Find Academic Supervisors

• Artificial Intelligence
• Privacy and Data Protection
• Trustworthy AI
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Pinar Yolum Birbil is a leading researcher in Responsible AI at the Faculty of Science , Utrecht University . Her work bridges Artificial Intelligence , Privacy and Data Protection , and Software Agents , focusing on Human-Centered AI and Trustworthy Systems . She is part of the AI & Data Science and Responsible AI research groups. PhD in Computer Science, North Carolina State University (2003) MS in Computer Science, North Carolina State University (2000) BSc in Computer Engineering, Marmara University (1998) Her research explores Privacy Preservation in collaborative systems, Computational Theory of Mind for human-agent coordination, and Norm-Based AI Systems . Recent projects include the Hybrid Intelligence Center and tools like PANOLA for privacy support. She investigates how AI can balance user autonomy , ethical norms , and societal values in applications ranging from urban planning to healthcare. Her scientific publications (2023-2025) span topics like Explainable Privacy , Trust in Hybrid Teams , and AI for Diabetes Management , appearing in venues such as JAIR , AAMAS , and ACM TOIT . She emphasizes collaborative AI , with contributions to multiagent simulations and privacy-preserving mechanisms . Scientific Awards : NC State University Alumni Hall of Fame (2017) Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (Microsoft Turkey & KAGIDER, 2017) Bogazici University Academic Encouragement Award (multiple years) Best Paper Award at ESAW 2009 She supervises a dynamic research group with PhD students working on Hybrid Intelligence , Computational Ethics , and Privacy Modeling . Her projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions like TNO and the Transforming Cities Hub .

David AshmoreView profile

Lecturer

• transport sector reform
• infrastructure procurement
• service contract franchising
• +3 more

David Ashmore is a Lecturer in Engineering Economics at the University of Southampton, specializing in transport sector reform, infrastructure procurement, service contract franchising, and public policy. He has over 30 years of international experience working with engineers, policymakers, regulators, and multilateral donors across the UK, Europe, India, the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. Transport Economics Infrastructure Procurement Public-Private Partnerships Policy Analysis His recent research explores sustainable mobility transitions, including ride-hailing dynamics in Indian cities, hydrogen truck adoption in Australia, and equitable infrastructure systems amid rapid urbanization. He emphasizes multistakeholder collaboration and policy innovation in transport reforms. Key publication trends focus on zero-emissions transportation, PPP challenges, automated planning tools, and formal-informal sector integration in developing countries. Articles span conference proceedings, journal articles, and policy-oriented outputs. David serves as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Technical University of Dresden and holds memberships in the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institution of Transportation Engineers. He actively supervises PhD students and leads global transport policy research initiatives.

Remko Van HoekView profile

Professor

• Supply Chain Management
• Procurement
• Sourcing
• +5 more

Remko Van Hoek serves as Professor of Practice in the Department of Supply Chain Management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas. He teaches Sourcing and Procurement courses across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. Prior to joining the University of Arkansas, Dr. Van Hoek held academic positions in Europe and served as a visiting professor at Cranfield School of Management, complemented by extensive industry experience as a supply chain and procurement executive at global corporations including Nike, PwC, and The Walt Disney Company. He currently serves on the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Board of Directors and acts as executive director of the CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Fame hosted by the Walton College. Dr. Van Hoek's research centers on digital transformation in procurement and supply chain management, with particular focus on blockchain implementation, artificial intelligence applications, and sustainable sourcing practices. His work investigates how emerging technologies reshape procurement processes, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation strategies. He explores innovative approaches to supplier diversity programs, ethical sourcing frameworks, and the strategic evolution of procurement from cost reduction to value creation. His research consistently bridges academic theory with industry practice through case studies from major corporations, developing actionable frameworks for practitioners facing digital disruption and sustainability challenges. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant themes in AI-driven supply chain risk prevention, blockchain implementation for transparency, and sustainable supplier engagement. His work demonstrates consistent industry collaboration, drawing from case studies at Walmart, Moet Hennessy, and Bayer to address post-pandemic resilience challenges. A significant portion examines procurement's strategic evolution beyond transactional functions, with recurring emphasis on ethical considerations in digital transformation and the practical implementation barriers for emerging technologies in global supply networks. As a Professor of Practice, Dr. Van Hoek integrates executive-level industry experience into curriculum development and student mentorship. His industry-engaged teaching model includes guest lecturer programs connecting students with supply chain practitioners, as evidenced by his co-authored work on integrating industry insights into supply chain education. While specific grant funding details are not publicly documented, his leadership in the CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Fame demonstrates commitment to professional development and industry-academia knowledge transfer. Dr. Van Hoek directs the CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Fame initiative, which documents transformative contributions to supply chain management through interviews with industry pioneers and historical case studies. This platform serves as both an educational resource for Walton College students and a professional development tool for supply chain practitioners globally. The Hall of Fame preserves critical industry knowledge while highlighting contemporary innovations in supply chain strategy and technology implementation.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Health Informatics
• +5 more

