Dame Til Wykes is a Clinical Professor at King’s College London, leading the School of Mental Health & Psychological Sciences and the Service User Research Enterprise (SURE) . Her work focuses on psychological treatments for schizophrenia , cognitive remediation therapy , and digital mental health services , with international impact on research strategies through projects like European ROAMER and UK Mental Health Research Goals . Education : PhD (University of Sussex), MPhil (King’s College London), BSc (University of Nottingham) Leadership : Head of School (2020–present), Co-Director of SURE, NIHR Maudsley BRC Cluster Lead Research Themes : • Cognitive Remediation Therapy for schizophrenia and psychosis • Digital Mental Health Tools (RADAR-CNS, CIRCuiTS™ software) • Service User Involvement in research design and implementation • Ward Design and Therapeutic Environments in psychiatric inpatient care Selected Scientific Awards : British Psychological Society (2014) GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for Largest Mental Health Lesson Damehood from the Queen (2016) EPA Outstanding Achievement Award SIRS Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) Leadership and Collaborations : President of the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS), Fellow of multiple academies (Medical Sciences, Social Sciences), and Trustee of Weight Concern. She co-leads projects like ECLIPSE and MEMReD , and has contributed to 17 Pharmacological and Psychosocial Treatments in Schizophrenia (3rd ed.).
Enda Hayes serves as Professor of Air Quality & Carbon Management and Director of Research and Enterprise at the School of Architecture and Environment, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). With over a decade of professional experience in environmental science, he specializes in atmospheric emissions management including odour, bioaerosols, traditional air pollutants, and greenhouse gases. His work spans technical modeling, policy development, and community engagement across multiple international projects. Dr. Hayes holds a PhD, MSc, and BSc (Hons), along with professional memberships MIEnvSc and MIAQM. His educational foundation has enabled extensive collaboration with governmental bodies including Defra, Devolved Administrations, South African government, Irish EPA, European Environment Agency, and European Commission. His research focuses on Air Quality Management, carbon management, emission inventories, dispersion modeling, bioaerosols, water-energy-food nexus, Water Security, and ammonia emissions. Recent work demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches combining environmental science with social dimensions of pollution management. He has particular expertise in urban air quality, agricultural emissions, and health impacts of traffic-related pollution. Analysis of Dr. Hayes' 136 publications reveals evolving research trajectories from technical emission modeling toward integrated socio-technical approaches. His recent work (2023-2025) shows strong emphasis on citizen science applications, health impacts (especially on children), advanced air quality forecasting techniques, and the psychological dimensions of climate decision-making. A consistent theme across his publications is bridging technical environmental solutions with social equity considerations. Dr. Hayes leads significant research initiatives including the Horizon 2020 ClariCity Project as Technical Director, the AmmoniaN2K Project with University College Dublin and Irish EPA, multiple NERC-funded bioaerosol studies, and European Commission support on Ambient Air Quality Directive review. His projects consistently integrate scientific rigor with practical policy applications and community engagement.
