Xavier Desjardins is a University Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at Sorbonne University and co-head of the Landscapes, Resources and Construction Know-How axis within the Mediations UR research group. His work bridges urban planning, mobility, and territorial policy, with a regional focus on Western Europe. He serves on the editorial boards of the International Journal of Urban Planning , Flux , Town Planning Review , and Urbanisme . Desjardins specializes in ecological planning, sustainable development, and the interplay between territorial policies and urban mobility. His recent research explores zero net artificialization strategies, European territorial sobriety, and climate-resilient infrastructure, reflecting a broader agenda to reconcile strategic planning with environmental imperatives. He frequently consults for businesses, local authorities, and government departments on urban development and directs the Master's program in Urban Planning and Development at Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing cross-border planning insights.
Mark Mazower is the Ira D. Wallach Professor of History at Columbia University, where he has established himself as a leading historian specializing in modern Greece, 20th-century Europe, and international history. He also serves as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Director of the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination in Paris, which brings together scholars with leading artists, writers, composers and filmmakers from around the world to foster innovative interdisciplinary collaboration. His educational background includes a D.Phil. from Oxford University (1988), an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University (1983), and a B.A. from Oxford University (1981). This strong academic foundation has positioned him as a preeminent historian with expertise spanning multiple historical periods and geographical regions. Mazower's research focuses on modern Greek history, 20th-century European history, and international history, with recent work examining the historical evolution of the Greek islands over the very long term. His scholarship bridges academic rigor with public engagement, as he frequently contributes commentary on international affairs and book reviews to major publications including the Financial Times , The Nation , the London Review of Books , and the New York Review of Books . In 2016, he expanded his public engagement through the film Techniques of the Body , a meditation on the refugee crisis in Greek history created with director Constantine Giannaris. His publications reveal a consistent focus on understanding the complex interplay between national histories and broader international frameworks. Mazower's work often examines how local experiences intersect with global forces, particularly in the context of war, occupation, state formation, and the development of international institutions. His approach combines deep archival research with conceptual innovation, making significant contributions to our understanding of European history, Greek history, and international relations. Mazower's scholarly achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Gennadius Prize (2023) Honorary Citizenship from the Republic of Greece (2022) Fellow of the British Academy (2019) D. Litt., honoris causa , Catholic University of Leuven (2019) D. Litt., honoris causa , University of Athens (2015) Dido Sotiriou Award of the Hellenic Authors Society (2012) Society of Columbia Graduates Great Teacher Award (2011) Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Hitler's Empire: Trilling Award and LA Times Book Prize for History (2009) Salonica, City of Ghosts: Duff Cooper Prize (2005) As an educator at Columbia University, Mazower has mentored numerous students in the Department of History, guiding research in modern European history, Greek history, and international history. His leadership extends to directing the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination in Paris, which has received significant funding from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to support interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and creative artists from around the world. At the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination, Mazower has created a unique intellectual environment where historians work alongside artists, writers, and filmmakers to explore new approaches to understanding complex historical and contemporary issues. This innovative space reflects his commitment to bridging academic scholarship with creative expression and public engagement, fostering dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to address pressing global challenges.
Laura Dugan is the Ralph D. Mershon Professor of Human Security and Professor of Sociology at The Ohio State University. She co-leads the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) and Government Actions in Terrorist Environments (GATE) project, which are foundational datasets for understanding terrorism and government responses. Her work focuses on violence prevention policies, methodological innovation for overcoming data limitations, and the intersection of terrorism with political and social contexts. Education includes a Ph.D. and M.S. in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University (1995–1999), an M.S. in Statistics (1998), and a B.F.A. in Applied Media Arts from Edinboro University (1987). Research interests span terrorism studies, criminological explanations for violence, government counterterrorism strategies, and methodological approaches to analyzing large-scale datasets. Her work bridges criminology, political science, and sociology, with a focus on empirically grounded analyses of terrorism’s causes and consequences. Publications emphasize terrorism’s global patterns, the efficacy of interventions, and interdisciplinary methodological advancements. Key works include analyses of the GTD’s insights into terrorism’s evolution and GATE’s revelations about government actions’ impact on terrorism. Her grants and advising involve leading large-scale projects like GTD and GATE, which are pivotal for academic and policy communities. She collaborates extensively on datasets and policy-oriented research, influencing both scholarly discourse and practical counterterrorism measures. Laura Dugan’s research teams and labs focus on maintaining and expanding these databases while exploring their applications in policy contexts, ensuring data accessibility for global researchers and practitioners.
