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Prof. Albert Postma is a full professor in Experimental Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) at Utrecht University. He holds the chair in Clinical Neuropsychology and has served as department head of Experimental Psychology (2010–2017) and later as head of the Psychology Department (FSW, UU). His research focuses on spatial cognition, memory disorders, and sensory impairments, with notable contributions to understanding spatial navigation in neurological patients and the neurocognitive basis of spatial memory. Education: PhD in Psychology (1991, University of Nijmegen). Affiliations: Director of the Memory & Space Lab; Head of Research Committee at Korsakov Centrum Slingedael; Editorial roles in Cognitive Processing and Acta Psychologica . Research Interests: Spatial cognition, neuropsychology of memory (episodic, prospective), sensory deprivation effects (blindness/deafness), and neuroimaging studies of spatial processing. Key projects include EU-funded studies on spatial memory and the NWO Pioneer grant on spatial cognition development. Grants & Awards: Multiple EU Marie Curie grants, NWO Pioneer Grant (2000–2007), and coordination of the EU NEST Fp6 program on spatial orientation. His work emphasizes translational research in clinical settings, such as Korsakoff syndrome interventions. Labs & Teams: Leads the Memory & Space Lab, collaborating internationally on spatial cognition and neurological rehabilitation. Active in multidisciplinary initiatives like the Dynamics of Youth (DoY) research theme.

• Spatial Cognition
• Neuropsychology
• Human Memory
• +4 more

Pieter Desmet serves as Professor of Design for Experience at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, specifically within the Department of Human-Centered Design. He directs the Delft Institute of Positive Design, focusing on advancing knowledge for designing human flourishing. His research centers on emotional design mechanisms, particularly how product design evokes emotions and contributes to individual and community well-being. Key interests include Positive Design frameworks, mood-regulation interventions, AI-emotion alignment, and multisensory experiences in packaging and museum contexts. Recent work explores liminal spaces in exhibits, autoethnography ethics, and group mood dynamics in workplaces. Analysis of his 275+ publications reveals consistent focus on emotional design theory with expanding applications in AI, healthcare, and sustainability. His work bridges academic research with practical design tools for emotional well-being. No scientific awards are documented in the provided materials. Desmet actively supervises doctoral candidates (evidenced by PhD thesis datasets) and secures research grants through institutional collaborations. His leadership in organizing major conferences like IASDR 2023 and Design & Emotion events demonstrates significant academic influence. He leads the Delft Institute of Positive Design research group, which investigates user experience aspects through interdisciplinary projects integrating psychology, design, and technology.

• Emotional Design
• Positive Design
• User Experience
• +3 more

Hyosang Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Robotics Section of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He holds a PhD from KAIST and has held research positions at the Max Planck Institute and University of Stuttgart. His work focuses on tactile sensing technologies, including artificial skin development, soft robotics, and integration of sensory systems with AI. Bachelor's: Mechanical Engineering, Korea University Master's: Robotics and Mechanical Engineering (double major) PhD: Mechanical Engineering, KAIST (2017) Research interests span tactile sensor design, electrical impedance tomography (EIT), and human-robot interaction. His group emphasizes creating scalable, flexible tactile systems for robots. Recent work includes air pressure sensing for force estimation and biomimetic skin materials. Publications highlight innovations in multi-directional force sensing, soft component technologies, and haptic interfaces for autism therapy. He teaches 'Dynamics and Control of Robotic Systems' and serves on the editorial board of npj Robotics . No formal student advisees are listed, though his lab, the Tactile Sensing and Robotic Skin Group , likely involves graduate researchers. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and technology.

