Jaan Masso is an Associate Professor at the University of Tartu, Estonia, where he has been affiliated with the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration since at least 2001. He currently serves as Chair of the department, Head of the Chair of Economic Modelling, and Programme Manager of the Master's programme in Quantitative Economics. His research focuses on applied econometrics, economic development, foreign direct investment, and labor economics, with particular emphasis on Estonia and the Baltic region as catching-up economies. He has published 146 scholarly works with over 23,000 reads and 1,745 citations, demonstrating significant scholarly impact in his field. Masso's research interests span multiple interconnected areas including foreign direct investment effects , productivity analysis , gender wage gap studies , innovation economics , and labor market dynamics . His work often employs rigorous econometric methods to analyze firm-level and regional economic data, particularly from Estonia and other Baltic states. His recent publications (2023-2025) show consistent scholarly productivity across multiple journals, with particular focus on foreign ownership effects, gender pay gaps in academia, FinTech sector development, and innovative methods for measuring firm innovativeness through web data analysis. His scientific contributions demonstrate expertise in analyzing economic transitions in small open economies, with methodological strengths in econometric analysis of firm-level data and innovative approaches to measuring economic phenomena.
Prof. Dr. Peter Gomber is Chair of e-Finance at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Germany. He serves as Co-Chairman and member of the Board of the 'efl – the Data Science Institute', an industry-academic partnership between Frankfurt and Darmstadt Universities and leading industry partners. Additionally, he is a member of the Exchange Council of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Supervisory Board of Clearstream Banking AG, and Research Fellow at the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE in Frankfurt. Prof. Gomber received his Ph.D. at the Institute of Information Systems at the University of Giessen in 1999 after graduating in Business Administration. Before joining Goethe University in 2004, he worked for five years as Director, Head of Market Development Cash Markets and Xetra Research at Deutsche Börse AG, where he developed new market models and products for cash market trading on Xetra. His research focuses on market microstructure theory, digital finance and fintech, regulatory impact on financial markets, and electronic trading systems. With over 150 publications in leading international journals, his work has significantly influenced the field, particularly his highly cited papers on the Fintech Revolution. His recent research examines market fragmentation, circuit breakers, research unbundling under MiFID II, and the application of AI in financial markets. Prof. Gomber's extensive publication record shows a clear evolution from traditional market microstructure and electronic trading systems toward digital finance, fintech innovations, and regulatory impact analysis. His work bridges technical aspects of financial markets with regulatory considerations, demonstrating how technological innovations interact with market structure and regulation. His scientific recognition includes: IBM Shared University Research Grant (2007) Reuters Innovation Award (2000) Best Paper Award of the Journal of the Association for Information Systems (2020) Best Information Systems Publications Award (2020) Top 1 and Top 3 most cited articles in Fintech research (2025 bibliometric analysis) Prof. Gomber has successfully supervised numerous PhD students, including Tino Cestonaro who won the Best PhD Paper Award 2025. He has acquired significant research funds from both public institutions and the private sector. Notably, a market model invention by Prof. Gomber was granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, with two additional market model inventions filed for patent in Europe and the US. He leads an active research team at the Chair of e-Finance, including researchers like Benjamin Clapham, Micha Bender, and Tino Cestonaro. The team collaborates closely with the efl – the Data Science Institute and the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE, bridging academic research with practical applications in financial markets.
Steffi Haag is a Professor of Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Institute of Computer Science , Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) . She bridges the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Business Administration and Economics , collaborating with the Center for Entrepreneurship Düsseldorf (CEDUS) to inspire tech startups. Her research focuses on sustainable information systems, digital experiences, and business models. Steffi Haag’s research integrates Shadow IT , Usable Cybersecurity , and Digital Idea Management . Her work emphasizes theoretical , quantitative , qualitative , and mixed-methods research , including experimental and survey methodologies. Steffi Haag’s publications (2018–2024) span Information Systems , Cybersecurity , Digital Twins , and Sustainable Design . Common themes include Shadow IT dynamics , user behavior in security , and innovation management . Hermann Gutmann Award for special scientific achievements (2023) Schöller Fellow (2020) HMD Best Paper Award (2018) Research Award in Data Protection and Data Security (2017) Dissertation Prize (2017) Steffi Haag has secured grants such as the TU Darmstadt Postdoctoral Fellowship for Female Researchers (2016–2018) and Deloitte Foundation Fellowship (2009–2011). She actively moderates conferences and serves as Associate Editor of Business & Information Systems Engineering .
