Mikkel N. Schmidt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on statistical modeling, Bayesian methods, and their applications in science and industry. He has held visiting roles at Columbia University (2007) and Cambridge University (2008-2009). His work integrates probabilistic modeling with computational inference to address complex problems in diverse fields such as molecular discovery, optical communication, and brain connectivity analysis. Education highlights include visiting scholar and postdoctoral experiences at top-tier institutions. Research interests span statistical methodology development, machine learning applications, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Current projects involve Bayesian neural networks for molecular discovery and federated learning optimization. Advising efforts include supervising multiple PhD students in areas like molecular discovery and denoising diffusion models. Notable collaborations involve work on materials science, quantum communication, and medical signal processing. His contributions bridge theoretical advancements with practical industrial applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation.
Kunihiko Kaneko is a Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, with a distinguished career in theoretical biophysics and complex systems. He received his PhD and MSc in Physics from the University of Tokyo, and has held leadership roles at the Universal Biology Institute and Center for Complex Systems Biology. PhD Physics, 1984 - University of Tokyo MSc Physics, 1981 - University of Tokyo His research spans five primary areas: Universal Biology, Evolutionary Constraints, Ecosystem Dynamics, Neural Cognition, and Universal Anthropology. He has published extensively on multi-level consistency principles, dimensional reduction in biological systems, and reciprocity between robustness and plasticity across scales. Recent publications show strong focus on microbial ecosystems (2025), evolutionary game theory (2025), neural modular architectures (2024), and dimensional reduction in cellular systems (2024). His work bridges physics and biology through dynamical systems theory applied to diverse phenomena from protocells to human societies.
Sebastian Risi is a Professor at the IT University of Copenhagen , where he directs the Creative AI Lab and co-directs the Robotics, Evolution and Art Lab (REAL) . His work bridges computational evolution, deep learning, and collective intelligence for applications in robotics, art, and video game design. His research focuses on self-organizing AI systems that grow or assemble through local interactions, inspired by biological development. Key areas include neuroevolution , neural cellular automata , and generative modeling , with applications in adaptive robotics, game content creation, and damage-resilient AI. Recent publications highlight trends in self-assembling neural architectures (NDPs) and 3D functional machine generation (Minecraft experiments). Awards include ERC Consolidator Grant (2022), Best Paper at FDG’21 , and Google Faculty Award (2019). Scientific Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (GROW-AI), Best Paper FDG’21, Runner-Up IEEE Games’20, GECCO 2017 Competition Winner, Sapere Aude Grant, Amazon/Google Faculty Awards He advises on projects like GROW-AI (EU-funded), AI-TESTER (game testing), and C2SIM (military systems). Media coverage includes Science , Wired , and Popular Science .
Mostafa Mohammadi is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Center for Rehabilitation Robotics. His research focuses on neurorehabilitation robotics, human-computer interaction, and telerehabilitation technologies for individuals with disabilities. Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Aalborg University, 2018-2022) M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (Polytechnic University of Milan, 2015-2017) B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Sharif University of Technology, 2011-2015) His work spans exoskeleton design, assistive robotics, and innovative interfaces like tongue-computer interfacing. Recent projects include the eMotivo digital health solution funded by Innovation Fund Denmark and intelligent tendon-driven exoskeletons for severe disabilities. Research outputs (33 total) emphasize adaptive robotics, motor impairment solutions, and wearable technologies. Collaborations span robotics, biomedical engineering, and clinical disciplines. Teaching includes courses in rehabilitation robotics, human-computer interaction, and digital systems for biomedical engineering. Scientific activities align with UN Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and reduced inequalities. Notable contributions include advancements in myoelectric interfaces and neurorehabilitation technologies.
Tuukka Ruotsalo serves as Associate Professor in the Machine Learning Section at the Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen. His research bridges human cognition with computational systems through brain-computer interfaces and physiological computing. As Academy Research Fellow at University of Helsinki (2019-2024), he maintained dual institutional affiliations while leading cutting-edge work in neuro-linguistic modeling and affective relevance. His research focuses on brain-computer interfaces for information retrieval , where he pioneers methods to decode cognitive states from neural signals to improve search systems. Key areas include affective relevance modeling that integrates emotional states into search algorithms, and neuro-linguistic reconstruction that translates brain activity into language. His work on fairness-relevance tradeoffs in recommender systems established Pareto frontier evaluation frameworks now widely adopted in ethical AI research. Recent publications demonstrate how physiological signals like EEG and galvanic skin response can create more adaptive human-information interaction systems. Ruotsalo's scientific recognition includes the prestigious Academy Research Fellow position. His publications in IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems , Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology , and Communications Biology reveal growing interdisciplinary impact. His advising spans cognitive neuroscience and machine learning students, with notable collaborations across the SCIENCE AI Centre. Current projects include the TreeSense initiative for remote sensing of global tree resources and development of quantum-inspired neural architectures. His lab leverages the department's powerful compute cluster for large-scale physiological data analysis.
