Klaus Richter is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, affiliated with the Department of Functional Materials and Catalysis. His research spans materials science, catalysis, and thermodynamics. Academic Rank: Associate Professor (ao. Univ.-Prof.) Research Focus: Phase diagrams, intermetallic compounds, vapour-solid synthesis, and catalytic applications for hydrogen production Projects: Notable work on Al-Cu-X (X=Si, Zn) phase diagrams and intermetallic nanoparticle synthesis Richter’s publications emphasize sustainable energy solutions through intermetallic catalysts, with recent studies on Ni-Te and Pt-Zn nanoparticles for green hydrogen production. His work integrates computational modeling (CALPHAD) with experimental phase analysis. Key scientific awards include the APDIC Best Paper Award (2014) and JPED Editors Choice Award (2018). He actively contributes to conferences and collaborative research in intermetallic systems.
Univ. Prof. Dr. Raúl Bermejo leads the Chair of Structural and Functional Ceramics at Montanuniversität Leoben. His academic journey includes a Mechanical Engineering degree from University of Valladolid (1993-2000), doctoral studies at Technical University of Catalonia (2002-2006), and research positions at San Diego State University and Penn State University. From 2017-2019, he served as Visiting Scholar and Adjunct Professor at Pennsylvania State University. Bermejo's research focuses on: Fracture mechanics and failure analysis of brittle materials Mechanical and microstructural characterization of ceramics Environmental degradation mechanisms in structural components Development of advanced testing methods for microelectronic systems Design of hybrid ceramic systems with enhanced reliability His publications primarily investigate fracture behavior in layered ceramics, strength optimization of composites, and reliability of functional materials under mechanical/thermal stress. Major recognitions include: ERC-Consolidator Grant (2019-2024) Max Kade Research Scholarship (2017) ECERS Best Paper Prize (2007-2008) EU FP6 Research Fellowship (2006) He directs research at the Institute of Structural and Functional Ceramics and serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Ceramic Society.
Dr. Josef Schlacher serves as a Senior Scientist and PostDoc at the University of Leoben's Chair of Structural and Functional Ceramics, specializing in mechanical characterization of 2D/3D ceramic architectures. His research bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications in advanced ceramics engineering. His academic foundation includes: BSc in Materials Science (2011-2017) Dipl.-Ing. in Materials Science (2017-2019) PhD in Materials Science (2019-2024) Schlacher's research centers on additive manufacturing of ceramics, particularly alumina-based systems. He pioneers techniques for spatially tailored porosity and multi-material approaches to enhance thermal shock resistance and damage tolerance. His work investigates fracture mechanics across scales—from micro-scale toughness measurements to high-temperature failure analysis—enabling next-generation ceramic components for extreme environments. Key innovations include 3D-printed architectures with engineered microstructures that resist thermal cracking and contact damage. His publication trajectory (2020-2025) reveals a strategic focus on translating additive manufacturing capabilities into functional ceramic systems. Early work established mechanical baselines for printed alumina, while recent studies demonstrate sophisticated multi-material designs achieving unprecedented thermal shock resistance through microstructural control. This evolution highlights a deliberate progression from fundamental characterization to application-driven engineering solutions. Recognition includes: JECS Trust Young Researcher Award (2nd place, 2022) CIEC17 Poster Competition (1st prize, 2021) Fractography of Advanced Ceramics Conference (2nd place poster, 2019) As an integral member of the Ceramics Chair research team, Schlacher contributes to ERC projects and contract research initiatives while developing novel testing methodologies for ceramic architectures. His collaborative work with industry partners focuses on standardizing mechanical characterization protocols for additively manufactured ceramics.
Mathias Mehofer serves as a Lecturer at the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science (VIAS), University of Vienna, specializing in archaeometallurgical research and teaching. His institutional affiliation is clearly established through his university email domain and published teaching assignments within the archaeology department. His research focuses on Archaeometallurgy and Bronze Age metal production , with particular emphasis on copper exchange networks across Europe and the Mediterranean. His work integrates experimental archaeology with advanced material analysis techniques including lead isotope studies and metallography. Key regional interests span the Balkans, Anatolia, Cyprus, and Alpine regions, examining metallurgical transitions from the Chalcolithic through Iron Age periods. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent methodological approaches combining fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and experimental replication. His research demonstrates strong specialization in Balkan metallurgical networks , Early Bronze Age Anatolian workshops , and non-destructive analytical techniques for museum artifacts. The publications show increasing focus on supra-regional exchange systems and technological transitions in metal production. Regarding academic supervision and funding, the available materials indicate active teaching responsibilities across multiple graduate-level courses but do not specify student supervision or grant details. His institutional profile suggests integration within VIAS research teams focused on material science applications in archaeology.
