Akil Benjamin is a Tutor in the MDes Service Design, Social Innovation, and Design Leadership program at Ravensbourne University London. He is also the Co-Founder and Director of Comuzi, a design agency specializing in human-centered innovation and emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT. His work focuses on solving human-centric problems through radical creativity, blending his background in biology with social value-driven design. Research interests include leveraging technology for community benefit, with a focus on social innovation and the ethical application of emerging technologies. Comuzi collaborates with global brands such as Samsung, BBC, and Adidas to create impactful solutions. No academic articles, grants, or formal awards are listed in the provided text. His professional activities emphasize consultancy and applied design projects rather than traditional academic outputs.
Anne-Gwenn Bosser is a Lecturer in Computer Science at Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Brest (ENIB), Université Bretagne Loire. She is affiliated with Lab-STICC's IHSEV team and works part-time since 2008. Her research focuses on applying formal logic (especially Linear Logic) to computational narratives, virtual reality, and interactive storytelling. She has supervised multiple PhD students and led projects like the ANR-funded STRATEGIC initiative on narrative intelligence for sensemaking. Current teaching includes Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Serious Games. Education: PhD in Computer Science from Paris 7 Denis Diderot (2005), with prior degrees in Mathematics and Logic. Her work bridges theoretical computer science and creative applications, including virtual environments for rehabilitation and educational simulations. Notable collaborations include international co-supervision of PhD students and participation in conferences like IEEE Conference on Games and ICIDS. Awards: 1st Prize Young Researcher in Games (Imagina 2005). Recent projects: Social Training VR prototyping (with internship opportunities). Her research also explores bot believability assessment, temporal logic in narratives, and narrative-driven virtual classrooms. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary teams in France, Germany, and the UK.
Herman Tse is Professor of Leadership in the Department of Management at Monash Business School. He completed his PhD at the University of Queensland and is a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. His research integrates leader-member exchange (LMX) theory, emotional dynamics in teams, and workplace health with emerging interests in human-robot collaboration. Publications appear in premier journals including Journal of Applied Psychology and Leadership Quarterly , investigating humble leadership effects, voice behavior mechanisms, and recovery practices. He directs projects on collaborative robotics safety and gig economy workforce development. Honored with the Australian Business Dean Council Innovation Award (2022) and ANZAM Best Dissertation Prize (2007), he serves as Associate Editor for Journal of Organizational Behavior and advisor to Harvard Business Review. Dr. Tse consults globally on leadership frameworks and teaches courses on leadership principles and organizational behavior.
Noshaba Cheema is a Researcher at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and a PhD Candidate at the Max-Planck Institute for Informatics, affiliated with Saarland University. She holds dual roles as a Researcher in the Agents and Simulated Reality Group and as a Work Package Manager for the EU-funded Carousel+ project. Her academic journey includes a Master's degree from Saarland University and the International Max-Planck Research School for Computer Science, and a Bachelor's degree in Media Computer Science from the University of Applied Sciences Bremen. Her research focuses on virtual character animation, motion synthesis, and AI-driven interactive systems, with applications in VR/AR, computer graphics, and human-computer interaction. She has pioneered fatigue modeling for virtual characters using reinforcement learning and explored synthetic data generation for deep learning tasks. Her work bridges computational neuroscience and machine learning, as seen in early projects modeling human visual systems. Noshaba has received significant recognition, including the Telekom Women's STEM Award 2020 (AI category), the Best Poster Award at SCA 2018, and a Max-Planck Fellowship. She actively contributes to conferences as a speaker, panelist, and diversity co-chair at venues like High Performance Graphics. Her teaching spans topics in game development, motion synthesis, and signal processing at Saarland University and Bremen. Her research portfolio includes over 20 publications across top venues like SIGGRAPH Asia, ECCV, and CVPR. She advises Master's theses in graphics, vision, and machine learning, and manages EU Horizon 2020 grants. Noshaba also engages in public outreach, advocating for women in STEM through media features and mentoring roles.