• Tactile Sensing
• Robotics
• Soft Robotics
• +4 more

Femke van Horen is a Full Professor of Consumer Behavior at the Marketing Department of the School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She serves as Scientific Director of the VU Behavioural Lab and Associate Editor for the International Journal of Research in Marketing . Her research focuses on product imitation strategies, environmental uncertainty's impact on consumer decisions, and nudging for sustainability. She co-chaired the 2023 EACR Conference and was a visiting scholar at Stanford University. Education: PhD from Tilburg University (2013), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Cologne's Social Cognition Lab. Joined VU Amsterdam in 2013. Research Interests: Product Imitation: Effectiveness of copycat strategies and brand evaluation dynamics. Environmental Uncertainty: Consumer decision-making during crises or elections. Sustainability Nudging: Behavioral methods to promote eco-friendly actions. Awards & Grants: AMA Research in Practice Award 2019 (for Out-of-Category Brand Imitation ). IJRM Outstanding Reviewer Award 2023. Grants from ACR/Sheth Foundation, University of Cologne, and others. Advising: Co-supervises two PhD students on sustainability and product imitation, and a postdoc on plant-based meat adoption. Labs & Teams: Leads the VU Behavioural Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary consumer research.

• Consumer Behavior
• Environmental Uncertainty and Decision-Making
• Nudging for Sustainable Behavior
• +3 more

Dr. Rong-Hao Liang is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with both the Future Everyday Group (Department of Industrial Design) and the Signal Processing Systems Group (Department of Electrical Engineering). His research bridges intelligent sensing systems and user interface technology for ubiquitous computing and embodied human-computer interaction . He co-organized international ACM conferences (CHI, UIST, DIS) and has over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 10 patents. PhD in Computer Science (2014) and MSc in Electrical Engineering (2010) from National Taiwan University Founded GaussToys Inc. in 2015, focusing on magnetic-field sensors Cross-appointed to Electrical Engineering in 2021 His research explores intelligent sensing systems , tangible user interfaces , and physiological sensors for real-world challenges. Key trends in his work include ubiquitous health monitoring (e.g., preterm infants), wearable technology , and innovative interaction design . Articles like GaussBits and NFCStack demonstrate his focus on magnetic and RFID-based tangible systems . Scientific awards include the ACM CHI 2013 Best Paper Award , 2014 Honorable Mentions , and the ACM SIGGRAPH Asia 2012 Emerging Technologies Prize . He mentors passion-driven projects in user interface design and embedded systems , emphasizing technical rigor and creativity. His STRAP project (2020–2025) addresses heart disease prevention via big data and AI . Labs and teams include the Future Everyday Group and Signal Processing Systems Group , with collaborations across healthcare , education , and technology startups . His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals , particularly good health and well-being .

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Tangible User Interfaces
• Intelligent Sensing Systems
• +7 more

Herman Bruyninckx is a Part-Time Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Mechanical Engineering department, specifically within the Control Systems Technology group and EAISI High Tech Systems initiative. He also serves as a professor (Hoogleraar) at KU Leuven in Belgium. Academic focus on robotics, control systems, and multi-agent coordination Active research in model predictive control , semantic mapping , and dynamic constraint algorithms Recent publications address industrial automation , agro-food robotics , and haptic technology Research Highlights : Developed hybrid decision-making frameworks for multi-agent navigation Innovated swing-free control methods for robotic pick-and-place operations Formulated constrained dynamics algorithms with LQR-Gauss principle integration Created ExoTen-Glove for haptic feedback in virtual environments Collaborative Projects : Coordinated with researchers like René van de Molengraft , Elena Torta , and Koen de Vos Contributed to NWO/TTW FlexCRAFT project for cognitive robotics in agro-food technology

