Katrin Rabitsch is an Associate Professor of Economics at Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna), affiliated with the Department of Economics. Her research focuses on International Macroeconomics/Finance, Quantitative Macroeconomics, Business Cycles, and Monetary Economics. She has published extensively in top journals like European Economic Review , Journal of International Economics , and Macroeconomic Dynamics . Her work explores topics such as monetary policy transmission channels, fiscal multipliers, macroprudential policies, and asset pricing dynamics. Notable recent contributions include analyzing nonlinear inflation dynamics, firm entry costs in asset pricing, and agent-based economic forecasting models. Rabitsch also engages in policy-oriented research, examining the effects of borrower heterogeneity on financial stability and the role of imperfect information in monetary policy design. Her teaching and research are supported by affiliations with institutions like the Department of Economics at WU Vienna. Rabitsch’s methodologies often involve advanced DSGE modeling, VAR analysis, and computational simulations to address complex macroeconomic questions.
Thomas Henzinger is a Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), where he leads the Henzinger Thomas Group focused on improving software reliability through mathematical methods. He previously served as ISTA's President (2009–2022) and held academic positions at EPFL, Max Planck Institute, UC Berkeley, and Cornell University. Education: Dipl.-Ing. in Computer Science (Johannes Kepler University, Austria), M.S. in Computer and Information Sciences (University of Delaware), PhD in Computer Science (Stanford University), and Honorary Doctorates from Fourier University (France) and Masaryk University (Czech Republic). The group's research spans concurrent systems , embedded systems , quantitative model checking , runtime monitoring , and trustworthy AI . They develop tools like HyTech and VAMOS, emphasizing predictability, robustness, and fairness in safety-critical software. Recent publications highlight trends in quantitative automata , fairness in AI , quantum algorithms , and automata theory , reflecting interdisciplinary applications from cyber-physical systems to neural networks. Collaborative projects include SPyCoDe (security foundations) and VAMOS (software monitoring). Honors & Awards: 2024 Fellow of the Royal Society 2020 Member, US National Academy of Sciences 2015 Royal Society Milner Award 2012 Wittgenstein Award 2006 ACM and IEEE Fellow 1995 NSF CAREER and ONR Young Investigator Awards Henzinger advises current and former PhD students including Mahyar Karimi, Pavol Kebis, and Mathias Lechner. His grants include ERC Advanced Grants (QUAREM, VAMOS) and FWF funding (Wittgenstein Award, NFN RISE). Labs & Teams: He leads the Henzinger Thomas Group at ISTA, collaborating with FORSYTE (TU Wien) and contributing to EU-funded initiatives. The group integrates postdocs, PhD students, and interns in formal methods and system verification.
Dr. Ajay V. Singh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. He leads the Combustion and Propulsion Laboratory and has established himself as a leading researcher in combustion science and propulsion technology in India. His work on detonation physics has positioned IIT Kanpur at the forefront of this field with the unveiling of "India's First Detonation Tube Research Facility". Dr. Singh's educational background includes: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University of Maryland, College Park (2015) M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (2008) B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from U.P. Technical University, Lucknow (2006) His research spans fundamental and applied aspects of combustion science with particular focus on high-speed propulsion systems, detonation cycle engines, gas turbine combustion, soot formation and oxidation, flame-synthesized functional nanoparticles, and fire dynamics. His innovative work bridges theoretical understanding with practical applications in aerospace propulsion, energy systems, and fire safety engineering. The media has widely covered his research, with features in India Today, Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Republic Bharat. Dr. Singh's publication record shows a clear trend toward increasingly sophisticated detonation research and fire dynamics studies, with recent work focusing on turbulent wind-driven flames, detonation inhibition mechanisms, and alternative fuel combustion. His articles consistently address challenges in high-speed propulsion and fire safety, demonstrating both theoretical depth and practical relevance. His scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Distinguished Paper Award from the Combustion Institute (the only faculty member in India to receive this honor), a nomination for the Silver Combustion Medal, multiple Best Paper Awards, and the Exemplary Performance in Teaching Award. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Singh has guided numerous PhD and Master's students through their research. His Combustion and Propulsion Laboratory is supported by multiple research grants from agencies including ISRO, ARDB, SERB, and ANRF. He has developed specialized courses including "Explosion and Detonation Physics," which is the first of its kind at IIT Kanpur. Dr. Singh's laboratory serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in combustion science, featuring India's first Detonation Tube Research Facility and advanced experimental setups for studying flame dynamics, soot formation, and detonation physics. His international collaborations include institutions such as Stanford University, University of Maryland, Peking University, and Beijing Institute of Technology.
