Mohamed Sarwat is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University specializing in databases , spatial data management , and recommender systems . His research focuses on GeoSpark —a cluster computing framework for spatial data—and its extensions like GeoSparkViz for visualization and GeoSparkSim for traffic simulation. Key Contributions: LARS* (Location-Aware Recommender System), Horton* (Graph Reachability), Sindbad (GeoSocial Platform), and Riso-Tree (Graph Database Indexing) Research Themes: Integration of spatial/temporal data with machine learning, efficient indexing for big geospatial datasets, and scalable frameworks for mobility data science His work spans collaborations with 23+ co-authors across institutions like University of Minnesota, University of Melbourne, and University of Salzburg. Current projects emphasize GeoTorchAI —a spatiotemporal deep learning system—and mobility data science infrastructure.
Frank Neese is the Director and Managing Director (since 2024) of the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, where he leads the Department of Molecular Theory and Spectroscopy. He holds honorary professorships at the University of Bonn (since 2013) and the University of Duisburg-Essen (since 2020), reflecting his strong academic affiliations. His research program bridges theoretical chemistry, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy with applications in bioinorganic and materials chemistry. Education: Diploma in Biology, University of Konstanz (1993) Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.), University of Konstanz (1997) Postdoctoral Research, Stanford University (1997–1999) Habilitation, Universität Konstanz (2001) Frank Neese's research focuses on the development and application of advanced quantum chemical methods for understanding molecular electronic structures, particularly in transition metal complexes and metalloenzymes. His work emphasizes spectroscopic simulations (EPR, XAS, MCD, etc.) and reaction mechanisms in catalysis. He is renowned as the lead developer of the ORCA quantum chemistry software, a widely used tool in computational chemistry. His theoretical frameworks integrate density functional theory, wavefunction-based methods, and multiscale modeling to achieve high accuracy in predicting chemical properties. The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent trajectory in electronic structure theory, with strong emphasis on spectroscopy, transition metal chemistry, and method development. Key themes include double-hybrid functionals, spin-state energetics, spin-orbit coupling, and QM/MM modeling of biological systems. The interdisciplinary nature of his work spans chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science, often targeting challenges in catalysis and energy conversion. Scientific Awards: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2023) Humboldt Research Award ISACS Award Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry Member of the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences Member of the Leopoldina Neese has secured extensive third-party funding for his research, enabling a large, interdisciplinary team of scientists and students. He actively mentors PhD and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of theoretical chemists. His leadership extends to official functions in scientific societies and editorial roles in major chemistry journals. The ORCA development team, which he heads, is a central hub for innovation in computational chemistry software. He leads a vibrant research group focused on method development and applications in molecular spectroscopy and reactivity. The team collaborates internationally and organizes the ORCA User Meeting, fostering a global community of users and developers in quantum chemistry.
Hsiao-Dong Chiang is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and has made significant contributions to nonlinear system theory and power system stability. His research spans theoretical development and practical applications in electric power systems, nonlinear optimization, and machine learning. B.S., Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, 1979 M.S., Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, 1981 Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1986 Chiang's research interests focus on nonlinear system theory , power system stability and control , nonlinear optimization , and their applications to modern power grids with high penetration of inverter-based resources. He is renowned for developing the BCU method and TRUST-TECH methodology , which have enabled fast direct stability assessment and global optimization in complex systems. His work bridges fundamental theory with industrial deployment through his companies, Bigwood Systems, Inc. and Global Optimal Technology, Inc. His recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong trend toward integrating machine learning and deep neural networks with power system analysis , particularly in state estimation, optimal power flow, and voltage control. There is a clear emphasis on handling uncertainty, non-convexity, and multi-scale dynamics in active distribution networks and integrated energy systems . His work increasingly focuses on resilience , real-time control , and user-centered methodologies for modern grid operations. Chiang has received numerous scientific honors, including: IEEE Fellow (1997) United States Presidential Young Investigator Award (1989) Multiple DOE Grid Optimization Challenge Awards (2020–2023) Best Paper Awards from IEEE Transactions and Conferences Outstanding Education Award, Cornell University (1990) He has successfully managed over 100 research projects and holds 28 U.S. and international patents. As the founder of Bigwood Systems, Inc., he has commercialized advanced software for utility companies across the U.S. and Japan. His team has published over 480 refereed papers and received more than 17,500 citations. He advises a large research group and leads innovations in computational methods for energy systems. His lab is actively involved in developing next-generation tools for grid security, optimization, and machine learning integration.