• Robotics
• Control Systems
• Multi-Agent Systems
• +6 more

Professor David Abbink is a Full Professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at Delft University of Technology, holding a joint appointment between the Department of Cognitive Robotics in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering since November 2023. He founded the Delft Haptics Lab and co-founded the Cognitive Robotics Department in 2017. Abbink leads the transdisciplinary research and innovation centre FRAIM, which was awarded the prestigious NWO Stevin Premie (Dutch Nobel Prize equivalent) in June 2024. Trained as a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics, Abbink's research focuses on human behavior adaptations when interacting with autonomous systems. He has published over a hundred scientific articles on human-robot interaction, haptics, shared control, tele-operation, driver assistance systems, and sensorimotor control. His research has been funded by industry partners (Nissan, Boeing, Renault), RVO (Brightsky project 2022-2026), and the Dutch Science Foundation NWO through personal grants (VENI 2010-2014, VIDI 2015-2019). Abbink's recent work centers on worker-robot relations as an academic focus, collaborating with organizations like Erasmus Medical Centre for nursing work, Schiphol and KLM for baggage handling, and KLM Engine Repair Services for maintenance work. He also serves as scientific director for the Centre for Meaningful Human Control, launched in October 2024. His work bridges engineering, social sciences, and practical applications to responsibly shape the future of work with emerging robotic capabilities. NWO Stevin Premie (2024) Best IEEE SMC journal paper on Cybernetics (2019) Top 25 scientific talents according to New Scientist (2015) Best teacher of Faculty 3mE (2013, 2014) Best teacher of Department of BioMechanical Engineering (seven consecutive years) Abbink has supervised over 110 MSc students and 11 PhD students. His educational contributions include developing the Master Programme in Robotics at TU Delft and receiving international recognition for his course 'The Human Controller.' He is also a prominent science communicator, featured on national television, radio, and major Dutch newspapers, and has delivered lectures at venues like The Royal Institution and Lowlands Festival. Despite his academic commitments, Abbink maintains a drummer persona, having recorded four albums and performed over 400 shows across three continents between 1999-2014.

• Human-Robot Interaction
• Haptics
• Shared Control
• +7 more

Himanshu Verma is an Assistant Professor at the Knowledge and Intelligence Design Group within the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on Human-AI Collaboration, Cognitive Empathy, and designing AI systems attuned to human needs. Prior to TU Delft, he held postdoctoral roles at the University of Fribourg, EPFL, and HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Switzerland. Education: PhD in Computer Science (EPFL, Switzerland), focusing on collaborative group interactions and shared environments. Postdoctoral research in Human-Computer Interaction and Ubiquitous Computing. Research Interests: Empathy-Centric Design for inclusive technologies. Social Signal Processing in human-AI interactions. Health, well-being, and accessibility in AI systems. Key Projects: Co-leads the PERISCOPE (H2020) research project. Designs tools like EmpathiCH and COCTEAU for empathy-driven decision-making. Teaching: Design Analytics (2023–2024). Empirical Design Research (2024). Labs & Teams: Active in the Knowledge and Intelligence Design Group, focusing on AI ethics, hybrid workspaces, and empathetic systems.

• Human-AI Collaboration
• Cognitive Empathy
• Health and Well-being
• +5 more

Julie Legrand is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology , affiliated with the Group Van de Molengraft. Her work focuses on soft robotics , self-healing materials , and medical robotics applications . She designs actuators and sensors for adaptive robotic systems, emphasizing resilience through self-healing mechanisms and embodied intelligence. She teaches courses including Control of a Flexible Robot System , Haptics and Soft Robotics , and Robot-Arm , reflecting her expertise in both theoretical and applied robotics. Her research spans actuator design , material science integration , and minimally invasive surgical robotics , with notable contributions to self-healing actuator validation and continuum robot end-effectors for surgical applications. Legrand collaborates internationally on topics like shape memory alloys and anisotropic materials , and her work has been featured in media for breakthroughs in self-healing polymer limitations in soft robots. She actively contributes to the Medical Robotics research theme at TU/e, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to robotic systems in healthcare.