Hojjat Adeli is an Academy Professor at The Ohio State University (OSU) with courtesy appointments in the Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Biomedical Informatics. He has held the Abba G. Lichtenstein Professorship in Infrastructure Engineering (2003-2013) and served as Editor-in-Chief of Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering for 25 years. Academy Professor, OSU (2018–present) Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Biomedical Informatics (by courtesy, since 2015-2002) His research interests span interdisciplinary domains at the intersection of engineering and neuroscience, focusing on: Computational neuroscience and neurocomputing Biomedical signal processing (particularly EEG-based diagnostics) Machine learning and computational intelligence applications Smart infrastructure systems and structural engineering Optimization algorithms in civil and biomedical contexts His research trends demonstrate a synergy between: Neural network development for medical diagnostics Wavelet and chaos theory in epilepsy detection Computational intelligence for structural engineering Hybrid models integrating fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms Scientific awards and honors include: Multiple IEEE Fellowships and AAAS Fellow Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher in Engineering and Computer Science Hojjat Adeli Awards for Neural Systems and Innovation in Computing Elections to international academies in Poland, Lithuania, and Spain Scott Award for Engineering Education and Distinguished Member ASCE
Jean Salençon is a prominent academic and researcher in mechanics and civil engineering. He currently holds the position of Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study, City University of Hong Kong since 2016. Previously, he served as Visiting Distinguished Professor (2014–2016), Chair Professor-at-large (2011–2014), and President of the Académie des sciences (2009–2010). His academic career includes roles as a Professor of Mechanics at the École polytechnique (1982–2005) and Head of the Department of Mechanical and Material Sciences at the École nationale des ponts et chaussées (1980–1985). Salençon’s research focuses on continuum mechanics , soil mechanics , yield design theory , and composite materials . His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in geotechnical engineering and structural analysis. Notable contributions include probabilistic approaches to yield design, stability analysis of earthworks, and macroelement modeling of foundations under seismic loads. Key Awards: Trevithick Prize (1990), Montyon Prize (1978), Member of the Académie des sciences (1988), and multiple honorary memberships in international academies. Leadership Roles: Rector of the CISM (2004–2012), Member of the Bureau IUTAM (2000–2004), and President of the Académie des sciences (2009–2010). Salençon has authored seminal textbooks such as Handbook of Continuum Mechanics (2001) and Yield Design (2013), contributing significantly to global engineering education and research.
Professor Chuanzeng Zhang is a renowned academic currently serving as Professor (C4) and Chair of Structural Mechanics at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Siegen, Germany. He has held leadership roles including Head of the Department of Civil Engineering (2015–present) and Director of the Institute of Structural Engineering (2007–2010). With a habilitation from Technical University Darmstadt and a PhD from Northwestern University, his research spans acoustic wave propagation, computational mechanics, and multifunctional materials. Education : PhD (Dr.-Ing.) from Northwestern University (USA), Habilitation from Technical University Darmstadt (Germany), Diploma (Dipl.-Ing.) from Technical University Darmstadt. Key Roles : Guest Professor at multiple Chinese institutions (Harbin Institute of Technology, Tongji University), Vice-President of the International Chinese Association for Computational Mechanics. Research interests include: Mechanics of smart materials and structures Wave propagation in phononic crystals Fracture mechanics in composite materials Computational methods for anisotropic solids Surface and interface effects in nanomaterials Multifunctional and functionally graded materials Recent Publications : His work focuses on advanced computational methods for wave propagation, fracture analysis, and smart materials, with applications in phononic crystals, piezoelectric composites, and functionally graded structures. Honors & Awards : 2015: Du Qinghua Medal for Computational Methods 2015: Member of European Academy of Sciences and Arts 2015: Honorary Doctorate from Slovak University of Technology 2014: Member of European Academy of Sciences Leadership & Collaborations : Led Senate Commissions, Research Advisory Committees, and DVM Working Groups. Maintains strong academic ties with institutions in China and Germany.
Prof. Joachim Schöberl is a faculty member at TU Wien's Faculty of Mathematics and Geoinformation, leading the Scientific Computing and Modelling research group. His academic career includes roles as a university professor (Univ.Prof.) with engineering and technical doctorates (Dipl.-Ing., Dr.techn.). Research focuses on advanced numerical methods, including finite element methods, computational fluid dynamics, and partial differential equations. He has pioneered high-order schemes for fluid-structure interaction, shell mechanics, and electromagnetic simulations. Notable contributions include the NGSolve finite element library and innovative approaches to curvature approximation in discrete geometry. Recent work emphasizes nonlinear elasticity modeling, fractional diffusion problems, and shape optimization for biomembranes. His team collaborates on projects like metascreen upscaling, micromorphic continuum models, and eddy current simulations in laminated materials. Prof. Schöberl advises PhD students researching mixed finite element methods, fractional operators, and computational mechanics. His lab develops open-source tools for high-performance scientific computing.
