Jamie Collins is a Professor in the Department of Management at Texas Tech University's Rawls College of Business. He holds a PhD in Strategy & Entrepreneurship from Texas A&M University, along with an MBA and BS in Finance. Prior roles include Professor and UC Chair of Strategy at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) and Director of Sam Houston State University's Center for Entrepreneurship. His research focuses on strategic leadership perceptions, innovation investments, and teaching approaches' impact on student success. He has taught at Clemson, Texas A&M, and Baylor, with visiting roles in Belgium and Italy. Collins teaches strategic management, entrepreneurship, and international management courses. Key research areas include entrepreneurial intuition, venture creation, and the intersection of gender/equality in business programs. His 2020-2024 publications emphasize innovation strategies, educational methodologies, and behavioral skills development. He has collaborated across disciplines from military training to sports performance optimization.
Chris Freeman is a Professor of Robotics and Control at the University of Southampton's Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) school. His research focuses on iterative learning control theory, biomedical engineering, and robotics with applications in industrial automation and healthcare. As Deputy Head of School (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) and Chair of the ECS Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (BIDE) Committee, he drives initiatives promoting inclusive academic environments. Freeman leads multidisciplinary research projects such as "Towards intelligent, pervasive, high performance control system architectures" "Elder Athletes: building incidental interaction at home" "Low-cost personalised instrumented clothing with integrated FES electrodes" . His work combines robotics, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and wearable technologies to develop rehabilitation systems for stroke patients and industrial automation solutions. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in iterative learning control (ILC), model predictive control, and biomedical applications. Research groups include: Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering Institute for Life Sciences Centre for Health Technologies Centre for Robotics
Stefan Duma is the Harry C. Wyatt Professor of Engineering and a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. He is currently serving as Interim Department Head in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics within the College of Engineering. He also directs the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences and leads the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia (2000) M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (1996) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee (1995) Dr. Duma's research focuses on injury and impact biomechanics, with applications in automobile safety design , sports biomechanics (especially football and hockey), and military restraint systems . His work investigates head and neck injury mechanisms, concussion thresholds, and protective equipment performance. He has pioneered methodologies for evaluating helmet safety and individualized injury tolerance. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on head impact biomechanics , concussion prediction , and wearable sensor validation . The research spans youth and collegiate sports, drone impact risks, and automotive safety. Key themes include individual variability in injury response, helmet performance assessment, and translational safety applications. Scientific recognition includes his appointment as a University Distinguished Professor and leadership roles, though specific awards are not listed in the provided text. Dr. Duma advises a team of researchers and students, including Steven Rowson, Abigail Tyson, and Eamon Campolettano. His lab has secured significant research funding (implied by patent and publication volume), particularly in developing safety standards and injury prevention technologies. The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is central to his research, conducting experiments with human volunteers, PMHS, and advanced instrumentation. His lab, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, is a leading center for impact biomechanics research, focusing on real-world safety challenges in sports, transportation, and emerging technologies like drones.
Dr Paul Garner is an Assistant Professor in Sport Coaching and Player Development at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham. He holds a Doctorate of Sport and Exercise (2023), an MSc in Sports Coaching (2013), and a BA (Hons) in Sport Science & French (1996). He is internationally recognized for his research and applied work in coach development. Doctorate of Sport and Exercise – 2023 MSc Sports Coaching – 2013 BA (Hons) Sport Science & French – 1996 Paul Garner's research centers on the interpersonal and relational dimensions of coaching, focusing on intra- and inter-personal knowledge, leadership, culture development, and the intentions behind coaching behavior. His work supports coaches and coach educators through evidence-based frameworks and practical interventions. He has contributed significantly to modules in sport coaching and professional practice at the university level. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward person-centered coaching, leadership in coach education, and the role of communities of practice in informal and collaborative learning environments. These works span disciplines including sport science, coaching psychology, and educational theory, with a consistent focus on improving coaching quality and effectiveness. While no formal scientific awards are listed, his editorial work and sustained engagement with national sports bodies reflect professional recognition. Paul has advised and collaborated with major organizations such as the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI), British Equestrian Federation, GB Rowing, Table Tennis England, PGA, and England Lacrosse. These partnerships aim to drive excellence in coach education, development, and assessment across diverse sports. He also brings practical experience as a former member of the British Alpine Skiing Demonstration Team, having served as a performer, coach, coach developer, and assessor. He is actively involved in research and teaching, with a focus on enhancing coaching practice through both formal and informal learning pathways. His work bridges academic inquiry and real-world application in national coaching systems.
