Team Biomedical Systems and Robotics for Health

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Amirreza Aghakhani

We engineer intelligent microrobots for fundamental active matter science and biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery, neurostimulation, tissue regeneration, and diagnostics. Our interdisciplinary team advances micro- and nanofabrication, magnetic and acoustic technologies, multimodal imaging and control, and surface functionalization of microrobotic systems.

Prof. Dr. Jens Anders

Miniaturized RF systems for EPR and NMR as well as NV diamond sensors for personalized medicine.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Bulling

Our interdisciplinary group conducts fundamental research towards collaborative artificial intelligence (CAI) - intelligent systems that are capable of sensing and reasoning about human behaviour as well as taking decisions, communicating, and interacting with humans as social agents. To this end, we work at the intersection of multimodal machine learning, computational cognitive modelling, computer vision, and human-machine interaction.

Dr. Filiz Ates

Behavior of skeletal muscles, mechanical interactions of skeletal muscles, myofascial force transmission, adaptation of musculoskeletal tissues, assessment of the effects and implications of orthopedic surgery and management of rehabilitation techniques in neuromuscular diseases.

Prof. Dr. Giorgio Cattaneo

Research into catheter systems and implants for the minimally invasive treatment of diseases in the circulatory system, including the brain and heart.

Dr. Andrew Clark

Research on how the properties and behavior of individual cells in the intestinal epithelium give rise to tissue-scale function. Focus on collective cell behaviors during homeostasis and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to intestinal pathologies.

Prof. Dr. Peter Eberhard

Dynamics and mechanics in theory, simulation and experiment.

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Benedikt Ehinger

Visual cognition science, behavioral, EEG- and eye-tracking-experiments and statistical modelling with focus on natural vision.

Prof. Dr. Ingrid Ehrlich

Neural circuitry and mechanisms underlying learning and memory in the brain with a focus on synaptic plasticity. We use mouse models and employ a multi-method approach comprising genetic mouse models, opto- and chemogenetic applications, electrophysiology, anatomical and structural analysis, and behavioral approaches.

Prof. Dr. Harald Giessen

3D printed microoptics, miniature endoscopy, ultrafast SRS and CARS microscopy of biotissues, Nanoplasmonic SEIRA sensing of biomolecules

Prof. Dr. Bernard Haasdonk

Methods for efficient generation of data-based models using machine learning and model order reduction. Application in real-time or multi-query environments like statistical analyses, optimization, inverse problems and control. Particularly in flow dynamics, biomechanics and multi-body systems.

Dr. Angelika Hausser

Research on kinases regulating membrane trafficking along the secretory pathway and how dysregulation of secretion contributes to human diseases such as cancer. Application of the principles of cellular secretion to improving therapeutic protein production in mammalian cells.

Prof. Dr. Alois Herkommer

Optics design and simulation (imaging and illumination), Micro- and nano-optical systems, 3D-printed micro-optics, Hyperspectral systems. 

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Michael Heymann

Development of biobased and biocompatible materials for 3D bioprinting, as well as microfluidic technologies for structural analyses.

Dr. Marcel Hörning

Research on mechanosensitive processes across all scales in excitable biological systems, with a focus on the heart. Application of cell biological and biophysical approaches in combination with simulation and novel automated computer-aided visualization and analytical methods.

Prof. Dr. Albert Jeltsch

We study the methylation of DNA and histone proteins as well as protein domains that specifically read these modifications. We investigate the mechanism and specificity of enzymes involved in epigenetic processes and are engaged in the development of enzyme inhibitors. In Synthetic biology, we aim to improve the properties of enzymes and proteins for various applications by rational and evolutionary design and develop artificial gene regulatory elements. All these directions of research have direct medical connections.

Prof. Dr. Roland Kontermann

Development of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Generation of novel antibody formats and fusion proteins with improved biological and pharmacological properties.

Prof. Dr. Jörn Lausen

Investigation of epigenetic gene regulation in the differentiation of stem cells and in cancer. Focus on mechanisms of gene regulation through regulatory DNA sequences, transcription factors, cofactors and microRNAs.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Legewie

In our research, we combine approaches from cell biology, computer science, biophysics and mathematics to analyze complex biological datasets in a holistic approach. We develop mathematical models describing the activity of genes in the cell nucleus and match them with experimental data to gain insights into disease-relevant changes in these cellular networks, especially in the field of cancer research.

Prof. Dr. Laura Na Liu

Combination of DNA nanotechnology with nanophotonics to realize artificial nanofactories with DNA-based cellular mimics.

Member of the scientific coordination team

Prof. Dr. Sabine Ludwigs

Multifunctional polymer materials with optical, electrical, electrochemical and mechanical functionalities; Stimuli-responsive polymers for soft material robotics applications in biomedicine.

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Monzel

Our research focuses on Multiparametric Image Spectroscopy and Super-Resolution Microscopy to quantify single molecule processes on a nanoscale. The molecules we study, allow us to understand the generation of signals in cells. We further explore fundamental molecular and thermodynamic processes in synthetic biomembranes, either to mimic natural processes or to develop novel nanotechnological or biomedical assays. 

Prof. Dr. Markus Morrison

We are interested in the complexity of cellular signal transduction that controls cell fate decisions between death and survival. The underlying molecular processes and their perturbation have profound implications in health and disease and can form the basis for the identification of therapeutic intervention points. We therefore not only aim to obtain fundamental insight into the regulation of molecularly controlled cell death processes but also develop novel cell biological tools and mathematical models that assist us in describing and predicting the efficacy of novel drugs and drug combinations for the treatment of cancer.

