Roger Boltshauser is a Full Professor and Deputy Head at the Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich. His practice and academic work emphasize tectonic building culture, proportion, and material experimentation, diverging from mainstream German-Swiss architectural trends. He combines teaching with active architectural practice, influencing younger generations at ETH and TU Wien. Key themes: Tectonic structures, grid-based order, social responsibility in architecture, critique of modernist canons Notable projects: Hochhaus H1 Zwhatt-Areal (2025), Masterplan Zoo Basel (2025), Centre for Dental Medicine Zurich (2025) His buildings prioritize mass and permanence , evident in projects like the Kopfholz School and Rauch House . Recent works at the EPFL Solar Biennale (2025) and Architecture of Memory exhibition (2025) explore sustainable design and cultural narratives. Boltshauser’s studio on Dubsstrasse exemplifies research into load-bearing structures and urban spatial relationships.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rüdiger Daub serves as Professor and Chair of Production Engineering and Energy Storage Systems at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), operating within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His leadership encompasses research direction, academic supervision, and strategic development of battery production technologies at TUM's Garching campus (Boltzmannstr. 15), with active industry collaborations driving innovation in sustainable manufacturing. Daub's research program pioneers advanced production methodologies for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, focusing on electrode manufacturing, electrolyte filling, and cell assembly processes. His work investigates critical parameter interdependencies affecting battery safety and performance, developing inline monitoring systems and digital twin technologies for real-time process optimization. Key contributions include moisture control in electrode production, electrochemo-mechanical characterization of solid-state systems, and robotics solutions for deformable object assembly, all integrated with machine learning for quality assurance in industrial settings. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a dominant research trajectory toward solving production bottlenecks in next-generation energy storage. The work demonstrates increasing integration of computational modeling with empirical validation, particularly in solid-state battery manufacturing and high-voltage electrolyte systems. A notable trend is the cross-pollination of robotics, computer vision, and uncertainty quantification techniques to address complex assembly challenges and distribution shifts in quality monitoring, reflecting industry's urgent need for adaptable, data-driven production systems. Leading TUM's specialized laboratories for battery cell production, Daub's team maintains comprehensive facilities for electrode calendering, electrolyte filling, and cell assembly with integrated tracking and tracing capabilities. The research infrastructure supports collaborative projects with automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers to develop scalable production processes, emphasizing environmental sustainability through water-based electrode production and footprint optimization. Current initiatives focus on digital factory modeling and prelithiation technologies for next-generation battery systems.
Francesco Pilati is an Associate Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, where he serves as local coordinator for the scientific field ING-IND/17 (Industrial Plants and Logistic Systems). He chairs the research group on Industrial Plants, Production Systems, and Logistics, and teaches courses in Industrial Plants and Design of Digital Production and Assembly Systems. As coordinator of the Master's program in Management and Industrial Systems Engineering and University Coordinator for the EIT double degree in Zero-Defect Manufacture, Pilati bridges academic leadership with advanced manufacturing research. He has also served as Invited Lecturer at universities in Vienna and Göttingen. His research focuses on integrating environmental sustainability with technical-economic criteria through multi-objective optimization and impact assessment. Key areas include: Distribution networks and warehousing systems Manufacturing and assembly line design Hybrid energy production systems Digitization of manual production processes using depth cameras Recent publications highlight applications of Industry 4.0 technologies to pandemic safety, logistics optimization, and smart manufacturing. Pilati has received significant recognition including the Philip Morris Italia Empowering Research Award (2016) and Autostrade per l'Italia academic recognition. His editorial contributions include guest editing special issues on Digital Twins and Smart Factories in Q1 journals.