Isabel Gabbe , University Professor of Piano & Piano Didactics at Mozarteum University Salzburg's Innsbruck Department since 2016, is a German-French pianist and music educator with extensive international experience. She heads the Music Education Department and contributes to artistic higher education through her work with the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) and the Austrian Society for Music and Medicine (ÖGFMM). Studied with Hans Leygraf and Rainer Becker Certified music physiologist Founder of "Moments Musicaux" festival in France Active in teacher training across Europe and South America Her research focuses on music education , physiological piano teaching methods , and musicians' health . Isabel integrates creative approaches to piano instruction for children, emphasizing cross-cultural communication through music. Her recent work explores alternative keyboard techniques and inclusive pedagogy. Professor Gabbe's publications analyze piano didactics, including " Alles ist erlaubt, nur nicht Alles spielen! " on practical repertoire use and " Musizieren lernen? Ein Kinderspiel! " on playful learning approaches. She contributes to Schott Verlag's "Üben&Musizieren" series and Waxmann Verlag's music education publications. Scientific recognitions include: German Music Council Artist List (2000) EPTA Austria Vice Chair (2018–present) Deutsche Tonkünstlerverband Deputy Chair (2015–2023) Richard Wagner Association Stipend (2002) Aspen Music Festival Stipend (1995,1996) Isabel Gabbe actively mentors educators through workshops and masterclasses across Europe and South America, focusing on sustainable teaching practices and physiological approaches to piano instruction. She has participated in numerous festivals and serves on academic committees for music education curricula.
Markus Haltmeier is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Innsbruck. His research focuses on inverse problems, image reconstruction, and deep learning with applications in medical imaging, photoacoustics, and computational mathematics. He leads a group dedicated to advancing theoretical and practical solutions for challenges in non-destructive testing and medical diagnostics. His work integrates mathematical analysis with machine learning, addressing issues such as high-resolution imaging in scattering media and automated segmentation of cardiac structures. Key research areas include regularization techniques for inverse problems, self-supervised learning approaches for limited data scenarios, and computational methods for photoacoustic tomography. His contributions span both theoretical developments (e.g., inversion formulas for Radon transforms) and applied solutions (e.g., algorithms for cylinder liner wear assessment and myocardial infarct segmentation). Publications highlight advancements in neural network-based regularization, 3D medical image synthesis, and unsupervised learning frameworks for segmentation and registration. His research emphasizes bridging the gap between mathematical theory and real-world applications in healthcare and engineering.
Florian Brosch is a Researcher at the Institute of Green Civil Engineering , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . He holds a Dipl.-Ing. B.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and Water Management, earned between 2014 and 2021. His work focuses on sustainable construction techniques , particularly timber-concrete composite systems and high-performance concrete (UHPC) . His research integrates experimental testing and numerical modeling to optimize structural performance. Recent publications highlight advancements in adhesive bonding for timber-concrete composites, resource-efficient ceiling systems, and shear strength analysis of glue lines. Collaborative projects include pilot implementations bridging lab findings to real-world applications. Scientific Awards : 2021: VCE Innovationspreis für Exzellenzforschung im Ingenieurbau
Assoc. Prof. MMag. Dr. Alexandra Rausch is an Associate Professor at the Department of Controlling and Strategic Management , Institute of Management at Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt . Her research focuses on corporate decision-making, budgeting, controlling, and economics, with particular emphasis on agent-based modeling of organizational dynamics and team coordination. University: Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt Affiliation: Institute of Management Department: Department of Controlling and Strategic Management Rausch's research explores: Organizational behavior and individual-group interactions Coordination mechanisms in dynamic teams Strategic management and adaptive systems Controlling frameworks for corporate sustainability Agent-based modeling of distributed decision-making Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work spanning both management science (team coordination, strategy-making) and pharmacological chemistry (indazole derivatives for autoimmune therapies). 2022-2025 work highlights coordination benefits in virtual teams, dynamic group adaptation, and pharmaceutical compound development. She teaches courses in controlling and strategic management, with consultation hours available by appointment via email at Alexandra.Rausch@aau.at . Contact details: Phone +43 463 2700 4032 | Office S.0.10 Main Building, South Wing West, Level 0.
