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Professor Runming Yao is a leading academic in building and urban sustainability at the University of Reading's School of Construction Management and Engineering. He holds roles as Director of Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments and Module Convenor for Sustainable Design and Management Principles. His research focuses on energy efficiency, urban microclimates, indoor environmental quality, and thermal comfort, with particular emphasis on UK and China contexts. Yao is an EPSRC College member and serves on editorial boards for journals like the Journal of Building Engineering and Renewable Energy . He has led numerous high-impact projects funded by bodies like the European Commission, EPSRC, and the Chinese government, addressing topics such as low-carbon cities, green building technologies, and climate-resilient urban design. His professional memberships include Fellowships of CIBSE, the Chartered Institute of Building, and FHEA. Yao’s work bridges engineering, policy, and environmental science, with contributions to international standards and guidelines for sustainable construction. Education and Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD Research Interests: Yao’s research integrates technical innovation with societal needs, exploring: - Energy-efficient building systems and urban-scale simulations, - Impact of climate change on building design, - Sensor technology for smart building management, - Health implications of indoor/outdoor environmental quality. His work emphasizes cross-disciplinary solutions for sustainable urban development and climate resilience. Projects and Grants: Recent initiatives include: - LoHCool (EPSRC-funded low-carbon heating/cooling of cities), - REELCOOP (EU-funded renewable energy cooperation), - Halton Foundation-funded studies on school ventilation. He has secured over £10M in research funding, spanning academic and industry partnerships. Awards and Recognition: While no formal awards are listed, Yao’s leadership in global sustainability networks and his role in shaping policy frameworks reflect his significant influence in the field. Labs and Collaborations: He leads the Energy and Environmental Research Group and collaborates internationally with institutions like Chongqing University, Cambridge University, and the China Green Building Council. His work frequently involves cross-border initiatives to address climate challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions.

• Building Sustainability
• Urban Microclimates
• Energy Efficiency
• +5 more

Matti Minkkinen is a Docent at the Turku School of Economics (University of Turku) and a Postdoctoral Researcher in Information Systems Science at the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. His work bridges futures studies with ethics, privacy, and socio-technical systems in digital transformation. Recent roles focus on responsible AI governance and foresight methodologies. University: University of Turku School: Turku School of Economics Department: Department of Management and Entrepreneurship His research explores how digital technologies reshape organizational practices, emphasizing Futures Consciousness as a human capacity. Key themes include responsible AI , privacy protection , and causal layered analysis in scenario planning. Publications highlight ethical governance frameworks and EU policy debates. Recent articles address generative AI ethics , ML system integration , and AI auditing across journals like Communications of the Association for Information Systems and Information and Management . Topics cluster around socio-technical systems, digital ethics, and institutional adaptation to AI. Teaching and editorial roles include co-curating student research collections at Finland Futures Research Centre. No explicit scientific awards are listed, but his work contributes to foresight theory and practice.

• Digital Transformation
• Responsible Artificial Intelligence
• Foresight Methods
• +4 more

Nina Goldman is a human geographer and lecturer at the University of Basel's Department of Environmental Sciences. Currently, she is based at the University of Manchester on a two-year mobility fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation. Her work focuses on understanding social connection in urban environments and addressing loneliness through place-based interventions. She also conducts research for the World Health Organization and serves as a guest editor for a special issue on "Loneliness and the Built Environment" in the Journal Health & Place. Dr. Goldman teaches an annual introductory course in social science methods for the Land Use Changes research group at the University of Basel and has developed various courses since 2017, including "Introduction to Empirical Social Research" and "Urban Geography and Urban Health." Her teaching extends to field excursions across Switzerland, Germany, France, and China, focusing on urban health, poverty, sustainability, and spatial transformations. Her research interests center on the intersection of human geography, urban health, and social connection. Specifically, she investigates which place-based factors are most crucial in determining social connection in cities that, despite offering abundant opportunities for social contact, often leave residents feeling isolated. This work combines geographical analysis with social science methodologies to understand urban loneliness and develop interventions. Dr. Goldman's scholarly work reveals a strong evolution from spatial epidemiology of influenza transmission (reflected in her PhD "The Taming of the Flu") to her current emphasis on loneliness as a critical urban health challenge. Her publications demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach bridging geography, public health, and social science, with increasing focus on policy implications across 52 countries. Swiss National Science Foundation Mobility Fellowship Dr. Goldman has advised numerous students through her courses and field excursions. Her research for the World Health Organization on governmental approaches to addressing loneliness represents a significant contribution to public health policy. She organizes international workshops on place-based interventions for loneliness, fostering global collaboration on this pressing issue. While not explicitly mentioned as leading a formal lab, Dr. Goldman collaborates with the Land Use Changes research group at the University of Basel and participates in international research initiatives related to urban health and social connection. Her work with the World Health Organization and her guest editorship for the Journal Health & Place indicate active engagement in shaping research agendas in her field.