Jeffrey M. Timberlake serves as Professor of Sociology and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Sociology at the University of Cincinnati. His academic career centers on population dynamics, urban structures, and racial inequality, employing rigorous quantitative methodologies to examine systemic patterns across American metropolitan areas. His leadership in graduate education shapes emerging scholars in sociological research. Dr. Timberlake's educational foundation includes: PhD in Sociology from the University of Chicago (2003) MS in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1998) BA in Social Sciences from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (1991) His research program investigates the sociology of population, urban sociology, race and ethnicity, and quantitative methods. Recent work analyzes racial residential segregation, housing discrimination, children's exposure to neighborhood poverty and violence, and demographic shifts from 1970-2020. His publications reveal consistent focus on spatial inequality, ethnoracial dynamics, and policy impacts in housing markets. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications shows dominant themes in residential segregation measurement, racial steering mechanisms, and urban demographic change. Methodologically, he combines longitudinal data analysis with spatial statistics to document evolving patterns of inequality, particularly examining how neighborhood contexts shape life outcomes across racial groups. As Principal Investigator, Dr. Timberlake manages multiple active grants: CDC IPA Agreement w/ NIOSH (2021-2022): $50,000 federal grant Ohio Department of Medicaid Assessment Survey (2022): $45,210 state grant Ohio State University sub-award (2022): $45,210 higher education grant Medicaid Assessment Survey Year Two (2022-2023): $78,904 federal award Medicaid Assessment Survey Years Three-Four (2023-2025): $106,736 state grant and $59,107 federal award His research program demonstrates sustained federal and state funding for empirical studies of housing markets and population dynamics, with current work focused on Ohio Medicaid assessment systems.
Stefano CAMPOSTRINI is a Full Professor in the Department of Economics at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, specializing in Social Statistics (STAT-03/B). He serves as a Member of the technical-scientific Committee of the Ca' Foscari Challenge School and the Department of Economics' Committee. His research activities are supported by affiliations with the Research Institute for Social Innovation and the Research Institute for Innovation Management. Professor CAMPOSTRINI's research spans the intersection of statistical methodology, public health, and social policy. His work demonstrates expertise in advanced statistical techniques including Bayesian modeling, spatial analysis, and complex survey methodology. His primary focus areas include healthcare systems analysis, social innovation, public administration, and the economic aspects of health policy. He frequently addresses issues related to comorbidity patterns, healthcare service accessibility, and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare settings. His publication record from 2021-2025 reveals significant trends in healthcare innovation, with particular emphasis on virtual hospital systems, AI applications in medicine, sustainable healthcare practices, and the statistical analysis of social services like early childhood education. His methodological contributions include novel approaches to analyzing regional health disparities and developing web-based tools for disease prevalence estimation. His research often employs expert consensus methods like Delphi techniques to address complex healthcare organizational challenges. Professor CAMPOSTRINI maintains active involvement in research initiatives through the Research Institute for Social Innovation and the Research Institute for Innovation Management. His work bridges advanced statistical methodology with practical applications in healthcare policy and social service delivery, making significant contributions to evidence-based decision making in public health and social policy domains across Italy and European contexts.
Perry Anderson is a Research Professor of History at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His work focuses on state structures, political ideas, and European integration, with publications spanning classical, feudal, and modern systems of power. He has taught across continents, held residencies at European institutes of advanced study, and lectured at prestigious institutions including the Collège de France. His research interests include: Comparative historical analysis of state structures Political philosophy (justice, equality, hegemony) European Union history and legal evolution Modernity and postmodernity discourses Anderson's recent lectures at the Collège de France (2022) examined the interplay of law, sovereignty, and European integration, culminating in critical reflections on the Ukraine war's impact on European construction.
