Rebecca Lester is an Associate Professor of Accounting at Stanford Graduate School of Business, with a focus on tax policies and their impact on corporate decision-making. She holds a PhD from MIT and prior experience at Deloitte. Her research examines how tax incentives influence investment, employment, and cross-border strategies, with notable studies on R&D tax deductions and partnership tax structures. She has received multiple academic awards, including the Stanford MBA Distinguished Teaching Award and recognition as one of Poets & Quants' '40 Best Business Professors Under 40.' Education: PhD in Accounting (MIT, 2015), Masters of Accountancy (University of Tennessee, 2002), BS in Accounting (University of Tennessee, 2002) Research Interests: Taxation, multinational location decisions, and place-based tax policies. Her work bridges academia and policy, with findings influencing debates on tax reform and economic development. She co-leads the Stanford Initiative for Business, Taxation, and Society and collaborates across disciplines, including with Stanford Law and the IRS.
Moira O’Neill is an Associate Research Scientist at the University of California, Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design (CED) within the Institute of Urban and Regional Development (IURD). She holds faculty appointments at the University of Virginia’s School of Law and School of Architecture, and is an affiliated scholar at UCLA’s Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies. Her work bridges legal and urban planning frameworks to address housing affordability, climate resilience, and equity. Education: J.D., Order of the Coif, University of California, Hastings College of the Law (2006) B.A. in Political Science and Legal Studies, magna cum laude, Golden Gate University (pre-law studies) Research Interests: Dr. O’Neill’s research focuses on land use law, housing policy, climate resilience, and equitable urban development. She leads the Comprehensive Assessment of Land Use Entitlements Study (CALES), which analyzes how local regulations impact housing affordability and greenhouse gas emissions. Additional areas include sustainable school meal systems and cannabis cultivation regulation. Key Contributions: Her work has informed California’s Housing Accountability Act, state housing data strategies, and climate policies like the 2022 Scoping Plan for Carbon Neutrality. She also collaborates with Oakland Unified School District on equitable school meal programs and Virginia’s Department of Education on food policy. Awards: Order of the Coif (2006) Thurston Society membership (2006) Advising & Grants: Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, she explores fair housing questions. Her CALES project involves interdisciplinary teams of students and scholars. Past grants include policy analysis for public entities and participatory planning processes. Labs/Teams: Leads the CALES study and collaborates with UCLA on fair housing initiatives. Engaged in the Virginia Food for Virginia Kids program and Oakland’s school meal reforms.
Dr. Grzegorz Gil is a Lecturer at the Department of International Security , Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin , Faculty of Political Science and Journalism. Holds a PhD in Political Science (2010) and MA in International Relations (2005) from UMCS. Research focuses on state failure , post-conflict recovery , and international security with regional expertise on Africa , Middle East , and Pacific states . Teaches courses on: International relations Humanitarian operations Australian foreign policy Economic diplomacy Publications (over 15 works) analyze state collapse (Somalia, Yemen, Colombia), military interventions , and regional integration (EU-ASEAN relations). Currently serves as expert for Team Europe Direct (2023–present) and juror in Academic Polish Oxford Debating Championships .
Professor Adrian Bell is Chair in the History of Finance at the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading, where he also serves as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (Prosperity and Resilience). He has been a faculty member since 1994 and leads a major AHRC-funded project, 'The People of 1381', examining the Peasants' Revolt through interdisciplinary economic and social lenses. His research integrates medieval financial systems with modern economic theory. His research interests span History of Finance , Medieval Economic History , Football Finance , Hundred Years War , and Higher Education Policy . He employs quantitative and archival methods to explore topics such as medieval real estate bubbles, credit systems, and pandemic economics. His work often bridges historical analysis with contemporary financial issues, such as the economic impact of football clubs on universities or lessons from the Black Death for modern crises. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in medieval financial systems , behavioral and market finance , and socioeconomic impacts of sports and pandemics . His articles frequently analyze long-term economic patterns, price formation, and institutional finance, combining history with econometrics. Key themes include market efficiency, credit innovation, and the social consequences of financial decisions. Professor Bell has received continuous research funding from prestigious bodies including the AHRC , ESRC , and Leverhulme Trust . Notable projects include: The People of 1381 (AHRC) The first real estate bubble in medieval England (Leverhulme Trust) The Soldier in Later Medieval England (AHRC) Advance contracts for wool supply (ESRC) Medieval foreign exchange and credit finance (ESRC) He has advised on numerous collaborative research initiatives and contributes actively to public discourse through media appearances, podcasts (e.g., The Unexpected World of Business), and blogs. He is a frequent expert commentator on financial history and football economics. His work is supported by research teams and digital platforms such as 1381.online and the medievalsoldier.org database. He also contributes to academic leadership as former Head of the ICMA Centre and Associate Dean (International).
