Lin Geng Foo is a postdoctoral researcher at the Max-Planck Institute for Informatics under the Visual Computing and Artificial Intelligence (VCAI) Department, supervised by Prof. Christian Theobalt. He earned his PhD and Bachelor's from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) with the President's Graduate Fellowship and top honors. His research focuses on video analysis , activity understanding , diffusion models , and dynamic neural networks , particularly for 3D human generation/editing . His work includes groundbreaking papers on adversarial attacks, human mesh recovery, and pose estimation. Key trends in his recent publications include applications of diffusion models dynamic networks 3D human modeling video analysis action recognition neural rendering for tasks like mesh recovery, controllable video editing, and sign language translation. Scientific awards include PREMIA Best Student Paper 2023 Commendation Prize Keppel Awards of Excellence (2018, 2019) EY Business Analytics Award He serves as a reviewer for major conferences (CVPR, ICCV, NeurIPS, ICML) and has presented talks at ICME 2024 Metaverse Workshop and SDSC Industry & Demo Day 2024.
Dr. Patrick Gebhard is a researcher at the Cognitive Assistance Systems department of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), focusing on affective computing, human-computer interaction, and psychological modeling. His work bridges computational linguistics, mental health, and wearable technologies. Key projects: UBIDENZ (digital empathetic therapy assistance), MITHOS (mixed-reality teacher training), SocialWear (interactive smart fashion), MindBot (mental health in Industry 4.0), EmmA (emotional coaching avatars). Recent research explores emotion regulation strategies, psychodynamic conflict recognition via LLMs, and multimodal sign language corpora development. Collaborates with institutions like Saarland University, contributing to conferences such as CLPsych, LREC-COLING, and ACII. Contact: Patrick.Gebhard@dfki.de
Roberto Hofmeister Pich is a Full Professor of Philosophy at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) in Brazil. He holds a PhD from the University of Bonn (2001) and has held postdoctoral fellowships from the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung and Fulbright Commission. His roles include Vice-President of the Société Internationale pour l'Étude de la Philosophie Médiévale (SIEPM) since 2017 and Ambassador of the University of Bonn in Brazil since 2019. Education: Philosophy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Evangelical Theology, Escola Superior de Teologia PhD, University of Bonn (Thesis: Philosophy of John Duns Scotus) Research Interests: His work spans medieval and early modern philosophy, focusing on scholasticism, Latin American colonial philosophy, and the philosophy of religion. He explores topics like divine knowledge of contingent futures, the evolution of the concept of will, cognitive processes in scholasticism, and the ideological foundations of slavery in Latin America. Scientific Awards: Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung Postdoctoral Fellowships (2004-5, 2006-7, 2011-12) Fulbright Commission Fellowship (2009-10) Grants & Projects: Served as First Holder of the CAPES/Uni-Bonn Chair (2018-19, 2019-20), leading the project The Philosophy of Black Slavery . Co-organized the 2017 SIEPM International Congress in the Southern Hemisphere.
Dr. Garima Bajwa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Lakehead University, where she joined in January 2021. Her research focuses on authentication systems, brain-computer/machine interfaces, cybersecurity, and machine learning applications. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of North Texas (2016), an MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo (2011), and a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Mody Institute of Technology & Science, India (2009). Education: Ph.D., Computer Science & Engineering, University of North Texas (2016) MEng, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo (2011) B.Tech, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mody Institute (2009) Her research interests span cybersecurity frameworks for neurotechnology, explainable AI in healthcare diagnostics, and multimodal fusion of EEG and image data. Recent work includes EEG signal anonymization, federated learning for medical diagnosis, and reproducibility in BCI research. Her publications explore cutting-edge topics like BCI standardization, driver distraction detection, and quantum computing integration. Grants and lab affiliations are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Emar Maier serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen, where he leads research at the intersection of formal semantics and philosophy of language. During the 2017-2018 academic year, he held a visiting position as maître de conférences invité at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris, delivering a lecture series on Discourse Representation Theory applications. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Radboud University Nijmegen (2006), with doctoral research focused on de re and de se attitude ascriptions. Prior to his current appointment, he completed postdoctoral research in Linguistics at Nijmegen and Philosophy at the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) in Amsterdam. Maier's research program centers on foundational debates in semantics, specializing in presupposition theory, indexicality, quotation mechanisms, and attitude reports. He champions a psychologistic interpretation of Discourse Representation Theory (DRT) that models real-time interpretation processes, drawing connections to Recanati's Mental Files paradigm and challenging Stalnakerian common ground frameworks. His work bridges formal linguistic theory with empirical investigations across diverse linguistic contexts. ERC Starting Grant for research on the continuum between direct and indirect reported speech Project integrates formal semantics with empirical studies of child language acquisition, sign languages, and ancient Greek corpora As Principal Investigator of the ERC-funded project, Maier directs cross-disciplinary research examining reported speech phenomena through multiple empirical lenses. His collaborative network includes the Institut Jean Nicod in Paris and the Mercator Research Group at Ruhr University Bochum, where he explores philosophical dimensions of linguistic self-reference and meaning construction.