Kai Gehring is a Professor for Political Economy and Sustainable Development at the Department of Economics, University of Bern, and a member of the interdisciplinary Wyss Academy for Nature in Bern. He is also a research professor associated with the ifo Institute in Munich. His academic affiliations include CESifo, the European Development Network (EUDN), the Development Economics Committee of the German Economic Association, and the Globalization and Development (GlaD) group. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Göttingen (with co-supervision from Heidelberg University), where his supervisors were Axel Dreher and Stephan Klasen, and he graduated summa cum laude . He earned his Diplom (equivalent to M.Sc.) in Business Administration with electives in Economics from the University of Mannheim, and previously studied at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Kai Gehring’s research focuses on political economy, development, and public economics. He develops theoretical frameworks grounded in economics and related disciplines and tests them using modern econometric methods, often leveraging novel administrative, geographical, and historical data. His work emphasizes the role of culture, norms, and history in shaping institutional outcomes in both developed and developing countries. Key research themes include development cooperation and aid effectiveness, the political economy of international organizations (such as the IMF, World Bank, and EU), and the origins and consequences of group identities and horizontal inequalities in conflict and power distribution. His current research projects explore narratives on nature, climate change, and migration using natural language processing and media data; analyze resource extraction and pollution through satellite imagery and machine learning; and investigate propaganda and conflict. Although no recent publications are listed in the provided text, his methodological approach combines theory, rigorous empirical analysis, and innovative data sources across political economy and development. Ambizione Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation Kai Gehring has supervised various research initiatives, including the "Minister Project," a citizen-science effort to compile comprehensive data on African government members’ regional and linguistic origins to study governance and development. He has received research funding through the Ambizione Grant and leads interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions such as the Wyss Academy and ifo Institute. His teaching experience spans the University of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, and the University of Zurich. He leads the "Minister Project," which engages global contributors to collect data on African ministers’ birth regions and native languages. This initiative aims to build a robust dataset to analyze how ethnic and linguistic diversity affects government formation and policy outcomes. The project promotes open, collaborative research and acknowledges contributors on its website, offering incentives such as Amazon vouchers and an iPad.
Dr. Harald Foerstendorf serves as Group Leader of the "Analytics" group at the Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), a position held since 2022 following over two decades as a staff scientist at the institution. His research critically advances understanding of actinide and radionuclide behavior in environmental systems, with direct applications to nuclear waste disposal safety assessments and contamination remediation strategies. His academic foundation includes a PhD in Chemistry (1997) and Diploma in Chemistry (1992), both from Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, where his doctoral work employed FT-IR spectroscopy to investigate photoreactions in plant receptors. PhD in Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 1997 Diploma in Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 1992 Foerstendorf's research centers on molecular-scale mechanisms of radionuclide interactions at environmental interfaces. He specializes in surface processes of actinides at liquid/solid boundaries, aqueous complexation with organic ligands, and in situ vibrational spectroscopy techniques. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical nuclear safety challenges, particularly in characterizing sorption dynamics on mineral surfaces relevant to repository systems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2013) reveals consistent focus on actinide speciation using multi-technique approaches. Key trends include advanced spectroscopic characterization (ATR FT-IR, EXAFS) of neptunium/uranium sorption on oxides, thermodynamic modeling of ligand interactions, and investigation of redox-sensitive elements like technetium. The research demonstrates increasing integration of computational methods with experimental data to resolve complex speciation scenarios. Research funding includes a German Research Foundation (DFG) grant (FO 619/1-1; 1-2) supporting fundamental studies from 2006-2009. While specific student advisees aren't documented in the source material, his leadership position implies mentorship of doctoral researchers within HZDR's structured doctoral programs. German Research Foundation (DFG) FO 619/1-1; 1-2 (05/2006-04/2009) As head of the Analytics group within the Actinide Thermodynamics department, Foerstendorf directs a specialized team operating advanced spectroscopic facilities including ATR FT-IR and EXAFS capabilities. The group maintains extensive collaborations across European nuclear research institutions and participates in international projects addressing long-term safety of radioactive waste disposal systems.
Alexandra Staub is a Professor of Architecture at Pennsylvania State University , with an affiliation at the Rock Ethics Institute . Her academic work focuses on the intersection of architecture, culture, and ethics. Ph.D. from Brandenburg Technical University at Cottbus Diploma in Architecture from Berlin University of the Arts B.A. in Psychology from Barnard College, Columbia University Staub’s research explores how the built environment shapes and reflects cultural understanding, particularly in the contexts of social sustainability , gender , and political representation . Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical design, emphasizing ethical considerations and empowerment in architecture. Recent publications highlight stakeholder agency , urban transformations , and ethical design practices . Scientific Awards & Grants: 2019–20 Penn State Rock Ethics Institute Faculty Fellow Penn State President’s Fund for Undergraduate Research (2016) College of Arts and Architecture Faculty Research Grant (2015) Raymond A. Bowers Grant (2013) External grants from Woodrow Wilson International Center, DAAD, and DFG Staub teaches third-year design studio , research methods , and architectural ethics courses. She actively participates in international conferences and serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals. Her professional experience includes architecture practice in Berlin and prior faculty roles at Brandenburg Technical University.
