Lars Witell is a Professor in Business Administration at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Management and Engineering (IEI). His research focuses on service innovation, healthcare management, customer experience, and circular economy strategies. He leads projects like Data-Driven Service Transformation and STIGMA, addressing waste prevention and sustainable product use. Witell has been recognized as a top 2% most cited researcher globally by Stanford University. He co-edited the Handbook of Service Experience and contributed to influential works on frontline employee behavior, healthcare innovation, and dishonesty in service encounters. His grants include a 9.5M SEK award from the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation for digital service innovation research. Witell's work bridges academia and practice, emphasizing the importance of customer-centric strategies and ethical considerations in service design. He actively contributes to journals as an associate editor and mentors early-career researchers through his teaching and advising roles.
Alf Garcia-Bennett is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. His research focuses on the development of nanomedicine technologies, including mesoporous silica-based drug delivery systems, plasmonic nanoparticles for biosensing, and advanced biomaterials for cancer therapy and tissue engineering. He leads projects such as the ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB) and investigations into next-generation immunotherapies through novel adjuvant designs. Projects: FAAB (2022-2027), Next Generation Adjuvants (2020-2025), Multi-functional SEM for High-throughput Analysis (2017-ongoing) Key Research Areas: Nanoparticle drug delivery, protein corona dynamics, transdermal drug penetration, 3D cancer metastasis models, and plasmonic biosensors. His work integrates materials science with biomedical applications, with notable contributions to the design of porous silica platforms for controlled drug release, plasmonic nanostar technologies, and experimental models for cancer micrometastasis. Collaborations span institutions globally, emphasizing translational research in bioactives and nanomedicine.
Dr. Deanna Williamson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta, within the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Her research focuses on family well-being, particularly examining how social, economic, and political conditions influence family functioning in diverse populations. She leads a critical ethnographic project exploring family processes among families with young children facing socioeconomic challenges and ethno-cultural diversity. Williamson has secured significant grants, including a SSHRC grant (2013–2018) totaling $489,000 and a Teaching Enhancement Fund grant for field supervisor engagement in practicum programs. Her work critiques welfare-to-work policies and their impacts on low-income families, emphasizing health inequities, child development, and systemic marginalization. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and has contributed to randomized controlled trials evaluating service integration approaches for disadvantaged families. Williamson actively supervises graduate students researching topics like urban Indigenous family dynamics, disability-inclusive family processes, and poverty reduction strategies. Publications span themes such as work-life balance, maternal employment effects, policy fragmentation, and cross-cultural research methodologies. She advocates for participatory approaches in community-based research, particularly with immigrant/refugee populations, ensuring marginalized voices inform policy and practice. Williamson’s scholarship bridges academic research with actionable insights for social and health systems reform.
Professor Alistair Barros is Head of School and Academic Program Leader of Service Science at QUT’s School of Information Systems (Faculty of Science). He holds a PhD from the University of Queensland, with extensive ICT experience in academia and industry (e.g., Global Research Leader at SAP AG). His research focuses on enterprise systems design, optimization, and interoperability in cyber-physical environments leveraging cloud, IoT, and blockchain technologies. Key areas include service computing methods (microservices, business process management), model-based systems re-engineering, and distributed service coordination. Education: PhD in Information Systems from the University of Queensland. Research Interests: Enterprise systems modernization, service-oriented architectures, Industry 4.0 applications, and digital transformation in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and supply chains. He has published 180+ peer-reviewed articles (including 6 edited books) and holds 17 US patents. Notable contributions include the BPMN 2.0 standard co-authorship and the 'Workflow Patterns' paper (most cited in BPM). Awards: Test of Time Award (BPM 2015), Wharton Education Award (TeachConnect platform), and impactful industry collaborations (e.g., SAP NetWeaver, Federal Government WPIT project). Grants & Projects: Led ARC, EU FP6, and industry-funded projects. Current focus includes re-engineering legacy systems for microservices, EV charging network design, and adversarial ML in cybersecurity. Labs/Teams: Active in QUT’s Centre for Data Science, focusing on service science and cyber-physical systems integration.
