Renée Hartig is a researcher at the Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim (ZI) in the research group focused on the Developmental Biology of Psychiatric Disorders . Her work explores the interplay between genetic factors, neural circuit development, and cognitive processes in psychiatric conditions. Her research interests include: Neurogenetics of psychiatric disorders Neural circuit development and function Olfactory decoding in behavioral contexts Role of oxytocin in social cognition Prediction coding in striatal networks Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding autism-related genes, olfactory reinforcement learning, and cortical representation dynamics. These works span disciplines like neuroscience, neurogenetics, and behavioral biology, with subfields including neural circuits, synaptic plasticity, and social behavior modeling.
Prof. Dr. Martin J. Müller is Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology at the Julius von Sachs Institute of Biosciences, University of Würzburg, Germany. His group combines metabolomics, lipidomics and genetic approaches to decode lipid-mediated signalling in plants and insects under stress. Education & Career: 1992 Dissertation, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich 1993–present Continuous academic career culminating in appointment as Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Würzburg Research Focus: The Müller laboratory investigates how membrane-derived oxidised lipids (oxylipins, phytoprostanes, jasmonates) and energy-storage lipids (triacylglycerols) orchestrate plant adaptation to heat, salt, pathogens and herbivory. High-resolution mass spectrometry is employed to map metabolic shifts in Arabidopsis , crop plants and Drosophila , followed by CRISPR/Cas or classic mutant studies to test gene function. Recent work extends these concepts to the circadian clock, deciphering how daily oscillations in lipid metabolism couple to behavioural and physiological outputs in insects, and how natural variation across 1,135 Arabidopsis ecotypes underpins climate adaptation. Scientific Awards: While specific honours are not listed, Prof. Müller’s sustained funding record and >200 peer-reviewed articles (1993-2023) demonstrate international recognition. Research Teams & Collaboration: He heads the “AG Müller” research group and participates in collaborative centres including the CRC “Insect Timing” and the Metabolomics Core Unit. Ongoing projects integrate expertise from co-PIs Agnes Fekete, Daniel Maag and Arthur Korte.
Rolf Drechsler is a Full Professor and Head of the Group of Computer Architecture at the University of Bremen's Institute of Computer Science since 2001, and Director of the Cyber-Physical Systems Group at DFKI Bremen since 2011. He holds an adjunct professorship at the Indian Statistical Institute and has been affiliated with Duke University. Education: Diploma (1992) and Dr. phil. nat. (1995) in Computer Science from Goethe University Frankfurt Academic Leadership: Dean of Mathematics and Computer Science Faculty (2018-2025), Vice Rector for Research (2008-2013) His research focuses on formal verification , RISC-V architectures , and quantum/in-memory computing . Recent work explores LLM integration in hardware testing and polynomial-based verification techniques. Publications from 2024-2025 span IEEE Transactions , DATE , and DAC , emphasizing automated verification , quantum circuit mapping , and LLM-driven testbench generation . Scientific Awards IEEE/ACM Best Paper Awards (2013, 2018) Berninghausen-Preis for Innovative Teaching (2018) IEEE Fellow (2015) Founder Award for Solvertec (2013) He has served on program committees for DAC, ICCAD, DATE, and founded graduate schools in Embedded Systems and System Design under Germany's Excellence Initiative.
Fabian H. Sinz is a Professor at the University of Tuebingen, leading the Neuronal Intelligence Group . His research focuses on understanding how biological neuronal networks leverage model biases through architecture, nonlinearities, and dynamics to enhance robust inference and accelerate learning. He employs deep learning and system identification techniques on large-scale neurophysiological and anatomical data. His work spans theoretical and applied domains, including system identification , neuroscience , reinforcement learning , and medical AI . Recent studies explore bidirectional coding in visual cortical neurons, contrastive learning for neuroscience time-series, and foundational models predicting neural responses to novel stimuli. Key publications highlight advancements in functional connectomics , invariance manifold learning , and neural likelihood estimation . Collaborations with institutions like the University of Texas and Max Planck Institute underscore his interdisciplinary impact. Tools like LAMINR (Learning and Aligning Manifolds of Single-Neuron Invariances) demonstrate his contributions to open-source neuroscience research.