Fatima AlZahra'a Alatraktchi is an Associate Professor at Roskilde University's Department of Science and Environment. Her research focuses on biomarker detection, electrochemical analysis, and biomedical sensor development, with applications in prostate cancer diagnostics, pregnancy hormone monitoring, and microbial pathogen detection. She is affiliated with the Molecular and Medical Biology Centre for Mathematical Modeling – Human Health and Disease. Key research interests include nanotechnology-driven biosensors, urinary biomarkers for disease staging, and the development of point-of-care diagnostic tools. She has pioneered rapid electrochemical methods for detecting pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has contributed to improving early-stage cancer detection through amino acid profiling. Alatraktchi leads the project Investigating the role of neurotransmitters in pancreatic development and islet cell function (2024–2027), combining 4D bioimaging with neurotransmitter sensing. Her work has been featured in 53 media outlets, addressing topics like gender representation in STEM and school-based health testing solutions. Notable awards include the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30, 2017 Lundbeck Foundation Talent Prize, and 2019 PhD of the Year Award. Her research has produced 36 peer-reviewed publications and one patent, emphasizing translational applications in healthcare technology.
Gabriel Antonio Abarca Brown is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Medical Humanities at the Center for Culture and the Mind (CULTMIND) at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Humanities, where he works within the Department of English, Germanic and Romance Studies. As a medical anthropologist, clinical psychologist, and psychoanalyst, his research spans multiple disciplinary boundaries while maintaining a focus on Latin American contexts, particularly Chile. His educational background includes a PhD in Anthropology from King's College London's Department of Global Health and Social Medicine (awarded February 1, 2021) and an MA in Adult Clinical Psychology with specialization in Psychoanalysis from the University of Chile. His academic journey reflects his interdisciplinary approach to understanding mental health through both clinical and anthropological lenses. Abarca Brown's research interests focus on the history, politics, and practices of psychiatry and global mental health, particularly examining their impacts on subjectivity and everyday life in Latin America. His work critically engages with decolonial perspectives, intersectionality, and the relationship between neuroscience and society. He investigates how mental health systems interact with migration, race, gender, and cultural contexts, with a special emphasis on Haitian migration to Chile. His scholarship challenges neurocentric approaches while exploring how global mental health initiatives are implemented and transformed in local settings. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward examining the intersection of neuroscience, migration, and mental health in Latin American contexts, particularly Chile. His work often employs ethnographic methods to explore how global mental health paradigms are translated and transformed in local settings. A significant portion of his research focuses on Haitian migration to Chile, examining how mental health services engage with migrant populations and how migrants navigate mental healthcare systems. His scholarship demonstrates a consistent commitment to decolonizing mental health approaches and amplifying Latin American perspectives within global mental health discourse. Honorable Mention - Revista Crítica de Ciências Sociais Prize from the Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra (2022) ANID BecasChile PhD scholarship (2015) Scholarship for Research Visit at the Social Medicine Institute UERJ-Brazil (August 2017) Beyond his academic appointments, Abarca Brown has served as an Advisor to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and is a co-founder of the Platform for Social Research in Mental Health in Latin America (PLASMA). His external academic positions include Adjunct Researcher at Universidad Diego Portales and Visiting Professor at Universidad San Sebastián. He has lectured and conducted research at multiple institutions including the University of Santiago, University of Chile, King's College London, and the University of Copenhagen, demonstrating his strong regional and international academic networks. Abarca Brown is actively engaged with the Center for Culture and the Mind (CULTMIND) at the University of Copenhagen, where his postdoctoral fellowship is based. His work intersects with broader initiatives examining the relationship between culture, mind, and mental health. Through PLASMA, he contributes to building networks for mental health research across Latin America, fostering collaborative approaches that center regional perspectives and needs.
Sune Darkner is a Professor at the Department of Computer Science (DIKU) at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in the Image Analysis, Computational Modelling, and Geometry research section. His work focuses on medical image processing with particular emphasis on neuro-imaging data including MRI and PET scans. His primary research interests include Image Registration, Segmentation and Classification of Medical Image Data , with a specific focus on estimation of image similarity as his main research interest. Darkner strongly believes that the implementation of image processing algorithms should be thoroughly tested and reflect the theoretical properties as accurately as possible. His work primarily centers on neuro-imaging data such as MRI and PET. His recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong focus on medical image analysis, with particular emphasis on tumor volume delineation, deformable image registration with physics constraints, and applications of deep learning in medical imaging. His work spans both theoretical foundations of image processing and practical clinical applications. Darkner previously held a Post Doc position at the Technical University of Denmark from February 2009 to January 2010, demonstrating his longstanding engagement with image analysis research in the Danish academic community.