Prof. Dr. Peter Gomber is a Professor of e-Finance at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration , Goethe University Frankfurt, since 2004. He co-chairs the Data Science Institute (efl) and holds adjunct professorships at the University of Bamberg (2004), Mannheim (2009), and Luxembourg (2018). His roles include board memberships at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Clearstream Banking AG, and advisory positions for European regulatory bodies. Education : Diplom-Kaufmann in Economics, University of Gießen (1999), PhD in Business Informatics. Research Interests focus on market microstructure , FinTech , electronic trading , and regulatory impacts on financial markets. His work explores algorithmic trading , liquidity dynamics , and AI-driven compliance . Publication Trends (15 most recent) emphasize digital finance , market fragmentation , regulatory analysis , and AI applications in trading and compliance. Key subfields include blockchain , high-frequency trading , and news-driven liquidity shocks . Scientific Awards : Reuters Innovation Award (2000) Hochschulpreis des Deutschen Aktieninstituts (1999) IBM SUR Grant (2007) Best Paper Awards (multiple conferences) Best Information Systems Publications Award (2020) Advising & Grants : Teaches in executive programs (Goethe Business School, Amsterdam Institute of Finance). Secured grants from public/private institutions, including a U.S. patent for market model innovation. Labs & Teams : Leads the e-Finance professorship and contributes to the Data Science Institute (efl) , fostering industry-academia collaborations with Deutsche Börse, Capveriant, and others.
Max Planck Institute for the History of ScienceGermany
Stephanie Christmann-Budian is a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, working within the 'China in the Global System of Science' Research Group. She holds a PhD in Sinology and Cultural Studies from Free University Berlin, with research focusing on modern and contemporary Chinese science, technology and innovation policies. Her expertise spans globalization impacts, innovation system analysis, and comparative policy studies. Christmann-Budian investigates China's evolving position in global science through multi-method approaches combining sociology of science, innovation research, and political science. Current projects examine reforms in China's national science system within broader political and global contexts. Her work analyzes strategic developments in areas including artificial intelligence and green technologies. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on China's scientific transformation, particularly examining shifts from Western knowledge transfer to autonomous innovation systems. Recent articles explore private sector roles in R&D funding and transitions toward cashless societies. With over 12 years' practical experience in science policy analysis, Christmann-Budian has held positions at DFG, Fraunhofer ISI, Chinese Academy of Science, and other research organizations. She regularly contributes to science-policy dialogues through workshops and lectures on Sino-German scientific cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Schalast is a distinguished Professor of Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Law and European Law at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, where he has been teaching since September 2002. He serves as the Academic Director of the Master of Mergers & Acquisitions program, which he initiated in 2005, and is Chairman of the annual M&A/Private Equity Conference. As Co-Director of the Frankfurt Institute for Private Equity and M&A (FIPEMA), he has established himself as a leading academic in corporate transactions and financial regulation. His expertise spans multiple legal domains including banking law, competition law, and infrastructure regulation, with particular focus on non-performing loans markets. Born in 1960, Schalast studied law and political science in Giessen, Frankfurt am Main, and Lausanne. He completed his legal clerkship with stations at Rasor and Schiedermair (now Linklaters), the European Parliament, and the Frankfurt municipal property office. He participated in specialized programs on comparative law in Strasbourg/Coimbra and European integration at the Europa-Institut in Saarbrücken. After being admitted to the bar, he specialized in M&A law, initially at Albert Flad & Schloßhan (now Mayer Brown), before founding Schalast LAW | TAX in 1995, which has grown to become one of Germany's top 40 mid-sized law firms with offices in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart. Schalast's research interests focus on the intersection of corporate transactions, financial regulation, and European law. His work examines how legal