• Human Geography
• Urban Health
• Social Connection
• +3 more

Scott E. Crouter is a Professor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He serves as director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory and is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. His research focuses on improving physical activity and energy expenditure measurement using wearable monitors and machine learning algorithms, with applications in youth, adults, and special populations like pregnant individuals and cancer survivors. Education: Postdoctoral in Nutritional Sciences (Cornell, 2005-07), PhD in Exercise Physiology (University of Tennessee, 2005), MS in Cardiac Rehabilitation/Adult Fitness (University of Wisconsin, 2000), BS in Exercise Science (Linfield College, 1998) Dr. Crouter's work spans physical activity assessment , sedentary behavior analysis , and technology validation . He has developed machine learning models for energy expenditure estimation using ActiGraph GT9X and Cosmed K5 devices. His recent studies examine pregnancy hyperglycemia interventions, urban environment impacts on activity patterns, and robotic exercise aids. He has secured significant NIH funding for projects including digital health weight management , pediatric obesity treatment translation , and fall risk factors in the elderly . As associate editor for Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise and Journal for the Measurement of Physical Behaviors , he contributes to methodological advancement in activity monitoring. Scientific Awards: Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine Editorial Leadership National Physical Activity Plan Alliance Participation CDC/National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research Contributions National Academy of Sciences Committee Member Dr. Crouter's student collaborations include works with Natalie Butte on youth compendiums, Allan Opotowsky in cardiac rehabilitation trials, Patrick Hibbing in metabolic equivalent research, and Sara LaMunion in consumer monitor validation. His lab has produced over 100 publications and 15 recent articles focusing on sensor technology and population health.

• Physical Activity Measurement
• Wearable Sensors
• Machine Learning Applications
• +5 more

Alister Scott is a Professor at Northumbria University in the Geography and Environmental Sciences Department , specializing in landscape and environmental planning. His work bridges the built and natural environments, focusing on multifunctional landscapes and policy integration. Education: PhD (awarded 1987) Research Themes: Landscape planning, ecosystem services, green/blue infrastructure, peri-urban dynamics, sustainability assessment, and policy translation. Collaborations: Active in UK-based and international projects, including EU PERFECT and ESRC-funded initiatives. Recent publications emphasize the role of cultural ecosystem services, participatory mapping in Green Belt areas, and reconciling urban growth with environmental protection. His work addresses the integration of nature-based solutions into planning systems and evaluates policy impacts on health, wellbeing, and biodiversity. Networks: Executive Member of the North East Nature Partnership (since 2016) Contributor to the UK National Ecosystem Assessment Follow-on projects

• Landscape Planning
• Environmental Policy
• Spatial Planning
• +3 more

Professor Ben Horan is the Head of School of Engineering at Deakin University , Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Engineering from Deakin University, with expertise in electrical engineering , control systems , and human-centred computing . As a leading researcher in virtual reality (VR) applications, he focuses on safety training, aged care, and extended reality (XR) systems. PhD in Electrical Engineering (Deakin University) Graduate Certificate of Higher Education (Deakin University) Bachelor of Engineering (Deakin University) His research spans VR for electrical safety training , automated vehicle interactions , and XR applications in museums . His work includes grants from the Department of Health, Melbourne Water Corporation, and City of Greater Bendigo. Recent publications analyze 360° video realism, cognitive load in virtual workplaces, and AR for Industry 5.0. Professor Horan supervises PhD candidates exploring topics like autonomous vehicle pedestrian interactions , VR stress mitigation , and industrial XR systems . He has completed supervision of 10+ PhD and Master’s students.

• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Practice and Education
• Control Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Upali Nanda is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan and an Associate Professor of Practice at the Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning. She holds a PhD in Architecture from Texas A&M University (2005), an MA in Architecture from the National University of Singapore (2001), and a BArch from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (1999). Currently serving as Director of Research at HKS Inc., a global architectural firm, Dr. Nanda's academic and professional work bridges architecture, healthcare design, and human wellbeing. PhD in Architecture, Texas A&M University (2005) MA in Architecture, National University of Singapore (2001) BArch, School of Planning and Architecture, India (1999) Dr. Nanda's research focuses on the intersection of architecture and health. Her core interests—Human Health and Wellbeing, Sensory Design, and Power of Place—explore how built environments impact mental and physical health. She has pioneered evidence-based approaches to healthcare design, including the concept of 'Sensthetics,' which examines crossmodal sensory experiences in architectural contexts. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary applications of design thinking across healthcare, education, and urban environments. Key trends include leveraging sensory design for mental health, optimizing healthcare facilities through data-driven models, and addressing aging populations through adaptive urban planning. These works emphasize the role of architecture in shaping healthier outcomes across diverse populations. Dr. Nanda has received notable recognition for her contributions, including: Top 10 Most Influential People in Healthcare Design (Healthcare Design Magazine, 2015) Women in Architecture Innovator Award (Architectural Record, 2018) In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Nanda contributes to practice-based research at HKS Inc., where she develops tools like the Design Diagnostic and Post-Occupancy Evaluation Toolkit. Her work integrates neuroscience principles (e.g., neuroesthetics) with architectural practice, influencing global standards for patient-centered environments.

• Human Health and Wellbeing
• Sensory Design
• Power of Place
• +7 more

Laura Caulfield, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is affiliated with the Center for Human Nutrition and the Center for Global Health, and her research focuses on maternal, infant, and child nutrition and health both in the United States and globally. Her research interests include nutritional epidemiology, maternal and perinatal health, child growth and development, breastfeeding and complementary feeding, and the evaluation of nutrition interventions. She is particularly interested in the early origins of adult disease and the development of nutrition surveillance systems to inform public health policy. Dr. Caulfield’s recent publications reflect a strong focus on public health nutrition, with studies on the WIC program, plant-based diets and diabetes, geospatial food environments and childhood obesity, and the intersection of nutrition and autism. Her work often employs cohort studies and systematic reviews to assess the impact of dietary patterns and public health programs. Outstanding Alumna, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University (2014) The Ruth Pike Lectureship, The Pennsylvania State University (2005) The Avanelle Kirksey Lectureship, Purdue University (2000) Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, Johns Hopkins University (1993) Dr. Caulfield has led and contributed to numerous research projects, including the MAL-ED study and evaluations of the WIC program. She has secured significant grant funding to support her work on maternal and child nutrition, program evaluation, and global health initiatives. Her research often involves community-engaged methods and collaborations across disciplines and institutions. She is actively involved in mentoring students and researchers and leads a dynamic research team focused on improving nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations. Her lab emphasizes rigorous epidemiological methods, policy-relevant research, and the translation of findings into public health practice.

• Maternal and Child Nutrition
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• International Health
• +7 more

J. Aaron Hipp is a Professor of Community Health and Sustainability at NC State University, affiliated with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. He serves as the Associate Director of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the Center for Geospatial Analytics and holds a leadership role in the Global One Health Academy. His work focuses on the intersection of built environments, physical activity, and health equity through innovative geospatial and sensor-based methodologies. Professor, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management CGA Fellow for Social and Behavioral Science Applications Associate Director, Center for Geospatial Analytics Executive Core Member, Global One Health Academy Hipp develops advanced approaches to studying human-environment interactions using webcams, GPS, accelerometers, and crowdsourcing technologies. His research emphasizes: Geospatial decision support systems Workplace health infrastructure Park accessibility and usage patterns Equity-focused community engagement Visualization of health-environment dynamics Rural/urban health disparities Recent publications highlight his work on scaling physical activity studies via technology, curling as a recreational intervention, international nature-prescription frameworks, and child play environment analysis. Collaborative projects include rural action plans and pandemic-era wellbeing evaluations. Professional recognition includes the CGA Fellow title. He actively mentors students in built environment impact studies and advises on geospatial health analytics.