Dennis Pauls is a Research Professor in the Department of Animal and Behavioral Physiology at the Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig. He leads his own research group (PAULS LAB) focusing on neurobiological mechanisms underlying behavior, memory formation, and decision-making processes, primarily using Drosophila as a model organism. His work bridges molecular neuroscience, behavioral physiology, and systems neuroscience to understand fundamental neural processes. Dr. Pauls completed his biology studies (Diplom) at the University of Gießen and University of Würzburg (2001-2006), followed by a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland (2006-2010). He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Marburg (2010-2011) before becoming a scientific staff member and later group leader at the Theodor-Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg (2011-2019). Since July 2019, he has been a group leader at the University of Leipzig, and completed his Habilitation (Dr. rer. nat. habil, PD) in December 2020. His research focuses on two primary areas: (1) the integration of time in memories, investigating how essential information is encoded as lasting physical changes through synaptic plasticity, and (2) the neurometabolic mechanisms underlying poor food decisions, exploring how animals overcome innate aversions to potentially harmful foods under hunger conditions. His laboratory employs neuro- and optogenetic approaches, electrophysiology, behavioral analyses, and high-resolution light microscopy to address these questions. Analysis of Dr. Pauls' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on octopamine signaling in learning and memory circuits, time integration mechanisms in neural systems, and the metabolic regulation of feeding behavior. His work demonstrates how neuromodulators influence memory formation, how temporal information is incorporated into neural representations, and how metabolic states affect decision-making processes in Drosophila models. Dr. Pauls currently leads three major DFG-funded research projects: (1) The function of octopamine in reward processing in Drosophila larvae (2019-2023), (2) Neurobiological foundations of integrating time into memories (2023-2026), and (3) Metabolic signatures and neurophysiological mechanisms of poor food intake decisions (2024-2027). He collaborates extensively with the Kittel Lab and other neuroscience groups at the University of Leipzig, contributing to the NeuroTune Graduate School and other interdisciplinary initiatives focused on brain dynamics and neurological disorders. His laboratory is part of the Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) for Adiposity-Related Disorders for his research on food decision-making, demonstrating the translational potential of his basic neuroscience research. Dr. Pauls' work provides fundamental insights into neural circuit function with implications for understanding memory disorders and eating behaviors in humans.
Dr. Stavros Nousias is a researcher at the Chair of Computing in Civil and Building Engineering at the Technical University of Munich , focusing on applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Built Environment . His work bridges Knowledge Representation and Reasoning , Geometry Processing , and Machine Learning to advance construction informatics and digital twinning. Research Interests: AI for building evacuation prediction, technical drawing segmentation, BIM optimization, and respiratory disease modeling. Publications: 15+ peer-reviewed articles on topics including graph neural networks for construction simulations, pulmonary airflow analysis, and heritage site monitoring. Supervised Theses: Guided projects on AI-based BIM command prediction and robotized construction simulation . Labs: Active in the BIM-Lab and Robotic Fabrication Lab . Teaching: Co-instructor for courses like Artificial Intelligence in Engineering and Computation in Engineering 1 .
Miguel Andrade is a Professor in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Mainz and serves as Adjunct Director at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) since 2014. Previously, he was a Group Leader at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (2007-2014) and Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa (2003-2007). His research focuses on computational analysis of protein sequences, particularly tandem repeats and low complexity regions, with applications in neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's. His educational background includes: PhD in Biochemistry from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1994) Professor Andrade's research spans bioinformatics and computational biology with emphasis on protein sequence evolution, structural implications of repetitive elements, and development of analytical tools. He investigates how tandem repeats and low complexity regions influence protein folding, aggregation, and interactions in diseases, while exploring evolutionary conservation across species. His work bridges computational methodologies with experimental validation in neurodegenerative contexts. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate consistent innovation in protein sequence analysis, featuring computational tools for homorepeat detection, machine learning applications in proteomics, and multi-omics integration. Key themes include neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, immune system regulation, and evolutionary adaptations, with significant contributions to databases like RepeatsDB and tools such as REP2 and seqQscorer. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. While specific student names and grant details are unlisted, his leadership at IMB indicates supervision of graduate researchers and postdoctoral fellows. His collaborative network spans immunology, cancer research, and neuroscience, evidenced by co-authorship on diverse projects from lipid-disease associations to T-cell differentiation studies. He directs a research group at IMB Mainz focused on computational genomics, developing algorithms for protein sequence analysis and maintaining community resources. The team actively investigates polyglutamine dynamics in neurodegeneration and applies machine learning to proteome-wide challenges, maintaining strong ties with experimental laboratories for biological validation.