• Soft Robotics
• Actuators
• Self-Healing Materials
• +4 more

Bart J. Hengeveld is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Industrial Design department within the Faculty of Industrial Design. He leads the Future Everyday research cluster, focusing on the intersection of sound design and IoT systems. His work explores how embedded technologies can communicate through sound and tangible interaction in ways that enhance human experience. Education: BSc/MSc in Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology (2003) PhD in Industrial Design, TU/e (2011), with concurrent training in double bass at Codarts Conservatory Research Interests: Acoustic communication in IoT systems Tangible interaction design Social implications of ubiquitous computing Sound as a medium for human-technology interaction Recent Research Trends: Focus on multimodal interfaces combining sound/light/haptics Studies on sound design for healthcare and smart living environments Investigations into ethical and inclusive IoT soundscapes Awards: Two Teacher of the Year awards at TU/e, reflecting his commitment to pedagogical excellence. Advising & Projects: Supervised 113 student projects including interactive installations like 'Naktis' and 'Sonostapp' Leading the €1.5M 'Role of Sound in Hybrid Work Environments' project (2023–2026) Organized TEI 2016 conference and serves on its steering committee Teams/Labs: Core member of TU/e's Future Everyday cluster, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on embodied interaction research.

• Internet of Things (IoT) Interaction Design
• Sound Design
• Tangible Interaction
• +3 more

Prof. Sarthak Misra is a Full Professor in Medical Robotics at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Medical Sciences, affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He leads research in the Robotics and image-guided minimally-invasive surgery (ROBOTICS) group and the Basic and Translational Research and Imaging Methodology Development in Groningen (BRIDGE) team. His work focuses on advancing medical robotics, microrobotics, and magnetic actuation technologies for surgical and biomedical applications. He holds an ORCID identifier and has published over 127 research outputs, including high-impact articles in journals like Advanced Materials Technologies and European Heart Journal . His research addresses challenges in minimally invasive surgery, soft robotics, and smart materials. Media engagements highlight his contributions to robotic surgery and addressing healthcare workforce shortages through automation. Research interests include: Microrobotics and fluidic systems Magnetic and acoustic actuation for medical devices Soft robotic systems for surgical applications Image-guided interventions 3D printing for biomedical robotics His recent articles emphasize innovations like MagNoFE3D printing and magnetic probes for endovascular interventions. Collaborations span global institutions, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. No explicit awards are listed, but his extensive media coverage and 127+ publications underscore his impact. He is involved in grants, including OTP-funded projects, and mentors students in advanced robotics and medical engineering.

• Medical Robotics
• Surgical Robotics
• Microrobotics
• +3 more

Angelika H. Mader is an Associate Professor at the University of Twente, holding dual appointments at the Digital Society Institute and within the Human Media Interaction research group. Her work bridges computer science, design, and human factors with a focus on embodied interaction technologies and educational innovation. Her research centers on Haptics and Human-Computer Interaction , specializing in Social Touch systems, textile-based actuators, and pressure perception thresholds. She investigates emotional and sensory qualities of mediated touch while contributing to programming education through automated assessment tools. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates computer science, psychology, and design to develop novel user experiences for social and educational contexts. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a concentrated focus on haptic interfaces for social interaction, including textile actuators for pressure feedback, spatiotemporal touch illusions, and systems for social breath awareness. Her programming education work addresses automated assessment for learning-by-doing, demonstrating a clear trend toward embodied interaction in health, education, and collaborative environments. Professional recognition includes: Best Practices in Education Award (2018) She has supervised 3 students and maintains active research through dataset contributions on psychophysics and social touch. Her work shows consistent funding through collaborative projects evidenced by 6 public datasets and high-impact publications. As a core member of the Human Media Interaction group, she contributes to multimodal interaction research while advancing the Digital Society Institute's mission of addressing societal challenges through digital innovation. Her cross-disciplinary collaborations span engineering, psychology, and design teams focused on tactile communication systems.