Perpetua Kirby is an Assistant Professor in Childhood and Youth (Education) at the School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex . She specializes in children’s rights, participation, and agency, utilizing ethnographic and multimodal methodologies to explore democratic approaches to education. Her work bridges research and practice, focusing on sustainability education and transformative models through collaborations with organizations like the Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth (CIRCY) and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Research (CTLR) . Research Themes: Children’s rights and agency in educational settings Interdisciplinary sustainability education (Global North/South) Ethnographic and creative research methods Transformative pedagogies for climate uncertainty Key Projects: Nuffield-funded study on children’s voices and data in UK local authorities Collaboration with PASTRES Programme on art-based climate pedagogy Fellow of Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP) Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP) Teaching: Co-convenes Forest Food Garden elective at University of Sussex Supervises MA in Education and doctoral research training Media Impact: Featured in BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, Financial Times, Huffington Post
Rowena Hill is a Professor of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University's School of Social Sciences, specializing in disaster psychology and emergency response systems. She holds key roles including ESRC Policy Fellow for Climate Change, Honorary Research Lead for the Fire Fighters Charity, and Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council's Academic Collaboration Group. Her work bridges academic research with policy, focusing on resilience strategies for emergency responders, community risk management, and mental health support systems. Education: Not explicitly stated in provided texts Her research emphasizes psychological health in emergency contexts, including pandemic response, climate adaptation, and familial impacts of frontline work. She has led over 60 evidence-based reports for UK pandemic policy during her 2020–21 secondment to the C19 National Foresight Group. Key interests include humanitarian assistance frameworks, public risk communication, and organizational resilience in critical sectors. Recent publications analyze firefighter wellbeing, police resilience training, and extreme weather preparedness. Notable achievements include establishing evaluation frameworks for fire service interventions and advising national security inquiries. Awards: Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Dr. Hill collaborates with governmental bodies and emergency services, contributing to policy development through evidence synthesis. Her work addresses systemic challenges in emergency service collaboration, climate change adaptation, and psychological support structures for responders and affected communities. She leads the NTU Emergency Services Research Unit, focusing on operational learning and health strategies for emergency personnel. Current projects explore long-term resilience in post-pandemic recovery and climate-related disaster preparedness.
J.C. Bradbury is a Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University , affiliated with the Department of Economics, Finance, & Quantitative Analysis. He maintains active research profiles on Google Scholar and SSRN , with a personal website at jcbradbury.com . Education : Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from George Mason University; B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Wofford College. His research focuses on Sports Economics , Stadium Subsidies , and Local Economic Development . Key contributions include analyzing the economic impacts of sports stadiums, film tax incentives, and labor dynamics in professional sports leagues. His work frequently appears in journals like Economic Inquiry , Journal of Sports Economics , and Public Finance Review . Recent publications examine fiscal impacts of stadium projects, attendance determinants in MLS, and policy critiques of government film industry support. He has served as a consulting expert on Economic Development , Athlete Valuation , and Sports Labor Issues , with references available upon request. He maintains active social media presence at Bluesky (9.2K posts) and Twitter, frequently commenting on sports policy, economic development, and local governance issues. His consulting work spans performance analysis, athlete valuation, and public policy evaluation.
