Prof. Walter Leal Filho is a distinguished academic and researcher holding professorial positions at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and Manchester Metropolitan University (UK). He is the founding director of the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR) and the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP). With over 30 years of editorial experience, he has authored over 500 publications, focusing on sustainability, climate change, and environmental management. His research interests span Climate Change, Urban Resilience, Natural Resource Management, and Sustainability Education. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges, such as space debris mitigation and bio-based materials for sustainable packaging. His work bridges policy, education, and practical solutions for sustainable development. Prof. Leal Filho’s recent articles highlight trends in sustainable urban planning, space sustainability, and ecosystem conservation in the Amazon. He has been recognized as a Top Cited Scholar 2024, reflecting his impactful contributions. With 1,200+ co-authors and a global network, he collaborates widely, fostering international research and education initiatives. As director of ESSSR and IUSDRP, he leads programs advancing sustainability science and interdisciplinary research. His academic leadership and prolific publications underscore his role as a pivotal figure in global sustainability efforts.
Malcolm McCulloch serves as Professor of Energy Systems and Group Leader of the Energy and Power Group within the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. He also holds the position of Co-Director for the Oxford Martin Programme on Integrating Renewable Energy and maintains affiliation with Christ Church college. His research spans four primary domains: domestic energy systems, electric vehicle technology, renewable generation, and energy solutions for developing regions. McCulloch's research focuses on practical energy transition challenges. His domestic energy work develops user-centric demand side management technologies and behavior change interventions, leading to the spin-out Intelligent Sustainable Energy (now Navetas Energy Management). In transportation, he pioneered the Morgan LifeCar hydrogen sports car project, resulting in high-efficiency motors and the Oxford Yasa Motors spin-out. His renewable generation research includes lightweight tidal turbines through Kepler Energy, while his Energy for Development work creates nano/micro grid solutions for distributed electrification. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on integrating variable renewables through innovative market mechanisms, grid flexibility solutions, and electric vehicle integration. His work consistently addresses the technical and economic barriers to decarbonization, with increasing focus on peer-to-peer energy trading, thermal storage, and climate-resilient cooling solutions since 2020. McCulloch previously served as Co-Director of the Institute for Carbon and Energy Reduction in Transport (2008-2013) under the Oxford Martin School. His leadership extends to creating the Integrated Transport Network for Oxford and developing practical applications through multiple successful spin-out companies that bridge academic research and commercial implementation.
CHAN Mun Choon is a Professor at the School of Computing, National University of Singapore (NUS) , where he directs the NUS-NCS Joint Laboratory for Cyber Security . He previously worked at Bell Labs (1997-2003) and holds a PhD from Columbia University (1997). His research spans systems and networking with specific interests in mobile computing, software-defined networking, and cyber-physical systems . PhD, Electrical Engineering (1997), Columbia University M.Phil., Electrical Engineering (1993), Columbia University MS, Electrical Engineering (1993), Columbia University BS, Computer & Electrical Engineering (1990), Purdue University His recent work focuses on 5G network architecture , data center fault debugging , and energy-efficient mobile sensing . He has published over 100 papers and holds 7 US patents , including cache-based compaction techniques with 210+ citations. His projects include fronthaul slicing for 5G, network-wide packet history frameworks, and participatory indoor localization. Scientific recognition includes: Best Paper Awards: IEEE ICNP 2019, ACM SOSR 2019, ICDCN 2016 Best Demo: IPSN 2016 Distinguished Member, INFOCOM TPC (2016, 2020, 2021) He serves as Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies and Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs at NUS Computing, and has graduated 21 PhD students . His lab develops solutions for network security , latency-sensitive applications , and mobile sensing .
