Mascha C. van der Voort is a Full Professor at the University of Twente's Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Human Centered Design. Her work focuses on transdisciplinary design methodologies, inclusive technology, and sustainability. She has contributed over 180 research outputs since 1996, with notable contributions to empathy-driven design for neurodiverse populations and climate-resilient infrastructure solutions. Expertise includes: Design Theory, User-Centered Design, Automation in Design, and Sustainability. Recipient of the Best Paper Award at the 10th International Conference on Design, User Experience and Usability (2021). Active in academic governance, serving as Chair of the Faculty of Engineering Technology Board since 2021. Her research integrates transdisciplinary collaboration, with recent work exploring futures studies and co-speculation methodologies. She has supervised 18 graduate students and contributed to datasets addressing river research communication and autistic lifeworld-informed technology design.
Jacky Bourgeois is an Assistant Professor of Data-Centric Design at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE), leading the Data-Centric Delft Design Lab. His work bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Data Science, and Participatory Design, focusing on methods like data donation to empower collaborative data exploration. He holds a computer science background, previously researching ubiquitous technologies for domestic energy practices of 'energy farmers' (solar households). Key projects include the PROMISE study on patient-led oncological care and the Data Donation initiative promoting ethical data practices. Education: Background in Computer Science; academic focus on sustainable design engineering and IoT. Teaching includes courses like 'Data-Centric Design for...' (2024) and 'Digital Product Development' (2023). Research Interests: Data as subjective inquiry material, data intimacy, data commons, and human-data interaction in home contexts. Notable contributions include PAIRcolator for collaborative data reflection and Tangi for 360° video insights. Awards include Best Paper at CHI 2025 and DIS '24 Best Paper. Grants & Collaborations: NWO-funded research on hospital sounds (2024), IoT Rapid Proto Labs for industry-academia partnerships, and ancillary role as a scientific employee at The Open University (2025–2027). Labs & Teams: Director of the Data-Centric Delft Design Lab; collaborates with the HCI Data & Design SIG. Current projects address ethical frameworks for data donation and patient-centered healthcare systems.
Anna Grigolon is an Assistant Professor at the University of Twente , Netherlands, affiliated with the Transport Engineering and Management Research Group . Her research focuses on sustainable urban mobility , user-centric transport solutions , and travel behavior analysis using tools like discrete choice modeling , spatial analysis , and social psychology theories . Research Interests : Sustainable Urban Mobility Accessibility Modeling Travel Behavior Discrete Choice and Latent Class Modeling Spatial Analysis and GIS Shared Micromobility and Mobility Hubs Equity in Transport Planning Article Trends : Anna’s recent work (2025–2024) emphasizes mobility justice , 15-minute city transitions, and equity in transport access , particularly for marginalized communities like São Paulo favelas. She integrates digital tools (e.g., serious games, kiosks) and space-time metrics to evaluate mobility solutions. Projects : She currently leads the SmartHubs project and contributes to DREAMS and R-map , focusing on smart, equitable mobility systems in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Oscar Tomico Plasencia is an Associate Professor at the Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), specializing in Design Research Methodologies for Posthuman Sustainability. His research challenges anthropocentric design paradigms by positioning designers within complex ecological systems and exploring collaborations with non-human actors like plants. Education: MSc in Industrial Engineering and PhD cum laude from Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Spain). Prior Roles: Assistant Professor at TU/e (2007–2023), Head of Industrial Design Bachelor’s program at ELISAVA (Spain), Co-director of Design for Emerging Futures Master Program, and Co-editor-in-chief of Temes de Disseny Journal . His research focuses on decentering human agency in design through First-person methodologies for ecological engagement Design practices for multi-species cohabitation Regenerative socio-ecological-technical systems Critical fabulation with non-human stakeholders Temporal analysis of design events Recent publications analyze plant studios as dynamic constituencies (2025), backyard practices for urban sustainability (2025), and nature-entangled methodological repositories (2024). His work emphasizes transparency in experimental design processes and ecological accountability. Scientific Awards & Funding: NSERC Discovery Grant #RGPIN-2023-04600 SSHRC Insight Grant #435-2024-0783 Collaborative projects involve institutions across Spain, Japan, Sweden, and New Zealand. He leads the Making With… research group at TU/e and contributes to the EAISI (Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute).
