Niels Henze is a Professor at the Chair of Media Informatics within the Faculty of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies at the University of Regensburg, where he has been serving since May 2018. His research centers on human-computer interaction, with a strong focus on predictive models in interactive systems, mobile interaction, augmented and virtual reality, and attention-aware computing. His research interests include: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Predictive modeling for runtime adaptation Mobile and wearable interaction Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Attention-aware and context-sensitive systems Sociocognitive aspects of interactive technologies The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on leveraging user behavior and contextual cues to build intelligent, adaptive interfaces. His work integrates machine learning with interaction design, emphasizing real-time model updates, implicit feedback, and cognitive load awareness to improve usability and user experience across mobile and immersive platforms. Scientific awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Niels Henze leads research in adaptive interactive systems and advises students in the field of media informatics. He has previously held a junior professorship at the University of Stuttgart and completed his doctorate at the University of Oldenburg under Susanne Boll. He is actively involved in advancing the theoretical and practical foundations of predictive and attention-aware computing. Grants and funding sources are not specified in the text. He is associated with the Institute for Information and Media, Language and Culture (I:IMSK) at the University of Regensburg, contributing to a multidisciplinary environment that bridges informatics with cultural and linguistic studies.
Prof. Dr. Birgit Eickelmann is a Professor of School Pedagogy at the Institute of Educational Science within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Paderborn University. She has held this position since October 2012, initially as a W2 professor until January 2014, and then as a W3 professor (full professor) from February 2014 onward. Her research focuses on school and lesson development in the digital age, school pedagogy under digital transformation conditions, empirical school research, teacher education, and school leadership with emphasis on digital learning leadership. Her educational background includes a habilitation in Educational Science in May 2012, a PhD in Educational Science with summa cum laude in July 2009, and state examinations for teaching Mathematics and Physics in December 1996 and January 1999. Prof. Eickelmann's research centers on the digital transformation of educational systems, particularly examining how schools develop digital competencies among students and teachers. Her work emphasizes equitable access to digital learning opportunities, the role of school leadership in digital transformation, and the development of computational thinking skills. She investigates how schools can become resilient in the face of digital challenges, with special attention to organizational factors that support successful digital integration. Her publication record reveals a strong focus on international comparative studies, particularly the IEA's ICILS (International Computer and Information Literacy Study) across multiple cycles (2013, 2018, 2023). Her research spans digital literacy assessment, school-level factors influencing digital competence development, and policy implications for educational systems undergoing digital transformation. Prof. Eickelmann leads several major research initiatives including the National Research Center for the IEA Study ICILS 2023 (2021-2026), the German coordination of the Horizon-2020 project 'DigiGen' (2019-2022), and previous leadership of ICILS 2018 (2015-2021) and ICILS 2013 (2012-2015). She is actively involved in policy advising regarding digital education in Germany. She is a member of numerous scholarly organizations including the World Educational Research Association (since 2021), the Society for Empirical Educational Research (since 2016), and the German Society for Educational Science (since 2014), among others. Her work bridges academic research with practical implementation in schools through projects like 'Navigator Bildung Digitalisierung' and 'schultransformNEXT'.
Prof. Tilo Hartmann is a Full Professor at the Department of Communication Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), affiliated with the Network Institute and Communication Choices, Content and Consequences (CCCC). He holds a PhD from Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (2005) and has held positions at institutions including the University of Southern California, University of Erfurt, and University of Zurich. His research focuses on immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), examining presence, media awareness, and their psychological impacts. He explores how immersive experiences affect beliefs, wellbeing, and social behaviors, with applications in education (e.g., reducing plastic waste via VR interventions). Key research areas include: presence theory, media psychology, effects of XR technologies, and entertainment’s role in wellbeing. He co-founded the Immersive High Tech Group at VU's Network Institute and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable behavior and education. Prof. Hartmann has served on editorial boards of top journals (e.g., Journal of Communication) and professional roles such as secretary of ICA's Game Studies Interest Group. His teaching spans over 12 courses across universities globally, emphasizing curriculum development and student supervision. He holds advanced teaching qualifications (SKO).
