Florian Reitz is a Scientific Staff member at Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz Center for Informatics, specializing in the dblp computer science bibliography. His current role involves enhancing bibliographic data infrastructure and managing projects like SmartER. He holds a PhD from the University of Trier (2018), focusing on historical metadata analysis. Previously, he was a research assistant in the Databases and Information Systems group under Prof. Bernd Walter. His work centers on metadata quality, author disambiguation, and leveraging historical corrections for test collections. Research interests include information retrieval, database systems, and digital libraries. He contributes to projects like Scalable Author Disambiguation and has co-authored numerous publications on topics such as LLM applications, knowledge graphs, and FAIR data principles. Contact: florian.reitz@dagstuhl.de.
José Amelio Medina Merodio is a Full Professor at the Universidad de Alcalá (UAlcala), leading research in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence within the Department of Computer Science. His work focuses on healthcare informatics, cybersecurity, educational technology, and metaverse applications. He is affiliated with the MISKC (Healthcare Informatics Research) and TIFyC (Information Technologies for Training and Knowledge) research groups, previously contributing to the PMI (Intelligent Mobile Platforms) group. He holds two doctorates: from UAlcala (2017) with a thesis on quality improvement through ICT, and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (2010) focusing on AI-driven quality systems. His research explores AI ethics in tourism, cybersecurity for hardware wallets, and gamification in collaborative learning environments. Recent publications address metaverse value creation, personalized MOOC feedback, and intergenerational leadership. He has contributed to frameworks for software quality evaluation and maintenance systems in industrial environments. Notable projects include ESCOGPT (AI-driven job search tool) and Triage Start (trauma classification system). His work emphasizes technology application in healthcare, education, and cybersecurity, with a focus on practical solutions for industry challenges. Despite no explicit mention of awards, his extensive publication record and active research groups reflect significant contributions to multiple fields.
Miguel Ángel Sicilia Urbán is a Full Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Universidad de Alcalá, Spain. His research focuses on software engineering, data management, and fuzzy systems, with recent work extending into blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and semantic web applications. He holds a Ph.D. from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (2003), where his thesis explored adaptive hypermedia models with imperfect information support. Research Interests His expertise spans collaborative filtering algorithms, software cost estimation, and the application of fuzzy logic in database systems. Current projects include metadata traceability, privacy-preserving computing, and the analysis of cryptocurrency markets. Sicilia is also active in semantic web technologies, including linked data integration and knowledge graph development. Publications & Collaborations With over 20 years of research output, Sicilia has authored/co-authored 11 indexed publications since 2001, including foundational work on OWA-based collaborative filtering and Choquet integral aggregation. Notable collaborations include projects with researchers like Elena García on usability criteria modeling and Juan J. Cuadrado-Gallego on software estimation models. Awards & Recognition While no specific awards were explicitly mentioned, his contributions to software engineering and data management have been recognized through multiple co-edited conference proceedings and citations in interdisciplinary fields like medical informatics and environmental economics. Contact Email: msicilia@uah.es
Özgür Ulusoy is a Professor of Computer Engineering at Bilkent University, Turkey. He has held academic positions since 1993, including Assistant Professor (1993–2003) and Associate Professor (1998–2003) before becoming a full Professor in 2003. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1992, following an M.S. (1988) and B.S. (1986) in Computer Engineering from Bilkent University and Middle East Technical University, respectively. His research focuses on web search engines, text-to-SQL systems, social network analysis, multimedia databases, and wireless/mobile systems. Notable projects include developing domain-specific web portals, optimizing query result caching, and exploring semantic relationships for search engine efficiency. He has directed over 20 sponsored projects funded by TÜBITAK, EU, and international collaborations, involving topics like data mining in mobile networks and real-time database scheduling. Ulusoy’s work bridges theoretical contributions with practical implementations, including prototyping video database systems and educational search engines. His research often emphasizes scalability, efficiency, and user-centric design. He has advised graduate students such as Arif Usta and Akifhan Karakayalı. His team’s contributions span algorithm development, system prototyping, and interdisciplinary applications in multimedia, social networks, and cloud computing. Key grants include projects on information retrieval paradigms in SQL translation (TÜBITAK, 2019–2021), refreshment strategies for web search caching (TÜBITAK, 2010–2011), and semantic relationships in search engines (TÜBITAK, 2008–2010). His recent work addresses challenges in IoT sensor networks, cloud resource scheduling, and mitigating misinformation in online platforms.
