Prof. Dr. Helmut Hasenkox serves as a Professor at the Faculty of Business, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. His academic focus centers on the Entertainment, Event and Sports Business discipline within the university's business faculty structure. His research spans critical domains of modern cultural economics: Entertainment Business models and industry dynamics Large-scale Event Management frameworks Commercial Sports Business operations Institutional Cultural Management systems Leisure Economy market analysis Media Management in digital convergence Contact details indicate office room A6.1.23 in Gelsenkirchen with telephone (+49(209)9596-624) and fax (+49(209)9596-600), though email remains unlisted. Office hours require prior email arrangement. No scientific awards, student advisement records, or publication history appear in the source documentation.
FIZ Karlsruhe – Leibniz Institute for Information InfrastructureGermany
Dr. Hanno Hochmuth serves as Scientific Officer and Project Manager at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History (ZZF Potsdam) in the Leibniz Lab 'Social Upheavals and Transformations' since April 2024. He has maintained a continuous academic career at ZZF since March 2011 while simultaneously teaching Master's level courses in Public History at Freie Universität Berlin. His institutional affiliations also include research collaborations with the Luxembourg Center for Contemporary and Digital History and the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin. His academic background includes: Doctorate from Freie Universität Berlin (2016) on 'Public and Private in Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg' Magister Artium from Freie Universität Berlin (2004) Studies at University of Minnesota (2001-2002) Historical studies at Freie Universität Berlin and Theater Studies at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (1997-2004) Hochmuth's research examines the complex interplay between public and private spheres in divided Berlin, with particular focus on Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg neighborhoods. He investigates historical authenticity in urban spaces, the commercialization of history through tourism, and how media representations shape collective memory. His work bridges academic research with public engagement through historical city tours, museum exhibitions, and media appearances. Analysis of his recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: the evolving relationship between historical memory and urban space in Berlin; critical examination of historical representation in popular media (particularly television series like Babylon Berlin); and the commodification of history through tourism and museum practices. His work consistently explores how historical narratives are constructed, contested, and consumed in contemporary society. As an educator, Hochmuth has developed and taught numerous specialized courses in Public History at Freie Universität Berlin since 2008, including seminars on 'Babylon Berlin as Urban History,' 'Checkpoint Charlie,' and 'Public Visual History.' His teaching emphasizes practical application of historical methods in public settings. He currently leads the multimedia documentation project of Berlin Wall history (1961-1989/90), a major collaboration between ZZF, the Federal Agency for Civic Education, Deutschlandradio, and the Berlin Wall Foundation. He previously co-directed the exhibition 'Ost-Berlin. Die halbe Hauptstadt' at the Ephraim Palace Museum and completed research on historical tourism's development since the 1980s.
Jirka Dell´Oro-Friedl is a Professor at Furtwangen University in the Faculty of Digital Media, specializing in application design with a focus on game design since October 2010. He concurrently serves as founder and managing director of EnterTrain Software GmbH, developing award-winning educational and game software for clients including Daimler AG. Education: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from University of Applied Sciences Wiesbaden (1987-1991), thesis: Computer-aided vibration analysis and simulation of a wind rotor using finite element methods Physics studies at Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz (1986-1987) Graphical data processing lectures at Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz (1985) Research Interests: Professor Dell´Oro-Friedl pioneers game design and game-based learning through serious games and e-learning applications. His work integrates real-time 3D , generative computer graphics , and interactive design to create engaging educational experiences like Sound of Magic and ExperiMINTe, demonstrating how entertainment mechanics enhance knowledge retention in corporate and academic settings. Scientific Awards: 2025: Founding member of German Society for Game Studies (DGSW) 2019: Digital Publishing Award for Sound of Magic 2010: German Computer Game Award for ExperiMINTe 2009: German Computer Game Award for Techforce 2009: German Educational Media Award 'Digita' 2008: Comenius Seal for Game-Based Learning software 2007: Double Comenius Seal for learning software 2006: Double Comenius Medal for learning software 2005: Double Comenius Medal for learning software 1996: Macromedia Award and Apple Benelux Special Prize for 'Opera Fatal' 1991: Adam Opel Prize and Book Prize for academic excellence Professional Activities: He founded the non-profit Aiki-Academy for violence prevention and self-defense training, while leading EnterTrain Software GmbH since 1997 in developing over 30 game-based learning productions. His industry collaborations demonstrate practical translation of academic research into commercial educational solutions.
