Prof. dr. Nico Van de Weghe is a full Professor of GIScience at the University of Ghent (UGent), affiliated with the CartoGIS research unit. His work bridges computer science, social science, and natural science through geospatial information studies, focusing on enabling machines to reason spatially (GeoAI). Since 2004, he has specialized in knowledge-based AI, particularly spatiotemporal reasoning and moving object analysis, with applications in animal behavior, criminology, healthcare, mobility, and sports. Van de Weghe's research emphasizes hybrid GeoAI systems combining knowledge-driven and data-driven approaches. Keywords include GeoAI, GIScience, Spatiotemporal Analysis, Moving Objects, and Data Mining. Recent publications highlight urban road network analysis, hybrid trajectory modeling, BIM semantic enrichment, and cycling safety studies using virtual reality.
Andrew Mondschein is Associate Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning at University of Virginia School of Architecture, serving as Associate Dean of Research. His work focuses on equitable transportation systems, sustainable accessibility, and impacts of emerging technologies on urban mobility. Education includes: PhD, University of California, Los Angeles MA Urban Planning, University of California, Los Angeles BA Architecture, Yale University Research examines how transportation technologies affect social equity and urban form, with emphasis on pedestrian wellbeing, autonomous vehicle adoption, parking policy, and community-centered planning. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on psychophysiological impacts of urban walking, cross-cultural mobility studies, and spatial analysis of transportation preferences. Articles show consistent themes: urban walkability (especially health impacts), autonomous vehicle integration, parking policy analysis using novel data sources, and community-centered planning approaches. Methodologically, employs mixed methods including biometric sensing, sentiment analysis of social media, geospatial modeling, and participatory design. No specific awards mentioned. Teaching covers transportation policy, land use, environmental impacts, and research methods with emphasis on ethical planning practices.
Ian Ewart is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading's School of the Built Environment, serving as Head of Construction and Engineering Management and Research Group Lead for Organisation, People and Technology. He chairs the Research Ethics Committee since 2016 and supervises undergraduate/postgraduate dissertations. His academic journey spans engineering and anthropology: DPhil Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2007-2012) MSc Material Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2006-2007) BA (Hons) Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Oxford, Harris Manchester College (2003-2006) Diploma in Management Studies, University of the West of England (1990-1994) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Staffordshire University (1983-1987) Ewart's research integrates ethnographic methods with digital technology studies, examining human-technology interactions in construction and domestic settings. His work bridges engineering practice and social anthropology, focusing on skill transmission, sustainable design, and multisensory experiences in virtual environments. Publications from 2025-2013 reveal a dominant trajectory in digital twins for socio-ecological sustainability, VR-based occupant behavior prediction, and HBIM for heritage conservation. The corpus demonstrates consistent cross-disciplinary innovation, merging archaeological reconstructions with healthcare applications while maintaining anthropological rigor. Key recognition: ESRC Future Research Leader fellowship (2013) for Designing Healthy Homes project He supervises PhD candidates like Afolabi Dania (Nigerian sustainable construction) and Joanna Hull (Heritage BIM), leveraging ESRC funding for ethnography-VR health studies. His grants emphasize participatory design and real-world impact assessment in built environments. Leaders the Organisation, People and Technology research group, developing multisensory Roman town reconstructions with sound/smell integration to advance archaeological and architectural experience modeling.
Masood Masoodian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Media at Aalto University, Finland. He leads the Visual Communication Design research group, focusing on interactive visualization for health, energy, and sustainability contexts. Previously, he held roles at the University of Waikato (2000-2016), University of Southern Denmark, and Massey University. Education: Doctoral degree in Other disciplines from the University of Waikato (1999) Research interests include design thinking, visualization of complex data, and creative aging interventions. Notable projects include the EU-funded INT-ACT initiative (2024-2026) addressing intangible cultural heritage. He has received an award for collaborative work on video game ludonarrative analysis (2019). Recent activities include organizing workshops on map-based interfaces, co-creating cultural heritage methods, and delivering public talks on digital design. Supervised two theses and contributed to 131 peer-reviewed outputs, emphasizing human-centered design and sustainability. Grants: Principal investigator for multiple EU projects totaling over 3 years of active funding. Awards: Prize for 'Comedy in the Ludonarrative of Video Games' (2019). Labs/Teams: Visual Communication Design group, collaborating internationally on projects like INT-ACT's cultural heritage mapping.