Nate Foster is a Professor of Computer Science at Cornell University and currently serves as the Associate Dean for Research in the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. He is also a Visiting Researcher at Jane Street and served as a Visiting Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne during the 2023-24 academic year. His research uses ideas from programming languages to solve problems in networking, databases, and security. BA in Computer Science, Williams College (2001) MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge (2008, all work completed in 2003) PhD in Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania (2009) Foster's research focuses on developing languages and tools that make it easy for programmers to build secure and reliable systems. His current work centers on the design and implementation of languages and tools for programmable networks, particularly using the P4 language. His past work includes bidirectional languages (also known as 'lenses'), database query languages, data provenance, type systems, mechanized proof, and formal semantics. His research group at Cornell has made significant contributions to network verification, software-defined networking, and formal foundations for programmable data planes. Analysis of Foster's recent publications reveals a strong focus on network verification and programming language foundations for networking. His work consistently applies formal methods to practical networking problems, with a particular emphasis on the NetKAT and P4 languages. Over the past five years, his research has evolved toward more complex network verification techniques, including infinite state verification, active learning of network models, and dependently-typed approaches to network programming. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical networking systems, making formal methods accessible to network engineers. ACM Fellow (2025) ACM SIGPLAN Robin Milner Award (2023) ACM SIGCOMM Rising Star Award (2018) NSF CAREER Award (2013) Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2012) Multiple distinguished paper awards across top conferences including POPL, PLDI, and SIGCOMM Foster has advised numerous PhD and Master's students who have gone on to prominent positions in both industry and academia, with many continuing work in programming languages and networking. He has led multiple significant research grants including an NSF CAREER Award and has been involved in the P4 Language Consortium, serving as Chair of the P4 Language Governing Board. His work has been supported by various organizations including NSF, DARPA, and industry partners like Intel and Jane Street. Foster is also active in the programming languages research community, serving on numerous program committees and as Vice Chair of DARPA's Information Science and Technology (ISAT) study group. Foster leads a vibrant research group at Cornell focused on programming languages for networks, with collaborators from academia and industry. His group has developed several influential tools and frameworks including NetKAT, Petr4, and KATch. They maintain strong connections with the P4 community and work closely with industry partners to ensure their research has practical impact on real-world networking systems.
Dr Alison Powell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), serving as Programme Director for the MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society). Her research focuses on technology design, public sector technology, and digital futures. She is known for her book Undoing Optimization: Civic Action in Smart Cities (2021) and her participatory research method, data walking. From 2019–2023, she directed the JUST AI network, supported by the Ada Lovelace Institute and UKRI, advancing AI ethics research. Her work integrates critical theory, participatory methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: PhD in Communication from Concordia University (Canada), MA in Media Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University, and postdoctoral research at the Oxford Internet Institute. Prior to academia, she worked in the film and TV industry. Research interests include civic engagement in data-driven governance, ethical AI, and participatory urbanism. She has advised projects like Africa Just AI and Operationalising Ethics for AI, funded by Horizon Europe, AHRC, and the Open Society Foundations. Her articles address topics such as AI governance, urban light ecology, feminist research praxis, and the ethical implications of technology for marginalized communities. She contributes to blogs like Media@LSE and leads initiatives at Polis and the LSE’s Digital Futures for Children project. Grants and collaborations include work with Projects by IF, Open Rights Group, and the Human Data Interactions Network (EPSRC). She explores intersections of technology, justice, and sustainability, emphasizing equitable and inclusive innovation.
Professor Mikko Haataja is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Holding a Ph.D. from McGill University (2003), he leads the Haataja Research Group focused on theoretical and computational approaches to materials science and physical biology. His office is located in D404C Engineering Quadrangle, and he serves as an advisor to numerous graduate students working at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biology. Professor Haataja's research spans multiple domains including theoretical and computational materials science, physics of materials, and physical biology. His work examines microstructure formation during solid-solid phase transformations and solidification, growth of electrodeposited thin films and quantum heterostructures, dynamics of driven interfaces with mobile impurities, recrystallization kinetics, cell signaling mechanisms, and the regulation & self-organization of 'lipid rafts' in plasma membranes. His group has pioneered concepts in 'dynamically programmable electromechanical 2D materials' and investigates phase separation phenomena in biological systems. His publication record demonstrates significant contributions across several key areas: intracellular phase transitions and biomolecular condensates, 2D transition metal dichalcogenide materials, lipid bilayer membrane physics, solid oxide fuel cells and batteries, and organic semiconductor thin films. His most recent work focuses on amyloid-like fibril formation, liquid-liquid phase separation in biological contexts, and defect engineering in 2D materials, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that bridges physics, materials science, and biology. Professor Haataja actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with numerous co-authored publications indicating strong advising relationships. His research program encompasses multiple funded projects investigating materials for energy conversion and storage, intracellular organization mechanisms, and novel 2D material systems. The Haataja Group maintains strong collaborations with other Princeton researchers and external institutions, particularly in the fields of biophysics and advanced materials. The Haataja Group operates as a dynamic research laboratory employing computational modeling and theoretical approaches to address fundamental questions in materials science and biophysics. Their work spans from atomic-scale simulations to continuum modeling, with particular emphasis on phase-field crystal models, membrane biophysics, and 2D material systems. The group maintains specialized computational infrastructure for multiscale modeling and collaborates extensively with experimental groups to validate theoretical predictions.
