Prof. Doris Dransch is a Professor at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's Geographical Institute within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. She holds dual affiliations with the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ. Her research focuses on geovisualization, geo-analytic systems, and geoinformation management. She has been actively teaching since 1988 at multiple institutions including Humboldt University, TU Berlin, and international universities like Salzburg. PhD: Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences) Her work bridges theoretical cartography with applied geospatial technologies. Key areas include: Dynamic visualization frameworks for geoscientific data Interactive cartographic systems Mobile geoinformation services Multimedia GIS applications Publications span foundational concepts like action-oriented cartography and innovative approaches to spatial data representation. She has authored/co-authored books such as Computer Animation in Cartography (1997) and contributed to major encyclopedic works on geomatics. Professional roles include: National Delegate for Belmont Forum e-Infrastructure (2013–present) Member of German Disaster Management Committee (DKKV) Advisory Board Former Head of DFG's Cartography Commission (1999–2010) Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary applications of geoinformation systems across urban planning, disaster management, and environmental sciences.
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact ResearchGermany
Dr. Maria A. Martin has been affiliated with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) since 2008, initially as a doctoral student and later transitioning to a post-doctoral researcher. Since 2014, she has served as a Research Analyst within the Scientific Directors' Staff department. Her academic background includes a physics degree from the University of Potsdam and Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie in Paris, where her doctoral thesis focused on synchronization in quantum-optical resonators. At PIK, she co-developed the Parallel Ice Sheet Model and conducted pioneering research on Antarctic ice-flow dynamics using numerical modeling techniques. Dr. Martin's research interests span climate modeling, glaciology, and environmental science, with a particular emphasis on understanding the mechanisms driving ice-sheet dynamics and their implications for sea-level rise. Her work integrates advanced computational models with observational data to address critical questions in climate science. Beyond technical contributions, she has engaged in science communication through initiatives like the children's podcast Pinselohr . Her professional network and collaborations are reflected in her participation in interdisciplinary projects at PIK, including contributions to policy advice and software development related to climate impact research. She holds an ORCID identifier (0000-0002-1443-0891) and maintains active involvement in academic discourse through peer-reviewed publications and institutional outreach activities.
Dr. Nina Gehrer is a Post-Doc researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tübingen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy research group. Her work is centered on understanding cognitive and perceptual mechanisms underlying psychopathy and body image disturbances, using advanced eye-tracking methodologies. Her research interests include: Body dissatisfaction and body image interventions Attention biases and social information processing Eye tracking in clinical populations Psychopathy and antisocial behavior Emotion recognition and gaze behavior Cognitive mechanisms in violent offenders The recent publications (2017–2022) reflect a strong focus on eye movement patterns in psychopathy, emotion processing in epilepsy, multisensory perception, and methodological innovations in gaze analysis. Her work frequently involves incarcerated populations and employs both experimental and clinical paradigms. Collaborations with researchers like M. Schönenberg, A. Jusyte, and A.T. Duchowski highlight interdisciplinary and international research efforts. Scientific awards and honors are not mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Gehrer has been actively involved in research since her PhD (2015–2020) and completed a psychiatric internship (2021–2022) as part of her psychotherapy training. There is no mention of grant leadership or student advising in the available data. She is based at Schleichstraße 4, Room 4.407, Tübingen.
