Wolfgang Stammer is a PostDoc researcher in the Machine Learning Group at TU Darmstadt's Computer Science Department. His work focuses on making AI models more interpretable and interactive, particularly in explainable AI (XAI), neuro-symbolic architectures, and systematic compositionality challenges in neural networks. He completed his Ph.D. in Machine Learning at TU Darmstadt (2019–2025), an M.Sc. in Computer Science at Goethe University Frankfurt (2016–2018), and a B.Sc. in Cognitive Science at the University of Osnabrück (2011–2015). Research Interests : Stammer's research bridges gaps between human understanding and AI capabilities. Key areas include: Explainable AI (XAI) and interactive machine learning (XIL) Neuro-symbolic integration for logical reasoning and visual concepts Mitigating shortcut learning and confounding factors in datasets Concept discovery and program synthesis for interpretable models Publications : His work spans foundational contributions to AI benchmarks (e.g., V-LoL, SLR-Bench) and frameworks (Neural Concept Binder, Revision Transformers). Recent studies highlight AI's limitations in systematic generalization and propose solutions for aligning reinforcement learning agents with human values. Grants & Labs : He contributes to the Machine Learning Lab at TU Darmstadt and co-organized workshops like the Interactive Machine Learning Workshop @ AAAI 2022. His research bridges theoretical advances with practical applications in healthcare and ethical AI systems.
Hauke Schmidt is a Group Leader in the Department of Climate Physics at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) in Hamburg, Germany. He leads the 'Global Circulation and Climate' research group and serves as Deputy Director of the 'Atmosphere in the Earth System' department. His work focuses on climate modeling, atmospheric circulation, and climate sensitivity, using tools such as the ICON-Sapphire storm-resolving model and idealized radiative-convective equilibrium models. His research interests center on understanding how atmospheric circulation influences Earth's climate response to forcings, particularly equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS). He investigates processes in the upper tropical troposphere, pattern effects, and the vertical structure of climate models. His work spans atmospheric dynamics, chemistry-radiation interactions, solar and volcanic forcing, climate engineering, and adjoint modeling for sensitivity analysis. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on high-resolution climate modeling (ICON-Sapphire), radiative feedbacks, stratospheric aerosol effects, volcanic and solar forcing, and model development. His work bridges theoretical atmospheric dynamics with practical Earth system modeling, contributing significantly to CMIP and GeoMIP intercomparisons. Scientific Awards and Honors: Contributing Author, IPCC AR5 WG1 (Chapter 7: Clouds and Aerosols) Advising and Grants: Hauke Schmidt has advised numerous PhD and Master’s students, including Helene Glöckner, Abisha Gnanaraj, Moritz Günther, Paul Keil, Clarissa Kroll, and Sally Dacie. He has led and participated in multiple major research projects funded by DFG, BMBF, and EU programs, such as VolImpact, CELARIT, ComparCE, EUTRACE, and IMPLICC. These projects focus on volcanic impacts, climate engineering, and solar variability. Labs and Teams: He leads the 'Global Circulation and Climate' group within the Department of Climate Physics at MPI-M. He is actively involved in the development and application of the ICON and ECHAM/HAMMOZ family of models. He has contributed to the UA-ICON extension for middle atmosphere simulations and the konrad radiative-convective model.
