Dr. Leonie Wunderlich serves as a Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute (HBI) since July 2020, focusing on Research Program 1: 'Transformation of Public Communication.' Her work examines media and information practices in digital environments, particularly algorithmic influences and the role of new public actors in opinion formation. Educated at the universities of Düsseldorf, Aberystwyth (Wales), and Hamburg (Master's in Journalism/Communication Studies), her doctoral research explored information practices of 14-24-year-olds in hybrid media systems. She has led projects like 'Use the News,' investigating German news literacy and media habits of under-30s. Her research spans topics including youth media disenchantment, news avoidance, and the intersection of science and journalism. Key contributions include analyzing family influence on news consumption, influencer journalism dynamics, and regional media use patterns in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Prof. Andreas Lange is a CESifo Research Network Fellow and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland's AREC program, affiliated with the Department of Economics at the University of Hamburg. His work focuses on Environmental Economics, Behavioural Economics, Experimental Economics, and Public Economics. He contributes to the Energy and Climate Economics research network under Maximilian Auffhammer's leadership. Research interests include understanding decision-making under ambiguity, public good provision dynamics, and regulatory policy design. Recent studies explore communication strategies in uncertain environments, group behavior in risk scenarios, and moral dimensions of trade policies. His experimental methodologies bridge theoretical models with real-world behavioral patterns. Award highlights: No specific scientific awards explicitly mentioned in provided texts. Professional activities include publishing with CESifo and collaborating across institutions. Grant and advising activities: No formal grants or student advisees listed here. Collaborations include work with researchers like Aljoscha Minnich, Claes Ek, and Jana Freundt on interdisciplinary projects.
Neil Christopher Charles Brown is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing at the University of Kent, where he has been actively contributing to computing education research since completing his PhD in 2011. His work bridges theoretical computer science concepts with practical educational applications, focusing on how novices learn to program and how educational tools can better support this process. Dr. Brown's research interests center on programming education, with specific expertise in novice programming behavior, educational tool development, and computing education research methodologies. His early work focused on programming language theory and concurrency models, but he has increasingly specialized in computing education research, particularly examining how students interact with programming languages and environments. He has made significant contributions to understanding novice Java programming mistakes through large-scale data analysis and has developed frame-based programming environments to ease the transition from block-based to text-based programming. His recent publications (2023-2025) show a strong focus on AI applications in programming education, registered reports methodology in computing education research, and the development of tools like Strype that support novice programmers. Brown has published extensively in top venues including SIGCSE, ICER, and ACM Transactions on Computing Education, often collaborating with Michael Kölling on projects related to BlueJ and educational programming environments. Among his notable contributions is the Blackbox data repository project, which has collected millions of student programming attempts to analyze learning patterns. His 2018 paper 'Ten quick tips for teaching programming' in PLoS Computational Biology has been widely influential in the computing education community. Dr. Brown has served in leadership roles for major computing education conferences, including co-organizing ICER 2025 and contributing to SIGCSE workshops on research methodologies. His work demonstrates a commitment to improving both the science and practice of computing education through rigorous research and practical tool development.
Nell B. Dale is a distinguished academic in the field of Computer Science Education, affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin. With a career spanning over five decades, her work has significantly influenced computer science pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational research methodologies. She has been a prominent figure in the SIGCSE (Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education) community, contributing extensively through publications, conference organization, and leadership roles. Her research interests focus primarily on computer science education, with particular emphasis on curriculum development, teaching methodologies for introductory programming (CS1), assessment strategies, and historical perspectives on CS education. She has explored challenges in teaching recursion, data structures, and foundational programming concepts, while also addressing broader issues like gender diversity in computing education. Her work often bridges theoretical educational frameworks with practical classroom applications, making significant contributions to how computer science is taught at the undergraduate level. An analysis of her publication trends reveals a sustained focus on understanding and improving computer science education. Early work addressed foundational issues in database management education and programming language instruction, while later research examined contemporary challenges like the integration of software engineering principles into undergraduate curricula and the identification of difficult topics in introductory courses. Her 2018 publication reflecting on her relationship with SIGCSE demonstrates her long-standing commitment to the CS education community and its development over time. Throughout her career, Dr. Dale has collaborated extensively with leading figures in computer science education, including Elliot Koffman, Henry Walker, and other SIGCSE luminaries. These collaborations have resulted in significant contributions to CS education literature, conference proceedings, and educational resources that have shaped the teaching of computer science for generations of students.
