Daniela Olivieri is a Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna (Ababo), where she teaches core courses including Artistic Anatomy for Sculpture students, Integrated Expressive Techniques for Art Education, and Ceramic Techniques within the Decoration – Art and Environment program. Her pedagogical approach combines theoretical frameworks with studio practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary experimentation and critical analysis of contemporary art landscapes. Olivieri's research centers on the human body as a site of artistic inquiry, integrating visual arts, performance, fashion, and digital media. Key themes include: Reinterpretation of anatomical representation through drawing and sculpture Experimental ceramic practices merging tradition with contemporary expression Interdisciplinary methodologies connecting theater, dance, and environmental art Her artistic investigations explore materiality, gesture, and subjective embodiment. She has received international recognition including: 2022 Milan public art commission for Margherita Hack Gotham Prize (2012) and New York Prize (2015) Residencies at Tokyo Wonder Site (2008) and American Academy Rome (2006) Furla Art Prize (2002) Olivieri maintains an active exhibition practice with solo shows at institutions like CSAC Parma, Saint Etienne Metropole Museum, and the 53rd Venice Biennale. Her scholarly output includes monographic publications analyzing clothing, anatomy, and material culture in contemporary art contexts.
Kristian Hantke is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Dynamics of Complex Fluids at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Göttingen, Germany. His primary focus is on nonlinear laser spectroscopy, particularly the development and application of Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy for non-invasive analysis of biological specimens and material science samples. Hantke received his academic training at the University of Marburg, Germany: 2000: BSc Honours Physics (First Class) 2002: Diploma in Physics with thesis on "Optical properties of (GaIn)(NAs)/GaAs" 2005: PhD in Physics with thesis on "Influence of nitrogen on the photoluminescence of metastable III-V nitrides" 2005-2007: Post-doctoral researcher at University of Marburg Since 2007: Senior researcher at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization Hantke's research centers on designing and implementing advanced laser laboratory systems, with particular emphasis on CARS microscopy development. He has engineered a dual-CARS microscope system utilizing a Nd:Vanadate pump laser coupled with two optical parametric oscillators, enabling simultaneous detection of two chemical species or enhanced signal-to-noise ratios. His ps-CARS laser system employs picoTRAIN technology delivering approximately 6ps pulses with multiple wavelength outputs spanning from 532nm to 2300nm. This equipment allows for label-free, high-resolution imaging through vibrational Raman spectroscopy without requiring sample labeling. Analysis of Hantke's publication record from 2002-2012 reveals a clear research trajectory evolving from fundamental semiconductor physics toward applied optical techniques. His early work focused on quantum well structures, photoluminescence properties of nitrogen-containing III-V semiconductors, and carrier dynamics. The more recent publications demonstrate a strategic shift toward developing and applying CARS microscopy techniques. His publications span multiple disciplines including semiconductor physics, materials science, laser technology, and optical engineering, with consistent emphasis on quantum heterostructures, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and advanced imaging methodologies.
Maximilian von Grafenstein is a Professor for "Digital Self-Determination" at the Berlin Career College of the University of the Arts in Berlin (UdK), which is part of the Einstein Center Digital Future (ECDF). He also serves as co-head of the research program "Data, Actors, Infrastructures: Governance of Data-Driven Innovation and Cybersecurity" at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). His academic work bridges law, technology, and governance, with a particular focus on creating frameworks for responsible data utilization in public and private sectors. Professor von Grafenstein's research focuses on the regulation of data-driven innovation with special emphasis on "Data Protection and Security by Design." His work spans several key areas: Data Governance frameworks for public administration and smart cities Privacy and security by design implementation GDPR compliance mechanisms and certification Transparency tools like privacy icons Digital self-determination in the context of emerging technologies His recent publications reveal strong trends in municipal data governance, with a focus on practical implementation frameworks for local governments. His work bridges theoretical legal concepts with practical implementation challenges, particularly in the context of smart city development and public sector digital transformation. A significant portion of his research addresses the tension between innovation and regulatory compliance, seeking balanced approaches that protect fundamental rights while enabling technological advancement. Vice President of the Academic Board of the European Association of Data Protection Professionals (EADPP) since September 2019 Developer of the "Data Governance Wegweiser" for municipalities Expert advisor to the German Bundestag's Digital Committee Regular speaker at international data protection conferences including CPDP and Bitkom Professor von Grafenstein has been actively involved in mentoring through the HIIG Startup Law Clinic, where he assisted over 100 startup entrepreneurs in solving legal issues related to their product and business model innovations. His entrepreneurial experience includes founding MAUERSCHAU in 2013, a mobile augmented reality app providing location-based access to cultural content, and INNOVATION AND LAW, which specializes in privacy and security-by-design solutions.