Prof. Dr. Melanie Krüger is a faculty member at Leibniz University Hannover , where she serves as Head of the Research Unit Sports and Cognition within the Institute of Sports Science. Her academic career spans institutions including the Technical University of Munich, University of Tasmania, and Ludwig Maximilian University. She leads research initiatives in embodiment, cognitive aging, motor decision-making, and the impact of physical activity on neurocognitive and motor functioning. Current Position: Professor, Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover Prior Appointments: Post-doctoral roles at Technical University of Munich, University of Tasmania, and Pennsylvania State University Education: PhD in Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University; Diploma in Sports Science, University of Leipzig Krüger's research focuses on: Embodiment Research: Systemic interactions between cognitive and motor development Cognitive Aging: Age-related changes in motor decision-making and coordination Human Locomotion: Collision avoidance, mixed reality interactions, and real-world movement studies Open Science: Advocacy for research data management in sports science Her recent publications explore mixed reality applications ( 2024 ), stress effects on motor function ( 2023 ), and methodological innovations in locomotion studies ( 2021-2025 ). Current projects include Moving Forward (2021-2022) and two Innovation Plus initiatives (2022-2024) developing experimental frameworks for human movement analysis. Krüger actively participates in academic governance: Spokesperson, German Society of Sport Science's Ad Hoc Committee on Research Data Management (since 2022) Board member, DVS Section 'Sports Motor Skills' (since 2022) Doctoral Committee, Faculty of Humanities Examination Board, MSc Sustainable Health Promotion in Sports Science
Associate Professor Erica Southgate is a leading researcher at the University of Newcastle , specializing in emerging educational technologies with a focus on virtual reality and AI ethics . Her work bridges digital learning and sociology of education , emphasizing equity in education and technology accessibility for all learners. PhD and BEd from University of Newcastle 2016 Equity Fellow for national research 2017 ASCILITE Innovation Award Southgate's research explores how immersive technologies can transform education through student content creation , ethical frameworks , and curriculum redesign . Recent studies focus on generative AI policy , VR learning environments , and digital footprint management . Her VR School Study demonstrates practical implementation strategies. Key publications include the first VR education book and AI ethics guidelines for Australian Government. She leads the Digital Identity, Curation and Education (DICE) research network and advocates for human rights in educational technology .
Hanna Breunig is a Research Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Deputy of the Sustainable Energy & Environmental Systems Department. She holds a secondary appointment in the Earth Systems and Society Domain within the Climate and Ecosystem Science Division. Her work focuses on validating emerging energy technologies through process design, techno-economic modeling, and market analysis. Education: PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley (2015), MSc (2011), and BSc from Cornell University (2010). Her research spans hydrogen storage , CO2 capture/utilization , brine management , and technoeconomic modeling for systems in data centers, hospitals, mines, aviation, and ports. She co-leads the DOE HyMARC consortium and the systems analysis team for the ARCHES California Hydrogen Hub. Recent publications highlight advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for hydrogen storage, solar hydrogen production , and high-temperature thermal energy storage . She has received accolades like the 2023 Energy & Environmental Science Lectureship and 2014 Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship. Scientific Awards: 2023 Energy & Environmental Science Lectureship 2021 Early Scientific Career Award 2019 CEC Bioenergy Project Leadership 2017 LDRD Early Career Award 2014 Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship Hanna mentors graduate and undergraduate students and contributes to tools like the BioSiting v2 software for U.S. bioeconomy resource analysis.
