Professor Michael Barlow is a distinguished academic at The University of New South Wales , specifically affiliated with UNSW Canberra and the School of Systems & Computing . His work spans multiple disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence , Multi-Agent Systems , Simulation & Virtual Environments , and Trusted Autonomy . Barlow’s research delves into Machine Learning and Human-Computer Interaction , with a particular focus on Speech Science and Technology in earlier stages of his career. University: The University of New South Wales School: School of Systems & Computing Role: Professor and Head of School His research interests include Serious Games , AI & Multi-Agent Systems , Trusted Autonomy , and Human-Computer Interaction . He has pioneered work in Swarm Intelligence and Simulation Technologies , applying these to domains such as military training , unmanned vehicle coordination , and game design . Barlow’s publications reveal a consistent trend in interdisciplinary work, blending Artificial Intelligence with Human Factors . His recent studies focus on Human-Swarm Interaction and Behavioral Metrics in multi-agent systems, while earlier works explore evolutionary game theory , speech processing , and virtual environments . He has contributed extensively to teaching in Core Computer Science for undergraduates and postgraduates, with specialized courses in Games & Serious Games , Simulation Graphics , and Algorithms . His consulting interests align with his research, emphasizing Simulation , Virtual Environments , and AI/Agent Systems .
Dr. Federico Colecchia is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Electronics and Programming at the Brunel Design School within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences . With over 20 years of R&D experience across academia and industry, his work bridges emerging technologies , machine learning , and human-centered design , particularly in healthcare domains. Education: PhD in Physics, University of Padova (2001) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), University College London (2018) Senior Member, IEEE (2023) His research explores AI applications in biomedical domains (e.g., brain tumor segmentation, skin diagnostic equity), immersive technologies for anatomy training, and interdisciplinary innovation through the Brunel Centre for AI. He has led modules in embedded systems and electronic programming , and his pedagogic work focuses on technology-driven design futures. Recent publications highlight machine learning for health equity , virtual production in media , and particle physics (via legacy collaborations with the BABAR detector and SLAC). His scientific awards include IEEE Senior Membership and EPSRC Peer Review College participation.
Professor Hongying Meng is a full professor in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Brunel University London , within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences . He is the Director of the Transnational Education Programme with Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications (CQUPT) in China, and a key member of several research centres including the Institute of Digital Futures , Centre for AI: Social and Digital Innovation , and Intelligent Digital Economy and Society . Education: BSc, MSc, and PhD in Communication and Electronic Systems – Xi’an Jiaotong University, China Postdoc and Lecturer – Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Research Interests: Professor Meng’s research spans a broad spectrum of cutting-edge domains including digital signal processing (e.g., wavelet transforms, biomedical signal analysis), machine learning (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, LLMs), human-computer interaction (e.g., affective computing, gesture recognition), computer vision (e.g., 3D imaging, medical imaging), and embedded systems and communications (e.g., IoT, neuromorphic computing). Research Trends from Publications: His recent publications reflect a strong focus on AI-driven medical imaging , emotion recognition systems , sparse-view CT reconstruction , and lightweight neural architectures . These works integrate advanced techniques such as graph neural networks, knowledge distillation, and multimodal fusion, with applications in healthcare, autonomous systems, and human-computer interaction. Scientific Awards & Honors: World’s Best Computer Science Scientists (Research.com, 2025) Top 2% Scientist of the World (Stanford/Elsevier, 2023 & 2024) Top Scholar (Top 0.5% worldwide, ScholarGPS, 2024) AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar Award Honorable Mention (Aminer, 2022) Winner of AVEC2011 & AVEC2013 International Emotion Recognition Challenges Grants & Projects: Professor Meng has led or co-led over 15 major research projects funded by EPSRC , Royal Society , Royal Academy of Engineering , EU Horizon 2020 , and others. These include: Neuromorphic computing and brain-inspired memory systems Smart cardiac emergency detection devices for ambulances AI-driven depression and pain recognition systems Robotic cochlear implant insertion systems Millimetre-wave imaging and 3D medical image reconstruction Labs & Teams: He is affiliated with the Electronic Systems Research Group and collaborates extensively with interdisciplinary teams across Brunel’s AI and Health institutes. He also maintains active international collaborations with institutions such as Tsinghua University, UCL, and the University of York.
