Gerald Burgstaller is a Principal Investigator and Research Group Leader at Helmholtz Munich's Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC). His work focuses on developing innovative immunotherapeutic technologies for chronic lung diseases, particularly Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Expertise in extracellular matrix (ECM) biology Specializes in AI-driven drug discovery Develops advanced 3D/4D human disease models His research integrates phenotypic screening with deep learning methods to identify novel molecular targets. Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in: RNA delivery systems for lung diseases Multi-rater organoid detection datasets Spatial nanoparticle profiling in lungs Burgstaller leads a multidisciplinary team working on: Extracellular vesicle mechanisms in fibrosis Computational pathology analysis Medicinal chemistry approaches
Professor Kirill Bolotin is a leading researcher in quantum nanoelectronics of 2D materials at Freie Universität Berlin's Department of Physics. As Principal Investigator for Project B08 within the TRR227 research consortium, he directs the Bolotin Lab with a focus on fundamental properties of atomically thin materials and their potential applications in next-generation electronics. His research spans multiple frontiers in 2D materials science, with particular emphasis on graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Bolotin's group investigates quantum transport phenomena at ultrahigh carrier densities, develops novel strain engineering techniques to manipulate material properties, and studies excitonic physics in monolayer semiconductors. Their work combines advanced nanofabrication with low-temperature electrical measurements, optoelectronic characterization, and nanomechanical testing. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong focus on strain-engineered 2D materials, exciton physics in TMDs, and quantum transport phenomena. The group has made significant contributions to understanding how mechanical strain affects electronic properties, how excitons behave in non-uniform environments, and how to achieve ultra-high electrical fields in 2D systems. Bolotin actively mentors numerous PhD students and has built a substantial research team with expertise spanning nanofabrication, electrical transport, and optical characterization. His laboratory operates the Nanofab facility at Altensteinstraße 23a, equipped with electron beam lithography, focused ion beam systems, and various deposition and characterization tools. The Bolotin Lab maintains a dedicated cleanroom facility (Nanofab) with comprehensive nanofabrication capabilities including electron beam lithography, metal evaporation, plasma etching, and atomic force microscopy. Their measurement capabilities include cryogenic systems down to 1.5K with 12 Tesla magnets, custom photocurrent setups, and low-temperature photoluminescence/Raman systems, enabling comprehensive characterization of quantum phenomena in 2D materials.
Derek Toomre is a Professor of Cell Biology at Yale School of Medicine and Director of the YALE 'CINEMA' Laboratory (Cellular Imaging using New Microscopy Approaches). He holds primary appointments in the Department of Cell Biology and has extensive affiliations across Yale University including Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS), Cancer Signaling Networks, Diabetes Research Center, and the Yale Cancer Center. His interdisciplinary work bridges cell biology, biophysics, and advanced imaging technology. Professor Toomre earned his PhD (1996) and MS (1992) from the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on developing and applying advanced optical methods to understand polarized membrane trafficking and the spatial-temporal control of endo-exocytosis. He specializes in Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) and 4D (3D+time) multicolor spinning-disk confocal imaging to study cellular processes at the single-vesicle level. His work has significant implications for understanding cell polarity in both normal physiology and disease processes such as cancer metastasis. Analysis of Professor Toomre's recent publications (2017-2025) reveals a strong focus on membrane trafficking mechanisms, super-resolution imaging techniques, and the development of novel imaging tools. His research spans multiple disciplines including cell biology, neuroscience, oncology, and biophysics, with particular emphasis on vesicle dynamics, protein sorting, and advanced microscopy method development. He consistently publishes in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Cell, and Nature Biotechnology. Scientific Awards: Kavli Fellow (2008) - US National Academy of Sciences NIH Director New Innovator Award (2007) Professor Toomre directs the CINEMA Laboratory, which is supported by the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), various federal grants, Yale University, and private sector funding. His laboratory has implemented multicolor TIRFM instruments, 4D spinning disk confocal microscopy, and electrophysiology instrumentation to advance cellular imaging capabilities. He collaborates extensively both within Yale (particularly with Biomedical Engineering) and internationally to develop novel software for cellular analysis and computational modeling. Professor Toomre's laboratory provides students and researchers with opportunities to work at the cutting edge of cellular imaging technology, combining biological questions with advanced quantitative approaches to understand fundamental cellular processes.