Peter Fino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation within the College of Health at the University of Utah. He directs the Neuromechanics and Applied Locomotion Lab, which is situated within the Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience research theme. His research focuses on understanding and improving mobility in individuals with neurological dysfunction, particularly those with brain injuries, using core concepts from biomechanics and motor control to develop better diagnostic tools and rehabilitation approaches. Dr. Fino's research explores how humans maintain stability during everyday activities that require complex motor control. His primary areas of investigation include: Foot placement control during walking and turning on uneven surfaces Balance recovery mechanisms following perturbations Effects of neurological conditions like concussion and Parkinson's disease on gait Development and application of inertial sensor technology for clinical assessment Neuroanatomical correlates of motor dysfunction after brain injury Nonlinear dynamics approaches to understanding human movement His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with engineers, clinicians, physical therapists, and neuroscientists to translate research findings into practical applications that improve people's lives. Current projects examine mobility in populations with traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions, with particular focus on turning gait, dual-task performance, and objective measurement of balance recovery using wearable sensor technology. Dr. Fino actively mentors a diverse research team comprising PhD students, MS students, research coordinators, and undergraduate researchers. His lab has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to academic positions, clinical research roles, and healthcare professions. He maintains strong collaborative relationships across the University of Utah and with external institutions including Oregon Health & Science University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and US Army-Baylor Physical Therapy. The lab participates in outreach through National Biomechanics Day and partnerships with high school programs to introduce students to biomechanics and neuroscience.
Prof. Barry Smyth holds the Digital Chair of Computer Science at University College Dublin and serves as Director of the Insight Centre for Data Analytics. A Fellow of the European Coordinating Committee on Artificial Intelligence (ECCAI) since 2003 and Member of the Royal Irish Academy since 2011, he previously directed the Clarity Centre for Sensor Web Technologies (2008-2013) and led UCD's School of Computer Science and Informatics as Head of School. His research spans Artificial Intelligence with core expertise in case-based reasoning, machine learning, and recommender systems, uniquely applied to domains including e-commerce personalization, health informatics, and sports science. Recent work demonstrates exceptional translational impact through marathon training optimization systems that generate personalized injury-prevention protocols and performance predictions, bridging AI theory with real-world athletic applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary AI applications: 60% focus on sports science (particularly marathon running), 25% on privacy-enhanced recommender systems, and 15% on financial time-series analysis. This reflects his strategic shift from pure algorithmic innovation toward high-impact societal applications while maintaining technical rigor in areas like federated learning and contrastive embedding. Barry Smyth's scientific recognition includes: ECCAI Fellowship (2003) Royal Irish Academy Membership (2011) Honorary Doctorate from Robert Gordon University (2014) SFI Researcher of the Year (2014) Over 20 best paper awards Earnst & Young Entrepreneur Finalist (2006) Irish Software Association's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (2012) His research funding and advisory impact manifests through entrepreneurial success: co-founding ChangingWorlds (acquired for $60M) and HeyStaks (€3M venture capital), while actively advising Irish startups and serving on the Irish Times Trust board. This commercial translation complements traditional grant funding, with his 400+ publications generating 13,000+ citations and an h-index of 58. Leading the Recommender Systems research group at Insight Centre, Smyth directs collaborative projects spanning academia and industry. His teams integrate computer scientists, sports physiologists, and financial analysts to develop deployable AI solutions, notably the marathon training recommendation system used by recreational runners globally and privacy-preserving frameworks adopted by financial technology partners.
