Prof. Dr. Christian Kirches

Research Statement

I take interest in optimization of nonlinear dynamic processes with switches and under uncertainty. In developing methods for this problem class, I contribute to nonlinear optimization, to (mixed-integer) optimal control, and to robust optimization.

Bio Statement

Christian obtained a diploma (in 2007), a doctorate (in 2010), and Habilitation (in 2018) in mathematics from Heidelberg University. In 2011-12, Christian was a resident associate at Argonne National Laboratory (IL, USA) and a postdoctoral appointee at the Computation Institute of The University of Chicago. From 2013 to 2017, Christian led a junior research group on optimization of uncertain systems at Heidelberg University. Christian held interim professorships for numerical mathematics in Heidelberg and for mathematical optimization at Braunschweig. In 2017, Christian assumed the chair of mathematical optimization at Braunschweig. He was awarded a Klaus-Tschira prize (2011) for publicly understandable science in mathematics and a Hengstberger prize (2014) for junior scientists of Heidelberg University.

Christian is a founding member of the Braunschweig DFG Cluster of Excellence "SE²A" and an elected member of the COIN-OR initiative. He serves as associate editor for OR Spectrum and as area coordinator for Optimization Online.

An up-to-date CV is available upon request.

Research Projects

DFG SPP 2364 (2022-25)
BMBF Industriemathematik LEOPLAN (2020-23) 
DFG SPP 1962 (2019-22) 
DFG Cluster of Excellence "SE²A-Sustainable and Energy Efficient Aviation" (Founding Member, 2019-26) 

Completed:

BMBF KMU-innovativ VEOTOP (2018-21) 
BMBF KMU-innovativ ODINE (2018-21) 
BMBF Industriemathematik MOReNet (2017-20) 
BMBF Industriemathematik MoPhaPro (2016-19)
DFG SPP 1962 (2016-19)
BMBF Industriemathematik GOSSIP (2013-16) 
EU FP7 KoroiBot (2013-16) 
EU FP7 EMBOCON (2010-13)