Dr. Julia Stier is a Researcher in the Migration, Integration, and Transnationalization department at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center. Her work focuses on West African migration dynamics, particularly examining how migration desires, communication technologies, and societal narratives shape transnational experiences. She employs qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to explore themes like agency, policy externalization, and postcolonial perspectives. Stier's research investigates the interplay between migrant lived realities and perceptions held by communities in countries of origin, alongside the impact of EU migration policies in Africa. Her publications frequently analyze migration decision-making, pandemic-related stigma, and urban segregation through interdisciplinary lenses. Recent articles reflect a strong emphasis on empirical fieldwork in Senegal and Gambia, methodological innovation in migration studies, and critical analyses of gender and youth experiences in transnational contexts.
Ivan Ruchkin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida, where he leads the Trustworthy Engineered Autonomy (TEA) Lab. He holds affiliate appointments in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering, Nelms Institute for the Connected World, Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative, and Intelligent Critical Care Center. Dr. Ruchkin's research focuses on making autonomous systems safer and more trustworthy through novel techniques for modeling, analyzing, verifying, controlling, and monitoring cyber-physical systems. His work spans formal verification methods, safety monitoring with statistical guarantees, model integration approaches, and neuro-symbolic paradigms that combine the strengths of neural networks and symbolic reasoning. He has made significant contributions to the fields of conformal prediction for safety guarantees, neural network repair while preserving correct behaviors, and physically interpretable world models for autonomous systems. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward developing statistically sound safety guarantees for learning-enabled systems, with particular emphasis on conformal prediction methods that provide calibrated confidence measures. His work bridges the gap between high-dimensional perception (like vision) and formal safety guarantees, addressing the critical challenge of ensuring safety in systems where traditional verification methods fail due to complexity. Dr. Ruchkin is actively involved in the academic community as a program committee member for major conferences including ASE 2025 (Research Papers track) and ICSE 2026 (New Ideas and Emerging Results track). His research has been published in top venues across software engineering, formal methods, and robotics. At the University of Florida, he directs the TEA Lab which focuses on developing theoretically grounded yet practically applicable methods for trustworthy autonomy. His lab investigates approaches that combine formal methods with machine learning to create safety-critical autonomous systems that can provide statistical guarantees about their behavior even in complex, uncertain environments.
Professor Sandra Schramke serves as Professor for Scenography and Curatorial Practice/Spatialization of Knowledge at the Muthesius Academy of Art and Design Kiel since April 2017. She brings extensive expertise in architectural theory, exhibition design, and knowledge spatialization, with particular specialization in the work of Charles and Ray Eames. Her academic journey includes significant research positions at the Bauhaus University in Weimar and Humboldt University of Berlin, establishing her as a leading scholar in cybernetic scenography. Her academic foundation was built through studies in architecture and urban planning at the Technical University of Dortmund (1989-1995), followed by professional architectural practice in Germany and Spain (1995-2002). She then transitioned to academia as a research assistant at the Faculty of Architecture at the Bauhaus University in Weimar (2002-2008), where she completed her doctorate on 'Cybernetic Scenography: The Exhibition Architecture of Charles and Ray Eames from 1959 to 1964/65' in 2009. She further expanded her research at the Chair of the History of Knowledge and Culture at Humboldt University of Berlin (2009-2016) and as a postdoctoral researcher in the Cluster of Excellence 'Image Knowledge Design' (2016/17). Professor Schramke's research focuses on how spatial arrangements communicate knowledge and shape experiences, examining scenographic principles across historical and contemporary contexts. Her work bridges architectural theory with practical applications in museums, exhibitions, and public spaces, exploring how physical environments influence perception and understanding. She investigates the theoretical frameworks that connect spatial design with knowledge transmission, with particular attention to seriality, folding in architecture, and the transformation of biological forms into spatial concepts. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent thematic development across her career, with increasing interdisciplinary reach. Her work demonstrates sophisticated integration of architectural history, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary design challenges. Key patterns include exploration of how architectural elements convey meaning, examination of historical precedents in modern contexts, and investigation of the relationship between physical form and conceptual content in exhibition design. Humboldt University of Berlin: Taught courses including Drawing in Art and Technology, Atmospheres, Cultures of Remembrance, Bodies and Images, Spatial Figures of Thought, Architectures of Representation, Genealogies, Typologies, Forms, Attention Economies, Project City Space Design, Material Meanings, Objects, Berlin's Technical Infrastructures 1800-2020, Synchronous Orders of Knowledge, Symmetries, Spaces and Things, Models, and Multimedia Architectures Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin: Taught Project City Space Design and Seminar Spaces and Things Bauhaus University Weimar: Supervised seminars, design projects, and diploma theses at both the Chair of Architectural Theory and the Chair of Urban Planning II, while overseeing the interdisciplinary Media Architecture program Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts Kiel: Teaches Project Experience Spaces, Museology, and Exhibition Architecture Professor Schramke has contributed to significant research initiatives including Movement Research at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences Dessau-Roßlau, Paper Folding in Teaching at the Bauhaus with MPI Potsdam, and the Project City Space Design with the Berlin Foundation Week. Her practical architectural experience includes participation in the renovation of the former Reichstag President's Palace in Berlin, renovation of Hannes Meyer's teachers' houses in Bernau, and numerous architectural competitions and projects across Germany and Spain. This dual engagement with theoretical research and practical application defines her distinctive scholarly approach.
Prof. Dr. Peter Nauth is a Professor for Computer Engineering and Robotics at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, where he has served since 1998. He is a key member of the FUTURE AGING Research Center, focusing on autonomous mobile assistance robots to enhance independent living for the elderly and those requiring assistance. His research spans autonomous navigation in unstructured environments, robot manipulation, intelligent sensors and image processing, machine learning for decision systems, and human-robot interaction. These areas drive his development of systems that independently perform tasks set by users, enabling greater autonomy in daily life. Analysis of his publications from 2001 to 2009 reveals a strong emphasis on practical assistive robotics, particularly in sensor fusion (combining visual and auditory data), humanoid robot control for goal achievement, and embedded intelligent systems for real-time operation in assistive contexts. Prof. Nauth directs the Laboratory for Autonomous Systems and serves as the international representative for electrical engineering courses. His work integrates closely with the FUTURE AGING Research Center, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on aging and technology solutions.
Dr.-Ing. Stefanie Brünenberg is an architectural historian and researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space (IRS), where she has been affiliated with the 'Contemporary History and Archives' research focus since 2019. She currently leads the DFG-funded project 'Value of GDR Architecture' (2023-2027), investigating how post-reunification property management influenced perceptions of East German architectural heritage. Previously, she contributed to the DFG project 'Architectural and Planning Collectives of the GDR'. Brünenberg holds a doctoral degree from the Technical University of Darmstadt (2019) where she analyzed Wolfgang Rauda's postwar urban planning theories. She completed her architecture studies at Bauhaus University Weimar (2007-2013) and subsequently worked as a research assistant at TU Darmstadt. Her research spans: Architectural and urban design theory Modernism and postwar modernism GDR architecture and urban planning history Contemporary urban development debates Her scholarly publications demonstrate consistent focus on GDR architecture, collective design processes, and postwar urbanism. Recent works increasingly incorporate digital methodologies like 3D reconstruction while maintaining strong historical analysis of socialist architectural production and heritage valuation. Brünenberg participates actively in academic discourse through lectures at institutions including TU Munich, Bauhaus University Weimar, and University of Cambridge. She contributes to public history through online exhibitions and maintains scholarly engagement via critical reviews of architectural exhibitions and publications.