Professor Suguru Torii is a distinguished faculty member at Waseda University's School of Sport Sciences, specializing in Sports Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. With a PhD in Sports Science, he serves as Director of the Waseda Institute of Human Growth and Development (2021-2026) and maintains affiliations with the Global Education Center. His research interests focus on the intricate relationship between growth, development, and sports injuries in children and adolescents. Torii has made significant contributions to understanding musculoskeletal development patterns , bone health in young athletes , and biomechanical factors contributing to sports injuries. His work bridges clinical practice with scientific research, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to injury prevention and treatment in pediatric populations. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on growth-related changes in musculoskeletal tissues , with particular attention to the timing of peak velocity in height, lean mass, and bone mass. His research employs advanced methodologies including DXA, ultrasound, and 3D motion analysis to investigate biomechanical and physiological adaptations during growth and sports participation. Japanese Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine Best Paper Award 2006 (awarded June 2007) 4th Japanese Society of Clinical Sports Medicine Award (awarded November 2005) Torii has led numerous significant research projects including The effectiveness of eating an appropriate breakfast in building the body of athletes (2019-2022) and Development of the appropriate evaluation of energy availability for Japanese female athletes (2016-2019). His work on energy availability, bone health in young athletes, and injury prevention has received funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. He serves on the professional boards of multiple societies including the Japanese Society of Sports Psychiatry, Running Society, Japan Growth Society, and Japanese Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine. Professor Torii directs the Waseda Institute of Human Growth and Development, where his team conducts cutting-edge research on growth patterns, musculoskeletal development, and sports-related injuries in children and adolescents. The institute collaborates with clinical and research partners to translate scientific findings into practical applications for coaches, athletic trainers, and healthcare providers working with young athletes.
Desmond McEwan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Education. His research focuses on sport and exercise psychology, particularly teamwork, group dynamics, and human thriving in high-performance teams. His research interests include Sport Psychology, Teamwork, Group Dynamics, High-Performance Teams, and Human Thriving. He examines how team cohesion, psychological safety, and resilience contribute to individual and team success in sport settings. His work often involves both elite and youth athletes, with applications in coaching and performance support. Recent publications (2023-2025) show a strong trend in exploring psychological safety, team resilience, and human thriving in sport. His work spans systematic reviews, longitudinal studies, and qualitative investigations, often focusing on interventions to improve teamwork and well-being. Key themes include the role of social support, leadership, and identity in team functioning. McEwan advises graduate students, including Stef Atkinson who completed a Master of Arts in Kinesiology on trust in the coach-athlete relationship. He is open to collaborations on clusters and grants. He directs the Sport and Performance Psychology Lab at UBC, which conducts research on team dynamics and thriving in sport.
Dr Mark Quinn serves as Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for BSc Sports Science and MSc Performance Analysis within the School of Health & Society at University of Salford. He leads modules including Advanced Performance Analysis and contributes to Biomechanics, Research Methods, and Applied Human Performance courses while supervising PhD candidates in sports science domains. His educational background includes a BSc (Hons) from Loughborough University (2007-2010) followed by a PhD from University of Central Lancashire (2013-2020) titled Athlete Monitoring in Rugby League: a focus on the conceptualisation, implementation and utilisation of a wellness questionnaire , which developed the Successful Implementation Framework for wellness questionnaires in high-performance sport. Quinn's research centers on performance analysis across multiple sports, with recent publications examining lacrosse officiating demands for the 2028 Olympics, goal-scoring movement patterns in professional soccer, and multidirectional speed training monitoring. His work consistently applies time-motion analysis to quantify physical demands across rugby league, Gaelic football, and lacrosse variants, emphasizing practical applications for athlete monitoring and performance optimization. As an applied practitioner, Quinn contributed to Wigan Warriors Rugby League's trophy-winning campaigns including Challenge Cup (2011, 2013), Super League Grand Final (2013, 2016), and World Club Challenge (2017). He previously served as Assistant Coach for England Wheelchair Rugby League, bridging his academic expertise with elite performance environments. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for healthy lives and reduced inequality, conducted through the Centre for Human Movement and Rehabilitation where he investigates athlete self-report measures, training load monitoring, and wellness questionnaire implementation across diverse sporting contexts.
