Sebastian Schmidt is a researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the Department of Informatics - I26 (Data Analytics and Machine Learning) under Prof. Dr. Stephan Günnemann. His work is situated in the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, where he contributes to cutting-edge research in machine learning applications. His research focuses on active learning methodologies with particular emphasis on out-of-distribution detection and uncertainty estimation in open-world perception systems. His work bridges theoretical machine learning with practical applications in computer vision and robotics, as evidenced by publications in top-tier conferences like CVPR, ICRA, and IROS. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent research trajectory in developing active learning frameworks that address real-world challenges in perception systems. The publications show increasing sophistication from temporal stream processing to multi-agent robotic applications and safety-constrained sensor fusion. As a member of the Data Analytics and Machine Learning group, he collaborates extensively with colleagues including Leo Schwinn, Stephan Günnemann, and others across multiple publications. His research has practical implications for autonomous systems requiring reliable perception under uncertainty.
Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg is a Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Strategy at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) since 2017, where he also served as Department Head of the Operations and Technology Department from 2017 to 2023. Prior to joining KLU as an Associate Professor in 2012, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Cologne (2010–2012) and a strategy consultant at Booz & Company (2006–2010). His research interests span supply chain analytics and technology integration inventory modeling for intermittent demand digital transformation in operations management additive manufacturing in after-sales services human-machine interaction in forecasting pharmaceutical supply chain challenges IoT-enabled vendor-managed inventory behavioral aspects of operations . Recent publications highlight empirical studies leveraging machine learning for semiconductor order fulfillment, typologies for additive manufacturing adoption, and process mining applications in SCM. His work frequently combines theoretical modeling with real-world validation, including partnerships with firms in food manufacturing, postal services, and medical devices. He earned a PhD in Supply Chain Management from Münster University (2006) and a Diplom in Industrial Engineering from Paderborn University and Monash University. He has held visiting scholar roles at institutions like Cornell, NUS, Oxford, and Stellenbosch.
Michael Sedlmair is a Professor at the University of Stuttgart's VISUS (Visualization Research Center). His research focuses on visualization, augmented reality, and immersive analytics. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (2010). Affiliations: Department of Computer Science, University of Stuttgart Research interests span: Augmented Reality applications in collaboration and industry Immersive analytics and spatial data visualization Human-computer interaction in AR/VR contexts His work emphasizes practical applications such as human-robot collaboration, medical simulations, and molecular visualization. Over 200+ publications since 2008 highlight contributions to visualization theory and tool development.
Dr. Uwe Grünefeld is a Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science , Institute for Computer Science and Business Information Systems (ICB) of the University of Duisburg-Essen. He has been actively contributing to Human-Computer Interaction research through multiple publications in 2025-2022 focusing on Virtual Reality , Augmented Reality , and Robotics . Research Interests span across immersive technology applications for health behavior change (situated artifacts, weight visualization mirrors), haptic feedback systems (EMS for weight perception, vibrotactile directional cues), and behavioral biometrics (hand tracking identification, gaze-based user recognition). His work addresses cross-reality system design , collaborative robotics , and human-in-the-loop simulation methodologies . Key Publications demonstrate significant contributions to VR/AR user engagement, with particular focus on Physical activity promotion through situated artifacts Advanced haptic feedback techniques for immersive environments Behavioral biometric identification systems Robot motion intent communication Cross-reality transition visualization His research often employs mixed-method approaches combining technical implementations with user studies involving quantitative and qualitative data collection.
Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective GoodsGermany
Fani Lauermann is a Professor of Empirical Educational Research and Educational Psychology at the University of Bonn, where she is affiliated with the Bonn Center for Teacher Education (BZL). She also serves as a Co-opted Member of the Department of Psychology at the University of Bonn and maintains a research affiliation with the Institute for Research on Education and School Development (IFS) at TU Dortmund University. Her work bridges educational psychology and teacher education through empirical research on motivation and learning processes. Dr. Lauermann earned her Ph.D. from the Combined Program in Education and Psychology at the University of Michigan (2008-2013) following her Diplom-Psychologist degree at the University of Bonn, Germany (2001-2006). Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research in the Gender and Achievement Research Program (GARP) at the Institute for Social Research at Michigan. Her research program centers on three interconnected domains: academic motivation and achievement, educational trajectories and occupational choices, and teacher motivation and teaching quality. She frequently applies expectancy-value theory to understand motivational processes across educational contexts, with particular attention to gender differences in academic choices. Recent methodological approaches include longitudinal designs, multilevel analyses, and cross-cultural comparisons, often examining how students' and teachers' beliefs influence academic trajectories and outcomes in math-intensive study programs. Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on gender disparities in educational choices, particularly in STEM fields, as well as the role of comparative processes in forming academic self-concepts. Her work increasingly examines teacher self-efficacy, responsibility beliefs, and their impact on classroom processes, with growing attention to online learning environments and their implications for student motivation and belonging. Dr. Lauermann has held significant editorial positions including Associate Editor for Learning and Instruction (2018-2021) and editorial board membership for Journal of Educational Psychology, Journal of Learning and Instruction, Contemporary Educational Psychology, and Educational Psychologist. She served as elected coordinator for EARLI SIG-08 "Motivation and Emotion" from 2017-2021, representing members from over 30 countries. Dr. Lauermann advises several graduate students who have received recognition for their work, including Daria Benden (Paul R. Pintrich Award winner) and Sirui Wan (Graduate Student Research Excellence Award recipient from Division C at AERA 2022). Her research group collaborates with international scholars, notably Eccles, Wigfield, and Bailey on expectancy-value theory research, and with German colleagues at TU Dortmund on the FAIR research profile area. Dr. Lauermann's research contributes to understanding how motivational processes operate across different educational contexts, with implications for teacher education and classroom practice. Her work continues to advance theoretical models of motivation while providing practical insights for educators seeking to support students' academic development across domains.
Constantin Grigo is a PhD researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TU Munich), actively engaged in the Continuum Mechanics group. His work focuses on Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) and Machine Learning (ML), particularly for applications in maritime safety, bicycle traffic modeling, and stochastic systems. He has presented his research at major conferences like SIAM UQ and WCCM, and has been recognized with Student Travel Awards from SIAM UQ 2018 and SIAM CSE 2019. Education: Master of Science in Physics, LMU Munich (2015) Bachelor of Science in Physics, LMU Munich (2012) Year abroad at Grenoble INP (2010-2011) Research Interests: Probabilistic machine learning for coarse-graining high-dimensional systems Bayesian model and dimension reduction Stochastic differential equations in heterogeneous media Microscopic traffic simulation for bicycles and autonomous vehicles Digital twin applications for maritime and urban mobility Reduced-order modeling of random materials Selected Awards: SIAM UQ 2018: Student Travel Award Winner SIAM CSE 2019: Student Travel Award Winner His publications span topics such as data-driven scenario specification for autonomous vehicles, bicycle maneuver prediction using neural networks, and physics-constrained surrogates for UQ. He also contributes to open-source simulation tools like SUMO for traffic modeling.
