Prof. Olga Sorkine Hornung is a Full Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zürich, leading the Interactive Geometry Lab. She holds a BSc and PhD from Tel Aviv University (2000 and 2006) and conducted postdoctoral research at Technical University Berlin. Her research focuses on computer graphics, geometric modeling, and geometry processing, with applications in shape editing, digital fabrication, and animation. She has received numerous accolades, including the ACM Fellowship (2020), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), and the Golden Owl Teaching Award (2021). Her work bridges theoretical foundations and practical algorithms, addressing challenges in parameterization, surface compression, and interactive design tools. Her research interests span: Computer Graphics & Visualization Geometric Modeling & Processing 3D Content Creation & Digital Fabrication Garment Design & Simulation Human Motion Analysis & Animation Awards and grants include: 2024: Best Paper Honorable Mention (EUROGRAPHICS) 2023: Member of Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) 2020: ERC Consolidator Grant 2017: Rössler Prize (ETH Zurich) Her lab focuses on developing novel methods for interactive geometry processing, with recent advancements in garment modeling (e.g., AIpparel, Rags2Riches) and motion retargeting systems like WalkTheDog. She actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including biomedical applications and sustainable fashion technology.
Katherine V. Gough is Professor of Human Geography at Lund University, Sweden, with a 30-year research focus on housing/home, work/entrepreneurship, youth/elderly geographies, mobility, urbanisation, and climate change across Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. She collaborates with Loughborough University's Clear Climate team on extreme heat mitigation in Ghana and leads the 'Trocha de Paz' project for Colombia's 'Total Peace' agenda. Research Themes Extreme Heat in Ghana Peacebuilding in Colombia Rural-Urban Dynamics Her multidisciplinary approach bridges academia, policy, and communities through projects like VEWEC, REFIT, and Paz Alto Cauca. Current work emphasizes: Climate-resilient housing design Post-conflict governance Informal sector innovation Scientific Engagement: British Academy funded VEWEC and REFIT projects Principal Investigator for Trocha de Paz (Colombia) Her collaborative research strengthens stakeholder networks in: West African urban livelihoods Colombian territorial peacebuilding Tropical climate adaptation
Zoe Lee is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Marketing at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University , and Programme Director for MSc Strategic & Digital Marketing. She serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Strategic Marketing and editorial board member for Journal of Business Research and Journal of Philanthropy & Marketing . Research Interests: Responsible Branding Brand Purpose & Activism Sustainability Communications in Fashion Nonprofit Marketing Strategy Digital Brand Management Recent Publications (2023-2025) examine brand activism in permacrisis, social media banter between brands, disability inclusion in luxury fashion, and sustainability communication strategies. Her work combines empirical studies with systematic literature reviews across Journal of Marketing Management , European Journal of Marketing , and Journal of Business Research . Scientific Awards: Outstanding Article in Nonprofit & Voluntary Sector Quarterly (2018) Nominated for ESLA Awards (2021-2025) for teaching excellence Dean's Award for Citizenship (2017) Supervision: Currently supervising PhD students in corporate brand purpose, sustainability, and brand activism. Actively engaged in grant-funded projects including British Council research on inclusive policies and Hodge Foundation public value internships.
Andres Lucero is Associate Professor of Interaction Design at Aalto University's Department of Art and Media, specializing in human-computer interaction for mobile devices and interactive surfaces. His research integrates human-computer interaction, design methodologies, and playful interfaces. He holds a PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology and has industry experience from Nokia, where he led user-centered design projects as Senior Researcher. Research explores tangible interfaces, social wearables, museum experience design, human-AI collaboration, and cross-cultural co-design approaches. Recent projects investigate conversational agents in design processes, persona generation workflows, and freeform interactive devices. Dr. Lucero received the Honourable Mention Award at MUM 2020 for innovative interaction research. His work advances design methods through first-person perspectives, AI integration, and novel interaction paradigms.
