Claudia Plant is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science , leading the Research Group Data Mining and Machine Learning . Her research focuses on clustering algorithms, data mining, and machine learning applications in areas like biomedical data, wind energy, and causality inference. She has contributed to projects such as Knowledge-infused Deep Learning for Natural Language Processing (2020–2028) and Hybrid Computational Sciences (2021–2021). Plant has authored over 160 publications, with recent work emphasizing deep learning, anomaly detection, and GPU-optimized algorithms. She actively engages in academic activities, including talks on clustering methods and interdisciplinary projects like Governing Algorithms: The Politics of Data and Decision-Making . Her research interests span clustering algorithms , graph neural networks , causality discovery , and ethical digital transformation . Notable projects include causal analysis of wind farm dynamics and AI-enhanced education tools. Plant’s work bridges computational methods with societal challenges, such as empowering marginalized communities through ethical technology adoption.
Gheorghe Paun is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Mathematics of the Romanian Academy (1994–present) and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Sevilla (2009–present). He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Bucharest (1977), supervised by Solomon Marcus. His research spans Automata and Language Theory (descriptional complexity, regulated rewriting), Natural Computing (DNA computing, membrane computing), and he is the initiator of membrane computing . Education : M.Sc. in Mathematics (1974), University of Bucharest (specialization: computer science) Ph.D. in Mathematics (1977), University of Bucharest His work includes foundational contributions to DNA computing (book DNA Computing. New Computing Paradigms , 1998) and membrane computing (book Membrane Computing. An Introduction , 2002). He has collaborated with over 100 researchers globally and advised multiple Ph.D. students, including Victor Mitrana and Gianina Georgescu. His scientific awards include the Gheorghe Lazar award (1981), Corresponding Member of the Romanian Academy (1997), Doctor Honoris Causa from Silesian University of Opava (2007), and recognition as an ISI Highly Cited Scientist (2007). He also holds honorary citizenships in Curtea de Arges (1998), Arges County (2007), and Cicanesti village (2009). Paun has served on editorial boards for journals like Theoretical Computer Science. Natural Computing Series and Natural Computing , and organized major workshops in membrane computing. His academic contributions include over 150 publications and editorial roles in 20+ journals.
Markus Vincze is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Automation and Control Engineering (ACIN) at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). He founded the Vision for Robotics (V4R) group in 1996 to advance robotic perception, particularly in real-world environments and homes. His work focuses on cognitive computer vision techniques for robotics. Education: Diplom in Mechanical Engineering (1988) and PhD (1993) from TU Wien; M.Sc. (1990) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. V4R coordinates EU projects like ActIPret, robots@home, HOBBIT, and national initiatives like vision@home. Markus has edited a book on Robust Vision with Gregory Hager and authored 62 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 400 reviewed publications. His recent research explores zero-shot 6D pose estimation, sim-to-real transfer, and transparent object detection. Markus has served as program chair for ICRA 2013 and organized HRI 2017 in Vienna. He has advised numerous students and secured grants from the Austrian Academy of Sciences for work at HelpMate Robotics and Yale's Vision Laboratory. The V4R group leads innovations in robotic vision, including frameworks for synthetic data generation (Unrealgensyn), depth completion (CAGT), and educational robotics applications for sustainability. Their work spans household robotics (RH3), agricultural robotics (EdgeSoil), and human-robot collaboration.
Uwe Zdun is a Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, where he serves as Vice-Director of Studies for Computer Science and Head of the Research Group Software Architecture. His teaching portfolio includes core courses such as Software Engineering 2, Advanced Software Engineering, and Practical Software Courses for Bachelor's and Master's theses across multiple semesters (2024W-2025S). His research spans software architecture with emphasis on microservices, cloud computing, and DevOps. Key focus areas include architectural design decisions, infrastructure-as-code conformance, security in distributed systems, and the integration of machine learning operations (MLOps/RLOps). He investigates cognitive aspects of architecture practices through controlled experiments and develops model-driven approaches for quality assessment in complex systems. Recent publications (2024-2026) reveal three dominant trends: (1) Security and coupling analysis in infrastructure-as-code deployments, (2) MLOps/RLOps integration for Industry 4.0 cyber-physical systems, and (3) Performance optimization patterns for CI/CD pipelines and autoscaling. His work bridges theoretical architecture models with industrial practice, particularly in microservice ecosystems and reinforcement learning applications. Professor Zdun leads the Research Group Software Architecture at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Computer Science. The group focuses on empirical validation of architectural patterns, tool development for conformance checking, and advancing design decision methodologies in cloud-native and AI-driven systems.