Mathias Fischer is Professor for Computer Networks at the University of Hamburg since December 2021, affiliated with the MIN Department of Informatics. He previously served as an assistant professor at Universität Hamburg (2016-2021), University Münster (2015-16), and held postdoctoral positions at the International Computer Science Institute/UC Berkeley (2014-15) and the Center for Advanced Security Research Darmstadt/TU Darmstadt (2012-14). His educational background includes a PhD in Computer Science from TU Ilmenau (2012) and a diploma in Computer Science from the same institution (2008). He also served as Head of Data Literacy Education in IT Support at the University of Hamburg's ISA Center. Professor Fischer's research spans critical areas of modern network infrastructure, with particular emphasis on IT and network security , resilient distributed systems , and network monitoring . His work addresses fundamental challenges in cybersecurity including botnet monitoring, intrusion detection, and critical infrastructure protection. His research group actively investigates P2P networks and develops innovative approaches to network security that balance functionality with privacy preservation. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on privacy-enhancing technologies, network security protocols, and resilient distributed systems. His research trajectory shows increasing attention to practical implementations of security solutions for edge computing environments, digital twin networks, and time-sensitive networking applications. The work demonstrates sophisticated integration of cryptographic techniques with network architecture design to address emerging security challenges in distributed systems. Among his notable recognitions are the Claussen-Simon Competition for Universities (2019), the University Prize of the Claussen-Simon Foundation (2019), and an Outstanding Paper Award at ACSAC (2018). Claussen-Simon Competition for Universities (2019) University Prize of the Claussen-Simon Foundation 2019 Outstanding Paper Award at ACSAC (2018) Professor Fischer leads multiple significant research projects including SOVEREIGN (Technologically sovereign security monitoring), RESISTANT (Resilient zero-trust platform for aircraft), and Dynamic situational awareness for rescue teams. His research group comprises numerous doctoral and master's students working on cutting-edge network security challenges. Current projects focus on developing resilient data and AI platforms for crisis situations, security monitoring for critical infrastructures, and innovative home network security solutions. The Computer Networks research group at the University of Hamburg, led by Professor Fischer, maintains active collaborations with industry and academic partners. The group operates specialized laboratories focused on network security testing, intrusion detection systems, and resilient network architectures. Current research directions include QUIC protocol security, federated learning security, and privacy-preserving network analytics, with strong emphasis on practical implementations that address real-world security challenges.
Max Planck Institute for the Study of SocietiesGermany
Clemens Kroneberg is a Professor of Sociology at the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne. His research spans diversity and boundary making, action theory, social networks, and crime and deviance, with a focus on integrative theoretical frameworks like the Model of Frame Selection. He leads major projects including the ERC Starting Grant project SOCIALBOND and the DFG project Friendship and Violence in Adolescence , analyzing longitudinal data on social networks, identities, and juvenile delinquency. Principal investigator at University of Cologne Guest Professor at McGill University (2022-2024) His research integrates cognitive social psychology with rational choice theory, applying the Model of Frame Selection to altruism, crime, political participation, and trust. Recent work examines post-pandemic juvenile delinquency trends, ethnic diversity in schools, and institutional trust in public goods provision. Key scientific accolades include the Robert K. Merton Best Paper Award (2021) and Fellow of the European Academy of Sociology . He advises PhD students in areas related to social network analysis, panel analysis, and criminological theories. Advises students on diversity policies and racism Collaborates with institutions like ECONtribute Center of Excellence, Mannheim Centre for European Social Research
Sebastian Gottschalk is a researcher at Paderborn University, Germany, specializing in business model development within software ecosystems, virtual reality applications, and model-driven software engineering. His research focuses on creating situation-specific approaches to business model development, with particular emphasis on tool support, method composition, and knowledge provision. His research interests span business model innovation, virtual reality applications for education and collaboration, model-driven development, and end-user programming. He has made significant contributions to understanding how business models can be developed in context-aware ways within software ecosystems, with practical applications in tool development and method engineering. His publication record shows a clear progression from foundational work on business model development to innovative applications in virtual reality and gamification. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on practical implementations, particularly in educational contexts using VR technology to teach UML and software modeling concepts. Gottschalk has collaborated extensively with Gregor Engels (27 publications together), Enes Yigitbas (20 publications), and Alexander Nowosad (7 publications), indicating strong research partnerships that have driven much of his recent work in business model development and virtual reality applications.
Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz Center for InformaticsGermany
Michael Cochez is an Assistant Professor in the Learning and Reasoning group at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam . His research focuses on Machine Learning , Knowledge Graph Embedding , and Prototype-Based Ontologies , with applications in Scalable Hierarchical Clustering , Ontology Matching , and Knowledge Evolution . He teaches Intelligent Systems , Data Mining , and Machine Learning courses. His research explores integrating Knowledge Graphs into end-to-end ML models , addressing challenges in Approximate Query Answering and Knowledge Representation . He has also contributed to Multi-Agent Systems and Cloud Communication through projects like Graphino.nl (his consultancy business). His students include Jiawen Chen (supervised thesis on Smart Semantic Multi-channel Communication ).