Memeber of the scientific coordination team

Dr. Dafne Müller

Development of bifunctional and trifunctional tumor-directed antibody fusion proteins with costimulatory ligands and cytokines for cancer immunotherapy.

Prof. Dr. Monilola Olayioye

Our research aims to understand how oncogene activation and tumor suppressor loss contribute to tumor development and progression, and to use this knowledge to support the development of effective targeted therapies. To reach these goals, the lab utilizes 2D and 3D cell culture models in combination with state-of-the-art imaging and genome editing approaches and engages in interdisciplinary research collaborations with bioengineering and clinical partners.

Lead of the scientific coordination team

Dr. Kristyna Pluhackova

Molecular dynamics simulations to study the function of transmembrane proteins and the role of post-translational modifications, lipid composition and small molecules on biomembrane properties in healthy and disease states.

Prof. Dr. Peter P. Pott

Mechatronic medical systems research.

Prof. Dr. Nicole Radde

Our research group ‘Systems Theory in Systems Biology’ focuses on quantitative modeling approaches for intracellular regulation and signaling processes. Together with experts in biology and medicine, we aim to advance a holistic understanding of biomedical systems by integrating data from various sources into computational models.  

Dr. Philipp Rathert

Research on epigenetic gene regulatory networks and their dysregulation in diseases. Integration of genetic tools such as fluorescence-based reporter systems and multiplexed RNAi and CRISPR screening approaches to identify innovative therapeutic strategies and novel biomarkers.

Prof. Dr. David Remy

Locomotion from the engineer’s perspective: from fundamental aspects of the emergence of  gaits to implementation in robots and assistive devices like exoskeletons, prothetics and rehabilitation robotics.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Röhrle

Our research focuses on mathematical models, computer simulations, and the development of novel measuring devices supporting or integrating our simulations. Modelling and simulation itself have the great potential to substantially increase our understanding of the complex underlying biophysical behaviour of biomechanical systems. This requires detailed multiscale and multiphysics models, which, once validated, allow systematic in silico investigations that are not necessarily feasible within experiments. A special focus of our group is the development of a detailed biophysical model of the entire neuromuscular system and dental biomechanical applications.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Sawodny

Research interests include methods of differential geometry, trajectory generation, and applications to mechatronic systems.

Prof. Dr. Syn Schmitt

embodied intelligence

Autonomous muscle-driven motion, i. e. fundamentally understanding motion of biological systems and develop concepts to mimic biological motion with artificial intelligent systems. We use and develop neuro-musculoskeletal modelling methods, experimental studies and we build muscle-driven robotic systems.

Member of the scientific coordination team

Dr. Ralf Schneider

Biomechanics of human bones. Simulation of bone-implant systems like hip implants and total endoprosthetics. Mechanical simulation of micro mechanics of cancellous bone.

Dr. med. Urs Schneider

Development of technology and methods to support human’s musculoskeletal system. Biomedical research, in particular mechanical, mechatronical and cyber-physical human-machine interaction.

Prof. Dr. Miriam Schulte

Combination of efficient numerics with intelligent algorithms and implementation on high performance computers. Application in biomechanical systems like muscle and visceral tissue and medical image processing.

Prof. Dr. Michael Sedlmair

Our research focuses on interactive visualization, virtual and augmented reality, and human-machine interaction. In particular, we investigate the question of how large and complex data sets can be made more understandable for humans. 

Prof. Dr. Tobias Siebert

Experiments and modelling of muscle-skeletal-systems. In particular, morphology and fundamental contraction principles. Adaptation of neuromuscular system to training, load and age. Application of biomedical devices like ultrasound, muscle stimulation, EMG, histology. Development of organ models, like stomach and bladder.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Takors

Production of biopharmaceuticals using microbial producers and mammalian cells. Quantitative modeling of the intracellular regulatory and metabolic processes to develop bioprocesses up to the production scale.

Prof. Dr. Cristina Tarín

Research interests involve methodology and applications in the field of system dynamics and control technology. Particular focus on combining model-based and data-driven estimation as well as fusing multimodal sensor-derived data. Applications range from quantum technology to medical engineering.

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Chengzhe Tian

We combine time-lapse microscopy and mathematical modeling to understand the molecular origins of non-genetic cell-to-cell heterogeneity and their implications for human diseases.

Prof. Dr. Günter Tovar

Our work focuses on the whole development chain relating to bio-based and synthetic, functional and spatially structured hydrogels. This includes the synthesis development of functional polymers and cross-linking agents, the further development of cross-linking chemistry, the formulation of hydrogels for additive manufacturing and processing these to form spatially defined hydrogels using classical methods and additive manufacturing/3D printing.

Prof. Dr. Alexander Verl

Applied research and support in digital transformation process in production automatisation. Our unique selling points are based on the tools developed by the institute and used thousands of times in the areas of motion control, logic control, communication and engineering.

Prof. Dr. Christina Wege

Bionanotherapeutics and sensors based on tobacco mosaic viruses and the self-assembly of RNA controlled virus nanoarchitectures.

Prof. Dr. Ingrid Weiss

Biomineralization studies of Myosin-Chitin synthases, nacre, and biomaterials for soft-to-hard tissue interfaces.

Prof. Dr. Jörg Wrachtrup

Research in solid state phyiscs and quantum optics with a focus on quantum materials for biomedical applications.