Krzysztof Z Gajos is a Gordon McKay Professor of Computer Science at Harvard University’s Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He leads the Intelligent Interactive Systems Group, focusing on human-AI interaction, accessible computing, and behavioral research at scale. His work integrates technical innovation with ethical and societal considerations, emphasizing equity-centered design. Education: Ph.D., University of Washington M.Eng. and B.Sc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research Interests: His research spans AI for public services , health informatics , design for equity , and behavioral research platforms like LabintheWild.org. He investigates how AI can augment human decision-making while addressing biases and ethical challenges. Recent Trends in Articles: Recent work emphasizes human-AI collaboration in healthcare , explainable AI , and equity-centered design . Key themes include reducing overreliance on AI, improving transparency in algorithmic decisions, and centering marginalized communities in technology development. Scientific Awards: Sloan Fellowship Best Paper Awards at ACM CHI, COMPASS, and IUI Advising & Grants: His federal grants support AI ethics and healthcare projects, though recent terminations have prompted efforts to secure alternative funding. He advises students on projects like AI for humanitarian negotiations and digital phenotyping. Labs & Teams: Leads the Intelligent Interactive Systems Group , collaborating with organizations on AI for social good and accessible technology.

Alyssa PiersonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Robotics
• Multi-Agent Systems
• Distributed Control
• +3 more

Alyssa Pierson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University, with affiliations in Robotics & Autonomous Systems and Systems Engineering. She leads the Collaborative Autonomy Group and serves as Chief Scientist at Ava Robotics. Her research focuses on trust, cooperation, and distributed control in multi-agent systems, emphasizing socially-compliant and autonomous robotic systems interacting in dynamic environments. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Boston University (2017) BS in Engineering, Harvey Mudd College Research Interests: Multi-agent systems, distributed robotics control, socially-compliant autonomous systems, and human-robot interaction. Her work addresses challenges in cooperative teaming, trust modeling, and safe navigation in complex environments. Key Awards: NSF Career Award (2023) MassRobotics Rising Star in Robotics Medal (2023) Clare Booth Luce Fellowship Grants & Projects: Recipient of NSF CAREER Award for 'Decentralized and Online Planning for Emergent Cooperation in Multi-Robot Teams'. Active in projects like heterogeneous teaming and privacy-aware trajectory planning. Labs & Affiliations: Principal Investigator of the Collaborative Autonomy Group. Affiliated with BU's Intelligent, Autonomous & Secure Systems division and the Hariri Institute for Computing.