Professor Andrew Hudson-Smith is the Director of the Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) at University College London (UCL), where he holds the title of Professor of Digital Urban Systems. He leads UCL's academic and applied research in smart cities, digital twins, and urban informatics. His roles include Editor-in-Chief of the Future Internet Journal and academic lead for the Smart Queen Elizabeth Park project. He contributes to strategic initiatives such as the Greater London Authority Smart London Board and EPSRC Digital Economy Programme Advisory Board. Education: PhD (2003), MSc (1996) from UCL; BSc in Geography from the University of Plymouth (1992). Research focuses on digital urban systems, IoT applications, sustainable urban planning, and cyberphysical systems. Notable projects include urban heat island monitoring, participatory planning platforms, and metaverse-driven urban design. His work bridges technology, art, and public engagement, exemplified by initiatives like Tales of Things and the Haggle-O-Tron. Recent publications emphasize digital twins, metaverse urbanism, and IoT integration in urban environments. Awards include a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts. His work addresses SDGs 3 (Good Health) and 11 (Sustainable Cities), with a focus on equitable smart city development and public space innovation.
Professor Haijiang Li is a Chair in BIM for Smart Engineering at Cardiff University's School of Engineering. His roles include leading the Computational Mechanics and Engineering AI Research Group, directing the BIM for Smart Engineering Centre, and overseeing the BIM MSc programme. He holds editorial roles for journals like Construction Innovation and Automation in Construction , and chairs the European Group of Intelligent Computing in Engineering (EG-ICE). Research focuses on smart computational engineering platforms integrating BIM, AI, and big data for sustainable infrastructure. Key areas include digital twins, disaster management, and resilient urban systems. He has secured £40M in research funding, including £9M as PI, and led over 70 research staff and students. Prof. Li is a Standards Committee Technical Executive at buildingSMART, driving international BIM standards. His work includes co-authoring a book on BIM standards across China, the US, and the UK. Awards include Fellowships from the British Computer Society (FBCS) and the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His research outputs span over 250 publications, covering topics like AI-driven bridge maintenance, ontology-based decision-making, and energy-efficient urban systems. Collaborations with industry and global partners emphasize practical applications of BIM and smart technologies.
Carlos Errando Herranz serves as an Assistant Professor in the Quantum and Computer Engineering Division at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) and as a Principal Investigator at QuTech. His research focuses on developing scalable quantum photonic integrated circuits using semiconductor fabrication processes compatible with existing infrastructure for quantum internet applications. He received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Universitat Politècnica de València (2013) and a PhD in Micro and Nanosystems from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2018), followed by postdoctoral positions at KTH and MIT as a Marie Curie fellow. His lab investigates quantum photonics, integrated photonics, and color centers with emphasis on diamond tin-vacancy systems and silicon-based quantum emitters. Recent publications demonstrate strong expertise in tuning quantum emitters via strain engineering, heterogeneous integration of spin-photon interfaces, and MEMS-enabled reconfigurable photonics. Key advancements include cavity-enhanced quantum memories, superconducting detector integration, and spectral control of solid-state emitters for quantum networks. Dr. Herranz advises seven graduate students including PhD candidates Vicky Dominguez Tubio, Arjan Mejas, Matteo Pirro, Christian Primavera, Jan Riegelmeyer, and Elena Volkova, along with Master student Bram Zijlstra. His team comprises postdocs Lin Jin and Pat Laferriere, and interns Elsa Herranz Valiente and Ernest Staffetti Cruañas. The Errando Herranz Lab operates within QuTech's Quantum Internet Division at Delft University, maintaining specialized facilities for nanofabrication and optical characterization of quantum photonic devices. Current research directions include developing CMOS-compatible quantum memories operating at telecom wavelengths and scalable architectures for quantum repeaters.
