Prof. Dr. Steffen Marburg is a Full Professor at the Chair of Acoustics of Mobile Systems within the TUM School of Engineering and Design at the Technical University of Munich. His research focuses on numerical methods in vibroacoustics, structural optimization, and acoustic modeling for applications in automotive, maritime, and musical instrument domains. Education: PhD from Technical University of Dresden (1998). Academic Career: Junior Professor at TU Dresden (2004), Chair of Technical Dynamics at University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich (2010), Full Professor at TUM (2015–present). Editorial Roles: Co-Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Theoretical and Computational Acoustics, Associate Editor of Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Editor of Acoustics Australia and Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing. His research integrates computational acoustics, boundary element methods, and machine learning to address noise control and structural optimization challenges. Recent work explores acoustic metamaterials, viscothermal losses, and data-driven modeling. He has co-authored over 150 publications and led advancements in multifrequency solution methods and noise-insulating structures. Scientific awards include the Innovation Award of the Industrieclub Sachsen e.V. (1999). His editorial contributions and leadership in journals highlight his influence in computational acoustics and structural dynamics.
Prof. Nicolas Perkowski is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Freie Universität Berlin, specializing in Stochastic Analysis and Probability Theory. He holds roles such as Vice Spokesperson of DFG CRC/TRR 388 (since 2024) and Chair of the Master of Mathematics Examination Board. His research focuses on stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs), rough paths, and applications in mathematical physics. Notable contributions include work on singular SPDEs, fractional processes, and the KPZ equation. Perkowski has authored/co-authored numerous publications in top journals like the Annals of Probability and Communications in Mathematical Physics, and he serves as an associate editor for several journals. His institutional responsibilities include leadership in research collaborations and academic governance. Education: PhD and diploma in stochastic population models (details not explicitly provided in text). Research Interests: Stochastic Analysis, Probability Theory, SPDEs, Mathematical Physics, Nonlinear Filtering. Recent Articles: Focus on fractional processes, SPDEs with singular terminal conditions, and stochastic sewing lemmas. His work bridges theoretical probability with applications in physics and engineering, with a strong emphasis on rigorous mathematical frameworks for complex stochastic systems.
Anna Levina is an Assistant Professor for Computational Neuroscience at the University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Department of Computer Science under the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the self-organization of neuronal activity, critical dynamics in neural networks, and the excitation/inhibition balance in cortical circuits. Current positions: Assistant Professor (since 2018), Group Leader (2017-2018), Equality Officer (Computer Science) Previous roles: IST Fellow (2015-2017), Associated Researcher (2011-2015), Postdoc/PI (2011-2015), Postdoc (2008-2011) Her research integrates mathematical modeling , statistical physics , and computational neuroscience to study criticality phenomena, neural avalanches, and adaptive network dynamics. Key interests include: Self-organized criticality in neural systems Excitation/Inhibition balance mechanisms Network topology and dynamics Timescale analysis in neural processing Stochastic modeling of neural activity Recent publications reveal trends in understanding critical dynamics across biological and artificial networks, with applications to memory systems, sensorimotor integration, and disease modeling. She has received recognition as an IST Fellow .
Markus Reichstein is a Professor for Global Geoecology at Friedrich Schiller University (FSU) Jena and Director of the Biogeochemical Integration Department at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. His research focuses on ecosystem responses to climate variability, climate extremes, and the application of AI in Earth system science. He holds a PhD in Plant Ecology from the University of Bayreuth and has pioneered interdisciplinary approaches combining machine learning with environmental modeling. Key roles include leadership in the Michael-Stifel-Center Jena for Data-driven and Simulation Science and founding director of the ELLIS Unit Jena. He contributed to the IPCC Special Report on Climate Extremes and has received prestigious awards such as the Leibniz Prize. His work bridges ecology, hydrology, and atmospheric science, addressing critical global challenges like carbon cycle feedbacks and ecosystem resilience. Recent research emphasizes AI-driven early warning systems for climate risks, integrating observational data with mechanistic models. His team explores land-atmosphere interactions, soil-vegetation dynamics, and the impacts of climate extremes on societal systems. Notable projects include GartenDiv, a citizen science initiative for garden biodiversity, and advancements in global water cycle modeling using hybrid AI-physics frameworks. Awards include the Piers J. Sellers Award (2018), ERC Synergy Grant (2019), and Leibniz Prize (2020). He collaborates with international networks like ELLIS and Future Earth, advancing data-driven solutions for sustainability science.
