Andrea Iannelli is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at the Institute for Systems Theory and Automatic Control (IST) , University of Stuttgart, Germany. He also serves as a faculty member of the International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS-IS) and participates in the Cluster of Excellence Data-Integrated Simulation Science (SimTech) . His research focuses on reconciling model-based and data-driven approaches for robust and adaptive control of uncertain dynamical systems. Ph.D. : Control and Dynamical Systems, University of Bristol (UK), 2019 Postdoctoral Researcher : ETH Zürich (Switzerland), 2019–2022 Harnessing the intersection of control theory, optimization, and machine learning , Iannelli’s work addresses data-driven modeling, uncertainty quantification, and robust control with applications in energy systems, intelligent transportation, and industry 4.0 . His recent publications highlight trends in LPV frameworks, online convex optimization, and hybrid control systems , emphasizing safety and efficiency. He contributes to the academic community as an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control and as a member of international conference IPCs. His group, Trustworthy Autonomy for Smart Adaptive Systems (TASAS) , mentors PhD students in projects spanning adaptive control, uncertainty quantification, and reinforcement learning .
Prof. Dr. Erik Rodner is a faculty member at the University of Applied Sciences Berlin (HTW Berlin), where he serves as a Professor for Machine Learning and Data Science. He also contributes to the School of Engineering Sciences - Technology and Life. His research spans computer vision, machine learning, and biomedical applications, with a focus on learning with limited data, robust visual recognition models, and medical image analysis. He has developed innovative methods for medical diagnostics, industrial classification, and anomaly detection. Recent publications (2025-2016) highlight his expertise in visual in-context learning, semi-weakly segmentation, and active learning frameworks. He has collaborated with institutions such as ZEISS Group, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, and UC Berkeley. Scientific Awards: Award for Excellent Teaching (2023)
Professor Saman Amarasinghe is a full Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Principal Investigator at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). He leads the Commit compiler research group, which focuses on programming languages and compilers that maximize application performance on modern computing platforms. His work spans multiple academic departments and research centers, with strong affiliations to both MIT's School of Engineering and CSAIL. Professor Amarasinghe's research interests center around high-performance domain-specific languages and compiler technology . His work combines language design with sophisticated compilation techniques to deliver unprecedented performance for targeted application domains. His research spans multiple areas including image processing (Halide), sparse tensor algebra (TACO), graph analytics (GraphIt), stream computations (StreamIt), and bioinformatics (Seq). A significant thread throughout his work is the application of machine learning for compiler optimizations, from Meta optimization in 2003 to the OpenTuner autotuner framework. Analysis of Professor Amarasinghe's recent publications reveals a strong focus on sparse computing , compiler vectorization , and domain-specific language implementation . His work consistently bridges theoretical compiler concepts with practical performance gains across diverse application domains. The progression from earlier work on StreamIt and Halide to more recent projects like GraphIt and TACO shows an evolution toward more specialized, high-performance DSLs targeting specific computational patterns. His 2020-2025 publications particularly emphasize sparse tensor operations, GPU acceleration, and machine learning integration with compiler technology. ACM Fellow (2019) Professor Amarasinghe has made significant contributions to academic entrepreneurship and student development. He founded Determina, Inc. (acquired by VMware) based on security research from his MIT lab and co-founded Lanka Internet Services, Ltd., Sri Lanka's first ISP. As faculty director of MIT Global Startup Labs, his programs across 17 countries have helped create over 20 successful startups. His teaching includes the popular Performance Engineering of Software Systems (6.172) course with Professor Charles Leiserson, as well as innovative project-based courses like the Open Source Software Project Lab and Bring Your Own Software Project Lab. His educational approach emphasizes hands-on experience with compiler and language design concepts. Professor Amarasinghe leads the Commit compiler research group at MIT CSAIL, which has produced numerous influential domain-specific languages and compilers including Halide, TACO, Simit, StreamIt, and GraphIt. The lab maintains strong industry connections through projects like OpenTuner and Determina, and collaborates with researchers worldwide on compiler technology. The group's work spans both theoretical compiler research and practical implementation, with a consistent focus on bridging the performance gap between high-level programming abstractions and hardware capabilities.