Kyle Bellucci Johanson serves as a Visiting Critic in Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Department of Art. Holding an MFA from California Institute of the Arts and a BA in Art and Reconciliation Studies from Bethel University, he merges artistic practice with critical theory through performance architecture and collaborative media. Whitney Independent Study Program (2022–23) Founding fellow at land's edge free school (Los Angeles) Teaching experience at SAIC, UIC, CUNY, and Cooper Union His research investigates: Power structures through spatial interventions Critical theory applications in art practice Post-capitalist imaginaries Hauntology and historical materialism Transdisciplinary approaches to social critique Project trends reveal: Reinterpretation of Soviet design principles Investigation of worker identity in post-industrial contexts Temporal and spatial dislocation in artistic practice Monument critique through performative methods Quantum theory-inspired architectural concepts Reimagining of common spaces as political sites Scientific awards include: Creative Research Grant (2025) Whitney ISP participation (2022–23) Automata Studio Residency (2022) Artists Run Chicago Grant (2021) BOLT Residency (2020–21) Through projects like KLUB WRKR —a nomadic workers' club reimagined for the gig economy—and table (2018–2022), a Chicago-based experimental space for artistic practice, he interrogates institutional frameworks while fostering community through discursive meals and collaborative exhibitions.
Adam Drazin is a Tutor in the Department of Anthropology at University College London (UCL), specializing in design anthropology, material culture, and consumption. He works at the intersection of academia and public engagement, collaborating with NGOs, corporate clients, and research clusters such as the ‘Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology’ at the London College of Fashion. His research explores domesticity, care ethics, and material practices in Romania, Ireland, and the UK. Research Focus: Design anthropology, material culture, domestic consumption, and transnational home-making practices. Geographic Scope: Romania, Ireland, UK, with attention to Romanian diaspora communities. Editorial Roles: Co-editor of Home Cultures , former editor of Journal of Material Culture . Projects: Studio of Material Life, ethnographic consultancy via UCL’s Ethnographic Insights Lab. His recent work emphasizes textile innovation, care ethics in domestic spaces, and critiques of material cultures within design. Publications include Design Anthropology in Context (2021) and The Social Life of Materials (2015). He mentors postgraduate researchers and contributes to public anthropology through consultancy.
Rita Cucchiara is a Full Professor at the Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari' of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. She leads the AImageLab research laboratory, part of the Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation Center (AIRI) in Modena. Her research focuses on Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, Machine Learning, and Multimedia, with applications in video surveillance, medical imaging, human-centered AI, and generative models. She is actively involved in interdisciplinary projects like ELIAS (European Lighthouse for AI Sustainability) and ELSA (European Lighthouse on Secure AI). Her recent roles include being elected Rector of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in 2025. She has organized and participated in major AI events, including workshops at NeurIPS, CVPR, and ECCV, and has contributed to advancements in multimodal models, deepfake detection, and trustworthy AI. Education details are not explicitly provided, but her extensive academic and research experience at the University of Modena underscores her expertise. She collaborates with institutions like NVIDIA, CINECA, and industry partners such as Digital Design and NVIDIA's AI Technology Center. AImageLab's projects include developing systems for medical imaging, ethical AI, and generative adversarial networks (GANs) for design surfaces. She co-organizes initiatives like the ELLIS Summer School on Large-Scale AI and contributes to policy discussions on AI ethics and societal impact. Her work spans from foundational research (e.g., vision transformers, continual learning) to applied projects (e.g., DDGan system for surface printing). Key grants and collaborations include the FAIR project and PNRR-M4C2 initiatives. She advises students and researchers in AI, with 7 PhD positions funded under national programs. Her leadership roles in AIRI and AImageLab highlight her commitment to bridging academia and industry, fostering innovation in AI-driven solutions for sustainability and healthcare.