Kai Jakobs is a Professor at RWTH Aachen University's Chair of Informatik 4, where he has been a member of the technical staff since 1985. He holds two PhDs: one in Computer Science from the University of Edinburgh (1998) and another in Management Studies from Erasmus University Rotterdam (2023). As a Certified Standards Professional, he brings extensive expertise to the field of ICT standards and standardization processes. Dr. Jakobs' educational background reflects his interdisciplinary approach, combining technical computer science knowledge with management perspectives. His dual doctoral qualifications position him uniquely at the intersection of technology and organizational strategy in standardization. He has established himself as a leading scholar through his extensive publication record and editorial leadership. His research focuses on various aspects of ICT standards and the standardization process. Over his career, he has (co)-authored/edited more than thirty books on standards and standardization processes, with particular emphasis on the ICT sector, and published over 250 papers in academic venues. His scholarly contributions span foundational networking protocols to contemporary smart systems standardization. Dr. Jakobs has served on program committees and editorial boards of numerous international conferences and journals, and has contributed as an external expert on European R&D program evaluation panels. Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on responsible standardization for smart systems, stakeholder engagement in standards development, and the evolving relationship between standardization and innovation. His work increasingly addresses societal implications of standardization, examining how standards development can be made more inclusive and responsive to diverse needs in rapidly evolving technological domains. Board member of the European Academy for Standardisation (EURAS) Founder of the 'International Journal on Standardization Research' Founder of 'Advances in Standardization Research' Founder of 'EURAS Contributions to Standardisation Research' book series Certified Standards Professional Dr. Jakobs maintains strong connections between academic research and practical standardization activities. His work with European organizations and participation in numerous standardization conferences demonstrates his commitment to bridging theoretical understanding with practical implementation. His recent focus on smart systems standardization reflects his ability to identify and address emerging challenges in the field.
Prof. Stephanie Huber is a Professor in the Wirtschaftspsychologie program at HFT Stuttgart. Her academic career includes roles as Senior Consultant and Consultant at 2HMforum in Mainz, followed by a PhD in Marketing at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. Her research focuses on consumer psychology, brand management, user experience, and market research with emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and urban development. She leads the Wirtschaftspsychologisches Labor and actively contributes to projects like iCity (urban mobility solutions) and HFTmobil (emissions-free campus mobility). Her work bridges psychological insights with practical business challenges, addressing topics like influencer credibility, virtual reality applications in tourism, and energy-efficient urban renewal. Education includes a degree from Universität Mannheim and Éole Supérieure de Commerce de Montpellier. Key research projects include analyzing emotional urban hotspots in Stuttgart, promoting sustainable behavior through social norms, and studying energy refurbishment communication strategies. Professional memberships include the American Marketing Association and the Gesellschaft für angewandte Wirtschaftspsychologie (GWPs). Her publications span influential topics in consumer behavior, technology adoption, and urban sustainability. Notable awards include recognition for her 2004 dissertation on brand choice behavior. Current initiatives focus on integrating psychological principles into smart city concepts and digital marketing strategies.
M.Sc. Marie Luise Heuschkel is a Scientific Associate at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, working within the Faculty of Applied Computer and Biosciences in the Digital Forensics department. She conducts research, teaching, and casework in the Forensic Science Group and the FoSIL (Forensic Science Investigation Lab) research group. Her academic journey spans anthropology, forensics, and digitalization, creating a unique interdisciplinary profile. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Doctorate, current) Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (Doctorate, current) Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (M.Sc. Forensic Sciences and Engineering, 2014-2016) Oxford Brookes University (B.Sc. Anthropology, 2010-2013) Heuschkel's research focuses on the intersection of anthropology, forensics, and digitalization/computer science. She emphasizes the holistic approach of anthropology and the analytical tools provided by forensics to recognize connections and reconstruct facts. Her work explores how digitalization and computer science can leverage the full potential of both anthropology and forensics, creating a niche at this interdisciplinary interface. She is particularly interested in meta-competencies for scientific success and how these skills can prepare students for professional life and lifelong learning. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on interdisciplinary approaches, particularly the integration of anthropology with digital forensics and AI tools. She has been actively exploring how artificial intelligence can support literature research while maintaining scientific rigor, as well as advocating for the importance of anthropology in contemporary research contexts. Her work consistently emphasizes practical applications and the development of transferable skills. Heuschkel is actively involved in teaching, with a focus on making complex content accessible to all students. She emphasizes developing skills for independent exploration of issues and solution development rather than focusing solely on grades. Her teaching philosophy centers on preparing students for professional life and lifelong learning. She works within the Forensic Science Group and the FoSIL (Forensic Science Investigation Lab) research group at Mittweida University, where she conducts research, teaching, and casework. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, forensics, and digital technologies, creating unique research opportunities at this intersection.
