Magda Posani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Aalto University, focusing on building physics, hygrothermal behavior of materials, and environmental sustainability. Her research explores the use of bio-based insulation, thermally massive stone and earth walls, and additive manufacturing techniques to enhance indoor comfort and address climate change challenges in Nordic regions. Integrated Master's Degree in 'Building Engineering and Architecture' from the University of Bologna (Italy) Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC) and the University of Porto (FEUP, Portugal) Postdoctoral Research at ETH Zürich (Switzerland) Her research integrates vernacular solutions with modern technology, such as combining additive manufacturing with super-hygroscopic materials to develop components for passive humidity regulation. She addresses critical issues like occupant comfort, health risks from improper humidity, and climate change impacts on traditional constructions. The articles highlight her work on low-carbon materials, 3D-printed building components, and strategies for enhancing hygrothermal performance in both modern and historic structures. Key themes include moisture buffering, thermal insulation compatibility, and climate-resilient renovation.
Olga Fink is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Department of Intelligent Maintenance and Operations Systems (IMOS) within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). She also holds roles in PhD program committees for Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE) and Robotics, Control, and Intelligent Systems (EDRS). Her research focuses on machine learning for infrastructure monitoring, predictive maintenance, and physics-informed AI models. She teaches courses on machine learning, data science for infrastructure, and advanced deep learning topics. Fink advises multiple PhD students and is involved in interdisciplinary projects such as ThermoNeRF (multimodal 3D thermal modeling) and physics-informed neural networks for fault diagnostics. Her work bridges AI and engineering with applications in smart infrastructure, energy systems, and industrial IoT. Education: PhD in Engineering (inferred from role) Affiliations: IMOS Lab, ENAC-SGC, EPFL PhD Committees (EDCE, EDRS) Key Research Themes: Explainable AI, Digital Twins, Structural Health Monitoring, Domain Adaptation Her publications (2023–2025) emphasize robust AI for industrial systems, including fault detection in high-voltage equipment, multimodal data fusion, and physics-consistent models. She collaborates on EU and industry-funded projects, focusing on real-world applications like predictive maintenance and energy efficiency.
Marcos Cruz is Professor of Innovative Environments at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), where he leads research in bio-integrated design. He runs Bio-ID with Dr. Brenda Parker, a multidisciplinary research platform investigating design driven by biotechnology, computation, materials, and fabrication. Previously, he served as Director of The Bartlett from 2010-2014 and founded the BiotA Lab (2014-2018). His academic career spans multiple institutions including University College London (where he ran MArch Unit 20 for 19 years), University of Westminster (2008-2010), UCLA (2010), and IAAC (2014-present). Professor Cruz holds a Licenciatura from ESAP Porto, a Masters with distinction from UCL, and a PhD from UCL (2007), sponsored by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. His doctoral research on 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' earned him the RIBA President's Research Award in 2008. He is a registered architect with both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Portuguese Architecture Chamber. His primary research area is Bio-Integrated Design, which explores how biotechnology and computation can reshape our built environment in response to climate change. This work goes beyond using nature as inspiration; instead, it treats nature as the medium for a multi-layered design approach. His key research project, Poikilohydric Living Walls, investigates integrating growth systems directly on building facades using algae and mosses that can switch photosynthetic activity on and off without additional maintenance. Another significant research area is The Body in Architecture, which examines the relationship between human flesh and architectural flesh, proposing a 'thick embodied flesh' that creates truly inhabitable architectural interfaces. His recent publications demonstrate a strong progression toward integrating living systems directly into building materials and facades. The research spans from microbial to tectonic scales, with increasing focus on biomaterials, robotic fabrication, and sustainable design approaches that actively participate in urban ecosystems rather than merely responding to them. RIBA President's Research Award (2008) for 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' Multiple Best Unit awards at Bartlett Summer Show (awarded by Thom Mayne, Paul Finch, Richard Rogers, Claude Parent, and Ross Lovegrove) Work part of permanent collection at FRAC Orleans Exhibitions at Venice and São Paulo Biennales Professor Cruz has supervised numerous PhD students through UCL's Research-by-Design programme and currently directs the MArch/MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. His research has been supported by EPSRC and involves industrial partners including Laing O'Rourke, Pennine Stone Limited, and Amorim, with academic partners at UCL Biochemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, and IST Tomar. He co-founded MAM-ARCH London (formerly marcosandmarjan) in 2000, whose work has built buildings and pavilions, won international competitions including the Kunsthaus Graz, and been exhibited globally. His practice represents a significant bridge between architectural design and biological systems, positioning him at the forefront of bio-integrated architectural research.