Max Van Kleek is an Associate Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Oxford's Department of Computer Science, with a joint appointment as Governing Body Fellow at Kellogg College. He teaches courses on Interaction Design, Secure System Design, and Data Science within the Software Engineering Programme. His research focuses on expanding individuals' capabilities to understand and control personal data, particularly in IoT environments and smart homes. Education: PhD (MIT, 2011), MEng (MIT, 2003), SB (MIT, 2001). Prior industry roles included positions at PARC, IBM Research, Nokia, Sun Microsystems, and MIT Media Lab. Research Interests: Privacy empowerment, personal autonomy, decentralized data systems, behavioral psychology, and ethical AI. Current projects include the EPSRC-funded 'Respectful Things in Private Spaces' exploring IoT privacy in domestic settings. Publications highlight work on platform hegemony, smart home accountability (Aretha, IoT Refine), and user-centric privacy tools like X-Ray Refine. Collaborates closely with experts like Sir Nigel Shadbolt and Tim Berners-Lee on social machines and Web science. Advising: Supervises PhD students across HCI, privacy, and ethics. Active in Oxford's Equality & Diversity committees and the Oxford Blockchain Society. Serves on the Departmental Ethics Committee (DREC) to ensure responsible research practices. Labs/Teams: Leads the PETRAS-funded ReTIPS project and contributes to the SOCIAM initiative. Research groups focus on privacy-by-design architectures and data sovereignty solutions.
Sophie Chabridon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Télécom SudParis, part of the Institut Télécom. She is a member of the SAMOVAR laboratory, specifically the ACMES research team, focusing on algorithms, components, models, and services for distributed computing. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Université René Descartes - Paris V (1996) MSc in Computer Science, University of Oklahoma (1992) Ingénieur in Computer Science, ISI-CUST, Clermont-Ferrand (1991) Research Interests: Context management in IoT Privacy-preserving technologies Middleware architectures for distributed systems Quality of context (QoC) and data coherence Mobile and ambient computing Key Projects: ANR INCOME (2012–2015): Multi-scale context management for IoT Cappucino (2007–2010): Ubiquitous applications and middleware JEMTU (2006–2008): Mobile games and usage technologies Advising & Grants: Supervised over 10 PhD and Master students, including recent theses on context quality and privacy in IoT. Involved in grants such as ANR and European ITEA programs. Lab Affiliation: SAMOVAR laboratory, focusing on networking, communications, and distributed systems research.
Valentina Villa is an Associate Professor at the Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG), Polytechnic University of Turin. She is also a component of the SISCON Interdepartmental Center, focusing on the safety of infrastructures and constructions. Villa holds significant external roles, including former Head of the 'Building Ergotechnics-Safety' laboratory at the Polytechnic University of Milan (2014–2019) and Contract Professor in 'Building Ergonomics' (2020–2023). She currently supervises multiple PhD students and leads several national and commercial research projects. Research Interests: Her work spans Construction Management, BIM, Construction Safety, Facility Management, Project Management, Building Simulation, Digital Twin Technology, Smart Contracts, and ESG in Construction . She integrates digital innovation with sustainability and resilience, particularly in civil and historical infrastructure. Her research aims to improve decision-making, safety, and lifecycle performance in construction projects through advanced modeling and digital tools. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023–2025) emphasize digital transformation in construction, including blockchain for asset management, digital twins for historical centers, social value in construction, and ESG integration. There is a strong focus on smart contracts, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable practices, reflecting current industry shifts toward digitalization and sustainability. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: PhD Students Supervised: Giuseppe Desiderio (Artificial Intelligence), Leonardo Zunino (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Paola Alice Rosa Cavallaro (Design and Technology: People, Environment, Systems). Research Projects: Scientific Director of DiTHiCe (2025–2027), Scientific Manager of PRIN project on digital collaboration (2019–2022), and lead of multiple commercial research projects on BIM implementation, dynamic building characterization, and digital platform development. Public Administration Agreements: Scientific Manager for the recovery of the 'Ex Maternità' building in Asti (2025). Labs and Teams: Villa leads research within DISEG and the SISCON Interdepartmental Center. She previously headed the 'Building Ergotechnics-Safety' laboratory at Politecnico di Milano. Her work involves interdisciplinary teams focusing on digital construction, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable development.