Raimund Schatz is a Senior Scientist and Thematic Coordinator at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology , where he leads research on Human-Centered Automation and Assistance . He also holds post-doctoral and lecturing positions at Alpen-Adria Universität Klagenfurt and Vienna University of Technology , respectively. His academic background includes a PhD in Informatics (TU Vienna), an MSc in Telematics (TU Graz), and certifications in Machine Learning (Stanford), Big Data Engineering (Yandex), and Data Science (Johns Hopkins). Research Focus Dr. Schatz's work spans Quality of Experience (QoE) in broadband networks, Extended Reality (XR) Training , Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , and Pervasive Computing . He specializes in video streaming optimization, accessibility for low-vision users, and immersive technologies for healthcare and industrial applications. His research integrates user behavior analysis with AI-driven network management. Scientific Contributions He has received multiple Best Paper Awards at PCS 2024 , QoMEX 2022 , and QoMEX 2020 Finalist in the 5G Vienna Use Case Challenge (2019) His 150+ publications focus on QoE modeling, adaptive streaming, and XR training effectiveness. Projects Current leadership includes METICOS (H2020): Predictive models for technology acceptance SHOTPROS (H2020): VR training for law enforcement under stress Zero 3 (FFG): AI-driven industrial automation XRTrain (AK Digifond): Healthcare training applications Academic Affiliations He actively participates in COST Actions (IC1003 Qualinet, IC1304 ACROSS) IEEE and ACM societies NGMN Alliance for mobile networks
Dr. Zhou Zhibin is a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University . He is also a member of the Research Centre for Deep Tech Translation (RCDTT) and the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research . His expertise lies in Human-AI Interaction and Design Methodology for AI-enhanced UX , with a strong foundation in human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence. Education: He earned his PhD in Design Science from Zhejiang University School of Computer Science and Technology . He was also a visiting PhD candidate at Politecnico di Milano , where he worked on an AI-powered platform for package designers. Research Interests: Dr. Zhou's research focuses on Human-AI Interaction , Design Methodology for AI-enhanced UX , Machine Learning , Generative AI , Virtual Reality , and User Experience Design . His work explores the intersection of AI and design, aiming to create transparent and user-friendly AI systems. Research Trends: His recent publications (2021-2025) emphasize transparent AI agents , ML lifecycle tools , generative AI in UX design , and virtual reality applications . These works highlight his commitment to advancing AI-driven design methodologies and improving user experiences through innovative technologies. Consultancy: In 2023, he led a consultancy project on Interaction Design for the Digital Twin for Autonomous Tower Crane . Labs & Teams: He is affiliated with the Research Centre for Deep Tech Translation (RCDTT) and the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research , fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in AI and design.
Adriana Guran is an Associate Professor at the Computer Science Department within the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the same university, earned in 2008 with distinction ( cum laude ). Her academic journey includes a B.Sc. (2001) and M.Sc. (2002), both completed with top honors. Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , software ergonomics , and web technologies , with emphasis on usability evaluation, task modeling, and agent-based systems. Recent publications explore Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) for automated usability testing and agent-based predictive modeling for interfaces and pandemic spread. Key trends include interdisciplinary applications in healthcare, energy systems, and adaptive user interfaces. She teaches courses in Algorithmics, Object-Oriented Programming, and Compiler Design, and has supervised practical works for undergraduate and master's students. No grants or awards are documented in available sources.