Xinlei Chen serves as Professor of Marketing at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), with prior faculty appointments at Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) and University of British Columbia. His academic foundation includes a B.E. from Tsinghua University and Ph.D. in Marketing from University of Minnesota. His educational background features: B.E. in Engineering, Tsinghua University Ph.D. in Marketing, University of Minnesota (Carlson School) Chen's research centers on empirical industrial organization and consumer decision modeling, with specific expertise in pricing strategy, advertising effectiveness, channel management, and entertainment economics. His work bridges theoretical structural modeling with real-world applications in digital platforms, video gaming, and social networks, emphasizing how consumers process information and firms optimize competitive strategies in dynamic markets. Recent investigations examine gender dynamics in online competition and advertising spillovers in short-form video ecosystems. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on marketing science fundamentals while evolving toward digital economy applications. Early work established foundations in movie economics and private label competition, transitioning to contemporary investigations of platform markets, mobile advertising fraud, and social network effects. His methodology combines rigorous econometric techniques with field experiments, particularly evident in 2025 ByteDance research and mobile ad fraud studies. His scientific recognition includes: MSI Young Scholar (2009) Two-time Long Term Impact Award Finalist (Society for Marketing Science, 2018 & 2020) Carlson School Dissertation Award (2003-2004) Multiple doctoral consortium fellowships (INFORMS, AMA-Sheth) Chen demonstrates extensive teaching impact across executive education, MBA, and doctoral programs at CKGSB, SAIF, and UBC, complemented by industry experience as project manager at ABB and China-Machine Building International. His business-oriented scholarship extends to authored books on Chinese internet markets and regular commentary in major business media. Current research activities include field experiments on cross-media advertising and pandemic exercise behavior through digital platforms.
Prof. Kai Erenli serves as a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna, where he heads the bachelor's program "Interactive Media & Games Business". Additionally, since 2013, he has directed the legal department of a Viennese animation company, specializing in gaming law and contract law. His career uniquely bridges academic scholarship and industry practice, with deep expertise in IT law dating back to 2003, certified project management credentials, and prior experience managing an advertising agency. Erenli's research centers on the legal frontiers of digital innovation, with primary emphases on IT law, gaming law, and the regulatory challenges of virtual/augmented reality environments. His scholarship critically examines intellectual property frameworks in virtual worlds, cryptocurrency regulation, and the application of gamification principles in educational contexts. He consistently explores tensions between technological advancement and existing legal structures, advocating for adaptive jurisprudence that accommodates immersive technologies while protecting user rights and commercial interests. Analysis of his 2012-2019 publications reveals a sustained focus on practical legal implications of emerging technologies. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in addressing virtual asset ownership, location-based gaming compliance, and VR/AR content regulation, with notable contributions to educational technology law and cryptocurrency governance. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges computer science, legal theory, and media studies. Scientific recognition includes: ars docendi state prize in "Economics and Law" category (Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy, 2015) As academic program head, Erenli provides institutional leadership and mentorship for bachelor's students in interactive media and gaming business. His role involves curriculum development, industry partnership cultivation, and academic oversight, though specific doctoral advisees or research grants aren't documented in available sources. His industry legal consultancy demonstrates applied scholarship beyond traditional academia. Prof. Erenli has pioneered the VICERO virtual world education platform and contributed to establishing a major German-speaking e-learning infrastructure. His collaborative projects frequently involve cross-disciplinary teams integrating legal experts, technologists, and educators to develop compliant immersive experiences. Current work continues through his blog Virtuellewelten.at and ongoing industry consultancy.
Professor Ann-Kristin Kupfer serves as Professor of Marketing at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) while maintaining a significant collaborative role as Lead Researcher in the DFG Research Group at University of Hamburg Business School. Her academic profile bridges institutional boundaries through German Research Foundation-funded projects. Her research program centers on the digital transformation of marketing, with particular expertise in brand management within social media ecosystems. Key focus areas include: Brand alliances and partner influence in digital spaces Brand crisis dynamics during social media firestorms Consumer buzz prediction for media products Marketing strategies for hedonic media products like motion pictures Professor Kupfer's work consistently addresses how digital platforms reshape traditional marketing frameworks, with strong emphasis on empirical validation. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strategic research trajectory examining marketing's evolution in digital contexts. Her 2018 papers form a cohesive body investigating social media's dual role as both opportunity (for brand alliances and buzz generation) and threat (during brand crises). This work demonstrates sophisticated methodological approaches to measuring digital phenomena while maintaining strong theoretical grounding in consumer behavior principles. Prospective collaborators can contact Professor Kupfer directly at ann-kristin.kupfer@kit.edu to discuss research opportunities in digital marketing strategy and brand management.