• Built Environments and Health
• Geospatial Analytics
• Physical Activity Research
• +4 more

Anahita Sal Moslehian is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the HOME Strategic Research & Innovation Centre at Deakin University's School of Architecture & Built Environment. With a PhD in Architecture from Deakin University (2022), her work focuses on the intersection of architectural design and human wellbeing, specializing in evidence-based approaches to creating health-promoting environments. Her educational background includes: PhD in Architecture, Deakin University (2022) Dr. Moslehian's research spans healthcare architecture, particularly hospital design evolution and innovation, while also exploring social and affordable housing, family-friendly apartment design, and biophilic design principles. She employs mixed methods approaches, including grounded theory, to understand how the built environment affects human health, behavior, and social outcomes across diverse populations and contexts. Her work often examines the socio-political dimensions that shape architectural design and its real-world impacts. Analysis of her publication record reveals strong thematic consistency with recurring emphasis on health-promoting environments, design innovation in healthcare facilities, and innovative housing solutions for vulnerable populations. Her research combines architectural theory with practical applications, particularly in the Australian context, demonstrating how spatial design affects specific activities (like cooking and dining) and how innovative housing models can address homelessness through well-designed transitional solutions. Dr. Moslehian is an EDAC-certified researcher (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification), reflecting her commitment to rigorous, evidence-based approaches in architectural design. Her collaborative projects with the Biophilia Lab on mental health facilities and community housing providers on transitional housing models demonstrate her dedication to practical, impactful research that addresses pressing social issues through thoughtful architectural design. Her current work with the HOME Research Centre includes evaluating compact modular units for homeless men and applying biophilic design frameworks in mental health facilities, representing a careful integration of housing-first and treatment-first approaches to create supportive transitional environments that promote independence, safety, and community connectedness.

• Architecture
• Building Design Innovation
• Hospital Design Evolution
• +7 more

Professor Alan Penn is a leading academic at University College London's The Bartlett School of Architecture , where he holds the title of Professor in Architectural and Urban Computing. He previously served as Dean of the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment from 2009 to 2019 and has been instrumental in establishing Space Syntax Ltd , a UCL knowledge transfer spin-out company. His affiliations include membership in the Space Syntax Laboratory, board membership of UCL Consultants Ltd, and trustee status at Shakespeare North Trust. Education: BSc (1978), Dip Arch (1980), MSc (1983) - all from University College London Alan Penn’s research investigates how spatial design influences social and economic behaviors through innovative space syntax methodologies . Key areas include: Agent-based simulations of human behavior Spatio-temporal representations of built environments Urban spatial network analysis Urban sustainability across multiple dimensions Cognitive markers in architectural design Historical urban growth modeling His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on computational urbanism, evolutionary city patterns, and behavioral architecture. Research trends show interdisciplinary approaches combining architectural theory with: Machine learning applications Network science analysis Behavioral psychology insights Historical GIS techniques Complex systems modeling Public health considerations Scientific recognition includes: HEFCE Business Fellowship (2001-2005) KTP SE Region Award (2010) Multiple UCL Enterprise awards ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ Award (2008) As Principal Investigator he leads the £5m EPSRC-funded Urban Dynamics Lab , demonstrating sustained research excellence. His work extends to public engagement through: Shakespeare North Trust educational theatre development Media appearances (New Scientist, Slashdot) Public policy contributions

• Architecture
• Urban and regional planning
• Design
• +5 more

Associate Professor Fiona Andrews is a leading academic at Deakin University , affiliated with the Faculty of Health and the School of Health and Social Development . As co-Leader of the HOME Research Hub, she bridges health, built environment, and social sciences to address Australia's housing crisis through interdisciplinary approaches. Doctor of Philosophy, University of Birmingham Master of Health Science, La Trobe University Diploma in Community Health, La Trobe University Bachelor of Science, University of Reading Her research focuses on the intersection of health and the built environment , emphasizing: Family-friendly apartment design Health impacts of housing quality Social integration in microvillages Public space equity Urban sustainability Qualitative methodologies (especially photo-narrative) Recent publications analyze: Kitchen design impacts on health Apartment communal spaces Co-housing models Future-proof hospital architecture Interim housing solutions Policy-informed urban planning Scientific Recognition : 2018 School of Health & Social Development Research Excellence Award She supervises doctoral candidates in architecture and health fields, chairs postgraduate thesis units, and secures grants from organizations including City of Greater Geelong and Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation . Her work directly influences Victorian government housing policies through commissioned research.