frameworks shape M&A markets, particularly in times of financial crisis, with special attention to non-performing loan markets, private equity transactions, and regulatory challenges in infrastructure sectors. He has authored numerous publications analyzing the impact of EU directives on German corporate and banking law, with particular expertise in how geopolitical events like Brexit affect cross-border transactions. His research consistently bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical transactional considerations, making it highly relevant to practitioners. Schalast has received multiple accolades including being named Frankfurt School Professor of Excellence in 2009 and 2010, and his supervised theses have won prestigious awards such as the Leonardo M&A Award (2008, 2014), M&A Science Award (2010), and multiple DKS Awards. His law firm, Schalast LAW | TAX, received the JUVE Award as Law Firm of the Year for SMEs in 2007 and The Lawyer's European Award 'Law Firm of the Year Germany' in 2018. As an advisor, Schalast has worked with governments across Eastern and Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus region on economic law reform and rule of law implementation, serving on legislative commissions primarily in Southeast Europe. He also acts as an expert advisor on German legislative projects, particularly in banking and capital markets law. His influence extends to industry standards as he chairs the supervisory board of Deutsche Kreditmarkt-Standards e.V. and serves on the jury for the German Journalists' Prize and the Corporate Finance Awards of Börsenzeitung. Since 2016, he has been editor of the leading German-language M&A journal, M&A Review.
Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-InstitutGermany
Stephan A. Jansen serves as Professor of Management, Innovation & Finance and Director of the Center for Philanthropy & Civil Society (PhiCS) at Karlshochschule in Karlsruhe, alongside holding a professorship in Urban Innovation – Health, Mobility, Digitization at the College of Fine Arts Berlin. He concurrently acts as founding coordinator of the Digital Urban Center for Aging & Health (DUCAH) and associated researcher at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet & Society (HIIG). His academic foundation was established at the University of Witten/Herdecke where he completed studies in 1997 and earned his doctorate in 2003 under Prof. Dr. Dirk Baecker, Prof. Dr. Birger Priddat, and Prof. Dr. Rudolf Wimmer. This institution also hosted his founding of the Institute for Mergers & Acquisitions (IMA), recognized as University Innovation of the Year. Operating through sociological systems theory and behavioral organization theory frameworks, Jansen's research critically examines organizational networks, digital transformation, and urban innovation systems. His current work pioneers intersections between health infrastructure, sustainable mobility solutions, and digital citizenship in aging societies, emphasizing practical applications for resilient city design and post-digital humanism. This manifests in initiatives like DUCAH's technology-integrated aging environments and analyses of mobility-as-a-service ecosystems. His recent publications reveal a concentrated exploration of post-pandemic urban restructuring, particularly examining how digital tools reshape aging experiences and mobility patterns. Key thematic clusters include human-centered digital evolution (Humanism 5.0), health-oriented urban mobility systems, and resilient supply chain reconfiguration - all demonstrating his commitment to translating theoretical frameworks into tangible urban solutions. Notable recognitions include: University Innovation of the Year award from Federal Minister Edelgard Buhlmann German Bicycle Award 2020 for corporate mobility innovation Inclusion in Thinkers 50 global ranking since 2016 His advisory ecosystem spans federal policy (Federal Chancellor's Innovationsdialog, Federal Ministry of Education and Research's Forschungsunion), corporate strategy (AUDI, BASF, Bayer), and nonprofit leadership (Caritas, GIZ). Supported by two decades of scholarship funding from Herbert Quandt-Foundation, Fullbright, and German Academic Exchange Service, he mentors emerging scholars through institutional frameworks while directing PhiCS's philanthropic research agenda. Jansen anchors his operational infrastructure through DUCAH's interdisciplinary aging-tech research hub and co-founded "Das 18te Kamel & Komplizen GmbH" (The 18th Camel & Accomplices), which implements digital-social transformation projects across Berlin, Hamburg, and Vienna for major clients including Lufthansa and Otto Group. His BICICLI Holding GmbH venture operationalizes urban mobility concepts through award-winning corporate bike-sharing systems.