International University of SarajevoBosnia & Herzegovina
Adi Ćorović is an Assistant Professor at the International University of Sarajevo , specializing in architectural heritage and conservation. He has served as an expert for the Commission to Preserve National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2007. His work includes coordinating the Preventive Conservation of the National Museum of BH (2019-2022) and overseeing the executive project for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sarajevo (2022-2023). Notably, he was awarded the Knight Honorship by Italy's President Sergio Mattarella in 2018 for his restoration work on the Red Cross Building. Academic Role: Assistant Professor, International University of Sarajevo Key Projects: Museum of Contemporary Art (Renzo Piano layout), National Museum of BH Conservation Awards: Knight Honorship (2018) Research focuses on architectural heritage, Ottoman hammams, modernization trends in Bosnian architecture, and preventive conservation strategies. His publications span topics from 19th-century Sarajevo Bazaar facilities to intercultural dialogue through heritage restoration. Scientific awards include Knight Honorship by President of Italy (2018)
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Stephen Graves is the Abraham J. Siegel Professor of Management and a Professor of Operations Management at MIT Sloan School of Management, with a joint appointment in Mechanical Engineering. He holds a PhD in Operations Research from the University of Rochester. His research focuses on operations research models applied to manufacturing systems, supply chains, and service operations, including strategic inventory positioning and order fulfillment optimization. Graves has served as MIT Sloan’s Deputy Dean and Chair of MIT’s Faculty Council (2001-2003). He is a Fellow of INFORMS, recipient of the Kimball Medal, and member of the National Academy of Engineering. Education: PhD in Operations Research, University of Rochester MBA and AB in Mathematics/Social Sciences, Dartmouth College Research Interests: Graves develops analytical frameworks for supply chain optimization, inventory management, and production planning. His recent work addresses post-pandemic supply chain resilience, digital twins for production systems, and closed-loop supply chains. Current projects explore operational challenges in e-commerce fulfillment and global supply networks. Awards: INFORMS Kimball Medal (2023) Elected to National Academy of Engineering INFORMS Prize for Operations Research President of INFORMS (2020) Advising & Grants: Supervisor to 25+ PhD students across manufacturing, supply chain analytics, and healthcare operations. Active in industry collaborations with companies like Intel, Polaroid, and Monsanto. Leads MIT initiatives including the Leaders for Global Operations program. Labs/Teams: Core member of MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). Co-director of the MIT Operations Research Center. Involved in interdisciplinary projects combining data science with operations management.
Prof. Daniel Memmert is a Professor at the German Sport University Cologne, leading research in Sport Informatics and Sports Games within the Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics. His work focuses on cognitive aspects of sports performance, decision-making, and data-driven analysis in football (soccer) and other sports. He has published extensively on topics like penalty kick strategies, home advantage dynamics, artificial intelligence applications in coaching, and route-setting in climbing. Memmert's research bridges sports science, computer science, and psychology, with over 550 publications and 41 projects to his name. He frequently engages with media, explaining complex sports phenomena to the public. Key Research Areas: Football analytics, cognitive psychology in sports, sports technology, decision-making under pressure Media Contributions: Over 50 media features discussing topics such as AI in coaching, referee bias, and athlete creativity Projects: Includes initiatives on sports data visualization, performance metrics, and prevention of sports betting addiction His work emphasizes translating academic findings into practical tools for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations, combining rigorous data analysis with real-world applications.
Laura Albert is a Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and former David H. Gustafson Department Chair (2021-24). She serves as a Fellow of AAAS and IISE, and previously held the INFORMS presidency. Her research focuses on optimizing public-sector systems, with applications in critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and cybersecurity. She advocates for public engagement through op-eds and blogs like 'Punk Rock Operations Research.' Education: PhD in Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006) MS in Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2001) BS in Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2000) Research Interests: Dr. Albert’s work bridges operations research and public policy, addressing challenges in emergency medical services, voting system security, law enforcement strategies, and opioid treatment diversion programs. She employs mathematical optimization, game theory, and stochastic modeling to design resilient systems. Awards: INFORMS Impact Prize (2018) NSF CAREER Award (2011) Fulbright Award (2020) AAAS Fellow (2020) Advising & Grants: While explicit student names aren’t listed, her research has been supported by grants from the NSF, Army Research Office, and other agencies. She advises on interdisciplinary projects involving public health, cybersecurity, and disaster management. Labs/Teams: Engaged in collaborative efforts across the College of Engineering, including affiliations with the Electrical & Computer Engineering department. Leads initiatives on resilient infrastructure and emergency response systems.