Mark Sven Hengerer is a Professor holding the chair for 'History of Western Europe in the Early Modern Period' at the Historical Seminar (Faculty 09) of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. His office is located at the Historicum, Schellingstraße 12, 80799 Munich, ground floor, room 025, with contact information including email addresses Mark.Hengerer@lrz.uni-muenchen.de and hengerer@lmu.de. He maintains regular office hours during semesters and by appointment during breaks. Hengerer completed his Master's degree in 1996 at the University of Münster in Modern and Contemporary History, Latin Philology, and Ancient History. He earned his doctorate from the University of Konstanz in 2002. His academic career includes research positions with Prof. Rudolf Schlögl at the University of Konstanz from 1996-2002 and 2003-2012, as well as a position as Enseignant-chercheur at the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l'Homme in Paris from 2007-2009. He was appointed to his current W2 professorship at LMU Munich in 2013. Hengerer's research spans multiple dimensions of early modern European history, with particular focus on court cultures, ceremonial practices, funeral rituals, and Habsburg history. His work often examines the intersection of power, representation, and material culture through innovative methodological approaches. He has made significant contributions to understanding how symbols, rituals, and material objects functioned within early modern bureaucratic and courtly systems. His recent work increasingly incorporates digital humanities approaches, including database development for prosopographical research on imperial courts. Hengerer has supervised an extensive number of theses spanning diverse topics in early modern history, from maritime aspects of the Edict of Nantes to representations of Versailles in Bavarian textbooks. His research has been supported by prestigious institutions including the German Research Foundation and the Center de recherche du Château de Versailles. He has also been involved in innovative teaching projects including podcast development and digital humanities certificate programs. Hengerer maintains active involvement in international scholarly communities, serving on editorial boards such as The Court Historian and the scientific committee of the Center de recherche du Château de Versailles. His work bridges traditional historical scholarship with contemporary digital methodologies, creating new pathways for understanding early modern European history.
Armin Beverungen is Professor for the Sociology of Organisation and Economy at Leuphana University Lüneburg and an associated member of the Centre for Digital Cultures. His academic work spans sociology, organization studies, media studies, and science and technology studies, with a particular focus on the intersections between digital technologies and organizational forms. Dr. Beverungen received his PhD in critical management studies from the University of Leicester. His academic journey includes research and teaching positions at the University of the West of England, Leuphana University, and the University of Siegen. From September 2022 to August 2023, he was on leave at Leuphana and served as a visiting professor at the Institute for Media Studies at Ruhr-University Bochum. He also regularly teaches in the technologies section of the contextual studies program at the University of St. Gallen. His research interests center on digital (media) technologies and organization; algorithmic management, automation and artificial intelligence; and smart, logistical cities. He has made significant contributions to understanding the financialization of universities, corporate governance, business ethics, and the politics of labor. His work critically examines how digital platforms, particularly Amazon, reshape urban spaces, labor relations, and organizational forms. Beverungen has been instrumental in establishing the Centre for Digital Cultures at Leuphana over the past decade, which has expanded his research to engage more deeply with media studies and science and technology studies. Dr. Beverungen's recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the organizational implications of digital technologies, particularly examining Amazon's logistical operations and urban interventions. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary reach, connecting sociology, media studies, urban studies, and organizational theory. A significant portion of his research analyzes how algorithmic systems reshape labor, urban space, and organizational forms, with particular attention to the political dimensions of these transformations. Member of editorial collective of 'ephemera: theory & politics in organization' (10 years) Founding editor of 'spheres: Journal for Digital Cultures' Founding editor of 'Digital Cultures' book series Associate editor of 'Organization: the critical journal of organization, theory and society' At Leuphana, Dr. Beverungen serves as deputy director of the MA program in Cultural Studies: Culture and Organization, and is a member of the study commission for MA programs in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He regularly supervises BA and MA theses and is available for PhD supervision. His current research is supported by two major projects: 'Automating the Logistical City: Space, Algorithms, Speculation' (Volkswagen Foundation) and 'Smartness as Wealth' (Volkswagen Foundation). Dr. Beverungen has been involved with the Digital Cultures Research Lab (2017-2022) and continues to contribute to digital culture studies at Leuphana University. His interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, media studies, and organization theory, creating innovative frameworks for understanding contemporary digital transformations.
