Michael D. Smith is the John H. Finley, Jr. Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) for 11 years, leading Harvard's largest school with a focus on undergraduate education, faculty development, and interdisciplinary research. He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University (1993), a Master’s from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and a Bachelor’s from Princeton University. His academic career is complemented by industry experience, including co-founding Liquid Machines (acquired by Check Point in 2010), and advisory roles with venture capital firms like 1984 Ventures and GSV Ventures. Research interests span computer science education innovation, technology’s societal impact, and hardware/software systems. He pioneered work on voltage noise mitigation in processors, cybersecurity solutions, and online education platforms like edX. Awards include the NSF Young Investigator Award (1993), Alpha Iota Teaching Prize, and W.E.B. Du Bois Medal. Currently, he advises startups and educational initiatives such as CS Forward and Kira Learning, while developing new in-person and online courses. His leadership roles include Board member at The Peddie School and former edX Board member (2012–2018).
Anantha P. Chandrakasan is MIT's Provost and Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He leads strategic initiatives such as the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium, MIT AI Hardware Program, and MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab. As Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, he oversees MIT HEALS, MGAIC, and MITHIC. Previously, he served as MIT School of Engineering Dean (2011-2025) and director of MIT Microsystems Technology Laboratories (2006-2011). He earned all degrees (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) in EECS from UC Berkeley (1989-1994). His research focuses on energy-efficient circuits, low-power wireless sensors, and emerging technologies. Key projects include implantable medical devices, secure AI hardware, and THz communication systems. He pioneered the Schwarzman College of Computing, reshaping MIT’s academic structure. Recipient of the 2022 IEEE Mildred Dresselhaus Medal, he holds leadership roles in multiple MIT-industry partnerships. Notable collaborations include Ericsson (5G networks), Takeda (healthcare), and Accenture (industry-technology convergence). His academic advising includes fostering interdisciplinary programs like the MIT Quest for Intelligence and postdoctoral fellowships. He champions diversity through initiatives like the Faculty Gender Equity Committee and Daniel J. Riccio Graduate Engineering Leadership Program. Labs/Teams: Leads MIT's Office of Innovation & Strategy, oversees Microsystems Technology Laboratories, and co-chairs the MIT-GE Vernova Energy & Climate Alliance. Key hardware projects include conformable ultrasound patches and battery-free IoT devices.
Federico Pigni serves as Dean of Faculty, Pedagogy, and Research at Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), where he holds a full Professorship in Information Systems within the Management of Technology and Strategy department. His academic journey includes a cum laude Business Administration degree and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. He has held teaching roles at institutions including Carlo Cattaneo University, the Catholic University of Milan, and Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi in Milan. Beyond academia, Pigni co-founded Lab4Consulting (2000–2006), a web and software consultancy focused on IT innovation in banking, and completed a post-doctorate at France Télécom R&D in Sophia Antipolis, developing inter-organizational ICT adoption methodologies. His research focuses on strategic applications of information systems, particularly in interorganizational contexts and digital technologies for customer service innovation. Notable projects include the EU-funded EpilepsyPOWER initiative promoting workplace inclusion for epilepsy patients, and the TRIPBAM project leveraging digital data streams for pandemic resilience. His work spans digital transformation frameworks, cybersecurity investments, and big data analytics' impact on competitive advantage. He has authored over 100 publications, including seminal works on IT ambiguity, DevOps frameworks, and supply chain digitalization. Pigni has led collaborative initiatives like the ECOLEAD network supporting SMEs' interorganizational systems and contributed to projects such as the SOLMED solar energy desalination initiative. His expertise bridges academic research with industry practice, emphasizing real-world applications of emerging technologies to drive organizational value creation and societal impact.
Mara Nikolaidou is a Professor in the Department of Informatics and Telematics at Harokopio University of Athens since 2007 and has served as the university's Rector since 2016. She represents Greek universities in the European University Association (EUA) for 2023-2024. Her research focuses on distributed systems, system modeling, and responsible computing, with a strong emphasis on IoT, cloud/edge computing, and cyber-physical systems. She leads projects funded by national, EU, and international agencies, exploring topics like autonomous systems, ethical requirements in design, and human-in-the-loop systems. Her educational background includes roles as a computer engineer and IT consultant before academia. She is a member of IEEE (SMC Society and Systems Council) and participates in the Object Management Group (OMG) working groups for SysML and responsible computing. She organizes international conferences in software and systems engineering. Research interests span distributed systems, IoT, and ethical computing. Recent work investigates cost analysis in cloud markets, human-AI collaboration, and smart city technologies. Over 200 publications highlight her contributions to model-based systems engineering, including SysML extensions for cost/QoS analysis and frameworks for autonomous fog nodes. Grants and projects include EU-funded initiatives on smart farming, cloud brokerage, and organizational interoperability. Her lab focuses on autonomous systems and context-aware middleware. She advises on e-Government compliance frameworks and collaborates with industry partners on IoT management platforms.