Rida Khatoun is a Professor in Cybersecurity at the Computer Sciences and Networks (Infres) Department at Télécom Paris. He holds a M.Sc. in Computer Engineering and a Ph.D. from the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT), France, awarded in 2004 and 2008, respectively. His research focuses on cybersecurity in networks, including cloud computing security, IoT security, vehicular networks security, intrusion detection systems, and blockchain technology. He has taught at Telecom Paris since 2014, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) since 2016, and other institutions in China and France since 2005. His work spans theoretical frameworks and practical solutions for network security challenges. Key research areas include DDoS attack detection, vehicular communication security, and cryptographic protocols. He leads the Cybersecurity and Cryptography (C²) research team and is affiliated with the Laboratoire Traitement et Communication de l'Information (LTCI). His contributions include developing secure routing protocols (e.g., ASROP), statistical trust systems in wireless networks, and blockchain-based authentication for IoT. He has authored over 115 publications, including peer-reviewed articles and conference proceedings, with recent work addressing vehicular platooning security, TLS handshake optimization for C-ITS, and machine learning for cyberbullying detection. Rida’s academic activities include teaching courses on network security protocols, wireless network fundamentals, and QoS mechanisms. He collaborates internationally, contributing to smart city cybersecurity architectures and 6G programmable communications. His research emphasizes practical cybersecurity solutions for emerging technologies, ensuring robust protection against evolving threats in vehicular, IoT, and cloud environments.
Dr. Ian Yi Han is an Assistant Professor at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore (NUS), and Co-Director of the Center for Health Intervention and Policy Evaluation Research (HIPER). His research focuses on evaluating community-based health interventions, telehealth programs, and the impact of built environments on health behaviors. He holds a Ph.D. in Behavioral Nutrition from Columbia University, an M.A. in Psychology in Education, and a B.Sc. in Neural Science & Psychology from New York University. Key research areas include programme evaluation, population health, health services research, and dietary behaviors. He explores how interventions can improve patient experiences and population health outcomes, particularly through telemedicine and lifestyle modifications. His work has been published in journals like npj Digital Medicine, Metabolism, and the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Notable projects include studies on blood pressure telemonitoring, diabetes management during the pandemic, and supermarket intervention strategies for obesity prevention. Dr. Han has contributed to policy initiatives through roles such as Senior Research Fellow at the National University Health System and Lecturer at Columbia University. He advises on primary care research and collaborates on global health projects, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions to public health challenges.
Jim Hall is a Professor of Climate and Environmental Risk at the University of Oxford's School of Geography and the Environment, and serves as Director of Research there. He is also a Visiting Fellow at Linacre College and holds leadership roles including Chair of the Science Advisory Committee at IIASA, and Expert Advisor to the UK's National Infrastructure Commission. His work focuses on systemic risk analysis, infrastructure resilience, and policy implications of climate change adaptation. Prof Hall has pioneered methodologies like the National Infrastructure Systems Model (NISMOD) and chairs the Data and Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure (DAFNI). His research spans flood risk management, energy systems decarbonization, and transboundary water resource conflicts in regions such as the Eastern Nile Basin and the Caribbean. Key research areas include robust decision making under uncertainty, info-gap theory applications, and integrated assessments of human-environmental systems. He has contributed to major international assessments, including the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report, and developed frameworks for multi-hazard stress testing of infrastructure networks. Scientific Awards: George Stephenson Medal (2001), Prince Sultan Prize for Water (2018), Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2010) His advising and grants work includes mentoring a DPhil student Erin Canning and leading projects like MARIUS and ENHANCE. He has also developed innovative modeling tools for coastal erosion prediction and probabilistic assessments of global shipping fuel transitions. Prof Hall’s research groups actively engage in interdisciplinary projects, including the Oxford Martin Programme on Resource Stewardship and the UK Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium. His work emphasizes bridging scientific analysis with actionable policy solutions for climate adaptation.
