Prof. Sebastian Hensel is a Professor of Pure Mathematics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), serving as Dean of Studies at the Mathematical Institute. His research focuses on low-dimensional topology, geometric group theory, and their interplay with mapping class groups, handlebody groups, and diffeomorphism groups of surfaces. He holds a PhD from the University of Bonn (2011) and has held positions at the University of Chicago as a Dickson Instructor and in Bonn before joining LMU. Research interests include algebraic and geometric properties of mapping class groups, handlebody groups, and their actions on geometric spaces. Recent work explores applications of geometric group theory to surface diffeomorphism groups. Preprints and publications span topics like thick laminations, curve graphs, and handlebody group rigidity. Teaching responsibilities include courses on geometric group theory, Riemannian geometry, and topology. He co-organizes advanced seminars such as the Geometry and Dynamics of Homeomorphisms and Representation Theory block seminars. His work also extends to pedagogical projects, including a textbook on representation theory for students and translations of foundational papers like Hilbert's ninth-degree equation. Current sabbatical (Winter 2024/25) involves collaboration on seminars while maintaining research output. The Geometry and Topology Working Group at LMU is central to his academic activities.