Gregory Cumins serves as Professor at the University of the Arts Berlin, where he holds the position of Artistic Director of Fine Arts at Primary Schools within the Institute of Art. He has maintained this academic role since 2014 while simultaneously pursuing an active international artistic career. His office hours are by appointment, with a standing availability on Monday from 9-10 am. His educational background includes: Studied sculpture at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris, France under English artist Richard Deacon - DNSAP 1999 Cumins' artistic practice centers on contemporary visual arts with a particular focus on painting and drawing. His work consistently explores themes of perception, identity, and spatial relationships, often challenging conventional perspectives through series like "Positive Thinking," "Sequence," and "Outline." His artistic methodology combines traditional techniques with conceptual frameworks that examine the boundaries between reality and artistic interpretation, creating works that engage viewers in complex visual dialogues about representation and perception. His exhibition history reveals a consistent evolution from traditional portraiture toward more conceptual explorations of visual language. His recent work demonstrates increasing sophistication in handling complex themes like digital identity, spatial perception, and narrative sequencing, while maintaining technical excellence in both acrylic painting and pencil drawing. The progression from figurative works like "Entre Autres" to more conceptual series like "Draw Back" shows his artistic development over time. His notable achievements include: 3rd prize, BP Portrait Award 2005, National Portrait Gallery, London, UK Prix spécial du jury (Prix Nicolas de Staël), 50th Salon d'Art Contemporain de Montrouge, France, 2005 4th Place, Visitor's choice, BP Portrait Award 2006, National Portrait Gallery, London, UK As an educator, Cumins oversees a vibrant studio class at the University of the Arts Berlin with support from student employees Matilda Aufschlager, Sarah Wilhelm, David Ernst, and Frauke Bökelmann. His teaching environment is enriched by visiting professionals including Visiting Professor Lucia Kempkes, Guest lecturer Anna Slobodnik, and Studio practice lead Marina Dafova, creating a dynamic educational ecosystem that bridges academic instruction with professional artistic practice. Cumins maintains an active studio practice while fulfilling his academic responsibilities, with his work represented internationally by Jill Silverman van Coenegrachts - JSVCartprojects in London and Galerie Metropolis in Paris. His artistic research continues to evolve, with recent projects exploring conceptual frameworks for understanding visual perception and representation in contemporary society, particularly examining the relationship between traditional media and contemporary conceptual concerns in the digital age.
Jennifer Claire Heck is an Artistic Associate and Lecturer at Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin), where she serves as an artistic assistant in the basic teaching program with Professor Susanne Lorenz in the School of Art. Her artistic practice centers on contemporary drawing, particularly large-scale graphite works that explore conceptual themes of memory, space, and materiality. Notable works include The Impossibility of Floating (graphite on paper, 100 x 150 cm) and pieces referencing specific locations through coordinates or titles like Cranley Gardens and 48°35'56.1"N 4°37'12.2"W . Her research interests encompass: Drawing and graphite techniques Conceptual approaches to spatial representation Memory and personal narrative in visual art Material exploration and perception Site-specific and location-based art practices Heck's portfolio demonstrates a consistent exploration of the relationship between physical spaces and emotional states, often using precise measurements or geographic coordinates as conceptual anchors. Her work bridges technical precision with conceptual depth, creating dialogue between concrete locations and abstract human experiences. As an educator, she contributes to foundational art education at one of Europe's leading arts institutions, working directly with Professor Susanne Lorenz to develop curriculum and mentor emerging artists in basic artistic techniques and conceptual development.
Dr. Paulo R. Dellani serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Research Center Jülich, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), where he investigates structural and functional brain organization. His work integrates advanced neuroimaging techniques, artificial intelligence, and clinical neuroscience to explore brain architecture, connectivity, and pathology. His research interests encompass: Novel brain mapping methodologies Clinical neuroanatomy and genomic imaging Big data analytics for neural systems Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tract analysis Neurodegenerative disorder biomarkers Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on translational neuroscience, including MRI-based diagnostics for vestibular disorders, Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, and computational approaches to white matter tractography. Common themes include validation of imaging protocols, neuropathology characterization, and clinical application of quantitative neuroimaging techniques. Dr. Dellani contributes to the Bernstein Coordination Site and participates in teaching activities at universities. His laboratory develops tools and services supporting brain research, including the Julich-Brain atlas project.