Dennis HerhausenView profile

Professor

• Digital Communication
• Customer Journeys and Experience
• Multichannel Management
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Dennis Herhausen is a Full Professor of Marketing and Head of the Marketing Department at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s School of Business and Economics. Previously, he held positions as Associate Professor at KEDGE Business School, Visiting Professor at the University of St. Gallen, and Assistant Professor at the University of St. Gallen. His research focuses on digital communication, customer journeys, multichannel management, and social media strategies, with publications in top-tier journals like the Journal of Marketing and Journal of Marketing Research. His work addresses critical issues such as online firestorm mitigation, complaint de-escalation, and gig economy communication. He has been awarded multiple prestigious prizes, including the 2021 CBSIG Consumer Research Award and the 2019 William R. Davidson Award. Education: PhD in Marketing from University of St. Gallen (2011) Teaching: Courses on Customer Experience Management, Survey Research Methods, and Thesis Guidance Research Interests: His work explores digital marketing strategies, customer-centric innovations, and the dynamics of online platforms. Recent studies address topics like business-to-investor marketing signals, privacy orientation measurement, and machine learning biases in marketing. He actively contributes to editorial boards of journals including Journal of Marketing and Journal of Interactive Marketing. Awards: 2021 CBSIG Consumer Research in Practice Award 2021 Retail & Pricing SIG Best Paper Award 2021 SERVSIG Best Services Article Award 2020 William R. Davidson Award Grants & Editorial Work: His research has been funded by national/international grants, and he serves on multiple editorial boards. Notable datasets include studies on online retailer strategies and virtual brand sabotage responses.

James GilmoreView profile

Associate Professor

• Media Technology Studies
• Datafication
• Wearable Technologies
• +4 more

Dr. James Gilmore is an Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Communication at Clemson University's College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. He joined Clemson in 2018 after earning his Ph.D. in Communication and Culture from Indiana University. His academic foundation includes an M.A. in Film and Television from UCLA and a B.A. in Film and Media Studies from the University of South Carolina. Research Focus Dr. Gilmore's research examines the cultural politics of media and communication technologies, with emphasis on datafication (how human behavior is converted into data), wearable technologies (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers), and infrastructural systems . His work critiques surveillance norms, accessibility design, and solutionist approaches in tech. He authored Bringers of Order: Wearable Technologies and the Manufacturing of Everyday Life (UC Press, 2025) and co-edited anthologies on Orson Welles and superhero digital convergence. Publication Trends His recent articles (2020-2025) cluster around three themes: wearable tech ethics (e.g., forensic uses of Fitbit/GoPro data), streaming/platform infrastructures (e.g., Disney’s data reflexivity, Capitol Riot documentation), and surveillance politics (e.g., geofencing, CAD systems). Methodologically, he blends critical-cultural analysis with industry ethnography, often highlighting tensions between technological promise and social consequence. Awards and Honors Top Paper Award, Southern States Communication Association (2024) Outstanding Teaching Award, Clemson University (2022-2023) Outstanding Research Publication, Clemson University (2022) Ray Camp Research Award, Carolinas Communication Association (2018) Graduate Writing Prizes, Indiana University (2016) Advising and Service Dr. Gilmore mentors graduate/undergraduate researchers, co-authoring with 17+ students on topics like VR accessibility, mental health platforms, and AI negotiations. As Graduate Coordinator, he oversees program development and student progression. He serves as an expert source for media outlets (Wired, The Verge) on technology culture and maintains an active public scholarship profile.

• Human Geography
• Science and Technology Studies
• Climate Change Adaptation
• +4 more

Dr. Sophie Adams serves as an ARC DECRA Fellow in the Department of Sociology at La Trobe University, where she conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of human geography and Science and Technology Studies. Her work critically examines the social dimensions of climate change mitigation and adaptation, with particular emphasis on renewable energy transitions and the societal implications of technological solutions to environmental crises. Adams' research program centers on the politics of environmental knowledge , investigating how climate science informs policy formation and the negotiation of social objectives in decarbonisation processes. She employs qualitative and participatory methodologies to analyze climate change adaptation in energy systems , social license for technological interventions , and the redistribution of expertise in public health and environmental governance. Her scholarship consistently addresses power dynamics in knowledge production and the democratic challenges of sustainability transitions. Analysis of her publication trajectory (2019-2025) reveals increasing focus on energy-social interfaces, with significant contributions to understanding virtual power plants, demand-side management, and the role of modeling in climate policy. Her work demonstrates methodological innovation through participatory approaches while maintaining critical engagement with resilience thinking and adaptation frameworks. Scientific recognition includes: Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (ARC DECRA) Supported by her DECRA fellowship, Adams leads independent research projects examining the societal dimensions of energy transitions. Her collaborative work spans geography, public health, and energy engineering, as evidenced by interdisciplinary co-authorship patterns. Current projects investigate Australian householders' conditions for participating in virtual power plants and the social implications of climate modeling in adaptation planning, reflecting her commitment to socially relevant environmental research.

