Doctoral Awards at the CIT Graduation Ceremony 2026

The award-winning dissertations impressively demonstrate the diversity and impact of modern research at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, engineering and emerging technologies. Below, we introduce the honored researchers and their contributions. In addition to the awards from the four departments, industry partners and foundations also present special awards.

Department Dissertation Awards

The School recognizes the best dissertations from the four core areas of the CIT:

Department Award in Computer Engineering for Alice Hein

Dissertation: On the Epistemic Functions of Neural Network Models in Cognitive Science
Advisor: Professor Klaus Diepold

In her dissertation, Dr. Alice Hein investigates whether artificial neural networks can serve as computational models of human cognitive abilities – abilities typically studied experimentally in cognitive science. Such models could enable researchers to conduct quantitative experiments and systematically falsify theoretical assumptions about human cognition. Hein highlights both the potential and the limitations of this approach. Her work is epitomized by the motto: “Without engineering, science is just philosophy.”

Department Award in Computer Science for Philipp Czerner

Dissertation: Computational Limits of Population Protocols: Space Complexity, Robustness and Expressive Power
Advisor: Professor Javier Esparza

Dr. Philipp Czerner studies mathematical models of synthetic biochemical systems in which vast numbers of identical particles interact locally to perform computations collectively. His work provides fundamental insights into the functions that such systems can realize, how reliably they operate, and the resources they require. Czerner solves several long‑standing open problems and establishes precise limits on the necessary complexity of individual agents.

Department Award in Electrical Engineering for Katarina Boos

Dissertation: Coherent Interaction of Pulsed Light with a Single Quantum Two‑Level System
Advisor: Professor Kai Müller

Dr. Katarina Boos explores one of the core challenges in photonic quantum technologies: the generation of quantum light. She succeeded in experimentally demonstrating a fundamental effect that had been theoretically predicted as early as the 1980s but had never been observed before. Building on this, she developed powerful methods for the deterministic generation of single photons, which will play a central role in future quantum communication and quantum technologies.

Department Award in Mathematics for Benedikt Fluhr

Dissertation: Cohomological and Derived Persistence Theory of Functions
Advisor: Professor Ulrich Bauer

Dr. Benedikt Fluhr advances the mathematical foundations of modern data analysis by naturally extending classical Morse theory into modern persistence theory. His work bridges analysis, algebra, sheaf theory and representation theory, laying a theoretical foundation that reaches far beyond topological data analysis. His results will have a lasting impact on the field.

Outstanding Achievements for Industry and Research

A highlight of the ceremony is the presentation of the special awards for dissertations in electrical and computer engineering, emphasizing the strong connection between academic research and practical innovation.

Dr. Georg Spinner High‑Frequency Award for Bernd Hofmann

Dissertation: Paradigms for the Low-Frequency Stable Solution of Electromagnetic Scattering, Radiation, and Equivalent Source Reconstruction Problems
Advisor: Professor Thomas Eibert

The SPINNER Group honors outstanding work in high‑frequency engineering. Dr. Bernd Hofmann revolutionizes electromagnetic field simulation by developing new paradigms that enable stable and precise computations across low to high frequencies. His methods significantly surpass previous techniques in many scenarios. He also designed a highly accurate method for determining equivalent radiation sources from measurement data. His work has led to numerous publications and awards and continues in his postdoctoral research at Stanford University.

Rohde & Schwarz Doctoral Award for Benedikt Fesl

Dissertation: Generative Model‑Aided Channel Estimation Design and Optimality Analysis
Advisor: Professor Wolfgang Utschick

Dr. Benedikt Fesl develops novel generative models to enhance classical parameter estimation in wireless communication systems. His “Conditional Gaussian Latent Models” significantly contribute to the understanding and advancement of AI‑assisted estimation methods. These models now serve as a foundation for numerous research and development projects. With ten journal articles and twenty conference papers, his work demonstrates exceptional scientific depth and impact.

Walter Gademann Doctoral Award for Nils Quetschlich

Dissertation: Supporting End Users: Methodologies and Software Tools to Develop Quantum Computing Solutions
Advisor: Professor Robert Wille

Dr. Nils Quetschlich develops methodologies and software tools that enable practical quantum computing applications – a technology with enormous potential but considerable complexity. His work spans hardware selection, compilation and robust execution, joining these elements into an end‑to‑end workflow. His tools have been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times, integrated into industrial applications, and used in international collaborations – an exceptional scientific and practical impact.

Kurt Fischer Dissertation Award of EIKON e.V. for Burakhan Koyuncu

Dissertation: Efficient and High‑Performance Algorithms for Learning‑Based Image Compression
Advisor: Professor Eckehard Steinbach

Dr. Burakhan Koyuncu makes outstanding contributions to AI‑based image compression. His innovative transformer‑based algorithms significantly improve the efficiency of modern compression systems and are already influencing international standards. The combination of scientific excellence, practical relevance and an inspiring personal journey makes him a role model for future doctoral candidates.

TopMath Award for Florian Grundbacher

Advisor: Dr. René Brandenberg

Florian Grundbacher received the TopMath Award, an honor given to doctoral candidates in the TopMath elite program who have distinguished themselves through exceptional research achievements. Grundbacher impresses with outstanding scientific breadth and depth of academic expertise: Early in his career, he has already been working on numerous challenging projects and has cultivated a remarkable network of international collaborations. In 28 years of experience, his advisor René Brandenberg says he has never seen a doctoral candidate with such strong networking skills – which is clear evidence of Grundbacher’s scientific excellence.