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Shimon Whiteson is Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford, leading the Whiteson Research Lab focused on reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, and deep learning. His research develops algorithms for efficient learning in complex environments. Current work explores meta-reinforcement learning frameworks that enable agents to rapidly adapt to new tasks, with applications in autonomous driving simulation and robotics. Recent innovations include novel methods for offline reinforcement learning, multi-agent coordination, and morphology-aware control. Publications demonstrate advances in: Meta-RL algorithm design for few-shot adaptation Multi-agent reinforcement learning environments and benchmarks Imitation learning in autonomous driving Bayesian methods for sample-efficient learning Research outputs include widely used benchmarks and tools including JaxMARL for accelerated multi-agent RL research. Current doctoral supervision focuses on temporal abstraction in RL, multi-agent coordination, and reinforcement learning theory.

• Reinforcement Learning
• Multi-Agent Systems
• Deep Learning
• +2 more

Harvey Reall is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) and a Fellow of Trinity College . His research focuses on General Relativity and Effective Field Theory , particularly in the context of black hole mechanics , higher-dimensional gravity , and cosmic censorship . He has held prestigious positions including a Royal Society University Research Fellowship from 2005 to 2013. Education: PhD from DAMTP, University of Cambridge. Previous Appointments: Lecturer at the University of Nottingham (2005-2007); Postdoctoral positions at the Kavli Institute (2003-2005), Queen Mary University of London (2000-2003), and University of California, Santa Barbara (2003-2005). Reall's work explores the uniqueness and stability of black holes , causality in gravitational theories , and effective field theory approaches to gravity . His recent publications address nonperturbative second law formulations , event horizon dynamics , and axisymmetry theorems in extended theories of gravity. He has supervised numerous researchers including Aidan McSharry (2025-) , Maxime Gadioux (2022-) , and Iain Davies (2020-24) , contributing to the training of the next generation of physicists. Scientific Awards: Royal Society University Research Fellow (2005-2013)

• General Relativity
• Theoretical Physics
• Black Hole Mechanics
• +6 more

James Sparks is a Professor of Mathematical Physics at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Oriel College. He works at the intersection of mathematical physics, theoretical physics, and geometry, with a focus on supersymmetric field theories, supergravity, and the AdS/CFT correspondence. His research explores geometric structures in string theory, including special holonomy manifolds, Sasaki-Einstein manifolds, and generalized geometry. Education: MA and PhD from the University of Cambridge Current Role: Head of the Department of Mathematical Physics Contact: Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG Sparks' research interests center on the interplay between quantum field theory, supergravity, and differential geometry. He investigates localization techniques in supersymmetric theories, holographic dualities, and geometric constructions relevant to string theory. His work often bridges mathematical rigor with physical insights from the AdS/CFT correspondence. His recent publications highlight advancements in supergravity localization, black hole thermodynamics, and equivariant cohomology in AdS/CFT. Articles span topics like toric gravitational instantons, matrix models from black hole geometries, and geometric duals of extremization principles in holography. These contributions reflect his focus on connecting geometric methods to physical phenomena in high-energy theory. In teaching, Sparks has lectured on quantum theory, electromagnetism, classical mechanics, and dynamics. He maintains an active research profile with collaborations on topics such as spinning spindles, squashed spheres, and brane tilings. His work continues to shape understanding of geometric structures in theoretical physics and their dual gravitational descriptions.