Denise Head is Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences and Associate Chair at Washington University in St. Louis, with an additional appointment as Associate Professor in Radiology. Her research integrates cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging to study cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease. PhD, University of Memphis MS, University of Memphis BS, University of New Orleans Her research focuses on age-related cognitive changes and their neural underpinnings. Key areas include spatial navigation deficits in aging, the role of lifestyle factors (exercise, sleep, stress) in brain aging, and interventions to support cognitive function in older adults. She uses virtual reality, mobile eye-tracking, and neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and DTI. The recent publications highlight a consistent trajectory in cognitive neuroscience and aging research, with emphasis on neuroimaging biomarkers, structural brain changes, and cognitive performance in normal and pathological aging. Her work bridges psychology, neurology, and radiology, contributing to early detection and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Head advises graduate students and leads a research lab focused on cognitive aging, though specific student names are not listed. Her lab investigates mediators of brain aging and develops methods to support spatial navigation in older adults. While specific grants are not mentioned, her ongoing research and recent publications suggest active external funding. She leads a research team in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, utilizing advanced neuroimaging and behavioral methods to study aging and dementia. The lab integrates real-world and virtual experimental designs to understand spatial cognition and brain health in older populations.
Beatrice Lerma is an Associate Professor at the Polytechnic University of Turin , affiliated with the Department of Architecture and Design and serving as Deputy Coordinator of the Doctoral School of Design and Technology: People, Environment, Systems . Research focuses on Innovative Materials , Sensory Design , and Design for Cultural Heritage Key skills in Environmental Engineering , Industrial Design , and Circular Economy Her recent work explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Material Innovation , particularly in sustainable polymer systems and transparent wood technology. She leads the BIOMAPS (2025-2028) and AI-TRANSPWOOD (2024-2026) projects. 2025: AI applications in biobased materials 2024: Cultural heritage signage solutions 2024: Circular material taxonomic frameworks Scientific recognitions include ADI Design Index Selection Award (2015) and Young & Design (2013). She supervises PhD candidates Noemi Emidi and Eva Vanessa Bruno , and serves on the OFFICINA Scientific Committee since 2014.
SangHyung Ahn is a Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering , University of Queensland (UQ), since 2017. He joined UQ as a postdoctoral research fellow in 2015 after earning his PhD in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management) from Purdue University, USA. Prior to his academic career, he worked as an assistant manager at Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. (2003-2007) and holds an MBA in international business from Hanyang University and a B.Sc in Civil Engineering from Korea University. Research Focus: Construction process modelling with virtual reality, decision support systems for construction, automation of data-driven simulation modelling, sensor-based operations analysis, and integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Teaching: Coordinates undergraduate courses Introduction to Project Management (CIVL3510) and Construction Engineering Management (CIVL4522) . Research Trends: His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary work in transportation engineering, structural design, and AI-driven simulation tools. Key themes include application of machine learning to car-following models, drone-based vehicle identification, and optimization of public transport systems using agent-based simulations. Supervision: Available for supervision, with completed supervision of PhD and Master’s theses on topics such as BIM-LCA integration, pedestrian trajectory analysis, and AI-driven driving behavior models.
Professor Darren Robinson holds the Chair in Architectural and Urban Sciences at the University of Sheffield 's School of Architecture and Landscape, where he serves as Director of Research. His work bridges social, building, and urban physics through multiscale modeling approaches. RCUK Innovation Fellowship (2018-2021, £268k) Leverhulme Research Programme Grant (2015-2020, £3.4M) EPSRC grant for Model-Predictive Control in buildings (2016-2019, £541k) His research focuses on statistical modeling of human behavior in buildings, urban energy simulation , and integrated assessment modeling for climate policy. Key contributions include stochastic occupant behavior models and urban metabolism frameworks. Notable awards include the Sustainability Science Best Paper Award (2020) , CIBSE Napier-Shaw Medal (2007), and Fellowships from FIBPSA and the Research Council of Norway. He leads the People, Environments and Performance and Multiscale Simulation research groups.
