Jürgen König is a full professor at the Department of Nutritional Sciences , University of Vienna, leading the Research Professorship Specialized Human Nutrition . His work bridges psychological and physiological dimensions of eating behavior, with additional focus on population-level nutritional assessment in Austria. Academic Rank: Professor Department: Nutritional Sciences Research Focus: Hunger/satiety mechanisms, Public health nutrition, Food safety Key research themes include: Psychological drivers of eating behaviors (stress, food craving, sensory cues) Physiological regulation of nutrient homeostasis National nutrition surveys assessing dietary patterns Caloric restriction and metabolic adaptation Child and adolescent hydration/nutrition policies Recent publications highlight: Mechanistic studies on caloric restriction effects (2025) Pandemic impacts on school nutrition (2024) Global obesity/diabetes trends analysis (2024) Behavioral nudging in food selection (2024) Microbiota's role in dietary interventions (2023) Contact: juergen.koenig@univie.ac.at | Sekretariat: sekretariat.ew@univie.ac.at
Matthias Sutter serves as Director at the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods in Bonn while holding part-time professorships at the University of Cologne (10%) and University of Innsbruck (5%). His academic career spans multiple prestigious institutions including the European University Institute in Florence (2013-2014), University of Gothenburg (2007-2013, part-time), University of Cologne (2015-2017, Excellence Chair), and University of Innsbruck (2006-2017). His educational background includes a PhD in economics (1999) and habilitation (2002), both from the University of Innsbruck. Additional academic recognition includes membership in the German National Science Association (Leopoldina) and Academia Europaea. Sutter's research program centers on experimental economics, with particular focus on team decision making processes and the development of economic decision capabilities across different age groups. His work investigates how patience, risk preferences, and social behaviors evolve throughout life, and how these economic preferences impact health and economic success. He has made significant contributions to understanding credence goods markets, where information asymmetry between providers and consumers creates unique market challenges. His experimental approaches combine laboratory studies with field experiments to generate robust insights applicable to real-world economic situations. His publication record demonstrates consistent output in top-tier journals, with recent work spanning diverse topics including energy consumption during crises, workplace climate interventions, vaccination attitudes in polarized environments, and the formation of economic preferences in childhood. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects economics with psychology, public policy, and organizational behavior, reflecting his broad scholarly impact. Major Awards and Honors: 2017 Hans Kelsen Preis of the Universität zu Köln 2016 Pater Johannes Schasching SJ Preis for dialogue between economy, ethics and religion 2015 Exeter Prize for Research in Experimental Economics 2009 Science Prize of the State of Tyrol 2008 Honorary Prizes from Stiftung Südtiroler Sparkasse and State of Vorarlberg 2004 Oberbank-Science-Prize Linz Sutter serves as Principal Investigator in the Excellence Cluster 'ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy,' funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG). He holds editorial positions as Associate Editor of 'Management Science,' 'European Economic Review,' and 'Economics Letters,' and serves on the Editorial Boards of 'Experimental Economics' and 'Journal of the Economic Science Association.' His work extends beyond academia through popular science communication, including the best-selling book 'Die Entdeckung der Geduld' (The Discovery of Patience) exploring the importance of patience for health and economic success.
