Lukas Hiendlmeier is a Researcher at the Technical University of Munich, affiliated with the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE) and the Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics led by Prof. Bernhard Wolfrum. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from TUM. His research focuses on advanced fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser micromachining, and polymer material science, with applications in neuroelectronics and biomedical devices. Hiendlmeier’s work emphasizes developing self-folding bioelectronic interfaces, flexible electrodes, and implantable neural devices for peripheral nerve interfacing. His contributions include innovations in 4D printing techniques, thermoformed materials, and origami-inspired electrode designs. He collaborates on projects involving cell manipulation, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, and closed-loop neural stimulation systems. Publications span topics like self-folding bioelectronics, flexible sensor arrays, and nanorobotics, showcasing expertise in materials science and biomedical engineering. His research bridges fundamental science and translational applications, addressing challenges in neural prosthetics, wearable diagnostics, and tissue engineering. Hiendlmeier is actively involved in the neuroTUM initiative and contributes to interdisciplinary teams at TUM, focusing on advancing neurotechnology through innovative fabrication methods and biomaterials.
Prof. Dr. Oliver Paul is a Full Professor at the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, since 1998. He previously held roles such as Dean of Studies (1999–2002), Director of IMTEK (2006–2008), and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (2016–2018). His research focuses on Microsystems for biomedical applications, MEMS technology, sensor systems, and advanced fabrication techniques. Key projects include the Excellence Cluster BrainLinks-BrainTools (2012–2017) and the Institute for Brain-Machine Interfacing Technology (IMBIT, 2015–present). Paul’s education includes a Diploma in Physics (1986, ETH Zurich) and a PhD in Solid-State Physics (1990, ETH Zurich). He has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs, contributing to topics like neural probes, energy harvesting, and sensor calibration. His teaching spans courses in MEMS, semiconductors, and quantum mechanics. He co-founded Sensirion (1998) and Atlas Neuroengineering (2012), and holds editorial roles in journals like Sensors and Actuators A and IOP Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering. His research interests include multisensory system calibration, biohybrid microsystems, and MEMS-based tools for neuroscience. Notable contributions include silicon neural probes, advanced microneedles, and telemetric smart orthodontic brackets. He has led large collaborative projects involving academia and industry, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation in microsystems and biomedical engineering.
Prof. Dr. Gerald Urban is a distinguished Professor at the Institute for Microsystems Technology (IMTEK) within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg, Germany. With over three decades of academic and research experience, he has established himself as a leading expert in biomedical microtechnology and sensor systems. His career spans prestigious institutions including the Vienna University of Technology and collaborations with major research centers worldwide. His educational journey includes: 1973: Graduated from Sigmund Freud Gymnasium in Vienna 1979: Completed studies in Technical Physics at Vienna University of Technology 1985: Earned Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) with distinction (Summa cum Laude) from Vienna University of Technology 1994: Completed habilitation in Sensorics Prof. Urban's research focuses on the development and application of miniaturized integrated sensors for clinical and industrial applications. His work bridges the gap between fundamental materials science and practical medical devices, with particular emphasis on biomedical microtechnology , electrochemical biosensors , and organ-on-chip systems . His team has pioneered innovations in point-of-care diagnostics, therapeutic drug monitoring, and micro energy harvesting technologies. The research group maintains strong collaborations with clinical partners to ensure translational impact of their technological developments. Analysis of Prof. Urban's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated multiplexed sensing platforms that integrate CRISPR-based diagnostics with electrochemical detection systems. His work demonstrates growing emphasis on point-of-care applications, with particular focus on making complex diagnostic capabilities accessible outside traditional laboratory settings. The integration of additive manufacturing techniques with sensor technology represents another significant trend in his recent work, enabling customized microreactor and organ-on-chip platforms. Among his notable scientific achievements: Stefan Schuy Prize for Biomedical Engineering (1990) AVL-List Prize (1993) Best Poster at Eurosensors (1993) Hoechst-Price (1994) Corresponding member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2010) EAMBES-Fellow (2018) Prof. Urban has successfully secured substantial research funding throughout his career, with accumulated third-party funding reaching approximately 5 million euros between 1986-1995. He has established multiple spin-off companies including Otto Sensorenfabrikationsgesellschaft (1985), Biosensor GnbR (1994), and Jobst Technologies GmbH (2002), demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. His leadership extends to major research initiatives including the excellence initiative "µMAT" and the graduate school "PolyMIC". At the University of Freiburg, Prof. Urban leads a vibrant research group within the Institute for Microsystems Technology, which forms part of the larger BrainLinks-BrainTools and BIOSS research clusters. His laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities for microsensor fabrication, including cleanroom access through the WebFab service center. The research environment benefits from strong connections with the Freiburg Material Research Center (FMF) and the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), where he served as an Internal Fellow (2008-2010).