Dr. Abdulghani A. Ahmed is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Forensics and Course Leader for MSc Cybersecurity at the School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University (DMU), UK. He is affiliated with the Cyber Technology Institute (CTI) and has a long-standing academic career since 2004, previously serving as a Senior Lecturer at University Malaysia Pahang. University: De Montfort University School: School of Computer Science and Informatics Role: Senior Lecturer, Course Leader (MSc Cybersecurity) Email: aa.ahmed@dmu.ac.uk ORCID: 0000-0001-9748-6067 Education: PhD in Network Security & Intrusion Detection Systems, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2014) MSc in Network Forensics & Identity Spoofing Investigation, Al-Neelain University (2006) BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, Sudan University of Science and Technology (2002) Dr. Ahmed’s research focuses on critical areas in cybersecurity, including digital forensics, IoT authentication, big data privacy, cloud and network security, malware analysis, incident response, and cybercrime investigation. His work integrates machine learning, bio-inspired algorithms, and proactive forensic models to enhance cyber resilience. He has led numerous research projects and published extensively in top-tier journals such as IEEE Access, Sensors, and Springer. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward digital forensics in cloud and mobile environments, bio-inspired security frameworks, and machine learning applications in cybercrime detection. His work bridges theoretical innovation and practical deployment, particularly in real-time intrusion detection and evidence collection. Scientific Awards and Honors: Multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals from international innovation exhibitions (MTE2018, Citrex, iCAN, ICE-CINNO) CENDEKIA BITARA AWARD 2016 for high-impact journal publication Nominated for Best PhD Thesis Award at USM (2015) Three-time High Impact Publication Award (2011–2013) at USM Dr. Ahmed actively supervises PhD students and has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator from Innovate UK, COMSTECH-TWAS, and Malaysian government grants. His consultancy work includes cybercrime investigation and incident response for SysArmy Sdn Bhd and Golden Carousel Sdn. Bhd. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and IAENG, and holds professional certifications including SFHEA (UK), Cellebrite CCO, and digital forensics credentials from AccessData and Condition Zebra. He leads the Cyber Technology Institute research group at DMU, focusing on next-generation cybersecurity solutions. His projects include proactive forensic models, IoT security frameworks, and AI-driven botnet detection systems, positioning him at the forefront of applied cybersecurity research.
Sérgio Nunes is a faculty member at Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão (ISEG) , Universidade de Lisboa. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems Management (2018) and M.Sc. degrees in Information Technology and Information Security (2009). His academic career includes teaching roles in Cybersecurity , Information Technology , Big Data Analytics , and Information Systems Architecture for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Education Ph.D. in Information Systems Management (ISEG-UTL, 2018) M.Sc. in Information Security (Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 2009) B.Sc. in Computer Engineering (Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 2003) His research focuses on Information Security , Risk Management , and Human Factors in Cybersecurity . He has published extensively on these topics, including journal articles in Journal of Information System Security , book chapters, and conference proceedings. His 2019 systematic literature review on Information Security Risk Management has become a foundational reference in the field. Over the past decade, Nunes has supervised multiple Master's theses on topics including: Cybersecurity Risk Management , Supplier Cybersecurity Risks , CISO Function , and Security Policy Implementation . His work bridges academic research with practical application, evidenced by practitioner presentations at events like the CISO 360 Congress and InfosecWeek . He contributes to academic infrastructure through involvement in ISEG's research labs , including the Data Lab , Futures Lab , and Policy Lab . His publications reveal consistent focus areas: Risk Quantification , Security Governance , Human-Centric Cybersecurity , COBIT Frameworks , and ITIL-based Process Optimization .