Dr. hab. Olgierd Bogucki, prof. US is a Professor at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Szczecin. He holds a Doctor of Laws degree (2011) and habilitation in legal sciences (2019), specializing in legal theory and philosophy. His research focuses on legal interpretation theory, axiology, conventional acts theory, and judicial epistemology, representing the Poznań-Szczecin school of legal theory. He leads the Research Team of Philosophy, Theory and Economic Analysis of Law at his faculty and serves on the Faculty Council. Education: PhD in Law (2011): University of Szczecin Habilitation in Legal Sciences (2019): University of Szczecin Research Interests: Bogucki’s work emphasizes the derivative concept of legal interpretation, exploring axiological dimensions, componential value theory, and the epistemological foundations of judicial factual knowledge. He analyzes the interplay between language, intersubjectivity, and legal norms, particularly in constitutional and criminal law contexts. Publications: His recent work examines legislative materials in legal interpretation (2024), constitutional rigidity (2024), judicial fact-finding epistemology (2023), and semiotic approaches to criminal liability (2021). He has contributed to theoretical frameworks on functional interpretation and constitutional amendment limitations. Affiliations: Head of the Research Team on Law Theory and Economics at the Faculty of Law and Administration; Member of the Faculty Council.
Olivier Arcioli serves as Professor of Graphic and Information Design and Head of the BA Graphic and Information Design Program at the Faculty of Design, New Design University since 2021, leading an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on typography, editorial design, and cross-media publishing within contemporary media landscapes. His academic foundation includes communication design studies at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf and Ecole Cantonal d'Art de Lausanne, complemented by postgraduate studies in Media Art and Media Design at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne. Communication Design: University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, Ecole Cantonal d'Art de Lausanne Postgraduate Studies: Media Art / Media Design, Academy of Media Arts Cologne Professor Arcioli's research investigates visual languages through cross-cultural analysis of signs, symbols, and notations, with emphasis on information design applications in interdisciplinary processes. His scholarly work explores narrative structures, dramaturgy, and solution-oriented collaboration in graphic design contexts. As an educator, he prioritizes intensive student mentorship in applied design techniques, conceptual thinking, and staging complex content. Since 2005, his professional studio practice at ateliergrün informs hands-on teaching approaches where students engage social phenomena through cross-media design projects from foundational methods to bachelor's thesis development.
Assoc. Prof. Kenan Çiçek is affiliated with Iğdır University's Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He holds a Doctorate from the University of Bristol (2016), an M.Sc. from Atatürk University (2011), and a B.Sc. from Atatürk University (2008). His research focuses on photonics, optical sensors, hydrogen detection, and nanomaterials for energy storage. Key projects include palladium-based hydrogen sensors, supercapacitor electrode materials, and integrated photonics applications. Research Interests: Optical vortex beam manipulation using integrated photonics High-sensitivity hydrogen sensors via plasmonic and micro-ring resonators Self-healable PVA-based supercapacitor materials Nanomaterial synthesis for energy storage and sensor applications Grants & Projects: Spintronics applications for multiferroic materials synthesis (TÜBİTAK 1001) Optical trapping using integrated vortex beam emitters (TÜBİTAK 1002) Silicon nano-ring plasmonic sensors (High-Q factor) He has advised 2 master's theses and teaches courses in optical sensors, power electronics, and microelectronics. Administrative roles include Department Head (2017) and International Student Office Coordinator (2018).
