Dr. Alireza Abbasi is a Researcher at UNSW Canberra's School of Systems & Computing , focusing on intelligent data-driven decision support systems to address uncertainties in socio-technical systems through machine learning and AI technologies. His work spans domains like public health, transportation, energy, construction, and manufacturing. Education: PhD (University of Sydney, 2012), MSc (Seoul National University, 2008), BSc (Isfahan University of Technology, 2002) His research emphasizes applying advanced AI methods to enhance system resilience and sustainability, particularly through social network analysis, decision support systems, and risk analytics. He has contributed to 98 journal articles and 44 conference papers. Scientific awards include Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists recognition (2020-present) . Professional memberships span ACM, AIPM, PMI, ANZAM, and IEEE.
Dr Valeriia Haberland is a Lecturer in Computer Science at Brunel University London within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, appointed in 2023. Her expertise bridges computing and biological sciences with a focus on translational health applications. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from King's College London (2015) and was awarded Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in October 2023. Educational background includes advanced training in computational methods and data science. Her research centers on cancer genetics and AI-driven healthcare solutions , specializing in modeling cancer aggressiveness through machine learning analysis of molecular profiles. She pioneers epidemiological causal inference techniques to identify genetically translatable disease factors and develops specialized web infrastructure for biomedical research. Current projects target breast cancer wound monitoring and laminopathy mechanisms. Publication analysis reveals a distinct evolution from early grid computing research (2012-2017) to contemporary health data science leadership. Recent work dominates cancer genomics, proteomics, and osteoarthritis therapeutics using UK Biobank data, with flagship contributions to EpiGraphDB and MR-Base platforms. Her methodology integrates Mendelian randomization, graph databases, and high-throughput sequencing analytics. Dr Haberland secures active research funding including a Brunel Partners-funded project on remote breast cancer wound monitoring (May-July 2024). She supervises MSc dissertations while teaching Modern Data, Logic and Computation, and final-year projects. Her academic service includes placement tutoring and curriculum development in data-intensive healthcare applications.
Julian Schmidt is a Researcher at the Chair of e-Finance within the Faculty of Economics and Business at Goethe University Frankfurt . He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (2021) and a Bachelor's degree in Economics (2020) from the same university. Research Interests: His work focuses on market microstructure , electronic securities trading , high-frequency trading , market infrastructure , and financial market regulation . His research explores the interplay between algorithmic trading systems, regulatory frameworks, and market quality indicators. Recent Publications: His studies on lead-lag relationships in market microstructure and digital asset market violations have been presented at workshops including the London/Oxford/Warwick Financial Mathematics Workshop 2023, Oxford Man Institute Seminar 2023, and SWFA 2024. These works bridge computational finance, regulatory analysis, and empirical trading behavior. Professional Background: Prior to his academic role, he gained industry experience through internships at ING Bank, Investors Marketing, and Ogilvy & Mather, complementing his vocational training at SMC Germany.
Steven T. Landis is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, based in Jenkins and Nanovic Halls. He specializes in International Relations and Research Methods, with interdisciplinary research intersecting environmental security, economic development, and political violence. His active projects investigate climate adaptation, civil war tactics, and spatiotemporal measurement methodologies. Education includes: Ph.D. in International Relations from Pennsylvania State University M.A. in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University B.A. in Political Science from Eastern Michigan University Research explores how environmental and economic stressors influence political instability, employing advanced computational methods. Publications in top journals like Foreign Policy Analysis and Political Geography demonstrate expertise in climate-conflict linkages, trade networks, and automated text analysis. His work consistently integrates empirical rigor with policy-relevant insights. At Notre Dame, Landis mentors undergraduates on academic planning and career development. Previously, he held positions at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Arizona State University (Postdoctoral Scholar/Research Fellow), and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (Visiting Scientist), building extensive cross-institutional research networks.
Dominique Cardon is a Professor of Sociology at Sciences Po's médialab , where he leads research at the intersection of digital technologies, social theory, and algorithmic governance. Previously, he held positions at Orange Labs (Laboratory of Uses/SENSE) and University of Paris Est/LATTS. His work spans three decades of analyzing digital sociability, from early media uses to contemporary algorithmic systems. Research Themes : Digital public space, algorithmic culture, sociability in big data, AI ethics, platform accountability Methodological Approach : Combines digital methods with critical social science perspectives Cardon's recent publications focus on AI controversies, digital mapping of media ecosystems, and algorithmic impacts on social categories. He serves on the editorial board of Réseaux and CNIL's prospective committee, with habilitation to direct research (2017). His scholarship bridges technical analysis of algorithms with sociological inquiry about their societal implications. Current projects include Algoglitch (public sensitivity to algorithmic computation), Shaping AI (historical AI development), and Gouverner la parole en ligne (online speech governance). He co-organizes the TransNum seminar series and contributes to interdisciplinary debates about digital democracy, platform regulation, and computational fairness.