Martin Aigner is Associate Professor and Private Lecturer at the Karl Landsteiner Private University of Health Sciences, where he heads the Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine at Tulln University Hospital. He also teaches at the Medical University of Vienna and the University for Continuing Education Krems. A board member and president (2022–2025) of the Austrian Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics (ÖGPP), he is also involved in the Austrian Pain Society and Austrian Balint Society. His research interests center on the integration of biological, psychological, and social factors in psychiatry, with key areas including transitional psychiatry, obsessive-compulsive and mood disorders, the gut-brain axis, and the impact of environmental toxins like mycotoxins on mental health. He leads the PhD program in 'Mental Health and Neuroscience' and supervises doctoral research. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary mental health research, combining clinical psychiatry with neuroscience, nutrition, and digital health. Themes include neurofeedback for addiction, microbiome influences on depression, and psychosomatic manifestations in chronic conditions. His work often involves neuroimaging and clinical trials. Three scientific prizes from the Austrian Pain Society Scientific prize from the Vienna Association for Neurology and Psychiatry Contributor to WFSBP guidelines on pharmacological treatment of eating disorders Co-author of guidelines for post-viral conditions He serves as principal investigator in multiple funded projects, including studies on depression and the microbiome, probiotics, and psychosis triggers. He is also co-investigator in follow-up care and community mental health initiatives. Aigner is editor-in-chief of psychopraxis. neuropraxis and advocates for digital health literacy and sustainable mental health structures, particularly in youth care. He leads the Research Center for Transitions Psychiatry, emphasizing early intervention, resilience, and patient empowerment through recovery companions. His team includes habilitated senior physicians, fostering innovation in clinical and research settings.
Jüri Allik is a Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Tartu, Estonia, holding roles such as Head of the Institute of Psychology (2002–2013), Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (1996–2001), and Chairman of the Estonian Science Foundation (2003–2009). His research focuses on cognitive science, cross-cultural psychology, personality, and visual perception. He has been awarded the Estonian National Science Award twice and is a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences since 2010. His academic contributions span editorial roles in journals like Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology and Trames . Notable publications include studies on cross-cultural personality variations, visual perception theories, and neurobiological links to psychological traits. Awards highlight his impact in social sciences and neuroscience. Research interests integrate cognitive and affective neuroscience with cultural psychology, emphasizing global trait comparisons and perceptual mechanisms. His work often employs large-scale international collaborations, as seen in studies of self-esteem and personality across nations.
Samuli Ripatti is a Professor of Biometry in the Department of Public Health at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) since 2023 and leads the Academy of Finland's Center of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics. His research integrates genetics, statistics, and clinical medicine to advance understanding of cardiometabolic diseases and genomic risk prediction. Education: Statistics major, University of Helsinki PhD in Mathematical Statistics, Stockholm University (2002) Docent in Statistics, University of Helsinki (2007) Research interests focus on cardiometabolic diseases, polygenic risk scores (PRS), and genetic epidemiology. He has pioneered PRS for disease prevention and developed clinical risk algorithms, with applications in precision medicine and global health initiatives. Recent publications highlight trends in polygenic risk modeling across diverse diseases, lipidomics, sleep disorders, and trauma outcomes. His work spans genomics, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. Scientific awards: Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2021) Highly Cited Researcher (2018, 2017, 2016) Ripatti chairs doctoral programs in life sciences and the EU-funded INTERVENE project, which develops genomic risk prediction methods. He has led research groups at FIMM-EMBL, the Broad Institute, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. As Director of FIMM and member of scientific advisory boards (e.g., NMRC Singapore, EXCEED), he shapes global genomic research collaborations and biobank infrastructure.
Helmut Hlavacs is a Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, leading the Research Group on Education, Didactics, and Entertainment Computing. His expertise spans serious games, game design, virtual reality, and health informatics. He has contributed to over 218 publications since 2005, focusing on topics like hedonic experiences in gaming, VR applications in therapy, and AI-driven behavior trees. His work intersects technology, education, and healthcare, with notable projects such as Conquer Catharsis (VR anxiety treatment) and PhyLab (VR physics experiments). Hlavacs has secured research funding for initiatives like Programmieren lernen durch Computerspielentwicklung and Dig-Equality FF , emphasizing digital equity and education. In 2019, he won the Best Poster Award at IFIP for his work on health data from serious games. Research Interests: Serious Games for health and education Virtual Reality applications in therapy and learning Game design methodologies and AI-driven NPC behavior Psychological impacts of gaming and digital consumption Procedural content generation for games Key Projects: Programmieren lernen durch Computerspielentwicklung (2008): Game-based learning for programming skills Dig-Equality FF (2020-2021): Digital competence promotion for equity TP1 PRECIOUS (2013-2016): VR conferencing and stress management Grants and Advising: Hlavacs has advised on projects involving AI in military command systems, VR therapy for anxiety disorders, and participatory design of social media literacy tools. He collaborates internationally on topics like gamification for behavior change and multicultural health interventions. Labs/Teams: His research group focuses on Serious Storytelling and Entertainment Computing , developing tools like the Prototypical game framework and InvisibleSound for blind musicians. Current work includes FiGHT (a web-based tool for eating disorder communication) and OutSmart! (a serious game for social media literacy).
