Harvey B. Meyer is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2014. Previously, he held positions including Junior Professor at Mainz (2010), Fellow at CERN's Theoretical Physics Division (2009), Research Scientist at MIT (2008), and postdoctoral roles at MIT (2006-2008) and DESY (2004-2006). He earned his D.Phil. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Oxford (2001-2004) and a Diplome de Physique from the University of Lausanne (1996-2001). His research focuses on lattice field theory, QCD phase diagrams, thermal field theory, and hadron structure. He leads the NEPhEuQCD collaboration and has received the ERC Consolidator Grant (2018) for the SIMDAMA project. Meyer teaches courses in theoretical physics and mathematical methods at Mainz, including 'Theoretische Physik 4' and 'Mathematische Rechenmethoden'. His work integrates advanced computational techniques to address fundamental questions in particle and nuclear physics. Key achievements include pioneering studies on the muon's anomalous magnetic moment, hadronic light-by-light scattering, and quark-gluon plasma dynamics. Collaborations include MIT, CERN, and institutions globally through lattice QCD projects. His lab and team contributions are central to the PRISMA+ Cluster of Excellence at Mainz.
Michael Knap is an Associate Professor of Collective Quantum Dynamics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the Department of Physics at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research group focuses on condensed matter theory, quantum many-body systems, and quantum simulation. Knap holds office in room 5101.01.037 at James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748 Garching b. München, and can be reached at michael.knap@ph.tum.de or +49 (89) 289 - 53777. Prof. Knap's research delves into the rich physics of quantum many-body systems, particularly exploring non-equilibrium dynamics and transport phenomena in ultracold quantum gases, interacting light-matter systems, and correlated quantum materials. His work spans multiple subfields including topological phases of matter, quantum simulation with trapped ions, fracton physics, and quantum computation. He develops novel numerical approaches based on quantum information theory and utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to tackle challenging problems in condensed matter physics. His group's research connects fundamental theoretical questions with experimental implementations in quantum simulators. The analysis of Prof. Knap's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on topological quantum matter, quantum simulation, and emergent phenomena in constrained quantum systems. His work frequently bridges condensed matter theory with quantum information science, as evidenced by publications on fracton hydrodynamics, higher-form symmetries, and quantum error correction. There's a clear progression toward increasingly complex quantum systems and connections to experimental implementations on quantum processors. His research shows significant interdisciplinary reach, connecting condensed matter physics with quantum computing and quantum information theory. ERC Consolidator Grant (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2019) Supervisory Award, TUM Department of Physics (2018) Promotio sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae, Austria (2013) Prof. Knap has established a robust research program supported by prestigious European Research Council grants. His group actively collaborates with both theoretical and experimental groups worldwide, particularly in the quantum simulation community. He has supervised numerous students through Master's Seminars on Collective Quantum Dynamics covering topics like quantum simulation with trapped ions and theoretical quantum computation. His research has received significant attention, with several publications featured as Editors' suggestions and Research Highlights in leading journals. The Collective Quantum Dynamics group maintains strong connections with experimental quantum simulation efforts, particularly in the areas of ultracold atoms and trapped ion systems. Knap's theoretical work often provides frameworks for interpreting experimental results in quantum simulators, creating a productive feedback loop between theory and experiment. His group participates in collaborative research networks focused on advancing quantum simulation capabilities and understanding fundamental aspects of quantum many-body physics.
Prof. Dr. Michael Klasen is a leading theoretical physicist at the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Münster, where he heads his eponymous research group. His work bridges nuclear and particle physics, with significant contributions to quantum chromodynamics and physics beyond the Standard Model. His research focuses on Particle Physics , Quantum Chromodynamics , and Physics beyond the Standard Model , with particular emphasis on understanding the quark-gluon structure of atomic nuclei and dark matter phenomena. His innovative approach connects microscopic quark-gluon dynamics with nuclear binding phenomena, creating a crucial bridge between nuclear and particle physics. Prof. Klasen's recent work analyzing nucleon binding at the quark-gluon level was recognized as a "Breakthrough of the Year 2024" by Physics World. His research group's publication in Physical Review Letters demonstrated how quarks and gluons behave differently in nucleon pairs than in free nucleons, fundamentally advancing our understanding of nuclear binding. Breakthrough of the Year 2024 from Physics World Leadership of Research Training Group 2149 "Strong and weak interactions - from hadrons to dark matter" Supervision of award-winning doctoral research including the Infineon Dissertation Prize 2025 Prof. Klasen has successfully mentored numerous PhD students, with 20 of his group's graduates continuing their academic careers at prestigious institutions including CERN and Stanford University. His research has been supported by major funding bodies including the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Helmholtz Alliance for Astroparticle Physics, and BMBF collaborative research programs. The Klasen working group maintains active collaborations with international research networks including CTEQ, DM@NLO, and RESUMMINO.
Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the SciencesGermany
Alexey Bufetov is a Professor at Leipzig University, holding an ERC Starting Grant for his research in Integrable Probability (2022-2027). Previously, he served as a W2-Professor ("Bonn Junior Fellow") at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics (2018-2021) and as a CLE Moore Instructor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2015-2018). His research centers on Probability Theory , with deep connections to Mathematical Physics and Combinatorics . Key areas include integrable probability, stochastic particle systems (ASEP/TASEP), random tilings, Schur generating functions, and representation-theoretic aspects of probability. His work often bridges abstract mathematical structures with physical models from statistical mechanics. Bufetov's recent publications reveal a strong focus on integrable systems and asymptotic analysis , particularly exploring connections between Mallows measures, vertex models, and random matrix theory. His 2025 work on Aztec diamond domino tilings exemplifies his signature approach combining combinatorial structures with probabilistic methods. His primary recognition is the ERC Starting Grant "Integrable Probability" (2022-2027), supporting his cutting-edge research program. Bufetov has maintained a prolific collaborative network, frequently publishing with leading researchers including Alexei Borodin, Vadim Gorin, Leonid Petrov, and Kailun Chen. His work appears in top journals such as Advances in Mathematics , Duke Mathematical Journal , and Communications in Mathematical Physics .
Ron Peled is a Full Professor in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Tel Aviv University , currently on leave to serve as the Brin Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Maryland starting summer 2024. During 2022–2024 he was a Member at Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study . Education & Career: While explicit degrees are not listed, his trajectory shows appointments at NYU (2009–2010), UC Berkeley and Tel Aviv University as a teaching assistant, followed by faculty positions culminating in full professorship. Research Interests: His work lies at the intersection of probability theory, statistical physics, and combinatorics . Key themes include: Disordered systems and random environments (random-field Ising, spin glasses) First-passage percolation and random metrics Random surfaces and height functions Loop models and critical phenomena Random matrices and band matrices Geometric probability and allocation problems Publications & Impact: With over 70 papers in top journals such as Annals of Mathematics , Annals of Probability , Inventiones Mathematicae , and Communications in Mathematical Physics , his recent work explores minimal surfaces in random environments, localization in random band matrices, and quantitative disorder effects in low-dimensional spin systems. Grants & Awards: Research has been continuously funded by: Israel Science Foundation (grants 1048/11, 861/15, 1971/19, 2340/23) ERC Starting Grant LocalOrder ERC Consolidator Grant Transitions Marie Skłodowska-Curie International Reintegration Grant SPTRF Teaching & Mentoring: Prof. Peled has taught a broad spectrum of courses at Tel Aviv University (Brownian motion, probability, percolation, random matrices, stochastic calculus) and NYU (combinatorics, discrete mathematics). He has supervised 13 post-doctoral fellows and 8 graduate students (PhD & MSc) to date. Service & Outreach: He co-organizes the Joint Israeli Probability Seminar and has organized numerous international workshops and conferences including at Oberwolfach, Technion, and Tel Aviv University.