Dr. Carolin Straßmann is a Lecturer for Special Tasks at the Institute of Computer Science, Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. She holds a PhD from the University of Duisburg-Essen where she previously served as a Research Assistant at the Chair of Social Psychology: Media and Communication. Concurrently, she participates in an industry placement at celano GmbH via the state program ‘Career Paths FH Professorship’. Her research centers on optimizing human-technology interaction, with emphasis on: Social effects of virtual agents and social robots Long-term AI-based interactions Nonverbal behavior and appearance dynamics Persuasive and positive impacts of innovative technologies She received notable scientific recognition including: Best Poster Award, Media Psychology Conference (2019) Best Student Paper Award, International Communication Association (2018) At her Human Factors & Gender Studies lab, she utilizes AR/VR systems, social robots, and behavioral research tools. She teaches courses in Applied Statistics, Usability Engineering, and Media Psychology, while supervising student projects.
Dr. Hanno Hochmuth is a historian specializing in contemporary German history, particularly focused on Berlin's urban development, public history, and cultural memory. He currently serves as Project Manager at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam (ZZF) in the Leibniz Lab "Social Upheavals and Transformations" and teaches courses in Public History at the Free University of Berlin. His academic career spans over two decades, with significant contributions to understanding Berlin's divided history and its contemporary transformations. Dr. Hochmuth completed his doctoral thesis at the Free University of Berlin in 2016 on "Public and Private in Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg." His academic journey began with studies in history with a focus on modern and medieval history at FU Berlin and theater studies/cultural communication at Humboldt University (1997-2004). He earned his MA in 2004 with a thesis on "The class enemy in the classroom. Western television and socialist education in the GDR in the 1970s and 1980s." Dr. Hochmuth's research centers on Berlin's urban history, examining how historical narratives are constructed through public history initiatives, media representations, and urban spaces. His work explores the intersections of private and public spheres in divided Berlin, the role of historical consciousness in contemporary urban development, and how popular media shapes public understanding of history. He has made significant contributions to understanding "Geschichtstourismus" (history tourism) and the commercialization of historical memory in Berlin, with particular attention to sites like the Volkspark Friedrichshain, the Palace of the Republic, and the cultural significance of areas like Prenzlauer Berg. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on Berlin's historical landscape, with special attention to how historical memory is embedded in urban spaces and mediated through contemporary culture. Hochmuth examines the commodification of history, from GDR museum shops to historical television series like Babylon Berlin, demonstrating how historical narratives are both shaped by and shape contemporary Berlin. His scholarship bridges academic history with public engagement, making significant contributions to understanding how cities remember and represent their pasts. Dr. Hochmuth has been actively involved in numerous collaborative projects, including the multimedia documentation of the Berlin Wall history (1961-1989/90) with the Federal Agency for Civic Education and the Berlin Wall Foundation. He co-led the exhibition "Ost-Berlin. Die halbe Hauptstadt" at the Ephraim-Palais in Berlin (2019) and continues to develop innovative approaches to public history through his teaching and research. As an educator, Dr. Hochmuth has coordinated the Master's program in Public History at FU Berlin (2008-2011) and continues to teach courses on topics ranging from "Berlin im Nationalsozialismus" to "Babylon Berlin. Stadtgeschichte als Public History." His teaching reflects his research interests, emphasizing the practical application of historical knowledge in public settings, including his ongoing historical city tours in Berlin and Brandenburg since 2005.