Alfredo Jose Mainar Causape is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Economic History at the University of Zaragoza. His work focuses on environmental economics, bioeconomy, and multisectoral modeling using Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) and Input-Output frameworks. Doctorate (2010): PhD in Economics from the University of Zaragoza, with a thesis on consumption patterns and CO2 emissions via Input-Output analysis. Research interests span bioeconomic modeling, climate policy, agricultural development in Africa, and SAM-based economic impact assessments. He has contributed to databases like BioSAMs and Kenya SAM 2014, analyzing policy reforms in fertilizer use, trade liberalization, and rural job creation. Article trends emphasize policy evaluation in developing countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal), environmental accounting of productive sectors, and multisectoral interactions within the EU bioeconomy. His methodological focus includes SAM disaggregation, CGE modeling, and mixed multiplier analyses. He has collaborated on projects like the JRC DEMETRA CGE model and the STAGE_DEV framework for developing countries. His work bridges economic theory with practical policy tools for sustainability and development.
Magdalena Zrakić Sušac is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb. Her work focuses on macroeconomic sectoral analysis, rural development modeling, and evaluation of agricultural policies. PhD in Agricultural Economics (University of Zagreb, 2016) MSc and BSc in Agricultural Economics (University of Zagreb) She collaborates internationally, with experiences at institutions like the University of Bonn, USAMV Bucharest, and Teagasc (Ireland). Her research integrates econometric models for policy impact assessment and market outlooks. Recent publications emphasize circular economy strategies, CAP reforms, and agri-food value chains. She leads university-funded projects on rural entrepreneurship, organic farming, and agricultural advisory systems. Professional affiliations include the Croatian Society of Agricultural Economists, European Association of Agricultural Economists, and editorial board roles. Contact: mzrakic@agr.hr .
Osman Yagan is a Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with affiliate roles in the School of Computer Science and core membership in CyLab Security and Privacy Institute, IDeaS, and Block Center. His research spans modeling, analysis, and optimization of computing systems using tools from applied probability, network science, and machine learning. PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland (2011) BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Yagan focuses on statistical inference , resilient distributed machine learning , robustness of cyber-physical systems , secure IoT networks , and contagion processes in complex networks, including misinformation spread and epidemic modeling. His work integrates multi-armed bandit algorithms , reinforcement learning , and stochastic geometry . Scientific Contributions: He has received multiple fellowships (CIT Dean’s Early Career, IBM Academic Award), best paper awards (ICC 2021, IPSN 2022, ASONAM 2023), and co-authored 15+ recent articles on topics like federated learning, contagion dynamics, and network robustness. His research is funded by ONR, NSF, ARO, AFOSR, and industry grants. Advising: Dr. Yagan has mentored 23 PhD and Master’s students, including junior faculty at Nanyang Technological University and researchers at Meta, Intel, Bloomberg, and MIT. He has taught courses such as Advanced Probability & Statistics for Engineers and Applied Stochastic Processes. Collaborations: He works with institutions including Princeton, MIT, and industry partners like IBM and Intel, and is a Senior Member of IEEE.
George Stergiopoulos serves as an Assistant Professor of Information Systems Security within the Department of Informatics at the School of Information Sciences and Technology, Athens University of Economics and Business. His academic qualifications include: B.A. in Informatics from the University of Piraeus M.A. in Information Systems from Athens University of Economics and Business Ph.D. in "Protection of Critical Infrastructures at Software and Interdependence Levels against Cyberattacks" from Athens University of Economics and Business His research centers on cybersecurity with specialized expertise in cyber-physical systems security and critical infrastructure protection. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems through software-level and interdependence-focused cyberattack mitigation strategies. His work bridges theoretical security frameworks with practical implementations for national infrastructure resilience. No scientific awards are documented in the provided source material. While the text confirms his publication output exceeds 50 articles, specific advising relationships, grant funding, laboratory affiliations, or research teams remain unmentioned in the available information.