• Mathematical Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• Geometry
• +7 more

Professor Fay Dowker is a leading theoretical physicist at Imperial College London's Department of Physics, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on quantum gravity, causal set theory, and the nature of spacetime. She explores the granular structure of spacetime at Planck scales, emphasizing causal relationships and the interplay between relativity and quantum mechanics. Dowker's work addresses foundational questions such as the cosmological constant problem, the passage of time, and the relationship between spacetime discreteness and consciousness. Her contributions include seminal lectures like A Meditation on General Relativity and Spacetime Atoms and the Unity of Physics , as well as public debates on parallel universes and the hard problem of consciousness. She has held roles such as organizing events for Einstein's general relativity centenary and contributes to outreach via BBC Radio 4 and the Royal Institution. Her Orcid identifier is 0000-0002-6652-1058, and she is part of interdisciplinary teams like Physics of Universe and Quantum Engineering, Science, and Technology. Dowker’s research bridges physics and philosophy, tackling dichotomies such as continuity vs. atomicity, locality vs. non-locality, and objectivity vs. subjectivity. Her work on causal set theory challenges traditional views of spacetime and offers novel insights into quantum gravity and cosmology.

• Quantum Gravity
• Causal Set Theory
• Theoretical Physics
• +10 more

Professor Jorge Eduardo Pinto Santos holds the position of Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) at the University of Cambridge. His career includes roles as Reader (2018–2022), Lecturer (2013–2018), and a Junior Visiting Professorship at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2019–2020). He completed his Ph.D. at DAMTP between 2006 and 2010, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at Stanford University (2013–2014) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (2010–2013). His research focuses on general relativity, quantum gravity, and gravitational aspects of string theory. Key areas include numerical relativity and applications of general relativity to condensed matter physics via holography. Notable contributions involve studies on black hole binaries, extremal black holes, and the AdS/CFT correspondence. His recent work explores topics such as spinning black binaries in de Sitter space, gravitational instabilities in anti-de Sitter space, and entanglement islands in higher dimensions. He is affiliated with the High Energy Physics and Relativity and Gravitation research groups at DAMTP. His advising record includes seven doctoral students, with ongoing supervision of William Boyce (2024–present) and John Crump (2021–present). Publications highlight interdisciplinary advances, including investigations into black hole thermodynamics, cosmic censorship violations, and holographic models of condensed matter systems. His research bridges fundamental physics and numerical methods, addressing both theoretical and applied questions in gravitational physics.

• General Relativity
• Quantum Gravity
• Gravitational Aspects of String Theory
• +3 more

Professor Gary Gibbons is a distinguished academic at the University of Cambridge, holding the position of Professor of Theoretical Physics within the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), part of the Faculty of Mathematics. His research focuses on general relativity, quantum gravity, cosmology, and black hole physics. He is a core member of the Relativity and Gravitation Group, known for contributions to gravitational wave theory, black hole thermodynamics, and geometric methods in physics. His work intersects with areas such as the memory effect of gravitational waves, Carroll symmetry, and the mathematical structure of spacetime. Prof. Gibbons collaborates internationally, publishing extensively in top journals like Physical Review D and Classical and Quantum Gravity . His research also extends to applied mathematics, including studies on abrasion processes and shape evolution in geosciences. He maintains an active role in theoretical physics, advising graduate students and contributing to the academic community through lectures and seminars.

• Theoretical Physics
• General Relativity
• Cosmology
• +3 more

Daniel J. Field is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Strickland Curator of Ornithology at the University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology. He is a Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge, where Charles Darwin studied as an undergraduate, and serves as the founding director of the Darwin-Hamied Centre at Christ's College. Field also maintains research associate positions at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Natural History Museum (London). Field is an evolutionary biologist and palaeontologist whose research focuses on deciphering the origins of modern avian biodiversity using fossil, anatomical, and molecular data. His work spans multiple themes including clarifying how birds survived and diversified following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, studying the evolutionary histories of major living bird groups, and understanding the evolutionary origins of distinctive biological features such as the modern bird skull. In 2020, his team announced the discovery of Asteriornis maastrichtensis (the 'Wonderchicken'), the oldest-known modern bird fossil and an early relative of the group that gave rise to living chickens and ducks. Field's publication record shows consistent research output across multiple areas of avian evolution, with recent work focusing on avian palate evolution, skeletal pneumaticity, developmental patterns in bird skulls, and the evolutionary relationships among major bird groups. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques including CT scanning, geometric morphometrics, and phylogenetic analysis to address fundamental questions about vertebrate evolution. Field leads an active research group comprising postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and master's students from around the world. His lab has produced significant work on topics including the evolution of flightlessness in ratites, the developmental underpinnings of avian morphological diversity, and the phylogenetic relationships among major bird lineages. The lab maintains strong international collaborations and has been instrumental in training the next generation of evolutionary biologists and palaeontologists. Field is passionate about natural history and science outreach, and enjoys photographing Earth's vertebrate biodiversity in the field. His work bridges the gap between traditional palaeontology and modern evolutionary biology, contributing significantly to our understanding of how modern bird diversity arose from their dinosaurian ancestors.