Prof. Maosong Sun is a Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, China. He holds additional leadership roles including Executive Vice Dean of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Deputy Director of the National Engineering Laboratory for Cyberlearning and Intelligent Technology. His research focuses on natural language processing (NLP), artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational education. He leads interdisciplinary projects in computational humanities, knowledge graphs, and MOOC platforms like XuetangX, which has over 58.8 million registered learners. Key contributions include pioneering work in Chinese NLP tools, poetry generation systems like Jiuge, and large-scale research initiatives funded by Chinese and Singaporean programs. Awards include the Tsinghua University Education Award (2019) and the National Outstanding Practitioner Award (2007). Established NLP and Computational Humanities & Social Sciences Lab (2008) Co-director of the Joint Research Center for Extreme Search (2011-present) Over 200 publications with 11,000+ citations (h-index 47)
Senad Bećirović serves as a full Professor at the University of Education Lower Austria (Pädagogische Hochschule Niederösterreich), having progressed from assistant professor (2014) to associate professor (2017) before attaining his current rank in 2023. His academic career spans teaching research methodology, pedagogy, and advanced statistics across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs at international institutions, delivered through both online and in-person formats. Bećirović's research focuses primarily on Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies in education , with significant contributions to intercultural education , gifted education , and foreign language pedagogy . His work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward understanding how emerging technologies reshape educational practices and outcomes. Through four books published by Springer and Nova Science and over 60 articles in top-tier journals, he has established himself as a leading voice in digital educational transformation. His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a pronounced emphasis on AI applications in education, with multiple studies examining AI literacy, policy frameworks, and implementation strategies across European higher education contexts. This research demonstrates both theoretical depth and practical relevance to current educational challenges. Bećirović actively contributes to the scholarly community as editor and reviewer for numerous Q1 journals including Smart Learning Environments (Springer), Education and Information Technologies (Springer), and TESOL Quarterly (Wiley). He participates in multiple European Commission-funded initiatives such as ENRICH (Enhancing Teaching and Research through Innovative Digital Technologies) and Erasmus+ projects focused on peace learning and English education. His professional activities extend to international collaboration through membership in the European Network Ethical Use of AI and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). He frequently delivers keynote addresses at international conferences, sharing expertise on AI in education, digital transformation, and intercultural competencies.
Johanna Pirker serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Human-Centred Computing, Graz University of Technology, where she holds teaching authorization in Applied Computer Science. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in interactive technologies, maintaining active consultation hours for students every Monday morning. Her research centers on human-centered computing with emphases on virtual/augmented reality systems, serious game design, and AI-driven interactive experiences. She investigates player behavior, user experience optimization, and therapeutic/educational applications of immersive technologies across diverse contexts including rehabilitation, engineering education, and social platforms. Recent 2025 publications reveal strong trends in AI integration for gaming ecosystems (toxicity detection, dialogue systems), VR-based educational tools across disciplines, and cross-cultural analyses of gaming communities. Her work consistently combines experimental user studies with novel system development to address real-world challenges. While specific grant details and student advising records aren't documented in source materials, her extensive publication output across venues like FDG and iLRN indicates active leadership in interdisciplinary collaborations focused on advancing immersive technologies for societal benefit.
Emanuel Sallinger is a Full Professor at TU Wien's Databases and Artificial Intelligence Group and Vice Dean of Academic Affairs for Business Informatics and Data Science. He leads the Knowledge Graph Lab, focusing on scalable knowledge-based systems, reasoning in knowledge graphs, and AI integration. His research spans computational logic, database theory, and blockchain applications. Education: PhD in Computer Science (awarded 'sub auspiciis praesidentis rei publicae'), Master's degrees in Computational Intelligence and Informatics Management, and a Bachelor's in Software and Information Engineering. Research Interests: Knowledge graphs (construction, reasoning, scalability), logic-based systems, AI/ML integration with databases, enterprise architecture modeling, and financial knowledge systems. His work emphasizes practical applications like enterprise modeling, sustainable waste management, and regulatory compliance. Grants & Projects: Lead Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF)-funded Knowledge Graph Lab. Involved in projects like 'Knowledge Graph-driven Tour Management' (sustainability), 'SustainGraph' (waste processing), and 'Enterprise Architecture Knowledge Graphs'. Teaching: Offers courses on Knowledge Graphs, Generative AI, Database Systems, and research methodology. Supervises doctoral and master's students in AI, databases, and knowledge representation. Labs/Teams: Knowledge Graph Lab at TU Wien, collaborating with industry on blockchain-based systems, financial AI, and enterprise architecture frameworks.
