Bernhard J. Berger is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at the Institute of Embedded Systems, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). His research focuses on software security, static code analysis, machine learning, optimization, and research data management. He has held significant roles such as Program Committee member for ICPC 2025 and MSR 2025, and has received awards including the Best Reviewer Award (ICPC 2023) and Best Engineering Paper Award (SCAM 2019). His work spans interdisciplinary applications including maritime systems security, GPU-accelerated AI, and evolutionary algorithms. Recent studies emphasize AI-driven security tools (e.g., ML-SAST) and domain-specific language approaches to optimization (EvoAl). He has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications, with notable work in IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering and Science of Computer Programming. Berger collaborates closely with industry through DAAD review committees and serves on artifact evaluation boards for ISSTA and ARES conferences. Education: Doctoral Thesis (2022), Diploma in Computer Science (2007) Key Projects: ArchSec tool suite, Threat Modeling Frameworks, Bauhaus static analysis methodology Lab Affiliation: Embedded Systems Design Group His advisory roles include Deputy of TUHH's Election Verification Committee and Session Chair at IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation 2023. Current research trends integrate machine learning with static analysis for automated vulnerability detection, while also exploring explainable AI techniques for neural network optimization.
Max Planck Institute for Intelligent SystemsGermany
Achim Menges is a Research Professor and Max Planck Fellow at the University of Stuttgart, where he directs the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD). His work bridges architecture, engineering, and computational design, with a focus on developing innovative construction methods and materials. Menges leads the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC: Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture, a major research initiative funded by the German Research Foundation. Menges' research centers on computational design, robotic construction, and biomimetic architecture, with particular emphasis on timber construction, adaptive building systems, and digital fabrication. His work integrates principles from bionics to create responsive, sustainable building systems that adapt to environmental conditions. Notable projects include the BUGA Wood Pavilion (2019), Urbach Tower, BUGA Fibre Pavilion, and the livMatS Biomimetic Shell, all demonstrating his commitment to material innovation and sustainable construction practices. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on advancing timber construction techniques, developing bio-inspired responsive systems, and implementing robotic fabrication processes. The research shows a clear trajectory toward more sustainable, resource-efficient building methods that integrate digital design with physical construction processes. Menges' work increasingly addresses multi-story timber systems and circular construction principles. Bauwende Prize der Universität Stuttgart 2025 Menges leads numerous research initiatives through the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC, securing significant funding for projects exploring computational design and robotic construction. His work involves extensive collaboration with industry partners and interdisciplinary research teams. Menges directs the ICD research laboratory, which focuses on developing novel computational design methods, robotic fabrication processes, and innovative material systems for architecture. The institute maintains strong partnerships with industry leaders in construction technology and materials science, facilitating the translation of research into practical applications.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Lang serves as Vice President for Sustainable Transformation and holds the Chair of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design and Building (ENPB) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the TUM School of Engineering and Design. Previously, he was Professor of Sustainable Building and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at the University of Texas School of Architecture in Austin (2008-2010). Lang also directs the Oskar von Miller Forum and is a partner at Lang Hugger Rampp GmbH Architekten in Munich. Lang's research focuses on developing strategies for buildings with positive environmental footprints through regenerative energy systems, renewable materials, and closed material cycles. His work emphasizes comprehensive life cycle analysis considering ecological, economic, and social aspects. Current research areas include climate-resilient urban neighborhoods, circular economy in construction, and sustainable building materials. The ENPB institute conducts numerous research projects such as Building Climate-Municipal, CircularFTmehrRAUM, and Urban Green Infrastructure. Lang's publications reveal a strong trend toward life cycle assessment, multi-criteria decision-making, and computational approaches for sustainable building design. His recent work integrates machine learning with building performance analysis and focuses on practical implementation of circular economy principles in urban contexts, with increasing emphasis on quantifying environmental benefits of urban green infrastructure. TUM Sustainability Award 2022 Doce et Delecta (Second Prize for Best Teaching), 2019 Bayerischer Energiepreis 2014 International Building Skin Tech Award (2008) Promotionspreis der TUM (2000) Lang leads the Institute of Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Design and Building with numerous research grants including projects like Building.Lab+, NAWAREUM, and ECO+. His team includes researchers working on topics ranging from urban mining to life cycle assessment tools. The institute maintains several products and startups including MoMeBo, Bilanzlabor, and EnergyML that translate research into practical applications for the building industry.
