London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)United Kingdom
Dr Alison Powell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), serving as Programme Director for the MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society). Her research focuses on technology design, public sector technology, and digital futures. She is known for her book Undoing Optimization: Civic Action in Smart Cities (2021) and her participatory research method, data walking. From 2019–2023, she directed the JUST AI network, supported by the Ada Lovelace Institute and UKRI, advancing AI ethics research. Her work integrates critical theory, participatory methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: PhD in Communication from Concordia University (Canada), MA in Media Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University, and postdoctoral research at the Oxford Internet Institute. Prior to academia, she worked in the film and TV industry. Research interests include civic engagement in data-driven governance, ethical AI, and participatory urbanism. She has advised projects like Africa Just AI and Operationalising Ethics for AI, funded by Horizon Europe, AHRC, and the Open Society Foundations. Her articles address topics such as AI governance, urban light ecology, feminist research praxis, and the ethical implications of technology for marginalized communities. She contributes to blogs like Media@LSE and leads initiatives at Polis and the LSE’s Digital Futures for Children project. Grants and collaborations include work with Projects by IF, Open Rights Group, and the Human Data Interactions Network (EPSRC). She explores intersections of technology, justice, and sustainability, emphasizing equitable and inclusive innovation.
Dr Bahareh Zaghari (MSc, PhD, CEng, FHEA) is a Lecturer in the Electrical Power Engineering group at the University of Southampton's School of Electronics and Computer Science. Her research focuses on electrified aircraft systems, sensors with machine learning applications, electrical power systems, and nonlinear dynamics modeling. Current projects include acoustic sensing for temperature/flow measurement Co-design of electrical machines for aircraft electrification Research activities span hybrid-electric aircraft design (FutPrint50 Horizon project), fully electric aircraft development (EnabEl Innovate UK), and smart sensing systems for aerospace components. Industrial collaborations include KISTLER, iNetic, PALL Aerospace, Safran, ARUP, Embraer, and BAE Systems. Conference coordinator for IEEE Transportation Electrification Council's Electrified Aircraft committee Chair of IEEE/AIAA Electrified Aircraft Technology Symposium (2023) Panel moderator at AIAA Propulsion and Energy (2021) Her work demonstrates innovative applications of acoustic transducers in harsh environments, with contributions to temperature mapping, fault analysis, and energy harvesting systems. She currently supervises PhD student Shikhar Singh.
Professor Omer Rana serves as Professor of Performance Engineering and International Dean for the Middle East at Cardiff University's School of Computer Science and Informatics. He also holds the prestigious position of Cross-Council Research Director for the UK National Edge AI Hub, demonstrating his leadership in national research initiatives. Previously, he led the Complex Systems research group and served as Dean of International for the Physical Sciences and Engineering College at Cardiff University. Professor Rana is a Fellow of both the Learned Society of Wales and the Higher Education Academy, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Welsh Ethnic Minority Professors Initiative (WEMPI). His research expertise centers on the intersection of intelligent systems and high performance distributed computing, with particular focus on applying intelligent techniques to resource management in distributed systems. His scholarly contributions span edge computing, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, federated learning, privacy-preserving systems, and sustainable computing. Professor Rana has published extensively in top-tier journals and conferences, with recent work emphasizing practical applications in industrial automation, smart buildings, and sustainable computing solutions. Professor Rana's publication record demonstrates consistent leadership in edge computing and distributed systems research, with a growing emphasis on practical implementations across diverse application domains. His work bridges theoretical computer science with real-world technological challenges, particularly in industrial automation, smart environments, and sustainable infrastructure. Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Professor Rana actively supervises postgraduate students and has secured significant research funding for projects related to edge computing, IoT, and distributed systems. His international collaborations span Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting his global influence in the field. He serves as a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop chair, and panel moderator at major international conferences including IEEE/ACM Utility and Cloud Computing (UCC) and IEEE Edge Computing. He leads multiple research initiatives, most notably as Cross-Council Research Director for the UK National Edge AI Hub, where he shapes national research directions in edge computing and AI. His work has practical applications across industrial automation, smart building management, electric vehicle infrastructure, and sustainable computing solutions.
