Dr. Lorenz Granrath | Production Technology | Best Researcher Award

Japan Representative , Fraunhofer ICNAP, Japan

Dr. Lorenz Granrath is a German-born expert in EU-Japan science-industry collaboration, with over 25 years of dedicated work in advanced technology sectors including AI, digital transformation (DX), environmental technology, and renewable energy. Based in Tokyo, Japan, he has held prominent roles such as Professor, Senior Advisor, and Representative in numerous German-Japanese institutional partnerships. He has successfully initiated and led international research projects, founded labs, advised companies, and lectured at leading universities including Waseda University. He is married to Megumi Ishigami and has one daughter.

Publication Profile

Scopus
ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Research Award – Dr. Lorenz Granrath

Dr. Lorenz Granrath exemplifies an outstanding candidate for the Best Research Award due to his extensive and impactful career in international science-industry collaboration, particularly between the EU and Japan. With over 25 years of strategic involvement in AI, digital transformation (DX), renewable energy, and advanced industrial technologies, he has played a crucial role in bridging academia, government bodies, and industry stakeholders. His leadership in securing funding, initiating R&D centers, establishing major cross-national collaborations (such as between AIST and DFKI), and launching cutting-edge projects like e-VITA, underscores his long-standing commitment to advancing global research agendas.

Education Background

Dr. Granrath earned his Doctorate in Economics (Dr. oec.) from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland (1990–1994), where his thesis explored the protection and exchange of technologies between Japanese and Western firms. He also studied as a Visiting Researcher at The University of Tokyo (1992–1993). He holds a diploma in Industrial Engineering (Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen) from the University of Karlsruhe (KIT), Germany, and completed his secondary education at Schloßschule Kirchberg/Jagst in 1981.

Professional Experience

Dr. Granrath currently serves as the Representative at Fraunhofer-ICNAP since November 2024 and at the Institute for Experimental Psychophysiology (IXP) since June 2022, focusing on networked adaptive production and psychophysiological emotion detection. He is an advisor to multiple organizations, including ENV Science Trading and Kienbaum Japan, and has been a Visiting Lecturer at Waseda University since 2013. Notably, he served as Project Assistant Professor at Tohoku University (2021–2022) and held a key position as Supervisory Innovation Coordinator at AIST (2014–2021), where he led international AI and energy collaborations. Earlier roles include Fraunhofer Chief Representative Japan (2001–2013), Liaison Officer at GMD (1997–2001), and Project Manager at ABB STOTZ KONTAKT GmbH (1995–1997), underscoring his deep engagement in research and industrial application across continents.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Granrath’s contributions to EU-Japan collaboration have been recognized through his leadership roles in landmark projects and his success in securing multimillion-euro research contracts. He has been instrumental in initiating major projects such as e-VITA and CrossCDR, establishing international workshops, and founding research labs. His membership in prominent organizations like the Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle, DJW, JSAI, and the JSPS Alumni reflects his standing in the academic and industrial community.

Research Focus

His interdisciplinary research spans artificial intelligence, digital twins, circular economy, smart aging, and human-centric computing. He has played a vital role in developing technologies for healthy aging, environmental sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Dr. Granrath’s involvement in projects like e-VITA and initiatives in digital transformation highlight his commitment to bridging societal needs with cutting-edge scientific innovation, especially within the EU-Japan cooperative framework.

Top Publications with Notes

RE-HAK: A Novel Refurbish-to-Host Solution Using AI-Driven Blockchain to Advance Circular Economy and Revitalize Japan’s Akiyas
Buildings (2025)
Designing a circular cities declaration for Japan building on the European Union’s case study
Journal of Environmental Management (2024)
Cited by: 5 articles
Digital Twins for Supporting Ageing Well: Approaches in Current Research and Innovation in Europe and Japan
Sustainability (2024)
Cited by: 6 articles
The rising phenomenon of circular cities in Japan: Case studies of Kamikatsu, Osaki and Kitakyushu
Science of The Total Environment (2023)
Cited by: 12 articles
Circular economy and zero-carbon strategies between Japan and South Korea: A comparative study
Science of The Total Environment (2022)
Cited by: 18 articles
Social Capital Mediates the Association between the ICT Usage and Well-Being of Older People in Japan
Sustainability (2022)
Cited by: 15 articles
EU-Japan Project e-VITA in Society 5.0: the “Digital Twin for Smart Aging”
LinkedIn Newsletter Article (2022)

Prof. Dr. Otilia Manta | Artificial Intelligence | Innovative Research Award

Professor PhD, Romanian Academy, Romania

Prof. Dr. habil. Elena Otilia Manta is a renowned economist, academic, and scientific researcher, currently serving as a Professor at the Romanian-American University and a Scientific Researcher at the Romanian Academy. With over two decades of experience in economic sciences, she is widely respected for her expertise in finance, FinTech, AI integration, and sustainable development. She also holds various leadership roles in international organizations, including Vice President of EUExperts in Brussels, reflecting her strong influence in policy and academic circles globally.

Education Background

Prof. Manta holds a Ph.D. in Economics and the academic title of “habilitation,” enabling her to supervise doctoral research. Her education has been complemented by continuous development in areas like finance, international economic relations, and technological integration, laying a solid academic foundation for her contributions in both national and international academic communities.

Professional Experience

Since 2014, Prof. Manta has been a Scientific Researcher at the Romanian Academy and since 2019, a full Professor at the Romanian-American University in Bucharest. She also serves as Vice President of the European Union Experts (EUExperts) and the International Research Institute for Economics and Management (IRIEM), among others. As founder and CEO of The Romanian Group for Investments and Consultancy (RGIC), she combines academic depth with real-world financial leadership. She has also served as an EU Expert and Rapporteur with the European Commission.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Manta has received numerous honors, including the “2006 Woman of the Year Commemorative Medal” by the American Biographical Institute. She is a respected honorary member of the Romanian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and holds various affiliations with prestigious academic, financial, and developmental organizations such as the UN HLPF Mechanism and the Financial Stability Oversight Council (NY).

Research Focus

Her research focuses on FinTech, artificial intelligence integration in banking, sustainable economic development, academic transparency, and financial innovation. As an active participant in multidisciplinary fields, Prof. Manta is a frequent contributor to leading journals and conferences, continuously shaping discussions on the future of finance and digital transformation.

Publications – Top Notes

Banking Transformation Through FinTech and the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Payments – FinTech, 2025 | DOI: 10.3390/fintech4020013 – A highly impactful paper exploring AI’s role in revolutionizing payment systems.

FinTech and AI as Opportunities for a Sustainable Economy – FinTech, 2025 | DOI: 10.3390/fintech4020010 – Widely cited for linking technology to green and inclusive finance.

The Transfer of Managerial Expertise in Romanian Companies through the Application of the DEMATEL Method – Journal for Future Society and Education, 2025 – Emphasizes decision science in corporate governance.

Ensuring Academic Integrity: Tools and Mechanisms for a Transparent Educational Environment – Preprints, 2025 – Focuses on digital tools fostering academic ethics.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. habil. Otilia Manta is a distinguished leader, bridging the worlds of academia, finance, and international consultancy. Her career reflects a strong commitment to innovation, transparency, and global collaboration in economics. Through her scholarly research, institutional leadership, and consultancy, she continues to inspire future generations in both Romania and abroad.