Prof. Gabriele Alex is a Professor of South Asia Studies at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Tübingen. She serves as Director of the Department and Editor of the Zeitschrift für Ethnologie/Journal for Social and Cultural Anthropology . Her research focuses on Medical Anthropology, Cultural Heritage, and South Asian Studies, with thematic emphases on childhood, migration, and museum studies. She leads several projects including 'A Doctorate in the Museum' and 'EthnOA – Open Access in Ethnology'. Education: PhD (2003, Brunel University), MSc Medical Anthropology (1996, Brunel), Magister Artium (1993, Freie Universität Berlin) Key Projects: DIMA (museum anthropology), EthnOA (open access), SFB 1070 (health resources in South India) Teaching: Courses on medical anthropology, ethnographic methods, and museum studies Advising: Supervises over 20 PhD students focusing on health, migration, and cultural heritage in South Asia and beyond Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary teams at the Asien-Orient-Institut and Linden-Museum Stuttgart
Prof. Dr. André Kaiser is a Professor in the Department of Comparative Politics at the University of Cologne. His research focuses broadly on federalism, political economy, electoral systems, and democratic institutions. He leads the Comparative Research Center on Centralisation and Decentralisation (CCCP) and contributes to interdisciplinary studies on multi-level governance. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, particularly in OECD countries and Turkey. Key research themes include dynamic de/centralization processes in federations, the impact of electoral systems on party systems, and institutional reforms in Westminster democracies. His datasets (e.g., De/Centralisation Dataset, Regional Elections Data-Set) are widely used for comparative political analysis. Prof. Kaiser has authored/co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and chapters, emphasizing methodological innovation and policy relevance. Teaching responsibilities include courses on comparative political economy and the political economy of digitalization. He collaborates internationally with institutions like the OECD and frequently publishes in journals such as *Political Studies* and *West European Politics*. His office is located at IBW Gebäude, Herbert-Lewin-Straße 2, Cologne.
Prof. Dr. Corinna Kleinert is a faculty member at the University of Bamberg and a Professor at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories (LIfBi) since January 2018. She serves as deputy director of LIfBi since 2011 and leads the "Educational Decisions and Processes, Migration, Education Returns" department. Her career spans roles at the German Youth Institute (DJI), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). Education: Magister Artium in Communication Science (LMU Munich, 1995); Doctorate in Sociology (LMU Munich, 2003) Key research areas: School-to-work transitions, gender inequality, longitudinal survey methodology Recent publications focus on daycare equity, vocational training stability, digital skill development, and pandemic impacts on education As a principal investigator for the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), she has shaped large-scale surveys like ALWA ("Working and Learning in Transition") and NEPS Stage 8. Her methodological innovations in longitudinal data collection and panel attrition have advanced empirical education research in Germany. She holds leadership roles in the German Society for Sociology, Empirical Education Research Association, and ISA Research Committee on Social Stratification. Her work bridges academic research with policy recommendations, particularly in mitigating educational and occupational inequalities.
Sascha L. Schmidt is a Professor and Chairholder at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, where he leads the Center for Sports and Management (CSM). He is also the Academic Director of the European Sports Business Program and holds affiliations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard Business School. His work bridges academic research and practical application in sports and management. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Chair for Sports and Management Academic Director, European Sports Business Program Lecturer, MIT Sports Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Member, Digital Initiative, Harvard Business School Schmidt’s research centers on the future of sports, with a focus on digital transformation, technology adoption, fan engagement, and strategic innovation in professional sports. His interdisciplinary work integrates insights from economics, psychology, and management to understand how emerging technologies are reshaping the sports industry. He has led multiple Delphi studies forecasting the future of football, winter sports, and sports sponsorship. His recent publications span topics including the metaverse in football, digital transformation in national associations, and eSports strategy. These works, published in journals like Technological Forecasting and Social Change and MIT Sloan Management Review , reflect a strong trend toward technology-driven change and data-informed decision-making in sports. His research often employs foresight methodologies and behavioral insights. Schmidt has made significant contributions beyond traditional academia. He is the editor of 21st Century Sports and developed an online course with MIT xPRO. He also contributes regular columns to Focus and Manager Magazin , translating academic insights for a broader audience. Editor, 21th Century Sports: How Technologies Will Change Sports in The Digital Age Co-developer, MIT xPRO course: Transformational Technologies: Applied Lessons from Sports Author of multiple WHU CSM Delphi studies and industry reports Schmidt advises on strategic initiatives and has collaborated with major sports organizations. His work with Harvard Business School on case studies—such as Bayern Munich in China and TSG Hoffenheim’s analytics revolution—highlights his impact on teaching and real-world strategy. He is actively involved in research funding and collaborative projects, though specific grants are not detailed. He leads the Center for Sports and Management at WHU, which serves as a hub for research, industry collaboration, and executive education in sports business. The center produces influential studies and fosters innovation in sports management practices.