Rachel J. Nam is an Assistant Professor of Finance at USI Lugano and a faculty member of the Swiss Finance Institute. She holds a Ph.D. from Goethe University Frankfurt's Graduate School of Economics, Finance, and Management (GSEFM). Her research focuses on how technology transforms financial services, with primary interests in FinTech, decentralized finance, and consumer/household finance dynamics. Dr. Nam's work examines the evolution of financial intermediation through technological advancements and their implications for market participants. Her research bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analyses of digital financial innovation. No specific grants, awards, or lab affiliations are detailed in the provided information. Her academic profile emphasizes contributions to understanding modern financial systems through a technological lens.
Anja Tuschke holds the W3 Professorship for Business Administration, especially Corporate Management / Strategic Management, at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich within the Faculty of Business Administration . Her work bridges strategic decision-making, organizational dynamics, and corporate governance, with a focus on leadership, boardroom practices, and institutional influences. Teaching: Courses include Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases , Organizational Theory , and Strategy and Leadership . Research: Explores strategic change, corporate misconduct, board networks, executive compensation, and institutional legitimacy. Publications highlight trends in governance, organizational behavior, and strategic adaptation, with recent focus on digital transformation, CEO accountability, and network-driven practices.
Prof. Dr. Gudula Deipenbrock serves as a Professor at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW Berlin) within the School of Economics and Law. Her teaching responsibilities include Finance, Accounting, Corporate Law and Taxation for Master's students, and Business Law for both Bachelor's and Master's programs at the Treskowallee Campus (Building C, Room 431). Her research expertise spans national, international, and European financial markets law with concentrated focus on legal implications of digital transformation, particularly FinTech applications and artificial intelligence regulation within financial systems. Additional research areas include comparative corporate law studies, regulatory frameworks for rating agencies in the European Union, and institutional analysis of commercial law across jurisdictions. With 65 publications and participation in 75 academic lectures/events, Prof. Deipenbrock maintains active scholarly engagement through 9 professional memberships. She enforces strict policies prohibiting audio/video recordings of her courses and conducts scheduled office hours for student consultations, including exam reviews during summer semesters.
Christian Decker is Professor of International and Corporate Finance at the Department of Economics, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). His research focuses on corporate and structured finance, corporate and investment banking, and methodical aspects of research. He specializes in competency-based instructional design, integrating e-learning, blended learning, and flipped classroom models into higher education. Decker has contributed extensively to academic research and writing methodologies, with a particular emphasis on digital education and educational media. University of Hamburg (Dipl.-Kfm., 1994) University of Bremen (Dr. rer. pol., 2007) University of Hamburg (M.H.Ed., 2020) His research spans corporate finance, educational innovation, and digital learning strategies. Recent publications analyze case-based assessments, poster conferences, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), reflecting his commitment to advancing pedagogical practices. Decker has supervised doctoral theses, including J. Beck's 2021 work on fintech financing for SMEs. He has received the Hamburg Teaching Award twice (2012, 2017) for his contributions to e-learning and team teaching. Hamburg Teaching Award 2012 Hamburg Teaching Award 2017 Decker's professional roles include leadership in curriculum reform and departmental governance. He has conducted workshops on inverted classroom models and digital mastery learning, collaborating with institutions like FH St. Pölten and RWTH Aachen. His educational media projects emphasize individualized learning through videos, webinars, and interactive labs.