Prof. Dr. Tong-Jin Smith is a Professor of Journalism at Media University of Applied Sciences for Media, Communication and Business (HMKW) in Berlin since 2019. She also serves as a lecturer at the Institute of Journalism and Communication Studies at Freie Universität Berlin since 2020, and previously worked there as a Research Associate from 2016-2020 where she co-founded the Center for Media and Information Literacy (CeMIL). Additionally, she teaches at Technische Universität Berlin and has held various academic positions at other institutions including Dekra Hochschule für Medien. Dr. Smith earned her PhD in Political Science from Heidelberg University in 2002 with a dissertation on "Democracy and Democratization in East Asia." Her academic background includes studies in Political Science, Medieval and Modern History, and English Studies at Heidelberg University, where she completed her Magistra Artium degree. Dr. Smith's research focuses on critical issues in contemporary media and journalism. Her work explores Media and Information Literacy , examining how individuals navigate the complex digital information landscape. She investigates Digital Information and News Literacy , addressing the challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age. Her research on Solutions Journalism highlights constructive approaches to reporting that go beyond problem identification. Dr. Smith also examines Journalistic Ethics in the context of networked society and alternative media ecosystems, with particular attention to cultural dimensions of media production and consumption. Analysis of Dr. Smith's publications reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of media, society, and cultural dynamics. Her work spans from early research on East Asian political systems to contemporary analyses of digital media transformation. A recurring theme is the relationship between media practices and societal development, particularly regarding diversity, inclusion, and information quality in digital environments. Dr. Smith is actively engaged in professional organizations relevant to her field: Member of UNESCO Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) since 2018 Board member of DJV Berlin / JVBB (German Journalists' Association) Board member of UVG e.V. (Union of German Journalists) Co-publisher of CSR Magazine Co-publisher of the series "Young Science for CSR and Sustainability" With over 30 years of professional experience in journalism since 1992, Dr. Smith has worked for major German media outlets including Welt am Sonntag, Tagesspiegel, ZDF, and others. Her industry experience includes editorial leadership roles at Suite101.com Media Inc. as Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Head of Politics & Society. This practical background deeply informs her academic work, creating a valuable bridge between theory and practice in journalism education. Dr. Smith co-founded the Center for Media and Information Literacy (CeMIL) at Freie Universität Berlin, demonstrating her commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in media literacy. Her work connects academic research with practical applications through collaborations with media organizations and professional associations.
Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern EuropeGermany
Pascal Klassert is a doctoral student and scientific staff member at the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) in Leipzig, Germany. He joined the institute in June 2025 to work on the joint project Screening National Socialism: Ideology and Everyday Life in German Cinema 1933-1945 . His role involves researching film as a tool of Nazi propaganda in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Education: Goethe University Frankfurt (2016–2023): MA in History, Political Science, and Sociology. Theses: Traces of colonial knowledge production: Maria Sibylla Merian's Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium (BA) and German Limes research in the 19th century: a boundary marker of historiographical scientific ideals (MA). Goethe University Frankfurt (2019–2025): BA in Sociology and Philosophy. Thesis: Citizen science and the epistemic function of intuition . Research Interests: Klassert specializes in transnational history of science, 19th/20th-century Limes archaeology, sociological analyses of citizen science, and film under National Socialism. His current project examines cinematic Germanization policies in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, assessing ideological dissemination through entertainment media. Awards: 2023: Research fellowship from the Roman-Germanic Commission for work on international collaborations in 19th-century Limes research.
Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-InstitutGermany
Claudia Lampert is a Senior Researcher and co-director of the "Knowledge for the Media Society" research program at the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute (HBI) in Hamburg, Germany. She specializes in Media Socialization & Health Communication, focusing on the challenges of digital transformation for media socialization processes and evidence-based knowledge translation for decision-makers. Dr. Lampert holds a PhD in Education and has established herself as a leading expert through major research projects including EU Kids Online, Children's Safety in the Digital World (SIKID), Connected Kids, and the Horizon 2020 project Children Online: Research and Evidence (CO:RE) which she has coordinated since 2020. Her research investigates the role of digital media in children's lives and the challenges for media education and family life. Her scholarly work spans multiple interconnected domains: examining children's and adolescents' digital media experiences, analyzing health communication through entertainment media, investigating health information-seeking behaviors, and exploring strategic communication channels. She applies figuration theory to understand changing communicative practices in families and among young people, with particular attention to the impact of digital transformation on socialization processes. Her research methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to address complex phenomena at the intersection of media, health, and development. Dr. Lampert's recent publications reveal a strong focus on children's media repertoires, online safety mechanisms, digital health practices among youth, and the evolving nature of media socialization. Her work increasingly integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications for media education and youth protection policies, demonstrating how research can inform evidence-based interventions in rapidly changing digital environments. Member of Media Education Section, German Society for Journalism and Communication Studies (DGPuK) Member of Society for Media Education and Communication Culture (GMK) Member of Media Education Section, German Society for Educational Science (DGfE) Member of Hamburg Media Network Member of Media Smart eV expert council Advisory board member of "SCHAU HIN!" initiative Advisory board member of Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) As an academic leader, Dr. Lampert coordinates major international research projects, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, and contributes to methodological advancements in children's media research. She has co-authored influential textbooks on "Media Education" and "Health Communication and Media," helping to shape academic discourse and educational approaches in these fields. Her work bridges theoretical scholarship with practical applications for media education, health communication, and youth protection policies. Her research is centered at the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute, where she leads the Children & Media Lab as part of the "Knowledge for the Media Society" research program. This laboratory conducts interdisciplinary investigations into children's digital experiences, online safety, and the implications of digital transformation for young people's development, well-being, and socialization processes.