Prof. Dr. Christopher Markiewicz is a leading scholar in Ottoman and Islamic Studies at Ghent University's Department of Languages and Cultures (affiliated with the Department of History). He previously held positions as Associate Professor at University of Birmingham and Junior Research Fellow at Exeter College, University of Oxford. His research centers on the political, social, and intellectual history of the Ottoman Empire (15th-17th centuries), with special emphasis on state formation, diplomatic cultures, and the interplay between Islamic law and governance. Education PhD in Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations, University of Chicago (2015) Magna cum laude dissertation award from Middle East Studies Association (2016) His scholarship explores the transition from medieval Islamic political fragmentation to early modern imperial consolidation , focusing on how Persian émigrés shaped Ottoman sovereignty and diplomatic practices. Current research investigates pious endowments (waqf) through an ERC Starting Grant (2023-2028) , analyzing their role in Ottoman state-building. Scientific contributions include: Winner of Malcolm H. Kerr Dissertation Award (2016) Principal Investigator for Islamic Endowments project Series Editor for The Ottoman Empire and the World (I.B. Tauris) Trustee of EJW Gibb Memorial Trust Member of British Institute at Ankara committees His 2023-2024 teaching includes courses on Middle East politics and global historical developments. Publications reveal evolving research from waqf taxation controversies to diplomatic gift-giving protocols, with consistent focus on cross-cultural exchange and historiographical evolution.
Carita Paradis is a Professor Emerita at Lund University's Centre for Languages and Literature, specializing in English Linguistics. She holds a PhD from Lund University (1997) and has held leadership roles including Chair of the Swedish Research Council's Linguistics panel (2010–2015). She coordinates the Language, Cognition and Discourse@Lund (LCD@L) research group, focusing on discourse meaning, language acquisition, and sociocultural variation. Her research spans cognitive linguistics, discourse analysis, semantics, and sensory language. She has authored/co-authored over 100 refereed publications, 5 books, and edited 10 journal volumes. Awards include membership in Academia Europaea (2016) and leadership roles in Scandinavian linguistic associations. She has supervised 14 PhD students and 8 postdocs, taught at all academic levels, and participated in numerous national/international research projects. Her editorial roles include serving on Cognitive Semantics, Languages, and Human Cognitive Processing series.
Victor Vianu is a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, San Diego and holds the INRIA International Chair at INRIA-Saclay in Paris. He has maintained continuous faculty status at UC San Diego since 1983 while developing extensive international collaborations, particularly with French research institutions including INRIA, ENST-Paris, ENS-Paris, and the University of Paris. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California (1983) and undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Informatics at the University of Bucharest (1974-1977). Professor Vianu's research spans computational logic, database systems and theory, and automatic verification. His work uniquely bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in XML processing, workflow systems, and data-driven applications. He has made seminal contributions to understanding the theoretical underpinnings of database query languages and their expressive power, particularly in the context of XML technologies and workflow systems. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from theoretical computer science to practical database systems applications. His publication record reveals significant contributions to database theory spanning over three decades, with particular emphasis on XML technologies, workflow systems, and formal methods for data-driven applications. His work shows a clear evolution from foundational theoretical work to practical applications in business processes and web technologies. INRIA International Chair (2013) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2013) ACM PODS Alberto O. Mendelzon Test-of-Time Award (2010) Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (2006) Professor Vianu has held significant leadership roles including Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Journal of the ACM, numerous program committee chair positions for major database conferences (PODS, ICDT, ASIAN), and General Chair for ACM SIGMOD conferences. He has served on the executive committees of SIGMOD (1998-2000) and PODS (1993-2004), and was a member of the ICDT Council (1997-2007), demonstrating sustained influence in the theoretical database community. His extensive invited talks at major conferences including College de France, ACM PODS, and International Conference on Database Theory highlight his international recognition.