Professor Mustafa Özdal of Gaziantep University 's Faculty of Sports Sciences is a leading researcher in Sports Physiology and Training Science . His work bridges Exercise Physiology with Biomechanics , focusing on how Cerebral Lateralization , Respiratory Muscle Training , and Training Protocols influence athletic performance and health metrics. Doctorate : 2012-2015, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Institute of Health Sciences, Physical Education and Sports Master's : 2010-2012, Gaziantep University, Institute of Health Sciences Bachelor's : 2002-2006, Gaziantep University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching His research explores Neuroscience applications in sports (cerebral lateralization effects), Respiratory Physiology (impact of inspiratory training), and Biomechanics (balance, reaction time, muscle strength). Recent studies investigate core training in swimming, psychological resilience in basketball referees, and digital game addiction correlations. His 89+ peer-reviewed articles (2016-2025) and 126 conference presentations demonstrate sustained output in international journals (European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, Annals of Applied Sport Science) and cross-disciplinary research connecting movement science with respiratory health . Key collaborations include researchers like Mehmet Vural , Zarife Pancar , and Murat Bilgiç .
Tiit Tammaru is a Professor of Urban and Population Geography at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences. He has held various academic positions at the University of Tartu since 1997, including Professor since 2013, and currently serves as Academy Research Professor (2022-2024). He is also a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences since 2019. Education: PhD in Human Geography, University of Tartu (2001) Master's Degree, University of Tartu (1996) Bachelor's Degree, University of Tartu (1994) Tiit Tammaru's research focuses on urban geography, population geography, and social segregation. His work examines spatial patterns of ethnic and socio-economic diversity in urban environments, residential mobility, migration, and segregation processes. He has conducted extensive research on urban development in Estonia, particularly during the Soviet period and post-Soviet transition. His recent work explores the relationship between neighborhood characteristics, school environments, and social outcomes, as well as the impact of new technologies on understanding urban mobility patterns. His publication record shows a consistent focus on socio-spatial inequality, ethnic segregation, and urban dynamics across European contexts. Scientific Awards: Member of Estonian Academy of Sciences (2019) National Science Award (2011) Estonian Science Award in social sciences (2010) Tammaru has led numerous research projects and supervised academic work in urban and population geography. He has directed several research centers including the Centre for Migration and Urban Studies (2015-2016) and the Centre for Estonian Diaspora Studies (2004-2014). His administrative roles include serving as head of the Chair of Human Geography at the University of Tartu since 2018 and as a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Professor Tammaru leads research teams focusing on urban segregation, migration patterns, and socio-spatial inequalities. His work often involves comparative studies across European cities and has significant policy implications for urban planning and integration policies. His research methodology increasingly incorporates digital technologies and big data analysis to understand complex urban dynamics.
Professor Hubert Faustmann is a historian and political scientist at the University of Nicosia , holding the Department of Politics and Governance since 1999. He also serves as the director of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Cyprus office since 2011, leading seminars and expert reports on Cypriot history and politics. PhD in History (University of Mannheim, 1999) Master’s degrees in Ancient/Modern History, Political Science, and German Language (University of Mannheim, 1994-1995) His research spans British colonial Cyprus , post-independence Cypriot politics , Hydrocarbon politics in the Eastern Mediterranean , and state-society dynamics focusing on Clientelism. He co-edits The Cyprus Review and contributes to the Political Data Yearbook . His recent work examines Cyprus’ role in World War I, British colonial policies, and reunification efforts since 1974. Notable publications include Cyprus and the First World War (2025), Divide and Quit? (1999), and co-edited volumes on EU integration and the Annan Plan. He also authors the FES Cyprus Newsletter , analyzing political, social, and economic developments across Cyprus.