Floris Schuller serves as a Lecturer specializing in Special Effects Three-dimensional Make-up Techniques, focusing on practical applications for film, theater, and media production. His expertise centers on advanced prosthetic application, sculpting, and character transformation methodologies within visual storytelling contexts. His teaching emphasizes hands-on mastery of materials like silicone, gelatin, and foam latex for creating realistic three-dimensional effects. The curriculum integrates historical techniques with contemporary industry standards, preparing students for careers in entertainment media where physical character embodiment remains critical despite digital advancements. Professional development under his guidance prioritizes portfolio construction, on-set problem-solving, and collaboration with directors/cinematographers to ensure make-up effects serve narrative objectives. Safety protocols for chemical handling and actor comfort during extended applications form integral components of his pedagogical approach.
University of Music, Drama and Media HanoverGermany
Prof. Dr. Raphael D. Thöne serves as Professor of Music Theory, Arrangement, and Orchestration at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH), concurrently holding the administrative position of Dean of Studies for Study Committee II. His career uniquely bridges academic scholarship with high-profile creative practice in composition and orchestration for international media and events. His educational foundation includes: Composition degree from Robert Schumann University of Music under Prof. Manfred Trojahn Music theory degree from Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen under Prof. Dr. Dieter Torkewitz Scholarship studies at Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory in film scoring and conducting Joint doctorate from University of Music and Performing Arts and University of Vienna focusing on Malcolm Arnold's symphonic works Prof. Thöne's creative scholarship centers on applied music theory with specialized expertise in orchestration techniques for diverse media contexts. His work examines the practical application of theoretical principles in film scoring, radio drama, and large-scale ceremonial productions, emphasizing cross-cultural adaptation of compositional methods. He investigates how traditional orchestral techniques can be innovatively deployed in contemporary media environments while maintaining academic rigor in musical structure and development. His extensive creative output reveals consistent evolution toward increasingly complex international projects spanning cinematic works, television productions, and global EXPO events. The trajectory shows deepening integration of cultural specificity within universal musical frameworks, with recent works demonstrating sophisticated approaches to cross-cultural collaboration in settings ranging from Hong Kong to Dubai and Osaka. Major recognitions include: German Audio Book Prize (2016) for 'Best Radio Play' ('Wir') Lower Saxony Science Prize (2021) in the 'Teaching Prize' category As an educator and administrator, Prof. Thöne maintains active student mentorship while leading academic strategy as Dean of Studies. His professional projects consistently secure external funding through cultural institutions, broadcasters, and international event organizers, demonstrating successful translation of academic expertise into commercially and culturally significant productions. His teaching methodology directly incorporates professional experience, creating a practice-based learning environment that earned formal recognition through the Teaching Prize. Though not leading a formal research laboratory, Prof. Thöne operates through project-based creative teams that assemble specialized musicians, technicians, and cultural consultants for each production, fostering collaborative environments that function as practical research spaces for applied music composition.
Leibniz Institute for Educational Media | Georg Eckert InstituteGermany
Klaus Rummler is a Professor of Media Education at the University of Kassel, specializing in the intersection of mobile technology, media pedagogy, and social inequality. His work focuses particularly on how at-risk learners engage with digital media and the educational opportunities this presents. Professor Rummler's research centers on understanding media usage patterns among different social milieus, particularly comparing hedonistic lifestyles with postmodern milieus among youth aged 14-24. His culturally theoretical approach examines how social segmentation influences technology adoption and educational outcomes, challenging conventional views of the digital divide by highlighting differences in usage patterns beyond mere access. His publications reveal a consistent focus on mobile learning opportunities for disadvantaged youth, analyzing how specific social groups appropriate mobile technologies for both entertainment and educational purposes. Recent work emphasizes the importance of recognizing different 'pleasures' in media usage - from evasive and provocative enjoyment to meaning-creating engagement - as foundations for tailored media education approaches. Key research areas: Media education for at-risk learners, mobile learning, social segmentation in digital contexts Major projects: London Mobile Learning Group, Media Education Kassel, SoMobNet Notable publications: 'Potentials for media education of at-risk learners' (2012), 'Mobile communication and social segmentation' (2009) Professor Rummler actively contributes to academic discourse through conference participation and working groups, such as his co-leadership of the 'Media Education and Social Inequality' group at the 'Keine Bildung ohne Medien' congress. His work bridges theoretical media studies with practical educational applications, particularly for marginalized youth populations.
