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Dan BreznitzView profile

Professor

• Innovation Policy
• Public Policy
• Political Economy
• +3 more

Dan Breznitz is a University Professor and Munk Chair of Innovation Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Political Science. He co-directs the Innovation Policy Lab and the CIFAR program on Innovation, Equity & the Future of Prosperity. His work focuses on innovation policy, political economy, and economic growth, emphasizing equitable distribution and the governance of global production networks. Education and career highlights include eight years at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he held roles in the Scheller College of Business, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, and School of Public Policy. He also founded a software company. His research spans innovation agency design, China’s industrial policies, and the socio-economic impacts of technological change. Key research interests include innovation equity, global value chains, and the interplay between public policy and economic growth. Recent work critiques Silicon Valley-centric innovation models and advocates for place-based strategies to address inequality. His books, including Innovation in Real Places (2021), won major awards and challenge conventional narratives on prosperity and policy. His articles analyze topics like disability-inclusive innovation, China’s digital economy regulation, and the resurgence of regional industrial clusters. Awards include the Donner Prize and Balsillie Prize for public policy. Breznitz advises governments and international organizations on innovation and economic restructuring, notably serving as the Clifford Clarke Economist for Canada’s Department of Finance. Beyond academia, he leads interdisciplinary initiatives at Massey College and collaborates with global think tanks. His work bridges theory and practice, aiming to inform policies that foster inclusive economic growth in an interconnected world.

Kaiyan QiuView profile

Assistant Professor

• 3D Printing
• Artificial Organs
• Wearable Electronics
• +6 more

Kaiyan Qiu is the Berry Family Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Washington State University , leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of 3D printing , artificial organs , and flexible electronics . His work combines advanced manufacturing techniques with biomedical innovation. Ph.D. in Fiber Science & Biopolymers from Cornell University (2012) Postdoctoral experience at University of Minnesota, Princeton University, and Dartmouth College Research focuses on: Medical Applications : 3D printed presurgical organ models (prostate, aortic root) with integrated sensors Wearable Electronics : Stretchable tactile sensors and photodetectors for health monitoring Biomimetic Systems : Bioinspired actuators and surfaces for robotics Advanced Printing : Multimaterial and multiscale additive manufacturing Recent publications address machine learning-enabled 3D printing , biomimetic device fabrication , and direct printing on freeform surfaces . Collaborations with Medtronic Inc. and Visible Heart Laboratory at UMN demonstrate clinical impact. Honors include: Berry Family Assistant Professor (2021) Best of 2018 article selection National Textile Center Competition Awards Liu Memorial Scholarship Qiu's lab develops customized 3D printing systems with motion control, ink dispensing, and monitoring subsystems for biomedical and robotics applications.

Rudina BletaView profile

Associate Professor

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Materials Chemistry
• Environmental Applications
• +3 more

Rudina Bleta is an Associate Professor at the University of Artois , specializing in the synthesis of nanostructured porous materials via soft chemistry routes. Her research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for environmental and energy applications. Education : B.Sc. in Physical-Chemistry, University of Bordeaux (2002) M.Sc. in Materials Chemistry, University of Bordeaux (2004) Ph.D. in Molecular Physical-Chemistry, University of Nancy (2007) Research Interests encompass cyclodextrin-based supramolecular assemblies for designing functional materials, with applications in air purification, corrosion inhibition, and sustainable energy. She has contributed to heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production, VOC degradation, and biomass conversion. Recent Publications highlight her expertise in cyclodextrin-templated mesoporous materials, enzymatic nanoreactors, and photocatalytic systems for pollutant removal. Key trends include tailoring pore structures, integrating biomolecules into inorganic matrices, and optimizing catalytic performance through nanostructuring. Labs & Teams : Affiliated with the Supramolecular Catalysis Team at UCCS Artois, collaborating with institutions like CNRS and Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III on aerospace and environmental projects.

• Wood Technology
• Materials Science
• Structural Wood Materials
• +7 more

Maximilian Pramreiter is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Resources , part of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . His work focuses on structural wood materials and bio-inspired composites , with a strong emphasis on sustainable construction and resource efficiency . He was a Visiting Research Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley (2024) and leads projects such as UniStrand and CARpenTiER . Education : HTL Kuchl (2011), BOKU MSc (2012-2018), PhD in Advanced Biorefineries (2018-2020). His research interests span wood technology , mechanical properties of hardwoods , and bio-mimetic composites . Recent projects explore adhesive bonding in engineered wood, cross-laminated timber , and non-traditional hardwood species for structural applications. His publications emphasize material testing , moisture/temperature effects , and circular biomass policies . Scientific Awards : Science goes Public 2024 Award of Excellence 2021 (BWBWF) Klaus Fischer Innovationspreis 2021 Wissenschaftlicher Förderpreis der Stadt Wien 2020 As a supervisor , he guided theses on cross-laminated timber , beech wood characterization , and viscose fiber composites . He actively contributes to community services as a reviewer for journals like Wood Material Science and Engineering and Sustainability .