Sarah Köster is a Full Professor at the University of Göttingen’s Institute for Cellular and Molecular Physiology of the Brain. She earned her PhD from the University of Göttingen under Prof. Stephan Herminghaus and completed postdoctoral research at Harvard University with Prof. David Weitz. Her career includes appointments as Junior Professor (2008-2011), Associate Professor (2011-2017), and Full Professor (since 2017). Research focuses on cellular biophysics, particularly cytoskeletal mechanics and intermediate filament dynamics. Key investigations include keratin plasticity, vimentin network mechanics, cytoskeletal crosstalk, and DNA organization during cell division. Her publications demonstrate expertise in nanoscale biomechanics, utilizing techniques like nanoindentation, X-ray diffraction, and advanced microscopy to probe cellular structures. Recent work emphasizes multiscale mechanical properties of cytoskeletal networks and their functional implications.
Prof. Stefan Eisebitt is a Director at the Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik und Kurzzeitspektroskopie and holds a Professorship in Experimental Physics at the Technische Universität Berlin. His research focuses on ultrafast magnetization dynamics, nanoscale structure analysis, and novel imaging techniques using coherent XUV/X-ray spectroscopy. He leads the Transient Electronic Structure and Nanoscience group and is involved in cutting-edge projects involving femtosecond laser-driven X-ray sources and spintronic materials. Education and Career: He obtained his Diplom (1992) and Ph.D. (1996) from Cologne University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia and Forschungszentrum Jülich. He became a Privatdozent at Humboldt-Universität Berlin (2005) and held professorships at TU Berlin (2008–2015) and Lund University (2012–2015) before his current role since 2015. He leads the Functional Nanomaterials joint research group between Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and TU Berlin. Research Interests: His work spans transient electronic structure, ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetization, nanoscale material characterization, and advanced coherent imaging methods. Key techniques include XUV/X-ray spectroscopy, laser-driven plasma sources, and femtosecond time-resolved studies. Professional Roles: He chairs the Physikalische Gesellschaft zu Berlin and the Elettra Scientific Advisory Council. He has held leadership roles in the European XFEL Scientific Advisory Committee and the Komitee für Forschung mit Synchrotronstrahlung (KFS). His lab develops state-of-the-art setups for ultrafast X-ray scattering and holography.
Ulrich Tallarek serves as Professor of Analytical Chemistry in the Faculty of Chemistry at Philipps University of Marburg, where he has held a W3 professorship since 2011. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Materials Science Center at the university, a position he has held since 2007. His research group focuses on the fundamental understanding of transport phenomena in porous media with applications spanning chromatography, battery technology, and microfluidic systems. The group maintains strong collaborations with institutions worldwide and secures substantial research funding for advanced computational and experimental work. Professor Tallarek's research interests center on functional porous solids, with specific focus on morphology-transport-performance relationships. His work bridges multiple scales from molecular dynamics simulations of solute behavior in nanopores to macroscopic transport in chromatographic columns and battery electrodes. Key research areas include diffusion in hierarchical porous media, electrokinetic phenomena in microfluidic systems, molecular simulation of chromatographic processes, and advanced characterization of porous materials using tomography and other techniques. His group has pioneered multiscale simulation approaches that connect molecular-level surface chemistry to macroscopic transport properties. The research output demonstrates consistent focus on understanding fundamental transport mechanisms in porous systems, with recent publications emphasizing multiscale simulation techniques, molecular dynamics studies of solvent effects in chromatography, advanced characterization of mesoporous structures, and applications to separation science and energy storage. The work shows strong integration of computational modeling with experimental validation across multiple length scales. 2003: Desty Memorial Prize for Innovation in Separation Science, The Royal Institution of Great Britain, London 2006: Young Scientist Award from DECHEMA e.V. 2011: Named Discussion Leader at the 2011 Gordon Research Conference on Physics & Chemistry of Microfluidics 2011–2012: Chairman of the German Chemical Society (GDCh), Marburg 2013: Finalist, World Technology Awards, for category Environment 2013: Named as one of the 100 most influential analytical scientists in the world (The Analytical Scientist Power List) 2017: Recipient of the Silver Jubilee Medal 2017, The Chromatographic Society, UK Professor Tallarek's research has been supported by numerous grants enabling high-performance computing resources, advanced instrumentation, and international collaborations. His group maintains strong ties with industry partners in separation science and analytical instrumentation. The Tallarek Research Group includes postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and technical staff working across experimental and computational domains. Current projects focus on molecular simulation of chromatographic processes, advanced characterization of porous battery electrodes, and development of novel separation methodologies. The Tallarek Research Group operates state-of-the-art facilities for computational modeling, including access to high-performance computing resources at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The group also maintains experimental capabilities for chromatographic analysis, materials characterization, and microfluidic device development. Their work on physically reconstructed porous media has established new standards for connecting microstructure to transport properties in complex materials systems.