Prof. Dr. Matthias Krauledat is a faculty member at Hochschule Rhein-Waal , specifically within the Faculty of Technology and Bionics . His academic career spans both theoretical research and industrial application, with a focus on Machine Learning and Brain-Computer Interfaces . After completing his PhD in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science at Technische Universität Berlin , he has contributed significantly to the advancement of EEG-based communication systems and neural signal processing methodologies. Born in Essen, Germany Studied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science at University of Münster/Oxford Doctoral research at TU Berlin on Brain-Computer Interfaces Industrial experience at Henkel AG & DMT GmbH Research Interests focus on Machine Learning applications in Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering , specifically Brain-Computer Interfaces , EEG Signal Processing , and Adaptive Classification Systems . His work explores how algorithms can be developed to enable self-learning computers to solve complex tasks involving neural data interpretation and prediction for previously unseen data in clinical and technological contexts. Publications demonstrate a consistent contribution to Neuroscience and Machine Learning fields, with particular emphasis on Brain-Computer Interface systems from 2004 through 2009. His research has focused on reducing training requirements, improving signal processing accuracy, and developing novel interaction paradigms like the Hex-o-Spell mental typewriter while addressing statistical challenges like covariate shift in neural data analysis. Professional Experience includes academic research at TU Berlin's Intelligent Data Analysis group, industrial software development roles at Henkel AG's Scientific Computing department, and TÜV Nord Group's Optical Metrology and Machine Diagnostics divisions. He maintains active research connections through collaborative publications with leading experts in the field.
Dr. Salih Veziroglu is a post-doctoral researcher and subgroup leader at the Chair for Multicomponent Materials at Kiel University, under Prof. Franz Faupel. His research focuses on functional metal-oxide micro-/nanostructures, including thin films and particles, for applications in energy, self-cleaning surfaces, and sensing technologies. Notably, he has pioneered photocatalytic methods to create conductive metal patterns on titanium dioxide substrates, mimicking axon growth and enabling advanced biomedical and electronic systems. Veziroglu earned his doctoral degree in Materials Science from Kiel University in 2020, supported by Federal State Funding. His work integrates nanomaterial synthesis, surface functionalization, and interdisciplinary applications. Key areas include 3D porous cerium oxide networks for catalysis, superhydrophobic coatings, and biomedical materials like algae-incorporated polylactide acid patches for tissue engineering. His research highlights include strain-invariant all-organic conductors developed with Prof. Adelung's team, and novel methods for gold deposition on titanium dioxide using light-driven processes. These innovations address challenges in energy storage, environmental remediation, and medical device coatings. Veziroglu’s subgroup actively explores gas-phase synthesis techniques, plasma treatments for biofilm decontamination, and material design for high-performance applications. Publications span topics like additive manufacturing of titanium alloys, photocatalytic nanoparticle synthesis, and biomedical coatings. His work emphasizes practical solutions for sustainability and healthcare, driven by advanced material chemistry.
