Marika Karbstein

Dr. Marika Karbstein is a Researcher at the Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB), where she has been employed since April 2006. Affiliated with the DFG Research Center Matheon "Mathematics for key technologies" from 2006-2014, she earned her doctoral degree in Mathematics from Technische Universität Berlin in 2013. Her work bridges theoretical optimization and practical public transport applications.

Her academic background includes:

• 1999-2005: Studies of Applied Mathematics (Wirtschaftsmathematik) at Technische Universität Berlin
• 2003-2006: Student assistant at Konrad-Zuse-Zentrum Berlin
• 2013: Doctoral degree in Mathematics (Dr. rer. nat), Technische Universität Berlin

Dr. Karbstein specializes in mathematical optimization for public transport systems, focusing on strategic planning, service design, and passenger behavior modeling. Her research integrates timetabling, line planning, and passenger routing through advanced integer programming and network optimization techniques. She develops practical solutions for infrastructure design, crew scheduling, and fare planning, emphasizing real-world applicability in urban transport networks. Her methodology combines theoretical rigor with implementation-focused approaches to improve system efficiency and user experience.

Her publication record shows consistent innovation in periodic timetable optimization and integrated transport modeling. Early work established foundations in Steiner tree problems for transport networks, evolving into sophisticated frameworks for passenger routing and line planning. Recent contributions emphasize direct connections and transfer minimization, reflecting industry needs for seamless passenger journeys. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between operations research, computer science, and transportation engineering.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Diploma Thesis Award of the German Operations Research Society (2006)
• Runner-Up for Richard-Rado-Prize (2014)
• Dissertation Award of German Operations Research Society (2014)
• VBKI Wissenschaftspreis (2014)
• Tucker Prize Finalist (2015)
• Best Paper Award at ATMOS 2013

As a core member of the DFG Research Center Matheon, Dr. Karbstein contributed to major collaborative projects funded by the German Research Foundation. Her work with Ralf Borndörfer at ZIB has led to practical implementations including Potsdam's 2010 line plan optimization. While specific grants aren't detailed, her research has been sustained through institutional support at ZIB and Matheon's interdisciplinary framework. She actively collaborates with transport operators to translate theoretical advances into operational improvements.

Dr. Karbstein operates within ZIB's renowned applied mathematics environment, leveraging its high-performance computing resources. Her work extends through Matheon's consortium connecting Berlin's mathematics community. Current research focuses on integrating passenger behavior models with real-time scheduling systems, advancing the frontier of data-driven transport optimization.