Prof. Dr. Janina Kneipp is a Professor (W3) of Physical Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where she has led an active research group since 2012. She previously held positions as Assistant Professor at HU Berlin/BAM (2008-2012), Junior Researcher at BAM (2005-2008), and research appointments at Harvard Medical School, Princeton University, and Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam. Education: Dr. rer. nat. (summa cum laude), Freie Universität Berlin (2002) Undergraduate/Graduate Studies in Biology & Physics, Freie Universität Berlin (1992-1998) Research Focus: Her interdisciplinary work bridges physical chemistry and biospectroscopy, with particular emphasis on: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for complex sample analysis Plasmonic catalysis and hot electron chemistry Multiphoton-excited vibrational spectroscopy Nanoscale biochemical mapping in plant and animal systems Development of advanced plasmonic substrates Publication Trends: Recent work demonstrates strong focus on multimodal spectroscopy applications, with studies combining SERS, hyper-Raman, IR, and synchrotron techniques to address questions in catalysis, nanoparticle-cell interactions, plant biochemistry, and biosensing. Publications frequently incorporate advanced nanomaterials, electrochemical methods, and machine learning-assisted spectral analysis. Scientific Awards: Fellow, European Academy of Sciences (2020) Caroline von Humboldt Professorship (2019) Wilhelm Ostwald Fellow, BAM (2012) Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award, GDCh (2010) ERC Starting Grant (2010) Academic Leadership: Currently advises 5 PhD students and leads multiple collaborative initiatives. Serves as Board Member of Einstein Center Catalysis (since 2019), Head of Chemistry Department (2014-2016), and Speaker of Graduate School SALSA (since 2012). Secured funding through DFG, EU networks, and ERC grants supporting spectroscopy infrastructure development. Lab & Team: Leads the KneippLab research group with 2 postdoctoral researchers, 5 graduate students, and technical staff. Research focuses on developing spectroscopic methods for interrogating biological and chemical processes at nanoscale resolution using plasmonic enhancement strategies.
Prof. Maria Dienerowitz is a Professor at Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena specializing in laser technology and biophotonics. She teaches core courses including Laser Technology, Quantum Optics, and Vacuum Technology across Bachelor's and Master's programs while leading three major research initiatives: BioLOC (Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung-funded Lab-on-a-Chip system for molecular dynamics), OPTO (historical spectacle lens analysis with the German Optical Museum), and TOOLS (DFG-funded tailored optics for life sciences). Her research centers on advanced optical manipulation techniques including the ABEL trap for single-molecule studies without surface binding and holographic optical tweezers for nanoparticle control. Key focus areas encompass real-time enzyme kinetics of molecular motors like F-ATP synthase, single-molecule FRET dynamics , and nanoparticle characterization in biological contexts. This work bridges fundamental physics with biomedical applications through innovations in trapping methodology and optical instrumentation. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong continuity in optical trapping methodologies with increasing biomedical applications since 2020. Her work demonstrates consistent contributions to single-molecule biophysics (particularly molecular motor studies), nanoparticle manipulation , and optical instrumentation development , with growing emphasis on life science interfaces evident in her Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung and DFG-funded projects. Prof. Dienerowitz currently oversees a research team comprising scientific staff members working across the BioLOC, OPTO, and TOOLS projects, including Dr. Jakub Malohlava (TOOLS), Maryam Shahrezaei (BioLoc), and Frederic Braun (TOOLS). Her laboratory infrastructure supports optical trap development, nanoparticle characterization, and molecular dynamics studies through equipment funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung and German Research Foundation.