Claudio Ulises Cortes Garcia is a Professor at the Department of Computer Science , Technical University of Catalonia, and leads the IDEAI-UPC (Intelligent Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Research Group) and KEMLG (Knowledge Engineering and Machine Learning Group). He is affiliated with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) and the Barcelona School of Informatics (FIB). With a Doctor en Informática (PhD in Computer Science) and Ingeniero Industrial y de Sistemas (Industrial and Systems Engineering) degrees, his work spans Artificial Intelligence , Intelligent Agents , and Assistive Technology . His research integrates European Programs and Internet with applications in Second Life and Software . His recent publications focus on Post-COVID cognitive effects , AI ethics , and agent-based modeling for urban water management. He received the Doctor Honoris Causa from Universitat de Girona in 2024 and has collaborated on projects like DIGITAfrica and HUB D'INNOVACIÓ PEDIÀTRICA . His work bridges Neuroscience , Environmental Modeling , and Digital Humanities , with over 650 activities recorded in his academic career. ORCID : 0000-0003-0192-3096 WoS Researcher ID : B-7284-2009 Scopus Author ID : 7004065770
Dr. Benjamin Evans is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science & AI (Informatics) at the University of Sussex , affiliated with the School of Engineering and Informatics . His research integrates computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence, focusing on biologically inspired neural networks. Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex Previous Roles: Research Associate at University of Bristol, University of Exeter, Imperial College London, and University of Oxford Education: DPhil in Computational Neuroscience (University of Oxford), MSc in Intelligent Systems (UCL), BA in Experimental Psychology (Oxford) His research centers on how neural systems self-organize to produce intelligent behavior, studied through both biological and computational modeling. He investigates spiking neural networks , convolutional neural networks , and the role of biological constraints in enhancing AI robustness and human-like perception. He is particularly interested in how spike-based information processing contributes to adaptive cognition in noisy environments. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in evaluating deep neural networks as models of human vision, questioning their biological plausibility while proposing bio-inspired improvements. He also works on optogenetics simulation (e.g., PyRhO platform), developmental biology modeling , and reproducible data science through containerization tools like Docker. His scientific contributions have been recognized through publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications , PLoS Computational Biology , and Behavioral and Brain Sciences . EPSRC Grant: "Exploring the multiple loci of learning and computation in simple artificial neural networks" (2023–2024) EPSRC Grant: "Using ant biology and natural environments to enhance models of vision and robot navigation" (2022–2026) Dr. Evans actively contributes to open science through GitHub repositories (e.g., PyRhO, DPE, BioNet) and promotes reproducible research. He has no listed advisees in the provided data, but leads funded research projects involving junior researchers. He is a core member of the Informatics research group at Sussex, contributing to both AI and neuroscience domains.
Luca D'Acci is an Associate Professor in Sustainable Urban Forms and Evaluations at the Polytechnic of Turin, affiliated with the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies (DIST). He holds additional affiliations as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth and as a member of research networks at the University of Birmingham and Erasmus University Rotterdam. His academic journey includes international roles such as Head of Urban Environment at Erasmus University Rotterdam and visiting researcher positions at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and ETH Zurich. Education: MSc in Architecture-Science of Cities, Polytechnic of Turin (2003, cum laude) PhD in Economic Assessments, Polytechnic of Turin (2007) BSc in Mathematics, University of Turin (2007) BSc in Construction Engineering, Polytechnic of Turin (2009, cum laude) Post-PhD in Urbanism, University of Campinas (2010) Anthropology, University of Oxford (2020, 20 credits) Luca D'Acci’s research focuses on urban morphology, urban allometry, isobenefit urbanism, and the socio-economic-environmental impacts of urban form. His work bridges humanistic and quantitative approaches, integrating engineering, architecture, economics, and anthropology. He investigates how urbanicity, urban form, and spatial configuration influence well-being, sustainability, and resilience. His recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong trend toward computational modeling and simulation of urban growth, particularly through the lens of isobenefit urbanism —a concept he has pioneered. These works combine cellular automata, agent-based modeling, and morphogenetic frameworks to simulate sustainable urban futures. He also explores fractal patterns in housing markets, the psychology of urban living, and the mental costs of urbanicity. His research spans disciplines including urban science, environmental psychology, urban economics, and complex systems. Scientific Awards and Honors: Fellow, Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation (EHERO), Erasmus University Rotterdam (2022–) Senior Research Fellow, University of Portsmouth (2017–) Fellow, Cluster for Sustainable Cities, University of Portsmouth (2017–2020) Fellow, Urban Morphology Research Group, University of Birmingham (2016–2021) Member, Cambridge Networks Network, University of Cambridge (2016–) Honorary Fellow, University of Birmingham (2016–) Luca D'Acci actively advises PhD students as a member of the Doctoral Collegium for Urban and Regional Development at Politecnico di Torino (2020–2024). He has secured and contributed to significant research grants, including projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Commission, EPSRC, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and University College London (Future Urban Growth Lab). His editorial roles include membership on the boards of PLOS ONE , PLOS Mental Health , and Humanities & Social Sciences Communications . Labs and Research Networks: Future Urban Growth Lab (UCL, 2019–) LEUr Urban Ecology Lab (UFSC, 2022–) URban Evolution Morphology (UReM, 2024–) Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (EHERO, 2022–2024) Spatial Intelligence Unit (SPIN Unit), Estonia (2013–) International Society of Biourbanism (2013–)
Jorge Louçã is a Full Professor in the Department of Information Science and Technology at ISCTE-IUL, where he has been a faculty member since 2000. He is also an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR-Iscte, the Research Center in Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture, and leads the research group The Observatorium . He holds a PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from Université Paris Dauphine and the University of Lisbon, and completed his Aggregation in Complexity Sciences in 2019. PhD in Computing – University of Lisbon & Université Paris-Dauphine (2000) Master’s in Informatique: Intelligent Systems – Université Paris-Dauphine (1995) Aggregation in Complexity Sciences – ISCTE-IUL (2019) His research centers on computational modeling of social systems, focusing on data-intensive analysis of human communication, knowledge generation in large networks, and the dynamics of complex systems. He founded the Doctoral Program in Complexity Sciences and has been instrumental in advancing the field through international collaborations such as the UNESCO Unitwin network for the Complex Systems Digital Campus and participation in the Conference on Complex Systems (CCS/ECCS). The recent publications highlight a strong interdisciplinary focus, combining network science, data analysis, and social theory. Key themes include the modeling of malaria transmission, information diffusion in social media, structural inequality in education, and the dynamics of opinion and popularity. His work often employs agent-based models, temporal network analysis, and entropy-based measures, reflecting a deep integration of computational and theoretical approaches. Research Methods for Doctorate in Complexity Sciences Advanced Topics in Complexity Sciences Data Science Fundamentals Development for the Internet and Mobile Applications Web Interfaces for Data Management Advanced Network Analysis Jorge Louçã has supervised over a dozen doctoral and master’s students, with completed theses on topics such as malaria modeling, information diffusion, temporal networks, and social inequality. His research has been supported by projects like NESS (Non-Equilibrium Social Science in ICT and Economics), reflecting his leadership in interdisciplinary science. He has held significant academic management roles, including Director of the Department of Information Science and Technology and head of multiple degree programs. His work continues to bridge computer science, social science, and policy, positioning him as a key figure in the global complexity science community.
Enrico Macii is a Full Professor at the Politecnico di Torino, affiliated with the Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST) and the Department of Control and Computer Engineering (DAUIN). He leads the Electronic Design Automation (EDA) research group and holds key roles as Scientific Advisor for the Politecnico-STMicroelectronics partnership and Scientific Contact for the European Chips Joint Undertaking. Research Interests: His work spans digital circuits and systems, energy efficiency, smart cities, Industry 4.0, and smart manufacturing. He focuses on embedded and cyber-physical systems, low-power design, neuromorphic computing, AIoT, and sustainable urban development. Recent Publications: His recent research demonstrates strong trends in edge AI, neuromorphic computing, and smart energy systems. Articles highlight innovations in low-power hardware acceleration, federated learning, physics-informed AI, and digital twin applications for urban and industrial systems. There is a clear emphasis on deploying AI efficiently on constrained devices and integrating physical models with machine learning. J. William Fullbright Fellowship (1993) Best paper award IEEE European Design Automation Conference (1996) Best paper award ACM/IEEE Great Lakes Symposium on VLSI (2008) DAC Service Award (2014) IEEE Fellow (2006) DATE Fellow (2014) Advising and Grants: He has supervised over 25 PhD students in computer engineering, AI, and urban systems. His research is funded by major EU programs (Horizon 2020, PNRR, KDT JU), national (PRIN, FAR), and regional grants, as well as industrial contracts with STMicroelectronics, Michelin, and Cefriel. He leads numerous high-impact projects in smart manufacturing, energy efficiency, and digital twins. Labs and Teams: He is a core member of the EDA Group, an interdepartmental research team at Politecnico di Torino focusing on VLSI-CAD, bioinformatics, smart cities, and Industry 4.0. He also contributes to IAM@PoliTo (Integrated Additive Manufacturing) and leads multiple EU and national research consortia.