David Mann serves as an Associate Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, with additional appointments at the Institute for Brain and Behavior Amsterdam (IBBA) and Amsterdam Movement Sciences - Sports (AMS). His research focuses on the intersection of vision science, sports performance, and cognitive processes, particularly examining how visual impairments affect athletic performance and everyday functioning. Dr. Mann's research interests center on visual impairment in athletes, gaze behavior during sports performance, visual search patterns, and talent identification. His work spans multiple disciplines including sports psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and adaptive sports, with particular emphasis on how visual field and acuity limitations impact performance in basketball, football, and ball sports. His fingerprint analysis reveals strong expertise in Visual Impairment (100%), Athletes (91%), Visual Acuity (67%), Visual Field (53%), Visual Search (37%), and Gaze Behavior (33%). His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding the relationship between visual perception and sports performance. Key research trends include examining quiet eye duration in basketball shooting, the effects of vision loss on naturalistic search, the role of cognitive skills in youth football performance, dynamic anticipation in sports, and how people with vision impairment use gaze to hit balls. These studies employ methodologies including eye tracking, cognitive testing, and performance analysis across various sports contexts. Dr. Mann currently serves as Director of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Research and Development Centre for Athletes with Vision Impairment, demonstrating his leadership in this specialized field. He is also active in teaching as Course Coordinator for Talent and Talent Identification. His research portfolio includes an active project titled "Developing sensory-cognitive predictors of everyday functioning with visual impairment" running from January 2023 to December 2025, which he conducts with colleague C. Olivers. Dr. Mann has supervised 6 PhD theses and teaches courses including Master Research Project, Talent and Talent Identification, and Talent Identification and Development.
Helder Carvalho is an Associate Professor at the University of Minho's School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, where he also serves as Director of the Department of Textile Engineering and Director of the Master's program in Textile and Accessories Product Design and Innovation. His academic career spans over three decades, with a focus on textile engineering and its intersection with electronics and automation systems. His educational background includes: PhD in Textile Engineering (2004) from University of Minho, School of Engineering MSc in Textile Engineering (1998) from University of Minho, School of Engineering BSc in Electrotechnical and Computer Engineering (1992) from University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering Professor Carvalho's research primarily focuses on smart textiles, textile sensors, and instrumentation systems for industrial sewing machines. His work bridges the gap between traditional textile manufacturing and modern electronics, creating innovative solutions for interactive textiles and wearable technology. He has particular expertise in developing flexible sensors that can be integrated into fabrics for applications ranging from sports performance monitoring to healthcare. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward sports applications of smart textiles, with numerous papers on fencing apparel, karate body protectors, and general athletic performance monitoring. The research spans material science, sensor development, and user experience design, showing a comprehensive approach to creating functional and attractive smart textile products. Professor Carvalho has received recognition through research funding from major institutions: BE@T Bioeconomy Textile and Clothing (current) Greenauto - Green Innovation for the Automotive Industry (current) Factor ST+ (2021-2023) FAMEST (2017-2020) TSSIPRO (2016-2019) He has directed multiple academic programs including the Master's in Textile and Accessories Product Design and Innovation, and coordinated educational initiatives like the CET 'Fashion Commerce' program. His work at the Textile Science and Technology Centre demonstrates a commitment to translating research into practical applications across sports, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Aonghus Lawlor is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Computer Science at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin. His roles include coordinating modules such as Software Engineering, Data Structures, Machine Learning, and Final Year Project Foundations. He holds an Orcid identifier: 0000-0002-6160-4639. His research focuses on machine learning applications in medical imaging (e.g., MRI, CT), sports science, and healthcare systems. Notable areas include AI-driven diagnostics, cybersecurity in radiology, and genomics for agricultural optimization. Recent work explores ChatGPT4-vision in MS progression, knee osteoarthritis grading via anomaly detection, and reinforcement learning in exercise prescriptions. Professional activities include committee roles in ACM Recommender Systems and Intelligent User Interfaces, grant assessments, and peer reviewing. He has published 137+ outputs, emphasizing interdisciplinary AI solutions with clinical and agricultural impact. Teaching responsibilities span foundational CS courses to advanced ML and project modules. No formal awards are listed, but his work demonstrates contributions to AI ethics, health informatics, and agricultural genomics.
