Mathias Raschke | Applied Mathematics | Outstanding Contribution Award

Dr. Mathias Raschke | Applied Mathematics | Outstanding Contribution Award

Risk Engineer at Freelancer (beside a job in industry), Germany

Dr. Mathias Raschke is an accomplished civil and structural engineer with extensive expertise in natural catastrophe (NatCat) modeling, risk assessment, and model development. With a Ph.D. from Bauhaus University Weimar, he has developed and validated earthquake, storm, and flood risk models across Europe, Africa, and Australia. His work spans academic research, reinsurance analytics, and commercial software development, including the creation of QuakeRisk. Dr. Raschke is highly skilled in stochastic modeling, statistical analysis, and the application of leading industry tools like RMS and AIR. He is an active member of several professional societies, including the German Society for Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, and contributes to innovation in both NatCat and emerging risk domains like cyber and credit modeling.

Academic Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

Education

Dr. Mathias Raschke holds a Doctorate in Civil/Structural Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) from Bauhaus University Weimar, awarded in December 2003. His Ph.D. research focused on the correlation between earthquake intensity and building damage, and its application in seismic risk analysis, earning the distinction magna cum laude. Prior to that, he completed his Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) in Civil Engineering at Bauhaus University Weimar between 1993 and 1997, with a diploma thesis examining challenges in earthquake-resistant construction using traditional building methods in Central Asia. He began his academic journey with a pre-diploma in Construction Informatics from HAB (now Bauhaus University) from 1989 to 1992, where he concentrated on software development for the construction and civil engineering industries. His academic training combines a strong foundation in engineering, informatics, and risk modeling—laying the groundwork for his interdisciplinary expertise in natural catastrophe modeling.

Experience

Dr. Mathias Raschke is a seasoned expert in natural catastrophe (NatCat) modeling, with decades of experience across academia, reinsurance, and independent consultancy. Since 2003, he has worked as an independent scientist and freelancer, focusing on the development and distribution of QuakeRisk—a custom earthquake risk model and software—and publishing research on advanced modeling techniques in stochastic, actuarial, and geoscience journals. Most recently, he served as a NatCat Analyst and Director at Howden Re, and previously at Ecclesia Re, where he led the modeling and validation of German NatCat portfolios, as well as actuarial modeling in emerging areas like cyber, credit, and bond risks. Prior to that, he worked as a Senior Consultant and Modeler at R+V Re, contributing to AIR-based modeling and validation of catastrophe portfolios across multiple countries and perils. Dr. Raschke also has a strong academic and research background, having held senior scientist roles at ETH Zurich and IWSÖ Weimar, where he led projects on infrastructure vulnerability and flood risk under EU-funded initiatives. His early career includes a scientific appointment at Bauhaus University Weimar, where he conducted research on earthquake hazard and vulnerability, including field missions. With deep expertise in hazard, vulnerability, and financial modeling components, and hands-on experience with commercial platforms like RMS and AIR, Dr. Raschke is recognized for his innovative problem-solving, technical rigor, and cross-disciplinary insights into catastrophe risk.

Research Interests

Dr. Mathias Raschke’s research interests lie at the intersection of natural catastrophe (NatCat) modeling, risk assessment, and engineering-based hazard analysis. He is particularly focused on the development and validation of probabilistic and stochastic models for perils such as earthquakes, floods, and storms, integrating physical hazard data with statistical and actuarial approaches. His work encompasses all components of catastrophe modeling—from hazard characterization and vulnerability assessment to financial impact analysis—aiming to enhance both scientific understanding and practical applications in insurance and risk management. In recent years, he has expanded his interests to include emerging risks such as cyber threats and credit & bond modeling. He is also dedicated to advancing novel computational methods, such as integral-differential interpolation and combined return period modeling, and applying GIS and software development tools for spatial and systemic risk modeling. His research reflects a strong commitment to bridging engineering science with real-world solutions for disaster resilience and insurance risk evaluation.

Publications 📚 

Modelling maximum cyber incident losses of German organisations: an empirical study and modified extreme value distribution approach

Integral-Differential Interpolation of Grid Cell Information

Spatiality in Hazard Models for European Windstorms

About the return period of a catastrophe

Conclusion

Dr. Mathias Raschke stands out as an eminent candidate for the Outstanding Contribution Award owing to his innovative research, technological leadership, and broad societal impact in natural catastrophe modeling. His body of work not only advances academic science but also fortifies global resilience to disaster risks, fulfilling the very spirit of this prestigious honor.

