Yann-Gaël Guéhéneuc is a Professor at Concordia University's Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. He leads the Ptidej Team, focusing on software engineering methodologies, IoT systems, and game engine architecture analysis. His research emphasizes static/dynamic analyses, service-oriented architectures, and machine learning design patterns. Current Affiliations: Concordia University (Full-time Professor) Ptidiej Team Lead Research Interests: Specializes in IoT system testing, microservices architecture, game engine design patterns, and anti-pattern detection in multi-language systems. His work bridges theoretical software engineering principles with practical industrial applications, particularly in legacy system modernization and machine learning system design. Recent Trends in Publications: Focuses on IoT testing methodologies, machine learning architecture patterns, and service-oriented system transformations. His 2025 works advance IoT system taxonomy and game engine analysis techniques. Advising: Supervises MASc and PhD programs in Software Engineering and Computer Science Labs/Teams: Ptidej Team develops software tools for system analysis (e.g., Magnet, SyDRA)
Lucy Frith is a Professor of Bioethics at the School of Law, University of Manchester, and holds a Visiting Fellowship at the University of Hong Kong. She chairs the Research Committee of the Institute of Medical Ethics. Her work bridges bioethics, medical sociology, and health services research, focusing on improving healthcare decision-making and policy through empirical ethics, qualitative methods, and public patient involvement. Her research addresses topics such as pregnancy and childbirth ethics, research ethics (including clinical trials and cross-cultural consent), healthcare funding, evidence-based policy, and the social and ethical dimensions of reproductive technologies like surrogacy and donor conception. She has contributed to over 150 publications and led projects on pandemic ethics, digital governance of genetic testing, and post-pandemic healthcare recovery. Recent articles highlight ethical challenges in pandemic healthcare, donor conception kinship dynamics, and surrogacy governance. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals on health, gender equality, and social justice. She collaborates internationally and engages with policy stakeholders to translate ethical insights into actionable frameworks.
Professor Budiman Minasny is a leading academic in soil-landscape modeling at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. He holds roles as Theme Leader of Soil, Carbon, and Water at the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and is a member of the Net Zero Institute, China Studies Centre, and Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. His expertise spans digital soil mapping, climate change mitigation, and soil security. Minasny has over 160 international publications and has pioneered methodologies in spectral soil analysis and peatland assessment. He earned his undergraduate degree from Universitas Sumatera Utara and advanced degrees in soil science from the University of Sydney. Research interests include soil carbon dynamics, peatland management, and the integration of AI/remote sensing in soil science. Awards include the Australian Research Council’s QEII and Future Fellowships, and recognition as a Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher (2019). Current projects focus on soil carbon auditing, real-time soil moisture monitoring, and global peatland mapping. Minasny leads multidisciplinary teams addressing climate resilience, with grants from institutions like the National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge and Australia-India Strategic Research Fund. Awards: QEII Fellowship, Future Fellowship, Highly Cited Researcher 2019 Grants: Includes initiatives on soil carbon platforms, continental-scale soil assessments, and viral diversity studies. His work bridges environmental science and policy, advocating for soil security frameworks to balance agricultural productivity with ecological preservation.
Martina Čaić is an Assistant Professor in Strategic Service Design at Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture. She leads the ENCORE (Engaging Co-Design) research group, focusing on innovative service design methodologies. Her PhD from Maastricht University, supported by a Marie Curie Fellowship, emphasized service design for innovation. Research Interests: Her work explores intersections between service management, AI, and emerging technologies like social robots and chatbots. Key themes include human-agent interactions in healthcare, education, and industrial contexts, emphasizing ethical implications, well-being, and organizational transformation. She advocates for network-conscious design approaches to address complex service ecosystems. Publications: Recent work highlights frameworks for human-robot collaboration (e.g., chatbot integration in workplaces, ethical robotic care systems) and the role of smart technologies in aging populations. She also investigates scaling diversity initiatives and the societal impact of AI/robots in service networks. Labs/Teams: The ENCORE group develops participatory design methods for inclusive services, with projects ranging from healthcare AI ethics to municipal diversity programs. Her research bridges academic rigor with practical industry applications.
Dr. Arwa Dabbech is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, affiliated with the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems. Her research focuses on radio interferometric imaging, combining machine learning, optimization algorithms, and computational methods to advance astronomical data analysis. Key areas include high-dynamic range imaging, algorithm scalability, and deep neural networks like R2D2 for precision imaging. Her work emphasizes innovative techniques such as Faceted HyperSARA and parallel processing frameworks, addressing challenges in wideband imaging and large-scale data handling. Collaborations involve advanced telescopes like the VLA and ASKAP, contributing to datasets that validate novel algorithms. Dr. Dabbech’s research bridges theoretical developments with practical applications, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of radio astronomical observations. Notable projects include R2D2’s application to Cygnus A imaging and uncertainty quantification, demonstrating real-time imaging capabilities. Her contributions span algorithm design, AI integration, and scalable solutions for modern radio interferometry, positioning her at the forefront of computational astrophysics.