Alexander S. Kritikos is a Professor of Industrial and Institutional Economics at the University of Potsdam and a key figure at DIW Berlin (German Institute for Economic Research), where he serves as a member of the Executive Board and Head of the Entrepreneurship Research Group. He is also a Research Fellow at IZA (Institute for the Study of Labor) in Bonn and IAB (Institute for Employment Research) in Nuremberg, underscoring his broad institutional affiliations in economic research. Professor, University of Potsdam – Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences Member, Executive Board, DIW Berlin Head, Entrepreneurship Research Group, DIW Berlin Research Fellow, IZA Bonn Research Fellow, IAB Nuremberg He earned his Diplom-Volkswirt in Economics from the University of Munich (1989), completed postgraduate studies at the Free University of Berlin (1990–1993), received his doctorate from Humboldt University of Berlin (1996), and completed his habilitation at the European University Viadrina (2003). His research centers on entrepreneurship, self-employment, innovation, labor economics, and institutional economics. He investigates how non-cognitive skills influence entrepreneurial behavior, the gender pay gap in female-owned firms, the mental health of the self-employed during crises, and the productivity of micro-firms. His work often combines empirical analysis with policy relevance, especially in the context of German and European economic conditions. His recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong focus on contemporary economic challenges: the impact of the pandemic on entrepreneurs, bureaucratic barriers in Germany, gender and wages, and structural reforms in Greece. These works span top journals like Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice , Journal of Business Venturing , and Research Policy , as well as policy-oriented outlets such as DIW Weekly Report and public commentaries. The recurring themes include entrepreneurial resilience, regulatory reform, innovation policy, and labor market dynamics. His scientific recognition includes research fellowships from the German Marshall Fund and TMR, as well as ongoing affiliations with leading economic research institutes. He has served on committees of the Verein für Socialpolitik and has been co-editor of Small Business Economics since 2010. Kritikos actively advises on public policy, contributing opinion pieces to major media outlets such as Süddeutsche Zeitung , Handelsblatt , Die Zeit , Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung , and international platforms like Harvard Business Review . He has led significant research projects, including evaluations of German entrepreneurship support programs and studies on innovation in SMEs. His work is deeply embedded in both academic and policy-making communities, with frequent lectures and public engagements on industrial transformation, productivity, and labor market challenges. He is involved in collaborative research networks and contributes to the Graduate Center at DIW Berlin, mentoring young economists. His leadership in the Entrepreneurship Research Group fosters interdisciplinary work on firm creation, growth, and economic impact. There is no indication of retirement or part-time status; he remains a central, active figure in German economic research.
Nikita Solodilow is a research associate at the Chair of Didactics of Economic-Technical Education in an Inclusive Context, with a focus on cognitive development (secondary level I), within the Faculty of Economics, Work, and Technology at the University of Potsdam. He has held this position since 2022 and is actively engaged in research and teaching related to technical and maker education. His research interests include: Technical Education Maker Education Inclusive Education Educational Technology Didactics of Economics and Technology Cognitive Development in Education Secondary Education His work is applied in innovative educational projects such as EDU-VActoRy (VR/AR in education), InnoWATerSpace (maker space), LLiT (inclusive technical education lab), and Tekajj (universal access to technical education). These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to modern, hands-on, and inclusive pedagogical approaches. Nikita Solodilow contributes to teacher training and professional development, participates in university committees, and engages in scientific activities including lectures and publications, though specific titles and years are not listed in the provided text. He is involved in collaborative research and development efforts aimed at transforming technical education through digital and experiential learning environments. He is based in Building 16, Room 1.23, and can be reached at nikita.solodilow@uni-potsdam.de. Office hours require prior email registration.