Catherine Higgs is a Professor in the Department of History and Sociology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus. Her research focuses on Southern Africa , Portuguese colonialism , and Atlantic World histories, with emphasis on activism , labor , political history , and women's movements . She teaches courses on African commodities, British and Portuguese colonialism, and contemporary world history. Education: PhD, MPhil, MA (Yale University); BA Honours (Queen’s University) Her research examines intersections of colonial policy , labor exploitation , and transnational activism , including works on cocoa slavery in São Tomé and Príncipe, African nuns' resistance during apartheid, and South African political figures like D.D.T. Jabavu. She has received grants from the National Humanities Center and Rockefeller Foundation . Scientific awards include the 2024 Sol T. Plaatje Translation Award for her role in publishing D.D.T. Jabavu’s travelogue. As a graduate supervisor, she mentors students in African studies and labor history. She served as Head of her department from 2015-2020 and previously taught at the University of Tennessee, University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Rollins College.
Professor Walter Timo de Vries is a faculty member at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , holding the Chair of Land Management and Land Development within the Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, TUM School of Engineering and Design . His research focuses on intelligent and responsible land management , urban and rural development , spatial justice , and the development of a Human Geodesy framework. A graduate of TU Delft (1988) and Rotterdam (PhD), he has led international projects across Asia, Africa, and South America. At TUM, he directs the Master's and PhD Programs in Land Management , serves as Dean of Geodesy , and leads TUM.Africa . Member of the German Geodetic Commission Member of the Bavarian Academy for Rural Development Academic Coordinator of TUM SEED Center Research Interests span responsible land governance , land tenure security , land consolidation , and geospatial methods for sustainable development. His recent work examines the Water-Energy-Food Nexus and digital twins in collaborative planning. He has supervised over 20 PhD and Master’s students on topics like spatial justice , nomic pastoral tenure , and smart land use . Publications address blockchain in land administration , spatial inequalities , and land policy reforms across global contexts.
Prof. Dr. Julia Rieck is a Full Professor of Business Administration at the University of Hildesheim , leading the Department of Business Administration and Operations Research within the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Economics and Computer Science. As Dean of the Faculty , she oversees academic programs, quality management, and research initiatives. Her roles include academic advising for the Business Information Systems (B.Sc./M.Sc.) programs and active participation in examination boards and quality committees. Education: PhD in Political Science (Dr. rer. pol.) with summa cum laude (2008), Habilitation at Clausthal University of Technology (2014), and studies in Business Mathematics (Diploma, University of Hamburg, 2003) and Mathematics (Georg-August-University Göttingen, 2000). Research: Focuses on Operations Research , Supply Chain Management , Project Planning , and Logistics . Her work integrates mathematical modeling , machine learning , and real-world applications , particularly in disaster response , dynamic transportation , and sustainable e-commerce . Projects: Leads third-party funded initiatives like "IT für die sorgende Gesellschaft" (AI in healthcare/social sectors) and contributes to the HULLS real-lab (AI in aging societies). Collaborates with regional companies (e.g., Youco, ADITUS) and institutions (HAWK, University of Hannover). Teaching: Emphasizes practical application through case studies, industry partnerships, and the IT-Speed Dating event for student-company connections. Her courses cover project resource planning , logistics , and digital transformation . Labs & Teams: Active in the Institute of Business Administration & Business Information Systems , contributing to the KET Kompetenzwerkstatt (entrepreneurship support) and interdisciplinary teams in AI and sustainability research.
Boris Traue is a Full Professor of Social Work and Social Pedagogy at the Department of Education and Social Work, Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg. He joined the university in February 2020 and serves as Director of the Bachelor en sciences sociales et éducatives program. His educational background includes a degree in sociology, philosophy, and psychology from Freie Universität Berlin (2002), a doctorate (Dr. phil) from Technische Universität Berlin (2008), and venia legendi for sociology from the same institution (2018). Traue's research centers on relational social theories , subjectivation processes , and visual studies , examining how institutions, technologies, and collective action shape individual and group agency. His methodological innovations in interpretative subjectivation analysis and visual discourse analysis bridge sociology, social work, and interdisciplinary studies, with particular focus on psychosocial interventions and amateur practices. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals three dominant thematic clusters: subjectivation theory development, visual methodology applications, and disability inclusion research. His work consistently integrates German and Anglophone academic traditions while addressing contemporary social challenges through empirical subjectivation research. Traue has secured significant research funding from major institutions including the German Research Foundation (DFG) and Luxembourg's FNR. Current projects include: PATH_CH-LUX (2023-2025, 1.5 MEUR): Comparative study of labor market pathways for youth with disabilities in Switzerland and Luxembourg SEaSons (2024-2026, 750,000 EUR): Sustainability, Environmental Knowledge and Social Imaginations of Climate Futures As co-editor of the Springer book series Studies in Subjectivation and board member of the sociology of knowledge section in the German Sociological Association (since 2021), Traue actively shapes academic discourse through collaborative international networks and editorial leadership.