Surjo R. Soekadar is the Einstein Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology at Charité – University Medicine Berlin. He leads the Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory , which focuses on developing noninvasive neurotechnologies for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders through closed-loop brain stimulation and advanced brain-machine interfaces (BCI/BMI). His work integrates real-time EEG/MEG monitoring with electromagnetic stimulation to modulate pathological brain oscillations and enhance neuroplasticity in conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, and psychiatric disorders. Education : Studied medicine in Mainz, Heidelberg, and Baltimore Clinical Training : Residency in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at University of Tübingen Academic Journey : 2008-2011 Research Fellow at NINDS (USA); 2017 Venia Legendi at University of Tübingen; 2018 First Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology in Germany His research interests span: • Closed-loop neurostimulation combining real-time brain state monitoring with targeted intervention • Next-generation BCI using optically pumped magnetometers (OPM) for mobile MEG recordings • Neurorehabilitation through exoskeleton control and sensory feedback • Neurophysiological modeling of entropy measures and phase flows Recent publications highlight: • Adaptive deep brain stimulation protocols • Real-time phase-sensitive tACS applications • OPM-based BCI innovations • Stroke recovery mechanisms through corticospinal tract analysis Scientific recognition includes: International BCI Research Award BIOMAG Award NARSAD Young Investigator Award Funded by the European Research Council (ERC) , his lab trains doctoral students like David Haslacher (EEG/MEG integration), Khaled Nasr (multicoil TMS optimization), and Annalisa Colucci (entropy-driven BCI development). The team also explores quantum AI applications in clinical decision-making and bidirectional BCI systems using OPM and tES.
Professor Gordon Cheng is a faculty member at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT). He serves as the Director of the Chair of Cognitive Systems at the Institute for Cognitive Systems (ICS), where he focuses on advancing cognitive systems, robotics, and their intersections. His research addresses fundamental challenges in creating intelligent systems capable of understanding and interacting with complex environments. Research Interests: His work spans Neuroengineering , Robotics , and Cognitive Systems , emphasizing the integration of biological principles into artificial systems. Key projects include robot skin development , EEG-based prosthetic control , and human-robot co-adaptation . Selected Publications: Recent articles highlight advancements in real-time tactile sensing , neuroprosthetics , and BCI-driven rehabilitation , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach bridging robotics and neuroscience. Supervision: He supervises PhD students from the Graduate School of Neuroscience (GSN), including Jasmin Kajopoulos and Nikolas Berberich. Contact: Email: gordon@tum.de | Website
Professor Werner Hemmert leads the Bio-Inspired Information Processing group at the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology). His research spans theoretical, biomedical, and systems neuroscience, focusing on auditory processing, cochlear implants, and computational modeling of neural coding mechanisms. Primary research focus: Theoretical Neuroscience & Technical Applications Secondary research focus: Biomedical Neuroscience Tertiary research focus: Cellular & Systems Neuroscience His work employs computational modeling , psychophysical and objective nerve potential measurements , vibration analysis , and otoacoustic emission measurements to investigate: Coding of sound into nerve-action potentials Neuronal processing in the auditory brainstem Electrical stimulation of neurons Patient measurements in cochlear implant users Biophysics of sensory organs and neurons Recent publications highlight his contributions to auditory neuroscience, including studies on neural coding dynamics, computational modeling of auditory systems, and biophysical mechanisms of hearing. These works intersect with fields like neural networks , computational modeling , and auditory signal processing . Current or graduated GSN students under his supervision include Miguel Obando, Anna Dietze, Dr. Michael Drews, and Dr. Miguel Eduardo Obando Leitón. Contact: werner.hemmert@tum.de | Website
Nitish V. Thakor is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, with secondary appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He directs the Laboratory for Neuroengineering and oversees the NIH Neuroengineering Training Grant. His research focuses on neural prosthetics, brain-machine interfaces, and clinical neurorehabilitation technologies. Education: B.Tech from IIT Bombay (India), M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison Joined Johns Hopkins faculty in 1983 Research emphasizes translational neuroengineering: developing prosthetic limbs with sensory feedback, advanced neural interfaces, and diagnostic technologies for brain injury monitoring. The lab integrates microfabrication, stem cell biology, and integrated circuit design with clinical applications. Notable projects include DARPA-funded advanced prosthetic systems and temperature-sensitive prosthetic fingertips. Recent lab milestones include robotic hand research published in Science Advances, and student achievements like NIH fellowships and Siebel Scholar awards. Honors: IEEE Fellow (1997), AIMBE Fellow (1996), NSF Presidential Young Investigator (1985) Advising over 20 students/postdocs, he also serves as editor-in-chief of Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing . Active in global biomedical engineering outreach through conferences and educational programs.