Jia-Jie Zhu is a machine learner and applied mathematician currently serving as head of an independent research group at the Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics in Berlin, with an upcoming appointment as tenured associate professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Previously, he conducted postdoctoral research in machine learning at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen, Germany, following doctoral studies in optimization and numerical analysis at the University of Florida. His research focuses on the mathematical foundations of machine learning and optimization, particularly at the intersection of computational algorithms, dynamical systems, and probability theory. Key areas include: Robust probabilistic machine learning algorithms Kernel methods for distribution manipulation Variational methods for optimization over probability distributions Gradient flows and optimal transport theory Wasserstein and Fisher-Rao geometry Applications in generative modeling and causal inference Dr. Zhu's recent work reveals deep connections between partial differential equations, kernel methods, and machine learning, resulting in theoretically grounded algorithms for handling distribution shifts. His publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory from foundational optimization theory to cutting-edge applications in robust learning and generative modeling, with increasing emphasis on the mathematical structures underlying modern ML systems. He has secured significant research funding, including a DFG Project on 'Optimal Transport and Measure Optimization Foundation for Robust and Causal Machine Learning' within the Priority Program 'Theoretical Foundations of Deep Learning' (SPP 2298), and actively organizes academic events such as the Workshop on Optimal Transport from Theory to Applications (OT-DOM) and upcoming sessions at ICSP 2025 and SwissMAP. As an educator, Dr. Zhu teaches nonparametric statistics at Humboldt University of Berlin and serves as area chair for major conferences including AISTATS 2025. He maintains an active research group with opportunities for master's students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers interested in the mathematical frontiers of machine learning.
Katharina Eggensperger is an Early Career Research Group Leader at the University of Tübingen , leading the AutoML for Science group within the Cluster of Excellence Machine Learning for Science . She previously completed her Ph.D. at the University of Freiburg under Frank Hutter and Marius Lindauer (2022), and actively contributes to the AutoML community through open-source tool development and competition leadership. Co-developer of AutoML.org tools Faculty member of IMPRS-IS Chair for multiple AutoML workshops/conferences (2019-2025) Her research focuses on automated machine learning (AutoML) with specific attention to: AutoML Systems Hyperparameter Optimization Tabular Machine Learning Scientific Applications of ML She has organized multiple AutoML schools and conferences, including serving as Program Chair for AutoML 2024 and Non-archival Track Chair for AutoML 2025. Her work emphasizes making machine learning accessible through automation while maintaining scientific rigor and interpretability, particularly for tabular data applications. Katharina actively recruits PhD students through IMPRS-IS and collaborates with institutions like the University of Freiburg and Cyber Valley .
László Kozma is an Assistant Professor at the Theoretical Computer Science group of the Institute of Computer Science (Freie Universität Berlin). He obtained his PhD from Saarland University under Raimund Seidel, followed by postdoctoral positions at Tel Aviv University and TU Eindhoven. His research focuses on self-adjusting data structures , adaptive algorithms , and combinatorial optimization with applications to problems like the Traveling Salesman Problem, binary search trees, and geometric data structures. Academic Affiliation: Freie Universität Berlin (since 2018) Education: PhD in Computer Science (Saarland University, 2016); postdoc at Tel Aviv University and TU Eindhoven. His work explores the intersection of data structures, combinatorial algorithms, and geometric methods. He has made significant contributions to problems involving pattern-avoidance in inputs, saddlepoint detection , and self-adjusting heaps . Key areas include: Adaptive algorithms for pattern-avoiding inputs Optimal tree and heap structures Geometric and stochastic approaches to optimization Complexity analysis of classical algorithms Recent publications highlight efficient solutions for exponential cut problems (ESA 2025), balanced TSP partitioning (EuroCG 2025), and randomized saddlepoint algorithms (ESA 2024). His research often bridges theory and practice, exemplified by the smooth heap implementation and fun projects like Recursi and Cuckoo Hashing visualization.
