Virginie Ehrlacher Galland is a Professor at CERMICS (Centre d'Enseignement et de Recherche en Mathématiques et Calcul Scientifique) within École des Ponts ParisTech. Her expertise lies in applied mathematics, numerical analysis, and computational physics, with a focus on multiscale problems, quantum chemistry, and uncertainty quantification. She holds a PhD from CERMICS (2012) and a Habilitation (2020) from Université Paris-Dauphine. Her research interests include cross-diffusion systems, reduced basis methods, and optimal transport applications. Key contributions involve numerical methods for electronic structure calculations, homogenization techniques, and adaptive algorithms. She leads the ERC Starting Grant HighLEAP (2023-2028) and contributes to major projects like the ERC Synergy project EMC². Awards: Irène Joliot-Curie Prize (2023), Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite (2025). Grants/Projects: ERC Starting Grant HighLEAP (PI), ERC Synergy EMC² (Member), ANR JCJC COMODO (PI). Her work bridges theoretical analysis and computational methods, addressing challenges in materials science, fluid dynamics, and machine learning applications.
Jiong Tang is a Pratt & Whitney Chair Professor in Design and Manufacturing at the University of Connecticut , where he also serves as Co-Director of the Management and Engineering for Manufacturing Program . He received his B.S. and M.S. in Applied Mechanics from Fudan University, China (1989 and 1992), and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University (2001). Prior to joining UConn, he worked at the GE Research Center as a research engineer. Research Interests : System dynamics, control theory, smart materials, vibration suppression, uncertainty propagation, computational intelligence, and multi-physics system modeling. Current Projects : Digital twin development for aerospace materials, physics-informed machine learning in manufacturing, adaptive metasurface design, and optimization of cooperative robotics. Methodological Focus : Combines Bayesian deep learning , Gaussian process metamodeling , transformer-based architectures , and multi-fidelity data fusion for industrial applications. His work emphasizes smart sensing , electromechanical integration , and uncertainty-robust inverse analysis . Collaboration : Research funded by federal agencies and industrial partners , with particular emphasis on aerospace and manufacturing technologies. His recent publications highlight generative adversarial networks for defect detection , piezoelectric metamaterials , and physics-guided neural network architectures across mechanical, structural, and composite systems.
Fumio Okura is a professor at Osaka University , specializing in Computer Vision and 3D Reconstruction . His work bridges Photometric Stereo , Neural Rendering , and Medical Imaging , with a focus on cognitive decline prediction and plant modeling . He collaborates extensively with researchers like Hiroaki Santo and Yasuyuki Matsushita . Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science (Osaka University) Research Interests span Computer Vision , Photometric Stereo , 3D Reconstruction , and Biomedical Applications . His recent work includes HoGS for object reconstruction and TreeFormer for botanical structure estimation. Publications trend toward neural rendering , reflectance modeling , and augmented reality . Notable contributions include PPGCN for cognitive detection and MVCPS-NeuS for multi-view photometric stereo. Labs & Collaborations include the Osaka University Computer Vision Lab , working with teams on photometric analysis and medical imaging .
Sio Kei Im is an active researcher with a focus on computer science, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. His recent work spans multiple domains including image processing, quantum computing, and virtual reality. Publications address advanced data augmentation (LogicMix), multi-modal quantum watermarking (MMQW), and efficient neural decoding algorithms (TRHyper). Research interests include time series optimization, dialogue summarization, and haptics in VR environments. Collaborations with experts in linguistics, electrical engineering, and software development indicate interdisciplinary expertise. Key contributions involve adaptive algorithms for AI model protection, speaker recognition systems, and real-time 3D rendering techniques.
Matthew Hale is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech. He holds affiliations with the CORE Lab and focuses on control systems, optimization, robotics, and privacy-preserving algorithms. His work emphasizes multi-agent systems and practical applications in autonomous systems. Education: BSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania (2012), PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech (2017). Research Interests: His research bridges theoretical control systems with applied robotics, emphasizing distributed optimization, privacy in networked systems, and deception-resistant decision frameworks. Key areas include multi-agent coordination, privacy-aware control, and safe autonomous operations. Publications Trends: Recent work focuses on differential privacy in optimization, hybrid systems models for control, and scalable algorithms for multi-agent systems. Notable topics include privacy-preserving epidemic modeling and autonomous satellite control. Awards: AFOSR YIP (2023), ONR YIP (2022), AFRL Summer Faculty Fellowship (2020), NSF CAREER Award (2019). Advising & Grants: Leads research teams in multi-agent robotics and privacy engineering. Active in securing grants for foundational control theory and applied robotics projects. Labs/Teams: Core contributor to Georgia Tech’s CORE Lab , advancing interdisciplinary work in control systems and robotics.