• Urban and regional planning
• Public health
• Human geography
• +4 more

Mohamad Awada is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Urban Engineering at New York University (NYU Tandon School of Engineering) . His research focuses on integrating sensing systems , immersive technologies , and artificial intelligence to enhance human livability in built environments. Education Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Southern California (USC), 2024 M.Sc. in Computer Science, University of Southern California (USC), 2021 M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management), American University of Beirut, 2018 B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, 2016 His work spans machine learning , data science , and human-building interaction , with applications in sustainable infrastructure and smart cities . Recent research trends emphasize occupant health , stress detection , and AI-driven environmental optimization in office and residential settings. Scientific Awards : University of Southern California PhD Achievement Award – 2024 Sonny Astani CEE Outstanding Department Service Award - 2023 Sonny Astani CEE Outstanding Research Assistant Award - 2022 Awada leads the Smart Innovations in Built Environment Research (SiBER) Lab , where he explores automation, control systems, and AI applications to create healthier, energy-efficient infrastructure. He actively seeks Ph.D. candidates with coding and ML/data science experience for Fall 2025.

• Machine Learning
• Data Science
• Sustainable Infrastructure
• +5 more

Dr. Louis Rice is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), affiliated with the Faculty of Environment and Technology. He previously served as Head of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments. With a professional background including over a decade as an architect in London and Paris, his research integrates architecture, urban design, and public health to advance sustainable and equitable urban environments. Education: BA (Hons), Dip.Arch, RIBA Part 3, MA, FHEA, PhD from Sheffield University Research Focus: Louis leads interdisciplinary studies on the spatial determinants of wellbeing, zero-carbon design, and urban resilience. His work emphasizes biophilic principles and health-centric architecture, addressing challenges like climate vulnerability and social equity in informal settlements. Recent projects explore adaptive strategies for coastal cities, participatory design in education, and pandemic-responsive urban planning. Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles (2022–2025) reflect a strong emphasis on climate resilience, health equity, and community-centered design. Key themes include coastal disaster management, social robotics for neurodiverse populations, COVID-19 socioeconomic impacts, and geospatial vulnerability assessments—predominantly using interdisciplinary methodologies across architecture, public policy, and environmental science. Professional Engagement: Louis contributes to curriculum development linking public health and architecture education. He maintains active collaborations through the WHO Centre network and focuses on translating research into actionable strategies for healthier built environments.

• Architecture and Health
• Healthy Urban Design
• Spatial determinants of wellbeing
• +6 more

Professor Mitch Duncan is a Professor of Public Health in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle, Australia. His research focuses on understanding how patterns of physical activity and sleep influence health outcomes, and developing digital technology interventions to help people be more physically active and sleep better. Professor Duncan's work is supported by a prestigious NHMRC Career Development Fellowship, and he has published over 170 papers while securing more than $9 million worth of research funding. Professor Duncan earned his PhD from the University of Central Queensland, a Bachelor of Health & Human Performance (Honors) in Human Movement Science from the University of Central Queensland, and a Master of Medical Statistics from the University of Newcastle. His educational background has provided a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary research approach that bridges physical activity, sleep science, and digital health interventions. Professor Duncan's research centers on two key areas: (1) understanding how physical activity and sleep work together to influence health outcomes, and (2) developing and testing interventions to improve these behaviors. His unique approach focuses on the combination of these two behaviors rather than examining them separately. Much of his intervention work uses technologies such as mobile devices and the internet to deliver the interventions, including the development of a smartphone app that has been used by over 20,000 people internationally through the 'Balanced' intervention program. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward multi-behavioral interventions that address both physical activity and sleep simultaneously, often leveraging mobile and web-based platforms to deliver personalized interventions at scale. Professor Duncan has received several prestigious awards for his research, including: National Heart Foundation Queensland Researcher of the Year Australian Institute of Policy & Science Queensland Young Tall Poppy Award He also holds a competitive NHMRC Career Development Fellowship, which supports his ongoing research into physical activity and sleep behaviors. Professor Duncan has been highly successful in securing research funding, with more than $9 million in grants from major organizations including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC), National Heart Foundation, and Queensland Government. His research program has involved mentoring numerous students and early-career researchers. Professor Duncan serves on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health and the Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviors, contributing to the scholarly community in his field. Professor Duncan leads the development and implementation of evidence-based digital interventions like the 'Balanced' program, which has reached over 20,000 users internationally. His work often involves collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his research on physical activity, sleep, and health. Current projects include investigations into the impact of breaking up prolonged sitting on sleep architecture, app-based interventions for shift workers, and multi-behavioral approaches to improving postnatal mental health.

• Physical Activity
• Sleep Health
• IT-based Interventions
• +5 more