Margaret Tillman serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Purdue University, specializing in modern Chinese history with emphasis on childhood studies, gender dynamics, and transnational educational movements during the 20th and 21st centuries. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Chinese History, University of California, Berkeley B.A. in English, University of California, Berkeley Dr. Tillman's research investigates cross-cultural contestations over identity formation and knowledge production in China. Her monograph, Raising China’s Revolutionaries , examines child welfare as a lens for modernization and nationalism. Current projects include Tested , analyzing Chinese youth responses to educational testing reforms and the transnational development of educational psychology during wartime. Her work bridges historical analysis with anthropology and gender studies to reveal how global influences shaped Chinese societal transformations. Analysis of her recent publications indicates sustained focus on childhood mobilization, gender in revolutionary contexts, missionary activities, and educational reform. These studies demonstrate interdisciplinary rigor connecting history with public health, visual culture, and transnational policy transfer, highlighting China's complex negotiation of modernity through everyday institutions like schools and family life. Scientific awards and grants include: American Council of Learned Societies Grant Taiwan Fulbright Fellowship Dr. Tillman teaches East Asian history courses and contributes to Purdue's Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program. Her research grants indicate leadership in securing external funding for innovative historical projects examining China's integration into global systems through the lens of childhood and education.
Lars Laamann is a Lecturer at the School of History, Religions and Philosophies, SOAS University of London. His research focuses on the historical interplay between religion, colonialism, and cultural exchange in East Asia, with particular emphasis on Christianity in China and Mongolian religious traditions. He maintains an active research profile as evidenced by his publication record spanning from 1996 to 2025. Dr. Laamann's primary research interests include: The historical development of Christianity in China from the Qing Dynasty to modern times Mongolian religious syncretism and its political implications Protestant and Catholic missionary strategies in Southeast Asia Orthodox Christianity's role in contemporary geopolitical conflicts Colonial-era religious encounters and their sociocultural impacts His scholarly publications demonstrate consistent focus on religious encounters in East Asia, with recent works exploring Orthodox Christianity in conflict zones (Ethiopia/Ukraine), memory studies in Chinese Christianity, and missionary history. The publication trends show increasing attention to comparative religious analysis across different Asian contexts. Dr. Laamann has supervised several doctoral students researching topics including: Qing Dynasty state formation and religious policy (J. Lu) Republican China's communication infrastructure (L.-C. Chen) Cross-cultural encounters in early Qing Empire (W. Kang) Economic transformations in Mongolia (S. Shan) He serves as editor for the Central Asiatic Journal and participates in collaborative research projects examining Orthodox Christianity's political dimensions.
Scott Singer is a Research Fellow in the Technology and International Affairs Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on AI development and governance in China. He co-founded the Oxford China Policy Lab and is affiliated with the Oxford Martin School AI Governance Initiative . His research spans U.S.-China AI dynamics, cross-Strait relations, public opinion in technology governance, and UK foreign policy. Education: PhD in International Relations (University of Oxford, ongoing), MPhil with Distinction (University of Oxford), BA in Economics and Fundamentals (University of Chicago). Languages: Mandarin (professional fluency), English, Spanish. His work addresses global AI governance trends, emphasizing balancing development with risk management. Recent publications analyze China's AI ambitions, U.S. state-level AI laws, and frameworks for international AI safety cooperation. Scientific Awards Clarendon Scholar (University of Oxford) Singer’s expertise has been cited in Foreign Policy , Bloomberg , and Lawfare , and he has contributed to UK parliamentary discussions. He previously worked for the U.S. State Department and Senate, with a focus on China-facing policy capabilities.