Sonit Bafna is an Associate Professor and Director of the Ph.D. Program in Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology's College of Design. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech (2002), an SMArchS from MIT (1993), and a professional degree in Architecture fromCEPT University (1990). His research bridges empirical studies on space-human interaction and critical architectural theory, focusing on morphology, behavior, perception, and aesthetics. Key research areas include home layout's impact on mental health (e.g., reduced depression risk in living-area-centered apartments), workplace design's role in employee wellbeing, and the relationship between spatial configuration and cognitive abilities. His work is funded by organizations like the General Services Administration and Kaiser Permanente. Bafna supervises doctoral research in morphology, design theory, and cognitive studies. Current projects include a book on imaginative reasoning in architecture and studies on hospital corridor design and film spatial analysis. His courses cover architectural theory, design analysis, and research methods. Notable contributions include interdisciplinary studies on space syntax, the therapeutic potential of domestic environments, and the visual functioning of buildings. His research emphasizes the socio-cultural dimensions of architecture and its imaginative potential beyond functionalism.
Prof. Liqiu Meng serves as Chair of Cartography and Visual Analytics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He specializes in advanced geospatial research, digital cartography, and human-technology collaboration frameworks. Current Faculty at TUM Chair of Cartography and Visual Analytics Research Focus: His work bridges cartographic theory with cutting-edge technology, covering topics like 3D urban modeling, AI ethics visualization, geovisual analytics, and spatiotemporal data interpretation. Urban Morphology Analysis AI Ethics Cartography Geovisual Analytics 3D City Data Integration Location-Based Service Design Publications: Recent works (2025-2024) demonstrate expertise in explainable AI for urban analysis, multi-agent systems for geospatial interaction, and advanced spatial modeling techniques. Contact: liqiu.meng@tum.de | contact.lfk@ed.tum.de
Justin Hollander is a Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning at Tufts University, affiliated with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. He earned a PhD from Rutgers University, an MRP from UMass Amherst, and a BA from Tufts. His research focuses on urban redevelopment, cognitive urbanism, and the intersection of technology with planning. Dr. Hollander has authored 11 books and over 70 journal articles, with grants from organizations like the U.S. Department of State and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Planning Education and Research and hosts the Cognitive Urbanism podcast. Research interests include cognitive responses to urban environments, biometric tools in design, and policy responses to urban shrinkage. Notable publications address military dimensions of urban planning, AI-driven public art analysis, and Mars colonization. Awards include the 2025 William R. and June Dale Prize. He teaches courses on urban studies, real estate development, and thesis guidance. Professional activities include conference presentations and media contributions to outlets like NPR and The New York Times. As director of the Urban Attitudes Lab, he explores biometric and digital tools for urban analysis. Ongoing work includes studies on climate hazards in Addis Ababa, bot-driven online planning discourse, and post-pandemic urban futures.
Kajsa Haag is an Assistant Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS), affiliated with the Centre for Family Entrepreneurship and Ownership (CeFEO). She holds a dual role as former Co-Director of CeFEO and collaborates with stakeholders to co-create knowledge with practical relevance for family businesses. Her research focuses on succession practices, strategic renewal, legal ownership frameworks, and the Swedish furniture industry, employing interpretative methodologies. Research & Projects: She leads a multidisciplinary research project funded by Jan Wallanders och Tom Hedelius Stiftelse and Tore Browaldhs Stiftelse, investigating ownership dynamics in private businesses. Her doctoral work, 'Rethinking Family Business Succession: From a Problem to Solve to an Ongoing Practice,' redefines succession as an evolving process within family enterprises. Teaching & Engagement: Teaches strategy, family business management, and thesis supervision across academic levels. Engages with practitioners through seminars, executive training for owner families, and advising on succession strategies. She collaborates with accountants, bankers, and family business councils to bridge academic and practical insights. Key Research Themes: Family Business Succession Mechanisms Legal and Regulatory Challenges Gender Dynamics in Family Enterprise Corporate Entrepreneurship in Family Contexts Historical Perspectives on Family Business Longevity