Lionel Truquet is a Lecturer-Researcher in Statistics and Director of Research at ENSAI (École Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Analyse de l'Information). His research focuses on advanced statistical methodologies, including time series analysis, Markov chains, and ecological data modeling. He has contributed to multivariate autoregressive binary models, compact space time series models, and nonstationary count processes. Research Interests: His work emphasizes statistical theory applied to dependent data, with a strong focus on ecological applications. Key areas include ergodic properties of Markov chains, mixing properties of time series, and modeling presence-absence data. His methods address challenges in high-dimensional and nonstationary environments. Publications: Recent work includes influential contributions such as the TJALLING C. KOOPMANS ECONOMETRIC THEORY PRIZE-winning paper on iterations of dependent random maps. His publications span top journals like Bernoulli, the Annals of Applied Probability, and the Journal of Time Series Analysis, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied statistics. Teaching: He teaches advanced courses such as Asymptotic Statistics and Dependence at the M2 level, reflecting his commitment to training future statisticians in cutting-edge methodologies.
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Hausen is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, specializing in Algebraic Geometry with a focus on toric varieties, Cox rings, and geometric invariant theory. His research explores combinatorial structures in algebraic geometry, including the classification of algebraic varieties with torus actions, log del Pezzo surfaces, and Fano varieties. He has developed influential software tools like TorDiv for computations in toric geometry. His work bridges abstract algebraic theory with practical computational methods, contributing to the understanding of geometric structures and their applications. Key Research Themes: Toric varieties, Cox rings, geometric invariant theory, Fano varieties, and polyhedral divisors. Software Contributions: TorDiv (Maple package), compcox (Singular package), and MDS (Maple package for Mori dream spaces). Education: Extensive academic career with a focus on algebraic geometry, including foundational work on Mori dream spaces and the theory of Cox rings. His publications span over three decades, addressing topics such as degenerations of projective planes, automorphism groups of varieties, and the interplay between algebraic geometry and combinatorics. He actively contributes to teaching, authoring textbooks like Lineare Algebra I & II , and offers open-access course materials and video lectures.
Tony Stillfjord is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden. He previously held postdoctoral positions at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems and Chalmers/University of Gothenburg. Ph.D. and MSc in Numerical Analysis from Lund University Funded by WASP (Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program) Research Interests : Numerical methods for partial differential equations, splitting schemes, stochastic optimization, and large-scale differential Riccati equations. His work focuses on developing low-rank approximations and robust optimization algorithms. Recent Publications highlight advancements in Lie/Strang splitting for operator-valued Riccati equations, stochastic descent methods, and GPU-accelerated splitting schemes. Software Contributions : Developed DREsplit (MATLAB package for differential Riccati equations) and BST20_CODE for stochastic optimization experiments. Contact : Office at MH:562E, Lund University. Email: tony.stillfjord@math.lth.se . URL: tonystillfjord.net
Volker Mehrmann is a full professor at the Technical University of Berlin in the Institute of Mathematics , Faculty II - Mathematics and Natural Sciences. He has held academic positions at Chemnitz University of Technology and RWTH Aachen University . His roles include leadership in research centers: Spokesperson for the DFG Research Center Matheon (2008-2016), President of the European Mathematical Society (2017-2022), and committee member of the Cluster of Excellence MATH+. PhD: Bielefeld University (1982) Habilitation: Bielefeld University (1987) His research interests span Numerical Linear Algebra , Differential-Algebraic Equations (DAEs) , Control Theory , and Industrial Mathematics . Recent work focuses on port-Hamiltonian systems and model order reduction for multi-physics applications. Key scientific contributions include: ERC Advanced Grant (2011-2016) on multi-physics systems Hans Schneider Prize (2019) SIAM Fellow (2011) and AMS Fellow (2022) He serves as editor-in-chief of Linear Algebra and Its Applications and contributes to numerous editorial boards. His leadership roles include presidency in the European Mathematical Society and GAMM .