Desiderio Juan García Almeida is a Professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria within the Department of Economics and Business Management . His research focuses on entrepreneurship, tourism management, knowledge transfer, and organizational behavior. He actively collaborates with the GIR Business Organization and Management research group and contributes to European sustainability and education initiatives. Research Interests : Entrepreneurship, Tourism Management, Knowledge Transfer, Hospitality Innovation, Organizational Behavior, Family Business Succession, Sustainable Development Collaborations : Extensive work with José Luis Ballesteros Rodríguez , Pedro Manuel Calero Pérez , and others in hospitality, tourism, and business education Publications : Over 73 publications, including articles in high-impact journals like International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management and Journal of Knowledge Management , focusing on knowledge dynamics, tourism entrepreneurship, and organizational growth Projects : Involved in Erasmus+ programs for circular economy education and studies on post-pandemic economic recovery in tourism His work bridges knowledge management with entrepreneurial practices , particularly in island economies and the hospitality sector. He examines how education and experience influence business succession and innovation, and how frontline employees drive change through creativity and motivation. His recent articles explore transgenerational entrepreneurship in the Canary Islands and immigrant entrepreneur knowledge in tourism, while earlier works analyze training transfer, communication quality, and Bologna process adaptations in European business education.
Dr. Julia Hahn is a Scientific Associate at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), working within the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) in the Research Group 'Sociotechnical Futures and Policies'. She serves as co-project leader for the 'Participatory Procedures and Processes in Research Organizations' (PaFo) project and leads the HGF project 'Airborne transmission of the SARS coronavirus – from basic research to efficient air purification systems (CORAERO)'. Her work spans across multiple institutions including German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), German Aerospace Center (DLR), and other Helmholtz Association members. Dr. Hahn completed her doctorate in 2019 at KIT's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences with her thesis 'Towards a Global Technology Assessment - Insights from Cases in Germany, China, India and Beyond'. She earned her Master's degree in Applied Cultural Studies from Leuphana University Lüneburg in 2010, followed by a research assistant position there before joining ITAS in 2011. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, society, and governance, with particular emphasis on global technology assessment frameworks. She examines how participatory procedures can enhance technology assessment processes and influence research agendas. Her work explores responsible research and innovation (RRI) from both theoretical and practical perspectives, analyzing how different institutional contexts shape approaches to responsibility in science and technology. Dr. Hahn investigates policy engagement mechanisms that connect scientific knowledge with decision-making processes, particularly during crises and periods of rapid technological change. Her research often addresses the challenges of transnational technology governance in an increasingly interconnected world. Analysis of Dr. Hahn's recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in technology assessment methodology, with increasing attention to crisis contexts and pandemic response. Her work demonstrates a clear evolution from national to global technology assessment frameworks, with growing emphasis on comparative international studies. The publications show consistent interdisciplinary collaboration across social sciences, engineering, and health disciplines, reflecting her commitment to transdisciplinary approaches. Recent work increasingly integrates digital methods like bibliometric analysis while maintaining strong theoretical grounding in sociotechnical systems theory. Dr. Hahn has been instrumental in several significant projects including 'Piloting RRI in Industry' (PRISMA), 'Responsible Industry', 'Responsible Research and Innovation in Practice' (RRI Practice), and the 'Citizens' Dialogue on Future Technologies'. Her project work demonstrates consistent engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical implementation of technology assessment methodologies. She has contributed to multiple European collaborative projects including PACITA (Parliaments and Civil Society in Technology Assessment), showing her commitment to strengthening democratic technology governance across borders. As part of her role at ITAS, Dr. Hahn contributes to the institute's mission of conducting integrated technology assessment that provides 'continuous reflection' for research projects, analyzing social, legal, and ethical implications while considering public trust and acceptance. Her work with the globalTA network demonstrates her commitment to international collaboration in technology assessment.