Professor Tim Jones is a Professor of Sustainable Urban Mobility at the School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University. His research focuses on how urban environments can be configured to support sustainable and healthy mobility, particularly walking, cycling, and electrically assisted mobility. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good health and wellbeing), 10 (Reduced inequalities), and 11 (Sustainable cities and communities). Dr. Jones' research interests center on sustainable urban mobility, with particular emphasis on walking, cycling, and electric micromobility. He investigates how urban environments can be designed to promote healthy, sustainable travel that minimizes environmental impact while improving health and wellbeing and providing equal access to opportunities. His work employs novel mixed-method approaches to understand the physical, social, and cultural factors that influence everyday travel decisions. His research spans contexts from the UK to Brazil, examining issues like mobility justice, 15-minute cities, and low traffic neighborhoods. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on the health impacts of active travel, particularly examining how walking and cycling affect mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life. His work increasingly addresses electric micromobility, including e-bikes and e-scooters, with several 2024-2025 publications on the HELMET project. He frequently collaborates with international researchers, particularly in Brazil, on comparative urban mobility studies. Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Award for Research Excellence 2017 (Academic Award) for the project cycle BOOM Professor Jones has supervised numerous PhD students including Catherine Ross (current), Oscar Natividad Puig (current), Aline Moreira Fernandes Barata (completed 2023), and Daniela Wollrab (completed 2023), among others. He has secured significant research funding including the NIHR-funded HELMET project (2025-2026), the EU-funded ENACT 15mC project (2023-2026), and the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund's UMALTraN project (2023-2024). His current research portfolio demonstrates strong engagement with contemporary urban mobility challenges, particularly post-pandemic transport issues and the integration of new mobility technologies. Professor Jones is actively involved in multiple research networks including the Planning Policy and Government Group, the Sustainable and Resilient Futures Network, the Healthy Ageing and Care Network, and the Children and Young People Network at Oxford Brookes University. He serves as a Research Ethics Officer and contributes to professional organizations including the European Partnerships Driving Urban Transitions Programme.
Tim McNeil is a Professor of Design at the University of California Davis and Director of the UC Davis Design Museum. He holds an M.F.A. in Exhibition Design from the University of the Arts, London, and a B.A. in Graphic Design from Middlesex University, London. McNeil specializes in exhibition design, environmental sustainability, and museum practices, emphasizing the intersection of design with curatorial processes and audience engagement. His research includes pioneering work on green exhibition design, notably the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Santa Monica Environmental Action Center (2003), recognized as the first 'green' exhibition in a LEED platinum building. He chairs the California Association of Museums’ Green Museum Initiative and co-founded the Green Museums Accord. McNeil teaches courses such as Exhibition Design, Environmental Graphic Design, and Narrative Environments, and has advised projects like the Huntington Library’s augmented learning environments. His 2023 book, The Exhibition and Experience Design Handbook , explores design principles for creating immersive experiences. Awards include the SEGD Global Design Award (2024) and National Environmental Hall of Fame induction. Education: M.F.A. Exhibition Design, University of the Arts, London B.A. Graphic Design, Middlesex University, London Research Focus: Sustainability in museums, participatory design, and the role of exhibitions in environmental advocacy. Recent projects include the 'Village Homes: A Radical Plan' exhibition (2026) and the 'Deborah Butterfield: P.S. These are not horses' exhibition at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum. Awards & Recognition: SEGD Merit Award (2024) National Environmental Hall of Fame (2023) Top 50 Museum Influencer (2023) Inductee, Green Museums Accord Founder Teaching & Projects: Courses include DES185 (Exhibition Design), DES186 (Environmental Graphic Design), and DES187 (Narrative Environments). Student-led projects include bike scavenger hunts and Davis City Hall signage concepts.
Sevil Yazıcı is an Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture , Istanbul Technical University , with a focus on computational design, material efficiency, and structural performance in architecture. She previously served as a Doctor Lecturer at Ozyegin University (2013–2020). Educational background: PhD in Building Sciences (2009–2013), Istanbul Technical University Degree in Architecture from Architectural Association School of Architecture (2004–2006) Research interests span computational design, bio-inspired material organization, and sustainable construction. Her recent work explores VR-driven spatial performance analysis, demolition waste reuse, and microstructure-informed shell topologies. Selected trends in publications include: Integrating environmental/structural data in early design Material-efficient generative models Biomimetic computational analysis AI-assisted architectural creativity Scientific awards highlight her achievements: 2024 Best Article Award (Frontiers of Architectural Research) 2018 Gold Medal (Istanbul International Invention Fair) 2016 UK Graduate Professional Achievement Award 2014 ITU Most Successful Doctoral Thesis Award Advising includes theses on reversible structures, sustainable façades, AI-driven design, and material-efficient fabrication. She served on the Executive Board of the Informatics in Architectural Design Graduate Program (2021–present) and was Deputy Head of Department (2022).