Bruce H. Thomas is a Professor at the University of South Australia, specializing in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and immersive systems. His research focuses on spatial computing, human-computer interaction, and the application of mixed reality in domains like collaborative analytics, architectural design, and healthcare. Key contributions include foundational work on ARQuake (the first outdoor AR game), spatial interaction techniques, and immersive analytics frameworks. He has authored over 280 publications across venues like IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (TVCG), ISMAR, and CHI. His work spans theoretical studies on cognitive load and EEG responses to AR, as well as applied systems like GeoGate for geo-temporal data visualization. Dr. Thomas collaborates extensively with industry partners (e.g., automotive, energy sectors) and academic institutions globally. His projects emphasize real-world applications, including crime scene reconstruction for legal evidence presentation, VR-based architectural reviews, and haptic interfaces for surgical training. He co-edited the seminal book Emerging Technologies of Augmented Reality (2007) and serves on editorial boards for top journals. His lab's innovations include adaptive portals in VR, proxy-based situated visualizations, and systems for collaborative decision-making in high-stakes environments. Current research explores AI integration with immersive systems and AR-driven solutions for complex data analysis tasks.
Dr. Katharina Papke is an academic post-doctoral researcher ( Akademische Rätin a.Z. ) in the Department of General Educational Science at the University of Education Freiburg (Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg). She has held research and teaching positions at the University of Basel, the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, and Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Her work centres on inclusive education, qualitative research methodologies, and the sociology of knowledge in pedagogical settings. Education 2015–2018: MA in Educational Science, University of Education Freiburg 2020–2025: PhD in Educational Science, University of Basel (Swiss National Science Foundation project no. 188805) Research Interests Dr. Papke’s scholarship explores the micro-politics of inclusive schooling, the discursive construction of autism in educational contexts, and the professional practices of teachers cooperating in inclusive classrooms. Employing praxeological and documentary methods, she reconstructs how organisational frames, professional milieus, and student perspectives intersect to enable or hinder participation. Her recent projects examine cooperative teaching arrangements, the categorisation processes surrounding autism, and the conditions under which inclusion policies are translated into everyday school practice. Publications & Scholarly Trajectory Across more than fifteen peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and edited volumes since 2019, Papke has advanced a situational-analytical perspective on inclusive education. Her forthcoming monograph Kooperation im Spannungsfeld synthesises extensive ethnographic work on classroom cooperation. Co-edited volumes with Köpfer (forthcoming, 2025) extend theoretical debates on autism, culture and schooling. Thematically, her oeuvre moves from vocational inclusion and teacher professionalism to fine-grained interaction analyses of reflexive teaching practices. Scientific Memberships & Networks Member, Scientific Network for Educational Autism Research (WNEA, DFG project no. 530948278) Editorial board member, Zeitschrift für Inklusion Member, Section Sociology of Professions, German Sociological Association (DGS) Member, Society for Education and Knowledge (GBW) Associate Member, German Educational Research Association (DGfE) Grants & Projects Her doctoral research was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (project 188805). She has participated in the federal “Schule tatsächlich inklusiv” (StiEL) project, developing and piloting in-service training for inclusive education. Ongoing collaborations extend to international comparative studies on student perspectives in Germany, Canada and Switzerland. Labs & Research Teams Dr. Papke is embedded in the qualitative research environment of the Institute of Educational Science at the University of Education Freiburg and collaborates closely with the DFG-funded WNEA network, coordinating working groups on autism-related education research.