Dr. Julia Kamenz is an Assistant Professor (Rosalind Franklin fellow) at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where she leads research in the Molecular Systems Biology group within the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB). Her work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell cycle progression and cell division. Dr. Kamenz received her undergraduate training in Biochemistry at the University of Tuebingen, completed her PhD at the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society under Dr. Silke Hauf (defended February 2015 with highest honors), and conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University with Prof. James E. Ferrell. Her PhD work was supported by a Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds fellowship, and her postdoc was funded by a German Research Foundation (DFG) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her research expertise spans cell cycle regulation and dynamics, post-translational modifications, Xenopus laevis model systems, and live cell microscopy. Dr. Kamenz investigates how kinases and phosphatases intricately regulate cell proliferation and division, with particular interest in the molecular mechanisms that ensure faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis. Her recent work has revealed novel insights into mitotic checkpoint signaling, particularly in early embryonic development where these checkpoints appear to function differently than in somatic cells. Dr. Kamenz's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on the dynamics of cell cycle transitions, with recent papers appearing in high-impact journals including Nature, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, and The Journal of Cell Biology. Her research integrates experimental biochemistry, live-cell imaging, and computational modeling approaches to understand complex regulatory networks. ERC Starting Grant (November 2022) NWO Vidi Grant (July 2021) Mansour Postdoctoral Travel Award (2019) Dr. Kamenz has secured significant research funding including an ERC Starting Grant (€1.5 million) and an NWO XS grant (€50,000) for her project "What limits mitotic checkpoint signaling in the early embryo?" Her research contributes to understanding fundamental biological processes with implications for developmental biology and cancer research. She collaborates extensively within the University of Groningen and with international partners, particularly in the areas of cell cycle research and biophysical approaches to biological problems. Dr. Kamenz leads a research group focused on cell cycle regulation within the Molecular Systems Biology division of the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute. Her lab combines biochemical approaches using Xenopus egg extracts with live-cell imaging and computational modeling to dissect the molecular mechanisms controlling cell division.
Prof. Casper Hoogenraad is a full professor in Molecular Neuroscience at the Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University. His research focuses on understanding how intracellular protein trafficking underlies neuronal development and function, with particular emphasis on the microtubule cytoskeleton, synaptic cargo trafficking, and synaptic plasticity. He leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Cell Biology department and collaborates extensively with other neuroscience research groups. Education: PhD, Erasmus University Rotterdam (1996-2001) Postdoc, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002-2005) Hoogenraad's research spans three main themes: cytoskeleton dynamics during neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, motor proteins and adaptors as regulators of synaptic transport, and psychiatric and neurologic disease disorders linked to intracellular transport. His work combines genetics, biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology methods in in vitro (neuron cultures), ex vivo (brain slices), and in vivo (mice) systems, along with advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging, and photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM). Analysis of Hoogenraad's recent publications reveals a strong focus on microtubule organization, neuronal polarity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic function and dysfunction. His work frequently explores how disruptions in intracellular transport contribute to neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, with particular attention to the relationship between cytoskeletal organization and cargo transport in neuronal compartments. Scientific Awards and Memberships: ZonMW-VIDI (2004) European Young Investigators (EURYI) award (2005) NWO-ALW VICI (2011) ERC Consolidator grants (2013) FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (2014) European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2015) Young Academy of Europe (YAE) (2015) IBRO Kemali Prize (2016) Hoogenraad leads a research group studying neuronal development and function, with a particular focus on how intracellular transport mechanisms contribute to both normal brain function and neurological disorders. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience techniques to investigate the molecular basis of neuronal polarity, synaptic plasticity, and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. He has secured significant research funding through prestigious grants including ERC Consolidator grants. The Hoogenraad lab operates within the Cell Biology department at Utrecht University, collaborating with other research groups focusing on cellular dynamics, biophysics, and neurobiology. The lab utilizes advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging (spinning disc microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy), and quantitative analysis using advanced high-resolution microscopy (photo-activated localization microscopy). Current lab technicians include Phebe Wulf and Bart de Haan.