Ruben VerborghView profile

Professor

• Decentralization
• Linked Data
• Querying
• +7 more

Ruben Verborgh is a Professor of Decentralized Web Technology at the Ghent University – imec and a Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Martin School (University of Oxford). He leads the Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (IDLab) and co-founded the Solid platform with Tim Berners-Lee to re-decentralize the Web. His research focuses on Linked Data Fragments , a paradigm for Web-scale query execution, and explores decentralized data governance , user-controlled data ownership , and rule-based Web agents for policy enforcement. He has co-authored two books on Linked Data and contributed to over 250 publications. Recent articles highlight trends in decentralized data ecosystems , including ODRL policy interoperability , event notification systems , and personal data vaults . His work bridges Linked Data , hypermedia APIs , and privacy-preserving technologies . Verborgh collaborates with institutions like MIT, Oxford, and the European Commission, and advises companies through Inrupt . His labs ( IDLab , Solid Ecosystem ) focus on sustainable data-driven societies.

Norman SadehView profile

Professor

• cybersecurity
• online privacy
• Human-AI Interaction
• +11 more

Norman Sadeh is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where he has made significant contributions to cybersecurity, privacy, and AI research. He has co-founded and co-directed several groundbreaking graduate programs at CMU, including the Privacy Engineering Program (2012-present), the Ph.D. Program in Societal Computing (2003-2013), and the MBA track in Technology Strategy and Product Management (2005-2017). Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Science Software and Societal Systems Department CyLab Security and Privacy Institute Manufacturing Futures Institute Dr. Sadeh received his Ph.D. in Computer Science at CMU with a major in Artificial Intelligence and a minor in Operations Research. He holds an M.Sc. in computer science from the University of Southern California and a BS/MS degree in electrical engineering and applied physics from the Free University of Brussels (Belgium) as 'Ingénieur Civil Physicien.' Professor Sadeh's research spans cybersecurity, online privacy, Human-AI Interaction, AI governance, mobile computing, the Internet of Things, user-oriented machine learning, and language technologies. He is particularly known for his pioneering work on AI-based privacy enhancing technologies, including privacy assistants, automated privacy compliance tools, and NLP-based privacy solutions. His work has influenced the design of privacy features at major technology companies including Apple, Google, and Facebook/Meta, as well as privacy policies at regulatory agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and the California Office of the Attorney General. Analysis of his recent publications shows a strong focus on practical privacy solutions, particularly in mobile and IoT contexts, with an emphasis on making privacy more usable and understandable for end users. His work bridges technical innovation with policy implications, addressing both the technological and human aspects of privacy protection. 2018 Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association Test of time award by the AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media (ICWSM) Gartner Group's Magic Quadrant leader in Security Awareness Computer-Based Training for 4 consecutive years Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 recognition for 3 consecutive years Professor Sadeh has advised numerous students, including PhD candidates like Aerin (Shikhun) Zhang, whose dissertation focused on understanding diverse privacy attitudes. His research has been funded through various grants, including NSF SaTC projects, and has resulted in technologies that protect tens of millions of users worldwide. He also founded Wombat Security Technologies, which was acquired by Proofpoint in 2018 and whose technologies are used by over 75% of Fortune 100 companies. Professor Sadeh leads several research initiatives including the Privacy Engineering Program, the Usable Privacy Policy Project, the Personalized Privacy Assistant Project, and CMU's Privacy Infrastructure for the Internet of Things. His Mobile Commerce Lab and E-Supply Chain Management Lab have produced influential research that has been commercialized by major organizations including IBM, Raytheon, Boeing, and the U.S. Army.