Dr. Ralph Evins is an Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Victoria. He holds affiliations with the Urban Energy Systems laboratory at Empa and ETH Zurich in Switzerland. His expertise spans building energy simulation, energy system optimization, and machine intelligence applications in sustainable design. Evins holds an MEng from Imperial College London and an EngD from the University of Bristol. His research focuses on computational problem-solving in energy systems, including surrogate modeling, optimization algorithms, and machine learning. He develops tools like the Holistic Urban Energy Simulation (HUES) platform and BESOS software framework to bridge building, district, and city-scale energy analysis. His work emphasizes holistic systems thinking, integrating energy hubs, thermal modeling, and digital twin technologies. Recent articles explore surrogate model refinement, inverse modeling for building characterization, and decarbonization strategies. He collaborates with industry to translate academic innovations into practical solutions. Evins advises students in energy systems and leads projects on net-zero building design, retrofit prioritization, and smart grid integration. His research addresses challenges in climate adaptation, energy efficiency, and sustainable urban development through interdisciplinary approaches.
Ben Amor is a Full Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, where he serves as Director and Founder of the CIRMIB (Integrated Research Center on Sustainable Materials, Infrastructure and Buildings) and Director of Sustainable Development for the Faculty of Engineering. Previously, he held associate professor positions at Université Laval and Université de Sherbrooke. His research focuses on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies applied to sustainable construction, circular economy implementation in building sectors, and building decarbonization strategies. He has pioneered regionalized LCA approaches for Arctic regions and developed frameworks for carbon budgeting in building sectors. His work bridges environmental science with practical engineering solutions for sustainable infrastructure. His recent publications reveal strong trends in building decarbonization pathways, material circularity in construction, and the integration of biogenic carbon accounting. He emphasizes both technological solutions and behavioral change strategies for achieving net-zero emissions in the built environment. ACLCA 2018 Life Cycle Assessment Leadership Award Life Cycle Academy Awards 2019 (two awards) Quebec Public Administration Excellence Prize 2023 for Scientific Collaboration Multiple university teaching awards including the Jacques-Bazinet Merit Award Professor Amor leads significant research grants totaling over $20 million, including NSERC Alliance grants for sustainable building materials and a $2 million Research Chair on Net Zero Strategies and Life Cycle Assessment. He directs the CIRMIB research center and the LIRIDE (Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Sustainable Engineering and Eco-design), supervising multiple doctoral candidates. His work includes developing LCA tools for Quebec's construction industry and advising government bodies on sustainable procurement policies.
Associate Professor Paola Leardini holds dual roles as Director (Research) and Associate Professor at the University of Queensland's School of Architecture, Design and Planning, within the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology. Her work bridges design and performance in built environments, focusing on net-zero targets, urban resilience, and circular economy strategies in construction. She is a key researcher in the Centre for Future Building Structures and advises on Queensland’s social/affordable housing through the Design Excellence Panel. Leardini earned a PhD in building energy efficiency and environmental quality from Politecnico di Milano, supervised by Prof. P. Ole Fanger. Her educational journey includes studies in Milan, Berlin, Leicester, and Copenhagen. Research highlights include eco-retrofitting of historical districts (e.g., Milan’s Quartiere Mazzini), Passive House adaptations for subtropical climates, and timber construction innovations with the ARC Advance Timber Hub. She co-founded Passive House Institute New Zealand (PHINZ) and collaborates globally on projects like water-sensitive cities and flood-resilient urban design. Her recent publications emphasize timber’s role in sustainable construction, circular economy frameworks, and climate-responsive building systems. Advising includes leading an ARC Linkage project on adaptable housing while fostering industry partnerships through projects like Norman Creek Catchment flood resilience studies. She actively contributes to labs/teams advancing timber use and urban resilience, aligning with UQ's mission for future-ready built environments.