Dr. Emilio Ferrara is a Professor of Computer Science & Communication at the University of Southern California, holding appointments in the Viterbi School of Engineering, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Keck School of Medicine. He serves as Associate Director of Applied Data Science at USC, Research Team Leader at the USC Information Sciences Institute, and Principal Investigator at the USC/ISI Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MINDS) group. His educational background includes a PhD in Machine Learning and BSc & MSc in Computer Science. Ferrara's research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and computational social science, specifically using AI to model and predict human behavior in techno-social systems. His work spans social networks, machine learning, and network science with applications to understanding communication dynamics in digital environments. Ferrara has published over 150 articles in prestigious venues including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Communications of the ACM, and Physical Review Letters. His research has been widely featured in major news outlets and examines topics ranging from social media manipulation to AI ethics and online behavior. His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: 2019 Viterbi Scientific Award 2018 DARPA Director's Fellowship 2016 DARPA Young Faculty Award 2016 Complex Systems Society Junior Scientific Award 2015 IBM Watson Big Data Influencer Ferrara's research is supported by major funding agencies including DARPA, IARPA, Air Force, and Office of Naval Research. He leads the HUMANS LAB (Humans & Machines + Networks & Social Systems) which has trained numerous PhD students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His work on social bots, election integrity, and AI ethics continues to shape understanding of digital social dynamics.
Anil Madhavapeddy serves as Professor of Planetary Computing at the University of Cambridge's Department of Computer Science and Technology and directs the Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C). A Fellow of Pembroke College, he integrates systems research with environmental conservation through the Computer Laboratory's Environment and Energy Group. His career spans industry leadership (NetApp, Citrix, Intel), academic appointments (Cambridge, Imperial, UCLA), and entrepreneurial ventures (XenSource, Unikernel Systems, Docker). Madhavapeddy earned his PhD at Cambridge's Computer Laboratory in 2006. His research bridges computational systems and planetary-scale environmental challenges, with deep expertise in open-source development (OCaml, Xen, Docker, OpenBSD) and technology strategy advising for organizations including Zededa, Tezos Foundation, and Tarides. His work centers on environmental computing and climate informatics, leveraging distributed systems and functional programming to develop sensing infrastructure for conservation. Recent projects focus on carbon credit systems, AI-driven biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable computing architectures that minimize ecological footprints while maximizing analytical capability. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals a concentrated effort on AI-integrated conservation tools, privacy-preserving carbon accounting, and energy-efficient computing. Key themes include spatial networking for ecological data, LLM-enhanced evidence retrieval in conservation science, and novel metrics for extinction risk assessment—demonstrating computational innovation applied to urgent planetary boundaries. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. Madhavapeddy advises multiple technology firms on strategic development while leading the Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits, though specific grant funding details remain unreported. He actively contributes to the Environment and Energy Group at Cambridge's Computer Laboratory and directs the interdisciplinary Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C). His open-source leadership spans critical infrastructure projects including OCaml, Xen, and Docker, fostering collaborative development communities that underpin modern cloud and container technologies.
Mizuko (Mimi) Ito is a cultural anthropologist and learning scientist at the University of California, Irvine, serving as Director of the Connected Learning Lab and holder of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Chair in Digital Media and Learning. She previously held research appointments at Keio University and the University of Southern California. Ito earned dual PhDs in Education and Anthropology from Stanford University and a BA in East Asian Studies from Harvard University. Education: PhD in Education, Stanford University PhD in Anthropology, Stanford University Bachelor's Degree in East Asian Studies, Harvard University Research Interests: Ito's work focuses on leveraging youth interests and digital media to foster equitable, socially connected learning. Her research spans mobile media culture in Japan, youth social media engagement in the US, and global adoption of children's media. She developed the connected learning framework, emphasizing youth-centered, equity-oriented approaches to education in the digital age. Grants & Partnerships: Ito has secured funding from major organizations including the MacArthur Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, National Science Foundation, and Microsoft Research. She co-founded the Connected Learning Alliance to advance research and impact in technology and learning. Awards: Recipient of the Jan Hawkins Award for Early Career Contributions (AERA) Labs & Initiatives: Directs the Connected Learning Lab at UC Irvine, which explores opportunities and risks of digital media in education. The Lab collaborates with global networks to design inclusive learning ecosystems.
