networks, AR/VR, and IoT architectures. His work extends to international collaborations including visiting professorships at Auburn University and the University of Parma.
Andrea Stevenson Won is a researcher at Cornell University in the Department of Communication , focusing on virtual reality (VR), human-computer interaction, and social dynamics in immersive environments. Her work explores avatar embodiment , nonverbal behavior , and accessibility in VR for users with disabilities. Research Themes : Virtual embodiment and its psychological effects Accessibility solutions for blind and low-vision users in social VR Nonverbal communication analysis in immersive environments Pro-social behavior through VR interventions Collaborative VR systems and AI integration Recent Article Trends : 2024: Investigated avatar behavior transformation in mixed reality ( MRTransformer ), AI-guided accessibility tools, and nonverbal cue adaptations 2023-2022: Focused on educational VR applications, 360° video narratives, and longitudinal team dynamics 2021-2014: Pioneered avatar embodiment studies, anxiety detection via movement tracking, and homuncular flexibility in VR
Max Planck Institute for Security and PrivacyGermany
Cuiyun Gao is a Full Professor and PhD Supervisor at the School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen. She has established herself as a prominent researcher in the intersection of artificial intelligence and software engineering. Her educational background includes a PhD from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (completed in 2018), followed by postdoctoral work at CUHK and a Research Fellowship at Nanyang Technological University. She also had a visiting period at University College London supervised by Prof. Mark Harman and Prof. Federica Sarro. Dr. Gao's research primarily focuses on Software Repository Mining, Natural Language Processing, Code Analysis, Large Language Models, Source Code Understanding, User Review Analysis, Vulnerability Detection, and Mobile Advertising Analysis . Her work bridges the gap between traditional software engineering practices and modern AI techniques, particularly in the context of code intelligence and software maintenance. Her recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on Large Language Models for code-related tasks, including code generation, optimization, vulnerability detection, and software engineering applications. Her research shows a clear trend toward addressing practical challenges in integrating LLMs into the software development lifecycle while maintaining code quality and security. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Paper Award at ASE 2023 Best Paper Award of the Track at ICSE 2024 Distinguished Paper Award at ICSE 2024 Dr. Gao actively supervises multiple PhD and Master's students, contributing to the next generation of software engineering researchers. She has served on numerous conference committees including FSE, ISSTA, ICSE, ASE, and SANER. Her research has received significant attention in the software engineering community, with multiple papers published in top-tier venues like FSE, ICSE, ASE, and TSE. Her lab appears to be actively engaged in both theoretical research and practical applications, particularly in the context of WeChat and other industry collaborations, demonstrating strong industry-academia connections.