Bryan Rodgers is an Associate Professor of Leadership & Organisational Behaviour at the School of Social Sciences within Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University. He serves as Associate Executive Dean (Internationalisation & Partnerships) and Global Director of MBA Programmes. Previously, he spent 30 years in the public sector as a Superintendent in Police Scotland, holding roles such as Deputy Programme Manager for Police Reform and Deputy Head of Organisational Development. Education includes a PhD in Public Sector Continuous Improvement (2021) from Heriot-Watt and an MPhil in Learning Preferences in Police Training (2005) from Edinburgh Napier University. Research focuses on public sector improvement through employee empowerment, continuous improvement methodologies (Lean Six Sigma), and service design incorporating customer input. Key interests include leadership development, organizational culture, and HRM's role in sustaining improvement initiatives. Recent articles analyze continuous improvement in emergency services, public utilities, and education, emphasizing cultural and structural factors. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in policing and public administration. Awards include Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and fellowships at the Chartered Management Institute and Institute of Leadership and Management. Active in collaborative research to enhance public sector effectiveness, he has supervised multiple academic projects and contributed to policy development.
Dr. Lindsay Tedds is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Calgary, holding a PhD from McMaster University. Her research focuses on tax policy, public economics, and policy design with a transdisciplinary lens integrating law, public administration, and intersectionality. She has advised government bodies like the Deputy PM’s Task Force for Women and the Economy and co-authored Basic Income and a Just Society (2023), recognized nationally. Her work emphasizes accessible policy engagement through media commentary, technical reports, and cross-sector partnerships. Educational Background: B.A. Political Science (Carleton University) B.A. and M.A. Economics (University of Victoria) Ph.D. Economics (McMaster University) Research Interests: Tax policy, public finance, basic income, gender-based analysis, municipal governance, and tax compliance. Her work bridges academic research with actionable policy solutions, particularly addressing inequality, urban policy challenges, and post-pandemic economic recovery. Key Contributions: Authored/co-authored over 60 publications, including peer-reviewed articles and policy reports. Notable works include analyses of short-term rental market regulation, pandemic impacts on Canadian women, and disability benefit design. She actively participates in expert panels and public discourse via media appearances, podcasts, and non-partisan testimony. Awards & Recognition: 2023: Purvis Prize Honorable Mention (RSA Canada report) 2022: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal 2021: Faculty of Arts Award for Public Engagement Policy Impact: Collaborates with governments to shape tax reforms, income support programs, and gender-equitable policies. Current projects include property tax solutions for housing affordability and intersectional inequality analysis in tax redistribution. Labs/Teams: Engaged with the University of Calgary’s Human Dynamics in a Changing World initiative, focusing on policy innovation and societal resilience.
Frank Scholle is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University (NC State), affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research focuses on developing antimicrobial materials and photodynamic therapies to combat infectious pathogens. Key interests include nanotechnology-based antimicrobial coatings, antiviral textiles, and photodynamic inactivation mechanisms. His work integrates material science, virology, and biomedical engineering, with applications in infection control, drug delivery, and surface functionalization. Notable projects involve quantum dots, copper-doped nanoparticles, and plant-derived compounds for antiviral activity. Recent studies address SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and cytokine storm modulation using repurposed drugs like Vandetanib. Dr. Scholle has contributed to standardized assays for viral infectivity and pioneered spray-coated antimicrobial surfaces. His interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental research and translational applications, aiming to reduce the global threat of drug-resistant microbes and viral outbreaks.
Rune Jansen Hagen is a Professor at the Department of Economics at the University of Bergen. His research focuses on development economics, international aid policy, and political economy, with particular emphasis on aid effectiveness, NGO operations, and policy dynamics in aid-dependent countries. He has presented at numerous international conferences including events at NHH, FAIR, the University of Bari, and the Royal Economic Society Annual Conference. Key research areas include the strategic interactions in charitable donation markets, the boomerang effect of assisted return schemes, and the role of international institutions like the IMF in shaping policy choices. His work often employs game theory and experimental economics methodologies. Recent contributions address global collective action problems, optimal NGO regulation, and public funding effects. Publications span topics from aid dispersion measurement to the political economy of debt relief. He holds a PhD and has advised multiple international development projects, though specific grants or lab affiliations are not detailed in provided texts.