Prof. Zoltán Károly Lakner is a Professor at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, affiliated with the Department of Agricultural and Food Economics. His research focuses on applying dynamic systems theory, econometrics, and artificial intelligence to analyze food supply networks, agricultural policy, and socio-economic systems in Africa and Central Asia. Key areas include big-data modeling of complex systems, game-theory applications, and open-source intelligence tools in innovation policy. He leads the SafeConsume H2020 project, developing strategies to mitigate foodborne illness risks through consumer education and prototype tools. His work spans food policy analysis, climate change impacts on agriculture, and ethical food consumption behaviors. Education details not explicitly provided in text. Research interests emphasize quantitative methods in agricultural economics, econometrics-driven policy analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches to global food challenges. Recent publications explore bioenergy expansion effects, water tax policy implications, and post-Paris Agreement green finance trends. No scientific awards explicitly stated in the text. Grants include the Horizon 2020 SafeConsume project. Active in advising and mentoring, though specific student names are not listed. Affiliated with the Szént István Campus in Gödöllő, contributing to institutional research and policy initiatives.
Colin Drummond, PhD, MBA is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at both the Case School of Engineering and School of Medicine , where he also serves as Assistant Department Chair. His research focuses on simulation and applied informatics to enhance healthcare decision-making with translational applications in wearable technology and conversational agents for isolated patients. Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering (PhD) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Research interests span healthcare informatics , wearable analytics , and clinical decision support systems . Recent work explores: Physiological monitoring through wearable sensors Heart rate accuracy in consumer devices like Apple Watch Conversational agents for polypharmacy management Performance assessment in athletes and post-surgical rehabilitation
Kristian O'Connor is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology within the College of Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he also serves as Associate Vice Provost for Research Education. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts (2002), an M.S. in Exercise Science from Arizona State University (1998), and a B.A. in Physics from Colorado College (1994). Dr. O'Connor's research centers on the biomechanics of musculoskeletal injury, with particular emphasis on knee injury mechanisms during sports activities. His work investigates how neuromuscular fatigue contributes to increased injury risk in conditions like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and anterior knee pain, and explores its role in osteoarthritis progression. A significant innovation in his research involves developing portable single-camera 3D motion capture technology for clinical settings, eliminating the need for specialized laboratory environments. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on age-related movement changes, knee biomechanics during dynamic tasks, and fatigue-induced injury mechanisms. His work spans geriatric mobility, athletic performance, and clinical rehabilitation, with strong methodological emphasis on motion analysis and neuromuscular assessment. Key trends include transition step descent biomechanics, visual-motor integration in aging populations, and foot-joint coupling dynamics in runners. Dean’s Award for Outstanding Service (2016), College of Health Sciences As Associate Vice Provost for Research Education, Dr. O'Connor oversees research training programs while maintaining active NIH-funded research. His recent grants include NIH R44HD068147-02 ($1.5M) and R43HD068147-01 ($215k) for developing clinical gait assessment tools, plus industry funding from Sport Biomechanics, Inc. His research program integrates motion capture technology development with fundamental injury mechanism studies, focusing on translating laboratory findings to clinical applications for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Dr. O'Connor leads a biomechanics research laboratory focused on developing portable motion analysis systems and investigating injury mechanisms across diverse populations including athletes, older adults, and clinical patients. His team's development of single-camera 3D motion tracking represents a significant advancement toward accessible clinical biomechanics assessment.