Toni Kotnik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Aalto University, Finland. He holds dual expertise in mathematics and architecture, with a Ph.D. from the University of Zurich and a second degree in architecture. His roles include principal of d’HKL , a Zurich-based experimental architecture firm, and adjunct lecturer at institutions like Harvard University and the Bartlett School of Architecture. His research focuses on integrating science, engineering, and computation into architectural design, emphasizing structural innovation and sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics (Dr. sc. Nat.), University of Zurich, 1999 Second degree in Architecture Research Interests: Computational design and generative systems Structural aesthetics and neuroaesthetics Sustainable urban and architectural solutions Parametric modeling and material systems Key Contributions: Advances in graphic statics and form-finding Design strategies for high-density urban environments Integration of AI and generative tools in architectural practice Recent Work Trends: Recent articles emphasize computational methods for industrial layout optimization, AI’s role in architecture, and embodied perception in structural design. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, such as the Singapore Hawker Centre redesign and experimental structures like hypar-combined shells. Awards: Aalto University Doctoral Thesis Awards (2022) Best Presentation Award (2019) Oscari-Vilamo Award (2023) Advising & Grants: Supervised 4 theses, including recipients of awards like the Metex Award shortlist. Active in international academic networks, serving on conference committees (e.g., International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures) and editorial roles (e.g., Automation in Construction journal). Labs & Teams: Leads the d’HKL studio, collaborating globally on projects like the AA/ETH Pavilion and the Hypercube for Gardens by the Bay. Research focuses on experimental design and material systems.
About Vipul Jain: Associate Professor Vipul Jain leads Supply Chain and Logistics Management at RMIT University’s School of Accounting, Information and Supply Chain Management. With over 20 years of academic experience, he has held senior roles at institutions like Victoria University of Wellington (NZ) and IIT Delhi (India), contributing to curriculum development, research strategy, and academic-industry collaboration. His international collaborations span over 20 global institutions, emphasizing interdisciplinary research in supply chain resilience, sustainability, and Industry 4.0. Education & Academic Leadership: Previously served as Programme Director for Master of Technology (Industrial Engineering) at IIT Delhi, leading the establishment of the Modelling and Analysis of Supply Chain (MASC) Lab. Holds editorial roles for journals like International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise and Computers & Industrial Engineering . Research Focus: Specializes in supply chain design, sustainability, circular economy, and business analytics. His work integrates ICT and big data to address complex supply chain challenges, with notable contributions to vaccine distribution, blockchain adoption, and post-pandemic resilience. Over 145 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact journals like OMEGA and International Journal of Production Economics , reflect his prolific output. Industry Impact: Conducted management training for organizations like JCB and IBM. Served as an expert assessor for New Zealand’s Ministry of Business and Industry and advised the Indian Railways. His research has been funded by the Department of Science and Technology (India) and EU initiatives like FP6 I*PROMS. Awards & Recognition: Ranked #7 in India’s top logistics academics (2018), recipient of Literati Awards (2024, 2020), and multiple editorial leadership roles. Active in global conferences, including co-chairing ANZAM 2023. Labs & Collaborations: Founded MASC Lab at IIT Delhi. Collaborates with Coventry University, Monash University, Hong Kong Polytechnic, and institutions in Switzerland, Spain, Canada, and the U.S. Focus areas include sustainable supply chains, digital transformation, and crisis resilience.
Prof. Torsten Wolfgang Kuhlen serves as a Universitätsprofessor at RWTH Aachen University, leading the Teaching and Research Area for Virtual Reality and Immersive Visualization within the Department of Computer Science. He is affiliated with Chair of Computer Science 12 (High Performance Computing), the Visual Computing Institute, and remains an integral part of the RWTH IT Center where his research group operates one of the world's largest Virtual Reality laboratories including the 30 sqm aixCAVE visualization chamber. The group maintains strong connections with Computational Science & Engineering Division, National High Performance Computing Center for Computational Engineering Science (NHR4CES), and VR in Science and Industry Network NRW e.V. Prof. Kuhlen's research spans virtual reality, immersive visualization, and multimodal 3D user interfaces with applications across simulation science, production technology, neuroscience, and medicine. His work combines basic research on advanced methods and algorithms with interdisciplinary collaborations involving RWTH Aachen institutes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and industry partners. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on audiovisual perception, immersive analytics, collaborative virtual environments, and practical VR applications in education and manufacturing. His research group has produced significant work on listening effort in virtual environments, immersive authoring techniques, and VR applications for scientific visualization. Notable projects include VRScenarioBuilder for automated vehicle testing and applications in monitoring additive manufacturing processes. The group actively participates in major conferences including IEEE VIS and EuroVis, with several award-winning contributions. Prof. Kuhlen has advised PhD students including Martin Bellgardt who recently completed his doctoral degree on "Increasing Immersion in Machine Learning Pipelines for Mechanical Engineering". The research group maintains state-of-the-art VR infrastructure including the aixCAVE facility which is open to all RWTH research groups.