Johann Jungclaus is a Senior Scientist and Group Leader in the Department of Climate Variability at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M), Hamburg. He leads the Director's Research Group (CVR) and has been a key contributor to the development of Earth System Models such as MPI-ESM and ICON-ESM. He has coordinated MPI-M’s contributions to CMIP6 and PMIP, and is actively involved in high-resolution climate modeling using ICON-Sapphire. PhD in Physical Oceanography, Hamburg University, 1994 Diploma in Physical Oceanography, Hamburg University, 1989 His research focuses on climate variability across decadal to centennial timescales, particularly the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV). He investigates ocean-atmosphere interactions, the effects of volcanic eruptions on climate, and near-term climate predictions. His work integrates paleoclimate modeling with modern observations and high-resolution simulations to understand long-term climate evolution. His recent publications span topics such as tropical ocean mixing, Holocene climate variability, land heat uptake, and high-resolution climate modeling. The articles reflect a strong trend toward integrating observational data with advanced Earth System Models to improve climate projections and understand past climate dynamics. Johann Jungclaus has not been listed with any formal scientific awards in the provided text. He has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed. He has been involved in significant research grants through international programs such as CMIP6, PMIP, and FAFMIP, and has contributed to major modeling initiatives funded by the Max Planck Society and international collaborations. He is part of the Director's Research Group within the Department of Climate Variability and contributes to the MPI-M’s modeling efforts, including the ICON and MPI-ESM frameworks. His work is closely tied to the institute’s focus on Earth System Modeling, paleoclimate simulations, and high-resolution climate dynamics.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Hoffmann is a Professor of Microsystems Technology at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ruhr University Bochum. His academic career began at the University of Dortmund, where he earned his doctorate in high-frequency technology and later habilitated in microsystems technology (2003). He held roles as a private lecturer and industry researcher before becoming a university professor at TU Ilmenau (2006). He joined Ruhr University in 2017, specializing in cutting-edge microsystems research. His research focuses on MEMS, THz technology, microactuators, and nanoimprint lithography. Key projects include cooperative microactuator systems, THz biosensors, and energy-autonomous sensors. He collaborates with institutions like TU Ilmenau, Purdue University, and Nagoya University through international programs like Double Degree and Erasmus. His work spans academic advising, grants, and industry partnerships (e.g., HL Planartechnik GmbH, Silicon Manufacturing Itzehoe GmbH). Notable contributions include silicon grass nanostructuring, palladium-based gas sensors, and wafer-scale MoS₂ deposition. His lab develops micromechanical systems for biomedical, environmental, and defense applications.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea Beck is a faculty member and Managing Director of the Institute of Aerodynamics and Gas Dynamics (IAG) at the University of Stuttgart. She leads the Numerical Methods in Fluid Mechanics working group, focusing on high-precision numerical methods for supercomputers, particularly discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods. Her research spans fluid mechanics, aeroacoustics, plasma physics, and multiphase flows, with applications in wind energy, helicopter systems, and environmental aerodynamics. Role: Professor and Managing Director, IAG Committees: Member of the DFG Review Board, Strategy Committee for National HPC, and steering committee of High Performance Center Stuttgart. Her research emphasizes high-order methods, turbulence modeling, and data-driven approaches. She teaches courses such as 'Numerical Methods in Fluid Mechanics' and 'CFD Programming Projects', and has developed open-source software like FLEXI and HOPR for high-performance computing. Recent articles highlight advancements in entropy-stable DG methods, turbulence simulation using graph neural networks, and multiphase flow modeling. Her work integrates machine learning with CFD to enhance simulation accuracy and efficiency.
Liane Rothenberger is Professor of Media and the Public Sphere with a Focus on Migration at the Faculty of Languages and Literature, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. She has held this endowed professorship since September 2021 and serves as Deputy Program Director of the Master’s program Flight, Migration, Society (FMG) . Her work is closely linked with the Center for Flight and Migration Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, where she contributes to interdisciplinary research on migration and media. She teaches in the Journalism Studies bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as in the FMG program. Her research centers on journalism, migration, crisis communication, and intercultural communication . Key themes include the media representation of refugees—especially women—the digital transformation of public spheres, and the strategic communication of terrorist groups. She has led studies on Arab and Ukrainian refugee families’ media repertoires, ethical challenges in researching vulnerable populations, and the framing of terrorism in media and public discourse. Her recent publications reflect a strong engagement with interdisciplinary, methodologically rigorous scholarship . Articles examine refugee women in media, social media debates on terrorism, and the use of virtual reality in intercultural teaching. She has co-edited major reference works such as The Palgrave Handbook of Cross-Border Journalism and Terrorismusforschung: Interdisziplinäres Handbuch , and authored the monograph Terrorism as Communication . Liane Rothenberger has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies , Mass Communication and Society , and Terrorism and Political Violence . Her collaborative projects often involve scholars across Germany and Europe, reflecting a commitment to transnational academic dialogue. She is actively involved in academic networks, including editorial and advisory roles, and has contributed to initiatives on normativity and values in communication research. Her work is supported by institutional funding and donations, including from the ZFM and regional partners.