Michael Taylor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona's Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, part of the College of Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Delaware (2013) and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Salisbury University (2006). His research focuses on chemical biology and photochemistry, developing methods for biomolecular modification with applications in drug discovery, therapeutic design, and functional materials. He previously served as Assistant Professor at the University of Wyoming (2017-2022) and as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge (2012-2017). Education: Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of Delaware, 2013 B.S., Biochemistry (with honors), Salisbury University, 2006 Research Interests: Taylor’s work centers on creating novel chemical transformations for modifying biomolecules in complex environments. Key areas include photochemical protein labeling, selective tryptophan targeting, and bioorthogonal reactions for studying biological processes. His lab develops tools for drug discovery and therapeutic design, emphasizing reactivity in living systems. Publications Overview: Recent work highlights advancements in pyridinium ylide alkylation, cationic acyl donors for protein modification, and visible-light-driven trifluoromethylation. His research bridges organic synthesis and biological applications, with studies on viral protein oligomerization and radiolabeling strategies. Labs/Teams: Taylor leads a research group focused on chemical biology and synthetic methodologies. The group collaborates on projects involving photochemistry, bioorthogonal reactions, and protein engineering.
Jered B. Carr is a Professor in the Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he co-directs the Networks & Governance Laboratory (NGL). He served as Head of the department from 2014 to 2023 and previously held leadership roles as Co-Editor and Managing Editor of the Urban Affairs Review (2014–2022). His expertise spans intergovernmental management, metropolitan governance networks, and local government administration. Education: Carr earned his PhD in Public Administration from Florida State University's Askew School of Public Administration and Policy in 2000. His research focuses on understanding how informal and formal networks within and between governments improve public service delivery and policy outcomes. Current projects examine relational ties in shared service agreements and the evolution of multilayer governance networks. Research Interests: Carr investigates intergovernmental collaboration, metropolitan governance structures, and the performance of public service networks. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with applied policy analysis, emphasizing practical solutions for complex urban challenges. The NGL lab’s research often addresses 'wicked problems' requiring cross-jurisdictional cooperation. Key Contributions: His 2017 Donald C. Stone Scholar Award recognized outstanding research on intergovernmental relations. Recent publications explore contractual dynamics in interlocal agreements, fiscal challenges in urban governance, and the effectiveness of collaborative networks. Carr’s work consistently highlights the importance of relational contracting and institutional mechanisms in fostering successful public partnerships. Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, his role as department head and editorial leadership indicates significant contributions to academic infrastructure. Advising details are not provided in the text. Labs & Initiatives: The Networks & Governance Lab (NGL) is central to his work, focusing on global-local networks addressing public service challenges. The lab’s interdisciplinary approach integrates empirical research with policy recommendations for improving governance systems.
Professor YuanTong Gu is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Career Advancement) and Head of the School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds an ARC Future Fellowship and leads the Laboratory for Advanced Modelling and Simulation in Engineering and Science. His research focuses on computational mechanics, biomechanics, and nanotechnology, with over $40M in secured research funding since 2000. He has supervised over 15 PhD students and collaborates with global institutions including Tsinghua University and the University of California. His awards include the International Computational Methods Award (2017) and ICACM Computational Mechanics Award (2017). Prof. Gu's work spans interdisciplinary projects in joint biomechanics, advanced materials, and AI-driven engineering solutions. Education: PhD (National University of Singapore), Graduate Certificate in Education (QUT). Research Groups: Leads a team of 3 academics, 2 ARC Future Fellows, and 15+ PhD students. Key projects include diamond nanothread composites, AI in biomedical devices, and fracture detection frameworks. His group collaborates with industry leaders and global universities to advance computational methods and materials science. Editorial Roles: Associate Editor of Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements and Applied Mathematical Modelling , among others. Conference leadership includes chair roles in international computational mechanics conferences since 2012.