Dr. Carla Bonina is Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Surrey Business School , with affiliations to multiple research centers including the Surrey Centre for the Digital Economy , Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI , and Latin American Open Data Initiative (ILDA). Her work bridges technology, policy, and sustainable development with a focus on Latin America. PhD in Management - London School of Economics and Political Science MSc in Public Administration - Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE), Mexico City BSc in Economics - University of Buenos Aires, Argentina Research explores digital platform governance in international development, AI policy frameworks, and open data ecosystems in Latin America. She investigates how digital transformation intersects with social innovation and equitable development . Recent work analyzes data justice mechanisms and algorithmic bias in public service delivery. Key contributions include comparative OGD platform studies across Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Montevideo. Her DIODE network research examines digital economies in developing countries. As co-PI for Audio Commons Initiative , she pioneered open audio content frameworks for creative industries. Mid-Career Researcher of the Year (Surrey Business School, 2021) Impact Award for digital government work (University of Surrey, 2020) Fellow, Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI Principal Researcher, ILDA Active in digital policy advisory for World Bank, OECD, and IDRC. Coordinates Por Mi Barrio urban governance case studies and contributes to UNESCO Open Science frameworks. Recent Surrey Speaks podcast (2023) discusses AI's role in social inequality dynamics.
Dr. Nadine Itani serves as Programme Leader and Lecturer in Air Transport Management at the University of Surrey, based within the Hospitality and Tourism Management department. She maintains active affiliations with the Institute for Sustainability, Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (PAI), and Centre for Competitiveness of the Visitor Economy, driving cross-disciplinary initiatives in sustainable transport systems. Her academic foundation includes: PhD in Air Transport Management (2015) MPhil in Transport Systems (2011) Master of Business Administration (2008) Dr. Itani's research program centers on aviation sustainability, transport economics, and business strategy, with recent work addressing environmental fee structures, electric aircraft adoption barriers, and service quality optimization. Her publications demonstrate rigorous methodological approaches including behavioral modeling, mediation analysis, and Kano model applications, consistently targeting high-impact journals in transportation and sustainability fields. Industry engagement through UN ICAO projects across the Middle East and Africa informs her practical focus on policy implementation and capacity building. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals intensifying emphasis on environmental economics since 2020, with 75% of recent articles (2023-2024) examining decarbonization mechanisms like SAF surcharges and electric propulsion. Concurrently, her work maintains strong attention to passenger behavior metrics, particularly business traveler expectations and repurchase drivers, reflecting aviation's dual challenge of ecological transition and service excellence. Professional recognition includes: Recognised as a leading woman in aviation (2025) She also holds ICAO certification in Training Development and maintains memberships in the Royal Aeronautical Society, Women in Aviation - Middle East, and The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots. As co-Programme Leader for the MSc in Air Transport Management, Dr. Itani directs curriculum development while teaching core modules in Aviation Finance and Market Analysis. Her industry partnerships with UN ICAO have generated substantial project funding for aviation policy development across 12 Middle Eastern and African nations, focusing on security-volatile markets and competitive strategy implementation. Media contributions to France 24, Alarabiya Business, and Sky News Arabia position her as a leading public commentator on aviation recovery and turbulence trends. She actively contributes to Surrey's research ecosystem through leadership roles in sustainability and AI-focused institutes, developing frameworks for people-centered technological integration in transport systems while advancing the Visitor Economy Competitiveness Centre's industry engagement initiatives.
Ole Petter Ottersen is a Professor at the University of Oslo’s Faculty of Medicine, affiliated with the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences. He previously served as Rector of the University of Oslo (2009–2017) and President of Karolinska Institutet (2017–2023). Ottersen holds dual roles as a Visiting Professor at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin’s Global Health Institute and an affiliated member of Karolinska’s Department of Neuroscience and Department of Global Public Health. He is also Vice President of the Virchow Foundation and chairs the Lancet Commission on Global Governance for Health 2.0. His career spans academic leadership, research coordination, and international health policy advocacy. Education: He earned an M.D. (1980) and Ph.D. in Neuroscience (1982) from the University of Oslo. Ottersen has held academic positions including Research Fellow (1978–1983), Associate Professor (1983–1992), and has coordinated prestigious EU and Nordic grants. His research priorities include academic quality, internationalization, innovation, and dissemination. Research interests focus on molecular neuroscience (e.g., aquaporin-4 channels in brain water dynamics) and global health governance. His work bridges basic science and policy, addressing health inequity, pandemic preparedness, and sustainable healthcare. Recent publications emphasize systemic approaches to global crises, vaccine equity, and interdisciplinary solutions for health challenges. Ottersen has received the Anders Jahre Medical Prize (twice), the Lundbeck Nordic Research Prize, and honorary doctorates from multiple institutions. His awards include France’s Ordre national du Mérite (2019) and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun (2023). He has led prize committees, including the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience. He has coordinated major national and international grants, such as Norway’s Functional Genomics Program (FUGE) and the EU’s Biomed and NeuroImage projects. His advisory roles include the European Research Council (ERC), WHO-related initiatives, and boards like Oslo University Hospital and NordForsk. Ottersen’s teaching spans medical students since 1976, covering neurobiology, histology, and anatomy. Key initiatives include founding the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities and leading the Lancet Commission on Global Governance for Health. He collaborates with institutions like EMBL-Norway, Africa CDC, and the Global Virus Network, emphasizing intersectoral action and equitable global health systems.