Niyazi BEKİ is a Professor at the Institute for Sufi Studies at Üsküdar University since 2015. Previously held positions include Associate Professor at the same university and Assistant Professor in Tafsir and Arabic Language at Sakarya University’s Faculty of Theology. He earned his PhD in Tafsir from Sakarya University (1997) with a thesis on 20th-century Quranic commentary models, and his MA in Hadith at Marmara University (1990). His academic journey also includes teaching Arabic language at Sakarya University and serving as Chairman of the Arabic Language and Rhetoric Department (1998-2003). Research interests focus on Quranic exegesis (Tafsir), Sufism, Hadith studies, and Islamic theology. He has explored Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s methodologies, contemporary Sufi thought, and theological interpretations of Islamic concepts like Jihad and Prophethood. His work often bridges classical Islamic scholarship with modern analytical frameworks. Publications span Quranic studies, Sufi philosophy, and religious pedagogy. Notable works include Tefsirde Yeni Yaklaşımlar: Risale-i Nur Örneği (2018) and Qur’anic Exegesis in the Contemporary Islamic World (2022). He has delivered lectures at Hartford Seminary (USA, 2003-2004) and serves as Head of the Research Center at Araştırma Platformu since 2021. Active in religious and academic outreach, he supervises the educational website www.sorularlaislamiyet.com since 2005. His contributions include over 26 authored/edited books on Islamic theology, Sufism, and Quranic interpretation.
Eric Nalisnick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. He holds affiliations with the Institute for Assured Autonomy, Mathematical Institute for Data Science, and Data Science and AI Institute. His research focuses on developing safe and robust intelligent systems through probabilistic modeling and computational statistics, with applications in healthcare, online content moderation, and sign language processing. His work emphasizes human-centered design, exploring how to incorporate prior knowledge, detect system failures, and integrate human-machine decision-making. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight advancements in uncertainty quantification (e.g., Lightning UQ Box tool), early-exiting neural networks for risk control, and generative models for symmetry transformations. He also investigates calibration in multi-distribution learning and ethical considerations in hate speech detection systems. Advising & Contributions: Eric mentors a diverse cohort of PhD students and has developed influential open-source tools like Lightning UQ Box and Learning to Defer frameworks. His teaching includes courses on Deep Learning, Human-in-the-Loop Machine Learning, and Bayesian Methods.
Carla Hudson Kam is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Linguistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), within the Faculty of Arts. She holds a BA from Simon Fraser University (1996) and a PhD from the University of Rochester (2003). Her research focuses on language acquisition, developmental language processing, and gesture’s role in language learning. She explores how non-linguistic factors influence language learning and how language contact and change shape linguistic structures. Her work bridges experimental and theoretical approaches, examining topics such as the emergence of sign languages, iconicity in gesture, and the cognitive mechanisms underlying language acquisition. She leads the Language and Learning Lab at UBC, fostering collaborative research on child and adult language learning. Her contributions include developing the Infant Bookreading Database (IBDb), a resource for studying book-reading’s impact on early language development. Prominent publications include studies on sign language conventionalization, gesture-guided pronoun interpretation, and the role of phonetic naturalness in speech perception. She actively engages in academic discourse on methodology, advocating for transparent and replicable research practices.
Sapountzaki Galini is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, specializing in Greek Sign Language (GSL). She has held this position since January 2012 and teaches courses on GSL linguistics and methodology. Her work focuses on language acquisition in deaf communities, educational accessibility, and technology-enhanced learning platforms for sign languages. Education: PhD in Linguistics (2005) from the University of Bristol Diploma in GSL Interpreting (1997) Bachelor’s in Philology (1994) from the Athens School of Philosophy Research Interests: Dr. Sapountzaki’s work bridges theoretical linguistics and applied education. She explores grammar structures in GSL, particularly tense/aspect markers, and advocates for bilingual education for deaf students. Her projects include developing e-learning platforms like SL-ReDu for GSL recognition and assessment, emphasizing 3D modeling and multimodal data fusion. She also examines the impact of language deprivation on deaf children and strategies for remote GSL instruction during crises like the pandemic. Grants & Advising: No specific grants listed, but her work is supported by projects like SYNENNOISI and DIANOIMA. She has advised on curricula for deaf education programs and collaborates with institutions like the Neuropsychology Laboratory and Pedagogical Institute. Her teaching spans special education teacher training and interpreter education. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Institute of Speech Processing (ISL) and the University of Thessaly’s Special Education Committee. Active in designing GSL video texts and accessibility tools for public schools.