Prof. Dr. Guido Grossmann serves as Head of the Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), joining CEPLAS (Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences) in October 2020. His research program investigates biological interactions from protein-level organization to organism-level symbioses, with particular focus on plant cell dynamics and root-microbe relationships. His academic journey includes: Doctoral research with Widmar Tanner at University of Regensburg studying plasma membrane organization EMBO postdoctoral fellowship at Carnegie Institution for Science in Stanford with Wolf Frommer and David Ehrhardt Independent research group leadership at Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University (2013-2020) Grossmann's laboratory specializes in developing advanced imaging technologies for plant science, most notably pioneering the RootChip microfluidic platform that enables quantitative microscopy of metabolite dynamics in living plant roots. His research explores how biological systems develop functionalities beyond the sum of their parts, from signaling clusters of membrane proteins regulating cellular growth to root-soil microbe interactions shaping diverse microenvironments. The lab develops soil-inspired cultivation devices for high-resolution imaging of root colonization processes and investigates cell polarization, growth regulation, and intercellular communication in plant roots. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent innovation in plant imaging technologies alongside fundamental discoveries in root biology, calcium signaling, and plant stress responses. His work bridges theoretical plant biology with practical technological applications, particularly through the development of microfluidic systems that enable precise environmental control for plant studies. Key recognition: EMBO Fellow As head of his institute, Grossmann oversees research programs spanning plant metabolism, metabolomics, and advanced imaging. His mentorship philosophy emphasizes maintaining scientific curiosity while upholding rigorous research integrity. The laboratory maintains specialized facilities including the Plant Metabolism and Metabolomics Facility and Imaging Platform, supporting quantitative approaches to plant science. His current research initiatives within CEPLAS focus on optimizing plant performance through understanding development-metabolism interfaces, plant microbiota networks, and synthetic biology approaches to plant science.
Ernst HK Stelzer is a Professor at Goethe University Frankfurt, holding dual appointments in the Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience and the Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS). He serves as a Research Group Leader at BMLS and maintains an active teaching schedule for the Winter semester 2025/26. His research focuses on the intersection of physics and biology, with particular expertise in: Advanced microscopy techniques Three-dimensional cell imaging Cellular structure analysis Biophysical approaches to cell biology Professor Stelzer teaches multiple courses including Advanced Cell Biology, Methods in Cell Biology, and specialized instruction on three-dimensional cell cultures and microscopy. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels with supervision of bachelor's and master's theses. He leads a research group at the Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences where his team develops and applies advanced imaging technologies to study cellular processes. His laboratory website (http://www.physikalischebiologie.de) indicates a strong emphasis on the physical aspects of biological systems.
Diaaeldin Daghma serves as Group Leader of EdTissOmics at the Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) in Quedlinburg, Germany, within the Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops since November 2023. His research spans plant biotechnology, mutagenesis, and cell biology with particular focus on plant embryogenesis and cereal genetics. Dr. Daghma's research interests center on plant biotechnology and mutagenesis, with significant contributions to understanding barley pollen embryogenesis, Arabidopsis embryo development, and CRISPR-based genome editing techniques. His work demonstrates expertise in cellular dynamics during plant development, epigenetic regulation, and advanced microscopy techniques. Early career research included bone biology and osteoporosis models, indicating a transition toward plant-focused research in recent years. His publication record shows consistent output since 2011 with 14 documented works, featuring prominent journals in plant science and developmental biology. Recent publications (2021-2023) focus on doubled haploid barley production, CRISPR applications, and Arabidopsis embryo development, reflecting his current research trajectory in plant biotechnology. Dr. Daghma has served as a peer reviewer for Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, demonstrating active engagement in the academic community. His collaborative work with researchers like Kumlehn, Hensel, and Melzer indicates strong institutional partnerships within plant biotechnology.