• Avian Evolution
• Vertebrate Palaeontology
• Bird Biodiversity
• +7 more

Professor Oscar Dias is a faculty member in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on Einstein's gravity, black holes, holographic dualities, and gravitational aspects of string theory. He actively supervises PhD students in mathematical sciences and holds grants from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), including projects like 'New Frontiers in Particle Physics, Cosmology and Gravity.' His work explores topics such as cosmic censorship, black hole dynamics, and numerical general relativity, with recent contributions published in journals like Physical Review Letters and Journal of High Energy Physics . Key research interests include the study of black hole binaries in de Sitter space, the stability of charged black holes, and the interplay between holographic dualities and quantum field theories. His projects often involve collaborations with leading institutions, addressing foundational questions in theoretical physics and cosmology. Professor Dias is a member of the Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre and the String Theory and Holography group. His articles highlight advancements in understanding gravitational wave phenomena, quasinormal modes, and the behavior of black holes under various physical conditions. He currently accepts PhD applications and can be contacted via O.J.Campos-Dias@soton.ac.uk.

• Theoretical Physics
• General Relativity
• Black Holes
• +4 more

Prof. Andrea Mondino is a Professor at the University of Oxford 's Mathematical Institute , where he conducts research at the intersection of Analysis and Geometry with applications to Physics , Biology , and Economics . His work leverages techniques such as optimal transport , partial differential equations , and calculus of variations . His recent publications focus on synthetic Ricci curvature bounds , Lorentzian geometry , and RCD spaces , reflecting his expertise in geometric analysis and nonlinear PDEs . He has contributed to advancements in isoperimetric inequalities , Willmore surfaces , and metric measure spaces . Scientific Awards : Whitehead Prize 2020 ERC Starting Grant 2018 Bartolozzi Prize 2017 Huneke Fellow at MSRI-Berkeley 2016 Gioacchino Iapichino Prize 2014 ETH Fellow 2013-2015 Oberwolfach Leibniz Graduate Student 2012-2013 Benedetto Sciarra International Prize 2010 Marco Reni Prize 2009 Optime Prize 2007

• Analysis
• Geometry
• Optimal Transport
• +9 more

Professor Maciej Dunajski is a University Professor of Mathematical Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Cambridge, and a Senior Lecturer at Clare College Cambridge. His career spans institutions including Oxford and Cambridge, with roles ranging from Tutorial Fellow to Senior Research Associate. He holds a DPhil from the Mathematical Institute, Oxford, and was awarded the title of Professor by the President of Poland in 2011. University Professor of Mathematical Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Cambridge (2021–present) University Reader in Mathematical Physics, University of Cambridge (2020–2021) Fellow at Clare College Cambridge (2003–present) Author of Solitons, Instantons & Twistors (Oxford University Press, 2009) His research focuses on Twistor Theory , Integrable Systems , and Differential Geometry , with significant contributions to self-dual gravity, Einstein-Weyl structures, and geometric solutions to nonlinear equations. His work bridges mathematics and theoretical physics, including applications to quantum gravity and black hole thermodynamics. Dunajski's recent publications highlight advancements in conformal geometry, null Kähler structures, and higher-dimensional relativity. His collaborations span researchers like K. P. Tod, R. Penrose, and L. Mason. He is based in Room B2.14 at DAMTP, Cambridge, and maintains an active research group in high-energy physics.