Guangyu Cao is a Professor at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He holds leadership roles in multiple international organizations, including the European standards working group CEN TC156 WG18, REHVA's technical committee, and the editorial board of the Journal of Building Engineering (Impact Factor 5.318). His research focuses on indoor airflow dynamics, ventilation systems in healthcare settings, and airborne disease transmission mitigation, with a strong emphasis on surgical environments and school buildings. Education: PhD in Energy Engineering (2009), Helsinki University of Technology Senior Researcher at VTT Technical Research Center (2009-2014) Research Interests: Hospital ventilation optimization, thermal comfort in clinical settings, airborne infection control, and sustainable building environmental quality. He combines experimental studies with mathematical modeling to evaluate ventilation strategies, particularly in operating rooms and isolation wards. Projects: EU Marie Curie DTN HumanIC (2024–2027) EU H2020 iclimabuilt (2021–2025) NFR POSIred (2020-2024) Labs/Teams: Collaborates with St. Olav's Hospital on indoor environment projects and leads teams in Cold Climate HVAC and Healthy Building Europe initiatives.
Patrick Phelan is a Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). He holds additional roles as a Senior Global Futures Scientist and Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Energy Efficiency . His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, thermal management, and energy efficiency, with notable contributions to solar energy, thermal transport processes, and industrial cooling technologies. Phelan has extensive administrative experience, including managing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Emerging Technologies Program and the National Science Foundation’s Thermal Transport Processes Program. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Tokyo Institute of Technology (1990–1992) Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1990) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1987) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tulane University (1985) Research Interests: Thermal engineering and heat transfer Sustainable energy systems and cooling Energy efficiency in buildings and industry Thermogalvanic systems and advanced materials Decarbonization and community benefit strategies Professional Associations: Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Member, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Current Activities: Leading the ASU Energy Efficiency Center Contributing to the Energy for Rural Arizona initiative Advancing agricultural cold chain efficiency Teaching courses on heat transfer and energy systems (e.g., MAE 589, MAE 576)
John Bell is a Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), based at the Springfield Campus. He holds a BSc from the University of Sydney and a PhD from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). His leadership role involves overseeing research strategy and innovation initiatives across the institution. Bell's research spans advanced materials and energy technologies, with expertise in: Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization Renewable energy generation/storage (photovoltaics, batteries) Functional polymers and composite materials Semiconductor device engineering Smart building technologies His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable energy solutions, particularly next-generation batteries, solar cells, electrochromic devices, and nanotechnology-enabled sensors. Over 80% of his recent work addresses materials innovation for decarbonization and energy efficiency.
Roel C.G.M. Loonen is an Associate Professor at the Unit Building Physics and Services within the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. He holds joint appointments with EAISI High Tech Systems and EIRES Research groups, focusing on building performance simulation and energy systems. His work bridges academic research with practical applications through collaborations with SMEs in the building industry. Loonen received his BSc and MSc (cum laude) in Building Services from Eindhoven University of Technology, followed by a PhD in 2018 with a dissertation on 'Approaches for computational performance optimization of innovative adaptive facade concepts.' His educational background has positioned him as a leading expert in building performance simulation and sustainable building technologies. His research interests center on developing and applying modeling and simulation strategies to support decision-making for designing buildings that combine high indoor quality with minimal environmental impact. Key areas include adaptive facades, building-integrated renewable energy systems, and energy-efficient building envelopes. He specializes in creating and validating new building performance simulation models to advance innovative building technologies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical applications of building performance simulation, with emphasis on residential energy efficiency, photovoltaic systems, and occupant-centered approaches to building design. The work shows increasing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional building simulation methods, particularly for sensitivity analysis and optimization of building performance. REHVA Young Scientist Award (2021) Best PhD supervisor award from Department of the Built Environment, TU/e (2018) First prize - REHVA International student competition (2011) Smart daylight control for optimal building performance (NWO Take-off award, 2018) Best paper award (2021) Loonen actively supervises PhD and Master's students, evidenced by his Best PhD Supervisor Award in 2018. He manages multiple research projects including Sustainable Summer Comfort (2024-2027), Modeling Innovative Use Scenarios for Future Domestic Comfort (2023-2026), and Just Prepare (2022-2026), with funding from sources including the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His professional service includes being a board member of the Dutch-Flemish IBPSA affiliate and co-chair of IBPSA World's website committee, plus reviewing for 35 academic journals. He leads research within the Building Performance group, focusing on creating practical tools and methodologies that bridge the gap between theoretical building performance models and real-world implementation in the construction industry. His work particularly emphasizes the integration of occupant behavior and practices into building performance models, recognizing that human factors are critical to achieving sustainable building performance in practice.