Dr. Paola Madini serves as Senior Lecturer in Accounting within the Department for Accounting and Finance at Kent Business School, University of Kent. Holding a PhD from Bocconi University and PGCHE from Kent, she specializes in management control systems with prior academic appointments at ESADE and SDA Bocconi School of Management. Education: PhD in Business Administration and Management (Accounting and Control specialization), Bocconi University PGCHE, University of Kent Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Her research examines management control systems (MCS) design and behavioral implications, focusing on budgeting processes, performance measurement, and inter-organizational relationships. Using field-based case studies and surveys with finance professionals, she bridges academic theory with practical applications in accounting management. Recent work investigates pandemic impacts on UK healthcare organizations' MCS and explores management accounting education through participative teaching methodologies and flipped learning approaches. Publication analysis reveals consistent contributions to management accounting literature, with recurring themes in MCS configurations (coercive, enabling, diagnostic, interactive), budgetary design, and industry-specific applications in fashion/retail sectors. Her work demonstrates evolving focus from traditional budgeting processes toward contemporary challenges like emerging market dividend policies and pandemic-driven organizational adaptations. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Reviewer Award 2017 (Journal of Management Control) Runner up reviewer 2015 (Journal of Management Control) She actively supervises postgraduate research including six Master's theses on managerial reporting systems in retail, fashion company accounting implementations, and neo-colonial accounting education frameworks. Industry collaborations include IBM Italy (integrative finance organizations), DocFlow (document management systems), and CIMA (fashion company accounting systems), with current projects examining pandemic impacts on UK healthcare management control systems. As member of the McGraw Hill Higher Education Advisory Board and conference committees (Socialising Business Research, AAA Annual Meeting), she contributes to academic community development while advising publishers on management accounting textbook development and portfolio strategies.
Mei Mei Rado is an Assistant Professor at Bard Graduate Center, specializing in textile and dress history with a focus on China and France (18th–20th centuries). Her work connects global networks to local cultural systems through material analysis and cross-cultural interpretation. Education: PhD, Bard Graduate Center MA, University of Chicago BA, Nanjing University Research Interests: She explores intercultural textile exchanges, particularly European-Chinese interactions, rococo style diffusion, and Qing court arts. Her forthcoming book The Empire’s New Cloth (Yale, 2025) examines European textiles in Qing imperial contexts. Publications: Recent works include analyses of 18th-century French drapery, Qing cosmopolitanism through Japanese screens, and lamé textiles in modern fashion. Her research spans material culture, cross-cultural aesthetics, and historical networks. Curatorial Practice: Formerly Associate Curator at LACMA, she pioneered modern Chinese fashion collections. Collaborations with European/American institutions continue through her current projects on Edo-period textiles and light in fashion history.
Mika Yrjölä serves as a University Lecturer in Marketing at Tampere University's Faculty of Management and Business. He is an active member of the Customer-Oriented Research Group with extensive research experience in strategic marketing, value propositions, and business models. His academic work spans over a decade with 53 research outputs from 2013 to 2025. Yrjölä's research primarily focuses on strategic marketing, including value propositions, business models, capabilities, and customer orientation. He employs both quantitative and qualitative methods in his investigations, with particular interest in digital transformation, artificial intelligence in retail, and business-to-business platforms. His work contributes to understanding how organizations can create value in evolving market contexts, especially through digital channels and platform-based business models. His publication record shows consistent scholarly output with recent emphasis on AI-enhanced platforms, value creation in ecosystems, and retail transformation. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward understanding digital transformation in marketing contexts, with increasing focus on AI applications in services and retail environments. His work spans both theoretical contributions and practical applications for businesses navigating digital disruption. Marvin Jolson Award (2022) - for research in sales management Yrjölä has supervised master's students and doctoral candidates while actively participating in academic service as a journal reviewer and conference committee member. His activities include 41 scientific journal reviews, 19 media appearances, and 11 master's student supervisions. He has also served as an external reviewer for The French National Research Agency (ANR). As a member of the Customer-Oriented Research Group, Yrjölä collaborates with colleagues on projects examining consumer behavior, retail transformation, and digital marketing strategies. His research increasingly focuses on the intersection of AI and service delivery, particularly in platform-based business models and retail contexts.