Professor Marek Gorywoda is a faculty member in the Engineering Department at Hof University of Applied Sciences, where he has been teaching Materials Science since 2004. His expertise spans metallic materials, composite and functional materials, characterization of materials and surfaces, materials testing, and failure analysis. Education: PhD at Loughborough University of Technology, Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of Materials Engineering and Polymer Technology Studies at TU Clausthal in Metallurgy, with focus on Metal physics, solid state physics, technical electronics and computer science Intermediate diploma at the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Krakow in Metallurgy Professor Gorywoda's research focuses on advanced materials development and characterization, particularly in ceramic matrix composites, metallic materials, and surface engineering. His work has significant applications in aerospace, medical technology, and electronics industries. He has developed expertise in laser cladding techniques for ultra-thin materials and electromigration analysis in microelectronic components. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on ceramic matrix composites (particularly C/C-SiC), laser processing of thin materials, and electromigration in microelectronic interconnects. These research areas demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach bridging traditional materials science with advanced manufacturing and electronic applications. Professor Gorywoda actively supervises bachelor's and master's theses, with topics ranging from composite materials to metal processing and characterization techniques. He encourages students to work on externally sponsored projects with industry partners. He is responsible for the Laboratory for Microscopy and the Laboratory for Materials Testing, which are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for materials characterization and testing, including scanning electron microscopy, nanoindentation, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing systems.
Professor Johannes Steinhaus serves as both Vice-President for Research and Transfer (VP2) and Professor of Materials Science at Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, specializing in hybrid material systems and failure analysis. He is affiliated with the Department of Natural Sciences and maintains offices in both Sankt Augustin and Rheinbach campuses. His research focuses on Microplastic analysis , Failure analysis , Simulation and durability analysis of rubber components , Real-time analysis of the curing behaviour of thermoset systems , Microscopy in the characterisation of plastics , and Thermal analysis methods (DSC, DMA, TGA, TMA and DEA) in polymer development. He is a member of the German Association of Materials Science (DGM). Prof. Steinhaus teaches courses including Additive Manufacturing , Biomedical Materials , Conventional Processing Techniques , Forensic Material Trace and Damage Analysis , Polymer Analytics , Recycling of Plastics and Maritime Waste Problems , and Thermal Analysis of Plastics . His publication record spans from 2005 to 2024, with recent work focusing on microplastic pollution quantification, thermal analysis of polymers, and dental composite curing behavior. His research projects include PAExSiDur (Polymer Ageing in Experiment and Simulation), NaWETec (Sustainability in Materials and Energy Technology), and Denthart. PAExSiDur - Polymer ageing in experiment and simulation for targeted service life extension MOTTSAL - Modeling and Optimization of Transdermal Therapeutic Systems NaWETec - Sustainability in Materials and Energy Technology Denthart - Investigation of curing processes of light-curing dental filling composites Prof. Steinhaus has supervised numerous Bachelor's and Master's theses, both internally and in collaboration with industry partners. His students have worked on topics ranging from microplastic analysis to polymer recycling and dental material characterization. He also organizes professional seminars, including a biennial seminar on damage analysis and component testing of plastics in collaboration with the German Society for Materials Science.
Christoph Krafft serves as Group Leader ( Arbeitsgruppenleiter ) at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany, where he leads the Raman and IR Spectroscopic Analytics research group within the Spectroscopy/Imaging Research Department. His research program bridges physics, chemistry, and biomedical applications through advanced optical technologies. Dr. Krafft's expertise centers on vibrational spectroscopy techniques, particularly Raman and infrared methods. His research spans biomedical diagnostics (cancer detection, cellular analysis, infection mechanisms) and environmental applications (microplastic detection). He has developed innovative instrumentation including specialized Raman imaging systems, 1064 nm fiber probe spectrometers, and high-throughput screening platforms that address fluorescence interference challenges in biological samples. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strategic focus on clinical translation of spectroscopic technologies. His recent work demonstrates progression from fundamental methodology development toward practical diagnostic applications, particularly in intraoperative settings. The consistent collaboration with Jürgen Popp and international research teams across multiple disciplines highlights his position within a robust scientific network focused on advancing optical technologies for real-world challenges. Dr. Krafft actively participates in large-scale collaborative efforts, including international interlaboratory comparisons for microplastic detection standardization. His laboratory at Leibniz-IPHT maintains a dual focus on pushing technical boundaries in spectroscopic instrumentation while ensuring practical applicability in medical and environmental contexts.