Dr. Danial Chitnis is a Chancellor's Fellow and Lecturer in Electronics at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. He holds a DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford (2013) and has expertise in microelectronics, biomedical engineering, and quantum imaging. His research focuses on SPAD arrays, time-of-flight sensors, and wearable optical systems for biomedical applications. Education: BSc in Electronics Engineering, Chamran University of Ahvaz (2002–2007) MSc in Advanced Microelectronics Systems Engineering, University of Bristol (2007–2008) DPhil in Engineering Science, University of Oxford (2009–2013) Research Interests: Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) arrays for optical communications and biomedical imaging Quantum-enhanced imaging via QuantIC Hub Wearable sensors for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) AI-driven automation in test and measurement systems Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes AI integration in electronics design, photon-counting receivers for 6G networks, and portable biomedical devices. Notable contributions include SYCL-based acceleration of circuit simulations and FPGA-driven time-to-digital converters. Grants & Collaborations: Principal Investigator of multiple grants, including EPSRC-funded projects on AI-enhanced human-machine interfaces and quantum technology applications. Collaborates with UCL, QuantIC, and industry partners like Keysight Technologies. Labs/Teams: Co-investigator at QuantIC, the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Enhanced Imaging. Leads interdisciplinary research on detector arrays and systems for quantum physics and consumer cameras.
Dr. Kezhi (Ken) Li is an Associate Professor of AI in Healthcare at the Institute of Health Informatics, University College London (UCL). He leads the AI for Health research group and has established himself as a leading expert in applying artificial intelligence to solve complex problems in healthcare, with over 130 publications in leading journals (total impact factor greater than 400). Dr. Li earned his Doctor of Philosophy from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in 2013, followed by research positions at the Medical Research Council (2015-2017), University of Cambridge (2014-2015), and Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) (2013-2014). His academic journey reflects a consistent trajectory from technical AI research toward increasingly healthcare-focused applications. Dr. Li's research focuses on solving physiological, medical, clinical, and operational problems in healthcare using AI techniques. His specific expertise includes AI in healthcare using electronic health records (EHR), biomedical time series analysis using monitors/wearables, diabetes management, large language models (LLM) in healthcare (especially mental health), patient flow optimization, and digital health with federated learning. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI methodologies and practical healthcare applications, with a strong focus on improving patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. Analysis of Dr. Li's publication history reveals a strong emphasis on diabetes management technologies, particularly blood glucose prediction systems using advanced neural network architectures. More recently, his work has expanded into mental health applications of large language models, blockchain-based federated learning for healthcare data, and mortality prediction in critical care settings. His research demonstrates a clear evolution from purely technical AI development toward increasingly clinically impactful applications, with growing emphasis on explainability, privacy preservation, and real-world implementation challenges. Dr. Li has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to healthcare AI: Best Application Award of IEEE Global Blockchain Conference (2025) Fellow of British Computer Society (2025) Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (2024) Healthcare Partnership of the Year category at the London Higher Awards (2024) ECR Promising Project Award (2023) Gallivan Award finalists (2022) Stylianos Kalaitzis PhD Award Winner (2022) HDR UK Team of the Year (COVID-19) Award (2021) As an educator, Dr. Li serves as the Director of MRes study (AI-enabled Healthcare Systems) at UCL. He leads multiple key modules including Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Journal Club, Dissertation in Artificial Intelligence Enabled Healthcare, and Advanced Machine Learning for Healthcare. His supervision extends across dissertation projects and junior researchers in his AI for Health group. His research has been supported by various grants, including those from HDR UK, focusing on translating AI innovations into practical healthcare solutions. Dr. Li leads the AI for Health research group (https://ai4hucl.github.io/ai4h_webs/), which comprises researchers with diverse expertise in machine learning, healthcare systems, and clinical domains. The group maintains strong collaborations with healthcare providers and industry partners to ensure their research addresses real-world healthcare challenges and can be effectively translated into clinical practice.