Nazli Cila is a researcher at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) at Delft University of Technology, specializing in Human-Centered Design and Human-Technology Relations. Her work lies at the intersection of design, artificial intelligence, and robotics, with a strong emphasis on ethical and human-centered approaches. Her research focuses on Human-AI collaboration , Responsible AI , and More-than-human design , exploring how intelligent systems can be designed to align with human values and lived experiences. She investigates design methods for AI and robotics, particularly in contexts such as mental health, smart homes, and agricultural automation. Nazli Cila’s recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrating ethical considerations and aesthetic experience into AI systems, especially in diagnostic tools and human-robot ecologies. Her work often employs speculative and participatory methods to uncover value conflicts and envision alternative futures for technology. Involved in research projects: AI DeMoS Lab, DCODE Network Teaches course: Research to/for/through… She actively contributes to the academic community through publications and interdisciplinary collaborations, advancing the field of human-centered design in the age of AI.
Dr. Stella Boess is a Researcher at the Department of Industrial Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology. She focuses on interdisciplinary research bridging social sciences and engineering, particularly in sustainable renovation, accessibility, and health technology. Her work emphasizes user-centered design in residential environments, addressing challenges such as heat pump adoption and inclusivity for visually impaired individuals. She teaches courses like Inclusive Design and Prototyping for Interaction , and has collaborated on projects including the HiPP initiative for optimized patient experiences and the NWO usability project. She appeared in media such as NPO's Programme Reference Man in 2022. Her research interests include human-technology relations, sustainable building practices, and co-creation methodologies. She explores how design interventions impact occupant behavior and satisfaction, advocating for holistic approaches to integrate technology with human practices. Recent projects also address mobility design improvements for automotive interiors and inclusive medical solutions for the Global South. Research Projects: HiPP: Optimizing orthopedic patient care pathways NWO design for usability project REIL project: Enhancing rehabilitation interactions AAL project MyGuardian: Supporting aging populations Stella’s publications from 2022 to 2025 reflect a trend toward analyzing socio-technical dynamics in sustainable housing and mobility systems. She highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration and participatory frameworks to ensure equitable outcomes. No scientific awards are listed, but her contributions to inclusive design and zero-energy renovation are notable.
Elvin Karana is a Professor of Materials Innovation and Design at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. His work bridges the gap between material science, design, and human-computer interaction with a focus on emerging materials and their experiential qualities. He leads the Materials Experience Lab, which investigates how materials communicate ideas and beliefs while enhancing functionality and user experience. Dr. Karana's research interests center on Materials Design, Emerging Materials, Material Driven Design, Bio-based Materials, and Materials Experience. His work explores how living materials can be incorporated into design practices, particularly focusing on microbial interactions, textile interfaces, and regenerative material ecologies. He investigates how materials can be designed to create serene experiences, facilitate multispecies interactions, and support sustainable practices in human-computer interaction. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward biodesign and living materials, with significant focus on microbial systems like cyanobacteria and flavobacteria. His work explores the design space of direct interactions with living organisms, examining how materials can be designed for performativity and how livingness can be understood as a material quality. The research spans textile interfaces, material ecologies, and regenerative design approaches that integrate living systems into everyday artefacts. Best Paper Honourable Mention (2023) Dr. Karana serves as a member of the Supervisory Board/Advisory Board at Avans University of Applied Sciences (CARADT) from May 2024 to December 2025. His research has been featured in various media outlets including TU Delft, Delta, Strawberry Earths, and architectmagazine, highlighting the societal impact of his work on living materials. His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaborations across design, biology, and engineering disciplines. He leads the Materials Experience Lab, which approaches materials as a medium that communicates ideas, beliefs, and approaches while compelling users to think, feel, and act in certain ways. The lab's work emphasizes the dual role of materials as both technical and experiential components in design, exploring how material qualities can be harnessed to create meaningful interactions and sustainable solutions.