University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
Prof. Dr. Sandra Pohl is a full Professor at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), affiliated with the Department of Osteology and Biomechanics. Her research focuses on lysosomal storage disorders, particularly mucolipidosis types II and III, and their systemic effects on bone, cartilage, kidney and the central nervous system. She employs mouse models, human genetic studies and translational approaches to dissect disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies. Education & Training No specific educational details provided in the source material; only the academic title "Prof. Dr. (PhD)" is listed. Research Interests Prof. Pohl’s work centers on: Molecular pathology of mucolipidosis type II (I-cell disease) and type III (pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy). GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase biology and its role in lysosomal enzyme targeting. Skeletal manifestations of lysosomal storage disorders, including osteopenia, cartilage degeneration and dysostosis multiplex. Neurocognitive outcomes and CNS imaging in mucolipidosis patients. Enzyme replacement therapy design and evaluation in pre-clinical mouse models. Proteostasis, autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome system interactions in disease pathogenesis. Publication Trends Between 2020 and 2024, Prof. Pohl has published extensively on the intersection of lysosomal dysfunction and skeletal/renal/neurological pathology. Her recent articles emphasize: Genotype–phenotype correlations in GNPTAB/GNPTG variants. Translational mouse models recapitulating human mucolipidosis. Multi-omics profiling (proteomics, imaging, metabolomics) to uncover disease biomarkers. Interdisciplinary studies linking basic cell biology to clinical manifestations. Research Support & Collaborations Prof. Pohl currently leads or co-leads the following initiatives: SFB 877, Teilprojekt B03: “Proteolysis-ver” (exact title abbreviated in source) – a collaborative research center funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Cross-institutional consortia involving nephrologists, neurologists, geneticists and imaging specialists across Germany and internationally. Laboratory & Core Facilities Her team utilizes state-of-the-art core facilities provided by UKE, including: Transgenic mouse core Advanced imaging and microscopy Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics platforms
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. D. Söffker is a University Professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Engineering, where he leads the Chair of Control, Regulation and System Dynamics since 2001. His work spans multiple institutions including visiting professorships at University of Maryland and Shanghai Maritime University. His educational background includes: 1988: Dipl.-Ing. Mechanical Engineering, Leibniz University Hannover, specialization in General Mechanical Engineering 1995: Dr.-Ing., Department of Safety Engineering, University of Wuppertal 2001: Habilitation in Security Technology/Automation Technology, University of Wuppertal Prof. Söffker's research focuses on modeling, diagnosis and control of elastic mechanical systems , with particular expertise in robust control theory, system diagnostics, and cognitive technical systems. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical applications in industrial settings, emphasizing human-machine interaction and autonomous system design. He has developed innovative approaches for structural health monitoring and fault detection in complex mechanical systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on human-centered automation, with increasing attention to cognitive technical systems and human decision-making processes. His work spans from fundamental control theory (robust observers, nonlinear systems) to practical applications in structural health monitoring, wear detection, and process supervision. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects mechanical engineering, computer science, and cognitive systems. His research group is involved in several key projects: Structural Health Monitoring Security and reliability systems Methods for application in energy production and use Cognitive Technical Systems
Dr. Christian K. Karl, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering Didactics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, combines engineering practice with educational innovation. As Head of the Civil Engineering Didactics group and Chair of the VDI 2552 Guidelines Committee, he pioneers simulation games, BIM training frameworks, and AI integration in pedagogy. Lead developer of simulation tools like 'Einsatz in Grimhausen' for disaster management Recipient of the Best Workshop Award at ISAGA 2025 Principal investigator for projects: KI4Edu , DigiTeamsBau , and BIM Kommunal Author of 20+ publications on BIM, AI, and educational games His research focuses on competency-oriented teaching methods, digital transformation in construction, and immersive learning technologies. Recent work explores AI's impact on teacher roles, Smart Home systems, and circular construction practices. Articles highlight trends in simulation games for crisis training, BIM education frameworks, and AI applications for personalized teaching. He emphasizes human-centered technology development and collaborative digital workflows . Scientific recognition includes: Best Workshop Award (ISAGA 2025) Hochschuldidaktische Innovationen (2010) As Chair of the VDI 2552 committee, he shapes national BIM training standards. His leadership in EU Academy platform development and initiatives like 'Personalisierte KI-generierte Podcasts' underscores his commitment to accessible, forward-thinking education.
