Najib El-Sayed serves as a Professor of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland with a joint appointment at the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). His research is centered at the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, where he leads a laboratory focused on genomic approaches to infectious disease mechanisms. His research program employs integrated genomic and computational methodologies to dissect host-pathogen dynamics, with core emphases on: Genome-wide transcriptome profiling of host-pathogen systems Interspecies protein-protein interaction networks Structural and functional analysis of the "infectome" Development of molecular tools for infection diagnostics This work targets fundamental mechanisms of parasitic and bacterial infections across human, animal, and plant systems to advance therapeutic interventions.
Peng Liu is a Professor at Iowa State University, specializing in statistical modeling and computational methods for microbiome and RNA-sequencing data analysis. His work spans plant genomics, stress response studies, and bioinformatics tool development. Developed software tools like C-REx and RiboZIP for genomic data analysis Key research areas: microbiome dynamics, differential translation, plant-pathogen interactions Collaborates with agricultural scientists to address drought tolerance and nutrient stress in crops His recent publications focus on advanced statistical approaches (e.g., hurdle Poisson models, variational inference) applied to multi-omics studies in sorghum and maize systems. He has contributed to understanding gene expression heterosis, ER stress responses, and microbiome impacts on plant resilience through peer-reviewed studies in journals like Bioinformatics, ISME J, and BMC Genomics.
Tomoko Tamari is Reader in Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London, affiliated with the Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship (ICCE). She joined Goldsmiths in 2013 after serving as a research fellow at Nottingham Trent University. Her academic background spans sociology, mass communication studies, and women's studies, with current interests intersecting sociology, cultural studies, and body studies. She serves as Managing Editor of Body & Society (Sage Publications) and coordinates the Theory Culture & Society 'New Encyclopaedia Project'. Tamari's research interests encompass Japanese culture and society, consumer culture, visual culture, and technology's relationship with the body. Her current working areas include animation and human perception (particularly affect in digital aesthetics and hand-drawing moving images), technology and modern architectural design (exploring Japanese Metabolism movement), food culture and lifestyles in 20th century Japan, the body and medicine (focusing on probiotics industry), body image and prosthetic aesthetics in Paralympic culture, techno-animism, and human-machine integration. Her work consistently examines how technology reshapes bodily experience and cultural practices. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward examining the intersections of digital technologies, human perception, and embodiment. The majority of her work from 2023-2025 focuses on AI, digital aesthetics, animation, and the materiality of the body in technological contexts. This represents an evolution from her earlier work on Japanese consumer culture and department stores toward contemporary digital and technological questions while maintaining her core interest in embodiment and cultural practices. Tamari has been actively involved in academic leadership through her editorial roles, including co-editing special journal issues on the Tokyo Olympics and post-university scholarly apparatus. Her conference presentations reflect engagement with cutting-edge discussions about AI, embodiment, and the future of knowledge production in digital society. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided texts, her extensive publication record and editorial positions indicate significant research activity and scholarly recognition.
Markus Teige is a researcher at the Max Perutz Labs, affiliated with the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Vienna, in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. His work focuses on plant stress tolerance, calcium signaling, chloroplast development, protein phosphorylation, and organelle signaling networks. Current projects include Molecular mechanisms of plant stress tolerance (2021–2025) and Calcium regulation of chloroplast development & function (ongoing). Past projects include Auswirkungen von Virusinfektionen auf die Kalziumhomöostase (2020–2022). Research trends from his 62 publications emphasize calcium signaling in plant antiviral defense, chloroplast stress responses, and integrated multi-omics approaches to abiotic stress in crops like potato. His work bridges organelle physiology with whole-plant stress adaptation. Teige collaborates internationally on plant signaling and systems biology, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate-resilient agriculture and stress biology.