Maria João Lima is a Guest Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Research Methods at the School of Sociology and Public Policy, Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon. She is also an Integrated Researcher at CIES-Iscte – Center for Research and Studies in Sociology, where she contributes to the Portuguese Observatory of Cultural Activities (OPAC). Her academic work bridges sociology and ethnomusicology, focusing on cultural policies, audience studies, and participatory cultural practices. PhD in Sociology, Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon (2023) Master’s in Musical Sciences – Ethnomusicology, Nova University of Lisbon (2000) Bachelor’s in Musical Sciences – Musicology, Nova University of Lisbon (1995) Her research interests include the sociology of culture, ethnomusicology, cultural policy evaluation, museum audiences, choral singing, and local musical practices. She has conducted extensive research on cultural participation, heritage accessibility, and the impact of public policies on cultural institutions in Portugal. Her scholarly output includes over 80 publications, with significant contributions to books and reports on national museum audiences, cultural mapping, and reading promotion. While her work is not indexed in Web of Science or Scopus, her Google Scholar profile reflects 801 citations and an h-index of 15, indicating strong recognition within Portuguese and Lusophone academic communities. She has been involved in numerous research projects related to cultural evaluation, including studies on the impact of the pandemic on national monuments and public access to heritage. She frequently presents at national and international conferences, such as the Portuguese Congress of Sociology and the International Conference on Arts and Cultural Management. Researcher at INET-MD – Institute of Ethnomusicology, Music and Dance (1995–2000) Researcher at OAC – Observatory of Cultural Activities (2001–2013) Current member of the Portuguese Observatory of Cultural Activities (OPAC) She has not been listed as supervising any graduate students, nor are any awards or grants explicitly mentioned in the available data. Her active research agenda continues to shape understanding of cultural dynamics in Portugal.
John Mandyck is an Adjunct Professor of Sustainability at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, and the University of Connecticut School of Business. He brings over three decades of market and policy experience in sustainability, climate change, and urban resilience. His work bridges academia, corporate leadership, and public policy, with a focus on decarbonizing the built environment and advancing sustainable business practices. Education: M.P.A. in Public Administration, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs B.A. in Policy Studies, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Executive Education, University of Virginia Darden School of Business John Mandyck's research and teaching center on sustainability, environmental policy, urban resilience, and climate change mitigation. His work explores the intersection of business strategy and ecological responsibility, emphasizing how corporations and cities can drive systemic change. He investigates food waste, energy efficiency in buildings, sustainable aviation, and the role of innovation in climate solutions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates public health, policy, and business leadership. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent focus on sustainability across sectors—urban development, business, aviation, and public health. They highlight trends in climate policy, corporate responsibility, and technological innovation. Keywords span environmental science, public policy, and business strategy, while subfields include building decarbonization, food systems, ESG, and resilient infrastructure, demonstrating a holistic view of sustainability challenges and solutions. Scientific Awards: 2024 Centennial Changemaker Award for Environmental Stewardship, Syracuse University John Mandyck has advised and contributed to major climate initiatives through his leadership roles. As CEO of Urban Green Council, he shaped landmark climate laws for buildings in New York City. He has led sustainability strategy at United Technologies Corporation, engaging stakeholders across global markets. Though no formal students are listed, his influence extends through executive education, public speaking, and policy advocacy. He has contributed to research grants and initiatives in urban sustainability, climate resilience, and food systems, often in collaboration with academic and nonprofit institutions. John Mandyck is affiliated with research and advocacy teams at Urban Green Council and has collaborated with scholars at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His work involves interdisciplinary teams focused on climate policy, building science, and public health, contributing to evidence-based solutions for sustainable cities.