Duncan Wilson is a Professor of Connected Environments at the Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) at University College London. His work bridges academia and industry, focusing on IoT, AI, and spatial analysis to enhance understanding of built and natural environments. Current role: Professor of Connected Environments at UCL Education: PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Vision (UCL, 1997), BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering (Loughborough University, 1993) Research interests include: Cognitive computing at the network edge Extraordinary sensory systems for data capture Spatial reasoning and digital twins IoT for healthcare and biodiversity Edge AI and TinyML Recent articles span digital twin development , IoT for biodiversity monitoring , and smart healthcare infrastructure . He has received recognition for collaborative R&D approaches during his directorship at Intel's Sustainable Connected Cities institute. Teaching: Leads MSc Connected Environments and modules on IoT ethics, AI on microcontrollers, and sensor network deployment Projects: IoT Living Lab at UCL, Project Hercules for eye clinic analytics, and Shazam for Bats environmental monitoring Professional activities: Former Director of Intel Collaborative Research Institute (2012-2018), ex-member of Smart London Board (2017-2022)
Neil White is Professor of Intelligent Sensor Systems at the University of Southampton's Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) school and serves as Director of the ECS Centre for Healthcare. He has held various leadership positions including Head of Electronics and Computer Science from 2011 to 2015 and has been instrumental in establishing research initiatives in sensor technology and energy harvesting. His research interests focus on medical sensors , intelligent sensor systems , and energy harvesting technologies. Professor White's work bridges the gap between engineering and healthcare applications, with significant contributions to wearable medical devices, particularly respiratory monitoring systems. His research integrates micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), energy harvesting techniques, and smart textiles to create innovative healthcare solutions. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy harvesting technologies, medical sensor applications, and e-textile development. His work spans multiple disciplines including biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials science, with applications in healthcare monitoring, environmental sensing, and transportation systems. The research demonstrates a consistent theme of creating self-powered, intelligent sensor systems for practical applications. Professor White has received notable recognition including the Callendar silver Medal (2009) from the Institute of Measurement and Control and the 1989 Educational Prize from the International Society for Hybrid Microelectronics. Principal Investigator on NIHR i4i project developing low-cost wearable respiration sensors Former Director and co-founder of Perpetuum Ltd., specializing in vibration energy harvesting Current collaborations with clinicians at University Hospital Southampton Extensive funding from EPSRC, European Union, and industry partners Professor White leads research within the Smart Electronic Materials and Systems group, the Institute for Life Sciences, and the Centre for Health Technologies. His work in the Interdisciplinary Musculoskeletal Health and Digital Health research areas demonstrates his commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration to address complex healthcare challenges through engineering solutions.
Jayne Wallace is a Professor of Craft, Digital Creativity, and Wellbeing at Northumbria University's School of Design. She leads the CoCreate research community, focusing on design, technology, and participation in human contexts. Her work includes EPSRC-funded projects like Enabling Ongoingness and the EU Marie Curie OpenDoTT initiative. Wallace co-founded the Journal of Jewellery Research and the Research Through Design conference series, emphasizing craft ethos and IoT ethics. Her research spans digital creativity, wellbeing, and participatory design, addressing dementia care, citizenship, and technology's societal impact. Education: PhD in Design Studies (2007). Notable collaborations include work with Beamish Museum on pottery and wellbeing, and projects like Centring and Connected Craft. She actively organizes workshops on ethical internet practices and co-creation methods. Research interests emphasize craft's role in digital innovation, mental health, and intergenerational dialogue. Awards include Best Paper Awards (2020) and an Honourable Mention (2018). Grants include EPSRC, AHRC, and EU funding. Her lab, CoCreate, involves over 50 researchers exploring design's societal applications.
Jon Rogers is Professor of Creative Technology at Northumbria University with a PhD in neural networks from Imperial College London. His research examines human relationships with emerging technologies through hands-on making and critical design practices. Rogers' work explores alternative narratives for digital futures through internet-connected objects and open hardware systems. He develops tangible interfaces that challenge conventional technology design paradigms and enable public participation in technological discourse. Recent research includes experimental prototyping platforms for open hardware development and methodological frameworks for reflecting on connected devices. His publications document innovative approaches to tangible computing and participatory design methodologies. Rogers founded the OpenDoTT doctoral training program exploring trust in IoT systems. He regularly organizes workshops at major technology conferences and maintains collaborations with international makerspaces and research institutions.