Dr. Danesh Ashouri Vajari is a Researcher at the Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology within the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering. His work focuses on advancing neurotechnologies for understanding neurological disorders and improving treatment methodologies. Education: 2014–2020: Ph.D. (Dr.-Ing.), University of Freiburg 2011–2014: M.Sc. Microsystems Engineering, IMTEK, University of Freiburg 2006–2010: B.Sc. Biomedical Engineering, Qazvin Azad University, Iran Research Interests: In vivo sensing of neurochemicals via electrochemical and optical methods Development of hybrid multimodal deep brain stimulation (DBS) probes Surface engineering to enhance biocompatibility of neural implants Key Projects: 2020–present: Soft FIB (IMBIT) 2018–2020: MIND II (BrainLinks-BrainTools) 2014–2018: MIND (BrainLinks-BrainTools): DBS in depression Labs/Teams: Active in the Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology (IMTEK) and collaborates with interdisciplinary groups like the BrainLinks-BrainTools research cluster.
Max Planck Institute for Empirical AestheticsGermany
Pauline Larrouy-Maestri is a Senior Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, where she has been working since 2019 after serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Neuroscience Department from 2014-2019. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on how humans categorize acoustic information that unfolds over time to make sense of sounds, working at the intersection of music, speech, and neuroscience. Dr. Larrouy-Maestri holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Liège (2009-2013) and has an unusually diverse educational background including a Bachelor in Music (Piano) from the Royal Conservatory of Mons, a Master in Speech Therapy from the University of Brussels, additional studies in Psychology, Pedagogy, and Music Therapy, and research stays at McGill University and SUNY Buffalo. This multidisciplinary foundation informs her unique approach to studying sound perception. Her research examines how we process ambiguous auditory material that sits at the boundaries between music and speech categories, such as sprechgesang and West-African talking drums. She investigates auditory sequence processing in music, particularly how continuous streams of sound are parsed into meaningful units, and has made significant contributions to understanding the perception of correctness in singing. Her work on vocal communication explores how pitch, timing, and other acoustic features contribute to our interpretation of emotional content and meaning in both music and speech. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a sophisticated integration of behavioral, electrophysiological, and computational approaches to study music-speech interactions, with growing emphasis on cross-cultural perspectives, individual differences, and neural mechanisms. Her work increasingly examines how subtle acoustic variations influence aesthetic judgments and emotional responses to vocalizations. 2023: €20,000 research scholarship for "Humanity of Speech" project 2017: Selected for "Sign Up! Careerbuilding for outstanding female post docs in the MPG" 2016: Young Investigator Award from SEMPRE and ICMPC14 2015: PBEEE Merit scholarship from Fonds de recherche du Québec 2013: Patrimoine de l'Université de Liège and FNRS fundings 2011: Grant from French Community of Belgium Dr. Larrouy-Maestri currently supervises multiple researchers including Camila Bruder, Madita Hoerster, and Zofia Hobubowska. Her research is supported by competitive grants including the recent Imminent scholarship and previous funding from Belgian and Canadian sources. She maintains extensive international collaborations with researchers including David Poeppel, Melanie Wald-Fuhrmann, Marc Pell, and others across neuroscience, psychology, and musicology disciplines. Her work is conducted within the Neuroscience Department at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, where she contributes to the institute's interdisciplinary mission of studying aesthetic experiences through multiple methodological approaches. She participates in research groups focusing on auditory perception, music cognition, and the neural mechanisms underlying language and music processing, helping bridge traditionally separate fields through innovative experimental designs.