Felix Klotzsche is a Research Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, and an affiliated researcher at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. His work focuses on cognitive neuroscience, with a particular emphasis on short-term memory, attention, and virtual reality (VR) applications in clinical and experimental settings. Education: B.Sc. Psychology & B.A. Philosophy (2009–2015), Universität Regensburg M.Sc. 'Mind and Brain' (Track 'Brain', 2015–2017), Berlin School of Mind and Brain | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Research Interests: Neural mechanisms of visual short-term memory EEG analysis in VR environments Clinical VR applications for neurological assessment Emotional arousal decoding via neurophysiological signals 3D face perception and deep encoding models Cardiac-phase modulated perception Publications reflect a focus on integrating VR with neuroscience methodologies, particularly in evaluating spatial memory, threat perception, and emotional processing. Key tools include Python, R, Unity3D, and advanced EEG signal processing. No scientific awards explicitly noted. No listed advisees or grants. Active in the Research Group Mind-Body-Emotion, contributing to labs and teams developing VR-based cognitive assessment tools.
Laurens Rook is an active researcher in Computer Science with significant contributions to Artificial Intelligence , Human-Computer Interaction , and Digital Health . Their work spans topics including Natural Language Processing for mental health diagnostics, Recommender Systems , and Behavioral Decision-Making in digital environments. Research Interests : Linguistic analysis for anxiety disorder detection Context-aware recommendation systems Human-agent interaction design Behavioral economics in digital platforms Empirical evaluation of gamified systems Key Publications (2014-2025) demonstrate expertise in Machine Learning , Computational Linguistics , and Interactive Systems . Notable collaborations include work with Markus Zanker , Catholijn M. Jonker , and Iulia Lefter .
Tayyab Naseer is affiliated with the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, specifically within the Technische Fakultät (Faculty of Engineering) and the Autonomous Intelligent Systems Department. His research focuses on robust visual perception for outdoor robots, deep neural networks, and machine learning. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (2005–2009) and an MSc in Communication Systems Engineering from the Technical University of Munich (2010–2012). He completed his PhD at the Autonomous Intelligent Systems group under Prof. Dr. Wolfram Burgard at Freiburg. His work emphasizes long-term autonomy in robotics, addressing challenges like seasonal changes in visual localization. Notable achievements include the Best PhD-Student Award at ICVSS 2016 . He has contributed to projects like LifeNav and published extensively in robotics conferences (e.g., ICRA, IROS) and journals like IEEE Transactions on Robotics. His research often intersects with computer vision, SLAM, and deep learning for robotic systems. Teaching roles include lab instructor for Image and Video Compression at TU Munich and teaching assistant for Introduction to Mobile Robotics at Freiburg. He has also delivered invited talks at workshops organized by LUMS and TU Kaiserslautern, focusing on field and assistive robotics.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Darius Burschka is a Professor of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Embedded Systems at Technische Universität München (TUM), specifically within the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology. He leads the Professorship of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Systems and collaborates closely with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). His academic career includes postdoctoral research at Yale University (1998), associate research scientist and assistant research professor roles at Johns Hopkins University (1999-2005), and has been at TUM since 2005. His research focuses on sensor systems in robotics, human-machine interfaces, video-based navigation, and 3D reconstruction. Notable contributions include advancements in laser-based map generation, monocular navigation algorithms, and endoscopic image registration for medical applications. Prof. Burschka has received awards such as the Airtec 2010 Silver Award and best paper awards from prominent conferences like IROS and MICCAI. His work spans robotics, autonomous systems, computer vision, and medical imaging, with a strong emphasis on real-world applications in automotive, healthcare, and industrial automation. Education: Bachelor/Master in Electrical Engineering at TUM Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) in Electrical Engineering, TUM (1998) His research interests include: Autonomous navigation and control Multi-sensor fusion and 3D reconstruction Human-robot interaction and haptic systems Robotic perception in dynamic environments Recent articles highlight advancements in graph neural networks for action segmentation, hybrid tracking systems, and latency modeling in industrial robotics, reflecting his ongoing contributions to cutting-edge robotics and AI.
