Eva Vetter is a full Professor at the University of Vienna , affiliated with both the Department for Teacher Education and the Department of Linguistics . She specializes in multilingualism, language teaching methodologies, and minority language education, with a focus on integrating climate justice themes into linguistic pedagogy. Email: eva.vetter@univie.ac.at Office: Porzellangasse 4, 1st floor, 1090 Vienna Her research interests include: Applied linguistics in educational contexts Minoritized language preservation Language policy and equity Interdisciplinary approaches to multilingualism Recent teaching activities focus on: Developing communication spaces for multilingual learners Empirical research methods in language education Climate justice integration in linguistic curricula Doctoral supervision in applied linguistics She actively mentors educators through professional development programs and leads research initiatives at the intersection of linguistics and teacher education.
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.
Rahim Shayegan is an Assistant Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures in the Division of Humanities. He currently holds the Pourdavoud Endowed Director's Chair (2018-present) and serves as Director of the Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World. He also directs the Program of Iranian Studies at UCLA. PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (Iranian Philology, Ancient History) from Harvard University MA in Old Iranian Philology and Ancient History from Université de la Sorbonne BA in Philosophy, Comparative Philology, and History from Albertus-Magnus-Universität zu Köln His research focuses on Iranian epigraphy, philology, and historiography across multiple eras, including Achaemenid, Arsacid, Seleucid, and Sasanian periods. He studies Persian epic traditions, ancient religions, and intersections between Greek and Islamic historiographical practices. Ehsan Yarshater Book Award for Arsacids and Sasanians (2011) Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (2013-2014) UCLA Faculty Career Development Award (2008-2009)
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
Institute of Science and Technology AustriaAustria
Sylvain Lefebvre is a permanent researcher at INRIA (Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique) in France, where he leads the MFX research team since 2018. Previously, he was part of the ALICE group at INRIA Nancy (2009-2018) and the REVES team in Sophia Antipolis (2006-2009). His career includes a postdoctoral position at Microsoft Research Seattle (2005) following his PhD at INRIA Rhones-Alpes under Fabrice Neyret. His educational background includes a PhD in Computer Graphics from Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble) in 2005, preceded by a Master in Computer Graphics from INP Grenoble in 2001. His habilitation thesis focused on Runtime Texture Synthesis. Lefebvre's research centers on simplifying content creation for highly detailed patterns, structures, and shapes with applications spanning Computer Graphics to additive manufacturing. He develops fast, controllable by-example synthesis approaches that generate content while enforcing user-specified constraints. His work addresses computational challenges through novel data structures and algorithms optimized for GPUs and FPGAs, including his Silice programming language. The ERC-funded ShapeForge project (2012-2017) advanced shape generation for 3D printing, leading to the IceSL software for digital modeling and fabrication. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on additive manufacturing optimization, with recurring themes in structural integrity, material efficiency, and geometric algorithms. His work bridges computer graphics theory with practical fabrication constraints, particularly in microstructure design, slicing techniques, and mechanical metamaterials. The interdisciplinary nature spans computer science, materials engineering, and robotics. EUROGRAPHICS Young Researcher Award (2010) ERC Starting Grant for ShapeForge project (2012) Lefebvre has advised over 25 PhD students and interns including Marco Freire, Thibault Tricard, and Jimmy Etienne. His ShapeForge project received significant ERC funding, supporting research in computational fabrication. He serves on numerous program committees including SIGGRAPH, Eurographics, and SIGGRAPH Asia, reflecting his leadership in the computer graphics community. As leader of the MFX team since 2018, Lefebvre directs research in computational fabrication, focusing on IceSL software development for 3D printing workflows. The team integrates computer graphics techniques with manufacturing constraints, developing tools that simplify complex object design and fabrication while addressing real-world challenges in material usage and structural integrity.