Professor Elaine Chase serves as Professor of Education, Wellbeing and International Development at University College London's Institute of Education (IOE), specifically within the Education, Practice & Society department. With extensive experience bridging academic research and practical application, she previously worked as a health promotion specialist in the UK and served as a youth health programme advisor with Namibia's Ministry of Youth and Sport for several years. Her research focuses on the sociological dimensions of health, wellbeing and rights for marginalized individuals and communities, examining the critical interface between policy, practice and context through qualitative and mixed-method studies conducted internationally. Her work spans diverse vulnerable populations including young parents, youth in public care, young people accessing sexual and reproductive health services across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and MENA regions, HIV/AIDS-affected families, children living in poverty, and unaccompanied children seeking asylum across Europe. Professor Chase currently leads multiple significant research initiatives: the Life Facing Deportation project examining immigration policies' impacts on children and families; the RELIEF project promoting transformative education in displacement contexts; the Children Caring on the Move project investigating separated child migrants; the Becoming Adult project exploring wellbeing outcomes for unaccompanied migrant youth transitioning to adulthood; the LOHST project studying pandemic impacts on unaccompanied migrant youth's service access; and the Connecting during COVID-19 project examining care and remittance practices among UK migrant communities. She also contributes to the London International Development Centre - Migration Leadership Team funded by ESRC and AHRC. Life Facing Deportation: Immigration policy impacts on vulnerable families RELIEF: Transformative education in displacement contexts Children Caring on the Move: Separated child migrants' care experiences Becoming Adult: Wellbeing outcomes as unaccompanied youth transition to adulthood LOHST: Pandemic impacts on unaccompanied migrant youth's service access Connecting during COVID-19: Care and remittance practices among UK migrant communities Poverty, Shame and Social Exclusion: Comparative research on poverty's social impacts Her teaching responsibilities include the MA Education, Health Promotion and International Development program, coordination of the Dissertation with Integrated Research Teaching (DwIRT) module, and co-leadership of the Education, Migration and Development module with Amy North. She actively supervises multiple doctoral students conducting research in related fields. Professor Chase's recent scholarly output demonstrates a strong emphasis on education in conflict-affected contexts (particularly Myanmar), migration studies, wellbeing research, and pandemic impacts on vulnerable populations. Her work consistently addresses policy-practice-context interfaces and employs participatory, trauma-informed methodologies appropriate for working with marginalized communities across multiple continents.
Frank Cowell is a Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he serves as a CASE (Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion) and STICERD (Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines) Associate. His academic work spans several decades with publications dating from the early 1990s through to 2018, demonstrating sustained scholarly contribution to the field of economics. Professor Cowell's research primarily focuses on inequality and poverty measurement, income and wealth distribution, taxation, and social mobility. His work combines theoretical economic analysis with empirical applications across different countries and contexts. His research interests include methodological approaches to measuring inequality, particularly addressing challenges related to top incomes and wealth concentration, as well as examining the relationship between social identity and redistributive preferences. His publication record reveals consistent engagement with methodological issues in inequality measurement, with numerous papers addressing statistical robustness, decomposition techniques, and comparisons of income and wealth distributions across countries. His more recent work has increasingly focused on wealth distribution, inheritance, and intergenerational mobility, reflecting evolving scholarly interest in these areas. He has collaborated extensively with researchers across Europe, particularly on cross-national comparative studies using datasets like the Luxembourg Wealth Study. Professor Cowell has made significant contributions to the theoretical foundations of inequality measurement, developing alternative approaches that address limitations in conventional indices. His work on median-normalized inequality measures represents an important methodological innovation aimed at better capturing changes at the top of the income distribution. Throughout his career, Cowell has examined the relationship between economic theory and empirical measurement, often bridging gaps between abstract welfare economics and practical policy applications. His research has implications for tax policy design, social welfare programs, and understanding the dynamics of economic inequality across different populations and time periods. As a CASE and STICERD Associate, Professor Cowell contributes to LSE's research environment focused on social exclusion, inequality, and public policy analysis. His work has been published in numerous discussion papers, journal articles, and book chapters, establishing him as a significant contributor to the field of distributional economics.