Laurier Turgeon is Professor of Ethnology and History and holds the Canada Research Chair in Ethnological Heritage at Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. He is a leading scholar in cultural and intangible heritage, with extensive international collaborations, including visiting positions at Harvard University and the MIT Media Lab. He directs the Laboratory for Ethnological and Multimedia Inquiry (LEEM) and has held leadership roles at the Institute of Cultural Heritage (2005–2012) and the interuniversity research center CELAT (1994–2000). Canada Research Chair in Ethnological Heritage Professor, Department of Ethnology and History, Université Laval Director, Laboratory for Ethnological and Multimedia Inquiry (LEEM) Editor-in-Chief, Ethnologies journal Co-director, Encyclopedia of the Cultural Heritage of French America His research focuses on the socio-political dimensions of cultural heritage, including transmedia narratives, food heritage, digital documentation, and the role of communities in heritage practices. He has pioneered innovative digital inventories of intangible heritage in partnership with Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and has led public exhibitions such as Manger Ensemble on Quebec’s food heritage. His work bridges academic research, public engagement, and policy development. The analysis of his recent articles reveals a strong thematic focus on critical heritage studies, with attention to borders, rights, ownership, and the political uses of heritage. His publications explore the tensions between formal heritage regimes and informal cultural practices, the role of art and media in heritage appropriation, and the spatial and territorial dimensions of cultural meaning-making. There is a consistent interdisciplinary approach, integrating anthropology, geography, law, and political theory. His scientific recognition includes: The Summit International Award for Creative Media—Visionnary Award (2014) Prix de l’Office de la langue française du Québec—Solutions mobiles (2014) Prix Marius Barbeau (2016) Laurier Turgeon actively mentors emerging scholars and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams. He has secured major grants for digital heritage projects and leads the development of mobile applications and online encyclopedias to democratize access to cultural knowledge. His future work continues to emphasize community-based heritage, digital innovation, and the global challenges of heritage preservation in a rapidly changing world. He leads the Laboratory for Ethnological and Multimedia Inquiry (LEEM), which specializes in multimedia documentation of intangible heritage, digital archiving, and public dissemination of research through exhibitions, mobile apps, and online platforms. The lab fosters collaboration between researchers, communities, and cultural institutions.
Lee Towers is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Institute for Collective Place Leadership and SSSHL Research & Innovation, affiliated with Teesside University. His work focuses on intergenerational justice, nuclear waste management, and energy transitions. He holds a PhD in Energy Justice from the University of Brighton (2022), an MSc in Environment and Development from the University of Leeds (2016), and prior degrees in education and history. PhD: Energy Justice and the UK's Energy Transition, University of Brighton (2018–2022) MSc Environment and Development, University of Leeds (2015–2016) PGCE, Manchester Metropolitan University (2009–2010) MA Modern European History, University of Manchester (2004–2006) His research integrates anthropological perspectives, decolonial theory, and deliberative democracy frameworks. Recent work explores temporal challenges in nuclear waste governance and the sociopolitical dimensions of energy transitions. His articles and presentations address topics like hydrogen innovation, intergenerational equity, and trust in environmental discourses. Labs/Teams: Active within the Institute for Collective Place Leadership and SSSHL Research & Innovation, collaborating with institutions like the University of Groningen and Nuclear Waste Services.