Dr. Yuxing Fang is a Researcher at the Centre for Speech, Language, and the Brain (CSLB) within the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge. His work explores the neural mechanisms underlying language processing, semantic representation, and brain connectivity. Affiliation: University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology Contact: yf292@cam.ac.uk Research Interests: Dr. Fang’s studies focus on neurocognitive dynamics during speech comprehension, brain hubs in lesion models, and semantic networks in healthy and pathological conditions. His expertise spans neuroimaging, cognitive science, and clinical psychology. Publications: He has contributed to understanding Alzheimer’s disease, semantic dementia, and tool use through multimodal neuroimaging and lesion-behavior mapping. His work integrates neuroscience with computational approaches to language and cognition.
Roger Zimmermann is a Full Professor at the School of Computing, National University of Singapore (NUS), where he is also a Co-PI at the Grab-NUS AI Lab and leads the Location AI project. He previously served as Deputy Director of the NUS Smart Systems Institute (SSI) and Co-Director of the Centre of Social Media Innovations for Communities (COSMIC), both funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF). Before joining NUS, he was a Research Area Director and Research Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California (USC). Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Southern California (1998) M.S. in Computer Science, University of Southern California (1994) His research focuses on multimedia systems , spatio-temporal data management , streaming media architectures (especially DASH), machine learning applications , AR/VR , and location-based services . He leads the Media Management Research Lab (MMRL) at NUS, which conducts cutting-edge work in distributed multimedia and intelligent systems. His work combines theoretical depth with real-world applications in urban computing, smart mobility, and immersive media. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward multimodal learning , spatio-temporal AI , adaptive streaming , and urban intelligence . His team explores zero-shot learning, 3D scene understanding, traffic forecasting, and open-vocabulary audio-visual segmentation, often leveraging foundational models and deep neural architectures. There is a clear emphasis on real-time, scalable systems for smart cities and immersive experiences. Dr. Zimmermann has received numerous accolades, including: DASH-IF Excellence in DASH Award (multiple years) Best Paper Awards at ACM SIGSPATIAL, IEEE ICME, and ACM MMSys Silver Award at ACM MMSys 2020 Grand Challenge IEEE Communications Society Best Editor Award (2017) ACM Distinguished Member (2017) Top 1% Publons Reviewer in Computer Science (2018) He has advised numerous students and led major research initiatives funded by MOE, NRF, A*STAR, NSF, and industry partners like Seagate, Intel, and HP. He has served as General Chair for IEEE MIPR 2023, ACM Multimedia 2020, and IEEE ISM 2015, and as TPC Co-Chair for several top-tier conferences. His editorial roles include Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Multimedia (TMM), ACM TOMM, and IEEE OJ-COMS. He leads the Media Management Research Lab (MMRL) , which focuses on intelligent multimedia systems, spatiotemporal data mining, and immersive media technologies. The lab develops scalable solutions for real-world challenges in urban computing, smart transportation, and interactive media.
Niels Peek is Professor of Health Informatics in the Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at the University of Manchester. He serves as Director of the Christabel Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology Research and Innovation, Co-director of the International Centre for Translational Digital Health, and Digital Infrastructure Lead for the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre. His leadership extends to roles as Academic Lead for the North West Secure Data Environment and Theme Lead for Health and Care within Digital Futures. Peek holds a PhD in Computer Science from Utrecht University (2000) and MSc degrees in both Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from the same institution (1994). His methodological expertise spans the design and evaluation of informatics interventions, computerized decision support systems, statistical modeling, machine learning, data mining, qualitative research methods, and technology acceptance models. His research program focuses on translational data science applications in healthcare, particularly in risk prediction, personalized and precision medicine, patient safety, and managing patients with multiple conditions (multimorbidity). Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on practical applications of AI and data science in clinical settings, with particular attention to electronic health records, clinical decision support, and the evaluation of digital health interventions across various healthcare contexts including primary care, hospital settings, and chronic disease management. Peek has received significant recognition for his contributions to the field: Fellow of the Alan Turing Institute Fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics Fellow of the International Academy of Health Sciences Informatics President of the Society for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (2013-2017) His editorial leadership includes serving as Associate Editor for BMJ Health & Care Informatics and on the editorial boards of npj Digital Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, and Health Data Science journals. He has secured substantial research funding including participation in the BHF Centre for Research Excellence 2024-2029 and leadership roles in multiple active projects focused on digital health, AI applications in medicine, and opioid management research. Peek leads the Christabel Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology Research and Innovation and co-directs the International Centre for Translational Digital Health, creating collaborative environments that bridge computer science, statistics, and clinical practice to develop practical healthcare solutions. His work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals through the University of Manchester's research beacons in Digital Futures, Data Science and AI, Sustainable Futures, and Healthier Futures.