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental ResearchGermany
Joakim Nivre is a Professor at Uppsala University's Department of Linguistics and Philology. He is a leading researcher in computational linguistics, with a focus on dependency parsing, Universal Dependencies (UD) framework development, and multilingual NLP applications. His recent work explores LLMs in climate change discourse analysis, pharmacovigilance explainability, and historical text processing. Key research areas: Dependency parsing theory, Universal Dependencies standardization, LLM evaluation Collaborations: SweSAT-1.0 benchmark development, ClimateEval project, PARSEME integration His 2025-2023 publications demonstrate expertise in explainable AI for healthcare, synthetic data generation for idioms, and multilingual benchmark design. Notably, he co-developed SweSAT-1.0 to evaluate Swedish LLMs and contributed to typology-informed UD revisions. Despite extensive work in NLP, no scientific awards are mentioned in available texts.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elisabeth Clausen is a Professor and Director of the Chair and Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies at RWTH Aachen University. She holds key roles in the Specialist Group for Raw Materials and Disposal Technology, serves as a rectorate representative, and leads the Commission for EU Research Funding. Her research spans Underground mining automation Acoustic emission diagnostics Sustainable mining systems Space resource extraction Advanced sensor technologies Her recent publications focus on autonomous mining machinery, underground communication systems, and acoustic emission analysis across 15+ studies from 2013–2025, with particular emphasis on Ultra-wideband positioning Thermographic detection Crack monitoring in planetary gearboxes Explosive atmosphere safety Mineral processing diagnostics Digitalization trends Prof. Clausen contributes to mining education reform through initiatives like CDIO™ and has developed innovative learning spaces in underground mines. She coordinates international educational labs and integrates sustainability into mining engineering curricula, with publications on Adaptive ventilation systems Mining education frameworks Future-proof mineral extraction Entrepreneurial mindset in engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Müller is a Full Professor at the Chair of Structural Mechanics within the TUM School of Engineering and Design at Technical University of Munich (TUM). Since 2004, he has held this distinguished position, and since 2014, he has served as Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at TUM. His research focuses on structural dynamics and vibroacoustics, with specific expertise in dynamic soil-structure interaction, sound radiation analysis, and seismic risk assessment. Professorship: Structural Mechanics University: Technical University of Munich School: TUM School of Engineering and Design Department: Chair of Structural Mechanics in Civil Engineering Prof. Müller's research spans multiple domains, including: Structural Dynamics : Examining building and vehicle vibrations, seismic soil-structure interaction, and advanced model order reduction techniques Vibroacoustics : Investigating sound radiation from vibrating structures and developing acoustic metamaterials for noise control Computational Methods : Pioneering hybrid deterministic-statistical approaches, Wave Based Methods (WBM) for saturated elastodynamic structures, and parametric model order reduction His recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Wave propagation analysis in poroelastic media Bayesian parameter updating for structural models Acoustic metamaterials for vibration control Advanced numerical methods for seismic risk assessment Hybrid ITM-FEM approaches for soil-structure interaction Energy flow analysis in timber structures Awarded the Spindler Prize in 1984 , Prof. Müller also holds significant academic leadership roles: President of European Association for Structural Dynamics (EASD) Chairman of Bavarian-French University Center (BayFrance) Active member of ASIIN accreditation agency and Bavarian Chamber of Engineers Previously served as Dean of Civil Engineering and Surveying at TUM (2010-2014) He leads the Structural Dynamic Lab (formerly Vibroacoustics Lab) and has developed interactive web apps for engineering education. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in construction acoustics, transportation noise control, and geothermal energy infrastructure analysis.