Dr. Tim Heinkelmann-Wild is a Post-Doc Researcher and Lecturer (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) at the Department of Political Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, and a Max Weber Fellow at the European University Institute (EUI) from September 2025 to August 2026. He has held visiting positions at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and the University of Oxford’s Nuffield College and Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR). Education : Bachelor’s in Political Science and History (2015), LMU Munich, top of year. Master’s in Political Science (2018), LMU Munich, top of year. Research Interests : Tim’s research focuses on three main areas: (1) Institutional Contestation by Established Powers , examining how traditionally supportive states like the US challenge international organizations (IOs) and its implications; (2) IO Blame Games , analyzing responsibility attribution and avoidance strategies in contested IO policies; and (3) Indirect Warfare , exploring state intervention via non-state actors and control dynamics. Recent Publications : His work spans institutional resilience, blame attribution in the EU, and indirect warfare. Articles and chapters address topics such as the US withdrawal from IOs, legal safeguards in IO design, and multilevel blame-shifting. Collaborative works with scholars like Andreas Kruck and Bernhard Zangl are central to his output. Scientific Awards : Summa cum laude doctoral honors (LMU Munich). John McCain Dissertation Award (Munich Security Conference 2025). Dissertation Award (Munich University Society, MUG). German Thesis Award (“Deutscher Studienpreis”). Max Weber Fellow (EUI, 2025–2026). Teaching and Mentorship : He has supervised final theses seminars and taught courses on international relations, institutional contestation, and research design. He mentors in the Ment15 program for female doctoral candidates at LMU’s Faculty of Social Sciences. Policy Experience : Internships at the German Foreign Office (Task Force Ukraine) and Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) inform his applied insights. He is a member of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and the German National Academic Foundation’s selection committee.
Matthias Bernt is Deputy Director and head of the research focus 'Politics and Planning' at the Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space (IRS), and an adjunct lecturer at the Institute for Social Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin. He has held academic and research positions since the early 2000s and has led numerous national and international research projects on urban development, housing, and governance. Studied political science at Freie Universität Berlin Doctorate (2001) on Berlin’s urban renewal policy Habilitation (2021) on gentrification and public policies Research associate at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (2001–2008) Research associate at IRS since 2008 Held teaching positions since 1998 Visiting positions at Columbia University, UCL, European University of St. Petersburg Matthias Bernt's research centers on urban governance, particularly in the context of post-socialist transformation. His work critically examines gentrification, housing financialization, shrinking cities, and migration in urban planning. He has a strong focus on East German large housing estates, exploring their transformation under marketization, state restructuring, and immigration. His concept of the 'commodification gap' offers an institutionalist critique of traditional gentrification theories. His recent work highlights segregation dynamics, the role of institutional investors, and the governance challenges in peripheral urban areas. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on urban inequality, governance, and post-socialist urban development. Key themes include gentrification in Berlin, London, and St. Petersburg; financialization of housing; migration and integration in shrinking cities; and comparative analyses of large housing estates. His work increasingly engages with policy implications, as seen in studies on rent control, housing socialization, and urban regeneration. Feodor Lynen Stipendium für erfahrene WissenschaftlerInnen Book Review Editor, International Journal of Urban and Regional Research (2014–2021) Board Member, Research Committee 21 (Urban and Regional Development), International Sociological Association Deputy Speaker, Urban and Regional Sociology Section, German Sociological Association Member, Berlin Tenants’ Association, Fachbeirat Wohnraumversorgung Berlin, and other policy-relevant bodies Matthias Bernt has advised or collaborated on multiple research projects, including StadtumMig, HoPoFin, and Estates After Transition. He has not received major external grants listed in the text, but leads significant publicly funded research. He is actively involved in academic discourse through editorial roles and professional associations. His work bridges academic research and urban policy, particularly in Berlin and East Germany. He is involved in several research teams and projects at IRS, including lead and bridge projects on 'Conflicts in Planning' and 'Disruption and Spatial Development.' He coordinates interdisciplinary teams focusing on governance, migration, and housing. His work is highly collaborative, involving researchers from Germany, the UK, Poland, Russia, and beyond.