Aura Istrate is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Urban Planning & Sustainable Urbanism at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy at University College Dublin (UCD). With an international background spanning multiple continents, she conducts interdisciplinary research on sustainable urban development, focusing on active mobility, nature-based solutions, and climate-neutral cities. She teaches GIS and urban planning modules while coordinating several significant research projects across European and Asian contexts. University College Dublin, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy Primary Coordinator of C-NEWTRAL (Horizon MSCA-DN 2024-2028) Co-Leader of REALLOCATE (Horizon Europe project 2023-2027) Principal Investigator for BIODIVERSA+ projects (NatureScape and NBS4AQUAMISSION) Educated at the University of Architecture and Urban Planning 'Ion Mincu' in Bucharest (BA and MA) and the University of Liverpool (PhD), Dr. Istrate further enhanced her teaching credentials with a Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning from UCD. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in architectural and urban planning principles combined with specialized expertise in sustainable urbanism. Dr. Istrate's research focuses on smart and sustainable urbanism, particularly examining active mobility, livable streets, green public spaces, and nature-based solutions in urban planning. Her work employs participatory, geospatial, and mixed methods to inform smart communities and the transition to climate-neutral cities. She has practical international experience in urban design and planning, with ongoing collaborations spanning European and Asian countries, currently teaching and researching across cultures in UCD and UCD's International Colleges (CDIC). Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on street vitality, urban heat adaptation, and nature-based solutions. The research demonstrates methodological diversity combining quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative community engagement approaches. Her work spans multiple geographic contexts, with particular expertise in Chinese urban environments and European cities, showing how urban planning concepts need to be contextualized for different cultural settings. The articles consistently address climate adaptation challenges through innovative approaches like urban nature games and fine-grained street classification systems. Dr. Istrate serves as a PhD thesis supervisor and is actively involved in major research initiatives including C-NEWTRAL (as Primary Coordinator), REALLOCATE (as Co-Leader), and BIODIVERSA+ projects (as PI for NatureScape and NBS4AQUAMISSION). Her grant portfolio includes Horizon Europe projects and other significant funding that supports interdisciplinary research on climate-neutral urban development. She has coordinated multiple teaching modules including Planning Design & Development, GIS & Planning, Intro to Spatial Planning, and Local Planning Studio. She leads international research collaborations and maintains active partnerships across various European and Asian countries. Her work bridges academic research with practical urban planning applications, particularly through her focus on research-by-design approaches and participatory methods that engage communities in the planning process. She has served as a lecturer, tutor, or teaching assistant across departments of Architecture, Planning, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, and Human Geography in Ireland, the UK, Czechia, Sweden, China, and Romania since 2010.
Prof. Dr. Michael Gröschel is a Professor of Business Informatics at the Faculty of Computer Science, Mannheim University of Technology. His expertise spans Business Process Management (BPMN, Process Mining), Digital Transformation, and innovative Business Models. He teaches courses on BPM, project management, and e-business, often collaborating with industry clients through student projects. As a consultant, he specializes in BPMN training and IT-driven business strategy. His work emphasizes practical applications of IT tools like RPA and low-code platforms. Recent publications focus on RPA bot performance evaluation, AI in automotive trade, and business model-IT alignment. Prof. Gröschel’s research bridges academic insights with real-world challenges, particularly in leveraging technology for business innovation. He has authored books and articles on business intelligence tools, mobile business strategies, and digital customer care. His consulting services include executive coaching for academic career advancement and enterprise IT management best practices. Office: Building A, Room 007c | Phone: +49 621 292-6764 | Professional website available for further engagement opportunities.
Christian Poellabauer is a Professor at Florida International University (FIU) in the Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, serving as Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Engineering & Computing. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (2004) and a Diplom-Ingenieur from TU Vienna (1998). His research focuses on mobile sensing, data analytics, and healthcare technologies, leading the MOSAIC Lab which develops solutions for healthcare, IoT, and smart cities. He previously led the Mobile Computing Lab at the University of Notre Dame and held leadership roles in data science institutes. Research Interests: His work spans digital biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, speech analysis for mental health, wearable device authentication, and wireless sensor networks. The MOSAIC Lab addresses challenges like real-time sensor data analysis on constrained devices and translating insights into clinical applications. Teaching: He has taught courses on Operating Systems, Mobile Computing, and Smart Health at both FIU and Notre Dame. Recent courses include COP4610 (Operating Systems Principles) and COP5614 (Graduate Operating Systems) at FIU. Service: He serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, and has organized conferences like ICNC 2023 and IEEE MASS 2021. His academic service includes roles on editorial boards and technical program committees for major conferences in distributed computing and networking. Advising & Labs: Advises current Ph.D. students in areas like multi-modal sensing for affective computing and mental health crowdsensing. Past students have pursued roles in academia and industry (e.g., Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Facebook, Microsoft). The MOSAIC Lab collaborates on projects like digital clinical outcome assessments and motor impairment detection.