JuHyun Lee is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Computational Design in the School of Built Environment at the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture (ADA), University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, where they also hold the prestigious title of Scientia Academic. With a professional background in architecture and construction (1998-2002), they have held academic positions across Australia including a five-year post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Newcastle (2012-2017) and a senior research fellowship at the University of South Australia (2018), following earlier research and teaching roles in South Korea (2003-2011). Lee specializes in architectural design computing, design cognition, and urban complexity, integrating computational methods, cognitive science, and architectural theory to advance architectural intelligence and human-centered design. Their research spans architectural visualization, analysis and design methods, algorithm/protocol design, and data visualization with computational approaches. They have established a strong research program examining the intersection of language, culture, and design cognition, particularly focusing on cross-cultural design communication between Australia and Korea. Lee's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated integration of computational methods with architectural design theory, particularly in the areas of shape grammar, space syntax, and machine learning applications. Their work shows consistent focus on practical applications of computational design methods to real-world architectural problems, with growing emphasis on cross-cultural collaboration and intelligent design systems. The research portfolio reveals a deepening engagement with AI and machine learning techniques applied to architectural design assessment and generation. Scientia Academic at UNSW Sydney Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA, 2020) As an educator, Lee develops cutting-edge courses in computational design and Building Information Modeling (BIM), integrating experiential learning and industry engagement. They have secured over $11 million in research funding, including multiple ARC Discovery Projects and an Australia-Korea Foundation grant. Lee co-directs the Advanced Architectural Analytics Laboratory (A 3 LAB), leading interdisciplinary research on design automation, spatial analysis, and machine learning applications in architecture, while also leading cross-cultural initiatives like the Australia-Korea Architects' Network (AKAN). Lee supervises multiple HDR students working on culturally sustainable urban design, socio-spatial patterns in public housing, and computational layout generation. Their research has significant implications for improving design communication across cultural boundaries and developing more coherent, clear, and accessible built environments through computational design approaches.
Aldo Mozzanica is a Researcher at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, affiliated with the Laboratory for X-ray Nanoscience and Technologies. He holds a degree in Physics from Insubria University and a Ph.D. from the University of Milan, where his doctoral work focused on scintillating fiber vertex detectors for CERN's Antiproton Decelerator facility. At PSI, he leads detector development projects for synchrotron and free-electron laser applications. His research centers on advancing X-ray detector technology, including: Developing next-generation integrating pixel/strip detectors (JUNGFRAU, GOTTHARD) Improving frame rates, noise performance, and radiation hardness Exploring novel detector concepts for XFEL/synchrotron applications Enabling new experimental capabilities in structural biology and materials science Mozzanica's 135+ publications focus on X-ray detector innovation, with recent work emphasizing: Hybrid pixel detector optimization for 4th-generation light sources On-chip digitization and charge transport modeling High-speed data acquisition systems Applications in crystallography, spectroscopy, and phase-contrast imaging As principal developer of the JUNGFRAU detector, he oversees: ASIC design, testing, and characterization Readout electronics and firmware development Module production and supply chain management Commissioning at SwissFEL endstations
Andy Stevens is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Management at the University of Winchester. His career includes roles as a consultant to the Football Association (FA), focusing on five-a-side football and futsal development, including strategies for the FA Futsal League and facility strategies. He has authored numerous reports for the SportBusiness Group and contributed to Sport Business magazine, specializing in venue and event management. His research explores sport industry strategy, management, and performance, with notable work on sport governance and facility development. His publications span academic journals, industry reports, and conference presentations, addressing topics like sport venue optimization, sustainability, and global sport events as soft power tools. He has advised organizations such as the Anschutz Entertainment Group and Disability Sport England (now Activity Alliance), contributing to event calendars including the London Wheelchair Marathon. His work bridges academic research and practical industry challenges, emphasizing adaptability and innovation in sport management.