Mário Caldeira is a faculty member at ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management, University of Lisbon (ULisboa), where he teaches and conducts research in information systems, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. He also holds a professional role as Associate Partner at Deloitte Technology, Portugal, bridging academic insights with industry practice. Institution: University of Lisbon School: Lisbon School of Economics and Management Professional Affiliation: Deloitte Technology, Portugal His research focuses on the strategic use of information systems in organizations, with recent emphasis on quantum technologies and their implications for cybersecurity. Key areas include post-quantum cryptography, big data analytics, digital transformation, and enterprise IT governance. His work often employs case study methodology across sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and public administration. His recent publications (2024) highlight the urgency of preparing for quantum-enabled cyber threats. These works analyze how quantum computing may break classical encryption and advocate for organizational readiness through post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution. Earlier research explores benefits realization from IT implementations, CRM adoption, and robotic process automation, showing a consistent focus on deriving business value from technology investments. He has supervised over a dozen Master’s and PhD students on topics including RPA in banking, ERP systems, big data in healthcare, and quantum technology impacts. His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Digital Transformation and Sustainability, Management Information Systems, Enterprise Analytics, and Research & Development Seminars at both undergraduate and graduate levels. João Nuno Esteves Pina – Framework for ISO/IEC 27001 implementation Maria Paula Bastos da Silva Batista – Dual-use IP and export controls Flávio Alexandre Costa Romão – Big data business benefits Ana Isabel Manuel Duarte – Socioeconomic impact of quantum tech in Portugal His scientific contributions span journals such as the Journal of Information System Security , European Journal of Management Studies , and Industrial Management and Data Systems . Conferences include MCIS and UKAIS. His work reflects a strong applied orientation, combining theoretical rigor with practical relevance in technology management and information security.
Jawad Ahmad is a Lecturer in the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University . His work is closely associated with the Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyberphysical Systems and the Centre for Distributed Computing, Networking and Security , where he contributes to cutting-edge research in secure and intelligent systems. His research interests are centered on cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. He focuses on developing advanced intrusion detection systems, privacy-preserving frameworks using federated learning and homomorphic encryption, and secure data transmission mechanisms leveraging chaos-based and quantum-inspired encryption. His interdisciplinary work extends to healthcare, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring, demonstrating the broad applicability of his research. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward AI-driven security solutions, particularly using deep learning models like transformers and attention mechanisms for network intrusion detection. He also explores the integration of machine learning with blockchain and distributed ledgers for trusted threat intelligence sharing. His work consistently emphasizes real-world deployment, performance optimization, and resilience against cyber threats in industrial and healthcare settings. Funded Research Projects: Data Sharing in Highly Secure Environments (Innovate UK, £273,181) PhD Studentship on Homomorphic Encryption (6G Health Institute GmbH, £35,082) TrustShare: Privacy-Preserving Threat Intelligence Sharing (Innovate UK, £31,386) Cyber Hunt: Automated Cyberthreat Hunting (Norway Research Council, £37,500) AI Dashboard for COVID-19 Sentiment Analysis (Chief Scientists Office, £135,104) Dr Ahmad actively supervises postgraduate research, currently serving as Director of Studies for Hisham Ali and as second supervisor for other PhD candidates. He is involved in multiple collaborative research teams focusing on cybersecurity, AI, and IoT, often working with Prof Bill Buchanan and other leading researchers in the field. His research is published in high-impact journals such as IEEE Access , Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience , and Sensors , and presented at international conferences.
Anne Collard is a Researcher at the Institute for Research in Didactics and Education within the Faculty of Education and Training Sciences at the University of Namur (UNamur) . Her work focuses on digital media literacy, academic literacies, and critical education in artificial intelligence and robotics. Education : Degree and aggregation in Romance Philology (FUNDP and UCL), Special Bachelor of Theology (UCL), Diploma in Bookselling (UCL), Coaching Certification (BAO) Collard’s research explores the integration of digital tools in education, including formative assessment systems using ICT, media literacy for global citizenship, and critical approaches to recommendation algorithms. She is involved in projects like PUNCH 3.0 and LITME@WORK , emphasizing collaborative and distance work competencies. Her recent publications address topics such as AI education through role-playing games, conceptual metaphors in robotics, and the ethical implications of algorithmic datafication in media infrastructures. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary workshops and conferences on digital literacy.
Jun Yan is a Professor at the University of Wollongong's School of Computing and Information Technology within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. His roles include academic leadership and research supervision, with active involvement in committees like the Student Academic Experience Sub-Committee and Quality Assurance Review Group. Current research focuses on service-oriented computing, workflow technology, adaptive process management, and AI-driven systems. His work intersects with IoT, UAV systems, federated learning, and multi-agent reinforcement learning. Research interests span service-oriented software engineering, decentralized workflow management, and cybersecurity challenges in autonomous systems. Notable projects include an ARC-funded initiative on robust defenses against adversarial ML for UAV systems (2025–2027). He supervises Masters/PhD projects on topics like diffusion model-based MRI, graph prompt learning, and industrial defect detection. His publications from 2023–2025 emphasize scalable multi-agent systems, federated learning with non-IID data, and UAV applications in intelligent transportation. Key areas of contribution include trust models for e-commerce, privacy-preserving cloud computing, and fault-tolerant service architectures.