Prof. Dr. Björn Alpermann is a Full Professor of Contemporary Chinese Studies at the University of Würzburg's Faculty of Philosophy. He has held this position since 2013 and previously served as a Junior Professor there from 2008–2013. His academic career includes a doctorate in Modern Chinese Studies from the University of Cologne (2006) and research stints at the University of California, Berkeley, and Nankai University. Research Focus: Alpermann specializes in Chinese political systems, rural governance, minority policies (especially Xinjiang and Tibet), and social change. He leads major projects such as the EU-funded 'Remote Ethnography of Xinjiang' (2023–present) and the BMBF-funded 'Worldmaking from a Global Perspective' (2020–2023). His work critically examines China's governance strategies, ethnic policies, and international relations. Publications: Alpermann authored books on Xinjiang, rural-urban transformation, and social change in China. His research analyzes China's political economy, state-society relations, and the interplay between modernization and authoritarianism. He frequently publishes in journals like Journal of Current Chinese Affairs and has contributed to edited volumes on governance and social stratification. Professional Roles: He coordinates the EU and BMBF projects, serves as a spokesperson for interdisciplinary initiatives, and advises on China policy. His work bridges academic rigor with policy relevance, addressing topics like human rights, ethnic conflict, and developmental state strategies. Education: Doctorate (Dr. phil.) in Modern Chinese Studies, University of Cologne (2006) Studies in Modern China, Political Science, and Economics at University of Cologne and Nankai University (1999)
Tarmo Lipping is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu. His work bridges computing sciences with biomedical engineering, environmental modelling, and data-driven societal applications. Doctor of Science (Technology), Information Technology – Awarded 14 Feb 2001 Master of Science (Technology), Information Technology – Awarded 10 Sept 1993 His research focuses on electroencephalography (EEG) , mental workload assessment , depth of anesthesia monitoring , and machine learning applications in healthcare and human-computer interaction. He also contributes to environmental informatics , particularly in land uplift modelling and radionuclide transport , aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recent publications highlight trends in transformer networks for EEG analysis , wearable HCI systems , data-driven food safety , and participatory municipal governance . His work integrates deep learning, signal processing, and real-world deployment. Scientific awards include: CIMO opettajavaihto (2017) Lipping has supervised numerous master’s students and served as an examiner in diverse topics including data vault modelling , telecom revenue estimation , and EEG hyperscanning . He has evaluated funding applications, acted as a journal reviewer (65 times), and contributed to editorial work. His activities reflect strong engagement in academic service and interdisciplinary research mentorship. He has contributed datasets on Fennoscandian land uplift , lake isolation , and archaeological shorelines to PANGAEA, supporting open science in geosciences and environmental history.
Derek T. Robinson is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo's Department of Geography and Environmental Management , specializing in land-use science, agent-based modeling, and geospatial analysis. His work integrates GIS, ecological models, and human decision-making to assess impacts of land policies on ecosystem services and human well-being. Research Interests : Land-use/cover change and carbon cycle dynamics Agent-based modeling of socio-ecological systems Exurban land management and fragmentation Ecosystem service quantification Land policy scenario analysis Teaching : Courses in spatial analysis, advanced GIS, and land-use-carbon interactions. His lab utilizes cutting-edge tools like ArcGIS, NetLogo, and UAV systems (e.g., Aeryon SkyRanger) for fieldwork and modeling.
Chrisanthi Avgerou is Professor of Information Systems at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), affiliated with the Department of Management Science and Technology in the School of Business. She chairs IFIP Technical Committee 9 on Social Implications of Information Technology and serves as Associate Editor for Information Systems Research Journal and The Information Society Journal. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Information Systems, London School of Economics, 1989 M.Sc. in Computer Science, Loughborough University of Technology, 1978 B.Sc.(Hons) in Mathematics, University of Athens, Greece, 1977 Professor Avgerou's research examines ICT's relationship with organizational transformation and socio-economic development, with emphasis on critical perspectives and developing country contexts. Her work bridges technical implementation with social theory, exploring power dynamics in socio-technical change and institutional barriers to ICT adoption. She pioneered studies on computers in developing countries through IFIP WG 9.4 leadership (1996-2003). Analysis of her 1998-2007 publications reveals consistent focus on three interconnected domains: (1) socio-technical change in organizations using institutional theory, (2) ICT's role in development contexts through critical policy analysis, and (3) philosophical foundations of information systems research. Her editorial work in The Oxford Handbook of ICT (2007) synthesizes global perspectives on digital transformation. Her scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the British Computer Society Fellow of the Association for Information Systems She coordinates the BSc Information Systems and Management program for the University of London External Programme and teaches Social Study of IS (IS470) and Information Society, Theory and Policy (IS412/478). Her research is conducted through LSE's Information Systems and Innovation Group, which examines technology's societal impacts through interdisciplinary collaboration. She currently organizes the Human Choice and Computers conference series, advancing discourse on technology ethics.