Dr. Mira Mayrhofer serves as a Senior Lecturer in Advertising at the University of Vienna's Department of Communication within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Currently on maternal leave, she maintains her office at Währinger Straße 29 (Room 7.43) in Vienna and continues research through the Advertising and Media Psychology Research Group (AdMe) led by Prof. Jörg Matthes. Her academic profile spans health communication, advertising research with focus on food and alcohol, product placement in digital media, and quantitative methodology. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Journalism and Communication Studies (2019, University of Vienna) M.Sc. in Marketing (2015, Vienna University of Economics and Business) B.A. in Journalism and Communication Studies (University of Vienna) B.Sc. in Business, Economics & Social Sciences (2013, Vienna University of Economics and Business) Mayrhofer's research centers on the psychological mechanisms of media effects, particularly examining how alcohol and food are portrayed in entertainment media and social platforms. Her work investigates observational learning of drinking behaviors, the impact of product placements on children's eating habits, and the persuasive dynamics of user-generated brand content. She employs rigorous quantitative methods to analyze audience responses across demographic variables, with significant contributions to understanding how perceived similarity influences alcohol consumption modeling. Her publication trajectory reveals evolving expertise from early studies on alcohol portrayal in comedy series (2016-2018) toward broader health communication applications including pandemic response analysis (2022). Key thematic clusters include alcohol risk communication, children's food marketing, and social media persuasion mechanics, with methodological strengths in experimental design and content analysis. Award highlights: Top Faculty Paper Award, AEJMC (2018) for observational learning research Top Student Paper Award, International Communication Association (2017) for alcohol education studies Research leadership includes serving as postdoctoral researcher (2021-2022) for the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK)-funded project 'Concept for Marketing/Communication for the Disease Management Program Chronic Heart Failure' under Prof. Matthes. She previously contributed to the 'Food Product Placements in Children’s Movies' project (2015) and has mentored numerous junior researchers within the AdMe group. Current collaborative work examines pandemic-era healthcare delivery through qualitative GP interviews. As core faculty in the Advertising and Media Psychology Research Group, Mayrhofer contributes to the department's international reputation in media effects research. Her team collaborates across disciplines including public health and nutrition science, with ongoing projects analyzing social media's impact on health behaviors and the effectiveness of disease management communications.
Anna Alexandra Felnhofer is a dedicated researcher at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology. With 66 publications spanning from 2010 to 2024, she has established herself as a significant contributor to the fields of virtual reality therapy, stress physiology, and clinical psychology applications. Her academic journey shows consistent growth and specialization in using technology for therapeutic interventions. Dr. Felnhofer's research interests center on virtual reality applications for treating anxiety disorders, stress response mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic approaches. Her work particularly focuses on how virtual environments can buffer stress responses, manage pain experiences, and improve communication in clinical settings, especially for adolescents with eating disorders. The intersection of technology and clinical psychology defines her research trajectory, with emphasis on measurable physiological responses like cortisol levels during virtual interventions. Analysis of her publications reveals a strong trend toward applying virtual reality in clinical settings, with increasing sophistication in methodology over time. Her recent work (2022-2024) shows integration of machine learning approaches with traditional psychological assessment, demonstrating adaptation to evolving technological capabilities. The breadth of her research spans from fundamental stress physiology to applied clinical interventions, with consistent focus on measurable outcomes. Best Paper Award (October 26, 2012) Best Paper Award (September 29, 2012) Best Paper Award (October 16, 2013) Dr. Felnhofer has been actively involved in academic service, organizing the 15th International Conference on Presence in 2014 and contributing to numerous peer reviews. Her collaborative approach is evident in her extensive co-authorship network, particularly with Oswald David Kothgassner and other researchers at the University of Vienna. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, her consistent publication record suggests successful funding for her research activities. Her laboratory work appears to focus on virtual reality environments for therapeutic applications, with particular attention to physiological measurements during virtual experiences. The research team seems to specialize in designing and testing virtual scenarios that address specific clinical challenges, from height phobia to social anxiety and pain management.