Dr. Anna Baldycheva is a Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering at the University of Exeter, within the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. She leads the interdisciplinary STEMM Laboratory, focusing on applied R&D in smart materials, photonics, AI, and IoT. With prior research experience at MIT, Trinity College Dublin, and Tyndall National Institute, she has established herself as an internationally recognized innovator and entrepreneur in emerging technologies. PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (2008–2012) BSc (Hons) in Physics, St. Petersburg State University (2003–2008) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, University of Exeter (2016–2017) Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Management, Smurfit Business School (2009–2010) Her research spans Nano-Engineering, Opto-Electronics, Photonics, AI, and IoT , with a strong emphasis on real-world applications. She pioneers work in fluid opto-electronics , graphene nanocoatings , and AI-driven emotion recognition and early cancer detection . Her lab develops smart composite materials for flexible electronics, e-textiles, and structural applications, integrating machine learning into healthcare, education, and communications systems. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward applied interdisciplinary innovation , combining materials science with AI and photonics for healthcare diagnostics, energy-efficient computing, and educational technology. Her work frequently bridges fundamental physics with commercialization potential, as seen in spin-out technologies like GSurf and the Electronic-Nose for lung cancer detection. Fellow, Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) Fellow, Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Expert, Future and Emerging Technologies, European Commission Featured in Forbes and Forbes Tech Council Editor-in-Chief, InSTEMM Journal Associate Editor, Nature Scientific Reports and Discover Nano Trustee, Royal Microscopical Society Founder, STEMM Global Scientific Society Founder, It’s Her! Women in STEMM Initiative Dr. Baldycheva actively supervises PhD students and has secured industrial collaborations with organizations such as Qinetiq and Lumentum. She leads multiple outreach initiatives, including STEMM Junior for underprivileged children, and serves on the committee for the Jocelyn Bell Brunel PhD Scholarship. She has raised significant research funding through national and international grants, though specific grant names are not listed. She leads the STEMM Laboratory , a multidisciplinary research group with divisions in Smart Composite Materials, Machine Learning & AI, and Opto-Electronics & Photonics. The lab emphasizes industry collaboration and technology transfer, having produced a university spin-out (GSurf) and multiple media-highlighted innovations.
Dr. Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy & Business Economy at Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London. She serves as Programme Lead for the BSc International Business Programme and Trade2Grow Executive Education Programme. Additionally, she is Impact Lead at the Brunel Centre for AI: Social and Digital Innovation, where she leads the capability area in the Future of Work. Dr. Tabaghdehi is also an economist and social impact advisor for the independent NGO, Social Innovation Movement. Dr. Tabaghdehi earned her PhD in Economics and Finance (2008) and MSc in International Money, Finance, and Investment (2015), both from Brunel University London. She also holds a BA in Theoretical Economics from University of Mazandaran. She completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Dr. Tabaghdehi is internationally recognized for her research on digital transformation, with particular expertise in the ethical integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Her work focuses on how emerging technologies shape industries, labor markets, and society, with emphasis on enhancing SME growth through technological innovation. She explores applications across critical sectors including social care, supply chain management, and environmental sustainability. A central theme in her research is smart data governance, ensuring ethical, transparent, and responsible use of data in decision-making processes. Her research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of technology, ethics, and business strategy. She has developed frameworks like the Digital Business Auditing Framework, which has been adopted internationally for smart city initiatives. Her work connects academic research with practical policy applications, as evidenced by her presentations as oral and written evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee. Her publications span AI ethics, digital footprint implications, fertility economics, and healthcare cost analysis, showing interdisciplinary breadth while maintaining thematic coherence around digital transformation's societal impact. Scientific Awards and Recognition Semi-finalist: Research Impact Award at Brunel University London, 2023 Staff Award: Exceptional in Collegiality and Supportive to Colleagues at Brunel University London, 2022 Exceptional Performance at Regents University London, 2018-19 Staff Award in Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Regents University London, 2016 Best Lecturer Award at London Brunel International College, 2014 Best Lecturer Award at London Brunel International College, 2013 Dr. Tabaghdehi actively supervises PhD students researching areas including Smart Data Governance, Ethical AI Governance, Digital Innovation Impact, Responsible AI Adoption Strategies, Sustainability, and Future of Labour Market. She has secured research funding from multiple sources including the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), Brunel University London, and Brunel Business School. Her current projects include research on AI Adoption and Governance, Youth digital addiction, Algorithm Reliability Framework, and SMEs digital footprints. She has also co-designed the "Digital Adoption" module for the UK Government's Help to Grow Management program, demonstrating the practical application of her research. As a member of multiple professional organizations, Dr. Tabaghdehi serves as an associate practitioner at Social Value International, associate member of the Big Innovation Centre, and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI. She is also a member of the ESRC Review College, British Academy of Management Review College, and Energy Institute UK, contributing to the broader academic and policy communities through these roles.