Dr. Markus Zimmermann is a researcher at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4: Physics of Medical Imaging) at the Research Center Jülich. His work focuses on advancing quantitative MRI techniques, particularly in water content mapping, multiparametric imaging, and ultrahigh-field MRI applications. He contributes to developing methods for eddy current characterization, multi-exponential relaxometry, and rapid whole-brain protocols. His research addresses neurological and medical imaging challenges, including cerebral pathologies and neurobiological implications. Key areas of expertise include MRI parameter estimation, medical imaging algorithms, and the integration of advanced imaging techniques for clinical and neuroscience applications. His projects often involve collaborations to validate methodologies using in vivo/ex vivo experiments and super-resolution reconstruction. Dr. Zimmermann’s work aims to enhance diagnostic precision and understanding of brain physiology through innovative MRI technologies.
Val Tannen is a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in database systems, provenance analysis, and programming languages. His research focuses on data management, query languages, and systems like DBSP and ORCHESTRA. Collaborations include work with co-authors such as Zachary Ives, Susan Davidson, and Todd Green. Key research interests include provenance for databases, incremental view maintenance, and data integration. His work bridges theoretical foundations and practical applications in systems like DBSP for stream processing and ORCHESTRA for collaborative data sharing. Publications span provenance frameworks, query optimization, and distributed systems. While no awards are explicitly listed, his contributions to database theory and systems are widely recognized.
Thomas Koehler is a Rudolf Diesel Industry Fellow at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , affiliated with the Department of Radiology under the Faculty of Medicine. He leads the Focus Group on Phase Contrast Computed Tomography and collaborates with Philips Research Laboratories in Hamburg. His academic work bridges industry and academia, focusing on advanced imaging techniques. Education : Studied physics at the Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel (1989–1994), earned a Ph.D. from Philips Research Hamburg (1998). His research spans tomographic imaging, inverse problems, and iterative reconstruction algorithms for CT and phase-contrast X-ray imaging. Key contributions include advancements in helical cone-beam CT and grating-based phase-contrast imaging. Research Interests : Koehler’s work centers on tomographic imaging techniques, phase-contrast X-ray imaging, and medical diagnostics. He has pioneered innovations in dark-field chest imaging for conditions like emphysema and COVID-19 pneumonia. Collaborations with TUM’s Radiology Department drive cutting-edge iterative reconstruction methods. Labs/Teams : Leads the Phase Contrast Computed Tomography Focus Group at TUM-IAS, collaborating with industry partners like Philips. His team develops novel algorithms for medical imaging, emphasizing clinical applicability and hardware optimization.
Prof. Barbara Wohlmuth is a full professor in Numerical Mathematics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology. She leads the International Graduate School of Science and Engineering at TUM and has held professorships at Stuttgart, Darmstadt, and Berlin universities. Her research focuses on numerical simulation of partial differential equations, multiscale solvers, and coupled multi-field problems with applications in engineering. Education: Studied mathematics at TUM and Université Joseph Fourier in Grenoble, received her doctorate from TUM in 1995, and completed habilitation in Augsburg. Visiting professorships in USA, France, and Hong Kong. Research interests include discretization techniques, predictive modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering disciplines. Notable achievements: 2012 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (Germany’s highest academic honor in sciences), 2005 Sacchi-Landriani Prize. Publications emphasize advanced numerical methods in fluid dynamics, geophysics, and biomedical engineering. Active in editorial roles for international journals and scientific committees across Europe and USA. Elected member of Bavarian and European Academies of Sciences. Key contributions include: Development of robust numerical algorithms for exascale simulations Pioneering work in coupled multi-physics modeling Innovative methods for computational contact mechanics Leadership in graduate education initiatives
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ingo Viering is an Honorary Professor at TU Munich's Chair of Communications Engineering and Co-Founder/CEO of Nomor Research GmbH. He also serves as a consultant at Nokia Bell Labs. His academic role focuses on system aspects in communications, particularly in 5G networks, self-organizing networks (SON), and LTE evolution. Viering holds a PhD from the University of Ulm (2003) and a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from TU Darmstadt (1999). His research spans 5G mobility, heterogeneous networks, antenna concepts (e.g., MIMO), and cognitive radio systems. Over 50+ publications highlight his contributions to radio resource management, network slicing, and SON algorithms. Notable work includes frameworks for slice-aware resource management using AI and beamforming optimizations in 5G. His academic leadership includes guiding diploma theses in MIMO systems and antenna array concepts. Current affiliations include active teaching and research at TU Munich.
