Our Team
Founder and President
Constantin Convalexius
About me: From an early age, I have been drawn to the spaces where disciplines meet. As a medical student today, my curiosity naturally extends beyond medicine into fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, systems thinking, and philosophy. For me, exploring connections across science, technology, and human progress has always been less a choice and more a way of understanding the world.
Through Telos Circle, I want to help create a community where interdisciplinary thinking is not the exception but the foundation — where ambitious ideas are nurtured, bold collaborations are encouraged, and people are inspired to think far beyond the traditional paths. I believe that when creativity, discipline, and shared purpose come together, real progress becomes possible. My hope is to build something that not only sparks innovation but helps others unlock the impact they are capable of.
Co-Founder and Vice-President
Clara Kummerer, Msc.
I’m a Oxford trained biochemist and systems thinker with a deep belief in the power of interdisciplinary science to solve real-world problems. My experience spans across biological scales - from tracking individual proteins to studying tissue dynamics - and aims to integrate methods from molecular biology, engineering, and data science. With curiosity for and experience in business development and policy, I am always looking for ways to extend the positive impact of scientific innovation beyond the lab. Driven by a mission to reduce global suffering, I am currently working on understanding and improving recovery from lung damage caused by infection, inflammation, or genetic disease.
Through Telos Circle, I’m excited to build a community that dares to aim big. I envision a space in Vienna (and beyond), where people from different fields inspire and push each other to spark new research collaborations, launch bold projects, and actively shape the future.
Board Member
Georg Widhalm is a renowned Austrian neurosurgeon and researcher at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Wien), serving as Associate Professor and head of the Oncological Neurosurgery Outpatient Clinic at AKH Vienna. A leading neurooncology expert, he pioneered the use of 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for intraoperative tumor visualization (Cancer, 2010). His groundbreaking AI work in molecular tumor classification (Nature Medicine, 2023) and advancements in stimulated Raman histology (Neurosurgical Focus, 2022) highlight his impact. With influential studies in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (2010), he drives progress in neuronavigation, neurophysiological monitoring, and tumor biomarkers. A member of the Austrian Society for Neurosurgery (ÖGNC), he also maintains a private practice in Vienna.
Assoc. Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Georg Widhalm, PhD
Board Member
Marija Simonović, Msc.
Curiosity and a deep desire to help others have always guided my path. That journey has led me to where I am today: pursuing both a PhD in Immunology and a degree in Medicine, building on the foundation of a Master’s in Molecular Biology. For me, medicine is more than a profession—it’s a calling. I’ve always felt a deep sense of purpose in using science to care for others and create lasting, positive impact in their lives.
At the same time, research fuels my curiosity and drives me to explore questions that don’t have easy answers—questions that push science forward and unlock new possibilities in healthcare.
Coming from an immigrant background and a low-income household, I’ve experienced firsthand how often potential is overlooked because of circumstance. That’s why I’m passionate about building spaces where people from all backgrounds are empowered to contribute, lead, and innovate. I believe diversity in science and medicine isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.
My journey is rooted in empathy, driven by discovery, and fueled by the belief that real change begins when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.
Board Member
Arthur Handler
From an early curiosity about how systems work to bridging groundbreaking research with real-world impact, my journey began with mathematics and physics before evolving into mechanical engineering and business. However, I knew technical expertise alone wasn't enough—I wanted to understand how innovations actually reach people and transform industries.
As an Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering student from TU Wien, with international experience at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and soon at KU Leuven in Belgium, I've specialized in deep tech product development. My focus isn't just getting innovations out of the lab, but making them truly scalable and economically viable for widespread impact.
Through years of hardware product development experience, I've learned that brilliant scientific discoveries often remain trapped without the right bridge to commercial success. This is where I thrive: transforming research from proof-of-concept to transformative business. I bring together technical product development with business model innovation, creating pathways for European research excellence to become market leadership.
Through Telos Circle, I'm excited to connect with visionaries who share this ambition to turn scientific breakthroughs into solutions that genuinely improve lives and strengthen Europe's position as an innovation powerhouse once again.
Board Member
Univ.Prof. Dr. Harald Kittler
Harald Kittler is an Austrian dermatologist and Professor of Dermatology at the Medical University of Vienna, where he heads the Research Division of Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology and oversees the dermatology residency and curriculum. He is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in skin imaging, dermato-oncology, and the application of artificial intelligence in early skin cancer detection. With over 220 peer-reviewed publications and an H-index above 50, his research has significantly influenced diagnostic practices in dermatology. Kittler has received numerous awards, including the Ferdinand von Hebra Award and the 2023 Science Award for his work on AI in melanoma diagnosis. He plays a key role in global dermatology networks such as the International Dermoscopy Society and has delivered over 200 invited lectures worldwide. In addition to his academic achievements, he is an active mentor, peer reviewer, and editor, shaping both clinical practice and research in dermatology.
Board Member
Dr. Birgitta Olofsson
Birgitta Olofsson is a dynamic scientific leader and educator based at the University of Cambridge, where she spearheads the postgraduate training program for the CRUK Cambridge Centre. With a career spanning world-class institutions like UCSF, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and Karolinska Institutet, she brings decades of hands-on experience in biomedical research and academic leadership to her current role. Her focus lies in cultivating the next generation of clinical and non-clinical researchers through innovative curriculum development, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic program design.
A former Principal Investigator with a deep background in molecular biology and vascular growth factors, Birgitta is passionate about bridging the gap between science and real-world impact. This has driven her to infuse entrepreneurial thinking into research training, pushing for AI integration and launching initiatives like AI x Cancer Bio hackathons and summer schools in cancer biology and health tech entrepreneurship.
Known for her energy, warmth, and clarity of vision, she excels at building interdisciplinary teams and international partnerships. Having worked in six countries and speaking Swedish, English, and German, Birgitta embodies a rare combination of scientific rigor, cultural fluency, and forward-thinking leadership.