Jory LietardView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nucleic Acid Chemistry
• RNA Microarray Synthesis
• DNA Photolithography
• +3 more

Jory Lietard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry. His research focuses on nucleic acid chemistry, RNA/DNA microarray synthesis, and light-directed chemical synthesis. He leads three major research projects: FANArrays (2022–2025), RNA arrays: die nächste Generation, and Large libraries of base-modified RNA for Nanopore sequencing (2021–2024). His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable innovation in biosensors and biotechnology. Education: PhD (Privatdozent title) Key Projects: FANArrays: High-throughput platform for nucleic acid synthesis (2022–2025) RNA arrays: Next-generation RNA microarray development Base-modified RNA libraries for nanopore sequencing (2021–2024) Research interests include nucleic acid photolithography, biosensor design, and enzymatic synthesis of oligonucleotides. Recent advancements include color-corrected optical systems for high-resolution nucleic acid printing and accelerated RNA microarray synthesis. Collaborations span material science, optics, and synthetic biology. Media contributions include expert commentary on RNA chip innovations and DNA-based art (e.g., 16 million color palette creation). He actively engages in scientific presentations, including posters at international conferences on photolithography and enzymatic synthesis.

Richard ArmView profile

Research Fellow

• Bio-medical engineering and prosthetics
• Biomimetic materials
• Synthesising living human tissue
• +3 more

Richard Arm is a Senior Research Fellow at Nottingham Trent University, affiliated with the Nottingham School of Art & Design and the Department of Fashion, Knitwear and Textile Design. His research focuses on bio-medical engineering, prosthetics, and biomimetic materials, with a strong emphasis on wearable technology and functional composites. Richard collaborates with organizations like the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to develop life-saving medical training models and emergency treatment technologies. Before his current role, Richard held positions as a Senior Technician, Lecturer, and Prototype Engineer, leveraging his background in visual effects and model-making to innovate in medical simulation. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (FRSA) and the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), with notable contributions to surgical training tools and bio-inspired tissue models. His research areas include synthesizing living human tissue, creating surrogate organs for medical education, and advancing wearable electronics for healthcare. Richard’s work bridges art and science, using 3D printing and traditional fabrication techniques to design realistic anatomical models that enhance surgical training and patient outcomes. Awards: FRSA, FHEA, and member of the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare. Grants & Collaborations: Partnerships with defence and medical institutions to advance trauma and emergency response technologies. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams at NTU, integrating art, engineering, and healthcare for innovative solutions.

Fang FengzhouView profile

Professor

• Bio-medical manufacturing
• Precision manufacturing
• Optical design and manufacturing
• +3 more

Fang Fengzhou is a Full Professor at University College Dublin, Ireland, and Director of the Centre of Micro/Nano Manufacturing Technology (MNMT-Dublin). He previously held roles including Professor at Tianjin University (China) and Research Fellow positions in Singapore. His research focuses on precision manufacturing, bio-medical manufacturing, and optical design, with notable contributions to atomic-scale manufacturing paradigms and freeform optics technologies. Education details not explicitly provided in sources. His work emphasizes advancing manufacturing technologies with practical industrial applications across multiple disciplines. Key contributions include methodologies for ultra-precision machining, atomic-scale manufacturing frameworks, and defect detection systems using machine vision. Major awards include the SME Albert M. Sargent Award (2005) and the Royal Irish Academy membership (2023). His research has been widely cited, with impactful publications in journals like CIRP Annals and Optics Express. Fang leads the MNMT-Dublin, a hub for micro/nano manufacturing innovation. His projects address global manufacturing challenges, integrating academic research with industry needs through collaborations in materials science, optics, and precision engineering.

• Soft Matter Physics
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanomaterials
• +5 more

Ullrich Steiner is the John Humphrey Plummer Professor of the Physics of Materials at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge. He is affiliated with St. Edmund's College, Cambridge and holds fellowships at the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research focuses on soft matter physics, polymer chemistry, and biomimetic materials design. He served as Chairman of the Editorial Board for the journal Soft Matter and has led projects on molecular order in conjugated polymers for organic electronics. Education: Doctorate (1993), University of Konstanz (Professors Jacob Klein and Günter Schatz) Diploma (1989), University of Konstanz Studies at Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel Research Interests: Pattern formation on surfaces, polymer confinement effects, solar cell nanomorphology control, and bioinspired hybrid materials. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and engineering to advance organic electronics and biomimetic technologies. Key Projects: Investigates how molecular ordering in conjugated polymers influences charge transport for improved electronic device performance. Recent work includes anisotropic charge transport in polymers and bio-inspired solar cell designs. Awards & Roles: 2002 Raymond & Beverley Sackler Prize in Physics Sciences Editorial leadership in Soft Matter journal Grants & Teams: Lead researcher in FRIAS-funded projects on molecular order in organic electronics. Collaborations include teams at the Adolphe Merkle Institute and Cavendish Laboratory. Active in interdisciplinary material science initiatives. Labs: Cavendish Laboratory (Cambridge) and prior affiliations at the University of Groningen and Weizmann Institute.