Professor Alexander Wormit is a faculty member at SRH Hochschule Heidelberg, leading the Music Therapy B.A. program and serving as Chair of the Examination Committee in the School of Health, Education and Social Sciences. He holds a Dr. sc.hum from Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg and has extensive experience in clinical music therapy research, particularly in geriatric care, chronic pain management, and palliative care. His research focuses on music-based interventions for dementia patients, displaced youth, and elderly populations. He has led multiple projects, including the 'Bridges' initiative for refugees and studies on music therapy efficacy in geriatric settings. Wormit has authored numerous books and peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: Dr. sc.hum in Music Therapy from Heidelberg University (2008) Leadership Roles: Head of Music Therapy Program, Project Lead for 'Bridges', and Chair of the Examination Committee Research Interests: Geriatric care through music therapy, chronic pain interventions, palliative care, and music therapy's role in improving quality of life for marginalized populations. His work integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate therapeutic outcomes and inform clinical guidelines. Articles highlight his contributions to understanding music therapy acceptance in care facilities, chronic pain management, and palliative care innovations. Media contributions include podcasts and interviews on dementia care and music therapy's sociocultural impact. Grants and advising involve curriculum development and collaborative projects across Europe. He is affiliated with the Department of Therapeutic Sciences and the Viktor Dulger Institut, fostering research and education in applied music therapy.
Professor Milan Kivala is a W3-Professor for Organic Chemistry at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg. He leads an active research group focused on synthetic carbon allotropes and N-heteropolycycles as functional materials, with significant involvement in SFB 953 and SFB 1249 collaborative research centers. His educational background includes: M.Sc. degree (2003) from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague Ph.D. (2008) under Prof. François Diederich at ETH Zurich Postdoctoral work at ETH Zurich Postdoctoral fellowship (2009) at Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research with Prof. Klaus Müllen Habilitation (2016) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg under Prof. Rik R. Tykwinski Interim Chair at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (2017) W3-Professor at Heidelberg University (since October 2018) Professor Kivala's research program centers on functional π-electron systems and materials science, with a focus on creating unprecedented molecular entities that assemble into functional devices through organic synthesis. His work spans nanographenes, heteroatom-doped carbon structures, π-expanded systems, and molecular electronics. His group has made significant contributions to understanding molecular self-assembly, charge transfer phenomena, and the electronic properties of novel carbon-based materials. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on N-heterotriangulenes, nanographenes, and π-expanded systems with applications in molecular electronics, energy storage, and optoelectronics. His work bridges fundamental organic synthesis with materials science applications, demonstrating expertise in creating complex molecular architectures with precisely tailored electronic properties. Multiple publications in Angewandte Chemie including Very Important Papers and Hot Papers Research featured in Journal of the American Chemical Society, Chemical Science, and other high-impact journals Special issue contributions to Organic Letters on π-Conjugated Molecules and Materials Professor Kivala actively mentors postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, master's students, and bachelor's students. His teaching responsibilities include specialized courses on synthetic carbon allotropes (SS 2025), mechanisms of synthetically important reactions (OC III) for chemistry students, and chemistry for medical and dental students (WS 2024/25). His research group participates in collaborative projects with multiple institutions and maintains an active social calendar including regular group excursions to foster a collaborative research environment.