Dr. Quirin Thomas Simon Vogel is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Statistics, University of Klagenfurt. He previously held postdoctoral positions at the Technical University of Munich, New York University Shanghai, and served as an Interim Professor at Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich. His research bridges probability theory with statistical mechanics and algorithmic applications. Current role: Senior Lecturer (2025) Previous roles: Postdoc (TUM, NYU Shanghai), Interim Professor (LMU Munich) His research focuses on: Random walks and their geometric/stochastic properties Randomized algorithms with applications in statistical models Quantum-inspired probabilistic systems (e.g. interacting bosonic loop soups) Large deviation theory for complex systems Percolation and phase transitions in particle models The articles reflect trends in probability theory, mathematical physics, and algorithmic applications. Key topics include high-dimensional percolation, Bose gas models, neural network theory, and stochastic geometry. The work combines rigorous mathematical analysis with interdisciplinary applications in physics and computer science. Scientific awards and functions cannot be determined from the provided data, as they describe other researchers. The department's research activities include projects on statistical learning, quantum models, and algorithmic probability, though Vogel's direct involvement in these specific funded projects isn't explicitly stated.
Wolfgang Klas is a Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, leading the Research Group Multimedia Information Systems. His research focuses on multimedia systems, data management, and information retrieval, with significant contributions to multimedia content analysis and database systems. He has been actively involved in multiple research projects, including TP2 PRECIOUS (2013-2016), SciLink (2011-2014), and OptFI (2010-2013). His work intersects with emerging technologies like blockchain, as seen in his public engagements and talks on topics such as 'From Blockchain to Web' and IT4S Forum presentations. His research interests span multimedia systems, database design, and the application of declarative programming for security and data integrity. Recent projects emphasize fake review detection and sentiment analysis using advanced algorithms and neural models. He has collaborated internationally, contributing to workshops like SMAP 2020 and publishing in journals like Algorithms and Applied Sciences . Grants/Projects: TP2 PRECIOUS (2013-2016), SciLink (2011-2014), OptFI (2010-2013) Activities: Speaker at IT4S Forum (2024), Blockchain-related talks (2020–present) Labs/Teams: Research Group Multimedia Information Systems
Mathias Benedek is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Graz, Austria. He directs the Creative Cognition Lab and is actively involved in several research networks, including the "Complexity of Life" profile area, the "Brain and Behavior" research network, and the "FUTURE EDUCATION" research network at the University of Graz. His research focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying creative thinking, with particular emphasis on the role of memory processes, metacognition, and eye movement patterns during creative ideation. Dr. Benedek's work bridges psychological theory with empirical research methods including eye tracking, neuroimaging, and computational modeling of creative processes. His research has important implications for understanding how creative potential develops and how it can be assessed and nurtured in educational and professional contexts. Dr. Benedek's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on creative cognition across multiple dimensions. His recent work has expanded into emerging areas such as human-AI collaboration for creative tasks, automated assessment of creativity using large language models, and the relationship between physical activity and creative performance. His research shows a strong trajectory toward more ecologically valid methods for studying creativity in real-world contexts, moving beyond traditional laboratory paradigms. Seraphine Puchleitner Anerkennungspreis (PhD Supervision Award), University of Graz, 2021 William-Stern-Preis, German Psychological Society, 2019 Research Prize, University of Graz, 2017 Research Prize (Publication Category), Initiative Gehirnforschung, 2016 Berlyne Award, Division 10, American Psychological Association, 2015 Dr. Benedek has demonstrated strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers, as evidenced by his 2021 PhD Supervision Award. His research has been supported by multiple grants from national and international funding bodies, though specific grant details are not provided in the available information. His professional service includes leadership roles in the Initiative Gehirnforschung Steiermark since 2010 and active membership in several psychological societies across Europe and North America. Dr. Benedek leads the Creative Cognition Lab at the University of Graz, which employs a multidisciplinary approach to studying creative processes. The lab integrates methods from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and computational modeling to investigate the mechanisms underlying creative thought. Current research projects examine the relationship between eye movements and internal cognitive processes, the development of automated assessment tools for creativity, and the application of creativity research to educational contexts.
Fabienne Lind is a researcher at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Journalism and Communication Studies , focusing on communication studies, media framing, and political discourse. Her work spans migration, climate change, and social media analysis. Research interests include Comparative communication research Computational text analysis Media framing of climate justice and migration Digital political communication Multilingual text analysis Recent publications analyze social media dynamics , climate change coverage , and migration discourse across Brazil, India, and South Africa. Her 2025 work on longitudinal disparities in communication research highlights global trends. Scientific awards include PhD Award (2023) ICA Journalism Studies Division Top Student Paper Award (2019) Article of the Year by 'Communication Methods and Measures' (2018) She contributes to collaborative projects like CIDAPE (2024–2027) on climate, inequality, and democratic action, and engages in computational text analysis tools development for communication studies.