Jun Liu is a Professor in the Department of Statistics at Harvard University, renowned for his contributions to computational statistics, bioinformatics, and Bayesian methods. He leads research in statistical genetics, genomic data analysis, and algorithm development for biological systems. His work integrates advanced statistical theory with computational tools, such as the Gibbs Motif Sampler and Bayesian Aligner, widely used in bioinformatics. Research interests include Monte Carlo methods, statistical genetics, and machine learning applications in biology. He has developed influential software tools like BPPS, MDScan, and CLIC, addressing problems in motif discovery, genomic sequence analysis, and pathway expansion. Liu’s interdisciplinary approach bridges statistics and computational biology, with applications in cancer genomics, immune repertoire analysis, and evolutionary biology. Notable recognition includes fellowships from the American Statistical Association, Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and International Society for Bayesian Analysis. He advises numerous Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom hold academic and industry positions globally. His lab collaborates internationally, organizing workshops on Monte Carlo methods and statistical forums in China. Liu’s publications span statistical methodology, computational biology, and genetics, with recent work on genomic element evolution, immune cell profiling, and algorithmic advancements in high-dimensional data analysis. He emphasizes inverse modeling and Bayesian approaches to tackle complex biological questions.
Prof. Selin Damla Ahipasaoglu is a Professor in Operational Research at the University of Southampton's School of Mathematical Sciences . She serves on the management team of the UKRI CDT SustAI (Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability) as Senior Tutor and Co-Lead for the Transportation and Logistics Theme . Her work bridges mathematical optimization with practical applications in sustainability, finance, and transportation systems. Research Interests : Convex Optimization Robust Optimization Discrete Choice Theory Experimental Design Machine Learning Current Research : Focused on robust optimization and its applications in discrete choice modeling, portfolio optimization, and transportation systems. She explores theoretical frameworks alongside real-world implementations, particularly through interdisciplinary projects like the UKRI CDT SustAI. Teaching : In the 2025/2026 academic year, she teaches MATH3017: Mathematical Programming and MATH2013: Operational Research II . She supervises PhD students in Mathematical Sciences, including Kexin Lai, Samuel Jericho Ward, and others.
Abdulkadir Celikkanat is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University, Denmark. He is affiliated with The Technical Faculty of IT and Design and the Data, Knowledge and Web Engineering research group. His research focuses on graph representation learning, network analysis, bioinformatics, and machine learning applications in dynamic systems. Key projects include the Villum Foundation-funded 'DarkScience: Illuminating microbial dark matter through data science,' which explores metagenomic binning and microbial ecology using advanced data science techniques. He has been recognized with the Best Paper Award (2023) for contributions to temporal graph analysis and modeling. His work spans continuous-time dynamic node representations, scalable genome profiling, and polarization detection in social networks. Celikkanat collaborates widely, contributing to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science, biology, and environmental science. Recent publications highlight innovations in graph embeddings, citation network modeling, and hybrid membership latent distance models. His research addresses challenges in low-dimensional graph representations, efficient kernel methods, and integrating biological networks for protein analysis.
Julien Poisat is a Lecturer (equivalent to Assistant Professor) at CEREMADE, Paris-Dauphine University, where he has been affiliated since 2014. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Leiden University (2012-2014) and completed his Ph.D. at Lyon 1 University (2008-2012). His research focuses on probability theory and statistical mechanics, with specific interests in disordered systems, polymers, random walks, and large deviations. He investigates phenomena such as localization, pinning, and phase transitions in various models including copolymers, charged polymers, and random environments. His recent publications primarily explore rigorous analyses of stochastic systems, with recurring themes including large deviations for random walks, critical behavior of polymer models, and asymptotic properties of disordered systems. Research often involves mathematical techniques from renewal theory, potential theory, and weak convergence methods. He leads the ANR LOCAL grant (2022-2027) focused on localization phenomena in polymers and random walks. Currently advises two doctoral students: Nicolas Bouchot (2021-2024) and Elric Angot (2022-2025). Active in academic community, recently co-organized the 2023 Workshop on Random Walks, Localization and Reinforcement in Paris.