Dr. Heming Cui is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Hong Kong, affiliated with the School of Computing and Data Science. He joined HKU in 2015 after completing his PhD at Columbia University, following bachelor's and master's degrees from Tsinghua University. His research focuses on distributed systems, operating systems, and high-performance computing, with a strong emphasis on reliability and security. Dr. Cui leads projects in distributed AI training systems, blockchain frameworks, and secure execution environments, collaborating closely with industries like Huawei. He has received notable awards including the Croucher Innovation Award (2016), HK$5 million RGC Research Impact Fund (2023), and best paper awards at ICSE and ACSAC. His work has led to commercialized systems such as Huawei's MindSpore integration of Fold3D and TICS' UTEE component derived from his secure systems research. Dr. Cui actively recruits PhD students specializing in systems security and database systems, prioritizing candidates with strong systems-building backgrounds. Key grants include leadership in projects totaling HK$30 million, including flagship collaborations with Huawei and RGC grants targeting transaction/analytical processing in edge computing and cloud security. His research spans over 50 publications in top venues like SOSP, NSDI, and IEEE journals, emphasizing reproducibility and industrial impact.
Mariusz Nowostawski is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), leading the Bachelor in Programming study program and directing the Decentralised Systems Engineering Lab. His research focuses on self-organising systems, adaptive/autonomous computation, peer-to-peer systems, and decentralisation technology, including blockchain systems like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Lightning Network. Expertise in blockchain governance and cross-chain decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) Specialises in self-sovereign identity systems and privacy-preserving infrastructure Collaborates with Europol on cryptocurrency anonymity and privacy research Industry experience with Sun Microsystems and Oracle His recent publications address blockchain consensus evolution, decentralised identity management, and privacy-preserving techniques. Key themes include decentralization, peer-to-peer networks, and applications in healthcare and pandemic management. Research trends highlight a focus on cross-chain interoperability, self-sovereign identity challenges, and blockchain-based solutions for healthcare and cybersecurity. He explores technical aspects like Lightning Network optimization and governance dynamics in Bitcoin and DAOs. As an educator, he teaches programming, peer-to-peer systems, distributed/decentralisation technologies, and blockchain. Personal interests include rock climbing, paragliding, and long-distance running.
Dr. Deepayan Bhowmik is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Research at Newcastle University's School of Computing. He holds a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on image/signal processing, AI, neuromorphic vision systems, and their applications in media security, remote sensing, and space research. He actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, environmental sustainability, and responsible consumption. Grants & Collaborations: PI of £2M EPSRC-funded North East Space Communications Accelerator (2025-2029) Co-I in Airbus-funded Smart Earth Observation Satellite Constellation project (2024-2028) Lead on JPEG Trust international standard for media authenticity Research Interests: Combines theoretical advancements in signal processing with practical applications in media forensics, environmental monitoring, and heterogeneous computing. Recent work addresses AI-generated media manipulation detection and satellite imagery analysis for ecological challenges like water hyacinth infestation. Publications: Over 28 peer-reviewed articles spanning watermarking techniques, FPGA optimization, and remote sensing applications. Recent trends show increasing focus on AI-driven media security and space-based earth observation systems.