Rasmus Leck Kæseler is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Science and Technology at Aalborg University, affiliated with The Faculty of Medicine. His work focuses on neurorehabilitation robotics, particularly developing assistive technologies for severely disabled individuals through innovative interfaces like tongue-computer systems and brain-computer interfaces. Key projects include the CRERoB initiative (Center for Rehabilitation Robotics - phase II) and the MultiRob project, which explore multimodal control systems for robotic arms. He collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary research involving mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and clinical applications. Research interests span neural signal processing (e.g., SSVEP classification), adaptive exoskeleton design, and user-centered interface development for individuals with spinal cord injuries or ALS. Recent publications emphasize improving assistive robotic systems through semi-automation and studying long-term user adaptation patterns. Rasmus participates in academic activities such as the 'Forskningens Døgn' public engagement event and workshops on generative AI in education. He holds positions in the Center for Rehabilitation Robotics and contributes to conferences like the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society.
Agnete Kirkeby is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Copenhagen, and leads the Kirkeby Lab under the reNEW research center. Her work focuses on human brain development and stem cell engineering. Research Interests : Understanding human neural cell development for regenerative therapies , drug screening , and Parkinson's disease treatment . Her lab uses stem cell differentiation and bioactive materials. Key Article Trends : Recent publications center on Stem cell-derived neuron therapies Neuroregeneration using diamond scaffolds Clinical translation of stem cell treatments External Roles : Group leader at Lund University. Conflicts of Interest : Owns Kirkeby Cell Therapy APS, consults for Novo Nordisk, and co-invents patents on neuron generation from stem cells.
Professor Matthias Mann is Research Director and Group leader at the Proteomics Program at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He also holds a Director position at the Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Munich. As one of the most highly cited researchers in the world with h-index 216 and over 200,000 citations, Mann is a pioneer of mass spectrometry-based proteomics who has made landmark contributions to the development of electrospray ionization. Professor Mann's research interests focus on proteomics technology development and its application to biological and clinical problems. His Clinical Proteomics group applies mass spectrometry-based proteomics to understand human health and disease, with the goal of improving patient diagnosis, stratification, and prevention of diseases such as metabolic disorders and cancer. The group has established robust, high-throughput proteome profiling pipelines for clinical cohorts and develops AI-guided platforms for analyzing proteomes from low amounts of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples. A key research area is the interpretation of multi-omics data through the Clinical Knowledge Graph, which harmonizes multi-omics data with meta-data for machine learning applications. Professor Mann's recent publications demonstrate trends across several fields including clinical proteomics, biomarker discovery, mass spectrometry technology development, and multi-omics integration. His work spans applications in cancer research, metabolic diseases, neuroscience, and cardiac biology, with a consistent focus on translating proteomic technologies into clinical applications for personalized medicine. Dr H.P. Heineken Prize for Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024 Louis-Jeantet Foundation Prize for Medicine (2012) Leibniz Prize of the German Research Society (2012) Körber European Science Award (2012) Ernst Schering Prize (2012) Protein Society Anfinsen Award (2005) Novo Nordisk Prize (2004) Professor Mann has mentored numerous researchers, with several former post-docs receiving prestigious ERC Starting Grants. His research has been supported by significant funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and other major research organizations. The Mann Group maintains collaborations with clinical researchers across multiple institutions to apply proteomics to patient cohorts and disease studies. The Mann Group operates within the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the University of Copenhagen, working closely with other research groups including the Choudhary Group, Olsen Group, and others within the CPR. The group maintains state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facilities and develops computational tools for proteomic data analysis, creating an integrated environment for technological innovation and biological discovery.