Stéphane BORDAS is a Full Professor in Computational Mechanics at the University of Luxembourg's Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), leading the Computational Mechanics (Legato) research group. His work focuses on free boundary problems, method development for complex geometries, and applications in fracture mechanics, biomechanics, and computational engineering. He previously held roles at Cardiff University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). His research integrates computational methods like XFEM, isogeometric analysis, and meshfree techniques to address challenges in engineering and medicine. Education: Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Northwestern University (2003) M.Sc. in Civil Engineering, École Spéciale des Travaux Publics and Northwestern University (1999) Research Interests: Computational Mechanics, Biomechanics, Finite Element Methods, Fracture Mechanics, High-Performance Computing, Isogeometric Analysis. Grants & Projects: ERC Starting Grant (RealTCut) for surgical simulation and material cutting FP7 ITN INSIST for meshless methods Labs/Teams: Computational Mechanics (Legato) Group at the University of Luxembourg. His work bridges academia and industry, with applications in aerospace, biomedical engineering, and materials science. He is active in open-source software development, including codes for XFEM, isogeometric analysis, and meshfree methods.
Alper Tolga Çalık serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey. His research centers on advanced combustion systems for internal combustion engines, with particular expertise in diesel and Wankel engine technologies, emission control strategies, and computational fluid dynamics modeling. His primary research interests include combustion regime analysis in compression-ignited engines, exhaust gas recirculation optimization, turbulent jet ignition systems for rotary engines, and machine learning applications for predicting oil dilution and emissions. Recent work demonstrates strong focus on alternative ignition methods for Wankel engines and numerical investigations of flow fields in rotary combustion chambers. Çalık's publication record shows consistent output since 2005, with notable acceleration in high-impact journals (Fuel, SAE Technical Papers) from 2013-2024. His research demonstrates evolving trends from fundamental combustion analysis (2007) toward practical applications in emission reduction (2013-2019) and cutting-edge ignition systems (2021-2024), with increasing integration of computational methods. He actively supervises graduate students (3 supervised works documented) and leads research projects including the 2023 ITU ZES Solar Car Team battery pack design and 2019 autonomous driving integration for solar electric vehicles. His work with the ARIBA solar vehicle team demonstrates commitment to applied renewable energy transportation solutions.
Aad van der Vaart is a distinguished Professor of Statistics at Delft University of Technology (since 2021). Previously, he held Full Professorships at Leiden University (2012–2021) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1996–2012). His research focuses on foundational statistical theory and applications, including high-dimensional statistics, Bayesian methods, inverse problems, and genomics. He has made seminal contributions to nonparametric Bayesian inference, empirical processes, and semiparametric theory. Van der Vaart has authored influential textbooks such as Asymptotic Statistics (1998) and Fundamentals of Nonparametric Bayesian Inference (2017, with S. Ghosal). His work bridges theoretical rigor and practical applications, with over 34,830 citations (Google Scholar, 2023) and an H-index of 60. Key honors include the Spinoza Prize (2015, Netherlands’ highest science award), DeGroot Prize (2020), and membership in the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences. His academic journey includes roles such as Miller Fellow at UC Berkeley (2000), visiting positions at leading universities, and leadership in statistical societies. His research group actively explores modern challenges in statistical theory and methodology, including causal inference, adaptive estimation, and large-scale data analysis. Notable grants include an ERC Advanced Grant (2012) for Bayesian inverse problems. Collaborations span academia and industry, emphasizing interdisciplinary impact. While specific lab affiliations are not explicitly stated, his work is rooted in foundational mathematical statistics with broad applicability.