Ravi Kant serves as Principal Investigator and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki, with additional Visiting Professor appointments at Medical University of Gdansk, Poland and University of Nairobi, Kenya. He is affiliated with the Helsinki One Health (HOH) Viral Zoonosis Research Unit and the Emerging Infections Research Group within the Department of Virology at the Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on viral zoonoses, emerging infectious diseases, and viral genomics. Key research areas include SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics, viral pathogenesis in animal models, viral metagenomics, and molecular epidemiology of emerging pathogens. His work spans both human and veterinary medicine, reflecting the One Health approach that characterizes his research unit. Kant leads multiple significant research projects including the EU-funded REFINE project (2025-2028), Pipeline for Rapid Diagnostics of Emergency Transboundary Infectious Diseases (2023-2027), and research on poxvirus epidemiology and disease control (2022-2025). His publication record demonstrates consistent output with 81 publications spanning from 2005 to 2025, with recent emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, mpox, antimicrobial resistance, and viral metagenomics. He actively supervises doctoral students across multiple programs including Biomedicine, Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, with several ongoing doctoral supervision activities documented through 2025. His media engagement includes significant contributions to public understanding of infectious diseases, with appearances discussing topics such as the cause of dermatitis epidemics in trotting horses, innovative mobile diagnostic laboratories, and mitochondrial roles in antiviral immunity.
Matthew W. State, MD, PhD is the Oberndorf Family Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, and Director of the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute and Hospital. He is also affiliated with the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, where he leads groundbreaking research at the intersection of child psychiatry and human genetics. Dr. State received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Stanford University, completed his residency in psychiatry and fellowship in child psychiatry at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, and earned a PhD in genetics from Yale University working in the lab of David C Ward. He was on the faculty at Yale from 2001 to 2013 where he was the Donald J. Cohen Professor of Child Psychiatry, Psychiatry and Genetics and the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Yale Program on Neurogenetics. Dr. State is a leading child psychiatrist and human geneticist whose research focuses on pediatric neuropsychiatric syndromes, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Tourette disorder (TD). His laboratory has played a pivotal role in demonstrating the contribution of rare and de novo genetic variation to these conditions. His work has contributed significantly to the identification of dozens of ASD risk genes and the first high-confidence TD genes. Through systems biological approaches, his research has characterized the spatial and temporal convergence of autism genes in developing human brain, providing crucial insights into disease mechanisms. His lab utilizes diverse methodologies including genomic analysis, functional studies in model systems, and collaborative large-scale sequencing efforts. Analysis of Dr. State's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders. His research increasingly examines the convergence of autism-related proteins, chromatin regulation, and the role of specific cellular structures like cilia in neurodevelopment. There's also a growing emphasis on translating genetic findings into potential therapeutic approaches, with several recent papers addressing treatment development and biomarker identification for autism and related conditions. His work demonstrates a clear trajectory from gene discovery to understanding biological pathways and ultimately to developing novel therapeutic strategies. Yale Graduate School Alumni Association 2020 Wilbur Cross Medal National Academy of Medicine 2017 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health National Academy of Medicine 2014 Elected member American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2014 Tarjan Award Brain and Behavior Research Foundation 2012 Ruane Prize Science Magazine 2011 Annual Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs Science Magazine 2005 Annual Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs Dr. State plays a leadership role in numerous national and international collaborative genomics studies, including the Simons Simplex Collection Genomics Consortium, the Autism Sequencing Consortium, and the Tourette International Collaboration (TIC) on Genetics. His NIH-funded research portfolio includes multiple principal investigator roles on grants examining the genetic architecture of autism and Tourette disorder, brain development, and the functional consequences of genetic variants. His laboratory has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 2002, with recent grants totaling millions of dollars supporting cutting-edge research in neurogenetics. His collaborative approach has established him as a central figure in the field of psychiatric genetics. Dr. State directs a vibrant research program that integrates genomic analysis with functional studies to understand the biological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a growing emphasis on identifying potential therapeutic targets based on genetic findings. He collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines, fostering a collaborative approach to understanding the complex genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorders and Tourette disorder. His research program includes both human genetic studies and functional validation in model systems, creating a comprehensive pipeline from gene discovery to biological mechanism.