Catherine ValckeView profile

Professor

• Comparative Law
• Contract Law
• Civil Law
• +9 more

Catherine Valcke is a Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law , where she served as Associate Dean and Acting Associate Dean. She holds degrees from the University of Sherbrooke (LL.B. Civil Law), University of Toronto (LL.B. Common Law), University of Chicago (LL.M.), and Columbia University (S.J.D.). Her academic career includes visiting appointments at the University of Montreal , University of Tunis II , and the Center for Transnational Legal Studies . Education: J.S.D., Columbia University (1997) LL.M., University of Chicago (1989) LL.B. (Common Law), University of Toronto (1988) LL.B. (Civil Law), University of Sherbrooke (1985) Research focuses on comparative legal theory , contractual obligations , and Anglo-French legal convergence , with a current SSHRC-funded project: French and English Private Law Paradigms . Her 2018 book Comparing Law: Comparative Law as Reconstruction of Collective Commitments proposes an interpretive framework for comparative studies. Recent publications analyze legal harmonization in bilingual contexts and AI’s impact on legal scholarship , including co-authorship of the forthcoming Théorie des Obligations (5th ed., 2022) and co-editorship of the Elgar Encyclopedia of Comparative Law (3rd ed., 2023). Awards include SSHRC grants and election to the International Academy of Comparative Law (2007). Her work has been cited by the UK House of Lords in Chartbrook Ltd. v. Persimmon Homes Ltd. (2009).

Tim BaarslagView profile

Professor

• Automated Negotiation
• Multi-Agent Systems
• Artificial Intelligence
• +4 more

Tim Baarslag is a Senior Researcher and group leader of the Intelligent and Autonomous Systems group at CWI (The Dutch research institute for Mathematics and Computer Science). He holds the title of Professor of Mathematics of Cooperative AI at Eindhoven University of Technology and serves as a Visiting Associate Professor at Nagoya University of Technology, Visiting Fellow at the University of Southampton, and Visiting Scholar at MIT. His research focuses on automated negotiation systems for collaborative decision-making in smart energy trading, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and digital privacy. Education : MSc (cum laude) and BSc (cum laude) from Utrecht University; PhD (cum laude) from Delft University of Technology Tim pioneered the COMBINE project (NWO Vidi grant) for coordinating multi-deal negotiations and developed the widely-used Genius negotiation environment. His work appears in prestigious venues like Science Magazine , Artificial Intelligence , and MIT Technology Review . He also leads the International Automated Negotiating Agent Competition and contributes to policy through memberships in The Young Academy and Netherlands Academy of Engineering . Recent research trends emphasize multi-deal negotiation protocols (2024), preference uncertainty modeling in privacy negotiations (2022), and scalable algorithms for handling outcome spaces as large as 10²⁵⁰ possibilities. His 2023 work on search algorithms for large negotiation domains has applications in energy trading and supply chain management. Scientific Awards : Cor Baayen Young Researcher Award (2017), Springer Theses Award (2016), multiple Best Paper Awards (AAMAS 2022, WI-IAT 2015, IJCAI 2014), and recognitions as Science Talent (2018), Academic Pioneer (2020), and Young Talent (2019) As a grant recipient , Tim leads NWO Vidi project COMBINE and previously held a Veni grant for preference uncertainty research. He mentors through organizing competitions, serving on conference PCs (AAAI, IJCAI), and reviewing in top journals like Artificial Intelligence . His work bridges theory and practice through the Genius framework and real-world implementations in smart grid and vehicular platooning.