Leif Kobbelt serves as a University Professor at RWTH Aachen University, leading the Computer Graphics Group within the Department of Computer Science (Informatik 8). His research focuses on advancing geometry processing, interactive visualization, and computer graphics through innovative algorithmic solutions and interdisciplinary collaborations. Professor Kobbelt's research program centers on geometry acquisition and processing, with significant contributions to mesh generation, surface reconstruction, and neural rendering techniques. His work bridges theoretical geometry with practical applications in computer vision, photo-realistic image synthesis, and multimedia data transmission, often involving collaborations with industry partners and international research teams funded by DFG and EU sources. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strategic integration of deep learning with traditional geometry processing, particularly in Gaussian splatting for real-time rendering, NeRF-based 4D content generation, and robust mesh Boolean operations. His group maintains leadership in quad mesh optimization and surface mapping while expanding into immersive visualization techniques for complex data analysis. The group has earned recognition through prestigious awards: Günter Enderle Best Paper Award at Eurographics 2023 Best Paper Award (1st place) at Symposium on Geometry Processing 2022 Honorable Mention for Best Paper at ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology Funding from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and European Union programs supports the group's research infrastructure and international collaborations. The team actively supervises graduate theses while developing open-source software tools that translate theoretical advances into practical industry applications, particularly in digital fabrication and immersive visualization systems. The Computer Graphics Group operates as a central hub for visual computing research at RWTH Aachen, maintaining strong ties with both academic institutions and technology companies. Their recent work on virtual reality educational tools and high-fidelity 3D reconstruction systems demonstrates commitment to knowledge transfer and real-world impact beyond traditional publication venues.
Dr. Koen Leurs serves as an Associate Professor in Gender, Media and Migration Studies at the Graduate Gender Program, Department of Media and Culture Studies, Utrecht University, Netherlands. His research centers on digital migration studies, examining how digital technologies intersect with migration experiences, particularly focusing on gender dynamics, youth cultures, and datafication processes. Leurs has established himself as a leading scholar through influential publications including Digital Migration (Sage, 2023) and Doing Digital Migration Studies (Amsterdam University Press, 2024), with his current work focusing on Inclusive Media Education: Critical Media Literacies for Diverse Societies for Routledge. Leurs' research interests span migration studies, digital technology, gender, and youth cultures, with particular attention to how digital platforms shape migrant experiences. His work critically examines both the empowering potential and discriminatory aspects of digital technologies in migration contexts, investigating how migrants use digital tools to connect, resist, and create new forms of belonging while navigating surveillance, datafication, and border control systems. Recent projects have increasingly focused on the ethical implications of digital technologies in asylum procedures and migration management. His scholarly output reveals a consistent trajectory examining the intersection of migration, digital technology, and social justice. Leurs' work demonstrates growing attention to the material consequences of digital migration studies, particularly regarding mobile phone screening in asylum processes, the datafication of migration pathways, and how digital platforms shape the experiences of migrant women and domestic workers. His research combines theoretical innovation with practical engagement, often employing participatory methods that involve migrant communities in knowledge production. Principal Investigator for Co-designing a fair digital asylum procedure (2022-2023), funded by Digital Society program and COMMIT/ Principal Investigator for Young Connected Migrants (2016-2019), funded by Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Principal Investigator for Media literacy through Making Media (2017-2019), funded by Dutch National Research Agenda Current member of Management Committee for COST Action DATA-MIG CA22135 on European Migration and Border Control Former chair of European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA) Diaspora, Migration and the Media section (2016-2021) Leurs' research is situated within Utrecht University's strategic themes including Dynamics of Youth (DoY), Governing the Digital Society, and Institutions for Open Societies (IOS), with particular alignment with the IOS focus on Gender, Diversity and Global Justice. His collaborative work spans international institutions including the Chinese University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore, Charles University, and University of Groningen, reflecting the transnational nature of his research on digital migration.