Carlotta Martelli is a Group Leader at the Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology (iDN) , Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany. Her research focuses on the intersection of neurobiology , sensory processing , and computational biology , particularly in understanding how Drosophila neural systems adapt to environmental stimuli. PhD in Biophysics , Universitá La Sapienza, Rome (2008) Physics studies , Universitá La Sapienza (2004) Her work explores olfactory systems , synaptic connectivity , and neural development under conditions like temperature variation and metabolic constraints . Publications highlight her expertise in sensory adaptation , neural coding , and insect neurobiology , often using machine learning and computational models to analyze complex biological systems. Recent articles emphasize Drosophila olfactory pathways , behavioral neuroscience , and metabolic regulation of neural growth. The laboratory addresses questions about stimulus-driven neural transformations and temporal processing , leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to bridge molecular mechanisms and behavioral outcomes. Her research group at Mainz investigates how developmental temperatures shape synaptic networks and neural function , with implications for understanding sensory processing and adaptive behaviors in Drosophila .
Marion Silies is a Professor for Neurobiology (W3) at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz since 2019. Her research focuses on understanding how visual processing strategies evolve and are mechanistically implemented in the brain, particularly through the study of Drosophila visual systems. She leads projects A.08 and A.11 at the institute iDN, Biozentrum I, Mainz, aiming to identify optimal neural coding strategies via the GenEvo consortium. Her work spans synaptic connectivity, motion detection, contrast adaptation, and neural circuit design, with publications in journals like Nature Communications , eLife , and Development . Recent studies explore inhibitory feedback neurons, luminance gain control, and the role of endosomal pathways in striatal function. She previously led a research group at the European Neuroscience Institute (ENI) Göttingen (2015–2018) and conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University (2009–2014).
Jan Benda , PhD, is a Professor at the University of Tübingen within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , specifically affiliated with the Department of Biology and the Institute of Neurobiology , leading the Neuroethology working group. His research focuses on neuroethology, computational neuroscience, and sensory processing mechanisms in weakly electric fish and other species. Research Interests: Jan Benda investigates how sensory systems encode natural signals, emphasizing neural adaptation, burst spiking, and synchronization in weakly electric fish. His work bridges biological experiments with computational modeling to understand the interplay between stochastic and deterministic neural processes. Article Trends: His recent publications (2025-2022) explore statistical regularities in sensory processing across species, nonlinear signal transmission in spiking neurons, neural synchronization in electrosensory systems, genotype-phenotype correlations in ion channel mutations, and advanced methodologies for sensory system analysis. These studies highlight his integrative approach combining experimental neuroethology with computational frameworks. Academic Roles: As a full professor, Benda oversees teaching modules like Weakly Electric Fish (BIO3146) and Introduction to Scientific Computing and Statistics (BIO4201) . He contributes to the Neuroethology working group seminar and Integrative Neurobiology tutorials, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary education.
Philippe Bastiaens is Director of the Department for Systemic Cell Biology at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology and Full Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology , Technische Universität Dortmund. His research bridges biochemical network dynamics membrane-organized signaling synthetic cell reconstitution . Key research themes include: Pattern formation in cell signaling Membrane-coupled oncogenic pathways Redox-regulated phosphatases Self-organizing synthetic morphogenic systems Quantitative imaging of molecular gradients . His 2023 EMBO Journal article revealed redox control of EGFR phosphatase RPTPγ in cancer migration. Scientific achievements: 2013 ERC Advanced Grant 2008 EMBO Membership 2007 Leica Scientific Forum Speaker 1993 NVBMB Prize . He pioneered reversible cryo-arrest for dynamic molecular imaging and developed PDEδ inhibitors to target Ras oncogenes. Current affiliations: Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology (Dortmund) Technische Universität Dortmund with collaborative teams including Malte Schmick and Julaine James (secretary). Contact: philippe.bastiaens@mpi-dortmund.mpg.de
Prof. Dr. Johann Bauersachs is a distinguished German cardiologist, holding the position of Full Professor and Director of the Department of Cardiology and Angiology at Hannover Medical School (MHH) since 2010. Additionally, he serves as Managing Director of the Center for Internal Medicine at MHH since 2020. With board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Intensive Care Medicine, plus additional qualifications in Interventional Cardiology and Heart Failure, he brings extensive clinical expertise to his leadership roles. Prof. Bauersachs' research focuses on acute coronary syndromes, left ventricular healing and remodeling after ischemia, acute and chronic heart failure, and intensive care medicine. He has particular expertise in peripartum cardiomyopathy, aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor-mediated mechanisms, and the role of non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular disease. His laboratory investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating infarct wound healing and cardiac remodeling after myocardial ischemia, with a major focus on elucidating the pathophysiological relevance of adrenocortical steroid receptors in myeloid cells. His publication record is exceptional with 1,133 publications, an H-Index of 107 (Web of Science), and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher in Clinical Medicine. His research spans from basic science to clinical trials, including the DIGIT-HF study investigating digitoxin in advanced heart failure and the HF-REVERT trial examining CDR132L for post-MI heart failure. Oskar-Lapp Award, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (2001) Albert-Fraenkel-Award, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (2004) Parmley-Award, American College of Cardiology (2006) Bernard and Joan Marshall Distinguished Investigator Award (2012) Paul Morawitz-Award, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (2018) Honorary member of Corean and Romanian Societies of Cardiology ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar (2022) Highly cited researcher in Clinical Medicine (2023) Prof. Bauersachs serves as Speaker of Clinical Research Group (KFO) 311 funded by the DFG, and as Study Director of the DIGIT-HF Study funded by BMBF. He has held significant leadership positions including Chair of the ESC Working Group on Myocardial Function, Member of the ESC Congress Programme Committee, and Board Member of the German Cardiac Society. As Deputy Editor of the European Heart Journal and Associate Editor of Cardiovascular Research, he plays a key role in shaping cardiovascular science. His laboratory provides robust research opportunities in cardiac wound healing, myocardial remodeling, and novel therapeutic approaches for heart disease.