Max Planck Institute for Gravitational PhysicsGermany
Bruce Allen is the Director of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Hannover, Germany, where he also heads the Observational Relativity and Cosmology department. He holds dual academic appointments as Honorary Professor of Physics at Leibniz Universität Hannover and Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. His career spans over three decades in gravitational physics research, with a leadership role in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration from 1997 to 2018. Dr. Allen's research focuses on gravitational wave detection and data analysis, early universe cosmology, de Sitter space, curved-space quantum field theory, cosmic strings, inflationary models of the early universe, and gravitational radiation emission by cosmic strings. His work extends to large-scale cluster computing and public distributed computing projects like Einstein@Home, which has led to significant discoveries in gravitational wave astronomy. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in pulsar timing arrays, Hellings-Downs correlation analysis, and optimization of computational methods for gravitational wave detection. Allen's scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Richard A. Isaacson Award (2020), the Bruno Rossi Prize (2017), the Princess of Asturias Award (2017), and the Special Breakthrough Prize (2016), all shared with the LIGO team for groundbreaking gravitational wave discoveries. He is also an Elected Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the Institute of Physics, UK. As a research leader, Allen has secured approximately $10 million in research funding from the National Science Foundation (1987-2018) and has mentored numerous students and researchers in gravitational physics. His work on Einstein@Home has engaged the public in scientific discovery through distributed computing, leading to several important astrophysical findings including gamma-ray pulsar discoveries.
Antonio Vairo is a full Professor at the Department of Physics, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, where he holds the Chair of Theoretical Physics - Applied Quantum Field Theory (T39) at the James-Franck-Str. 1/I campus in Garching bei München. His research focuses on the theoretical foundations of quantum chromodynamics with emphasis on heavy quark systems and non-perturbative phenomena. Professor Vairo's primary research interests include Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), Heavy Quark Physics, Lattice Gauge Theory, Effective Field Theories, and Exotic Hadron Spectroscopy. His work bridges computational approaches with analytical frameworks to investigate quarkonium dynamics in extreme environments like the quark-gluon plasma, while developing novel applications of Born-Oppenheimer effective theory to multi-quark systems. Recent investigations extend into dark matter bound state formation in the early universe, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach across particle physics and cosmology. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) quarkonium suppression mechanisms in heavy-ion collisions using open quantum systems approaches, (2) high-precision lattice QCD computations of static forces and chromoelectric correlators, and (3) systematic development of effective field theories for exotic hadrons and dark matter pairs. His work on pNRQCD (potential non-relativistic QCD) provides critical connections between lattice results and experimental observables in heavy-ion physics. Professor Vairo maintains active research leadership through collaborations with international groups including the Belle II experiment, as evidenced by his contributions to 'The Belle II Physics Book'. His methodological innovations in applying quantum trajectory methods to quarkonium evolution and developing FeynOnium computational tools for effective field theories demonstrate significant technical contributions to the field. Current research directions emphasize next-to-leading order corrections in heavy quark dynamics and Debye mass effects in dark matter bound state formation.
Professor Jörn Steuding holds the Professorship for Number Theory at the University of Würzburg since 2006, where he is affiliated with the Institute of Mathematics within the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. His academic career includes a Ramon y Cajal research position at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (2004-2006), postdoctoral work at the University of Frankfurt under Professors W. Schwarz and J. Wolfart (1999-2004), and completion of his habilitation at Frankfurt in 2004. His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Hannover in 1999 under Prof. G.J. Rieger, where he also served as an assistant from 1996-1999, and undergraduate studies in mathematics at Hannover from 1991-1995. Professor Steuding's research spans multiple areas of number theory, with particular focus on Zeta and L-functions (including zero distribution, universality properties, and connections to Random Matrix Theory), Diophantine analysis (covering approximation theory, equations, and the abc conjecture), elliptic curves and modular forms , algebraic number theory (including arithmetically equivalent fields), and elementary number theory with applications to primality testing and factorization. His work often bridges theoretical foundations with historical perspectives, as evidenced by his research on the Hurwitz brothers' contributions to complex continued fractions. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to leading journals in number theory, with research trends showing evolution from foundational work on Riemann zeta function zeros to broader investigations of L-functions in the Selberg class, Diophantine problems over quadratic fields, and historical aspects of number theory. His publications appear in prestigious journals including Mathematische Annalen, Acta Arithmetica, and the Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society. Professor Steuding has authored significant monographs including Diophantine Analysis (CRC Press/Chapman-Hall, 2005), Value distribution of L-functions (Springer Lecture Notes in Mathematics 1877, 2007), and Elementary Number Theory: A Gentle Introduction to Higher Mathematics (Springer Spektrum, 2015, co-authored with N. Oswald). He serves as the Erasmus Coordinator for his department alongside Dr. Jens Jordan, facilitating international academic exchanges. His research collaborations span multiple institutions, with notable co-authors including N. Oswald, M. Technau, H. Nagoshi, and L. Pankowski. Professor Steuding leads the Number Theory team at the University of Würzburg, maintaining an active research group focused on contemporary problems in analytic and algebraic number theory. His work continues to explore connections between classical number theory and modern mathematical physics through Random Matrix Theory applications.