Dr. Wolfgang Spiess-Knafl is a Research Fellow at the European Center for Social Finance at Munich Business School (MBS). He holds a doctorate from the Technical University of Munich on 'Financing of Social Enterprises' and has extensive post-doctoral experience at Zeppelin University, focusing on Social Finance and Impact Investing. His research spans Social Innovation, Climate Finance, and the application of AI/Blockchain for social impact. **Education**: Management Engineering from Vienna University of Technology (with exchanges at PUC Rio de Janeiro and INSA Rouen) Doctorate in Entrepreneurial Finance from Technical University of Munich **Research Interests**: He specializes in impact investing mechanisms, social enterprise financing, and integrating emerging technologies like AI and blockchain into social finance. His work with the European Commission, FEBEA, and German foundations has shaped policy frameworks for ethical finance and climate resilience. **Key Contributions**: Authored seminal books on Impact Investing (Palgrave Macmillan) and AI/Blockchain for Social Impact (Routledge). Published extensively in academic journals and policy reports, including analyses for the European Parliament and the Association of German Foundations. Co-developed frameworks for assessing social enterprise integrity and climate finance integration. **Grants & Collaborations**: Led studies on social finance market development for the European Commission, FEBEA, and the European Liberal Forum. Active in interdisciplinary teams at MBS’s European Center for Social Finance, bridging academic research with practical policy solutions. **Labs/Teams**: Core member of the European Center for Social Finance at MBS, collaborating with global institutions to advance ethical finance mechanisms and technology-driven social impact solutions.
Thomas Hartmann-Wendels is Professor of Bank Management at the University of Cologne's Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences. He has held the Chair of Bank Management since 1999 and serves as Director of both the Institute for Leasing Research (since 2002) and the Institute of Bank Management and Banking Law (since 1999). His research focuses on banking management, corporate finance, leasing, risk management, and financial regulation. His extensive publication record in prestigious journals demonstrates expertise in areas such as bank funding stability, risk reporting standards, loss given default estimations, and the impact of Basel III regulations on the financial system. His work often combines theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis of German and international banking markets. His recent publications show a continued focus on banking risk management, with particular attention to regulatory requirements, leasing industry practices, and private equity compensation structures. His research bridges academic theory with practical banking applications, making significant contributions to both scholarly literature and industry practices. Arthur Anderson Research Award (1987) Professor Hartmann-Wendels has been actively engaged in media commentary on banking issues, with interviews in Deutsche Welle, Kölnische Rundschau, and Capital magazine discussing topics such as bank mergers, fintech disruption, and sustainable banking strategies.
Sven Karbach is an Assistant Professor for Data-Driven Mathematical Modelling and Computing in Finance at the University of Amsterdam. He coordinates the Stochastics and Financial Mathematics Master Program and is affiliated with the Stochastics group at the Korteweg-de Vries Institute, Computational Science Lab (CSL) at the Informatics Institute, and the AI4Fintech initiative. Education: BSc Mathematics, University of Wuppertal (2013-2016) MSc Mathematics, University of Wuppertal (2016-2018) Doctor of Mathematics, University of Amsterdam (2018-2022) Research Focus: Robust finance methods in infinite-dimensional models Hedging and trading in energy markets Deep Spatio-Temporal Hedging for climate risk mitigation Stochastic volatility and covariance modeling Renewable energy market risk networks Recent Article Trends include applications of affine processes in Hilbert spaces, measure-valued CARMA models for energy markets, and spatio-temporal hedging techniques. His work bridges mathematical rigor with practical AI integration in fintech. Scientific Awards & Grants: Barmenia mathematics award (2017, 2019) Deutschlandstipendium (2015–2016, 2016–2018) €25,000 grant for 'Deep Spatio-Temporal Hedging' €35,000 joint grant with Simon Trimborn for 'Risk Networks of Renewable Energy Markets' Students include PhD candidates Diogo Sousa Franquinho and Konstantinos Chatziandreou. His research team explores advanced mathematical frameworks for sustainable energy finance.
Dr. Bianca Putz is a Postdoctoral Researcher at SAFE (Financial Accountability & Stability Establishment), focusing on Household Finance, Behavioral Finance, and FinTech. Her research explores decision-making processes in financial contexts, integrating behavioral economics principles with technological advancements in financial services. Research Focus: Her work bridges theoretical frameworks in household finance with practical applications in behavioral economics and fintech innovation. Grants and Advising: No specific grants or advising activities are listed in the provided text. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with SAFE's Household Finance department, contributing to interdisciplinary projects within the institution.