Professor Lisa Methven is a faculty member at the University of Reading, specializing in sensory and consumer science, flavor chemistry, and food product development. She leads the Sensory Science Centre and serves as Programme Director for the BSc Food Science with Business. Her research focuses on improving food palatability for older adults, investigating causes of individual sensory differences, and enhancing vegetable consumer acceptability. She holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD in relevant fields. Key grants include a 2008-2012 Research into Ageing grant and a multisite New Dynamics of Ageing project. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and actively involved in the SCI Food Group. Her work spans food fortification strategies, aging nutrition, and sensory perception studies. Notable contributions include developing protein-fortified recipes for older adults and studying the impacts of physical activity on appetite. External Activities: Committee member of SCI Food Group, Professional Food Sensory Group (PFSG) member Labs/Teams: Sensory Science Centre, Food4Years Network (improving foods for aging populations) Grants: Over £1M in grants focused on aging nutrition and sensory science
Jun Ohata is an Assistant Professor and Goodnight Early Career Innovator in the Department of Chemistry at NC State University, affiliated with the College of Sciences. His research focuses on developing chemical tools for protein modification and creating functional protein conjugates with applications in medicine and materials science. He holds a Ph.D. from Rice University, a postdoc from UC Berkeley, and prior degrees from Osaka Prefecture University. Education: Postdoctoral: Chemistry, University of California - Berkeley (2020) Ph.D.: Chemistry, Rice University (2018) M.S.: Chemistry, Osaka Prefecture University (2013) B.S.: Chemistry, Osaka Prefecture University (2011) Research interests include selective chemical reactions on natural proteins, protein labeling methods in living systems, and bioconjugation techniques leveraging organic/organometallic chemistry. Recent work emphasizes activity-based sensing probes, catalytic labeling in nonaqueous media, and antimicrobial materials using quantum dots. His lab (Ohata Lab) bridges organic chemistry with therapeutic and biomedical applications, emphasizing inclusive education and mentorship. Publications highlight advancements in bioconjugation strategies, protein functionalization, and analytical methods for biomolecules. Notable trends include exploration of nonaqueous reaction solvents, metal-free catalytic systems, and applications in antimicrobial materials. His work on CASPArS (Contextual Analysis of Scientific Publications for Advancing Writing Skills) also addresses scientific communication training. Lab activities center on the Ohata Lab’s mission to integrate organic chemistry with protein science, fostering collaborative environments for cutting-edge research and education. Current projects involve development of bioorthogonal chemistry tools and applications in drug delivery systems.
Christine McCourt is Professor of Maternal and Child Health at the School of Health and Medical Sciences, City, University of London, where she leads the Centre for Research in Maternal and Child Health. She teaches across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, including Midwifery and Public Health. Her research applies anthropological theory to Western healthcare, with a focus on maternity systems, women’s experiences, and institutional reform. PhD in Anthropology, London School of Economics (1986–1990) BA in Anthropology (1st Class), London School of Economics (1980–1983) Her research centers on maternal and child health, with key interests in maternity care organization, institutional change, ethnographic methodology, access to care, and cultural safety. She explores how healthcare systems shape experiences of childbirth, particularly for minority ethnic groups and underserved populations. Her work emphasizes patient-centered care, continuity models, and midwifery-led services. Her recent publications analyze group antenatal care, cervical ripening at home, self-monitoring of blood pressure in pregnancy, and access to midwife-led birth settings. These studies reflect a strong trend toward evaluating innovative, equitable, and community-based maternity care models using qualitative, mixed-methods, and realist research approaches. Managing Editor, Anthropology in Action Editorial Board Member, Birth ; BJOG Peer reviewer for BMJ , Social Science & Medicine , Midwifery , and others External reviewer for NIHR, ESRC, EU, and other research funders Christine supervises a large cohort of doctoral students and has led major research projects funded by NIHR, DoH, and the Scottish Chief Scientist Office. She has coordinated evaluations of midwifery continuity of care, birthplace policies, and group antenatal care models. Her work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions such as King’s College London, University of Stirling, and UCL. She leads the Centre for Research in Maternal and Child Health and has been instrumental in developing and evaluating the Pregnancy Circles model of group antenatal care. Her research team includes fellows and collaborators from across the UK and internationally, including Brazil and Portugal.
Jan Swenson is a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, where she earned her PhD in Physics in 1996. Her research focuses on soft materials, particularly the role of water in biological systems and supercooled water dynamics. She employs neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations to study protein aggregation (e.g., Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases), lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, and sugar-protein interactions. Her work bridges physics, chemistry, and biomedicine, aiming to develop novel materials for medical applications and energy storage. Education: PhD in Physics, Chalmers University of Technology (1996) Postdoctoral Research, University College London, UK (structure/stability of clay gels) Research Interests: Soft materials, biological materials' hydration, neutron scattering analysis, supercooled water properties, and protein stabilization via sugars. Her recent projects include modeling material dynamics using computer simulations and optimizing lipid nanoparticles for therapeutic RNA delivery. Grants & Collaborations: Works with colleagues to develop new data analysis methods for neutron scattering. Active in interdisciplinary projects involving drug delivery systems and materials science. Labs/Teams: Part of Chalmers' research groups focused on biomaterials and energy materials, contributing to structural battery electrolyte development.