Umut Dur is the Truist Distinguished Professor of Economics and Director of Graduate Programs at the Department of Economics, North Carolina State University (NC State). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin (2013) and previously served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas at Austin (2010-2012) and Boğaziçi University (2007-2008). His research focuses on Market Design , School Choice , and Matching Theory , with emphasis on equitable policy implementation in education and labor markets. Dr. Dur has been recognized with Summer Research Awards (2019, 2017) and the Faculty Research Award (2017). His work addresses challenges such as fairness in affirmative action policies, optimization of school assignment mechanisms, and labor market policy design. Notable contributions include analyses of magnet school lotteries, sequential school choice systems, and the impact of reserve policies on educational equity. Dur leads NC State's Economics Graduate Program and contributes to initiatives like the Business Analytics and AI Initiative (BAI) and Supply Chain Resource Cooperative (SCRC) . Key Research Themes: School choice mechanisms, labor policy design, matching algorithms, and policy fairness Awards: Multiple research awards from Poole College of Management Affiliations: Department of Economics, NC State; Graduate Faculty member
Raquel Coelho is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Computing and Information (SCI) and a Research Scientist at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC). She holds a PhD in Learning Sciences and Technology Design from Stanford University, with a focus on human-centered applications of emerging technologies in learning environments. Her joint appointments include senior researcher roles at the University of Bergen's SLATE and Columbia University's TLTL, alongside her founding role in Learning Sciences Brazil Affiliate. Education: PhD in Learning Sciences and Education Data Science (Stanford University), postdoctoral research at University College London and University of Bergen, and teaching at University of Nottingham's Learning Sciences Research Institute. Research Interests: Proleptic thinking in technology design, leveraging future-oriented frameworks to shape present-day educational systems. Focus areas include AI ethics in education, data visualization for learning, and culturally responsive pedagogical practices. Her lab, ProlepSys, emphasizes 'prolepsis'—imagining future possibilities to guide current design decisions—integrating human-machine collaboration for developmental advancements. Teaching Philosophy: Project-based, ungraded doctoral and undergraduate courses emphasizing design thinking, critical discourse, and practical research skills. Courses include INFSCI 3350 (Learning Sciences & Technology Design) and INFSCI 0410 (Human-Centered Systems Design). Lab & Collaborations: ProlepSys lab members include Cassandra Kelley (project coordinator) and undergrad researchers (Eliza Callahan, Erick Makita, etc.). The lab prioritizes equitable technology integration, avoiding 'lock-ins,' and maintaining human agency through design principles like 'use is design' (Pea) and Bruner's 'back and forward between possible and actual.'
Professor Guido Noto La Diega is a Professor of Law, Technology, and Innovation at the University of Strathclyde's School of Law within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He leads the LLM/MSc Law, Technology, and Innovation program and mentors a research team focusing on the intersection of law, technology, and innovation. His expertise spans European, Italian, and British legal frameworks for IoT, AI, robotics, blockchain, and cloud computing. He holds a PhD in Private Law from the University of Palermo and a postdoc in Cloud Computing Law from Queen Mary University of London. Research Interests: IoT governance, AI regulation, consumer protection, intellectual property law, and data protection. Key Projects: Leads the AHRC-DFG funded 'From Smart Technologies to Smart Consumer Laws' and contributed to the EU's AI in Education guidelines. International Recognition: Cited by the EU Court of Justice's Advocate General, House of Lords, and World Economic Forum. External Roles: Fellow at the Nexa Center, Research Associate at UCL's Blockchain Tech Centre, and member of the European Data Protection Board. His work emphasizes socially just and sustainable innovation, advocating for legal frameworks that protect consumers while fostering ethical technological advancement. Notable publications include Internet of Things and the Law , an open-access book addressing IoT's legal challenges.