Dr. Denis Akimov is a Researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany, working within the Research Department of Spectroscopy/Imaging and the Molecular Imaging working group. His email contact is denis.akimov@leibniz-ipht.de and his office is located in building HG, room S47. Dr. Akimov's research focuses on advanced optical imaging and spectroscopy techniques, with particular expertise in nonlinear optical microscopy. His work spans several key areas including coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), surface-enhanced spectroscopy, plasmonics, and ultrafast laser techniques. He has made significant contributions to the development of molecular imaging approaches for biomedical applications, especially in cancer diagnostics. Analysis of his publication record from 2015-2025 reveals a strong emphasis on plasmon-enhanced nonlinear optical techniques, particularly using specialized grating structures like azimuthally chirped gratings and plasmonic Doppler gratings. His research demonstrates how plasmonic nanostructures can enhance light-matter interactions across multiple frequencies, with applications spanning from fundamental molecular dynamics studies to practical biomedical imaging solutions. A notable trend is his focus on spatially resolved enhancement effects in nonlinear spectroscopy and the development of methods to suppress background signals for improved molecular specificity. Dr. Akimov has collaborated extensively with Jürgen Popp and other researchers at Leibniz-IPHT, contributing to numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Laser & Photonics Reviews, ACS Nano, and Nano Letters. His work bridges fundamental optical physics with practical biomedical applications, particularly in cancer diagnostics where his multimodal imaging approaches show promise for improving surgical decision-making.
Michael Schmitt is an Adjunct Professor and Scientist at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany, where he works in the Research Department of Spectroscopy and Imaging within the Molecular Imaging Group. His research focuses on advanced optical techniques for biomedical applications, with particular expertise in various forms of Raman spectroscopy and multimodal imaging systems. Dr. Schmitt's research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of photonics, biomedicine, and materials science. His work primarily focuses on developing and applying advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques including: Surface-enhanced and coherent Raman spectroscopy methods Time-resolved spectroscopic techniques for molecular analysis Multimodal imaging systems combining different optical techniques Applications in biomedical diagnostics, particularly for early disease detection Development of novel probes and contrast agents for molecular imaging His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on translating advanced optical techniques into practical biomedical applications. The research shows consistent collaboration with Professor Jürgen Popp's group at Leibniz-IPHT, with Dr. Schmitt frequently contributing expertise in spectroscopic methods and instrumentation. Key application areas include cancer diagnostics, sepsis detection, retinal imaging, and point-of-care diagnostic tools. The work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with biologists, clinicians, and materials scientists. While no specific awards are mentioned in the available information, Dr. Schmitt's publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates significant contributions to the field of biomedical photonics. Dr. Schmitt appears to be an active researcher within the Molecular Imaging Group at Leibniz-IPHT, collaborating extensively on projects involving advanced spectroscopic instrumentation. His work seems to focus on the development and application of cutting-edge optical techniques rather than direct student supervision, though he likely contributes to mentoring junior researchers within the institute. The Molecular Imaging Group at Leibniz-IPHT where Dr. Schmitt works maintains state-of-the-art facilities for optical spectroscopy and imaging, supporting research from fundamental photonics to clinical applications. The group appears particularly strong in Raman-based techniques and multimodal imaging approaches.