Professor Cristina Iannelli holds the Personal Chair of Education and Social Stratification at the University of Edinburgh’s Moray House School of Education and Sport, affiliated with the Institute for Education, Community & Society (IECS). She is a Fellow of the British Academy and the Academy of Social Sciences. Her research focuses on social stratification in education and labor markets, social mobility, youth transitions, and quantitative data analysis. She has led major international projects like the ESRC-funded ‘Understanding Inequalities’ (2017-2021) and previously co-directed the ESRC Applied Quantitative Methods Network (AQMeN). Key contributions include analyzing educational policies, intergenerational mobility, and curriculum impacts on inequality. Her educational background includes a PhD from the European University Institute (Florence) and prior roles as a Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. She has supervised 14 PhD students across topics like educational inequality, policy analysis, and labor market transitions. Awards include ESRC research fellowships for projects on educational structure and social mobility. Recent work highlights include analyzing sibling data to study intergenerational transmission of advantage, cross-country comparisons of STEM enrollment disparities, and the role of spatial job opportunities in labor market outcomes. She chairs the European Research Network on Transitions in Youth (TIY) and advises ESRC’s Data and Infrastructure Expert Group.
Prof. Dr. Christian Breitsamter is a Professor at the Technische Universität München (TUM), leading the Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics within the TUM School of Engineering and Design. He has held this position since 2007 and has been a member of key committees such as the ICAS Programme Committee and STAB-Programmleitung. His research focuses on aerodynamics of aircraft and rotorcraft configurations, including vortex dynamics, aeroelasticity, and fluid-structure interaction. Education: PhD in Aerodynamics (1997) Master’s in Aerospace Engineering (1989) Research Interests: Prof. Breitsamter’s work spans experimental and numerical studies of high-agility aircraft, helicopter aerodynamics, and advanced wing designs. Key areas include leading-edge vortices, gust load mitigation using flexible wings, and flow control techniques. His group investigates cutting-edge topics like deep learning for buffet prediction and hybrid neural networks for aerodynamic modeling. Awards: Willy Messerschmitt Preis (1999) AIAA Associate Fellow (2007) Advising & Grants: While specific student names are not listed, his research involves collaborative projects with industry partners (e.g., RACER Compound Helicopter) and EU initiatives like the FURADO program. His team contributes to the NFDI4ING infrastructure for engineering data. Labs/Teams: Active in the Aerodynamics Wind Tunnel facilities (Windkanäle A/B/C) and leads the SAGITTA flying wing demonstrator project. His group also explores membrane wings and elasto-flexible morphing technologies.
Associate Professor Lasantha Meegahapola is a Deputy Head of Department (Teaching & Learning) at RMIT University's School of Engineering in Melbourne, Australia. He holds an IEEE Senior Membership and serves as an Associate Editor for several prestigious journals, including IEEE Transactions on Power Systems and IET Renewable Power Generation. His research focuses on Power System Stability with Renewable Integration, Microgrid Control, and Smart Grid Technologies, addressing challenges like voltage stability, inverter-based grid dynamics, and renewable energy penetration. He has supervised 16 PhD students to completion and published over 200 articles. Key contributions include identifying stability issues in microgrids and advancing grid-forming inverter control strategies. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Clean Energy), 9 (Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action). He is actively involved in IEEE committees, including the PSDP Task Force on Microgrid Stability. Teaching roles include Programme Manager for the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (HK) and Subject Coordinator for Power System Analysis and Control courses. Collaborations span industry and international research institutions, emphasizing real-world applications of his research in power systems and renewable energy integration.