• Collective Intelligence
• Robotics
• Animal Behavior
• +4 more

Liang Li is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior , leading the Embodied Collective Intelligence Lab . Her research bridges biology and robotics to study collective behavior through physical agent-environment interactions. Current position: Group Leader, Department of Collective Behavior Past roles: Project Leader at University of Konstanz and MPI Education: Ph.D. in Robotics and Control, College of Engineering, Peking University Research Interests Dr. Li's work focuses on embodied cognition , swarm intelligence , and fluid dynamics in biological and robotic systems. Key areas include hydrodynamic interactions in fish schooling, bio-inspired robotics design, and translating biological principles into robotic applications. Article Trends : Recent publications emphasize energy efficiency in swimming systems, hydrodynamic modeling for collective behavior, and virtual reality tools for behavioral studies. Interdisciplinary themes span robotics, fluid dynamics, neuroscience, and evolutionary ecology. Collaborations & Grants Her research involves international collaborations with institutions like University of Konstanz and Peking University. Grants include funding for robotic platforms (RoboTwin) and advanced pose estimation tools (DeepPoseKit). Labs & Teams The Embodied Collective Intelligence Lab is a small, interdisciplinary team specializing in bio-robotic systems. The group develops experimental robotic platforms and computational models to decode collective behavior rules.

Sebastian MaerklView profile

Associate Professor

• Microfluidics
• Cell-Free Synthetic Biology
• Transcription Factor Biophysics
• +4 more

Sebastian Maerkl is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the Laboratory of Biological Network Characterization , part of the School of Engineering (STI) and the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI-STI). He holds a joint appointment in the EDBB-GE PhD Program Committee and leads the SEL-ENS teaching initiative. His academic journey began with dual B.Sc. degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Fairleigh-Dickinson University (2001) before earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from Caltech (2008). Prof. Maerkl's research lies at the intersection of microfluidics , cell-free synthetic biology , transcription factor biophysics , and molecular diagnostics . His lab has pioneered microfluidic platforms for high-throughput characterization of gene regulatory networks, protein-DNA interactions, and cellular processes. Recent work focuses on artificial cell systems using the PURE cell-free translation system, self-regenerating protein networks, and sustainable biomolecular material design via circular economy principles. His 15 most recent articles (2022-2025) reveal consistent innovation in microfluidic reactor design for cell-free systems, with 2025 studies on tRNA synthesis and protein-ligand deep learning tools. He has secured major funding including an ERC Consolidator Grant (2016) and multiple Swiss National Science Foundation grants, supporting work that has yielded over 50 peer-reviewed publications and 6 patents. Honors : 2005: Innovator’s Challenge – 1st Place (Caltech/Stanford/Berkeley) 2008: Demetriades-Tsafka-Kokalis Prize – Best Caltech PhD Thesis in Biotechnology 2012: Prix SSV – Ambition – EPFL Teaching Excellence Award 2016: ERC Consolidator Grant (€2M+) 2019: iGEM Grand Prize Winner (Overgrad Category) – First Swiss Team Victory As founder and advisor of the EPFL iGEM team (2008-2020), he mentored teams that won 8 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze medals. His lab hosted international fellows including one Fulbright Scholar and two Whitaker Fellows, while developing microfluidic devices for applications ranging from cancer diagnostics to SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection.

Emrah AhiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Fixed Income Securities
• Derivatives
• Computational Finance
• +7 more

Dr. Emrah Ahi is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Özyeğin University's Faculty of Business Administration and a researcher at the Center for Financial Engineering. With over 15 years of experience in finance, he previously served as a fund manager at HSBC Global Asset Management. PhD in Finance (Özyeğin University, 2010-2016) MS in Computational Science and Engineering (Koç University, 2004-2007) BSc in Mathematics (Middle East Technical University, 2000-2004) His research spans fixed income securities, derivatives, asset pricing , and machine learning , with cross-disciplinary contributions to peer-to-peer network protocols and distributed systems . Key themes include risk modeling, volatility analysis, and robust computational methods in finance, alongside technical innovations in gossip-based data dissemination. Recent publications focus on volatility smile modeling in currency options, term structure estimation in emerging markets, and applying machine learning to credit risk analysis. Earlier work on buffer management in epidemic algorithms demonstrates methodological rigor in distributed computing. He teaches courses in Applied Financial Economics, Derivatives, Fixed Income Markets, and Investments. His affiliations include Özyeğin University's Center for Financial Engineering and collaborations in computational finance research.