Dr. Yana Boeva is a Junior Research Group Leader at the University of Stuttgart , affiliated with both the Institute for Social Sciences and the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC . Her work bridges Science and Technology Studies (STS) with Computational Design , focusing on critical examinations of digital infrastructure, human-computer interaction, and sustainability in architectural contexts. Research Interests: Algorithmic entanglements in design and construction Participatory technology production Digital fabrication and material practice Epistemic cultures of computational design Socio-political implications of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Her recent publications analyze timber construction innovation trajectories , platformization in urban environments , and ghost labor in automation . She co-edited the volume Algorithmic Regimes (2024), which investigates algorithmic knowledge production across societal domains. Scientific Awards: Recipient of the DigitalFUTURES Young Award for critical computational design research Dr. Boeva teaches courses on Algorithmic Sociology and Digital Sustainability at the MA and BA levels. Her work has been supported by projects under the Excellence Cluster IntCDC and BBSR Innovationsprogramm Zukunft Bau .
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Gallei is a Full Professor of Polymer Chemistry at Saarland University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, where he leads the Gallei Lab. His research focuses on the development of nano-structured and stimuli-responsive polymeric materials inspired by natural hierarchical design principles. He holds a W3 professorship and is actively involved in interdisciplinary research bridging polymer chemistry, colloidal science, and self-assembly for advanced applications. His primary research interests include polymer chemistry , self-assembly of block copolymers , stimuli-responsive materials , smart membranes , photonic materials , and ceramic templating . His group develops novel synthetic strategies such as controlled radical polymerization and post-functionalization to create functional hybrid nanostructures. These materials are applied in fields like photonics , separation technologies , and energy storage . The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward redox-responsive systems , metallopolymer-based materials , 3D-printed structural colors , and environmental applications such as PFAS removal. The research combines fundamental polymer synthesis with applied materials engineering, emphasizing scalable and sustainable approaches. Reimund-Stadler-Prize donated by the GDCh (2017) Emerging Investigator 2016, RSC Journal of Materials C Fond der Chemischen Industrie (2016) Emerging Investigator 2016, RSC Polymer Chemistry Fellowship Max-Buchner-Foundation (DECHEMA) (2015) Young Talents 2015, Polymer Science, Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics Prize of the Familie-Bottling-Foundation (2011) Honor for PhD Thesis (summa cum laude), TU Darmstadt (2010) Prize of the Foundation of the Ehemaligen des Deutschen Kunststoff-Instituts (2007) GDCh-Prize for Chemistry (Abitur) (2000) Markus Gallei has led a junior research group at TU Darmstadt and has been a visiting scientist at MIT. He advises students and collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary projects. His lab is supported by national and EU-level funding, particularly in the area of smart inorganic polymers. He is a member of the editorial board of Frontiers in Polymer Science (Colloids) and part of the EU network 'Smart Inorganic Polymers'. The Gallei Lab operates within a well-equipped research environment, focusing on the self-assembly of core-shell particles , melt-shear organization , and functional hybrid films . The group actively develops new methodologies for creating porous membranes , ceramic precursors , and stimuli-responsive opal films .
Johannes Jaspersen is a Professor of Behavioral Risk Management and Insurance at the Munich School of Management , part of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) . As an applied economist, his research bridges theoretical and experimental economics with applications to insurance, prevention, decision analysis, risk theory, and national security. His work often combines behavioral economics with rigorous empirical and theoretical methodologies. Research Interests: Behavioral Economics, Insurance Demand, Risk Perception, Experimental Methods, Decision Theory, National Security His recent publications focus on probability weighting, moral hazard, flood risk hedging, and behavioral aspects of insurance demand. These studies demonstrate his commitment to understanding how individuals and organizations make decisions under uncertainty. Key trends in his research include: Behavioral biases in insurance choices Impact of liquidity constraints on risk decisions Heuristic thinking in risk management Operational research applications to security Natural experiments in insurance markets Methodological innovations in risk elicitation
Dr. C. Maria Keet is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. With a PhD from the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (2008), she has established herself as a leading researcher in ontology engineering and multilingual natural language processing, particularly for African languages. Her research interests span Ontology Engineering , Knowledge Representation , Natural Language Processing for African languages (especially isiZulu), Conceptual Data Modeling , and Temporal Data Modeling . She has developed significant frameworks for ontology modularization, competency questions, and multilingual knowledge representation. Her work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications for linguistic diversity in Africa, addressing the critical need for technology that serves low-resourced languages. Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong focus on advancing ontology engineering methodologies, improving multilingual language processing capabilities, and developing tools for temporal data modeling. She has pioneered approaches for representing African languages in computational systems, with particular attention to noun classification, verb conjugation, and part-whole relations in Bantu languages. Dr. Keet has made substantial contributions to educational resources in her field, including her 2023 book The What and How of Modelling Information and Knowledge - From Mind Maps to Ontologies , which serves as a comprehensive guide to knowledge representation techniques. She actively supervises graduate students and has developed in-house tools specifically for ontology engineering education, demonstrating her commitment to advancing both research and teaching in her field.