Felecia Davis is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Stuckeman School, Penn State University , where she leads the SOFTLAB research group. Her work bridges architecture, computational design, and textile technology, exploring how responsive materials can transform spatial experiences. She is also a co-founder of the Black Reconstruction Collective , a non-profit supporting Black diaspora design work. Ph.D. in Design and Computation from MIT Master of Architecture from Princeton University B.S. in Engineering from Tufts University Davis investigates the intersection of computational textiles , responsive architecture , and Black spatial practices . Her research includes thermoresponsive knitted structures, emotion-sensing textiles, and mycelium-based architectural composites. She examines how materials can embody cultural narratives and environmental adaptability. Her 15 most recent publications (2012-2024) focus on topics like knitted tension structures, biohybrid materials, dreadlock-inspired architecture, and electromagnetic urbanism. These works span disciplines including architecture , material science , and cultural studies , with subfields like soft robotics , haptic interfaces , and sustainable fabrication . 2023 Bogliasco Foundation Architecture Fellow 2022 Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum Digital Design Awardee 2022 Architectural League Emerging Voices Winner 2021 MoMA Reconstructions Exhibition Contributor 2013-2012 Multiple MIT research awards Davis has advised students in projects like MycoKnit and Phototropic Fiber Composites , and led design studios at Princeton , Cooper Union , and Cornell . Her SOFTLAB pioneers textile-based architectural systems, while her forthcoming book Softbuilt: Networked Architectural Textiles (2025) synthesizes her material research.
Lior Skoury is a Doctoral Researcher and Research Associate at the Institute of Computational Design and Construction (ICD/CA) since 2021, affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC at the University of Stuttgart. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Bezalel Academy for Art and Design and a M.Sc. from ITECH program at the University of Stuttgart. Research focus: Integration of data management , data analysis , and cyber-physical fabrication control systems Current projects: RP9-2 (Data Processing & AI for Predictive Co-Design), RP21-1 (Modular Data Architecture for Design) Industry experience: Para-Group and Structure-Pal (Israeli construction tech startups) Teaching experience: Computational design and digital fabrication in Israeli academia
Prof. Dr. Felix Jonas is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Science, Constructor University Bremen, Germany. He leads research on the biochemistry of gene regulation , focusing on molecular mechanisms governing transcription factor function and chromatin dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . His work integrates CRISPR-Cas9, Next-Generation Sequencing, and computational data analysis. Education: B.Sc. in Molecular Life Sciences (University of Luebeck), M.Sc. in Biology: Cell Biology (ETH Zurich), Ph.D. in Bioengineering (Imperial College London) Work Experience: Postdoc/Senior Postdoc at Weizmann Institute of Science (2017-22), Visiting Student at Weizmann Institute (2015-16), International Program Associate at RIKEN (2011) Teaching: General Biochemistry (CH-100-B), Introduction to Bioinformatics (JTMS-10), Current Topics in Life Sciences (CA-BCCB-801), Advanced Biochemistry II - Molecular Genetics (CO-403-A) His research explores transcription factor target search , histone dynamics , and chromatin structure-function relationships . Recent publications highlight discoveries in nucleosome replacement, protein disorder grammar, and histone acetylation impacts on replication. Articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to eukaryotic gene regulation and systems biology. Visit his lab’s PhD recruitment page or watch his Fragile Nucleosome Talk for deeper insights into his work.
Manuel Penschuck is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Computer Science , Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany. His research focuses on algorithm engineering, graph theory, and scalable network generation, with emphasis on parallel computing, I/O-efficient algorithms, and random graph models. He actively contributes to conferences like ESA, SEA, and IPDPS, and has co-authored publications in top venues including LIPIcs , IEEE Transactions , and SIAM . His work includes engineering algorithms for non-linear preferential attachment , parallel shuffling , and hyperbolic graph generation . He has co-organized program committees for ESA, EuroPar, and SEA, and his collaborations span institutions such as MPI-INF, TU Darmstadt, and Australian National University. Recent publications highlight advances in uniform graph sampling, geometric network models, and distributed systems. His research integrates theoretical rigor with practical implementation, addressing challenges in big data and high-performance computing. He is a key contributor to the Networkit toolkit for large-scale network analysis.