Mike Burton is the Chair in Volcanology at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester . Since 2015, he has led the Geoscience Group, comprising 13 permanent academic staff, and directs a research team of 3 postdoctoral researchers, 3 PhD students, and a senior research fellow. He also serves on the School Senior Leadership Team, shaping institutional strategy and research direction. He earned a BSc in Chemical Physics from the University of Sussex in 1993 and a PhD in Atmospheric Chemistry from the University of Cambridge in 1999. His early career included postdoctoral research at Cambridge and research roles at INGV in Catania and Pisa, Italy, before returning to the UK in 2015. His research integrates volcanology , petrology , remote sensing , and gas geochemistry to improve eruption forecasting and volcanic hazard management. He uses ground-based and satellite observations, numerical modeling, and field experiments to study volcanic degassing, magma ascent, and volatile cycling. He has pioneered the use of SO2 cameras and open-path FTIR systems for real-time volcanic gas monitoring. His recent publications span mafic eruption dynamics , CO2 flux quantification , tephra microstructure , and remote sensing of volcanic plumes , often in collaboration with volcano observatories and international partners. These works reflect a consistent focus on integrating observational data with modeling to understand volcanic behavior and its environmental impact. Scientific Recognition: ERC Consolidator Grant (CO2Volc, €1.72M) NERC Large Grant (DisEqm, £3.5M) University of Manchester Researcher of the Year (2017) President, GMPV Division, European Geosciences Union (2015–2018) Fellow of the Geological Society (2016–present) Invited/keynote speaker at AGU, EGU, and other major conferences Leadership & Advisory Roles: Member, Foreign Office Scientific Advisory Committee (UK volcanism hazards) Former Chief Scientist, Stromboli Volcano Observatory (2002/03 crisis) Led INGV Catania gas monitoring team (2002–2008) External PhD examiner for Cambridge and Montreal Reviewer for Nature, Science, EPSL, JVGR, and funding agencies (NERC, NSF, EU) Research Platforms & Collaborations: He is affiliated with the Manchester Environmental Research Institute , Sustainable Futures , and Digital Futures research platforms. He maintains active collaborations with INGV (Italy), NSF (USA), and multiple European institutions, and has co-supervised joint PhD students.
Dr. Christian Hansmann is a researcher at the Institut für Holztechnologie und Nachwachsende Rohstoffe , part of the Department für Biotechnologie und Lebensmittelwissenschaften at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . With a doctorate in wood technology (2004) and graduation in timber industry (2002), he has focused on wood modification, drying processes, and sustainable material applications. Education Doctorate, BOKU Vienna (2004) Graduation in Timber Industry (2002) His research explores wood science through innovations in wood drying , chemical modification , and bio-based composites . Notable projects include supercritical CO2-assisted impregnation, thermal insulation panels from agricultural byproducts, and eco-efficient hardwood utilization. He has supervised 15 university theses, including studies on wood laminates and bark beetle control. Recent publications highlight his work on wood modification techniques , with 15 articles from 2005–2025 covering topics like hydrophobic wood surfaces , dimensional stability , and flame-retardant treatments . Key methods include UV microscopy, siloxane treatments, and adhesive bonding analysis. Scientific Awards: tecnet Call 2009 'Eco-efficient Products' 1st Prize (2010) Dr. Wolfgang Houska Recognition Award (2009) Schweighofer Innovation Prize (2009) He has delivered 57 lectures across 15 countries, including presentations at SWST International Conventions and European Wood Modification Conferences . As a reviewer for journals like Wood Science and Technology and European Journal of Wood Products , he contributes to quality control in his field.
Dr. Peter Hietz is a Professor at the Institute of Botany , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), with 30+ years of research experience in plant ecophysiology and tropical forest ecology. His work bridges tree physiology with ecosystem-level responses to global change, focusing on xylem function, water relations, and functional traits across diverse biomes. Current projects: DigitalRainforest (LIDAR analysis), Alpine Trait Plasticity , and Light-Guiding Foils research Institutional roles: Former Head of Department (2021-2023), Scientific Committee Deputy for La Gamba Field Station Research spans plant water relations , wood biology , and epiphyte ecology , with significant contributions to understanding climate change impacts on tropical and alpine ecosystems. His work integrates anatomical, physiological, and ecological approaches to study tree responses to drought, salinity, and forest regeneration dynamics. Recent publications emphasize trait-based forest ecology , showing how microscale wood anatomy connects to macroscale carbon cycling. Key findings include mechanisms of xylem repair, neighborhood effects on tropical tree growth, and global patterns in wood density drivers. Scientific awards: 2005 Förderungspreis der Stiftung '120 Jahre BOKU' Supervised 20+ theses on topics ranging from urban green infrastructure to tropical forest regeneration Community engagement: Active member of scientific committees (2005-present), organizer of international symposia, and recurring participant in conferences across Austria, France, Colombia, and Indonesia . Serves on editorial panels for tropical ecology and plant physiology journals.