Professor Daniel S. Hain is an Associate Professor at Aalborg University Business School, part of Aalborg University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. He is affiliated with the IKE Research Group (AI for the People) and the MASSHINE Cluster for Research on Innovation and Development. His research focuses on innovation dynamics, artificial intelligence, network analysis, and technology forecasting. Hain has been actively involved in strategic initiatives such as the Danish Industry Foundation's AI Denmark program and the Generative Ethnographic AI (GE-AI) seed project, demonstrating his commitment to advancing AI applications in societal contexts. His work bridges academic research with practical industry challenges, particularly in areas like patent analytics (e.g., Patentsberta model), renewable energy innovation, and global venture capital patterns in developing economies. Hain has received the OECD IPSDM “Big Data Analytics” Challenge award (2018) for collaborative research on inventive activity visualization. He contributes to policy discussions on AI governance, the privatization of research talent, and regional green technology development. Key projects include the Danish Research Unit for Industrial Dynamics (DRUID) since 1995, exploring innovation systems, and the EIS project on energy innovation competitiveness. Hain’s recent focus on generative AI ethics and SME predictive analytics reflects his dual expertise in technical methodologies and socio-economic impacts.
Carsten Dahl Mørch is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University. He leads the Cutaneous Pain Research Laboratory and is affiliated with the Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction and the Translational Pain Neuroscience and Precision Health Center. His research focuses on pain mechanisms, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral nerve function, and neuroplasticity. He holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics and an M.Sc. in Biophysics. Education: Ph.D. in Biophysics (2006) M.Sc. in Biophysics (2002) Research Interests: Diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy Experimental methods for studying hyperalgesia Digitalization of human neuroscience Pain perception complexity Neuropathic pain in diabetes Key Projects: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Early detection and severity grading (2018–present) Computational modeling of peripheral nerves (2017–present) Assessment of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (2014–present) Labs/Teams: Cutaneous Pain Research Laboratory Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain
John Paulin Hansen is a Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), affiliated with the Department of Technology, Management and Economics under the Technology and Business Studies school. His research focuses on human factors, human-computer interaction, and assistive technologies, particularly in gaze interaction and rehabilitation robotics. He holds a Ph.D. from Aarhus University (1992) and has led research groups at institutions like Risø National Laboratory and the IT University of Copenhagen. His work emphasizes improving quality of life for individuals with motor disabilities through innovations like The Eye Tribe and GazeIT lab initiatives. Research Interests include: Eye-tracking technology and gaze interaction systems Exoskeletons and AR interfaces for stroke rehabilitation Human digital twins in healthcare Telepresence robotics accessibility Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) Key Achievements: Founded EU’s COGAIN network, co-created The Eye Tribe startup (acquired by Facebook/Oculus), and leads the GazeIT lab supported by the Bevica Foundation. His projects address sustainable development goals through inclusive technology solutions. Awards: Vanførefondens Forskerpris 2018 Multiple Best Paper Awards (2019–2022) Reviewers' Favourite Best Paper Award at DESIGN2022 Advising & Grants: Mentor to startups like The Eye Tribe and Orbital (acquired by GN Audio). Current projects include EU Horizon 2020 Rehyb initiative for AR exoskeleton interfaces and Human Digital Twin applications in rehabilitation. Labs/Teams: GazeIT lab pioneers assistive tech innovations, collaborating with LEGO and Serious Games Interactive. Active in developing inclusive design pedagogy and digital twin methodologies for healthcare.
Naohiro Okada is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Tokyo, and concurrently serves as an Associate Professor at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN). He is also the Core Manager of the Human fMRI Core facility. Dr. Okada has extensive experience in neuroimaging research, particularly focusing on psychiatric disorders and adolescent brain development. Dr. Okada obtained his M.D. from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine in 2004. After completing his residency, he began psychiatry training at the University of Tokyo Hospital in 2006 and worked as a psychiatrist at Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital from 2007 to 2012. He earned his Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo in 2017, and joined IRCN in 2019 where he manages the human fMRI scanner facility. His research primarily focuses on using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to understand brain structure and function in healthy adolescents and patients with psychiatric disorders. Dr. Okada's work aims to elucidate the neurobiological substrates of psychiatric disorders and develop biomarkers for clinical applications. He has published extensively on topics including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and adolescent brain development, with a particular emphasis on multi-site collaborative studies and data-driven approaches to psychiatric classification. Dr. Okada's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on developing novel diagnostic classifications based on neuroimaging data, investigating resting-state neural signatures across psychiatric disorders, and establishing robust infrastructure for multi-center MRI research. His work bridges human and animal research while incorporating machine learning and AI techniques to advance the field of psychiatric neuroimaging. Dr. Okada is actively involved in several research projects funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, including the Advanced Bioimaging Support Platform (2022-2028), MRS analysis of basal ganglia GABA dysfunction in schizophrenia (2021-2025), and studies on dose reduction and brain function changes in schizophrenia patients (2018-2022). He is a member of the Society for Neuroscience and the Japanese Society of Biological Psychiatry, reflecting his commitment to advancing neuroscience research and its applications in understanding and treating psychiatric disorders.