Dr. Svenja Bruhn is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, based in Essen, Germany. She specializes in mathematics education, particularly focusing on creativity, open-ended tasks, and technology-enhanced learning environments for primary school students. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks and empirical studies to understand how young learners engage with mathematical concepts. Research interests include analyzing creative problem-solving processes, the impact of self-regulated learning in digital environments, and the evaluation of educational apps like ANTON-App. She emphasizes the role of metacognitive prompts in supporting first graders' mathematical creativity and has explored the diversity of solutions in arithmetic tasks. Dr. Bruhn also investigates patterns in children's discovery of mathematical structures and the communication of mathematical ideas through platforms like YouTube. Her publications from 2019 to 2024 reflect a consistent focus on primary education, emphasizing creativity in mathematics, pedagogical frameworks, and the integration of technology. She leads the Arbeitsgruppe (Working Group) Dr. Svenja Bruhn and contributes to educational programs such as 'Math Sleuths' and 'Science Summer,' fostering STEM engagement in early education. Dr. Bruhn's work highlights innovative approaches to mathematics education, advocating for dynamic and technology-supported learning environments to enhance creative thinking among young learners.
Prof. Lindner is a distinguished academic specializing in AI ethics, social robotics, and human-robot interaction. He has supervised numerous PhD graduates in technical fields, as indicated by the list of Dr.-Ing. graduates under his mentorship. His research focuses on explainable AI systems, ethical decision-making frameworks for robots, and the integration of moral reasoning into autonomous systems. Key research interests include: Explainability in medical AI Multimodal explanations for robot behavior Human-in-the-loop reinforcement learning Ethical adaptability in dynamic contexts Formalization of deontological principles in AI Recent work explores causal structures in moral dilemmas, trust in AI systems, and the formalization of ethical principles for robots. Lindner’s publications emphasize both technical advancements and normative ethical considerations, bridging gaps between AI capabilities and societal expectations. His students have pursued diverse careers in academia and industry, reflecting the applied nature of his research. Lindner’s contributions to social robotics and AI ethics have been foundational in developing frameworks for ethically aware autonomous systems.
Henrik Leopold is a Professor affiliated with Kühne Logistics University and Hasso Plattner Institute. His research focuses on Business Process Management (BPM), Process Mining, and the application of AI technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) in process automation. He has co-authored over 138 publications, including impactful works on process mining in supply chains, robotic process automation effects, and explainable anomaly detection in event logs. Key research interests include: Process Mining & Business Process Optimization AI-driven Process Automation Process Model Matching & Compliance Checking Natural Language Processing in BPM Process Analytics & Data-Driven Decision-Making Recent work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining process mining with LLMs for tasks like event log extraction and prompt engineering. He actively contributes to BPM conferences such as BPM, CAiSE, and HICSS, often serving as program committee member. His research addresses both technical challenges (e.g., anomaly detection) and organizational aspects (e.g., process automation adoption barriers). Notable contributions include development of Sketch2Process for BPMN sketch recognition and foundational work on process model validation. Current activities explore future directions in BPM through collaborative ranking of research challenges and benchmarking LLM capabilities for process tasks.
Monika Esch is a Researcher in the Department of Climate Physics at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg, Germany, where she has been employed since 1991. She works in the Wave Driven Circulations research group, focusing on climate modeling and atmospheric physics. Her career began with a Diploma in Physics from the University of Hamburg in March 1988, followed by positions as a Scientist at the MPIfM (1988-1990) and GKSS Forschungszentrum (1990-1991) before transitioning to her current role as Scientific Programmer. Esch's research interests span climate modeling, atmospheric physics, numerical weather prediction, climate dynamics, tropical cyclone simulation, Earth system modeling, climate variability, and cloud physics. Her work primarily involves developing and implementing climate models, particularly focusing on the ICON (Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic) modeling framework. She has made significant contributions to understanding how microphysical processes affect tropical condensate, the simulation of Earth System components at high resolution, and the representation of quasi-biennial oscillation in climate models. Her publication record demonstrates consistent research activity from the late 1980s through 2025, with recent work focusing on high-resolution climate modeling, Earth system interactions, and the atmospheric response to increasing CO2. Her research shows a clear evolution from early work on ice sheet modeling and tropical cyclones toward more complex Earth system modeling at increasingly higher resolutions. While no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the available information, her extensive publication record in high-impact journals and consistent involvement in major climate modeling projects suggests recognition within the climate science community. Her collaborative work extends across multiple international research teams focused on advancing climate modeling capabilities. Esch has been instrumental in the development of the ICON modeling system and its various components, contributing to both the theoretical foundations and practical implementation of these models. Her technical expertise in scientific programming has enabled significant advances in climate simulation capabilities at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology.