Mareike Albert is a Professor of Epigenomics of Neural Development at the Faculty of Biology, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden. Her research focuses on understanding the epigenetic mechanisms regulating neural stem cells during human neocortex development and evolution, with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. She leads the Albert Group, which utilizes in vivo models and in vitro human iPSC-derived 3D brain organoids. Education: PhD (2008, Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel), MSc (2003, Curtin University), Diploma (2001, Friedrich Schiller University) Positions: Professor (2024-), Research Group Leader (2019-), Staff Scientist (2013-2018, MPI-CBG) Her work explores neocortex evolution through species-specific gene regulatory elements like ARHGAP11B and NOTCH2NL, differential chromatin dynamics, and the role of epigenetic mis-regulation in neuropathologies. Recent publications investigate EPIREGULIN's role in primate-specific progenitor proliferation and CRISPR/Cas9-based epigenome manipulation. Research methodologies include: Human cortical organoid generation CRISPR/Cas9 genome/epigenome editing Single-cell epigenomic analysis (Epi-CyTOF) Multi-omics profiling (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq)
Max Planck Institute for Demographic ResearchGermany
Jutta Gampe serves as Head of the Laboratory of Statistical Demography at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock, Germany. Her position places her at the forefront of advanced demographic methodology development, with particular expertise in survival analysis and statistical modeling of mortality patterns. As a research leader at one of the world's premier demographic research institutions, she contributes significantly to methodological innovation in demography. Dr. Gampe's research interests center on statistical demography with specific focus on survival analysis with multiple time scales, mortality at extreme ages, and cognitive functioning in aging populations. Her work bridges theoretical statistical development with practical demographic applications, particularly in the context of human longevity and aging processes. She has made substantial contributions to methods for analyzing interval-censored data and developing smooth hazard functions for complex demographic phenomena. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong methodological focus with increasing sophistication in handling multiple time scales in survival models. Her research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from foundational work on mortality at extreme ages toward more complex statistical frameworks that can accommodate multiple dimensions of time in demographic processes. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in collaborations spanning statistics, demography, epidemiology, and even ecological applications. Dr. Gampe leads several significant research projects including Cognitive Functioning in Middle- and High-Income Countries, Estimating Smooth Rates from Interval-Censored Data, Mortality at Extreme Ages and Potential Limits to Human Lifespan, and Multiple Time Scales in Survival and Event-History Models. Her laboratory serves as a hub for advanced statistical methodology development in demographic research, attracting numerous collaborators from around the world.
Anna Thoma is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development 's Adaptive Rationality research team. She holds a PhD in psychology (2023) from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany. Education : PhD in Psychology (2023), M.Sc. in Psychology (2019), B.Sc. in Psychology (2016) Her research focuses on ecological learning and decision-making in childhood , and decision-making under uncertainty across the lifespan . She also works on large language models in behavioral and meta-science applications.
Leonidas Spiliopoulos is a Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, specializing in adaptive rationality, behavioral economics, and game theory. His work bridges cognitive science with economic decision-making, focusing on ecological rationality and strategic uncertainty. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Cum Laude, Yale University (Economics) Master of Science (MS), Athens University of Economics and Business (International and European Economic Studies) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Sydney (Economics) - Walter Noel Gillies Prize for best PhD thesis in Economics Spiliopoulos’ research explores how humans use heuristics in complex environments, with applications in public health, competitive search strategies, and neurodegenerative disorders. His publications emphasize dual-process modeling, response time analysis, and tournament-based learning frameworks. Recent work includes analyzing ecological rationality in economics (2023), strategic adaptation under uncertainty (2019), and nonlinear decision weights in risk perception (2019). His 2018 papers investigate time constraints in games, randomization in sports, and computational methods in experimental economics. Walter Noel Gillies Prize for best PhD thesis in Economics (University of Sydney) Spiliopoulos employs interdisciplinary approaches, combining behavioral experiments, computational modeling, and neuroeconomics. His collaborations include researchers like R. Hertwig and A. Ortmann, with studies published in journals such as Synthese , Psychological Review , and Topics in Cognitive Science .