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Akgün is a faculty member at Başkent University's College of Industrial Engineering. His research focuses on applying advanced mathematical and computational methods to solve complex problems in public transportation, disaster response, and defense systems. Key areas of interest include imbalanced classification techniques, hub location optimization, evacuation modeling, and risk analysis frameworks. His work spans operations research, integer programming, and network theory, with applications in both civilian and military domains. He has also contributed to technical risk assessment methodologies in system development projects and facility location planning for disaster management scenarios. His recent activities emphasize hybrid machine learning approaches (e.g., bagging/boosting techniques) for classification challenges and sophisticated modeling of interdependent infrastructure systems. While specific teaching details aren't listed, his academic profile demonstrates deep expertise in mathematical modeling and optimization.
Mehmet Balcilar is an Associate Professor in the Economics & Business Analytics Department at the Pompea College of Business, University of New Haven. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Wayne State University and maintains active research collaborations including a research fellowship at the Economic Research Forum in Cairo. Education: Ph.D., Economics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, US MA, Economics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, US MA, Economics, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey BA, Tourism Management, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey Dr. Balcilar is an applied macroeconomist whose research spans financial economics, applied econometrics, and disaster economics. His work focuses on forecasting, urban/real estate economics, energy economics, risk management, and monetary policy. He has conducted significant field research on Syrian refugees' experiences and disaster response systems, working with international organizations including the World Bank and WHO. His interdisciplinary approach bridges economic theory with real-world crisis management applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant research trends in cryptocurrency market dynamics, energy transition economics, and pandemic-related financial spillovers. His work consistently applies advanced econometric techniques including quantile regression, network analysis, and machine learning to examine cross-market connectedness, disaster risk modeling, and policy impacts across global contexts from the UK to Africa and MENA regions. Research Leadership: Published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles Authored 32 conference proceedings and 5 book chapters Completed 33 major research projects and grants Former head of Economics Department (Eastern Mediterranean University, 2011-2023) Advisor to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (2012-2016) Dr. Balcilar's research program integrates theoretical economics with practical humanitarian applications, particularly in disaster risk modeling and refugee economics. His extensive project portfolio demonstrates strong collaboration with international institutions including the World Humanitarian Summit, WHO, and World Bank on crisis response systems and sustainable development initiatives.
Dr Hanna Baumann is a Principal Research Fellow at the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity within The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at University College London. Her research focuses on social inclusion in urban transitions, particularly examining how infrastructures shape urban exclusion and participation of refugees and migrants. She frequently employs participatory, creative and arts-based research methods in her work and serves as editor of the journal CITY. Her research interests center on three interrelated strands: the role of public services in shaping urban citizenship of migrants and refugees; participatory planning of sustainable food and waste systems with people living in food poverty; and translation of gender-inclusive urban design into policy practice. Her work intersects urban and regional planning, human geography, architecture, urban sociology, and migration studies with a strong emphasis on creative methodologies. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on infrastructure as both a site of exclusion and potential for community building, particularly in contexts of displacement and crisis. Her work spans multiple geographic contexts including Lebanon, Palestine/Israel, and London, with recurring themes of spatial justice, vulnerability, and creative resistance. She demonstrates a distinctive approach that bridges academic research with artistic practice and policy engagement. Among her notable honors are the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (2019-2022), ZK/U Residency (2024), and CBRL Residential Fellowship (2023). She has also served on advisory boards including the Women's Safety Audits for Mayor of London/TfL and as a judge for the Leigh Douglas Memorial Prize. Dr Baumann actively supervises PhD and Master's dissertations on topics related to urban contestation, displacement, infrastructure, and heritage. She leads the 'Urban Futures and Prosperity' module for postgraduate students and delivers lectures across multiple programs including MSc Global Prosperity, MSc Urban Studies, and MSc Health in Urban Development. Her professional activities include convening conferences on vulnerability, infrastructure, and displacement, as well as contributing to the Another Provision arts/research practice. She maintains strong connections between academic research and practical application, advising policy organizations and local government on participatory approaches to planning public spaces and services. Her work with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations in the Middle East and South Asia demonstrates her commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