Professor Anil Seth is a leading cognitive and computational neuroscientist at the University of Sussex, where he holds a professorship in the School of Engineering and Informatics. He is Director of the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science and Co-Director of the CIFAR Program on Brain, Mind, and Consciousness and the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme. His research bridges neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and AI to investigate the biological basis of consciousness and selfhood. His research interests include: Predictive processing approaches to perception Virtual and augmented reality in self-experience studies Mathematical modeling of perception and emergence Machine learning applications in subjective perception modeling Interoception and selfhood Neural mechanisms of conscious experience The recent publications reflect a strong focus on consciousness, neural dynamics, predictive models, and interdisciplinary approaches. Trends include the use of computational modeling, neurophenomenology, causal analysis, and the ethical implications of emerging neurotechnologies. His work increasingly integrates large language models and data-driven methods for analyzing subjective experience. His scientific awards include: Segerfalk Award Perspectives Award Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science, 2019–2022) Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize (2023) Seth has secured substantial research funding from the European Research Council (ERC), EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, CIFAR, and the Sackler Foundation. He has supervised numerous research projects and doctoral students through interdisciplinary programs. He leads the Dreamachine project and has been an Engagement Fellow with the Wellcome Trust. He serves on editorial boards including Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B and is Editor-in-Chief of Neuroscience of Consciousness . He leads a multidisciplinary research group at the Sackler Centre, bringing together psychologists, mathematicians, neuroscientists, computer scientists, and philosophers. His team conducts innovative research using virtual reality, neuroimaging, and computational modeling to explore the nature of consciousness and self.
Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy is a leading figure in marketing and service science at The University of Queensland's Business School. She serves as Program Lead for Innovation Pathways (FaBA) and co-founded the Service Innovation Alliance (SIA) research hub, focusing on customer experience, AI, digital transformation, and sustainability. With Fellow status in the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy, she holds international recognition including Research.com's World's Best Business Scientists ranking and the Christopher Lovelock Career Contributions to the Services Discipline Award (2025). University of Queensland Business School Honorary Visiting Professor, Cambridge Service Alliance Research Collaborator, University of Cambridge Her research spans customer experience management, service ecosystems, digital transformation, and healthcare services. She has pioneered frameworks for customer value co-creation and service recovery strategies, integrating AI and behavioral science. Her 2019 paper on customer experience insights was implemented by a major B2B organization, while her work on value co-creation improved outcomes at Lutheran Community Care. Recent publications focus on AI impacts in food and beverage services, sustainable service ecosystems, and digital health interventions. She has secured over $89 million in competitive grants, including multiple ARC Linkage and Discovery Projects, and leads cross-disciplinary teams with institutions like Cambridge University and Arizona State University. 2024 - ARC College of Experts appointment 2023 - Bo Edvardsson Industry Impact in Services Award 2022 - Elected Fellow of Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia 2021 - Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher 2018 - Ranked most influential marketing academic in Australia With over 220 publications and a Google Scholar H-index of 62, she has mentored 15 PhD students and examined theses at multiple universities. Her teaching spans 30+ years across undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programs in Australia, USA, Italy, China, and Korea, with awards for blended learning and corporate education.