Renate Sachse is a Researcher and Responsible Investigator at the Chair of Structural Analysis, Technical University of Munich (TUM), under Prof. Kai-Uwe Bletzinger. She holds a Dr.-Ing. from the University of Stuttgart and has held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University (Bertoldi Lab) and TU Munich's Institute for Computational Mechanics. Her research focuses on biomimetic adaptive structures, biomechanics, and smart materials. Education M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Stuttgart, 2014) – Thesis: "Isogeometric Contact Analysis of Thin-Walled Structures" B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Stuttgart, 2011) – Thesis: "Elementary School Pavilion Structural Analysis" Study Abroad: École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP, France, 2012) Research Interests Her work integrates principles from biology and mechanics to design adaptive structures, including motion design, soft robotics, and active metamaterials. Notable projects include studying snapping mechanisms in plants (e.g., Venus flytrap) and developing bio-inspired systems like Flectofold shading devices. She also explores isogeometric analysis and structural optimization for thin-walled and slender structures. Grants & Awards Bertha Benz Prize 2022 (Daimler and Benz Foundation) Klaus Tschira Boost Fund Fellowship (€80,000 interdisciplinary grant) 3rd Place AVK-Prize for Innovations (2017, Flectofold Shading System) GAMM Juniors Fellowship (2020–2022) Teaching & Grants She teaches advanced finite element methods and nonlinear mechanics at TUM and has supervised projects in computational mechanics. Her grants include CareerDesign@TUM funding and the Klaus Tschira Fellowship for high-risk, interdisciplinary research. Labs & Teams Associated with the Chair of Structural Analysis at TUM, collaborating on projects like livMatS (Living Materials Systems) and the Harvard SEAS Bertoldi Lab. Involved in software development (e.g., Carat++, Kiwi!3d) and third-party initiatives (CoDA, FlexWing).
Prof. Dr. Kai Michael Griese is a full professor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences since 2009. He holds a Dr. rer. pol. from TU Chemnitz and has extensive industry experience, including roles at Mars Incorporated and Generali Deutschland. His research emphasizes sustainable business models, climate adaptation, and circular economy, with notable contributions to event sustainability and resilience strategies. He leads the Master's program in International Business Management with a focus on sustainable business models. Key roles include Program Director for the Master's focus on Sustainable Business Models and Climate Adaptation. Griese has been affiliated with institutions like the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE) as a guest professor. His work integrates digitalization and sustainability, addressing challenges in logistics, energy cooperatives, and corporate culture. He has secured grants from the German Federal Environment Foundation (DBU), BMBF, and EU-funded projects like Interreg North Sea Region. Research interests span climate resilience in events, sufficiency-driven marketing, and digital entrepreneurship's role in sustainability. His projects include the KlimaEvent initiative in Bad Essen, exploring climate adaptation for municipalities. He emphasizes practical solutions through VR-based simulations and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Farzan Banihashemi serves as a Research Fellow at the Chair of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design and Building at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), maintaining this affiliation since 2019 while concurrently working as a Data Scientist at Climateflux GmbH since 2023. His work bridges sustainable building design and data science, focusing on computational approaches for urban energy systems. His academic credentials include: Master in Management from TUM School of Management (2019) Master in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building from TUM (2017) His research centers on data-driven urban building energy modeling (UBEM) , building energy simulation , and machine learning applications for occupant behavior analysis . He develops non-intrusive sensing methodologies to model window operations and occupancy patterns using environmental data streams, with significant contributions to CO2-based occupancy detection systems and predictive modeling for office environments. His work integrates climate change considerations into early-stage building design processes. Analysis of his 2022-2024 publications reveals a concentrated research trajectory applying artificial intelligence to building energy challenges. Over 60% of his recent work addresses occupant behavior modeling—particularly window operations and space occupancy—using explainable AI techniques. His publications also demonstrate growing engagement with urban-scale applications, including urban heat island mitigation and vertical densification strategies, often incorporating life cycle assessment frameworks. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. While specific advising activities aren't detailed, his collaborative publication pattern (average 4.3 co-authors per paper) indicates active participation in research teams. Grant involvement is implied through project affiliations though specific funding mechanisms aren't specified. He operates within TUM's Chair of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design and Building, contributing to major initiatives including Building Climate–Municipal (BauKlima-Kommunal), CircularFTmehrRAUM, CircularGreenSimCity, and the NAWAREUM project. These efforts focus on sustainable urban development, climate adaptation strategies, and circular economy implementation in the built environment, particularly examining urban densification under climate change scenarios.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Nejdl is a Professor at the Institute for Data Science within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Leibniz University Hannover. He serves as Executive Director of the L3S Research Centre and Leibniz Forschungszentrum Inclusive Citizenship. Web Science Information Retrieval Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning His recent research focuses on AI applications in medicine , multimodal data fusion , and ethical AI systems . Projects include CAIMed (AI in Causal Medicine) and DAISEC (AI & Cybersecurity). His publications span conferences like AAMAS, WWW, and SIGIR. Notable awards include membership in the National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) . Former students hold positions at institutions like Stanford, TU Dresden, and ETH Zürich. Current projects involve climate resilience AI , federated learning for healthcare , and quantum-inspired data science .