• Haptics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Social Touch
• +4 more

Giulio Dagnino is Associate Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics at the University of Twente and concurrently holds an appointment at the Digital Society Institute. His research integrates medical robotics, real-time perception and haptics to create MR-compatible platforms for endovascular surgery, earning an h-index of 17 and 971+ citations. Education & Career: PhD (details not specified in source) leading to faculty appointment at University of Twente. Promoted to Associate Professor with cross-appointments in Robotics & Mechatronics and Digital Society Institute. Research Interests: Prof. Dagnino’s core interest is medical robotic systems that can operate safely inside an MRI scanner. His work spans haptic guidance, real-time computer vision, soft robotic actuation, synthetic data generation and surgical simulation. By combining ferrofluid actuation, electromagnetic tracking and deep-learning-based scene understanding, he aims to reduce ionizing radiation exposure, enhance navigation accuracy and shorten procedure times for minimally invasive endovascular interventions. Publications Trend: Across 44 outputs (2010-2025) the portfolio reveals a clear evolution from early vision-based microsurgery and fracture-robot systems (2010-2016) toward holistic endovascular platforms integrating MR guidance, haptics and autonomy. Recent 2024-25 papers cluster around (i) synthetic data & scene understanding for surgical AI, (ii) MR-safe robot design and tracking, and (iii) translational studies bringing CathBot and related platforms closer to clinical use. Scientific Awards: Best Design Award – Hamlyn Symposium 2019 (with team) Best Innovation Award – ICRA 2018 Best Paper Award – CURAC 2019 IEEE ICRA Best Paper Award in Medical Robotics – 2016 Grants & Projects: Although explicit grant numbers are not listed, the continuous outputs, patents, multi-institutional collaborations (UK, Germany, Estonia, Canada) and press releases imply sustained funding from EU, Dutch and UK research councils as well as industrial partnerships. Labs & Teams: He leads activities within the Robotics and Mechatronics group at University of Twente, collaborates closely with the Digital Society Institute, and maintains international partnerships visible in co-authored papers with Imperial College London, University of Leeds, and several European hospitals.

• Medical Robotics
• Endovascular Robotics
• Computer Vision
• +5 more

Raymond H. Cuijpers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Human Technology Interaction group. His research focuses on Cognitive Robotics , Human-Robot Interaction , and Artificial Intelligence for cognitive agents, with applications in healthcare robotics and aging population support. PhD in Physics of Man from Utrecht University (2000) Postdoctoral research at Erasmus MC Rotterdam and Radboud University Nijmegen Key research areas include: Developing socially intelligent robots with proper social cue interpretation Hybrid AI approaches for real-world complexity handling Visual-haptic perception integration in human motor control Service robots for COPD patient assistance (KSERA project) Rescue robotics and tele-operation applications Recent research output (2025) includes studies on: Personalization in human-robot communication Optimal lighting for elderly visual perception Human-robot bonding mechanisms Interactive sensorized platforms for homecare (GUARDIAN) Audiovisual temporal integration in virtual environments He coordinates large-scale European projects like GUARDIAN and previously KSERA, contributes to sustainable development goals through healthcare robotics, and serves on editorial boards of leading journals including International Journal of Social Robotics . His work spans both technical robotics development and human-centric interaction studies.

• Cognitive Robotics
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Socially Assistive Robotics
• +5 more

Dr. Sepideh Ghodrat is an Assistant Professor of Shape Morphing Design at TU Delft's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. She bridges materials science and design, focusing on stimuli-responsive materials for dynamic, interactive products. Her research emphasizes 4D printing, smart materials, and sustainable applications. Research Projects include 4D Printing Magnetically Activated Shape Morphing Objects and SereniSleeve (wearables for anxiety modulation). Courses taught: Materials and Manufacturing (2023-2024). Research Interests : Shape Morphing Design (SMD) Stimuli-Responsive Materials (e.g., shape memory alloys, polymers) 4D Printing and Magnetic Soft Materials Applications in healthcare, automotive, and sustainability Key Contributions : Developed modular self-folding hinges (Mimosa Kit). Explored haptic wearables for visually impaired users. Advocates for adaptive, environment-responsive products. Labs/Teams : Involved in multiple interdisciplinary research teams at TU Delft, focusing on smart materials and sustainable design engineering.

• Shape Morphing Design
• Stimuli-Responsive Materials
• Smart Material Systems
• +4 more