• Information Systems
• Operations Management
• Business Strategy
• +5 more

Henrique O'Neill is an Associate Professor (with Habilitation) in the Department of Marketing, Operations and General Management at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal. He is an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR-Iscte - Research Center in Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture. His research focuses on information systems adoption, organizational strategy, and process optimization in healthcare, finance, and public administration. Education: PhD in Business Organization and Management - University of Cranfield (1995) Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Higher Technical Institute (1987) Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering - Higher Technical Institute (1983) Research Interests: His work spans business/IT strategy, systems modeling, process analysis, and technology implementation. Key domains include healthcare informatics, banking systems, and Industry 4.0 applications. He emphasizes practical solutions for organizational performance through technology integration. Publication Trends: Recent articles explore intelligent business systems, telemedicine, design science methodologies, and supply chain innovation. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with sector-specific applications in healthcare, education, and logistics. Professional Engagement: Member: Portuguese Telemedicine Association, Order of Engineers Commissioner: INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) reform study Director: Center for IT Development (2010-2014) Advising & Projects: Supervises 7 graduate students (1 PhD, 6 Master's). Leads EU-funded projects including: Atlantic Crossing (2024-2025): US-Portugal academic collaboration in AI/cybersecurity AAL4ALL (2011-2015): Ambient Assisted Living ecosystem UNITE (2000-2002): Ubiquitous teamwork platforms

• Artificial Intelligence
• Legal Technology
• Dispute Resolution
• +3 more

Professor John Zeleznikow is an Honorary Associate at La Trobe University's Law School, with a distinguished career spanning 49 years across multiple institutions including the University of Edinburgh and Victoria Business School. His research focuses on AI applications in legal decision-making, dispute resolution, and autonomous vehicle technology. He has secured over $8M in research grants and supervised 20 PhD graduates. Key projects include the Split-Up system (used in high-profile divorce cases like Prince Charles and Lady Di) and Family-Winner software, which won an ABC TV innovation award. His work bridges law, technology, and ethics, with publications in leading journals like the Harvard Negotiation Law Review and Artificial Intelligence and Law . Recent research explores AI-driven online dispute resolution (ODR), autonomous vehicle regulation, and the ethical implications of technology in legal systems. He advocates for transparent, user-centric legal tech solutions to enhance access to justice and improve decision-making processes.

Irina RishView profile

Professor

• Machine Learning
• Neural Scaling Laws
• Emergent Behaviors in AI
• +13 more

Irina Rish is a Full Professor at the Université de Montréal and a core academic member of Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, where she leads the Autonomous AI Lab. She holds a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) and a CIFAR AI Chair, reflecting her leadership in foundational AI research. Her work is supported by major initiatives, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s INCITE project on Summit and Frontier supercomputers. PhD in AI, University of California, Irvine MSc in AI, University of California, Irvine MSc in Applied Mathematics, Moscow Gubkin Institute Her research focuses on machine learning, neural scaling laws, emergent behaviors in foundation models, continual learning, robustness, and neuroscience-inspired AI . She explores how AI systems can become more general, flexible, and aligned with human cognition. Her recent work investigates training dynamics in large language models, efficient pruning techniques, and the development of time-series foundation models. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on scaling behaviors, continual adaptation, and robustness in AI systems . Her work spans theoretical understanding of training dynamics (e.g., zero-sum learning), practical optimization methods, and applications in climate modeling and mental health. She emphasizes open science, leading open-source projects and co-founding Nolano.ai to build efficient, compressed foundation models. Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) CIFAR AI Chair IBM Eminence & Excellence Award (2018) IBM Outstanding Innovation Award (2018) IBM Outstanding Technical Achievement Award (2017) IBM Research Accomplishment Award (2009) Irina Rish advises a large group of PhD and Master’s students across Université de Montréal, McGill, and Concordia. She leads major research grants and collaborates internationally on HPC-based AI research. She is also the co-founder and CSO of Nolano.ai, driving innovation in efficient AI systems. She leads the Autonomous AI Lab, which focuses on building large-scale foundation models, understanding neural scaling laws, and developing bio-inspired learning systems. She actively organizes reading groups on scaling, continual learning, and out-of-distribution generalization, fostering a collaborative research environment.