• Twistor Theory
• Integrable Systems
• Differential Geometry
• +3 more

Dr. Eleonora Di Valentino is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, specializing in cosmology and fundamental physics. Her research focuses on resolving cosmological tensions, particularly the Hubble constant discrepancy, by exploring dynamical dark energy models, dark matter interactions, and cosmic microwave background (CMB) anomalies. She leads analyses combining cutting-edge datasets like DESI BAO and gravitational wave observations to probe the universe's evolution. Key research interests include: Interacting dark energy models and their observational signatures CMB anisotropies and their implications for early universe physics Neutrino mass constraints and dark matter thermodynamics Modified gravity approaches to cosmological tensions Multimessenger cosmology using BAO and gravitational wave data Her work highlights trends in addressing the Hubble tension via late-time dark sector interactions and non-standard dark matter behavior. She actively contributes to collaborative projects like the CosmoVerse initiative and the Dark Energy Survey (DES). Dr. Di Valentino's research group affiliation is the Cosmology, Relativity, and Gravitation (CRAG) group, where she develops novel methodologies for cosmological parameter estimation and model testing.

• Cosmology
• Dark Energy
• Dark Matter
• +3 more

Nguyen Dang is a Lecturer at the School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, actively supervising PhD students and teaching AI-related modules including Artificial Intelligence (CS3105), Artificial Intelligence Practice (CS5011), Machine Learning (CS5014), and Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (CS5016). He leads the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Computational Algebra and maintains an active research profile with numerous publications in top conferences. University of St Andrews, School of Computer Science Lecturer (equivalent to assistant professor) Supervising PhD students including Tai Nguyen Teaching multiple AI and Machine Learning courses Dr. Dang's research focuses on the intersection of machine learning and optimization, particularly automated algorithm configuration and design. His work centers on leveraging machine learning techniques to automate the development of optimization algorithms, with special emphasis on deep reinforcement learning for Dynamic Algorithm Configuration and integrating machine learning into constraint programming. His research has significant applications across various domains, especially in automated constraint modeling. The publications reflect strong activity in combinatorial optimization, algorithm selection, and benchmark instance generation. His recent publications demonstrate consistent output in top venues including Artificial Intelligence Journal, GECCO, FOGA, and CP conferences, with notable achievements including Best Paper Awards at GECCO'2025 and GECCO'2022. The research spans theoretical foundations of parameter control, practical applications in constraint programming, and innovative approaches to algorithm configuration. Best paper award at GECCO'2025 Best paper award at GECCO'2022 Nomination for best paper award at FOGA'2023 Best paper award at GECCO'2017 Dr. Dang holds a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (2020-2023) worth £90,000 for his project on constraint-based automated generation of synthetic benchmark instances. He has secured additional funding including EPSRC High Performance Computing grants totaling over 2.2 million CPU hours and a COST Action grant. His research group actively develops tools and frameworks for automated algorithm configuration and benchmark instance generation, with several open-source datasets available on GitHub. He is involved with multiple research groups including the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Computational Algebra and collaborates extensively with researchers at University of St Andrews and internationally, including at Université de Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne where he conducted visiting research.