Dr. Stefan Schwarzmüller is a Research Associate at the University of Innsbruck , affiliated with the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy and the Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry . He works under the supervision of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hubert Huppertz, focusing on structure-property relationships in solid-state materials. Education : PhD in Chemistry (2019), Leipzig University Master in Chemistry (2014), LMU Munich Bachelor in Chemistry and Biochemistry (2011), LMU Munich ERASMUS exchange at Uppsala University (2012-2013) His research explores how crystal structure features and micro-/nanostructures influence material properties like thermal, ionic, and electrical conductivity. He specializes in in-situ measurements under external stimuli (temperature/pressure) and high-pressure synthesis of materials including LiMoS 2 and borates. Recent publications highlight trends in high-pressure synthesis , thermoelectric materials , and ionic conductivity in complex tellurides and borates. Collaborations span institutions like Northwestern University and Leipzig University. Scientific Awards : 2019: Friedrich Rinne Award for PhD thesis 2014: Römer Award for Master thesis He has presented at international venues including Obergurgl Seminars and the German Crystallographic Society. Funding includes a DFG PostDoc Scholarship (2022-2023) and a Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes scholarship (2015-2018).
Paul Peter Hager serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at the University of Vienna, where he teaches courses including Linear Algebra and Applied Optimization. Previously, he held a junior research group leader position at Technische Universität Berlin. His research centers on: Mathematical Finance Machine Learning Stochastic Control Mean-Field Games Fractional Processes Gaussian Multiplicative Chaos Volatility Modeling Hager pioneers applications of rough path signatures in financial mathematics, developing novel frameworks for stochastic control and calibration problems. His work bridges theoretical probability with practical machine learning implementations, particularly in volatility modeling using fractional processes and log-correlated fields. Recent publications reveal a dominant trend in signature-based methods for optimal stopping and mean-field games, with significant contributions to fractional Brownian motion theory. His collaborative work with leading researchers like Peter Friz and Christian Bayer consistently targets high-impact journals in applied probability and financial mathematics. Dr. Hager maintains active research collaborations and has delivered invited talks at institutions including KAUST, focusing on computational implementations of signature methods in finance.
Jürgen Eckert is a Professor and Director at the Erich Schmid Institute of Materials Science of the OAW and holds the Chair of Materials Physics at the University of Leoben . He is a Corresponding Member of the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in Austria since 2017. His research spans Materials Science , Condensed Matter Physics , and Metallurgy , focusing on metallic glasses , high-entropy alloys , microstructure engineering , and additive manufacturing . He has pioneered work on crystallization kinetics , phase transformations , and mechanical property optimization . Recent publications (2024-2025) highlight advances in 3D-printed titanium alloys , nitrogen-stabilized nanocrystalline alloys , and multi-stage heterostructures , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach combining experimental physics , computational modeling , and materials engineering . THERMEC 2023 Distinguished Award Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz-Preis (2009) ERC-Advanced Grant (2013) DGM-Preis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Materialkunde (2014) Dr. honoris causa, Slovak Technical University (2018) He leads the ERC Project INTELHYB and collaborates with institutions in India , Germany , and Europe , advancing heterogeneous materials design and sustainable metallurgical solutions .
Franz Wotawa is a Professor of Software Engineering at Graz University of Technology. He holds a M.Sc. (1994) and PhD (1996) from Vienna University of Technology. He has served as head of the Institute for Software Technology from 2003–2009 and since 2020. His research focuses on model-based reasoning, software testing, autonomous systems, and diagnosis, with over 390 peer-reviewed publications. He founded Softnet Austria (2006) to bridge research and industry. He leads the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Quality Assurance Methodologies for Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems since 2017 and has supervised 90+ master and 36+ PhD students. His awards include the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Diagnosis Community. He is a member of Academia Europaea, IEEE, and AAAI. **Education**: M.Sc. in Computer Science, Vienna University of Technology, 1994 PhD, Vienna University of Technology, 1996 **Research Interests**: Model-based reasoning, qualitative reasoning, theorem proving, mobile robotics, verification/validation, software testing/debugging, AI, and autonomous systems. **Notable Projects**: A-IQ Ready (2022–2026): Quantum sensing for autonomous systems. ALFA (2024–2027): AI for smart diagnosis in building automation. Bilateral AI (2024–2029): Combining symbolic and sub-symbolic AI. VARCOS (2025–2028): Vehicle-road cooperative systems for autonomous driving. **Awards & Memberships**: Lifetime Achievement Award (2016, International Diagnosis Community) Senior Member, AAAI Member of Academia Europaea, IEEE, ACM, and Austrian Computer Society **Labs/Teams**: Christian Doppler Laboratory for Quality Assurance Methodologies (since 2017). Active in Cluster of Excellence “Bilateral AI” at TU Graz.