Arjun Chandrasekaran holds dual roles as a Guest Scientist/Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (Tübingen, Germany) and Head of AI at CONXAI Technologies (Munich, Germany). His research bridges computer vision, natural language processing, and cognitive science, focusing on multimodal machine learning for understanding human actions, interactions, and behavior in 3D environments. Key areas include human-AI team dynamics, embodied AI, and humor/narrative modeling. Education: PhD in Computer Science (Georgia Tech, advised by Devi Parikh) Postdoc under Michael Black at MPI-IS Research Highlights: Developed the BABEL dataset for 3D human behavior analysis Explored Fermi problems as AI reasoning benchmarks Pioneered studies on humor perception in visual contexts Advocated for explainable AI through human-centric evaluation Publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining vision-language tasks with cognitive insights. Current work at CONXAI applies AI to transform the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry through strategic AI solutions and team leadership.
Mag. Natalie Denk, MA is Head of the Center for Applied Game Studies at the University for Continuing Education Krems (currently on maternity leave). She holds roles as Course Director and Research Associate within the Education, Arts and Architecture faculty. Her research focuses on game-based education, educational game design, gender/diversity in digital culture, qualitative social research, and media education. She leads multiple EU and national projects like FROG (2024), CosTechPlay (2023-2025), and StreamIT! (2020-2022), emphasizing innovation in education through gaming and digital tools. Her academic work spans textbooks (e.g., 'DAC Journal', 'The Magic of Games'), peer-reviewed articles on interactive storytelling, cultural mediation via escape rooms, and NFT applications in education. She lectures widely on topics like 'Game-Based Education' and 'Informal Learning Spaces', advocating for gaming's role in modern educational landscapes. Projects like E-MINT and Hygiene Adventure Game demonstrate her commitment to practical STEM engagement and public health education. Notable contributions include developing gamified apps for parent education and telepresence robots in schools. Her work bridges digital innovation with societal challenges, emphasizing inclusivity, creativity, and policy impact.
Mag. Dr. Alexander Pfeiffer, MBA MA is Head of the Emerging Technologies Experiences Lab and a Research Associate at the University for Continuing Education Krems' Center for Applied Game Studies. His research focuses on emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and gamification in education, cybersecurity, and digital identity management. He leads projects such as ZKPG+ (Zero Knowledge Proof Gamification) and ESPORTS, funded by FFG and EU. Notable work includes analyzing MMORPGs' role in pandemic coping, AI's impact on education, and NFT applications in music rights. Research Projects: ZKPG+ (2025–2026): Promoting sustainable corporate goals via gamification ESPORTS (2025): EU-funded esports research ESP: FFG-funded cybersecurity initiatives Key Contributions: Published in journals like DAC and Proceedings of Cyber Warfare Authored textbooks on game-based learning and digital economies Presented at international conferences on AI in education and cultural studies Labs & Teams: Directs the Emerging Technologies Lab, collaborating with industry partners on edtech innovations and cybersecurity solutions.