• combinatorial optimisation
• algorithms
• machine learning
• +5 more

Professor Jonna Kuntsi is a leading researcher in developmental disorders and neuropsychiatry at King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, where she holds a professorship in the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre. With extensive training including BSc, MSc, and PhD from University College London and clinical experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, she has established herself as a prominent figure in ADHD research globally. Her research primarily focuses on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related conditions, with particular expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders, remote measurement technology applications, developmental trajectories, preterm birth associations, and the effects of physical activity on cognition and ADHD symptoms. Professor Kuntsi has pioneered the ADHD Remote Technology (ART) research programme, securing substantial funding including £4 million from the UK Medical Research Council and European Commission for innovative projects like ART-transition and ART-CARMA. Her publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across multiple domains of ADHD investigation, with recent work emphasizing digital phenotyping, remote monitoring technologies, and the developmental aspects of ADHD across the lifespan. This research portfolio shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated technological approaches to understanding and managing ADHD. Co-Chair of EUNETHYDIS - the European Network for ADHD Member of the European ADHD Guideline Group (EAGG) Principal Investigator in International Multi-centre Persistent ADHD Collaboration (IMpACT) Steering committee member of ECNP ADHD across the Lifespan Network Steering committee member of ECNP Digital Health Applied to Clinical Research Network Professor Kuntsi actively collaborates with patient support organizations including ADHD Europe and the UK ADHD Information and Support Service (ADDISS), and with technology companies like Empatica and The Hyve. She serves as Chair of the PhD Subcommittee across Departments of Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry and Biostatistics & Health Informatics, demonstrating her commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers while leading multiple international research networks that advance both scientific understanding and clinical practice in ADHD.

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• ADHD research
• Remote measurement technology
• +5 more

Dr. Iñaki Esnaola is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, and a Visiting Research Collaborator at Princeton University. He holds a MSc from the University of Navarra (2006) and a PhD from the University of Delaware (2011). His research focuses on information theory, machine learning, and cybersecurity, particularly in cyberphysical systems like smart grids. His work addresses data integrity, privacy, robust estimation, and optimal sensor placement. Research interests include: Information theory and data science, machine learning and high-dimensional statistics, cybersecurity (especially data injection attacks), privacy, robust estimation, and sensor placement optimization. Recent projects involve empirical risk minimization with regularization, stealth attacks on control systems, and compressive sensing for environmental monitoring. Key publications include studies on relative entropy in machine learning, sensor placement for sewer networks, and stealth attacks in smart grids. He leads a research group with ongoing projects in resilient cyberphysical systems and received a UKRI grant for advanced manufacturing. His work bridges theoretical foundations with real-world applications in energy systems and environmental monitoring.

• Information Theory
• Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity
• +6 more

Professor Adrian Hilton is a distinguished faculty member at the University of Surrey, serving as Director of the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) and Director of the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI. He is affiliated with the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and leads the Visual Media Research Lab (V-Lab). His research focuses on pioneering next-generation 4D computer vision technologies that enable machines to understand and model dynamic real-world scenes. Key areas include 3D/4D shape capture, computer vision, machine learning, graphics, and animation for applications in sports analysis, film/TV production, virtual reality, and medical imaging. His work bridges the gap between real and computer-generated imagery, with notable contributions in volumetric capture, motion capture, and free-viewpoint video. Hilton's recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward multimodal integration, particularly combining audio and visual processing for spatial audio applications, while advancing 4D reconstruction techniques for human performance capture. His work increasingly incorporates transformer architectures and neural rendering techniques for improved illumination estimation, shadow modeling, and multi-view consistency. Scientific Awards and Recognition Two EU IST Innovation Prizes Manufacturing Industry Achievement Award Royal Society Industry Fellowship (2008-2011) Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award in 4D Vision (2013-2018) Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) Fellow of the International Association for Pattern Recognition (FIAPR) Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET) Hilton actively mentors PhD and post-doctoral researchers through his leadership of CVSSP, which has a grant portfolio exceeding £31M and comprises 170 researchers. He has successfully commercialized several technologies, including systems used by the BBC for sports commentary visualization. His research collaborations span major industry partners including BBC, BT, Sony, Framestore, and The Foundry. He co-founded the G3 Games forum and the CVMP Conference on Visual Media Production, demonstrating strong engagement with the creative industries. Current research projects include the S3A Programme Grant in Future Spatial Audio and InnovateUK's ALIVE project for 360 video reconstruction.

• Computer Vision
• 4D Vision
• Machine Learning
• +9 more