Issue 4 | 2025

This year, the Heidelberg Laureate Forum once again offered 200 early-career researchers the opportunity to engage with leading laureates in mathematics and computer science. HITS participated as a scientific partner, giving a short showcase talk and hosting a booth.

In September 2025, Vagrant Gautam joined HITS as an Independent Postdoc. Vagrant works with the Natural Language Processing (NLP) group, focusing in particular on developing linguistically informed methods for reference resolution and the use of pronouns.

HITS group leader Alexandros Stamatakis is celebrating a special milestone this year: for the tenth consecutive year, he has been named a “Highly Cited Researcher,” once again ranking among the world’s top scientists in biology and biochemistry.

In July 2025, researchers at HITS, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, developed the machine learning model FliPS, which enables targeted design of flexible proteins. Recently, they also introduced BBFlow, which reliably predicts the dynamics of these molecules. Together, FliPS and BBFlow form a powerful duo, making de novo protein design faster and more precise, and opening up promising opportunities for medicine and technology.

Australian science journalist Jackson Ryan spent six months at HITS as the 13th “Journalist in Residence.” In an interview, he shares his most memorable experiences at the institute and reveals what plans await him after his six-month stay.

We hope you enjoy reading and wish you a peaceful Advent season!