Lara Lesch is an academic researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science at Bielefeld University . She serves as an Academic Councillor since March 2025, following a postdoctoral role and research assistantship in the same department from June 2024 to February 2025 and January 2021 to May 2024 respectively. Her academic background includes a Doctorate in Sport Science (Dr. phil.) completed in March 2021, a Master’s degree in Sport Management from Tübingen University (2017-2020), and a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Sport Science from Mainz University (2013-2017). Academic Councillor, Department of Sport Science, Bielefeld University (2025–present) Post-Doc, Department of Sport Science, Bielefeld University (2024–2025) Research Assistant and Doctoral Student, Department of Sport Science, Bielefeld University (2021–2024) Lesch’s research focuses on gender dynamics in sports leadership , organizational change in sports institutions , and inclusion in both non-profit and commercial sports organizations . Her recent publications emphasize the structural and societal barriers to women’s representation in sports governance, organizational responses to inclusion and diversity mandates, and the evolving competencies required in elite sports coaching. Her work appears in journals such as the European Journal for Sport and Society , where she has contributed empirical analyses on gender diversity and organizational performance. Lesch also investigates the impact of global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic , on corporate social responsibility practices within sports entities. Her methodological approach includes both quantitative citation analyses and qualitative assessments of stakeholder experiences in unique settings like prison sports programs . Lesch is actively involved in student academic advising for programs including the 1-Subject Profile "Economy and Society" and the MA program in Organizational Development & Management. She is responsible for the module 61-PW-WAM Scientific Work and Methods , indicating her commitment to academic training and research methodology in sports science education.
Johannes Maly is an Assistant Professor at the Bavarian AI Chair for Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at LMU Munich. He previously held postdoctoral positions at Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt and RWTH Aachen University, and completed his PhD at TUM Munich under Prof. Massimo Fornasier. PhD in Mathematics (2019, TUM Munich) M.Sc. in Mathematics (2015, TUM Munich) B.Sc. in Mathematics (2013, TUM Munich) His research focuses on mathematical data science and machine learning, specifically addressing: Robust covariance estimation under quantization Neural network approximation properties Implicit bias in gradient descent training Multi-structured signal recovery Quantization effects in deep learning and compressed sensing His recent publications analyze dithered quantization in covariance estimation, implicit regularization in overparameterized models, and multi-structured data recovery. He applies mathematical rigor to practical challenges in wireless communications (e.g., MIMO systems) and neural network training. Scientific recognition includes: relAI Fellow MCML Associate He supervises code/toolbox development for reproducibility and teaches graduate courses in convex optimization, high-dimensional probability, and mathematical data science. His work bridges theoretical mathematics and applied signal processing.
Armin Rott is a Professor of Economics, specializing in Media Economics, at the University of Hamburg since 2010. He serves as Academic Director at the Hamburg Media School (HMS), overseeing curriculum development and didactic concepts for MBA programs in Media Management. His career spans roles at Dortmund University, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, and HMS, with a focus on media economics and strategic leadership. Education: Diploma in Economics (University of Bayreuth, 1996); PhD in Economics (summa cum laude, University of Dortmund, 2002). Research interests center on media economics, competition dynamics in media sectors, and strategic leadership. His work analyzes advertising-financed media, audience demand, and the political economy of competition. Publications examine topics like audience-demand dependencies, bestseller success drivers, and football broadcast economics. Key article themes include media market competition, demand aggregation, and experimental economics teaching methods. His scholarly output spans empirical studies on television markets, advertising-audience dynamics, and strategic management in media industries. At HMS, Rott drives academic initiatives and curriculum innovation for media management programs. He collaborates with institutions like Dortmund University and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, contributing to media economics discourse.