Giuseppe Maria Coclite | Nonlinear PDEs | Best Paper Award

Prof. Giuseppe Maria Coclite | Nonlinear PDEs | Best Paper Award 

Professor at Polytechnic of Bari, Italy

Giuseppe Maria Coclite is an accomplished Italian mathematician specializing in the field of partial differential equations. He is currently based in Bari, where he is involved in various research activities that significantly contribute to the mathematical sciences. His educational background is marked by rigorous training in mathematics, which laid a strong foundation for his research endeavors. Over the years, Coclite has garnered a wealth of experience in both teaching and research, contributing to his reputation as a leading expert in his field.

Profile:

ORCID

Education

Prof. Giuseppe Maria Coclite embarked on his academic journey in mathematics, laying the groundwork for a prolific career in the field. He completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at prestigious institutions, where he delved deeply into the intricacies of mathematical theory and applications. His education culminated in an advanced degree that emphasized partial differential equations (PDEs), a specialized area of mathematics that describes various phenomena in engineering and physical sciences. This rigorous training not only honed his analytical skills but also equipped him with a solid foundation in mathematical modeling, a critical aspect of his future research endeavors.

Experience

With a career spanning several decades, Prof. Coclite has established himself as a leading figure in the realm of mathematical sciences. Based in Bari, Italy, he holds a faculty position at a prominent university, where he combines his passion for teaching with his research pursuits. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students, equipping them to tackle complex mathematical challenges.

Prof. Coclite’s experience is not limited to classroom instruction; he is also actively involved in various research initiatives. Over the years, he has collaborated with both national and international researchers, contributing to a diverse range of projects that apply mathematical theories to real-world problems. His roles in these projects often involve not only analysis but also the development of innovative numerical methods and computational techniques, showcasing his versatility as a mathematician.

Research Interests

Prof. Coclite’s primary research interests revolve around partial differential equations, particularly nonlinear dynamics and mathematical modeling. His work is characterized by a focus on how PDEs can be used to describe and predict complex physical phenomena. For instance, he has explored applications in fluid dynamics, where the behavior of fluids can be modeled using PDEs, and in wave propagation, where mathematical models help to understand the transmission of waves in different media.

One notable area of his research is boundary controllability, which examines how to control systems governed by PDEs at their boundaries. This topic has significant implications in various fields, including engineering, physics, and environmental science. Prof. Coclite’s investigations into the dynamics of physical systems governed by PDEs have led to substantial advancements in understanding how these systems behave under various conditions.

His interdisciplinary approach often involves collaborating with experts in related fields, allowing him to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems in engineering, biology, and materials science. This collaborative spirit has resulted in innovative solutions and new avenues of research, further solidifying his reputation as a leading researcher in the mathematical community.

Awards

Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Coclite has received numerous awards and recognitions that attest to his contributions to mathematics. These accolades reflect not only his academic excellence but also his dedication to advancing the field of mathematics. His recognition in the form of awards underscores his impact on both the academic community and his students, inspiring the next generation of mathematicians.

His contributions to the understanding and application of PDEs have been acknowledged by his peers, earning him a respected position within the academic community. Prof. Coclite’s commitment to excellence is evident in his pursuit of innovative research and his efforts to share knowledge with students and colleagues alike.

Publications

Prof. Coclite’s scholarly output is impressive, with over 170 publications in reputable mathematical journals. His works cover a wide array of topics, reflecting his diverse research interests and contributions to the field. Noteworthy publications include:

“Inverse Design and Boundary Controllability for the Chromatography System” – This paper explores the applications of PDEs in chromatography, a vital process in chemical analysis and separation techniques.

“Exponential Convergence to Steady-States for Trajectories of a Damped Dynamical System Modeling Adhesive Strings” – In this publication, he examines the dynamics of systems that exhibit damping, providing insights into the behavior of materials under stress.

“H2-solutions for an Ostrosky–Hunter Type Equation” – This research addresses specific types of PDEs, contributing to the theoretical understanding of their solutions.

“A Numerical Framework for Nonlinear Peridynamics on Two-Dimensional Manifolds Based on Implicit P-(EC)k Schemes” – This paper presents a novel numerical approach to tackle complex mathematical models in material science.

“On the Dynamics of Aeolian Sand Ripples” – This publication investigates the mathematical modeling of natural phenomena, showcasing the applicability of PDEs to environmental science.

These publications not only highlight Prof. Coclite’s expertise but also serve as a resource for researchers and students interested in mathematical modeling and PDEs.

Conclusion:

Prof. Giuseppe Maria Coclite is an exemplary candidate for the Best Paper Award, distinguished by his prolific research contributions and interdisciplinary collaborations in the field of partial differential equations. His impressive portfolio of over 170 publications reflects a deep engagement with complex mathematical problems and their applications. Addressing broader societal issues, enhancing communication strategies, and emphasizing practical applications could further strengthen his profile for recognition. Prof. Coclite’s dedication to advancing mathematical knowledge and his commitment to education ensure that his work will continue to inspire and inform the mathematical community for years to come.