Elsa Andrea Kirchner

Prof. Dr. Elsa Andrea Kirchner is a professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen, leading the "Medical Engineering Systems" group at the Faculty of Engineering. Concurrently, she heads the "Intelligent Healthcare Systems" team at the Robotics Innovation Center (DFKI) in Bremen. Her work bridges robotics, AI, and biomedical engineering.

• Education: Biology and Ph.D. in Computer Science (recognized by the German Informatics Society in 2014)
• Key affiliations: University of Duisburg-Essen, DFKI, MIT Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (research stay)

Research focuses on human-robot interaction, embedded brain reading (EEG/EMG), behavioral analysis, and adaptive systems for rehabilitation. Her projects include co-adaptive exoskeletons and cognitive safety in human-machine interaction.

Recent publications address AI-driven validation systems for graphene electronics, motor learning feedback mechanisms, and terahertz medical devices. These span AI integration, flexible electronics, and neurorehabilitation applications.

Scientific honors:

• Best dissertation award (2014), German Informatics Society
• Klee Family Prize for MIT research stay

She contributes to national AI networks, including co-leading the "Learning Robotics Systems" working group at the Learning Systems Platform and advising on technological sovereignty via the BMBF Council.