Prof. Dr. Sven Höfling is the Head of Chair and leader of the '2D Materials' Group at the Department of Technical Physics, University of Würzburg. His research focuses on semiconductor nanostructures, photonic systems, and quantum materials, with expertise in low-dimensional systems and light-matter interactions. He leads projects in the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat and collaborates on EU, DFG, and industry-funded initiatives in quantum technology and nanophotonics. Affiliations: Chair of Technical Physics, University of Würzburg Address: Am Hubland, P1 Building (Room AU26), 97074 Würzburg, Germany Research highlights include topological polariton lasers, quantum dot photonics, and mid-infrared optoelectronics. His work spans experimental physics with strong ties to theoretical models, emphasizing applications in quantum computing and optoelectronic devices. Recent advances include room-temperature polariton lasers and strain-tunable single-photon sources. Key projects include the Würzburg-Wroclaw Nanophotonics Center and collaborations with KAIST-JMU on quantum technology. His lab employs advanced fabrication techniques like circular Bragg gratings and resonant tunneling diodes.
Professor Barak Weiss is a distinguished faculty member in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Exact Sciences. His research focuses on the intersection of dynamical systems, number theory, and geometry, particularly in the areas of homogeneous dynamics, ergodic theory, and Diophantine approximation. Professor Weiss has made significant contributions to the understanding of translation surfaces, lattice orbits, and the dynamics of flows on homogeneous spaces. His work often bridges pure mathematics with applications in number theory and geometry, revealing profound connections between seemingly disparate fields. His research on horocycle dynamics, measure rigidity for fractal carpets, and the classification of cut-and-project sets has advanced our understanding of geometric structures and their dynamical properties. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on equidistribution phenomena, statistical properties of dynamical systems, and the application of homogeneous dynamics to problems in geometric number theory. A notable trend in his work is the interplay between geometric structures and their arithmetic properties, particularly in the context of Diophantine approximation. Professor Weiss actively organizes the "Homogeneous Dynamics and Applications" seminar at Tel Aviv University, which has been running continuously since at least 2014 with detailed schedules available through 2025. This seminar serves as a hub for cutting-edge research discussions, featuring both local and international speakers working on dynamical systems and related areas. He teaches advanced courses in analysis and supervises graduate students, with recent teaching assignments including Real Analysis for summer semester 2025. His office is located in Schreiber building, room 329, and his regular office hours are Tuesdays from 15:00-16:00.
Olaf Kaczmarek is a researcher at the Faculty of Physics , Bielefeld University , specializing in Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and Strongly Interacting Matter . He leads projects related to QCD thermodynamics , quark-gluon plasma , and heavy quark transport . Principal Investigator in TRR 211/2 Subproject A06: Hadronic Excitations and Spectral Functions in the Medium (2025) Co-PI in TRR 211/2 Subproject Z02: Software Development Center (2025) Contributor to GPUHEP2014 and LATTICE2024 symposia Research Focus: Thermal QCD phase transitions, heavy quark diffusion , transport coefficients , lattice simulations , and quarkonium spectroscopy . His work bridges theoretical physics and high-performance computing , particularly in Multigpu Systems for QCD calculations. Recent Publications explore topics like the chiral crossover , spatial string tension , and thermal photon production , with keywords spanning Quantum Chromodynamics , Lattice Gauge Theory , and High Temperature Physics . Teaching: Offers courses in Lattice Field Theory , GPU Computing , and Gradient Flow for graduate students. Contributes to collaborative seminars in the CRC-TR211: Strong-interaction matter under extreme conditions .