Jean-Michel Ganteau is a Full Professor of Contemporary British Literature at the University of Montpellier 3, France. He has held leadership roles including Chair of the Department of Anglophone Studies (2006–2010), Director of the MA Programme in Modern Languages (since 2011), and Head of Doctoral School 58 (since 2010). He is Editor of Études britanniques contemporaines and co-editor of the 'Present Perfect' series. His research focuses on ethics in literature, aesthetics (baroque, kitsch, camp), trauma studies, and contemporary British fiction. Notable awards include the Exceptional Class Professorship (2013) and Scientific Excellence Prize (2011). His editorial roles include membership in the management board of University Presses of Montpellier and scientific board of Presses Universitaires de la Méditerranée. He has coordinated research teams like CERVEC (2004–2010) and authored monographs on vulnerability in literature and Peter Ackroyd’s work. His publications span 80+ articles and co-edited volumes on ethical components in experimental fiction and trauma narratives. His work bridges interdisciplinary studies of literature, ethics, and cultural identity. Awards: Chevalier des Palmes Académiques (2015), Exceptional Class Professorship (2013), Scientific Excellence Prize (2011, 2015). Grants: Competitive National Book Centre Award (2007) for his monograph on Peter Ackroyd. He leads initiatives in postgraduate programs and doctoral supervision, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to literary studies.
Achille Varzi is a Full Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University since 2006, specializing in analytic metaphysics, logic, and mereology . His academic journey includes an Assistant Professorship at Columbia (1995–1999) and research roles in Artificial Intelligence at Trento’s Institute for Scientific and Technological Research (1989–1995). He earned his PhD from the University of Toronto (1994) under Hans G. Herzberger and holds an honorary professorship at Trento. Research Focus: Leading authority in mereology , exploring part-whole relations through numerous publications, edited volumes, and a forthcoming book with A.J. Cotnoir. His work bridges logic, ontology, and philosophy of language. Public Engagement: Active as a public intellectual with media contributions and a philosophical TV program on Italian national television. Publications Trends: Recent works emphasize classical mereology , ontological neutrality , and vagueness . Earlier contributions include foundational texts on spatial reasoning, identity, and paradoxes in logic. Scientific Awards: Recognized with prestigious fellowships and prizes in Italy and Canada, including the David Savan Dissertation Prize for his groundbreaking PhD thesis. Editorial Leadership: Serves as editor of The Journal of Philosophy since 2001.
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.
Bernhard Aichernig is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. His work bridges formal methods, model-based testing, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on automata learning, digital twins, and AI-assisted programming. Institution: Institute of Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Key Research Areas: Model-Based Testing, Automata Learning, AI-Driven Verification His research explores the integration of machine learning into formal verification, enabling scalable testing of complex systems like IoT devices and reinforcement learning agents. Recent projects include AI-Augmented DevOps frameworks (AIDOaRT) and digital twin validation (LearnTwins). Notable scientific awards include multiple best paper recognitions at SEFM (2020, 2021) and the TAYSIR Competition first place (2023). His publications emphasize hybrid approaches combining genetic programming, SMT solving, and neural networks for system modeling. 2025 : AI-assisted programming, timed automata via domain knowledge 2024 : Stochastic environment modeling, Git system learning 2023 : Reinforcement learning under partial observability, digital twins for VPN servers He actively contributes to testing frameworks like AALpy and investigates explainable AI for fault diagnosis in cyber-physical systems.
Edgar Weippl is a Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, where he serves as Vice Dean and Head of the Research Group Security and Privacy. His work spans cybersecurity, blockchain, and machine learning, with teaching roles in information security and software security courses. Current Positions: Vice Dean (Faculty of Computer Science), Head (Security and Privacy Research Group), Deputy Head (Neuroinformatics & Knowledge Engineering Groups) Research Interests: Cybersecurity, blockchain, IoT security, code obfuscation, privacy technologies, reinforcement learning, and socio-technical systems security Selected Publications: Focus on blockchain privacy, VoWiFi security, code obfuscation, and reinforcement learning applications
Ana Sokolova is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Salzburg. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences and actively contributes to research in theoretical computer science. University: University of Salzburg Faculty: Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences Department: Computer Science Email: ana.sokolova@plus.ac.at Her research focuses on probabilistic systems , concurrency theory , convex algebras , and formal verification . This work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in distributed computing and programming semantics. Recent publications highlight advancements in trace semantics , determinization , probabilistic anonymity , and coalgebraic modeling . Key trends include the integration of Markov chains , nondeterministic systems , and algebraic structures for formal verification.