Ksander de Winkel serves as Project Leader of the Motion Perception and Simulation research group within the Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, a position he has held since March 2017. His role involves leading both fundamental and applied research on self-motion perception, with direct applications to motion simulation and autonomous vehicle technologies. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Multisensory Perception of Spatial Orientation and Self-Motion from Utrecht University (2013), an M.Sc. in Applied Cognitive Psychology earned cum laude (2008), and a B.Sc. in Psychology, all completed at Utrecht University. Additional training includes specialized coursework in Applied Bayesian Statistics and Mathematical Statistics. De Winkel's research program centers on how the brain integrates sensory information during self-motion, with particular focus on causal inference mechanisms when sensory cues conflict. His experimental work measures perceptual thresholds, investigates motion sickness triggers, and develops computational models of multisensory integration. This fundamental research directly informs applied projects including motion cueing algorithm development, simulator fidelity assessment, and solutions for autonomous vehicle passenger comfort. His recent publications (2017-2018) demonstrate consistent focus on causal inference in spatial orientation and heading perception, with studies appearing in high-impact journals including Scientific Reports, Journal of Vision, and PLoS ONE. These works reveal how individual differences and sensory discrepancies affect motion perception, providing critical insights for engineering applications. Scientific recognition includes: Young Researcher Grant from ESA Scientific Committee (2012) He actively supervises graduate researchers from multiple institutions including University of Twente, University of Tübingen, and Delft University of Technology, with several students graduating cum laude . His research group maintains active collaborations with automotive and simulation industries to translate theoretical findings into practical motion solutions. Current projects address autonomous driving side-effects and next-generation motion cueing systems. The Motion Perception and Simulation group operates within the Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, conducting psychophysical experiments using motion platforms, virtual reality systems, and neuroimaging techniques to advance understanding of self-motion perception.
Hani Hagras is a Professor in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Essex, UK , where he leads pioneering research in type-2 fuzzy logic systems and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) . His work bridges theoretical advances with real-world applications in smart infrastructure, healthcare, telecommunications, and ambient intelligence. His research interests include explainable AI, type-2 fuzzy logic, computational intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, and intelligent systems. He investigates how fuzzy systems can enhance the transparency, robustness, and adaptability of AI models, particularly in uncertain and dynamic environments. His recent work explores applications in genomics, predictive maintenance, and smart grid optimization. The publication trends show a strong focus on integrating fuzzy logic with deep learning and optimization techniques to create interpretable models. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems , IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence , and Neurocomputing . He emphasizes real-world applicability, often collaborating with industry partners like BT. ORCID: 0000-0002-2818-5292 He has advised numerous PhD and Master’s students, including Mehrin Kiani, Ashish Bhatia, and Hugo Leon-Garza, many of whose research projects focus on workforce optimization, healthcare AI, and intelligent systems. His research has been supported by major grants, particularly in smart environments and telecommunications. Hani Hagras is actively involved in leading research labs and teams at the University of Essex, including work on augmented reality for field service support, georeferenced data visualization , and ambient-assisted living systems. His team develops fuzzy logic frameworks for real-time decision-making in complex environments.
Dr. Paakhi Srivastava is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Immaculata University. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the WELL Center at Drexel University. Her research focuses on improving mental health treatment outcomes through novel interventions and digital health technologies, particularly for binge-spectrum eating disorders (B-EDs) and body image dissatisfaction. Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences M.Phil, Clinical Psychology, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences M.A., Clinical Psychology, University of Delhi B.A., Psychology, University of Delhi Dr. Srivastava's research integrates ecological momentary assessment , artificial intelligence-based smartphone apps (JITAIs), and chatbots to enhance cognitive behavior therapies (CBT) and develop mindfulness-based interventions. Her work addresses both treatment enhancement and accessibility for underserved populations. Her publications in journals like International Journal of Eating Disorders and Eating and Weight Disorders explore topics such as reward mechanisms in body dissatisfaction, mood trajectories during CBT, and homework compliance in eating disorder treatment. She is a licensed psychologist in India and Pennsylvania, skilled in CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotion Regulation Therapy.