Susanne Gerber is a Professor at iDNA and Adjunct Director at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), affiliated with the Faculty of Biology's Bioinformatics department. Her academic journey includes an Assistant Professorship in Bioinformatics at JGU (2015-2020) and postdoctoral research at Università della Svizzera italiana. Her educational background comprises a PhD in Biophysics from Humboldt University of Berlin (2011), an M.Sc. in Bioinformatics from Free University of Berlin and Konrad Zuse Institute (2007), and a B.Sc. in Bioinformatics from Free University of Berlin and Max Planck Institute (2004). Dr. Gerber's research spans Bioinformatics, Computational Genomics, Systems Biology, Molecular Evolution, and Neuroinformatics , focusing on developing computational frameworks for genomic analysis, neurodegenerative disease modeling, and microbiome interactions. Her work integrates machine learning with multi-omics data to address complex biological questions in molecular evolution and neural systems. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on nanopore sequencing applications for RNA modification detection, deep learning frameworks for genomic data enhancement, and neurobehavioral modeling using AI-driven approaches. Key thematic clusters include epitranscriptomics, chromatin dynamics, and computational psychiatry with ethical AI considerations. Her methodological innovations include tools like COMET for network analysis, CCUT for chromatin data enhancement, and ModiDeC for RNA modification classification, demonstrating translational impact across genomics and neuroscience. Dr. Gerber leads research groups at IMB and iDNA focusing on computational genomics, advising students in bioinformatics and securing grants for AI-driven genomic analysis. Her labs develop open-source tools for nanopore data processing and neuroimaging analysis, fostering collaboration between computational and experimental biologists.
Professor Fabian Grabenhorst is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Experimental Psychology and a Tutorial Fellow at Jesus College. His academic background includes a DPhil in Experimental Psychology from Oxford, post-doctoral work in neurophysiology at Cambridge, and a Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowship. He leads a research group investigating the neurophysiological mechanisms of reward processing, decision-making, and social cognition, with a focus on the amygdala's role in these processes. His research employs single-neuron recordings, functional neuroimaging, and computational modeling to study how sensory, nutrient, and social factors influence decision-making. Key areas of investigation include the amygdala's role in simulating social partners' decisions, nutrient-based economic value, and oral texture perception. Selected publications highlight his work on amygdala neurons' dynamic coding of reward attributes, social risk processing, and the neural basis of saving strategies. He has received the Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, reflecting his contributions to neuroscience and decision-making research. Professor Grabenhorst teaches experimental psychology and neuroscience at Jesus College, focusing on courses in Psychology, Psychology-Philosophy-Linguistics, and Experimental Psychology. His research group's interdisciplinary approach bridges neuroscience, psychology, and economics to understand fundamental brain mechanisms guiding human behavior.
Dr Ned Barker is a Lecturer in Digital Culture and Technology at King’s College London’s Department of Digital Humanities, affiliated with the Digital Futures Institute. He holds a Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellowship (2021-24) leading the 'Biohybrid Bodies' project exploring biohybrid systems’ societal impacts. Previously, he was a Senior Research Fellow at UCL, contributing to the ERC-funded InTouch project on digital touch. His research bridges sociology, robotics, and sensory ethnography, focusing on human-technology embodiment. Education: BSc Sports Coaching Science, MRes Social Science Research Methods, PhD Sociology of Education (King’s College London). Teaching focuses on digital cultures, datafication, and ethics of emerging technologies. Research interests include biohybrid robotics, human-robot interaction, and interdisciplinary methodologies. Notable collaborations include co-created multi-sensory artworks with artist Joana Burd exhibited globally. Public engagement includes organizing events at the International Conference on Multimodality. Awards include the Leverhulme Fellowship and contributions to interdisciplinary research manifestos addressing scholarly uncertainties. His work intersects with UN SDGs on innovation and ethical technology deployment.