Barbara Kaltenbacher is a Professor at the Institute of Mathematics, University of Klagenfurt. She serves as Deputy Head of the Institute and is actively involved in academic governance through roles in curricular commissions for Information Technology and Mathematics. Her research focuses on nonlinear acoustics , inverse problems , and partial differential equations , particularly in modeling wave propagation and parameter identification. Her work spans theoretical and applied domains, including Acoustic nonlinearity parameter tomography Fractional regularization techniques Optimization of imaging and ultrasound models Well-posedness of nonlinear PDEs Her recent publications address advanced mathematical challenges in nonlinear acoustics and inverse problems, with applications in medical imaging and materials science. She contributes to academic leadership through committee memberships and maintains active research collaborations across disciplines.
Paola Ayala is a Professor at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Vienna, specializing in the Electronic Properties of Materials . Her research focuses on nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbyne, exploring their electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. She leads the Doctoral College Advanced Functional Materials (DCAFM) (2020–2025), fostering interdisciplinary training in nanotechnology. Key research areas include nitrogen doping of carbon nanotubes, magnetic coupling in nanoclusters, and sensor applications of nanocomposites. She has pioneered studies on confined carbyne synthesis and the environmental stability of 1D nanocarbons. Ayala’s work bridges theoretical modeling (e.g., DFT simulations) and experimental techniques like Raman spectroscopy and XPS analysis. Her 2017 Matilde Hidalgo Prize recognizes contributions to nanomaterials science. She actively promotes STEM equity, co-authoring reports on women in physics in Austria and Ecuador. Ayala has supervised over 97 publications since 2007, with recent emphasis on functional nanomaterials for energy, sensing, and biomedical applications. Notable projects include developing flexible formaldehyde sensors and investigating magnetic properties of iron nanoclusters. She collaborates globally, presenting at conferences like the 2024 UNIVIE NanoteC Symposium and the 2023 International Nanotechnology Congress.
Anna Beer is a researcher in the Faculty of Computer Science, specializing in data mining and machine learning with a focus on density-based clustering, spectral clustering, and interactive clustering frameworks. She holds a BSc and MSc in computer science and maintains an ORCID profile (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6890-997X) for her research contributions. Research Themes: Development of clustering algorithms (e.g., DISCO, Scar, LUCKe), fairness in density-based clustering (FairDen), and applications to molecular dynamics and climate research (DROPP). Collaborations: Works with colleagues like Ira Assent, Christian Plant, and Lars Krieger, with recent contributions to conferences like ICLR 2025. Activities: Presented research on density-connectivity distance at a 2023 oral contribution. Publications: 9 publications since 2019, including 3 in 2025 and 6 in 2024, covering topics from cluster evaluation to deep active learning strategies.
Sabine Seidel is a full Professor at the Institute of Crop Production, Department of Agrarwissenschaften, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her research integrates plant modeling, sustainable agriculture, and digital farming to enhance climate-resilient and resource-efficient crop systems. Her research interests focus on the development and testing of innovative, diverse (organic) cultivation systems, particularly mixed cropping and intercropping. She investigates ecosystem services such as yield and greenhouse gas emissions through measurements and modeling. Her work emphasizes the interactions between genotype, environment, and management (G×E×M), especially concerning water, nitrogen, and root dynamics. She also explores root growth responses to nutrient deficiency and drought stress, and leads initiatives in digital farming, including AI tools for pollinator detection and digital twin development in agriculture. Analysis of her recent publications (2024–2025) reveals a strong trend in interdisciplinary research combining field experiments with advanced modeling. Her work spans agroecosystem modeling, intercropping systems (especially wheat and faba bean), soil-crop interactions, and the application of AI and machine learning in agriculture. She frequently contributes to multi-model studies and calibration protocols, emphasizing model accuracy and validation. Her research is highly collaborative, involving teams across Germany and Austria. Root:shoot ratio under conservation tillage Phenotypic plasticity in winter wheat Resource acquisition in intercropping Digital crop growth simulation using GANs Soil carbon sequestration and organic matter dynamics She has been actively involved in the PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence as a junior research group leader (2020–2025), focusing on optimizing plant mixtures through field experiments and modeling. Prior to this, she conducted postdoctoral research on subsoil management at the University of Bonn. Her work bridges ecology, plant science, soil science, and digital technologies. She earned her doctorate on plant modeling and irrigation from the Technical University of Dresden and studied agricultural sciences at the Technical University of Munich. She is based in Vienna and maintains an active presence in knowledge transfer, with media contributions in print and online outlets discussing sustainable farming practices.