Prof. Gaurav Raheja is a Professor at the Department of Architecture & Planning, IIT Roorkee, and Co-coordinator of the Design Innovation Centre. He holds joint faculty positions at the Centre for Transportation Systems and is Professor-in-charge of Inclusion and Accessibility Services. His academic journey includes a PhD (2008) and M.Arch (2002) from IIT Roorkee, and a B.Arch from PTU Jalandhar (2000). His research focuses on universal design, inclusive mobility, urban sustainability, and accessibility for marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, children, and the elderly. He leads the Laboratory of Inclusive Design (LID) and advises India’s government on accessibility policies. Notable awards include the Mphasis Universal Design Award (2010) and DAAD Research Ambassadorship (2018–2022). He has authored over 50 publications, including books on universal design and accessibility. His recent work explores children’s independent mobility in urban areas, inclusive urban futures, and accessibility in pilgrimage towns. He collaborates with global institutions like TU Berlin and TU Dresden through DAAD-funded programs. His teaching spans courses on universal design, architectural theory, and sustainable urban planning.
Professor Karl Bernhard Friedrich serves as Universitätsprofessor and Chair of Metallurgical Process Engineering and Metal Recycling at RWTH Aachen University's Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering. He leads the Institute for Metallurgical Science and Electrometallurgy (IME), with his office located in Building 1401, Room 108 at Intzestraße 3 in Aachen. His leadership extends to numerous EU-funded research initiatives focused on sustainable metallurgy and circular economy principles. Professor Friedrich's research interests span metallurgical process engineering, metal recycling, extractive metallurgy (pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy), battery recycling technologies, lithium recovery processes, and vacuum metallurgy. His work emphasizes resource efficiency and sustainable practices in metal production and recycling, with particular focus on developing environmentally sound processes for electronic waste and battery recycling. The institute under his leadership has pioneered several innovative recycling concepts for lithium-ion batteries and electronic scrap. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on battery recycling technologies, particularly lithium recovery from spent batteries through both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical routes. His research group has developed advanced processes for black mass treatment, slag valorization, and metal recovery optimization. The work demonstrates increasing integration of digital technologies and multi-objective modeling in metallurgical process development. Honorary doctorate from Montanuniversität Leoben (2025) recognizing outstanding scientific achievements and commitment to promoting young scientists Long-standing collaboration with Montanuniversität Leoben through the Aachen-Leoben Workshop for non-ferrous metallurgists Professor Friedrich actively supervises numerous doctoral students and has established several collaborative research programs including the DFG priority program 'engineered artificial minerals,' and doctoral programs 'circular electronics' and 'circular e-cars.' His institute maintains strong industry connections, with growing demand for TBRC and VAR trial campaigns. The institute recently commissioned a new large-scale arc furnace and is preparing for leadership transition in early 2027. The IME under Professor Friedrich's leadership operates extensive research facilities focused on vacuum metallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy. The institute collaborates with industry partners through the GDMB Zinc & Lead Technical Committee and participates in numerous European research networks. Current research activities focus on developing sustainable processes for battery recycling, electronic waste treatment, and critical metal recovery with emphasis on circular economy principles.
Dr. Sven Mackenbach serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Senior Engineer at RWTH Aachen University's Institute of Construction Management, Digital Engineering and Robotics in Construction (ICoM) since January 2023. Holding a doctorate in circular construction from the same institution, he leads the development of the "Circular Construction" research area, oversees multidisciplinary projects, and teaches Sustainable Construction Management to engineering students. His academic credentials include: PhD in Circular Construction, RWTH Aachen University (2023) Mackenbach's research integrates circular economy principles with digital construction technologies, focusing on strategic management frameworks for sustainable building practices. His expertise spans modular construction methods, BIM-based sustainability assessment, and digital twinning applications for infrastructure management. He bridges theoretical research with practical implementation through sustainability consulting for construction stakeholders, addressing real-world challenges in resource efficiency and regulatory compliance. His publication portfolio reveals a decisive shift toward data-driven circular construction solutions, with increasing emphasis on BIM-ontology integration for deconstruction planning, public participation systems, and sewer infrastructure management. Recent works demonstrate sophisticated methodological approaches to quantify ecological, economic, and social sustainability metrics without specialized expertise. As a scientific supervisor, Mackenbach mentors research assistants in project execution while contributing to curriculum development through his specialized course instruction. His leadership in research project coordination indicates substantial grant management experience, though specific funding sources aren't detailed in available materials. Within ICoM's collaborative environment, he contributes to cross-disciplinary teams advancing digital engineering and robotics applications in construction, particularly through the KaSyTwin sewer management project and BIPV facade digitalization initiatives.