Dr. Jing Wang is a Professor in the Department of Bioinformatics at Southern Medical University's School of Medicine, with extensive research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biomedical applications. Her work demonstrates strong cross-disciplinary collaboration across medical institutions, engineering departments, and computer science research groups. Her primary research interests include Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare , Biomedical Engineering , and Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatics , with recent publications showing particular expertise in medical imaging analysis, diagnostic assistance systems, and clinical decision support. Her work spans both theoretical algorithm development and practical clinical implementations. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2025-2026) reveals a strong trend toward clinically applicable AI systems, with approximately 60% of publications focused on medical diagnostics and treatment support systems. The remaining publications demonstrate expertise in industrial applications of computer vision and fundamental AI research. Her work shows consistent collaboration with both domestic Chinese institutions and international research groups. Notable scientific contributions include: Development of 'Tianyi', a traditional Chinese medicine language model for clinical practice Innovations in bionic soft robotics for rehabilitation assistance Novel approaches to medical image analysis for cancer diagnostics Her research program appears well-funded with consistent publication output across high-impact journals in biomedical engineering, AI, and medical informatics. Current work suggests strong emphasis on translating AI research into clinical practice, particularly in diagnostic support systems and rehabilitation technology.
Prof. Dr. Harald Reiterer is a leading researcher in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Konstanz, where he has served as Professor since 2009. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. (1991) and habilitation (1995) from the University of Vienna, followed by roles including Senior Researcher at Fraunhofer FIT and Associate Professor at Konstanz. He currently holds multiple leadership roles: Dean of the Faculty of Sciences , Senator of Section 1 , and Consulting Dean . Ph.D. in Computer Science (University of Vienna, 1991) Venia Legendi (Habilitation) in HCI (University of Vienna, 1995) His research focuses on: Interaction Design for mixed reality environments Information Visualization in immersive contexts Hybrid User Interfaces combining physical and virtual elements 3D Object Manipulation in handheld AR Behavioral Analytics through mHealth interventions Recent work explores: Avatar representation in Augmented Reality (2024) Node selection efficiency in Virtual Reality (2024) Peripheral vision toolkits for Head-Mounted Displays (2023) Hybrid interface optimization for Mixed Reality (2023) Smartphone AR extensions for Spatial Memory (2023) Key scientific contributions: Landeslehrpreis 2021 for interdisciplinary exhibition design Development of Colibri cross-reality toolkit (2023) Foundational work on Re-locations for remote collaboration (2022) He leads numerous projects including: SMARTACT (Smart Mobility, 2015-2023) SFB TRR 161 (2009-2027) on XR interface measurement Blended Library (2011-2015) for future library design
Vanessa Wood is a Professor at ETH Zürich in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. She specializes in understanding structure-performance relationships in complex, heterogeneous systems, particularly lithium ion batteries, using advanced imaging techniques like electron and x-ray microscopy to address performance limitations and guide material improvements. Research Interests: Investigating nanoscale structure and surface chemistry in battery materials Studying electrolyte infilling and lithium transport dynamics Developing computational methods for multiscale material analysis Integrating machine learning to overcome experimental challenges Designing volumetric imaging approaches for energy storage systems Research Affiliations: Affiliated with the Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design group and Interdepartmental & Partner Research Groups at ETH Zürich. Her work bridges experimental and computational disciplines to improve energy technologies.
Rupert Klein is a Professor at Freie Universität Berlin in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science , specializing in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics . His research spans atmospheric dynamics, numerical methods, and gas dynamics of combustion. Research Interests : Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Atmospheric Modeling Multiscale Asymptotic Analysis Wave Propagation and Turbulence Combustion and Pressure Gain Combustion Climate Dynamics and Data Assimilation Scientific Awards : DRS Award for Excellent Supervision (2014) ECMWF Fellowship (renewed 2017) His recent work includes multiscale models for atmospheric flows, vortex dynamics, and combustion processes. Key collaborations involve DFG SPP 1276, CRC 1029 (TurbIn), and CRC 1114 (SCCS) projects. He contributes to numerical methods for low-Mach-number flows and geophysical simulations.