Samir Lemeš serves as Dean of the Polytechnic Faculty at the University of Zenica (2022-2026), where he was elected as full professor in both Graphics and Visualization (November 2023) and Measuring Techniques (May 2022). Previously, he held significant leadership roles including Head of the Department of Software Engineering (2020-2023), Vice-Dean for Scientific Research (2015-2022), and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering and Building Structures (2015-2019). His research spans graphics and visualization, measuring techniques, computer graphics, CAD applications, digital image processing, and environmental monitoring systems. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical engineering applications, particularly in Industry 4.0 contexts where he explores AI image generators, blockchain technologies, and IoT-enabled embedded systems. His research demonstrates a consistent focus on applying computational methods to solve engineering and environmental challenges. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on Industry 4.0 technologies, with significant contributions in computer vision applications, AI prompt engineering, digital image processing using OpenCV, and blockchain implementations. His work shows increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between computer science, environmental science, and industrial engineering. Professor Lemeš has been instrumental in several international environmental projects including the Network of Aarhus Centers for the Green Agenda and Environmental Protection (2024-2026), Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle (2024-2026), and the Healthy Urban Environment Erasmus+ project (2018-2021). His grant portfolio demonstrates consistent funding from EU programs, UNESCO, OSCE, and international environmental organizations. He teaches across multiple engineering disciplines including Introduction to Information Technology, Computer Graphics, CAD in Construction, and Standardization, serving both undergraduate and doctoral students at the Polytechnic Faculty. His courses bridge theoretical computer science with practical engineering applications, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Eleni Papouli is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of West Attica, specializing in professional ethics, creative pedagogies, and diversity in social work practice. She holds a PhD from the University of Sussex (UK), an MA in International Child Welfare from the University of East Anglia (UK), and a BSW from the TEI of Athens. Her research focuses on integrating arts-based approaches, virtue ethics, and technology into social work education and practice. She has pioneered projects like the 'Diversity Dolls' initiative and leads the European Erasmus+ project 'On Stage in the Golden Age: Theatre for Healthy Ageing' (2023-2025). Education: BSW (TEI Athens), MA (UEA UK), PhD (Sussex UK) Professional Experience: Former social worker in child protection, trained in dramatherapy Teaching: Undergraduate and postgraduate courses on ethics, communication, and social work practice Her research interests emphasize ethical challenges in modern social work, including AI ethics, post-anthropocentric perspectives, and crisis response. She has authored/co-edited books like Creative Critical Pedagogies: Using Arts-Based Approaches for Online and In-Person Learning (2024) and frequently presents at international conferences. Grants/Projects: Erasmus+ (2023-2025), MUAS teaching fellowship (2015) Labs/Teams: Leads pedagogical projects blending arts and ethics in education
Kevin Yeh is an NYC-based technologist and Instructor in Continuing Education at Cooper Union. He holds an MS in Computer Science and Film Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. While full-time at Nava PBC developing public digital services, he also leads engineering efforts at Space Type and serves as Principal Engineering Lead for the Maryland Paid Family and Medical Leave program. His work bridges technical innovation with creative problem-solving, emphasizing open tools and community empowerment. Education: M.S. Computer Science & Film Studies, University of Texas at Austin. Research Interests: Focuses on applying computer vision, graphics, and robotic learning to reimagine interactions with the natural world. Specializes in building accessible tech tools for artists and developers through augmented reality, mobile hardware, and computational typography. Advocates for clarity in engineering processes and open-source methodologies. Key Projects: Developed Slack mentorship systems and LED voting systems for HackTX (2015), contributed to MongoDB's Rust driver, and led infrastructure teams for government APIs at CMS. Currently drives backend/frontend initiatives for public services and maintains a riso publishing practice. Labs/Teams: Leads engineering teams at Nava PBC and Space Type, oversees technical direction for cross-disciplinary projects, and mentors engineers transitioning into leadership roles.
Andrew Adamatzky is Professor in Unconventional Computing at the University of the West of England, Bristol, where he directs the Unconventional Computing Laboratory. His research spans reaction-diffusion computing, cellular automata, physarum computing, massive parallel computation, applied mathematics, collective intelligence and robotics, bionics, computational psychology, non-linear science, novel hardware, and future computation technologies. Research focuses on developing computing paradigms inspired by natural phenomena. Major areas include: Physarum machines and slime mould computing Reaction-diffusion chemical computers Cellular automata theory and implementations Unconventional computing materials (colloids, fungi, proteins) Biologically-inspired robotics and swarm intelligence Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on biomolecular computing systems, proteinoid-based computation, cellular automata advances, and hybrid bio-electronic systems. Work increasingly explores bio-electrical phenomena in unconventional substrates like sea mud and plant tissues.