Prof. Dr. Kirsten Thommes is Professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of Paderborn's Faculty of Economics, Department of Organizational Behavior, where she has held a chair since April 2018. Her work bridges organizational psychology, human-computer interaction, and management science, with a focus on how companies build relationships with employees and how organizational structures impact behavior. She leads the Chair of Organizational Behavior research group and is actively involved in the Collaborative Research Center Transregio 318 as Project Manager for A03 and C02, while also contributing to the Paderborn Research Center for Sustainable Economy (PARSEC) and Intelligent Technical Systems profile area. Education: Business administration studies at Phillips University Marburg Doctorate from Friedrich Schiller University Jena Postdoctoral work at Radboud University Nijmegen and RWTH Aachen University Prof. Thommes' research centers on understanding employee behavior in organizations and how organizational characteristics affect this behavior. Her evidence-based management approach helps decision-makers find better organizational solutions. She pursues numerous practitioner-collaborative projects alongside university research, focusing on three main areas: teamwork dynamics, organizational identity formation, and human-machine interaction in workplaces. Her interdisciplinary approach draws from economic, sociological, and psychological theories with strong empirical grounding through statistical analysis. Recent work increasingly examines AI integration in organizational contexts, exploring how employees interact with algorithmic decision systems across various sectors from transportation to healthcare. Analysis of Prof. Thommes' recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward understanding human-AI collaboration in organizational settings. Her work spans explainable AI (XAI), decision-making with algorithmic support, energy efficiency interventions, and team dynamics in technological contexts. A significant portion examines how different explanation formats affect user trust and reliance on AI systems. Another strand investigates sustainable behavior in organizations, particularly how leadership communication can motivate energy-efficient practices. Her publications demonstrate methodological diversity, employing experiments, field studies, and mixed-methods approaches across various organizational contexts. Prof. Thommes actively mentors doctoral and master's students, with several successful doctorates completed at her chair as recently as July 2025. Her research is supported through multiple collaborative projects including: Working World Plus: Creating a regional competence center for 'AI in the working world of industrial SMEs' (KIAM) as part of the it's OWL technology cluster Constructing Explainability: DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center examining transparency in algorithmic decisions EcoDrive: Field experiments with professional truck drivers studying effective telematics implementation PredictTeams: Developing a framework for predictive competence management for agile teams The Chair of Organizational Behavior operates as a vibrant research hub with multiple doctoral researchers, research assistants, and student assistants. The team maintains strong industry connections through the it's OWL technology cluster and collaborates with various practitioners. They actively engage with students and alumni through LinkedIn and Instagram, reflecting their commitment to bridging academic research with practical organizational applications.
Dr. Wenhao Zhang serves as Associate Professor of Computer Vision and Machine Learning at the University of the West of England's School of Engineering, where he co-directs the Centre for Machine Vision at Bristol Robotics Laboratory. His academic foundation includes a BEng in Automation, MEng in Control, MSc in Electronics, and PhD in 3D computer vision analysis of human demographics and behaviours. His research bridges computer vision and machine learning with critical applications in Agri-tech and Health-tech, specializing in face recognition, 3D imaging, eye tracking, and human-computer interaction. Current projects address dementia diagnosis through eye movement analysis, livestock lameness detection, and renal fibrosis assessment using deep learning techniques. His work consistently translates theoretical advances into practical solutions for agricultural and medical challenges. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong interdisciplinary trajectory, with recent work focusing on convolutional neural networks for medical diagnostics and agricultural automation. The majority of his output combines computer vision fundamentals with domain-specific implementations, particularly in healthcare monitoring and precision farming systems. Dr. Zhang has received notable recognition including the UWE 30 to watch award and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy status. His contributions extend to curriculum development through leadership of the Machine Vision and Advanced AI, Computer Vision, and Cyber Security modules. As an active supervisor, he guides PhD research in 3D object detection, document analysis, and neurodegeneration assessment. His grant portfolio features: Eye tracking for dementia diagnosis (BRACE, 2023-2025) Hoofcount Vision Detection for dairy cattle (Innovate UK, 2022-2024) Deep Learning for Renal Fibrosis Assessment (Royal Society, 2021-2024) Pig feeding behaviour monitoring (BBSRC/GCRF, 2020-2021) Through the Centre for Machine Vision, Dr. Zhang fosters industry-academic collaborations that advance robotics applications in healthcare diagnostics and sustainable agriculture, with ongoing projects targeting real-time vision systems for complex environmental monitoring.
James R. Eagan is an Associate Professor at Télécom Paris , part of Institut Polytechnique de Paris , and holds a Visiting Professor position at the University of Colorado, Boulder in the College of Media, Communication & Information. He leads the DIVA Lab (Data, Intelligence, Visualization, and Applications) within the Computer Science & Networking Department. Currently on sabbatical (2024–25 academic year) at CU Boulder, his research bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Explainable AI (XAI), and computational media design.