Prof. Dr. Klaus R. Pawelzik is a Professor at the University of Bremen's Institute for Theoretical Physics, where he leads the Theoretical Bio- and Neurophysics research group. His research bridges theoretical physics and neuroscience, with laboratories located in the Cognium building on the university campus. His primary research interests include: Computational models of neural dynamics and information processing Neurophysics and mechanisms of cortical computation Brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetic systems Dynamical systems approaches to causality and network analysis Biologically plausible learning algorithms for spiking neural networks Attention mechanisms and sensory processing in primate brains Recent publications (2015-2020) demonstrate strong focus on attention mechanisms in visual processing, causal inference methods for dynamical systems, hardware implementations for neuroprosthetics, and biologically inspired learning algorithms. The work consistently integrates mathematical rigor with experimental neuroscience, featuring collaborations with neurophysiology labs and engineering groups. Prof. Pawelzik leads an active research team developing both theoretical frameworks and experimental platforms for neuroscience research. The lab specializes in open-source neurotechnology solutions, including wireless implantable devices for electrocorticography and FPGA-based processing systems for real-time neural signal analysis.
Professor Snjezana Gligorevic is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at Aachen University of Applied Sciences. She serves as a Professor specializing in Information Processing Systems and is also a member of the University Senate. Her research and teaching interests focus on: Information Theory and source coding Error correction and channel coding Digital Signal Processing techniques Communication systems and signal transmission Radar signal processing applications Professor Gligorevic teaches multiple courses across bachelor and master programs including Information Theory, Coding for Error Correction, Digital Signal Processing, and Applied Transmission Line and Signal Theory. Her practical courses emphasize hands-on experience with signal processing algorithms, circuit simulation using LTspice IV, and implementation of communication systems. Contact information: Email: gligorevic@fh-aachen.de Phone: +49 241 6009-52134 Office: Building E, Room E 334 Address: Eupener Str. 70, 52066 Aachen
Professor Kristina Kelber is a faculty member at HTW Dresden (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden), holding the Chair of Communications Engineering within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. She is also a member of the Faculty Council, contributing to academic governance at the institution. Her research focuses on signal processing , digital image processing , and the analysis and design of nonlinear dynamic systems . Her work spans theoretical aspects of communications engineering and practical applications in diverse fields including music technology for accessibility applications, bird song identification, film restoration, and visitor center information systems. Her publication record demonstrates consistent expertise from the 1990s to present, with evolving applications from foundational work in chaos-based encryption systems to more recent applied research with social impact. Professor Kelber has secured research funding for projects such as "sprechAktiv," a child-friendly interactive language learning media initiative developed in cooperation with Linguwerk GmbH, Dresden, and funded by the BMBF's SME innovative program from 2013-2015. Her research methodology combines theoretical analysis with practical implementation, as evidenced by publications ranging from mathematical analysis of chaotic systems to applied projects in music technology and image processing. Member of the Faculty Council at HTW Dresden Associated with the Communication Technology laboratory Active researcher with publications spanning over two decades Professor Kelber teaches courses in systems theory, signals and systems, audio and video technology, signal coding, and digital image processing across multiple degree programs. She offers both traditional classroom instruction and distance learning options through the Bildungsportal Sachsen (OPAL) platform, demonstrating adaptability to different educational delivery methods and commitment to accessible education.