Prof. Simon Adrian holds the Chair of Theoretical Electrical Engineering at the Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, Germany. His research focuses on computational electromagnetics with critical applications in antenna design, electromagnetic compatibility, and medical technology. He serves as Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation and contributes to the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Education Committee, demonstrating significant academic leadership in the global electromagnetics community. His primary research addresses low-frequency instability challenges in electromagnetic integral equations through innovative numerical techniques. Key areas include Calderón preconditioners, quasi-Helmholtz projectors, B-spline discretizations, and adaptive cross approximation methods. These approaches enable robust simulations across diverse applications from radar systems and antenna design to biomedical problems like deep brain stimulation and electroencephalography. Recent work emphasizes broadband stability and efficient solvers for multiply-connected geometries. Analysis of Prof. Adrian's publication trends (2023-2025) reveals a concentrated effort on overcoming fundamental limitations in electromagnetic modeling. His work consistently targets low-frequency regimes where traditional methods fail, developing mathematically rigorous stabilization techniques while expanding into biomedical applications. The integration of isogeometric analysis with specialized discretization strategies represents a cutting-edge direction in computational electromagnetics. Professional engagement includes active membership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society, and Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale (URSI), reflecting his commitment to advancing the field through collaborative research and scholarly communication.
University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
Carmen Klingelhöller is a Professor in the Department of Psychosocial Medicine at the University of Hamburg's Medical Faculty. She leads the Center for Psychosocial Medicine (Zentrum für Psychosoziale Medizin), focusing on healthcare research, medical psychology, and ethical aspects of medicine. Her work integrates clinical practice with psychosocial interventions to improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems. Her research interests span psychosocial medicine, medical ethics, and healthcare policy. Notable projects include investigating the psychosocial impact of chronic diseases and advancing patient-centered care models. She has contributed to studies on drug development (e.g., 'Die Spritze gegen den Killer'), cardiovascular health ('Himbeerherzen statt bitterer Pillen'), and neurodegenerative diseases ('Vielversprechendes Donnergrollen'). Dr. Klingelhöller has received awards such as the UKE Promotionspreise for her academic contributions. Her articles reflect interdisciplinary approaches, addressing topics from pharmacology to public health. She actively participates in the UKE's academic community, contributing to education and mentoring in healthcare leadership and clinical practice.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Reiner is a faculty member in the Department of Cellular Neurobiology at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum. His research focuses on glutamate receptor signaling, synaptic plasticity, and the development of optical techniques for studying receptor dynamics in the central nervous system. University: Ruhr University Bochum School: Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology Department: Cellular Neurobiology Email: andreas.reiner@ruhr-uni-bochum.de His work emphasizes the use of chemical photoswitches (photoswitchable ligands) for light-based activation/inhibition of ionotropic (iGluRs) and metabotropic (mGluRs) glutamate receptors, enabling precise optogenetic and pharmacological studies. Research also explores receptor desensitization, subunit occupancy, and structural diversity. Recent publications highlight advancements in photoswitchable tools (2023), structural analysis of kainate receptors (2021), and subunit-selective antagonists for NMDA receptors (2020). Earlier work (2013-2016) established foundational techniques for optogenetic control of glutamate receptors.
Prof. Ben Maoz is a Professor at the Department of Bio-Medical Engineering , The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering , Tel Aviv University . He directs the MaozLab, which pioneers interdisciplinary research in neuroengineering, microphysiological systems, and nanoscale therapeutic delivery. His lab integrates engineering principles with neuroscience to model human diseases and develop translational technologies. Research Focus Prof. Maoz's research spans: Organ-on-Chip Platforms : Developing modular microfluidic systems (e.g., neurovascular units, PNS-CNS models) for disease modeling and drug screening. Nanoneuroengineering : Designing brain-targeted nanocarriers (liposomes, dendriplexes) for siRNA and antibody delivery in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's. Medical Devices : Creating implantable sensors, nanogenerators for sensory restoration, and tools for traumatic brain injury analysis. Cellular Mechanobiology : Investigating biomechanical forces in tissues using magnetoresponsive hydrogels and 3D cultures. Publication Trends His recent work (2023-2025) emphasizes: Advanced drug delivery systems for neurological applications (e.g., siRNA to neurons, alpha-synuclein-targeting antibodies). Innovative organ-on-chip platforms for studying cancer metastasis, viral entry, and neuro-immune interactions. Biomaterials and nanotechnologies addressing sensory restoration, cellular contractility, and super-resolution imaging. Laboratory & Collaborations The MaozLab employs microfabrication, molecular biology, and in vitro modeling to tackle challenges in brain health, with collaborations spanning oncology, virology, and gastroenterology.
