• Development of novel models and estimation methods for quantitative PET imaging: compartmental models, input/output models, Variational Bayesian methods for voxel-wise quantification, Non-linear mixed effect modelling approach, Multi-scale hierarchical approaches for parametric mapping.

• Theoretical and computational coupling between cellular dynamics and whole-body patterns of insulin secretion during clinical tests

• Modeling of the interplay between Ca2+ dynamics, granule pool depletion, and insulin secretion at the level of single pancreatic islets

• Cellular and inter-islet heterogeneity: importance for dynamic in vivo responses

• Multiscale modeling of glucagon and GLP-1 secretion

• Spatio-temporal modeling of nanoscale Ca2+ dynamics near ion channels in pancreatic alpha- and beta-cells and pituitary cells

• Statistical analysis of relations between Ca2+ and protein levels at secretory granules and exocytosis

• Modeling of kinetics and molecular control of granule docking and priming prior to exocytosis

• Theoretical investigations of human pancreatic beta-cells: heterogeneous and non-intuitive electrophysiological responses to ion channel antagonists; slow oscillations due to glycolytic oscillations; paracrine signals; gap junction coupling

• Modeling of pancreatic alpha-cells: simulations of electrical activity; micro-RNA mediated effects on electrophysiology and exocytosis; glucose-sensing mechanisms including the roles of SGLT2 and K(ATP)-channels; cAMP-mediated effects downstream of electrical activity

The classical production hierarchy in factories, which is strongly characterized by centralized control, is increasingly being replaced by a flexible, self-organized factory (Smart Factory). The Internet of Things is transforming factory control and production structures, increasing agility and flexibility in the production process.Ongoing specific research topics regard:

Buildings today are complex concatenations of structures, systems and technology. Each of the components inside a building has been developed and improved, allowing to select lighting, security, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems independently. Smart buildings use information technology during operation to connect such subsystems, so that they can share information to optimize total building performance. Modern buildings also contain complex mechanical devices, sophisticated control systems and a suite of features to improve the safety, comfort and productivity of occupants.

The research focuses on the modeling, estimation, control and optimization of smart energy grids in the presence of renewable energy sources and dynamic prosumers. In particular, particular emphasis is placed on the impact of unreliable communication (packet loss and random delay), clock synchronization errors, safety constraints, multiple objectives, and non-rational prosumers. Ongoing research projects are the following: