Oskar Elek

Oskar Elek is a freelance inter-disciplinary research engineer and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), Baskin Computational Media department. He holds a PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Informatics and Saarland University, and degrees from Charles University, Prague. His work bridges computational astrophysics, bio-inspired algorithms, and data visualization.

Education

• Bc/MSc: Charles University, Prague
• PhD: Max Planck Institute for Informatics & Saarland University

Research Interests
Focuses on cosmic web reconstruction using bio-inspired models like the Monte Carlo Physarum Machine (MCPM), 3D printing applications, and computational tools for astrophysical analysis. His work integrates artificial life algorithms with complex systems simulation.

Awards & Recognition

• Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship (DISTRO ITN)
• Incubator Fellow, Open Source Program Office
• Best Paper (CESCG 2018)

Labs & Collaborations
Collaborates with astrophysicists on cosmic web projects and computational tools like CosmoVis and PolyPhy. Active in open-source initiatives and scientific outreach through computational art.