Marcos Cruz is Professor of Innovative Environments at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), where he leads research in bio-integrated design. He runs Bio-ID with Dr. Brenda Parker, a multidisciplinary research platform investigating design driven by biotechnology, computation, materials, and fabrication. Previously, he served as Director of The Bartlett from 2010-2014 and founded the BiotA Lab (2014-2018). His academic career spans multiple institutions including University College London (where he ran MArch Unit 20 for 19 years), University of Westminster (2008-2010), UCLA (2010), and IAAC (2014-present). Professor Cruz holds a Licenciatura from ESAP Porto, a Masters with distinction from UCL, and a PhD from UCL (2007), sponsored by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. His doctoral research on 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' earned him the RIBA President's Research Award in 2008. He is a registered architect with both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Portuguese Architecture Chamber. His primary research area is Bio-Integrated Design, which explores how biotechnology and computation can reshape our built environment in response to climate change. This work goes beyond using nature as inspiration; instead, it treats nature as the medium for a multi-layered design approach. His key research project, Poikilohydric Living Walls, investigates integrating growth systems directly on building facades using algae and mosses that can switch photosynthetic activity on and off without additional maintenance. Another significant research area is The Body in Architecture, which examines the relationship between human flesh and architectural flesh, proposing a 'thick embodied flesh' that creates truly inhabitable architectural interfaces. His recent publications demonstrate a strong progression toward integrating living systems directly into building materials and facades. The research spans from microbial to tectonic scales, with increasing focus on biomaterials, robotic fabrication, and sustainable design approaches that actively participate in urban ecosystems rather than merely responding to them. RIBA President's Research Award (2008) for 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' Multiple Best Unit awards at Bartlett Summer Show (awarded by Thom Mayne, Paul Finch, Richard Rogers, Claude Parent, and Ross Lovegrove) Work part of permanent collection at FRAC Orleans Exhibitions at Venice and São Paulo Biennales Professor Cruz has supervised numerous PhD students through UCL's Research-by-Design programme and currently directs the MArch/MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. His research has been supported by EPSRC and involves industrial partners including Laing O'Rourke, Pennine Stone Limited, and Amorim, with academic partners at UCL Biochemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, and IST Tomar. He co-founded MAM-ARCH London (formerly marcosandmarjan) in 2000, whose work has built buildings and pavilions, won international competitions including the Kunsthaus Graz, and been exhibited globally. His practice represents a significant bridge between architectural design and biological systems, positioning him at the forefront of bio-integrated architectural research.
Professor Richard Powell is a Cultural, Political, and Historical Geographer with expertise in the Polar Regions. He is currently the Professor of Arctic Studies and Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge, while also serving as a Fellow of Fitzwilliam College. His career spans roles at the University of Oxford and the University of Liverpool, with a focus on the Arctic and its geopolitical, cultural, and environmental complexities. BA Geography, St. John's College, University of Oxford (Double First Class Honours) MA Geography, University of British Columbia (Distinction) PhD Geography, Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge PG Cert. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Liverpool Richard's research explores historical and cultural geographies, the geopolitics of the Arctic, geographies of science, and the interplay between environment and politics in the Circumpolar Region. His ERC-funded project ARCTIC CULT investigates colonial representations in Arctic studies, while prior work includes ethnographic studies of Arctic scientific practices and the political implications of resource extraction. He has authored a monograph, Studying Arctic Fields , and edited volumes on polar geopolitics. His recent publications emphasize the intersection of Arctic governance, colonial histories, and environmental science. Notable awards include the ERC Consolidator Grant and the Gill Memorial Award , alongside teaching accolades like the Teaching Excellence Award at the University of Oxford. He has supervised over 30 postgraduate students and leads interdisciplinary teams in projects funded by the Leverhulme Trust, AHRC, and ESRC. ERC Consolidator Grant (2016) Gill Memorial Award (2013) Teaching Excellence Award (2012) Environment and Planning A Ashby Prize (2007) RGS-IBG Area Prize (2002) H.O. Beckit Memorial Prize (1998) Gibbs Book Prize (1998) Richard collaborates with institutions like the Royal Society, Royal Geographical Society, and National Museum of Denmark, and has hosted seminars and workshops on Arctic geopolitics. He is a member of the UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnership Steering Committee and contributes to policy discussions on polar governance.