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental ResearchGermany
Prof. Dr. Roland A. Müller serves as Department Head of Systemic Environmental Biotechnology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ in Leipzig, Germany, and holds an Honorary Professorship for Integrated Wastewater Resource Management at Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK) since 2016. With over three decades of experience at UFZ, he has held progressively senior positions including Head of Department SUBT since 2013, Speaker of the Department from 2010-2012, and Head of Infrastructure Unit from 1996-2010. His educational foundation includes university studies in Technical Microbiology at the Carolo-Wilhelmina Technical University of Braunschweig (1984-1990). This technical microbiology background has informed his interdisciplinary approach to environmental biotechnology. Prof. Müller's research pioneers the integration of ecological principles into urban water management systems, particularly focusing on Multifunctional BlueGreen Water Infrastructures for Water Sensitive Cities. His work spans Decentralized Rainwater & Wastewater Treatment, Ecological Engineering, and Resource-efficient Wastewater Treatment systems, with special attention to applications in water-scarce regions like Jordan. He has developed innovative approaches for implementing nature-based solutions that simultaneously address urban flooding, water scarcity, and climate adaptation challenges. His research combines engineering, ecology, and urban planning to create resilient water systems that enhance urban sustainability. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on implementing the 'Leipziger Modell Blau-Grün' - a comprehensive approach to integrated blue-green infrastructure in urban settings. His work demonstrates how nature-based solutions can simultaneously address stormwater management, irrigation needs, and urban greening. A significant portion of his research examines decentralized wastewater treatment systems, with particular attention to their application in arid and semi-arid regions where water resources are constrained. His publications increasingly emphasize participatory planning approaches involving municipal authorities, housing associations, and research institutions to co-design water-sensitive urban developments. 2018: German Environmental Award for solving a central water problem in a decentralized manner in Jordan 2016: Winner of UFZ Knowledge Transfer Award for contributions to Jordanian wastewater policy framework 2014: UFZ Technology Transfer Award for development of vertical filter systems for groundwater purification 2014: Finalist for Hugo Junkers Prize for innovative groundwater purification research Prof. Müller has been instrumental in advising on water policy frameworks, particularly in Jordan where he served as the German representative in the National Implementation Committee for decentralized Wastewater treatment. His work directly influenced the development of national certification standards for wastewater treatment systems with capacities up to 5,000 PE in Jordan. He leads the 'Leipziger BlauGrün' project, a German model city initiative for resource-efficient urban districts that demonstrates practical implementation of his research concepts. His department collaborates with international partners on projects addressing water challenges across diverse climatic conditions. As head of the Systemic Environmental Biotechnology department at UFZ, Prof. Müller oversees research at the intersection of environmental engineering, microbiology, and urban planning. His department is actively involved in the Technical Biogeochemistry Integration Platform, which focuses on 'Tapping Nature's Potential' for sustainable water management solutions. The department maintains strong international partnerships, particularly with institutions in water-stressed regions, to develop and implement decentralized wastewater management concepts that are both scientifically sound and practically implementable in resource-constrained settings.
Dr. Hans Oechsner is a leading academic in agricultural engineering and bioenergy, holding multiple leadership positions including Head of the State Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy (Landesanstalt für Agrartechnik und Bioenergie), Managing Director of the Baden-Württemberg Working Group on Agricultural Engineering and Rural Construction (ALB), and Project Leader for the International Graduate College focused on maize-based agricultural systems adaptation to limited phosphate reserves. He teaches advanced courses on biogas technology and bioenergy infrastructure at the Department of Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics and Subtropics. His research centers on optimizing bioenergy systems and sustainable resource management, with key interests in: Advanced biogas production techniques (e.g., mechanical pretreatment, two-stage digestion) Phosphorus recovery from organic waste streams Valorization of agricultural residues and livestock manure Development of circular bioeconomy models for crop systems Dr. Oechsner's recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on enhancing biogas plant efficiency, nutrient recycling from digestate, and sustainable biomass utilization. His work consistently integrates full-scale applications with fundamental research, particularly in pretreatment optimization and waste stream valorization. He leads research infrastructure at the State Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, coordinating teams working on large-scale biogas optimization and agricultural waste management. His projects frequently involve international collaborations and industry partnerships.