Hua Ge is a Professor in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering at Concordia University's Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. She holds a Tier II Concordia University Research Chair in High Performance Building Envelope for Climate Resilient Buildings and leads extensive research in building science and climate adaptation. Her research focuses on wind-driven rain analysis , hygrothermal performance of building envelopes , advanced building facades , innovative wood-frame construction , and low-energy buildings . Current work examines climate change impacts on wind-driven rain loads, urban micro-climate effects, climate-resilient building envelopes, dynamic facades, and low-carbon healthy buildings. Her methodology combines large-scale laboratory testing, field monitoring, and computational modeling. Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate strong trends in nature-based climate resilience solutions , overheating risk mitigation in educational buildings , advanced hygrothermal modeling of wood-frame systems , and carbon sequestration strategies for buildings. The work spans multiple sub-disciplines including computational fluid dynamics, life cycle assessment, stochastic modeling, and field validation studies across Canadian climates. Tier II Concordia University Research Chair (CURC) in High Performance Building Envelope for Climate Resilient Buildings Professional Engineers of Ontario American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers ASHRAE TC4.4 Building materials and building envelope performance (Subcommittee Chair) Professor Ge has supervised 42 graduate students (26 PhD, 16 MASc), including current advisees working on nature-based solutions, climate-resilient envelopes, and building integrated photovoltaics. Her research is supported by Concordia University Research Chair funding and collaborative projects with institutions like BCIT. She directs activities at Concordia's Building Envelope Test Facility and contributes to national standards through ASHRAE.
Professor Darren Robinson holds the Chair in Architectural and Urban Sciences at the University of Sheffield 's School of Architecture and Landscape, where he serves as Director of Research. His work bridges social, building, and urban physics through multiscale modeling approaches. RCUK Innovation Fellowship (2018-2021, £268k) Leverhulme Research Programme Grant (2015-2020, £3.4M) EPSRC grant for Model-Predictive Control in buildings (2016-2019, £541k) His research focuses on statistical modeling of human behavior in buildings, urban energy simulation , and integrated assessment modeling for climate policy. Key contributions include stochastic occupant behavior models and urban metabolism frameworks. Notable awards include the Sustainability Science Best Paper Award (2020) , CIBSE Napier-Shaw Medal (2007), and Fellowships from FIBPSA and the Research Council of Norway. He leads the People, Environments and Performance and Multiscale Simulation research groups.