Ignacio Pérez-Arriaga is a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Sloan School of Management and a key figure in the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI). As a Life Member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Engineering and director of the Florence School of Regulation's Energy Department, he leads global efforts to combat energy poverty through innovative electrification frameworks. Co-founder of Waya Energy spinoff Lead for Global Commission to End Energy Poverty research team Director of MIT-Comillas Universal Energy Access Lab His research focuses on: Power sector regulation Universal energy access Regional electricity markets Off-grid electrification Integrated distribution frameworks Recent publications analyze: Large-scale electrification planning (Uganda, Colombia, Rwanda) Network cost estimation for mini-grids Pay-as-you-go business models Reference Electrification Model (REM) applications Scientific recognition includes: Spanish Royal Academy of Engineering membership Collaboration with European Commission energy initiatives Technical advisory in Africa-Europe energy partnerships Teaching contributions span: MIT graduate courses on developing world energy systems Founding director of Florence School of Regulation's energy programs MOOC development on 'Regulation for Sustainable Development Goal 7' Research collaborations include: International Energy Agency Rockefeller Foundation European University Institute Various African and Latin American power pools
Vili Lehdonvirta serves as Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University, where he leads research at the intersection of digital technologies and socio-economic systems. His work critically examines how platform economies reshape labor markets, geopolitical power structures, and everyday social practices through computational mediation. Lehdonvirta's research program centers on three interconnected domains: the gig economy's transformation of labor relations and dispute resolution mechanisms; the geopolitical contestation over digital infrastructure including cloud data centers; and the evolving nature of unpaid work amidst technological change. His methodology integrates computational social science with political economy frameworks, emphasizing real-world impacts on workers, communities, and international power dynamics. Recent investigations address algorithmic management in platform work, the weaponization of digital interdependence between superpowers, and the spatial polarization of remote work opportunities. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals intensifying focus on geopolitical dimensions of digital infrastructure alongside persistent examination of labor platform governance. The 2025 study on US-Chinese cloud data centers exemplifies his shift toward macro-level analysis of technology sovereignty, while continuing longitudinal work on gig economy contention demonstrates methodological rigor in tracking emergent worker resistance tactics. His research consistently bridges technical infrastructure studies with granular analyses of human experiences within digital systems. As an active member of Aalto University's Computer Science Professors research group, Lehdonvirta maintains extensive international collaborations evidenced by multi-institutional publications. His work connects computer science departments with social science faculties through shared investigations into technology's societal implications, particularly regarding labor rights in digitally mediated markets and infrastructure sovereignty in contested geopolitical environments.
Friedemann Polzin is an Associate Professor at Utrecht University School of Economics in the Entrepreneurship section, with significant affiliations to the Sustainable Finance Lab (SFL) and the European Centre for Alternative Finance (ECAF). Previously, he was a visiting researcher at SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, and serves as a senior advisor to the Sustainable Business Institute (SBI) in Germany. At Utrecht University, he has co-developed and coordinated the MSc program 'Business and Social Impact' from 2021-2023 and teaches highly evaluated courses on sustainability and societal impact, entrepreneurship, innovation, business economics and research methods at both BSc and MSc levels. Dr. Polzin holds a PhD in Management and Business Economics from EBS Business School and an MSc in Business Administration from the University of Jena. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in business economics with a growing specialization in sustainable finance and innovation systems. His research focuses on the critical intersection of finance, innovation, and sustainability, particularly examining how financial systems can better support the transition to a green economy. He investigates sustainable innovation finance, innovation intermediaries, climate change economics, entrepreneurial finance, and venture capital. His work explores the organizational, legal, and institutional arrangements necessary for sustainable economic transitions, with particular attention to the political environment required for these changes. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory examining sustainable finance mechanisms across multiple domains - from energy transition and urban nature-based solutions to cleantech startups and circular business models. His research consistently addresses the 'finance-innovation-policy nexus,' exploring how systemic interdependencies between institutional investors, venture capital/private equity, and policymakers influence conditions for sustainable innovation. ECU'92 teacher talent award (2018) Recognized as one of the 2% most cited researchers globally (2021-2024) Dr. Polzin has been actively involved in significant research projects including INNOPATHS, which examines pathways to a decarbonized Europe, and the Climate Change, Financial Markets and Innovation (CFI) project. His teaching excellence has been recognized with the ECU'92 teacher talent award, and he has developed innovative educational programs focused on business and social impact. His methodological expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including advanced statistical analysis with R, SPSS, and Stata, as well as qualitative tools like NVivo and MAXQDA.