Johann Kastner is a Professor at Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, leading the Research Center Wels Computed Tomography R&D-Headquarters. He is affiliated with Centers of Excellence in Automotive/Mobility, Energy, and Smart Production. His research focuses on advanced materials characterization using X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), with applications in non-destructive testing, composite materials, and biomedical engineering. Key research areas include porosity analysis in carbon fiber reinforced polymers, phase contrast imaging, and additive manufacturing. He has led over 10 projects, including the EU-funded xCTing initiative (2021–2025) and the X-PRO project (2020–2024), emphasizing industrial CT applications and cross-virtuality data analysis. His work spans 335+ publications, with notable contributions to XCT-based defect detection, material microstructure analysis, and AI-driven image segmentation. Collaborations include COMET K Projects and FTI-Structurförderung grants. He has advised 2 PhD students and actively participates in international conferences and workshops. Laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art XCT systems for 3D microstructural analysis, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry, and augmented reality visualization tools for industrial applications.
Paul Eisenberg is an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Statistics and Mathematics at Vienna University of Economics and Business. He holds a doctorate in Mathematics and has held positions at the University of Liverpool, Vienna University of Technology, and Technical University of Dortmund. His research focuses on probability theory and financial mathematics, particularly stochastic processes, term structure modeling, and applications to financial markets. He teaches courses in Probability, Quantitative Methods, and Business Mathematics. Research outputs concentrate on stochastic processes in finance, including term structure modeling, stochastic optimization, market microstructure, and applications to cryptocurrency markets. Recent work shows emphasis on regime-switching models and high-dimensional stochastic systems.
Malina Seyffertitz is a University Assistant and PhD candidate at the Department of Physics, Montanuniversität Leoben. Her research focuses on the role of water in electric double-layer formation for supercapacitors, employing advanced in-situ scattering techniques like SAXS and SANS at large-scale facilities. She also investigates nanoporous materials synthesis and science communication. Education: PhD candidate since 2021, M.Sc. in Materials Science (2020), B.Sc. in Materials Science (2018), and high school diploma (2015). Research Interests: Electrochemistry, energy storage materials, neutron/X-ray scattering, and nanoporous carbon characterization. Her work bridges fundamental physics with applied materials science, addressing challenges in sustainable energy and environmental technologies. Awards: NESY '24 Young Scientist Award (2024), Otto Kratky Award (2022), Best Poster Prize at ÖPG Annual Meeting (2022), and recognition at Faraday Discussions and Gordon Conferences. Teaching: Instructs Physics courses (STEM-Physics, Physics 1 VU, Physics 2 VU) and actively engages in science outreach, including the Nova Rock Festival's 'Montanuniversität Wissens-Line-Up' (2023). Labs & Groups: Associated with SyNergy_Mat Lab, SPMGroup, and 2D_Mat_Lab. Collaborates on projects like the 'Condensed Matter Physics and Chemistry (CMPC)' initiative and beamtime at ILL (Grenoble), DESY (Hamburg), and ELETTRA (Trieste).
Jan Hanousek is a Professor of Economics at CERGE-EI (joint institution of Charles University and Czech Academy of Sciences) and Senior Researcher at the Economics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences. His academic career spans over three decades, including visiting positions at Princeton University and University of Michigan . He holds a PhD in Statistics and undergraduate degree in Probability Theory from Charles University. Research Focus : Applied econometrics, corporate finance, public finance, and transition economies Teaching : Statistics, econometrics, and applied economics Key Awards : 2014/2015 Katherine Terrell teaching award; 2009 Czech Science Foundation's Presidential Award His publications in top journals like Journal of Economic Literature and Journal of Corporate Finance focus on corruption, FDI spillovers, privatization effects, and financial markets in emerging economies. His work has been featured on CEPR's Policy Portal VOX . Scientific Awards : 2014/2015 Education price (Jan Svejnar & Katherine Terrell teaching price at CERGE-EI) 2009 Czech Science Foundation's Presidential Award for research on Czech corporate efficiency
