Bastian Alexander Grossenbacher is a Full Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Fribourg, where he leads the AIDOS Lab within the Department of Informatics, Faculty of Science and Medicine. He holds secondary appointments at the Institute of AI for Health and the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus of Helmholtz Munich. He is also a TUM Junior Fellow and a member of ELLIS and AI-LIFE. He co-directs the Applied Algebraic Topology Research Network (AATRN) and is involved in the Topology, Algebra, and Geometry in Data Science (TAG DS) initiative. His research lies at the intersection of geometry, topology, and machine learning, with a focus on Geometric Deep Learning, Topological Deep Learning, and Topological Data Analysis. He develops novel machine learning methods that use topological and geometric priors to improve model robustness and interpretability, particularly in biomedical applications. His work spans theoretical foundations and practical implementations in areas such as single-cell analysis, medical imaging, and network science. The 15 most recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong trend toward integrating algebraic and differential topology into deep learning architectures. Key themes include the use of Euler Characteristic and magnitude transforms, curvature-based analysis of graphs and data, simplicial and manifold-based neural representations, and the application of topological methods to biomedical data. His articles appear in top-tier venues such as Nature Communications, ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, and IEEE conferences, reflecting both theoretical depth and high-impact applications. ERC Starting Grant Bastian Rieck is actively involved in mentoring and academic leadership. He supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in the AIDOS Lab and is open to new collaborations, particularly with candidates from interdisciplinary backgrounds. He has secured significant research funding, including the ERC Starting Grant, and leads multiple collaborative research initiatives. He emphasizes open science, sharing code, data, and educational materials publicly. He leads the AIDOS Lab, which focuses on advancing machine learning through topological and geometric principles. He is also a co-director of the Applied Algebraic Topology Research Network (AATRN), which hosts a large online seminar series. Additionally, he maintains DONUT, a curated database of non-theoretical applications of topology, and is active in the ELLIS and AI-LIFE networks, fostering international collaboration in AI and health.