Michael Rohs is a full Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the Leibniz University Hannover , Germany, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Institute of Practical Computer Science . Since 1 July 2012 he has led the Human-Computer Interaction research group, while also serving in numerous governance roles such as chair of the computer-science examination board, managing director of his research group, and elected representative of professors on the faculty council and study commission. Education & Career Path 1994–2000: Computer-science studies at Technische Universität Darmstadt & University of Colorado at Boulder 2000–2005: PhD candidate and research assistant, ETH Zürich 2005: Doctorate (Dr. sc. ETH Zürich) 2005–2010: Senior Research Scientist, Deutsche Telekom Laboratories (TU Berlin) 2007–2008: Visiting Professor for User Interface Engineering, Bonn-Aachen Int’l Center for IT (B-IT), University of Bonn & Fraunhofer IAIS 2010–2012: Junior Professor for Media Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München since 2012: Professor for Human-Computer Interaction, Leibniz University Hannover Research Focus Michael Rohs’ research lies at the intersection of mobile human-computer interaction , pervasive computing and wearable technologies . He explores novel interaction techniques for mobile and wearable devices , leveraging computer vision , sensor fusion , and haptic feedback to create seamless, context-aware user experiences. A particular emphasis is placed on integrating physical and virtual resources in users’ environments, enabling richer interactions that extend beyond the screen. His recent work delves into on-skin wearables , electrotactile and vibrotactile feedback , smartwatch interaction paradigms , and assistive technologies for visually impaired users . By combining rapid prototyping , electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) , 3D printing , and augmented-reality audio , his group investigates how subtle, always-available interfaces can support daily activities ranging from navigation to knowledge work. Publication Trends Across more than 100 peer-reviewed papers (2008–2024), a clear trend emerges: early work focused on mobile device input techniques (magic lenses, tilt & pressure input, around-device interaction), evolving toward wearable and on-body systems that integrate haptics , computer vision and machine learning . Recent publications emphasize health & well-being applications (proactive voice assistants for knowledge workers, cycling navigation aids), accessibility (tactile navigation aids, AR object recognition), and novel materials & fabrication (gold-plated 3-D printed on-skin devices). Venues include ACM MobileHCI, CHI, UIST, IMWUT, TOCHI, DIS, and specialized workshops on pervasive and ubiquitous computing. Scientific Awards & Honors No specific awards explicitly listed in the provided text. Funding, Labs & Teams Prof. Rohs heads the Human-Computer Interaction group at Leibniz University Hannover. While exact grant details are not reproduced here, the extensive publication record at top-tier venues indicates sustained funding from national (DFG, BMBF) and European sources, as well as industry partnerships (e.g., Deutsche Telekom Laboratories). The group maintains well-equipped labs for rapid prototyping (3-D printing, electronics), haptics & EMS experimentation , and mobile & wearable device evaluation . Regular collaboration with PhD, master’s and bachelor’s students is evident from co-authorship patterns, though individual student names are not itemized in the supplied text.
Michael Storz is a Researcher at the Chair of Media Informatics within the Faculty of Computer Science at Chemnitz University of Technology. He has served as a scientific employee in the junior research group "Nebeneinander wird Miteinander" since January 2015, following prior work in the Research Training Group "Crossworlds" from May 2012 to December 2014. His academic credentials include a Master's degree in Intelligent Media and Virtual Reality (2010-2012) and a Bachelor's degree in Applied Computer Science (2006-2010), both completed at Chemnitz University of Technology. His Master's thesis analyzed machine learning workflows for object detection with focus on facial recognition, while his Bachelor's thesis implemented Henry Schneiderman's object detection method for face detection. Storz's research centers on Human-Computer Interaction with specialized expertise in collaborative tabletop systems and computer vision applications. His work bridges virtual and physical social environments, particularly through museum-focused interactive installations that promote relaxed user engagement. He has developed methodologies for machine learning workflows in object detection and created frameworks for automated multimedia production pipelines. His 2013-2014 publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary trajectory combining tabletop interaction design for cultural institutions with computer vision techniques. These works demonstrate consistent application of HCI principles to museum contexts while advancing machine learning tooling for object detection – reflecting the CrossWorlds group's mission to connect virtual and real social worlds through technology. Storz actively contributes to the Research Training Group "Connecting Virtual and Real Social Worlds" (CrossWorlds), an interdisciplinary initiative funded from April 2012 to November 2018. This group investigates communication, emotions, sensomotorics, and learning through collaborative networks of computer scientists and social scientists, with Storz focusing on perception-aware multitouch systems within the Communication research area.