Prof. Carlijn V.C. Bouten is Full Professor of Cell-Matrix Interactions in Cardiovascular Regeneration at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where she heads the Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology research group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. She leads a team of ~40 researchers focusing on cardiovascular tissue regeneration through interdisciplinary approaches. Her research investigates mechanobiological interactions between cells and extracellular environments during tissue growth/regeneration, using multi-scale living model systems. Key innovations include biodegradable heart valve prostheses, hybrid implantable organs, and remote cardiac tissue engineering concepts. She collaborates with material scientists, clinicians, and medtech companies. Education includes an MSc in Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1991) and PhD (TU/e, 1995), with postdoctoral training at Université Laval and University of London. Her 300+ publications focus on: Cardiovascular tissue engineering Cell-matrix mechanobiology In vitro tissue models Biodegradable implants Hybrid organ development Major scientific honors: ERC Advanced Grant (2022) VICI Grant (2003) Aspasia Career Development Award Coordinator of €18.8M Gravitation Programme Elected member of KNAW and AcademiaNet She leads multiple consortia including RegMed-XB's Cardiac Moonshot and international programs like FET-OPEN 'Hybrid Heart'. Heads TU/e's Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology lab developing advanced biomaterials and tissue models.
Elise van den Hoven holds dual academic appointments as Associate Professor in the Future Everyday cluster of the Industrial Design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Full Professor in the School of Software, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia. She maintains additional honorary positions as senior research fellow at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee and associate investigator with the Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders. Her educational background includes: MSc in Biology (1998) from Utrecht University, specializing in perception research MTD degree (now PDEng) in Human-Computer Interaction from Eindhoven University of Technology PhD in Human-Computer Interaction from Eindhoven University of Technology (2004) Dr. van den Hoven's research program centers on human-computer interaction, tangible interfaces, and memory support systems , with her internationally recognized Materialising Memories (MM) program serving as her flagship research initiative. She approaches Interaction Design as "a wonderful opportunity to first imagine and then create new interactive products, inspired by the needs and desires of people in their everyday lives." Her work uniquely bridges the gap between digital technology and human experience, particularly examining how physical and digital artifacts function as memory cues in everyday contexts. Analysis of her publication record reveals a clear research trajectory from foundational work on gesture interaction with physical artifacts toward increasingly sophisticated systems that support personal memory through hybrid digital-physical interfaces. Her scholarship consistently integrates perspectives from computer science, psychology, and design disciplines, creating a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to memory and interaction. Her notable scientific achievements include: Best long paper award (2016) NWO Vidi Award for "The design of improved recollections of personal memories" (2011-2018) Dr. van den Hoven has secured significant research funding through competitive mechanisms, most notably the VIDI fellowship that enabled the Materialising Memories program. Her research program involves substantial international collaboration between TU/e, UTS, and University of Dundee, reflecting her global research impact and network. She leads the Materialising Memories international research consortium, which brings together multidisciplinary expertise to investigate how design can support human remembering activities through tangible and interactive systems in real-world contexts.
Carlijn Bouten is Full Professor of Cell-Matrix Interactions in Cardiovascular Regeneration at Eindhoven University of Technology. She leads the Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology group, investigating cellular interactions with extracellular environments in tissue growth, adaptation, and regeneration. Her research develops biodegradable heart valve prostheses that enable in vivo tissue regeneration, applying tissue engineering approaches to cardiovascular medicine. Professor Bouten holds an MSc from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a PhD from TU/e. She completed postdoctoral research at Université Laval and University of London before joining TU/e's faculty. She directs the national Gravitation program 'Materials-Driven Regeneration' and received an ERC Advanced Grant for cardiac tissue organization research. Research Focus: Her interdisciplinary program spans: Mechanobiological cues in tissue regeneration Development of living heart valve replacements Advanced biomaterials for cardiovascular applications In vitro models for tissue development Soft robotic systems for cardiac assistance Recent publications demonstrate innovations in biohybrid devices, standardized biomaterial testing, and novel tissue patterning techniques. Her work integrates engineering, materials science, and clinical translation through collaborations with medtech spin-offs. Leadership and Recognition: Fellow of the European Alliance for Medical and Biological Engineering President-elect of the Heart Valve Society Member of AcademiaNet for Outstanding Female Scientists Recipient of NWO VICI grant and Aspasia award She leads multinational consortia in regenerative medicine and teaches courses on heart/blood physiology and regeneration. Her lab develops model systems spanning cellular to tissue levels to quantify mechanobiological processes.