David Henderson is the Director of the Cyclone Testing Station (CTS) in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at James Cook University, Australia. He has over two decades of experience as a research engineer specializing in the performance of low-rise buildings under extreme wind conditions. He previously served as the CTS Research Fellow and Manager, and was seconded as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, working on full-scale house testing under simulated wind loads. His work bridges engineering research, disaster assessment, and policy development. David's research focuses on wind engineering, structural resilience, and disaster mitigation. His key interests include cyclonic wind loading, internal and external pressure dynamics in buildings, fatigue failure of structural connections, and the vulnerability of housing to severe wind events. He has conducted post-disaster surveys across Australia and Canada, assessing damage from cyclones, tornadoes, and earthquakes. His research has direct applications in building codes, retrofitting strategies, and community risk reduction. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding and mitigating wind-induced damage to residential structures, particularly through full-scale testing, modeling of pressure dynamics, and fragility assessment of roofing systems. His work spans experimental, theoretical, and policy-oriented domains, with a growing emphasis on climate change adaptation and community resilience. Topics such as internal pressure design, load sharing in roof frames, and retrofitting for wind resistance are central to his contributions. 14 research awards (specific names not listed) Active member of Standards Australia code committees Invited speaker at national and international conferences Media contributor on storm damage and building safety David has led multiple research projects funded by councils and agencies focused on extreme wind mitigation, data systems (SWIRLnet), and community risk reduction. While formal student supervision is not explicitly listed, he collaborates extensively with researchers such as John Ginger, Korah Parackal, and Daniel Smith. He has contributed to major studies involving wind load testing, housing vulnerability modeling, and climate adaptation planning. David is a key figure in the Cyclone Testing Station, leading its full-scale testing program and contributing to the development of software for controlled load and measurement systems. His team conducts wind risk assessments for communities and large installations, incorporating terrain analysis and retrofitting evaluations. The CTS serves as a national resource for wind engineering research and disaster resilience innovation.
Emanuele Naboni is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Parma, Italy. He teaches in the Second Cycle Degree program in Architecture and City Sustainability, offering courses such as Architectural Technologies for the Built Environment , Environmental and Outdoor Comfort Assessment , and Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Design from academic year 2019/2020 through 2025/2026. His research focuses on sustainable and climate-responsive architecture, with particular emphasis on urban microclimates, passive design strategies, and building performance optimization in Mediterranean environments. Key areas include facade engineering, thermal comfort, and computational simulation of localized climate impacts. The recent publications (2024–2025) highlight a strong trend in climate change adaptation through architectural and urban interventions. Topics span from simulating hyperlocal temperature variations to optimizing courtyard microclimates using evaporative cooling and adaptive shading, as well as retrofitting modernist urban forms for improved climate resilience. These works reflect interdisciplinary engagement with urban climatology, building physics, and environmental design. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Prof. Naboni is actively engaged in teaching and research. There is no mention of formal advising roles, grants, or leadership in labs or research teams within the available information. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent collaboration with researchers such as Marcello Turrini, Barbara Gherri, Carlos Alberto Rivera Gómez, and Carmen Galán-Marín. He contributes to advancing sustainable design practices through empirical and simulation-based studies, particularly focused on urban and architectural responses to climate change in Southern Europe.
Alexander Hollberg is an Associate Professor in the Division of Building Technology at Chalmers University of Technology, within the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering. His academic role focuses on Computational Sustainable Design, emphasizing the development of digital tools for sustainable building and urban design. He holds a PhD in Parametric Life Cycle Assessment (2016) from Bauhaus University Weimar, an MSc in Architectural Engineering (2011), and a BSc in Civil Engineering (2008) from Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research interests include Sustainable Design Optimization, Stakeholder Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He co-founded CAALA, a software and consulting startup in Munich, Germany, advancing tools for real-time environmental performance evaluation in early design stages. Recent work includes studies on digital twins for urban planning, robust renovation strategies, and AI-driven facade optimization. Hollberg was promoted to Docent (Associate Professor) in Computational Sustainable Design in 2022, focusing on bridging computational methods with sustainable environmental transitions. His collaborative projects address tool development for stakeholder engagement, BIM integration, and circular economy frameworks in construction. Key Projects: Development of Bombyx and Twinable tools for real-time LCA and urban simulation Leading the Nordic Build-LCA PhD forum and BIM-based LCSA applications Contributions to IEA EBC Annex 72 guidelines on life cycle environmental impacts Education Background: PhD in Parametric Life Cycle Assessment, Bauhaus University Weimar, 2016 MSc in Architectural Engineering, Bauhaus University Weimar, 2011 BSc in Civil Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 2008 His research outputs prioritize early design-stage decision support through parametric modeling and AI, with a focus on carbon neutrality and material circularity in construction.