Stefan Geisler is a Professor at Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences since 2010. He holds the professorship for Applied Computer Science / Human-Machine Interaction and serves as Program Director for the Human-Technology Interaction program. Since 2016, he has led the Positive Computing Research Institute , contributes to the Intelligent Mobility research program , and directs the Media and Interaction Department in the North Rhine-Westphalian doctoral program. Research Focus: Human-Machine Interaction (HMI), Natural User Interfaces (NUI), Usability Engineering, Automotive HMI, and Intelligent Mobility. Projects: Golden Rules in Automotive HMI, PARCURA (smart glasses in hospitals), UsAHome (home HMI systems), BMBF-funded AHA project (safety-critical interfaces), and intercultural/intergenerational innovation development. Collaborations: FH Struktur, IQPC Conference, CAMO network, and North Rhine-Westphalian doctoral program. Teaching: Covers the entire usability engineering lifecycle, emphasizing user testing integration and intuitive interface design. Publication Trends: Focus on automotive HMI optimization, gesture-based interaction, user experience in mobility systems, and human-centered design for safety-critical applications. Subfields include driver assistance systems, natural user interfaces in automated vehicles, and usability testing methodologies. Leadership: Directs the Positive Computing Research Institute and the Media and Interaction Department. Supervises doctoral research in intercultural innovation and automotive NUI development.
Joseph C. Osborn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Pomona College, where he has been a faculty member since 2018. He is affiliated with the FAIM Lab (Formal Analysis and Interactive Media Lab), which focuses on the intersection of AI, game design, and formal methods for interactive systems. Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of California, Santa Cruz M.F.A. in Interactive Media, University of Southern California B.S. in Software Engineering and Computer Science (Double Major), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) His research explores how AI and formal verification techniques can support and enhance the design of interactive systems, particularly video games. Drawing from both computer science and fine arts backgrounds, he develops novel knowledge representations to help designers understand the implications of their design choices. His work spans software model checking, machine learning, game studies, and HCI, with a focus on enabling computational systems to reason about interactivity. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in automated game analysis, procedural content generation, and formal modeling of game mechanics. He has developed tools like Mappy for automatic NES game mapping and contributed to hybrid system modeling of action games. His research integrates symbolic reasoning, dynamic analysis, and AI to support creative design processes. Best Student Paper, AIIDE 2017 Best Paper Honorable Mention, Foundations of Digital Games 2017 Outstanding TA Award 2016–2017 Best Paper Nomination, Foundations of Digital Games 2015 He advises student research through the FAIM Lab and has taught courses in AI, computational logic, software verification, and game development. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical creative applications in interactive media.
Robin Welsch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with strong interdisciplinary connections to psychology. Their work bridges computer science and cognitive/clinical psychology, focusing on virtual reality, social robotics, and human augmentation technologies. Affiliated with both the Engineering Psychology (ENGPSYCH) and Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID) research areas, Welsch maintains an active international research profile with publications in top-tier venues including CHI, IEEE Transactions, and PLOS One. Research interests center on the psychological and behavioral aspects of emerging technologies. Key areas include interpersonal distance regulation in virtual environments, social dynamics in VR/AR, cognitive and placebo effects of AI augmentation, and ethical considerations in human-robot interaction. Their work frequently examines how psychological factors (social anxiety, psychopathy traits, aging) influence technology interaction, with strong emphasis on experimental methodologies combining physiological sensing, behavioral observation, and computational analysis. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal three dominant trends: 1) Social VR research exploring proxemics, privacy, and gaze behavior; 2) Investigations into placebo effects and performance expectations in human-AI interaction; 3) Methodological contributions to bias detection in ML annotation and AR social media applications. This work consistently applies rigorous experimental psychology frameworks to HCI problems. Award highlights: CHI PLAY 2023 Honorable Mention for VR locomotion research Welsch actively collaborates across institutions (Germany, Finland, Australia) and disciplines, with notable partnerships in psychology departments and HCI labs. While specific grant details aren't provided, the volume and venue quality of publications suggest sustained research funding. Current work shows increasing focus on generative AI's impact on design processes and ethical implications of emerging interaction paradigms. Research occurs within Aalto University's Engineering Psychology and HCID groups, with emphasis on experimental VR/AR setups and physiological measurement systems. Recent projects involve social VR scenarios, location-based AR applications, and human-robot interaction studies in public spaces.
Rongjun Ma is a Doctoral Researcher at Aalto University's Department of Computer Science, where he explores human-computer interaction, privacy in generative AI, and behavioral informatics. He works under Prof. Janne Lindqvist's research group, focusing on adaptive communication behaviors and digital trust dynamics. His recent publications at ACM SIGCHI and CHI conferences highlight interdisciplinary research blending user experience, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Key topics include multichannel communication adaptation, privacy perceptions of custom GPTs, and human trust in AI-generated health information. His work spans both theoretical and applied domains, from modeling browsing clutter behaviors to developing anomaly detection systems for Linux logs. While no specific awards are listed, his research trajectory demonstrates strong engagement with contemporary challenges in digital interaction and security.