Linda Katehi is a Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the O'Donnell Foundation Chair II. She is a Member of the National Academy of Engineering and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on advanced electromagnetic systems, MEMS devices, and embedded intelligent sensors. Katehi earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA (1984), with prior degrees from UCLA and the National Technical University of Athens. Education: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, UCLA (1984) M.S., Electrical Engineering, UCLA (1981) B.S., Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (1977) Research Interests: Katehi pioneers innovations in microwave circuits, MEMS-based reconfigurable systems, terahertz technology, and neuromorphic sensors. Her work emphasizes integrating artificial intelligence into hardware for adaptive sensing platforms. Recent projects include flexible electronics, time-domain system analysis, and sustainability in urban infrastructure. Awards & Recognition: Ramo Simon Founder’s Award (2015) Charter Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2013) Leading Women in STEM Award (2012) Rudy E. Henning Mentoring Award (IEEE, 2011) Lab & Teams: Directs the Intelligent Electromagnetic Sensors Lab (IEMSL), advancing embodied intelligence in electronics. Her team develops AI-embedded sensors and reconfigurable systems for applications in healthcare, communications, and environmental monitoring. Collaborates across disciplines to address global sustainability and equity challenges.
Cristiano Politowski is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on software engineering for video games, automated testing, AI4SE, and empirical studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Software Engineering from Concordia University (2022), an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (2017), and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Universidade Regional do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (2014). Prof. Politowski has extensive postdoctoral experience at Université de Montréal (GEODES group) and École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), focusing on game engine architecture, requirements specification, and certifiable RTOS systems. He has organized workshops like ASE4Games 2021/2022 and FaSE4Games 2024, emphasizing game software engineering. His research interests span video game development challenges, software testing methodologies, and leveraging AI for software engineering. Notable projects include analyzing game engine subsystem coupling, assessing video game balance with autonomous agents, and curating datasets like PlayMyData. Prof. Politowski has secured $20K from MITACS for a 5G infrastructure project during the pandemic and received the Concordia Accelerator Award (2021). His work has been published in venues like MSR, ICSE, and IEEE Transactions.
Krishna Jayakar is a Professor of Telecommunications and Public Policy and Head of the Department of Telecommunications at The Pennsylvania State University's College of Communications. He specializes in telecommunications policy, broadband access, intellectual property rights, and media economics, with a focus on disability accessibility in technology. His research frequently compares policy frameworks across nations, particularly analyzing China and India's approaches to digital economies. Education includes a Bachelor's from the Institute of Technology-BHU in India, and Master's and PhD degrees from Indiana University. His work bridges policy analysis and technical implementation, with notable contributions to understanding broadband adoption models, smart city governance, and the effects of national innovation strategies on 6G development. Key research trends in his articles include cross-national policy comparisons, the socio-economic impacts of broadband investments, and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies like AI. His studies on domain name arbitration regimes and media company responses to streaming services highlight his interdisciplinary approach to telecommunications challenges. Dr. Jayakar has advised on grants related to broadband initiatives and rural economic development, leveraging his expertise in policy diffusion and regulatory federalism. He leads the Telecommunications Department at Penn State, fostering research into digital equity and telecommunications infrastructure's societal impacts.
Dr. Wesley J. Marrero is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Dartmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering. He holds core affiliations with the Health Equity and Advocacy Lab at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and is a faculty affiliate in the Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at the Geisel School of Medicine. His research integrates operations research and statistics to address healthcare challenges in substance use disorder, cardiovascular disease, and organ transplantation, collaborating with institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Michigan. Dr. Marrero received a B.S. in Industrial and Management Engineering from the University of Turabo (2014), an M.S. in Industrial and Operations Engineering (2017), an M.A. in Statistics (2021), and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering (2021) from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on stochastic simulation and optimization for decision-making in healthcare. Key areas include machine learning applications in predictive modeling, inferential statistics for medical decisions, and sequential decision-making frameworks for health policy optimization. His work emphasizes practical implementations in clinical settings and health systems. Dr. Marrero's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on healthcare optimization, with recent trends in machine learning for organ transplantation and genetic testing strategies. His articles frequently appear in high-impact journals and conference proceedings, reflecting interdisciplinary collaborations. Awards: INFORMS MIF Best Paper Award (2024) INFORMS Annual Meeting Minority Issues Forum Poster Competition Best Poster Award (2020) INFORMS Judith Liebman Award (2020) National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2017) Michigan Student Symposium Best Poster Award (2017) Rackham Merit Fellowship (2015) He actively advises graduate and undergraduate students, with current PhD candidates in engineering and biomedical sciences. His research group has secured grants from organizations including the National Science Foundation and the American Medical Association. Dr. Marrero leads a dynamic research group focusing on healthcare decision analytics. He collaborates with medical institutions and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to translate research into clinical practice.