Professor Ralf Stanewsky leads the Stanewsky Group at the Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster , particularly how environmental cues like light and temperature reset the circadian clock. The group employs genetic, molecular, histological, and behavioral approaches to study sensory pathways and their integration in central clock neurons. Member of the Multiscale Imaging Centre (MIC) and Imaging Network – Microscopy Current lab members: Ph.D. students Anna Katharina Eick, Angelica Coculla, Maia Zabel Barroso Technical assistants Regina Hube and Ume Aiman Research Themes Light and temperature synchronization of circadian clocks Temperature compensation mechanisms in biological timing Neuronal integration of environmental signals Evolutionary aspects of circadian regulation Professor Stanewsky’s work spans molecular clock components (e.g., cryptochromes, timeless gene variants) to broader ecological implications of temporal niche choice. His lab investigates how clock gene expression responds to seasonal changes and environmental stressors, while also exploring novel synchronization pathways beyond classical photoreceptors. Publication Trends Recent articles emphasize temperature-dependent clock regulation , evolutionary capacitance via Hsp90 , and non-canonical phototransduction in circadian systems. Key subfields include nuclear transport dynamics, kinase evolution, and computational modeling of periodic patterns across species. Contact Information Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster MIC | Röntgenstraße 16, D-48149 Münster, Germany Email: stanewsky@uni-muenster.de Phone: +49 251 8321029
Prof. Markus Axer is a Professor and Deputy Head of the Structural and Functional Organisation of the Brain (INM-1) at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM) within Forschungszentrum Jülich. His research focuses on connectomics, neuroimaging technologies (e.g., 3D-Polarized Light Imaging), and high-performance computing applications in brain architecture analysis. He leads the 'Fiber Architecture' working group, advancing microscopy techniques like scattered light imaging and MRI-histology correlation for studying brain microstructure. His work bridges experimental neuroscience with computational methods, aiming to decode brain organization at meso- and macroscales. Key achievements include developing the HippoMaps atlas of the human hippocampus and improving fiber orientation mapping in brain tissue. Awards include Fellowship in the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2024). Research emphasizes cross-modal data integration, with applications in Alzheimer’s disease biomarker validation and primate brain evolution studies. He collaborates with academic institutions like the University of Wuppertal and contributes to international initiatives like the BigBrain Analytics Learning Laboratory.
Anna C. Balazs is Distinguished Professor and John A. Swanson Chair of Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, with an adjunct appointment in Chemistry and visiting professorships at Scripps Research Institute, UT-Austin and Oxford University. In 2025 she receives the €10,000 Gutenberg Research Award from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) for her pioneering theoretical work on smart soft materials. She earned an A.B. in Physics from Bryn Mawr College (1975) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT (1981), followed by post-doctoral research at Brandeis, MIT and UMass. Research interests span theoretical and computational soft-matter physics, focusing on: Statistical-mechanical modelling of polymer blends and composites Self-oscillating and chemo-responsive hydrogels Active matter, enzyme-powered swimmers and self-propelling sheets Self-healing, shape-morphing and bio-inspired materials Computer simulation of colloidal and interfacial phenomena Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trend toward integrating chemistry, fluid mechanics and elasticity to create life-like, autonomous soft machines. Key contributions include: Harnessing enzyme pumps to drive macroscopic sheet locomotion Designing chemically communicating micro-post arrays Creating dissipative materials with programmable, hierarchical 3-D architectures Scientific awards include: Gutenberg Research Award 2025 Polymer Physics Prize, American Physical Society SF Boys-A. Rahman Award, Royal Society of Chemistry Langmuir Lectureship Award, American Chemical Society Election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (2021) She serves on the Advisory Board of the DOE-BES Materials Council and on editorial boards for Langmuir , Soft Matter and Polymer Reviews . Her group collaborates closely with experimental teams world-wide, including the DFG-NSF “Confine” partnership with JGU and the CoM2Life Cluster of Excellence initiative.
Christian Engwer is a full Professor at the University of Muenster in the Institute for Applied Mathematics, specializing in Analysis and Numerics. He leads the Engwer Group focused on Applications of Partial Differential Equations and is actively involved in the Cells in Motion initiative as a supervisor in the CiM-IMPRS Graduate Programme. His research centers on developing numerical methods for partial differential equations, particularly addressing challenges in complex geometries and multi-physics applications. He specializes in Unfitted Discontinuous Galerkin methods, which allow simulations on complex geometries without requiring domain-fitted meshes. His work spans porous media modeling, biological systems, and bioelectromagnetism applications, with significant contributions to EEG/MEG forward modeling in neuroscience. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on model order reduction techniques, stabilized numerical schemes for cut-cell meshes, and applications in bioelectromagnetism. His work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward developing robust, efficient numerical methods applicable to real-world problems in medical imaging and biological modeling, with increasing emphasis on high-performance computing implementations. Professor Engwer actively supervises doctoral students, with recent completions including Lukas Renelt (2025), Michael Wenske (2021), and Maria Carla Piastra (2019), among others working on topics related to numerical methods and biomedical applications. He leads several major research projects including BrainStorm: Highly Extensible Software for Advanced Electrophysiology and MEG/EEG Imaging (NIH-funded since 2019), multiple EXC 2044 Cluster of Excellence projects through 2025, and the InterKI interdisciplinary teaching program on machine learning and artificial intelligence. His group develops several important software packages including DUNE (Distributed and Unified Numerics Environment), duneuro (for bioelectromagnetism applications), and TPMC (Topology Preserving Marching Cubes). These tools support research in numerical methods and their applications to complex scientific problems.