Dr Nga Wun (Doris) Li is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, Department of Fashion and Textiles. She leads research in seamless knitting technology, smart textiles, and sustainable fashion innovation. PhD in Fashion & Textile Design (HK PolyU, 2021) BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textiles (HK PolyU, 2012) Certifications in Wholegarment Machine (Shima Seiki, Japan) and Higher Education Pedagogy (UTS) Her research focuses on functional garments, knitting technology, and bio-informed textile design. Key projects include smart socks for DVT prevention , one-size sports bras , and buoyant swimwear for children . She combines knitting with machine learning and 3D printing for material innovation. Recent publications highlight her work on compression textiles (2025), wearable glucose sensors (2025), and knitted metasurfaces for acoustic comfort (2024). She has secured AU$52,000+ in grants across 5 funded projects. Fashion Design Award (Jeanswest, China) Outstanding Presentation & Research Paper Awards (2024) Dr Li supervises PhD and MPhil students in smart textiles and sustainable design while coordinating machine knitting courses. She collaborates with AiDLab (Hong Kong) and Powerhouse Museum (Australia).
Professor Dinusha Mendis is a leading academic in Intellectual Property and Innovation Law at Bournemouth University, where she serves as Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy and Management (CIPPM). Her expertise bridges copyright law with emerging technologies like 3D printing, AI, blockchain, and the Metaverse, informed by extensive research and consultation with entities such as the European Parliament, UKIPO, and corporations like HP and Chanel. She holds a PhD from Edinburgh University and has authored seminal works on the intersection of technology and IP. BSc in Law from Aberdeen University LLM and PhD from Edinburgh University Called to the Bar of England and Wales Her research focuses on copyright challenges in immersive environments , AI-generated content regulation , and blockchain/NFTs . She led major studies for the European Commission and UKIPO , including the first peer-reviewed work on 3D printing and IP. Her 2019 co-edited book with Stanford and QUT scholars established foundational frameworks for additive manufacturing legal analysis. Recent publications highlight AI copyright disputes (2024 The Conversation ), NFT legal ambiguities (2022), and pandemic-era 3D printing (2020). Trends show increasing emphasis on decentralized IP systems and machine learning's impact on creative industries . Scientific Awards & Grants JSPS Visiting Professorship (2023) Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation Grant (2024) EU Commission Research Funding (2020) AHRC Grant for 3D Jewellery Study (2017) As a PhD supervisor, she mentors researchers on AI copyright (Benjamin White), crypto-art (Bahar Dagli), and music creation law (Elizabeth Bailey). She contributes to global IP policy through the World Economic Forum's Metaverse Governance Team and EU IPR Enforcement Projects .
Maureen Meadows is a Professor of Strategic Management at Coventry University's Research Centre for Business in Society. Her work focuses on strategic decision-making, big data applications, privacy in business models, and M&A dynamics. She previously held leadership roles at the Open University and Warwick Business School, where she contributed to strategic management education and research. Education: PhD in Open University (2016) MSc in Management Science from University of Warwick (1987) Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (Oxford University, 1986) Research Interests: Strategic management tools (e.g., scenario planning), customer data analytics, privacy implications of data sharing, and post-merger integration. She has co-led projects on surveillance society blurring and privacy in the digital economy, funded by Leverhulme and EPSRC. Key Projects: Leverhulme-funded 'Taking Liberties?' (surveillance society) EPSRC-funded 'Monetize Me?' (privacy and quantified self) Co-designing digital strategies for museums and education sectors Grants & Collaborations: Multiple internally-funded projects on board assurance frameworks, creative accounting, and hybrid business models in museums. Active in international conferences and professional bodies like BAM Council. Awards: While no specific prizes are listed, her h-index of 24 and 1,891 citations reflect significant scholarly impact.