Funda Durupinar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research bridges computer graphics, animation, and psychology to develop believable virtual humans with nuanced emotional and personality-driven behaviors. Education: B.S. from Middle East Technical University, M.S. and Ph.D. from Bilkent University's Department of Computer Engineering Postdoctoral: Center for Human Modeling and Simulation, University of Pennsylvania Her work focuses on: Multimodal personality expression in virtual agents Nonverbal behavior synthesis for immersive environments Emotion contagion in crowd simulations Integration of psychological models into XR systems Data-driven approaches for realistic avatar animation Ethical considerations in affective computing Recent publications highlight trends in: Personality-embodiment interplay for LLM-based agents Dataset creation for facial expression analysis Motion-driven personality expression frameworks Crowd behavior modeling with affective parameters Leadership Roles: Program Chair for ACM Symposium on Applied Perception (SAP 2025) Organizer of MASSXR workshops at IEEE VR (2023-2025) Editorial Board Member, ACM Transactions on Applied Perception Co-organizer of BostonGFX computer graphics education initiative
Kevin Sweet is an Assistant Professor of Design and Interactive Arts: Immersive Experience at the University of Texas at Dallas, affiliated with the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology. His work bridges art, science, and technology to explore possibilities for social transformation through creative play. Sweet's practice spans digital media, performance, virtual reality, and community-based projects that address social justice issues and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education PhD in Emergent Technologies and Media Art Practices, University of Colorado Boulder (2022) MFA in Film/Video, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2012) BA in Film Studies, Keene State College (2009) Research Focus Sweet's research centers on narrative refiguration through embodied creative play at intersections of art, science, and technology. His work explores how digital media can address systemic inequities, preserve cultural heritage, and create new communal storytelling forms. Recent projects focus on community media labs, ancestral land rights, and speculative methodologies challenging anthropocentric narratives. He investigates how virtual and augmented reality can be leveraged for social justice and community empowerment, as evidenced by his ongoing work with high school students in San Luis, Colorado. His practice demonstrates a commitment to using art and technology as tools for community engagement and historical preservation. Publication Trends Sweet's creative output shows a clear trajectory from traditional film and video toward increasingly complex interdisciplinary projects. His early work focused on material properties of analog media (like 'Intervals'), while recent projects integrate virtual reality, AI, and community-based practices. His publications reveal a pattern of ambitious cross-disciplinary collaborations, from partnerships with astrophysicists in 'Sound Planetarium' to community-based projects like 'La Sierra' addressing systemic inequities. There's a consistent evolution toward more socially engaged work addressing land rights, historical memory, and non-human agency. Professional Activities Faculty board member, UTD Student Media Operating Board President of the Board of Directors, Denver Digerati 501(c)(3) (2022-2024) Co-Principal Investigator, Sound Planetarium (astrophysics and art collaboration) Head of Creative Development, JoyceStick (VR adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses) Former Director of Media, Guestbook Project (international peacebuilding organization) First Artist in Residence, Institute of Liberal Arts at Boston College Labs and Community Engagement Sweet has developed community media labs, partnering with History Colorado to build a local media lab in San Luis, Colorado. This initiative creates critical digital arts curriculum for high school students, empowering them to become authors of their community's history. His collaborative work involves interdisciplinary teams spanning artists, scientists, community organizers, and educators working on issues of land rights, historical memory, and cultural preservation.