Sebastián Uchitel is a Professor at the Department of Computing, Imperial College London, UK. His research focuses on foundational aspects of Software Engineering, particularly in modeling and analysis for automated reasoning, verification of probabilistic systems, controller synthesis, and adaptive systems. He has led major research projects, including the ERC-funded IDEAS StG project on Partial Behaviour Modelling and the European FP6 SENSORIA project. Research Interests: Model-Based Software Engineering, Controller Synthesis, Probabilistic Systems, Adaptive Systems, Requirements Engineering External Roles: General Chair, International Conference on Software Engineering (2017); Associate Editor, Elsevier Science of Computer Programming; Steering Committee, International Conference on Software Engineering His recent work explores intersections between Software Engineering and AI, including assured adaptive systems and logic-based learning. A Senior Member of IEEE and Distinguished Scientist of ACM , he has received awards like the Houssay Prize (2015) and Philip Leverhulme Prize (2005). Collaborators include institutions in Argentina, Canada, and the UK. Selected Publications: 150+ peer-reviewed works spanning controller synthesis, requirements engineering, and formal methods Students: Supervised 12 PhD students since 2003 Grants: Principal Investigator for 3 major grants (2005-2016) totaling over $3.7M USD, including: 2013-2016: Technology Platform in Software Engineering (ANPCYT, $1.6M) 2009-2014: ERC IDEAS StG on Partial Behaviour Modelling (€1.4M) 2005-2008: FP6 SENSORIA Project (€0.7M)
Biljana Meshkovska is a Researcher at the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Oslo, with a dual role as Assoc. Center Director at the Center for Global Health . Her expertise lies in implementation research for public health policies, particularly those targeting nutrition, physical activity, and sedentary behavior across educational settings. Projects: FRESKO (Cancer prevention through schools), KoloPrev (Colon screening lifestyle habits), and EU School Fruit/Vegetable Scheme research Collaborations: CO-CREATE project, Policy Evaluation Network, European research consortia Her work systematically examines barriers and facilitators to policy adoption using frameworks like CFIR and systems thinking. Recent publications analyze EU school nutrition programs, youth participation, and SSB tax implementation. Earlier research focused on human trafficking, particularly long-term reintegration of victims of sexual exploitation. Current studies emphasize cross-country policy comparisons, qualitative synthesis methods, and stakeholder engagement in low-/middle-income countries. She has contributed to Global Implementation Research and Applications , BMC Public Health , and European Journal of Public Health . Organizational affiliations include the Community Nutrition and Center for Global Health research groups. She has published extensively on implementation challenges in kindergartens, schools, and public health systems using mixed-method designs.
Professor Ioana Cismas is a leading international law scholar at the University of York , where she serves as Chair in International Law and Co-Director of the Centre for Applied Human Rights (2022-2025). Her academic roles include Joint Programme Leadership of the LLM in International Human Rights Law and Practice (2017-2022, 2025-present) and membership in university ethics committees. Education: PhD in International Law (summa cum laude), Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva I oana's research intersects public international law, human rights law, international humanitarian law, law and religion, and transitional justice . She focuses on legal accountability, state/non-state actor dynamics, and interdisciplinary approaches to conflict and disease. Her work includes the Beyond Compliance Consortium (2024-2027), which analyzes armed actor restraint, and the Noma Project (2019-2021) on neglected diseases. Recent publications explore compliance mechanisms in armed conflict , disease framing in global health , and religious actors' influence on humanitarian law . Her scholarship combines doctrinal, socio-legal, and empirical methods to address real-world challenges. Scientific Awards: 2018 Graduate Students’ Association ‘Making Postgrads Matter’ Award (York) 2016 RATE Award for Excellence in Teaching (Stirling) 2013 Credit Suisse Award for Transitional Justice Law Clinic Ioana supervises PhD research in public international law, human rights, and compliance processes. She consults for UN agencies, NGOs, and the WHO, with expertise in noma disease and transitional justice.