Christos Thrampoulidis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), part of the Faculty of Applied Science. Previously, he held the same position at the University of California, Santa Barbara (2018–2020) and was a Postdoctoral Researcher at MIT (2016–2018). He earned his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Caltech (2016 and 2012) and a Diploma in ECE from the University of Patras, Greece (2011). His research focuses on machine learning theory , optimization , high-dimensional statistics , and statistical signal processing . Specific interests include the theoretical foundations of deep learning, neural collapse phenomena, and the analysis of overparameterized models. He has contributed to understanding imbalanced data challenges, model compression, and safe optimization techniques. Key academic achievements include the Qualcomm Innovation Fellowship (2014) and the A. Mentzeolopoulos Fellowship . He teaches graduate courses on Optimization and Signals & Systems at UBC. His research group (MILD Group) actively explores topics like language model geometry, federated learning, and algorithmic reasoning in transformers. Notable publications include work on neural-collapse geometry, imbalance-aware learning, and the theoretical underpinnings of transformers. He advises multiple Ph.D., M.Sc., and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative environment centered on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Dr. Aretha Teckentrup is a Lecturer in the Mathematics of Data Science at the University of Edinburgh's School of Mathematics. Her research focuses on integrating mathematical models with observational data, particularly in areas like uncertainty quantification, Bayesian inverse problems, and computational methods for partial differential equations (PDEs). She holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Bath and has held postdoctoral positions internationally, including in Florida. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending statistics, numerical analysis, and applied mathematics. Notably, she has contributed to advancing Gaussian processes, multilevel Monte Carlo techniques, and sparse grid methods for high-dimensional problems. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to bridging theoretical foundations with practical applications. She has published extensively on topics such as probabilistic numerical methods, error estimation in Bayesian inference, and adaptive sampling strategies. Dr. Teckentrup is an active member of the SIAM community, having received the prestigious SIAG/UQ Early Career Prize in recognition of her contributions to uncertainty quantification. Her research continues to explore innovative solutions for data-driven modeling challenges in science and engineering. Dr. Teckentrup’s work often addresses the growing importance of combining data with physical models, exemplified by her development of numerical methods for weather prediction and stochastic dispersion modeling. She advocates for collaboration across disciplines and emphasizes the transformative potential of integrating computational tools with real-world data. Her career trajectory underscores the dynamic and collaborative nature of modern academic research in applied mathematics and data science.
Dr. Avideh Zakhor is a Professor and Qualcomm Chair at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) at the University of California, Berkeley. She is affiliated with several research centers including the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR), Berkeley Deep Drive Initiative, Video and Image Processing Lab, and Berkeley Center for New Media (BCNM). Her career spans over three decades with significant contributions to signal processing, 3D computer vision, robotics, and deep learning. 1983 B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Caltech 1985 S.M. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT 1987 Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT Dr. Zakhor's research interests focus on 3D computer vision, autonomous systems and robotics, deep learning, and signal/image processing. Her work spans diverse areas including drone navigation, medical imaging analysis, indoor positioning, and building energy audits. She has led projects on drone-based 3D building reconstruction, legged robot locomotion, and melanoma detection using AI. The 15 most recent publications highlight her work in several key areas: person search pre-training techniques, drone-based indoor navigation and 3D modeling, medical image segmentation for melanoma detection, hexapod robot locomotion, and proximity detection for public health. These publications demonstrate her expertise at the intersection of computer vision, robotics, and AI applications. Dr. Zakhor has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career: 2022 Winner of Phases 1 and 2, Department of Energy E-Robot Competition 2018 Electronic Imaging Scientist of the Year by SPIE 2004 Okawa Research Grant 2002 IEEE Fellow 1992 Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award 1990 Presidential Young Investigator (PYI) Award from President George H.W. Bush 1990 Junior Faculty Development Award 1984-1988 Hertz Fellowship 1983 Henry Ford Engineering Award 1982-1983 General Motors Scholarship Dr. Zakhor has advised numerous research projects and has been involved in significant research grants. She has founded successful companies including Indoor Reality, which develops technologies for rapid 3D mapping and visualization of buildings and assets. She leads research initiatives in various cutting-edge technologies: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) with focus on autonomy and obstacle avoidance, perception, path planning and control Deep learning applications in legged locomotion, unsupervised learning for multimodal sensors, misinformation detection, and learning-based image compression Wi-Fi proximity detection methods for contact tracing of diseases Temporal graphical neural networks for disease prediction Detection of small objects in ultra-high resolution images 3D reconstruction and recognition