Simon Moore is a Professor of Computer Engineering at the University of Cambridge's Department of Computer Science and Technology. He leads the Computer Architecture research group, focusing on secure processors and subsystems, particularly the CHERI project. His work emphasizes formal verification, hardware-software co-design, and scalable security solutions. He is a Fellow and Director of Studies at Trinity Hall, overseeing undergraduate admissions and mentoring in Computer Science. Research Interests: Moore's primary focus is the CHERI secure processor architecture, integrating RISC-V cores with formal verification. His work spans secure hardware design, memory safety, and embedded systems. Notable contributions include the CHERI-RISC-V microarchitecture, CheriABI, and formal verification frameworks. Key Projects: CHERI, CheriBSD, Morello (ARM collaboration) Recent Achievements: Test of Time Award (IEEE Security & Privacy 2025), finalist for Bhattacharyya Award (2022) Grants: Innovate UK Digital Security by Design, DARPA Mission Oriented Resilient Clouds Publications: Over 200 papers on secure architectures, including influential work on CHERI's capability model, formal verification, and hardware security. Recent focus areas include temporal memory safety, embedded system security, and GPU-based capability systems. Labs/Teams: Directs the Computer Architecture Group and collaborates with industry partners like ARM and Microsoft on CHERI implementations.
Dr. Ahmed Elmesiry is a Reader in cybersecurity at London Metropolitan University, holding a Ph.D. in information security and assurance. With extensive experience in research and development across academic and industrial roles on six continents, his expertise spans cybersecurity, IoT, and machine learning. He possesses industry certifications in networked systems management and offensive cybersecurity from leading technology companies. Education: Ph.D. in Information Security and Assurance Research Interests: Dr. Elmesiry focuses on enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, integrating machine learning for threat detection, and securing IoT ecosystems. His work bridges theoretical and applied research, emphasizing practical solutions for real-world security challenges. Scientific Awards: Recipient of six best paper awards at international conferences Contributions: He has authored patents, books, book chapters, and research papers, significantly impacting the cybersecurity domain through both academic and industrial innovations.
Dewei Yi is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the Department of Computing Science, School of Natural and Computing Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, UK. He holds a PhD from Loughborough University and is an active researcher in AI, computer vision, and intelligent systems. He serves as Director of the MSc AI and MSc Robotics and AI programmes. Research Interests: His research spans AI-enabled healthcare, medical image processing, intelligent vehicles, robotics, precision agriculture, remote sensing, and applied machine learning. He focuses on hybrid intelligent systems, personalised AI, federated learning, fairness, and explainability. Recent Publication Trends: His latest work includes medical image quality evaluation using contrastive learning, federated learning for diabetic retinopathy, UAV-based solar panel inspection, vascular image analysis, and emotion recognition from ECG data, reflecting a strong trend toward healthcare and intelligent systems with real-world impact. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Outstanding Reviewer, Transportation Research Part C (TRC) Advising and Grants: Dr Yi supervises multiple PhD students in AI, computer vision, and machine learning. His graduated PhDs include Debinal Bakyavathi Rajan, Sami Hamid Al Sulaimani, and Adinath Abhimanyu Ghadage. He has secured significant funding as PI and Co-PI, including a £408K Smartawl 5.0 project and a £794K Cancer Research UK grant (Co-PI). Labs and Teams: He leads research in AI for healthcare and intelligent vehicles, collaborating with institutions like University of Warwick, Loughborough University, and industry partners such as AVL Powertrain Ltd. His work is supported by interdisciplinary teams focusing on embedded AI, medical applications, and sustainable technologies.
Sohag Kabir is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Electronics at the University of Bradford. He leads the MSc Big Data Science and Technology, MSc Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and MSc Applied Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence programs. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Hull (2016), an M.Sc. in Embedded Systems, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering. Dr. Kabir's research focuses on safety, reliability, and security assurance of cyber-physical autonomous systems. His work includes model-based safety analysis, probabilistic risk assessment, dynamic reliability analysis, and stochastic modeling. Current projects address IoT security, machine learning certification for automotive systems, and dependability frameworks for complex systems. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on developing integrated frameworks for system dependability, with recent work emphasizing IoT security, autonomous vehicle safety, and AI certification challenges. Dr. Kabir has contributed to multiple EU-funded projects including DEIS (Dependability Engineering Innovation for Cyber-Physical Systems) and MAENAD (Model-based Analysis & Engineering of Novel Architectures for Dependable Electric Vehicles).