Rainer Alexandrowicz is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Methodology at Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt. His research focuses on psychometrics, item response theory (IRT), applied statistics, and psychological methodology, with applications in clinical research and software security assessment. Affiliation: Institute of Psychology, Department of Methodology Key Research Areas: Psychometric validation, Bayesian hierarchical modeling, clinical diagnostics Recent publications highlight his work in developing statistical tools (e.g., Rmx/piccc) and cross-cultural adaptations of psychological inventories. He has contributed to understanding team dynamics in sports and analyzing diagnostic scales like the Beck Depression Inventory. His methodological expertise spans IRT, Rasch modeling, and software development for statistical analysis. He actively engages in teaching and consultation, with office hours available by appointment.
Elisabeth Höld is a Professor and Senior Researcher at the Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences at FH St. Pölten. She has held this position since 2018, following her appointment as a researcher in 2013 and teaching roles since 2014. Her work focuses on public health nutrition, with particular emphasis on digital health interventions and specific population nutrition needs. Her educational background includes: Diplomstudium Ernährungswissenschaften (Nutritional Sciences) at Universität Wien Dr.-Studium der Naturwissenschaften Ernährungswissenschaften (Doctoral Studies in Nutritional Sciences) at Universität Wien Professor Höld's research primarily centers on public health nutrition, with specific expertise in social media's impact on eating behavior, nutrition for specific population groups, and anti-inflammatory nutrition approaches. She has developed particular expertise in adolescent nutrition, diabetes management through peer support systems, and nutritional interventions for knee osteoarthritis. Her work bridges the gap between digital health technologies and traditional nutritional science, creating innovative approaches to health promotion and disease management. Her recent publication portfolio reveals two dominant research streams: digital health interventions for diabetes management (particularly the DiabPeerS project using instant messaging for peer support among people with type 2 diabetes) and the NUMOQUA project addressing knee osteoarthritis through combined nutritional and physical activity approaches. She has also made significant contributions to understanding adolescents' relationship with social media nutrition content through the FIVE project. Professor Höld serves in various professional capacities including as a board member of the Association of Nutritional Sciences Austria (VEÖ), member of the Participatory Health Research Network (PartNet), and member of the D/A/CH Network for Health Promotion. She also performs review activities for international peer-reviewed journals. She has led or contributed to numerous research projects including NUMOQUA, FIVE, DiabPeerS, E³UDRES², DIRENE, IMPECD, GAAS, GEKO, Refugees Eat Better, and evaluations of various health initiatives. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to translating research into practical applications for improving population health. Her research team at FH St. Pölten collaborates across disciplines, working with medical professionals, technologists, and public health experts to develop comprehensive approaches to health challenges. The institute provides a robust infrastructure for conducting both clinical and community-based research in nutrition and health sciences.
FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Gabriele Leitner serves as a lecturer and module leader in the Dietetics program at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences' Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, a position she has held since 2009. She was awarded the FH professorship in 2016, affirming her academic standing. Her educational milestones include: Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr.rer.nat.) from the University of Vienna (2011-2015), thesis: "The influence of dietary behavior and lifestyle on health indicators of 17-19-year-old men in Lower Austria at the time of medical examination." Master of Natural Sciences (Mag.rer.nat.) in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Vienna (2000-2007), thesis: "Stroke - Causes, Prevention, and Therapy." Certification as allergen consultant (AGES-Austria, 2014). Her research focuses on the intersection of nutrition and health, particularly in public health nutrition, clinical applications in neurology and geriatrics, and the psychological aspects of eating behavior. She has contributed to weight management and allergen awareness, reflecting a commitment to translating nutritional science into practical health solutions. Professional recognition includes the Award of the FH professorship (2016). Throughout her career, Leitner has advised numerous students in dietetics and nutritional therapy, drawing from her extensive clinical experience as a dietitian at SMZ-Süd (Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital) where she led the nutrition team in specialties including neurology and intensive care. Her industry collaborations include research at Baxter GmbH and freelance health project consulting since 1992.
Oswald David Kothgassner is a researcher in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Psychology. His work focuses on stress physiology, adolescent health, and clinical interventions using gamification. He has received multiple awards for his research, including Best Paper Awards at international conferences on entertainment computing and eating disorders. Kothgassner's research employs meta-analytic methods and machine learning to study psychological stress responses and medical training efficacy. He has contributed to over 90 publications since 2010, with recent work addressing neonatal pain consequences and communication tools for adolescent patients. His interdisciplinary collaborations bridge psychology, neuroscience, and healthcare technology.
Giorgia Silani is a Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology. Her research focuses on empathy, social interaction, and autism spectrum disorders, employing neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and EEG. She leads projects such as 'Enhancing Predictive Ability in Autism through Music' and 'Syncing Minds Beyond the Face,' exploring social reward mechanisms and neurocognitive deficits in autism. Her work addresses pandemic-related stress, food consumption patterns, and the role of music in therapeutic interventions. Awards include the 2018 2nd Best Poster Award and the 2021 Social Research Prize. Silani actively contributes to conferences, media discussions on stress and mental health, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Thomas Mohrs is a Professor at the University of Teacher Education Upper Austria, focusing on Political Education, Ethics, Global Learning, and Education for Sustainable Development. He leads the Center for Personal Development and Talent Promotion and is involved in projects like "Habitat PH" and "Educational Speed Dating." His research integrates evolutionary theory, moral philosophy, and pedagogy, with a strong emphasis on ethical consumption, food sustainability, and educational reform. Affiliation: University of Teacher Education Upper Austria Academic Rank: Professor Projects: Habitat PH, Educational Speed Dating, Philosophicum Events His recent publications analyze the intersection of food ethics, human behavior, and educational policy, often linking evolutionary biology to modern teaching practices. Key themes include the challenges of sustainable development and the role of education in fostering responsible consumption. Scientific awards: None explicitly mentioned. Advising and grants: No formal student list provided, but active in teacher training and curriculum development. Led projects related to quality standards in education.
Jürgen Margraf is a renowned Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy and Director of the Center for the Study and Treatment of Mental Health at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. He has held professorial roles at institutions including the University of Basel and Technical University of Dresden. His academic leadership includes roles as Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Head of the Institute of Psychology at the University of Basel. Education: He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Tübingen (1986), following studies in Psychology, Sociology, and Physiology at Universities of Brussels, Kiel, Munich, and Tübingen (1975–1983). He completed a research scholarship at Stanford University, USA. Research Interests: Margraf’s work focuses on anxiety disorders, cognitive behavior therapy, and public health prevention. He explores the interplay of psychological, biological, and social factors in mental health, using epidemiological, etiological, and intervention approaches. Key areas include panic disorder mechanisms, trauma effects, and gender biases in ADHD diagnosis. Awards: Notable honors include the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (2009), the highest scientific award in Germany, and Fellowships from the American Psychological Society and German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. He also received the Colette-Schuler-Voith Research Award (1987). Contributions: His research has advanced exposure therapy efficacy via cortisol administration and demonstrated the long-term benefits of parental panic disorder treatment on children’s mental health. He has authored over 400 publications and led interdisciplinary teams in mental health intervention strategies.