Jeffrey K. Hollingsworth is a Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Maryland and serves as Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the university. He holds appointments in CS, UMIACS (University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies), and ECE (Electrical and Computer Engineering). His research focuses on High Performance Computing (HPC), parallel programming environments, and system architecture. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison (1994) and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley. Hollingsworth leads the university’s IT infrastructure, overseeing critical services like networking, cybersecurity, and support for research and teaching. He has held leadership roles in professional organizations, including past chair of the ACM Special Interest Group on HPC (SIGARCH) and board positions with Internet2 and the Computing Research Association. His awards include IBM Faculty Partnership Awards (2016, 2001), an NSF CAREER Award (1997), and IEEE Senior Member status (2003). Key contributions include advancing HPC education through programs like the SC Student Cluster Competition and developing tools for performance analysis (e.g., PIPER, Chapel profilers). He has authored over 150 papers and has been cited for innovations in auto-tuning, parallel algorithms, and system optimization.
Professor Sue Black is a Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist at Durham University's Department of Computer Science. She is renowned for leading the successful social media campaign to save Bletchley Park, a pivotal site in computing history, and for founding BCSWomen, the UK's first online network for women in tech. Holding an OBE for services to technology, she advises the UK government and sits on Comic Relief's board. Her research focuses on software engineering, AI ethics, digital inclusion, and equity in tech. She has pioneered tech training programs for underrepresented groups through initiatives like TechUP. A public speaker and author, her book Saving Bletchley Park chronicles her campaign's impact. She balances academic rigor with grassroots activism, advocating for inclusive technology ecosystems globally. Education: BSc(Hons) Computing Studies (London South Bank University, 1993), PhD in Software Engineering (2001). Single mother of three by 25, she pursued education while overcoming significant personal challenges. Awards: OBE (2016), Forbes Top 50 Women in Tech, International Social Impact Award (2017). Grants & Impact: Leads digital skills programs reaching thousands in underserved communities. Advises on national digital strategies and chairs panels on AI ethics. Her work bridges academia, industry, and social justice.
Prof. Markus Nüttgens is a Professor at the University of Hamburg Business School's Department of Information Systems. His research focuses on digital transformation, business process management, sustainability management, and blockchain applications in Industry 4.0. He leads projects like smartTCS and EMOTEC , developing platforms for customer integration in technical services and mobile assistance systems. Notable contributions include frameworks for data-driven sustainability management, semantic verification in process modeling, and standards like DIN SPEC 33451 for service catalogs. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing hybrid value chain strategies, mobile service support systems, and process audits. He has pioneered methodologies for service engineering and smart service ecosystems, with a particular focus on empowering technical customer services through IT innovations. Prof. Nüttgens has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in academic conferences, editing volumes on service modeling and process auditing. His research portfolio spans IT governance, cybersecurity awareness in enterprises, and the diffusion of Web 2.0 in healthcare and SME networks. He collaborates with industry partners to design productivity-enhancing solutions for hybrid service systems, ensuring alignment between technological advancements and organizational efficiency.
Yu Huang is a Researcher in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at Clemson University's College of Science. His work focuses on advancing computational methods in medical imaging, computer vision, and deep learning applications. His research includes developing multimodal models for ophthalmology, enhancing 3D graphics rendering, and improving biomedical image analysis through active learning frameworks. Notable projects involve generative models for retinal imaging and shadow removal techniques in computer vision. His research interests span computational ophthalmology, neural rendering, and AI-driven biomedical solutions. Recent efforts emphasize scalable diffusion models for high-resolution synthesis and robust medical image segmentation using test-time augmentation. Yu Huang's publications reflect a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science and healthcare. His work addresses challenges in both foundational AI methodologies and their practical applications in clinical settings.
Cory Allen Campbell is a Professor at Indiana State University's Scott College of Business, specializing in Accounting, Finance, and Risk Management. He holds a Ph.D. in Management with emphasis on Accounting Information Systems from Case Western Reserve University (2018), an MBA in Accountancy from Eastern Illinois University (2012), and a BS in Hospitality Management from the University of Illinois (1995). CPA (Indiana & Illinois) Charter Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) His research bridges accounting education with emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and data analytics, focusing on their impact on audit decision-making, system effectiveness, and higher education reform. Recent publications examine automation bias in blockchain auditing (2023), DeFi pedagogy (2022), and Big Data challenges in accounting education (2024). Selected for Master Teacher cohort (2021) and receiving the Scott College of Business Teaching Award (2024), Campbell's work has been funded through grants such as Indiana State University's Data Analytics grant (2019-2020) and EY Foundation's Conference Travel Award (2019). He actively contributes to the academic community as a member of the AI Taskforce (2024) and Beta Gamma Sigma (2018).