Anna Sanpera Trigueros is a Research Professor at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and affiliated with the Department of Physics. Since 2005, she has been an ICREA research professor, contributing to quantum information theory and related fields. Education: PhD in Physics from UAB (1992) Postdoctoral Experience: Oxford University, CEA-Saclay, Leibniz University Her research spans Quantum Information , focusing on: Entanglement theory Quantum phase transitions Quantum neural networks Open quantum systems Recent publications highlight trends in quantum simulation, multi-partite entanglement, and hybrid quantum technologies. Key keywords include Quantum Information , Condensed Matter , and Quantum Optics . She actively engages in science popularization and education, mentoring PhD, master's, and TFG students. Her work intersects theoretical physics, quantum computing, and experimental validation through collaborations.
Hao Liu is a researcher affiliated with institutions like Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beihang University , and Stanford University . His work spans Computer Science , Artificial Intelligence , and Robotics . Key affiliations: National Space Science Center (Beijing), School of Astronautics (Beihang), Key Laboratory of Pervasive Computing (Tsinghua) Research interests include Machine Learning , Image Processing , Graph Neural Networks , and Wireless Communication Optimization His recent publications focus on: Advanced control systems for fuzzy models Medical imaging via hyperspectral analysis Transformer-based approaches in NLP and vision Quantum-safe and edge computing protocols
Prof. Dr. Michael Horn-von Hoegen is a full professor in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Duisburg-Essen , Germany. His research focuses on ultrafast structural dynamics , surface physics , and 2D materials , particularly using electron diffraction and plasmonic imaging techniques. He leads the Horn-von Hoegen Group , which plays a central role in the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1242 Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Condensed Matter in the Time Domain , where his team investigates driven phase transitions and phonon systems with sub-femtosecond temporal resolution. Location: Office Window MF260, Faculty of Physics, Lotharstr. 1-21, 47057 Duisburg Contact: Tel. +49 (203) 379 1439 | Fax +49 (203) 379 1555 His research spans ultrafast electron diffraction of photo-induced phase transitions in atomic wires and topological materials , with recent breakthroughs on Kibble-Zurek dynamics in the Si(001) surface and chiral plasmon polaritons . The group’s 15 most recent publications (2025-2022) address phenomena such as negative thermal expansion in 2D materials , electron-phonon coupling in Pb/Si heterostructures , and quantum pathway analysis in Bismuth films . These works are categorized under disciplines like Condensed Matter Physics , Nanooptics , and Ultrafast Dynamics , with subfields including Ising Model Transitions , Plasmon Focusing , and Time-Resolved Diffraction . Prof. Horn-von Hoegen serves as DFG Liaison Officer for the University of Duisburg-Essen, providing guidance on Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) proposals . His group has mentored notable researchers including Dr. Simon Sindermann (postdoc at IBM), Dr. Anja Hanisch-Blicharski (Leopoldina Fellow), Dr. Hichem Hattab (Leopoldina Fellowship), and Dr. Marin Petrovic (Humboldt Fellow). The group’s laboratory facilities include advanced ultrafast electron diffraction and photoemission microscopy systems, enabling studies of atomic-scale processes such as molecular dynamics simulations of laser-excited surfaces and domain wall motion in Si(553)-Au systems .
Annabelle Bohrdt is a Professor at the University of Regensburg's Faculty of Physics, affiliated with the Institute of Theoretical Physics. Her research focuses on strongly interacting quantum many-body systems, combining numerical methods, quantum simulation experiments, and machine learning techniques like neural networks. She explores topics such as the Fermi-Hubbard model, t-J model, and stripe formation in doped antiferromagnets. Her work bridges theoretical models and experiments, leveraging quantum gas microscopy and interpretable machine learning tools. Notable contributions include studies on pairing mechanisms in bilayer antiferromagnetic Mott insulators and the role of fluctuations in quantum many-body systems. Bohrdt actively collaborates with experimental groups to validate theoretical predictions. Teaching includes specialized courses on numerical methods for quantum many-body systems and machine learning applications in physics. She advises graduate and undergraduate students on projects in quantum matter and computational physics.