Dr. John Nesbit is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University, specializing in educational psychology and learning sciences. His research focuses on self-regulated learning with multimedia resources, cognitive tools, log analysis, and argumentation. He has contributed to understanding how cognitive tools like concept maps and argument visualization enhance learning processes. Nesbit’s work often involves empirical studies on instructional efficacy and meta-analytic reviews of educational interventions. His research highlights include examining the impact of animated concept maps, verbal redundancy in multimedia environments, and the role of achievement goals in self-regulated learning. Nesbit has published extensively in top journals like the Journal of Educational Psychology and Metacognition and Learning , with a focus on bridging theory and practical educational design. His recent studies explore inquiry-based learning with simulations and the application of learning analytics to track student strategies. Nesbit has presented at major conferences such as the American Educational Research Association and contributed chapters to handbooks on educational data mining and metacognition. He advises graduate students in educational technology and learning sciences, though specific student names are not listed here. His work emphasizes evidence-based approaches to improving educational practices through cognitive and technological innovations.
Dr. Lyanne Brouwer is a researcher at James Cook University's College of Science and Engineering, specializing in Zoology and Ecology. Her work focuses on avian behavior, evolutionary strategies, and ecological impacts of environmental change. Academic Rank: Researcher Institution: James Cook University Dr. Brouwer's research spans ornithology , evolutionary biology , and ecology , with particular emphasis on cooperative breeding systems, parental investment, and climate change effects on bird populations. Her recent publications explore topics such as sex-ratio biases, paternity assurance mechanisms, and vocal communication in fairy-wrens. Scientific trends in her work include urban ecology (analyzing anthropogenic impacts), climate sensitivity (meta-analyzing global avian responses), and behavioral innovation (studying prenatal learning and rescue behaviors). She contributes to computational biology through tools like the HIPHOP R package for parentage analysis. Dr. Brouwer investigates ecological constraints in tropical coastal ecosystems and integrates fitness components across generations in cooperatively breeding species. Her work combines field studies with statistical modeling to understand population viability under environmental stressors.
Dr. PK Langshaw is a Full Professor in the Department of Design and Computation Arts at Concordia University's Faculty of Fine Arts, and a Fellow of the Loyola College for Diversity & Sustainability. With over three decades at Concordia University (1987-present), including chairing her department from 2001-2006 and 2015-2018, she leads the D_verse Lab which investigates poetic intersections of biophilic design, feminist technology critique, and sustainable innovation in media arts. MFA from Université de Québec Montréal (2002) Current research focuses on social design, textile materiality, and urban futures through projects like Wild Cities and Community Masks Her work spans textile fabrication , multimedia performance , and interdisciplinary sustainability , with recent projects including: 2023 In.site symposium on cross-disciplinary sustainability 2022 Community Masks project during pandemic 2022 Wild Cities book series for interspecies design 2022 Parachute garment transformations 2014-2016 Urban Reverse Dress studies Scientific recognition includes: 2013 Loyola College Fellowship 2005 Seed grant for arts-engineering collaboration 2003 FQRSC $153,750 team grant 2014 Outstanding Contribution to Student Life Award Mentoring 6+ CUSRA-funded students since 2016, she pioneered D_verse lab's sensor-controlled environments and Remove Before Flight garment series, while serving on Concordia Volunteer Abroad Board (2012-2016) and leading Faculty of Fine Arts' sustainability subcommittee (2017-2020) that shaped university-wide SDG implementation strategies.
Min Chen is a Professor of Scientific Visualization at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Department of Engineering Science and Pembroke College. He holds fellowships from the British Computer Society, European Computer Graphics Association, and Learned Society of Wales. His career spans over three decades, with previous roles at Swansea University (1984–2011) and current leadership in visualization research. His research focuses on visualization theory, video visualization, visual analytics, and interdisciplinary applications in fields like epidemiology and cybersecurity. He has authored over 200 publications and led projects such as RAMPVIS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key roles include editor-in-chief of Computer Graphics Forum and associate editor of IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics. Education: BSc and PhD in relevant fields (details not explicitly stated in texts). Awards include the VGTC Visualization Lifetime Achievement Award (2024). His work emphasizes the theoretical underpinnings of visualization and practical tools for data intelligence.