Alana Clifton-Cunningham is a dedicated educator and researcher in fashion and textile design at the University of New South Wales, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. With over two decades of experience in higher education, she has established herself as a leader in sustainable and innovative design education. Her work bridges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies, creating experiential learning environments that prepare students for contemporary design practice while addressing global sustainability challenges. Educational Background: 2021 | UNSW - Learn to Lead: Progress Needs Resilient Leaders 2019 | UTS - Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Transdisciplinary Learning 2008 | UNSW (COFA) - Master of Design (Hons) Research 2002 | UTS - Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning 2001 | TAFE - Diploma of Marketing Management 1993 | UTS - Bachelor of Design (Hons) (Fashion and Textile Design) Clifton-Cunningham's research focuses on sustainable fashion practices, with particular emphasis on circular economy principles in textile production and garment design. Her work explores scalable models for textile remanufacturing, clothing waste reduction, and sustainable workwear systems. She is deeply engaged in addressing clothing sizing issues and standards in Australia, advocating for more inclusive approaches to fit and body diversity. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion underpins all aspects of her leadership and teaching, making her a strong advocate for responsible design futures that prioritize both environmental sustainability and social justice. Her publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of design education, cultural exchange, and sustainable practices. Notable works include her 2022 book chapter on cross-cultural textile workshops in India, her 2018 analysis of undergarment technology evolution, and her contributions to exhibitions like 'Out of Hand' at the Powerhouse Museum. These works collectively highlight her emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning that connects students with real-world sustainability challenges and cultural contexts. Research Grants: 2024 | Redesigning Clothing Waste Using a Circular Design Framework - LP230200929 $220,473K 2024 | Department of Community and Justice - $17,900 2024 | Education Focussed Community of Practice (PVCESE) - $2,500 2023 | Department of Community and Justice - $15,900 2023 | Education Focussed Community of Practice (PVCESE) - $6,995 2017 | AbbVie Pharmaceutical Pty Ltd, HS Support Garments: Chief Investigator - $35,000 Clifton-Cunningham actively supervises research in fashion and textile design, with a focus on sustainable practices and innovative design processes. Her extensive industry network, including partnerships with major fashion labels, brings real-world insight into the classroom. She has led international global studios, including immersive programs in India where students collaborate with artisans. Her current ARC Linkage project 'Redesigning Clothing Waste Using a Circular Design Framework' represents a significant contribution to sustainable fashion research. Her creative practice is reflected in numerous exhibitions, including the Seoul International Fashion Art Biennale (2016, 2018), Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Awards, and the Powerhouse Museum's 'Out of Hand' exhibition. These artistic endeavors complement her academic work, demonstrating the practical application of her research interests in sustainable and innovative textile design.
Paula Hohti is a Professor of Art and Culture History at Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Art and Media. She holds a Docent position in History of Art at the University of Helsinki. Her research focuses on Italian Renaissance dress and material culture, particularly among artisans and shopkeepers. She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex (2006) and has held research roles at institutions including Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies and the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence. She led major projects like RE-FASHIONING (ERC grant, €2M in 2016) and co-founded the Fashion History Lab. Her work contributes to UN SDGs related to sustainable development through historical material studies. Education: PhD in Art History, University of Sussex (2006). Research Interests: Italian Renaissance textiles, Early Modern material culture, artisan craftsmanship, textile reconstruction methods, and social history of dress. Recent work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to reconstructing historical clothing and its cultural significance. Key Publications (2025): Refashioning the Renaissance: Everyday Dress in Europe (book), studies on color imitation in textiles, and knitted stockings experimentation. Articles explore cross-disciplinary methodologies and material authenticity. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2016), Academy of Finland Fellowships, and the Roland H. Bainton Book Prize (2021). Advising & Grants: Principal investigator in multiple international projects. Supervised eight post-doctoral researchers. Co-developed the Refashioning the Renaissance Database (Aalto University, 2022). Labs/Teams: Leads the Fashion History Lab (2022–2023) and collaborates globally on textile and material culture studies.