Dr Charalampos Psarros is a Lecturer at Teesside University's School of Arts and Creative Industries (SACI), specializing in the intersection of Art, Science, and Emerging Technologies. He serves as SACI's representative on the University Academic Board (UAB), UAB representative for the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee, and a member of the Honorary Degree Committee. His research spans multiple domains including: 3D Stereoscopy and Computational Photography XR and Immersive Media applications Music Technology and Digital Synthesis Engineering R&D with focus on drone-based surveying Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange activities Notable projects include: Digitizing 20+ million-year-old fossils using ML-driven 3D imaging Leading drone-based surveying for EU Horizon2020 eDream project Pioneering glasses-free 3D display applications since 2001 His publications focus on: Immersive media development Green system networking Enterprise resource planning transitions AI thermography applications
S. Hitarth is a researcher affiliated with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology . He contributed to the OOPSLA track at SPLASH 2023 with two publications focusing on automated synthesis techniques for smart contracts and polynomial programs. His work spans programming languages, algorithm design, and formal verification methodologies.
Zhenyang Xu is a researcher affiliated with the University of Waterloo, specializing in Software Testing and Debugging . He has contributed to advancements in program reduction techniques, including projects like PPR (Pairwise Program Reduction), WDD (Weighted Delta Debugging), and LPR (Large Language Models-Aided Program Reduction). His work focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of debugging through empirical studies and novel algorithms. Research Interests : Software Testing, Debugging, Program Reduction, Software Engineering Key Publications : Kitten (2025, ISSTA) for LLM-based compiler testing T-Rec (2025, ICSE) on lexical syntax-guided reduction Pushing the Limit of 1-Minimality (2023, SPLASH) Conferences : Active in ISSTA, ICSE, SPLASH, ESEC/FSE
Pascal Belouin serves as a Digital Humanities Scholar at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) in Berlin, part of the Max Planck Society. His role focuses on providing specialized technical support to historians implementing digital methodologies in their research. Belouin holds a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering from the University of La Rochelle, a Master of Research in Human Computer Interaction from Lancaster University, and a Master of Arts in Social Sciences from the Open University (completed in 2010). His research interests span multiple domains within Digital Humanities, with particular expertise in knowledge modeling, distant reading techniques, network analysis, and data visualization. He is actively exploring innovative approaches to research data preservation through decentralized storage solutions, reflecting his background in software engineering and computer science. Belouin's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on research infrastructure development, particularly in the areas of data interoperability, semantic web technologies, and sustainable preservation of research data. His work shows a progression from API development for textual resources toward more comprehensive solutions for long-term data preservation using decentralized approaches. He is actively involved in multiple significant projects at the MPIWG including the Central Knowledge Graph (CKG), CORAL: Commoning Oral Histories of Knowledge, Heavens Map, VoH Image Database, Commoning Biomedicine, Measuring the Earth, and RISE and SHINE: Research Infrastructure for the Study of Eurasia. Before joining the MPIWG, Belouin had significant professional experience in the private sector and held a leadership role with the Medical Schools Council Assessment Alliance, where he spearheaded the design and implementation of the MSCAA Item Bank—a comprehensive web-based platform enhancing collaboration across the UK's medical assessment community.
Jacqueline Jaeger is an Assistant Professor of Accounting and Business Administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , specializing in accounting information systems, internal controls, and educational technology in accounting. She earned her PhD in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds a BA/MA in Economics from the University of Vienna. Research Interests : Her work focuses on integrating technology into accounting practices, particularly through blockchain applications, machine learning for fraud detection, and educational tools to enhance auditing pedagogy. She has explored internal control frameworks in small businesses and the ethical implications of AI in accounting decision-making. Publication Trends : Recent articles examine blockchain, cloud computing, and machine learning applications in accounting. Topics span fraud detection, ERP system implementation, and adapting curricula to emerging technologies. Scientific Awards : Deloitte Foundation Wildman Medal University of Illinois Teaching Excellence Award Grants and Advising : Jaeger has secured grants for educational technology projects in accounting and supervised 12 PhD students in her field.
