Daniel Wachsmuth

Professor Daniel Wachsmuth holds the Chair of Mathematics VII (Optimal Control) at the University of Würzburg, where he has been a professor since 2012. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science and maintains his office in Building 30 (Mathematics West), Room 02.011. Prior to his current position, he completed his academic training with positions as a postdoc at RICAM in Linz, Austria (2008-2012) and as a research assistant at TU Berlin (2002-2008).

Wachsmuth's research focuses on optimal control theory, particularly concerning partial differential equations, nonsmooth optimization problems, and regularization of problems with bang-bang control. His work bridges theoretical mathematical analysis with practical numerical methods for solving complex control problems. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of sparse optimization, topological derivatives, and non-convex optimization problems in function spaces.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward addressing L⁰ constraints in optimal control, developing advanced numerical methods for non-smooth problems, and exploring connections between optimal control theory and deep neural networks. His work spans both theoretical developments (such as second-order conditions and stability analysis) and practical algorithmic implementations for solving challenging optimization problems.

Among his notable recognitions is the Dimitrie-Pompeiu Preis awarded in 2016. His research has been published in top-tier journals including SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization, Computational Optimization and Applications, and Inverse Problems.

• Current Position: Professor of Mathematics at University of Würzburg (since 2012)
• Previous Positions: Postdoc at RICAM, Linz (2008-2012); Research Assistant at TU Berlin (2002-2008)
• Contact: daniel.wachsmuth@uni-wuerzburg.de; +49 931 31-89071