Petter Falkman is a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, specializing in robotics, industrial automation, and control systems. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in manufacturing, leveraging technologies like digital twins, eye tracking, and virtual reality. Key Research Areas: Robotics, Industrial Automation, Control Systems, Digital Twins, Human-Computer Interaction, Machine Learning. Collaborations: Frequently works with Bengt Lennartson, Kristofer Bengtsson, Martin Dahl, and colleagues across institutions. Publication Trends: Recent articles focus on gaze-based human intention prediction, ROS2 control architectures, and compositional automated planning. His work integrates machine learning with industrial control systems, emphasizing event-driven design and virtual commissioning. Methodologies: Develops frameworks like EPypes for data pipelines, contributes to STEP AP214 model generation, and explores energy optimization in multi-robot systems.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Anja Drews is a Professor for Process Engineering in Life Science Engineering at HTW Berlin - University of Applied Sciences. She specializes in membrane processes , bioprocess engineering , and interfacial catalysis within liquid multiphase systems. Education: Dipl.-Ing. (1997), Dr.-Ing. (2004) in Process Engineering from TU Berlin Academic Career: Research Assistant at TU Berlin (2004-2008), Departmental Lecturer at University of Oxford (2009), Habilitation in Process Engineering (2010) Her research focuses on: Multiphase Reaction Engineering - Pickering emulsions Mechanistic Modeling - Filtration kinetics Membrane Bioreactors - Fouling mitigation Fluid Dynamics - Bubble-induced shear stress Biocatalytic Process Design - Enzymatic membrane reactors Carbon Capture - Direct air capture technologies Recent publications highlight trends in: Interfacial enzyme catalysis within Pickering emulsions Quantitative analysis of multiphase systems Membrane fouling mechanisms in bioreactors Process intensification through colloidal stabilization Temperature effects on nanofiltration performance Integration of reaction and separation processes
Jan C. Fransoo is Professor of Operations and Logistics Management at the Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University. He maintains significant affiliations with MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics as a Research Affiliate and with Technische Universiteit Eindhoven as a Visiting Professor. His research bridges academic rigor and practical application through extensive collaborations with multinational corporations, technology startups, and intergovernmental organizations including the World Bank and Interamerican Development Bank. His educational background includes: PhD in Production Control and Demand Management in Capacitated Flow Process Industries, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (1989-1993) Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (1984-1989) Professor Fransoo's research focuses on supply chain and operations management , with pioneering work on "nanostores" - his term for the 50 million mom-and-pop stores serving populations in developing regions. He also conducts significant research in urban logistics, omnichannel retail, and human-AI collaboration in supply chain decision-making. His methodology combines model-based and empirical quantitative approaches with practical field research, often developed in close partnership with industry stakeholders across multiple continents. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward addressing real-world supply chain challenges in developing economies, particularly focusing on nanostore operations, financial constraints affecting small retailers, and the role of technology in enhancing supply chain resilience. His work consistently bridges theoretical innovation with practical applicability, as evidenced by his leadership in the Dutch national COVID-19 vaccination program deployment. Among his notable recognitions: M&SOM Journal Meritorious Service Award (2016) Salzberg Medallion (2022) University Medal from Eindhoven University of Technology (2017) Paper selected for virtual special issue in Transportation Science (2021) Professor Fransoo has supervised over 30 PhD students throughout his career, with current advisees researching nanostore logistics, human-AI decision making, and public health operations. His research is supported by collaborations with major organizations including ASML, ABInbev, Grupo Bimbo, and the World Bank. Notably, in 2021 he led a volunteer team that significantly accelerated the Dutch national vaccination campaign. He actively contributes to national logistics policy through Dinalog (the Dutch Institute for Advanced Logistics) and serves on the Independent Advisory Committee for the National Mobility Vision 2050. His current research continues to explore the complex dynamics of retail supply chains in developing economies and the transformative potential of digital technologies in global logistics operations.