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uta Pottgiesser is a Professor of Heritage & Technology at the Department of Architectural Engineering + Technology, Delft University of Technology. Her research focuses on the technical aspects of architectural heritage, emphasizing sustainable reuse of historical buildings through innovative concepts and products. She holds a PhD from TU Dresden and has held leadership roles at institutions like the Detmold School of Architecture and the University of Antwerp. Her work bridges architecture, engineering, and interior design to enhance user well-being and environmental sustainability. Education: PhD in Architecture (2002), TU Dresden Architecture studies, TU Berlin Research Interests: Combining technical and cultural dimensions of architectural heritage, including facade construction, building conservation, energy efficiency, and adaptive reuse of modernist structures. She explores how digital technologies and bio-inspired solutions can address heritage risks and urban sustainability challenges. Professional Activities: Vice-Chair of DOCOMOMO Germany Chair of DOCOMOMO ISC/T (Technology) Editorial roles in journals (e.g., JFDE, JID) Organizer of international conferences and architectural competitions Recent Articles: Focus on occupant satisfaction in office spaces, digital tools for heritage risk management, and green infrastructure's health impacts. Her work often integrates interdisciplinary approaches to urban sustainability and cultural preservation.
Zoë Robaey is an Assistant Professor in Ethics of Technology at Wageningen University’s Philosophy Group. Her work focuses on moral responsibility in uncertain technological contexts, particularly in biotechnology and agriculture. She holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology (2017) and prior roles include postdoctoral research at Delft and work at the Rathenau Institute. She currently serves on the Management Team of the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology, is an Associate Editor at Science and Engineering Ethics , and actively advises on synthetic biology competitions like iGEM. Her research integrates conceptual ethics with empirical studies, addressing challenges like GMO ownership, inclusive biobased innovations, and biomimetic design. Awards include a VENI Grant (2019) and recognition in the 'Young Philosophers' program (2017). She engages widely in public debates on agriculture and technology through platforms like Pakhuis de Zwijger. Education: BA Biology (University of Ottawa, 2007), MA Science and Technology Studies (Maastricht University, 2008), MA Public Policy (Hertie School of Governance, 2011). Research interests span ethical governance of emerging technologies, responsible innovation frameworks, and the intersection of biotechnology with societal values. Recent work explores biomimetic ethics, climate change education, and safe-by-design approaches in synthetic biology. Grants include the VENI Grant (2019) supporting her work on virtues in innovation. She has advised the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and collaborates internationally on projects like the Inclusive Biobased Innovations initiative (2017–2019). Labs/Teams: Active in the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology, contributing to interdisciplinary ethics research networks. Teaches courses on ethics of food systems, synthetic biology, and molecular life sciences.
Bart J. Hengeveld is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Industrial Design department within the Faculty of Industrial Design. He leads the Future Everyday research cluster, focusing on the intersection of sound design and IoT systems. His work explores how embedded technologies can communicate through sound and tangible interaction in ways that enhance human experience. Education: BSc/MSc in Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology (2003) PhD in Industrial Design, TU/e (2011), with concurrent training in double bass at Codarts Conservatory Research Interests: Acoustic communication in IoT systems Tangible interaction design Social implications of ubiquitous computing Sound as a medium for human-technology interaction Recent Research Trends: Focus on multimodal interfaces combining sound/light/haptics Studies on sound design for healthcare and smart living environments Investigations into ethical and inclusive IoT soundscapes Awards: Two Teacher of the Year awards at TU/e, reflecting his commitment to pedagogical excellence. Advising & Projects: Supervised 113 student projects including interactive installations like 'Naktis' and 'Sonostapp' Leading the €1.5M 'Role of Sound in Hybrid Work Environments' project (2023–2026) Organized TEI 2016 conference and serves on its steering committee Teams/Labs: Core member of TU/e's Future Everyday cluster, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on embodied interaction research.