Dr. Zara Ersozlu is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education within the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia. With a distinguished international career spanning multiple continents, she has held academic positions at prestigious institutions including North Carolina State University (USA), Gazi and Gaziosmanpasa Universities (Turkey), National Taiwan Normal University (Taiwan), The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and Deakin University. Her academic journey includes tenured positions as an Associate Professor and leadership roles as Department Head and Chair in teacher education disciplines. Currently, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mathematics education, including Effective Pedagogies in Primary Mathematics, K-6 Mathematics, K-6 Numeracy, and Digitally Supported Learning. Dr. Ersozlu earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Firat University in Turkey and her Master of Art from Sakarya University. Her extensive academic preparation is complemented by five years of practical teaching experience in public schools prior to entering academia. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience informs her approach to teacher education and educational research. At the broadest level, Dr. Ersozlu's research investigates solutions to real-life problems impacting people's well-being, success, and capacity to achieve. Her scholarly work spans primary and secondary mathematics education, the psychology of mathematics (including metacognition, self-regulation, and anxiety), cross-cultural educational studies, teacher education, virtual simulated learning environments, and educational assessment. She has increasingly focused on the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in education, exploring how these technologies alter teaching, learning, and research processes. Her methodological expertise encompasses both quantitative and qualitative approaches, allowing her to effectively analyze both small and large educational datasets. Analysis of Dr. Ersozlu's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mathematics anxiety, teacher education, and the integration of technology in learning environments. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on practical applications of educational research to address real-world challenges in mathematics education. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects educational psychology, technology integration, and cross-cultural perspectives, with particular attention to how these elements intersect in teacher preparation and student learning outcomes. 2023 ATEA Research Recognition Award from the Australian Teacher Education Association 2021 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE, UK) 2010 Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Researchers from the Council of Higher Education of Turkey Dr. Ersozlu is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars, currently supervising four PhD students and having successfully guided ten students to completion. Her grant portfolio includes significant funding for projects such as Best Practice Guidelines for RPL in Initial Teacher Education Programs ($60,000), Exploring the Reciprocal Relationship Between Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematical Resilience ($2,599), and multiple conference travel awards. She serves as an Associate Editor for several prominent journals including the International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education and as Editor for Interdisciplinary STEM Education. Her editorial work reflects her standing as a respected voice in mathematics education research. Dr. Ersozlu's academic leadership extends to her role in developing innovative teaching approaches that integrate virtual simulation technology and learning analytics. Her work with TeachLivE™, a mixed-reality classroom simulation platform, demonstrates her commitment to creating authentic learning experiences for teacher education students. Through these initiatives, she bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom practice, preparing future educators to effectively implement evidence-based teaching strategies in diverse learning environments.
Sarah Harper is the Clore Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford and Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. She was appointed a CBE in 2018 for services to Demography and serves as Chair of HelpAge International. Professor Harper has held numerous influential positions including serving on the Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology and as Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Her educational background includes an MA from Cambridge and a DPhil from Oxford. Prior to her academic career, she trained with the BBC as a News and Current Affairs Reporter and Producer. She subsequently held academic positions at the University of London and the University of Chicago before returning to Oxford to found the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. Professor Harper's research focuses on demographic change, particularly the implications of falling fertility and increasing life expectancy. Her work examines life course factors in healthy ageing, social and economic drivers of health and well-being, with emphasis on life transitions. She has conducted significant research on eldercare in China, fertility patterns in sub-Saharan Africa (revealing that ideal family size remains high despite girls' education), and demographic changes in Vietnam and Myanmar affecting agricultural production and food security. Her publication record demonstrates consistent focus on global demographic trends, with recent work increasingly addressing the intersection of population change with environmental challenges. She has authored influential books including 'How Population Change Will Transform Our World' (Oxford University Press, 2016) and is working on a new book for Cambridge University Press on Population and Environmental Change. Scientific Awards and Honors CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2018 for services to Demography Royal Society for Public Health: Arts and Health Research Award (2011) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences Fellow of the Royal Anthropology Institute Professor Harper has supervised numerous PhD students across diverse topics from biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia to intergenerational solidarity in Turkey. Her advisory work extends globally, having served on the Scientific Advisory Board of Natural England, the Royal Society's Working Group on Population and Environment, and as an advisor to governments including the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, and the European Commission. She has received research funding from organizations including the US National Institutes of Health, which supported the founding of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. As Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, Professor Harper leads a multidisciplinary team examining demographic trends and their societal implications. The Institute serves as a hub for international collaboration on ageing research, working with organizations including Population Europe and the International Association of Research Universities. She also serves as founding editor of the Journal of Population Ageing and editor of the Handbook of Ageing and Public Policy.