Dr. Oliver Parodi is a Research Group Leader at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), specifically within the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS). He serves as Head of the Research Group "Karlsruhe Transformation Center for Sustainability and Cultural Change," Head of the Living Lab for the Future Quarter – City Lab since 2012, and Co-director of the Karlsruhe School of Sustainability since 2010. His work bridges academic research with practical urban sustainability transformations. Parodi holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Karlsruhe (2006), where he also studied Civil Engineering and Applied Cultural Studies from 1992 to 2000. Prior to his academic career, he worked in the construction industry from 1994 to 2001, including leadership roles at Parodi-Bau GmbH. He has been a Senior Scientist at ITAS since 2006 and managed the KIT Center for Humans and Technology from 2009 to 2018. His research focuses on real-world laboratory theory and practice, transformative sustainability research in urban contexts, cultural dimensions of sustainability, personal sustainability, and inner transformation. Parodi approaches sustainability as a cultural phenomenon requiring deep societal transformation rather than merely technological fixes. His work emphasizes participatory methods, transdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of subjective experience into sustainability science. Analysis of Parodi's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on developing methodological frameworks for real-world laboratories as spaces for sustainability transformation. His work increasingly explores the intersection of personal sustainability with systemic change, examining how inner transformation relates to societal transformation. There's a clear trajectory toward more nuanced ethical frameworks for transformative research and greater attention to the cultural dimensions of sustainability transitions. Parodi leads multiple significant projects including RENATA (Reflexive real-world laboratory for sustainable technology design), the Freiburg Cultural Laboratory, development of a Code of Ethics for Real-World Laboratories, the Karlsruhe Real-World Laboratory for Sustainable Climate Protection (KARLA), and research on the social consequences of the Corona crisis. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to connecting theoretical sustainability concepts with practical urban interventions. As co-director of the Karlsruhe School of Sustainability, Parodi plays a key role in developing educational approaches that integrate sustainability theory with practical experience. His research team operates at the intersection of urban planning, cultural studies, and sustainability science, creating experimental spaces for citizens, researchers, and practitioners to collaboratively develop sustainable futures.
Dr. Michael W. Schmidt is a postdoctoral researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) , affiliated with the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) since 2020. His work bridges philosophy with technology assessment, focusing on the Philosophy of Technology , Reflective Equilibrium , and Political Philosophy . He explores ethical dimensions of autonomous vehicles , AI ethics , and robotics , emphasizing public reason and human rights . Education : PhD in Philosophy (KIT, 2022) with a thesis on reflective equilibrium as a form of life. Research Themes : Methodology of reflective equilibrium, epistemology of understanding, Rawlsian political theory, and ethics of socio-technical systems. Recent Publications : Analyze AI ethics implementation, social media's impact on democracy, and governance frameworks for sustainable energy transitions.
Prof. Dr. Bernd Eisinger is a faculty member at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, affiliated with the Faculty of Business Administration and Department of Economics. His roles include Head of Study Programs for Business Administration in Commerce and Digital Commerce Management. Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Faculty of Business Administration Department of Economics Dr. Eisinger's research focuses on Educational Economics , Cost Management in SMEs , Controlling Systems , and Management of Non-Profit Organisations . He specializes in Financial and Investment Planning , Indicator-Based Weakness Analysis , and Value-Oriented Management . His work bridges business administration principles with educational policy analysis. His 200+ publications span from 1995–2009, concentrating on educational cost structures, project controlling, and non-profit management. Key themes include school funding equity , cameral accounting applications , and budgeting systems across German states. Steinbeis-Transferzentrum Wirtschafts- und Sozialmanagement (1999–2020) Member of the Senate of VWA-Hochschule
Prof. Dr. Uwe Götze is a Chair Holder of Management Accounting and Control at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration , Technische Universität Chemnitz , Germany. His career spans over three decades, with a focus on corporate accounting, controlling, and investment planning. He has held leadership roles such as Vice President for Transfer and Academic Qualification (2016–2017) and Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (2006–2009, 2016). Research Interests: Götze’s work emphasizes Corporate Accounting and Controlling Investment and Cost Accounting Strategic Planning under Uncertainty Occupational Health and Safety Economics Activity-Based Costing and Benchmarking Risk Management in Industrial Companies Location Structural Design for Multinationals Publications include foundational works on investment accounting, cost management, and risk control. His recent articles (2000–2001) address economic value added, life cycle costing, and risk modeling, reflecting interdisciplinary applications in logistics, sustainability, and production. Scientific Awards: Honorary Professor, Babeş-Bolyai University (2017) Grants and Collaborations: Götze leads subprojects in the Collaborative Research Centre 692 (High-strength aluminum materials) and Cluster of Excellence 'Energy-efficient Product and Process Innovations' . He co-founded the German-Portuguese SustEEM Research Group with Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon.