Markus HafnerView profile

Associate Professor

• Greek literature
• collaborative authorship
• anonymity
• +4 more

Markus Hafner is a Classics scholar specializing in Greek literature at the University of Graz, Austria. He has held positions as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and currently as Associate Professor. His research explores anonymous authorship, satire, consolation rhetoric, and the history of Classical studies. University of Graz (2023–present, Associate Professor) Humboldt University of Berlin and University of Heidelberg (previous academic roles) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, 2018/2019) Education: Studied Classics, Philosophy, and Education at LMU Munich and University of Athens Doctorate in Munich (2016) on Lucian the satirist Hafner's research bridges ancient literary traditions with modern interdisciplinary approaches, focusing on collective creativity, authorship constructs, and cognitive theory. He is currently the Principal Investigator (2024–2028) of an ERC-funded project on anonymous authorship in ancient literature, which examines gender dynamics and collaborative writing practices. His Google Scholar publications reveal an unexpected intersection with materials science, particularly in enzyme-MOF biocomposites, biomimetic replication, and solid-state synthesis techniques. This suggests potential interdisciplinary collaborations or cross-domain expertise. Scientific Awards: Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship

Dongyi WangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Machine Vision
• +3 more

Dongyi Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Arkansas, where he directs the Smart Agriculture and Food Engineering (SAFE) Lab. His work bridges advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine vision with agrifood manufacturing to enhance product quality, safety, and worker welfare. Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland, College Park B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Fudan University Visiting experience at The Chinese University of Hong Kong Research interests span smart agrifood manufacturing , robotics , machine vision , and artificial intelligence , with applications in crop monitoring, food safety, and healthcare. His lab develops solutions like automated defect detection, pathogen sensing, and sustainable processing systems. Article analysis reveals a focus on AI-driven agricultural automation , hyperspectral imaging , robotic manipulation of bio-products , and food safety innovations . Recent works include YOLO-based tomato defect segmentation, E. coli biosensing, and UAV-based blackberry monitoring. Awards & Memberships College of Engineering Dean’s Award of Excellence Rising Star Research Award (UARK) Outstanding Mentor Award (UARK) Professional memberships in ASABE and IEEE As an educator, he teaches instrumentation and artificial intelligence in agrifood manufacturing . The SAFE Lab, funded by USDA NIFA, NSF, and federal/local agencies (> $7M), prioritizes workforce development in AI/robotics for agrifood industries.

Seung Jae LeeView profile

Associate Professor

• Civil Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Computational Modeling
• +6 more

Seung Jae Lee is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University (FIU). He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2014). His research focuses on advanced computational modeling of granular materials, structural dynamics, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. Key areas include particle geometry characterization, soil-water interaction analysis, and wind engineering for building systems. He leads efforts in integrating 3D imaging and simulation techniques to enhance material understanding and infrastructure performance. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2014 Research interests span particle morphology analysis, computational mechanics, and sustainable construction materials. His work emphasizes practical applications such as improving cement-based materials through aggregate morphology optimization and enhancing building envelope systems against extreme winds. Lee's methodologies often combine experimental testing with advanced numerical simulations, such as discrete element modeling (DEM) and finite element analysis (FEA). His articles highlight trends in 3D particle characterization, wind-induced structural behavior, and biotechnology-driven soil improvement. These studies aim to bridge microscopic material properties with macroscopic engineering performance, contributing to safer and more durable infrastructure systems. Notable projects include full-scale testing of curtain wall systems and development of predictive models for material degradation under cyclic loading. His lab focuses on disaster preparedness through computational frameworks integrating imaging and simulation for construction projects.

Irene Nga Wing LeeView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Bio-Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• +3 more

Irene Nga Wing Lee is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University . Her research focuses on Biochemistry , Bio-Organic Chemistry , and Medicinal Chemistry , with a particular emphasis on metabolic enzymes critical for cellular functions like protein turnover. Using molecular cloning, mutagenesis, organic synthesis, and enzyme kinetics, she investigates mechanisms of ATP-dependent proteases, notably the Lon protease. Education: B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in Biology, University of Toledo (1988) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pennsylvania State University (1995) Contact: Email: ixl13@case.edu Office: Millis G24A Phone: 216.368.6001 Her work on Lon protease explores its ATPase and proteolytic sites, aiming to link molecular mechanisms to mitochondrial diseases (e.g., ocular myopathy) and antimicrobial development. Recent publications highlight studies on adenine-specific conformational changes, translesion DNA synthesis dynamics, and ATP hydrolysis timing in Lon. For further details, refer to her full description below.