Professor Andreas Kurth serves as Deputy Head of the Department of Wine & Beverage Business at Geisenheim University, holding the Professorship for Business Operation. His academic work focuses on the economic aspects of wine production and business management, with particular expertise in cost analysis, profitability assessment, and economic sustainability of wine estates. His research interests include Wine Business Economics , Cost Analysis in Viticulture , and Economic Sustainability of Wine Estates . Professor Kurth has developed specialized methodologies for business analysis in the wine industry, particularly through the Geisenheimer Business Analysis project which has been running for over 25 years. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong focus on economic viability of wine businesses, with particular attention to cost structures, profit margins, and the impact of digitalization on business analysis in the wine industry. His work often addresses the challenges faced by family-owned wineries and provides practical frameworks for assessing economic sustainability. Professor Kurth actively engages with the wine industry through presentations at major industry events including the International Riesling Symposium, the American Association of Wine Economists conferences, and various German wine industry forums where he discusses cost structures, margin analysis, and business valuation methodologies specific to wineries. Lead researcher on the Geisenheimer Business Analysis project (25+ years) Principal investigator for the digitization of business management in wine enterprises Expert in economic sustainability assessment frameworks for wine estates Regular presenter at major wine industry conferences across Europe His current research project "Experimental field digitisation in agriculture and viticulture using multicopters, networked sensors and satellite-supported communication channels" (2020-2025), funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, represents the cutting edge of digital transformation in wine business management.
Barbara Meisterernst is an Honorary Professor at the Institute of Linguistics, National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, specializing in Chinese historical syntax, morpho-syntax, syntax-semantic interfaces, and Buddhist Chinese linguistics. Her academic career spans prestigious institutions including Humboldt-University Berlin and the University of Ghent. Habilitation, University of Hamburg (2012) PhD in Chinese Studies, Münsterische Sinologische Mitteilungen (1998) MA in Chinese Studies, German and Linguistics (1992) Her research focuses on diachronic evolution of Chinese grammar, particularly tense-aspect-modality systems from Classical to Medieval Chinese. Key contributions include analyses of modal expressions, negation cycles, and syntactic changes in Buddhist Chinese texts. She employs formal syntactic frameworks to examine historical developments while integrating semantic and pragmatic dimensions. Her publications reveal strong trends in modality research (25% of output), diachronic syntax (30%), and Buddhist Chinese linguistics (15%). Recent work increasingly examines cross-linguistic comparisons with Vietnamese and Sogdian, reflecting broader typological interests. Methodologically, she combines corpus-based analysis with theoretical syntax to reconstruct historical grammatical systems. Meisterernst has presented at over 50 international conferences including IACL, EACL, and specialized workshops across Asia, Europe, and North America. Her extensive fieldwork includes collaborations with Academia Sinica, Tsing Hua University, and the International Dunhuang Project. She leads major research projects on pre-Tang Chinese verb phrase development and Silk Road linguistic interactions, securing continuous funding for collaborative work between European and Asian institutions since 2010.
Kathrin Ackermann is a Professor of Political Science with a focus on the Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany at the University of Siegen, Faculty I (Social Sciences). She has held this tenure-track professorship since May 2023 and is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership. Her research expertise lies in political behavior, electoral research, political attitudes, and the impact of polarization on citizenship norms. She employs empirical-analytical methods to investigate how contextual factors and individual traits interact in shaping political engagement. Her work is situated at the intersection of political sociology, political psychology, and comparative politics. Prof. Ackermann is a key figure in national academic networks, serving as spokesperson for the Working Group on Elections and Political Attitudes of the German Political Science Association (DVPW) and as a member of the Presidium of the German Society for Electoral Research (DGfW). She also contributes to the General Population Survey of the Social Sciences (ALLBUS) as a member of its study coordination group. She has organized and participated in recent academic events, including PhD workshops and lectures at institutions like the University of Mainz and the DVPW Conference, reflecting her active role in mentoring emerging scholars and disseminating research findings. Her academic background includes a doctorate from the University of Bern (2017), postdoctoral fellowships at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Amsterdam, and a junior professorship at Heidelberg University. She completed her MA and BA in Political and Administrative Science at the University of Konstanz, including an Erasmus year at Leiden University.