James S. Noble is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Missouri, where he also serves as the MU Site Director for the NSF I/UCRC Center for Excellence in Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). His work bridges academia and industry through applied research in logistics, supply chain, and integrated production systems. PhD, Purdue University MS, Purdue University BS, University of Oklahoma Dr. Noble's research focuses on logistics and distribution , supply chain system design , and integrated production systems , with applications ranging from humanitarian logistics to intelligent warehouse systems. His work emphasizes modeling, analysis, and optimization of material flow and transportation systems. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent trajectory in logistics systems analysis , supply chain modeling , and material flow improvement . These publications demonstrate a strong integration of operations research, systems engineering, and real-world problem-solving, with applications in energy, transportation, humanitarian aid, and industrial logistics. Keywords span Operations Research , Supply Chain Management , and Industrial Engineering , while sub-fields include Bayesian forecasting, reverse logistics, winter road maintenance, and intelligent systems. Dr. Noble has been recognized with several prestigious awards: Society of Manufacturing Engineers Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineering Award (1997) William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence (2022) Win Horner Award for Innovative Writing Intensive Teaching (2014) Elected Fellow of the Institute for Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE) (2019) His research has been generously funded by the National Science Foundation , Bayer , Boeing , Hallmark Cards , Honeywell FMT , Medline , Ameren , UMB Financial , the U.S. Economic Development Administration , the Midwest Transportation Consortium , and the Missouri Department of Transportation . While specific advisees are not listed, his leadership in CELDi and role as department chair suggest extensive mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in real-world logistics projects. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in Missouri. As MU Site Director for CELDi, Dr. Noble leads a multidisciplinary team of faculty from Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, and Biological Engineering, collaborating with over 30 industry, military, and government partners to solve real-world logistics challenges and develop implementable, cutting-edge solutions.
Mingzhou Jin is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, within the Tickle College of Engineering. He also directs the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment (ISSE) and the FERSC Center, a DOT/UTC Tier-1 Center. Holding the John D. Tickle Professorship, he is a recognized leader in sustainability, optimization, logistics, and smart manufacturing. PhD, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lehigh University, 2001 MS, Management Science, Zhejiang University, 1998 BS, Electrical Engineering and Mixed Class, Zhejiang University, 1995 Dr. Jin's research focuses on sustainability, climate change, transportation and logistics, supply chain engineering, additive and smart manufacturing, and energy efficiency. His work integrates operations research and systems engineering to solve complex environmental and industrial challenges. He has secured over $19 million in research funding from agencies including NSF, DOE, DOT, DHS, and industry partners like FedEx, Boeing, and Schneider Electric. His recent publications span high-impact journals such as Nature , Nature Communications , and European Journal of Operational Research , with themes in net-zero strategies, wildfire modeling, smart manufacturing, and sustainable supply chains. The research demonstrates a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven solutions for global environmental and industrial systems. 2023 Dr. Kenneth Kirby Endowed Faculty Award 2021 UTK Award for Success in Multidisciplinary Research 2020 UTK Chancellor’s Research and Creative Achievement Award 2020 TCE Research Achievement Award IISE Fellow (2018) Multiple teaching, advising, and service awards from TCE and UTK Dr. Jin has advised numerous graduate students and led large-scale research initiatives. He has served as Editor-in-Chief of Cleaner and Circular Bioeconomy , Executive Editor of Journal of Cleaner Production , and held leadership roles in IISE. His research has been supported by extensive grants from federal agencies and industry, reflecting strong collaboration and real-world impact. He also held adjunct professorships at Zhejiang University and Central South University of Forestry and Technology. He leads the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment (ISSE) and the FERSC Center, fostering interdisciplinary research in sustainability, energy, and resilient infrastructure. These centers bring together experts from engineering, environmental science, and policy to address pressing global challenges through systems-level innovation.