Benoit Baudry is a Full Professor of Computer Science at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Computer Science and Operations Research. He leads the GEODES research group (Groupe de recherche sur les systèmes ouverts et distribués et l’expérimentation dans les logiciels), focusing on software engineering challenges. His teaching responsibilities include courses like Software Quality Metrics (IFT-3913), Software Project Management (IFT-3150), and Advanced Topics in Software Engineering (IFT-6251). He is actively involved in strategic initiatives like IVADO and MITACS-funded projects. Research interests span software supply chain security, dependency management, automated software engineering, and AI-driven development tools. He leads projects such as 'Safe and Transparent Software Reuse' (2025–2031) funded by NSERC and 'CLIMB: LLM-driven MLOps Interface' (2025) supported by MITACS. His work addresses critical issues like detecting bloated dependencies, ensuring reproducible builds, and mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities. Recent funding includes NSERC Discovery Grants and Apogée Canada operational funds. He has pioneered techniques for generating mocks from production data, automating test generation via runtime analysis, and applying large language models to software repair. His interdisciplinary projects bridge software engineering with digital art, such as algorithmic art generation systems. He advises multiple graduate programs including Computer Science Bachelors, Masters, and PhD tracks. Key collaborations include KTH Royal Institute of Technology and industry partnerships like Co-operators. His research emphasizes practical solutions for real-world software systems' reliability and security.
Jochem Kootstra is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries (FDMCI) at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. His work focuses on integrating AI into educational frameworks and creative industries, with notable contributions to AI ethics, digital art, and project-based learning. He actively participates in academic conferences and media discussions on topics like AI readiness in education and societal impacts of emerging technologies. Education Background: Not explicitly detailed in text, inferred through professional roles. Research interests span AI applications in creative industries, sociocultural analysis of technology adoption, and robotics in everyday life. His publications emphasize collaborative projects like AI4Students, addressing challenges in curriculum development and student engagement. Media contributions include commentary on AI's societal implications and educational strategies. Recipient of the 2024 'HvA Onderzoek van het jaar (2e)' award for excellence in applied research. Engaged in multiple educational initiatives, including Comenius Festival presentations on preparing students for AI-driven careers.
Ying Chen is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Purdue University's Department of Mathematics, affiliated with the College of Science. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling in biology, scientific computing, and computational fluid dynamics. She has contributed to interdisciplinary projects involving autonomous systems, human-computer interaction, and medical visualization. Her work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in healthcare systems, environmental monitoring, and autonomous vehicle technologies. Key research interests include developing algorithms for 3D scene reconstruction, optimizing vehicle interface safety, and applying AI to clinical decision support. Her recent publications explore topics like neural motion flow for autonomous driving, haptic feedback in bicycle safety systems, and LiDAR-camera fusion techniques. Collaborations span computer science, engineering, and biomedical fields. Publications from 2023–2025 reveal a focus on spatiotemporal data visualization, VR training systems, and multi-modal forest monitoring. Notable trends include integrating machine learning with real-world challenges in transportation safety and environmental analysis. While no awards are explicitly listed, her work has been recognized in VAST Challenge competitions for innovative visualization methodologies. Ying Chen’s teaching and research emphasize bridging abstract mathematical concepts with tangible applications. She has developed educational tools like the Mindwriter academic writing environment and conducted studies on visual learning strategies for students with math difficulties. Her work on car dashboard interface design and in-car entertainment systems highlights a commitment to user-centered technology solutions.
Dr. Reshma Kar is an Assistant Professor at the Data Science Institute, Saint Peter’s University. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Jadavpur University, India, where she previously served as a project fellow, senior project fellow, and guest faculty. Her research focuses on health informatics and machine learning, with applications in healthcare analytics and predictive modeling. Dr. Kar teaches graduate-level courses including Data Analysis and Decision Modeling, Python in Data Science, and Machine Learning. Her professional achievements include a Regional i-Corps Grant from the NSF for diabetes prediction research (2024) and multiple Faculty Research Associate Awards at Saint Peter’s University. Notable research contributions include developing interpretable machine learning algorithms for ICU length-of-stay prediction and analyzing brain signals for motor activity detection. She has also contributed to natural language processing studies, such as classifying social media data related to the pandemic. Dr. Kar has over 20 peer-reviewed publications and actively mentors students in research projects, emphasizing programming and data science methodologies. Her work bridges computational techniques with real-world healthcare challenges, reflecting her commitment to advancing both academic and applied data science.