Univ.-Prof. Martin Pinzger is a Professor at the Department of Informatics Systems, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt. He serves as Head of Department and Member of the Senate, actively contributing to academic governance. Research Focus: Automating Software Engineering Tasks, Mining Software Repositories, Program Analysis, Software Evolution and Visualization Recent Work: Developing tools for API evolution analysis, cybersecurity AI (CAI), robotics benchmarking (RobotPerf), and dependency validation His research combines empirical studies with tool development for software maintenance and security. Current projects address challenges in REST API breaking changes, cloud security certifications, and robotic system performance evaluation. Publications since 2023 demonstrate continued engagement with topics spanning AI-driven code segmentation, microservice API evolution, and cybersecurity tool development. Key trends include cross-disciplinary applications of NLP to software engineering and security-focused tool creation. Contact: martin.pinzger@aau.at
Andreas Rauber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Data Science at Technical University of Vienna. He serves as Curriculum Coordinator for Bachelor and Master programs in Business Informatics and Data Science, and chairs the Curriculum Commission for Business Informatics. His research focuses on Information Systems Engineering, Logic and Computation, and Visual Computing, addressing challenges in data management, digital preservation, and reproducibility in e-science. He leads projects like OS Trails and FAIR-AI, emphasizing FAIR principles and trustworthy research infrastructures. Rauber has contributed to over 150 publications, including works on data citation frameworks, adversarial ML defenses, and reproducibility in IR. His work bridges technical innovation with policy, exemplified through roles in the EOSC Support Office Austria and RDA Austria initiatives. Key projects include establishing FAIR data practices across universities and advancing digital preservation through repositories like DBRepo. He coordinates international collaborations, such as the EU-funded EOSC-Life and EGI Advanced Computing projects. His teaching spans courses in machine learning, information retrieval, and research methods, fostering next-generation data scientists.
Nelson Ribeiro is a Full Professor and Vice-Rector for Transformation, Collaboration, and International Affairs at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. He serves as Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences (2016–2025) and coordinates the Doctoral Program in Communication Sciences and the research group 'Media Narratives and Cultural Memory' at the Center for Communication and Culture Studies (CECC). As a member of Academia Europaea (elected 2023) and ethics committee member at the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE), he holds leadership roles in academic governance. His research spans Media history Propaganda and disinformation Media and colonialism Journalism studies Political economy of media . He has authored extensively on radio broadcasting in authoritarian regimes, transnational media history, and disinformation frameworks. Recent publications focus on Media propaganda in the digital age Colonial broadcasting models Political media manipulation Historical radio analysis Crisis journalism Transnational media diplomacy , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to communication history. Scientific accolades include: 2022 Hoover Institution Fellowship 2022 CAPES-Brazilian University Grant 2015 University of Augsburg Fellowship 2004 & 2000 Institute for Social Communication Prizes . He founded the Lisbon Winter School for Communication Study, partnering with global institutions like Annenberg and Helsinki University.
Maria-Dolores Garcia-Ramon is a Full Professor of Geography at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), where she held academic leadership roles including Chair of the Department of Geography (1977–78, 1995–97) and Chair of the Doctoral Program in Human Geography (1986–94). She has been a visiting scholar at institutions such as the University of Arizona, Cornell University, and the London School of Economics. Her research focuses on rural geography, gender studies, and colonialism, with a particular emphasis on gendered spatial practices and women’s narratives in colonial contexts. Education: PhD in Geography and History (1975, University of Barcelona), MA in Geography (1970, UC Berkeley), BA in Philosophy and Letters (1966, University of Barcelona). Research Interests: Garcia-Ramon pioneered gender studies in Spanish geography, analyzing women’s roles in agriculture, urban public spaces, and colonial travel narratives. Her work critiques colonial discourses and explores how gender shapes spatial experiences. Key themes include the invisibility of women’s labor in rural economies, postcolonial geographies, and feminist methodologies in geographical research. Publications: Over 90 peer-reviewed articles and 12 authored/edited books, including Mujer y agricultura en España (1994) and Geografía Rural (1992). Recent articles address urban planning’s gendered impacts and colonial travel narratives. Awards: Recipient of the Jan Monk Award (2008), Premi Narcís Monturiol (2003), and membership in prestigious academies like Academia Europaea. She has led 31 funded research projects on gender, rural development, and colonial geographies. Advising & Grants: Supervised 19 PhD theses and secured grants from the European Commission, Spanish Ministry of Science, and Catalan Government. Her work on gendered labor and urban spaces has influenced policy debates on work-life balance and inclusive urban design. Labs/Teams: Active in the UAB’s Gender and Geography Research Group, contributing to international networks like the Association of American Geographers and editorial boards of journals such as Gender, Place & Culture .