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Thielecke is a full Professor and the head of the Institute of Aircraft Systems Engineering (Flugzeug-Systemtechnik) at Technische Universität Hamburg (TUHH), Germany. His research is centered on advanced aircraft systems, avionics, flight control, and the integration of emerging technologies such as hydrogen and hybrid-electric propulsion. Institution: Technische Universität Hamburg Department: Institute of Aircraft Systems Engineering (Flugzeug-Systemtechnik) Email: frank.thielecke@tuhh.de Office: Neßpriel 5, Room 1.012, 21129 Hamburg His research interests include integrated modular avionics (IMA), model-based systems engineering (MBSE), aircraft load estimation, health monitoring, fault diagnosis, and sustainable aviation technologies. He leads a research group actively contributing to next-generation aircraft design, with a strong focus on digitalization, virtual testing, and system safety. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in developing model-based tools and architectures for avionics and aircraft systems. Key themes include the design of IMA platforms, virtual integration, system validation, hydrogen aircraft systems, and control algorithms for UAVs and flexible aircraft. His work frequently appears in AIAA, DASC, DLRK, and CEAS conferences and journals. Prof. Thielecke has been involved in numerous collaborative research projects focusing on more-electric aircraft, fuel cell systems, and advanced actuation. He has contributed to the development of frameworks such as ASHLEY and SArA for avionics platform design and systems architecting. His team also works on noise reduction in hydraulic systems and condition monitoring for aircraft subsystems. He supervises a group of researchers and PhD students, many of whom co-author his publications. While specific student names are not listed, long-term collaborators like Oliver Luderer, Thimo Bielsky, Nils Külper, and Philipp Chrysalidis are likely doctoral candidates or postdoctoral researchers in his group. He has secured funding for projects related to hydrogen aircraft, hybrid propulsion, and digital avionics engineering. His lab, the Institute of Aircraft Systems Engineering, operates test benches for avionics, hydraulic systems, and flight control validation. The team uses advanced simulation, co-simulation (e.g., FMI), and hardware-in-the-loop techniques for virtual integration and testing. Ongoing work includes the development of tools for early validation of flight control platforms and automated requirement-based testing.
Prof. Lionel C. Briand is a leading academic in software engineering and trustworthy AI, holding appointments at the University of Ottawa (EECS Department, Nanda Laboratory) and the University of Limerick (Lero - National Software Research Centre). He serves as Director of Lero and Scientific Director of the SnT software verification lab in Luxembourg. His research focuses on software testing, model-driven engineering, AI-driven quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. He has held the Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) since 2003 and led major institutions like Simula Research Laboratory (Norway) and Fraunhofer Institute (Germany). Education & Career: Full Professor at Carleton University (2008–2012) Head of Software Quality Engineering at Fraunhofer IESE (2000–2008) Research Scientist at NASA Software Engineering Lab (1990s) Research Interests: His work spans secure AI systems, automated legal compliance (e.g., GDPR), metamorphic testing, search-based software engineering, and safety-critical systems. He emphasizes practical applications, collaborating with industry partners globally. Awards & Recognition: IEEE Fellow (2010), ACM Fellow (2020) Harlan Mills Award (2012), ERC Advanced Grant (2016) Fellowships from Royal Society of Canada (2023) and Academia Europaea (2025) Grants & Labs: PEARL grant from Luxembourg FNR for SnT lab ERC Advanced Grant for software testing research Leadership roles in Lero and Nanda Lab Publications: Over 500+ papers on testing methodologies, AI ethics, and regulatory compliance. Notable tools include CompAI (GDPR compliance) and Teasma (DNN test adequacy).
Jetmir Haxhibeqiri is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Ghent University 's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture , Department of Information Technology. His work focuses on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) over wireless systems, WiFi optimization, and Industrial IoT solutions. Key projects: IMEC Postdoctoral Fellowship Collaborations: Jeroen Hoebeke (UGent), Ingrid Moerman (UGent), Xianjun Jiao (UGent) Research Interests : Wireless network coordination, SDN integration for heterogeneous networks, low-latency communication, and machine learning applications in network optimization. Specialized in WiFi-LPWAN coexistence , In-Band Network Telemetry , and Cross-Technology Synchronization . Recent Publications : 2025 work on Wi-Fi-UWB synchronization, 2024 studies on coordinated spatial reuse in WiFi 7, and 2022 research on hardware-efficient PTP clock synchronization. Contributions span from theoretical models to practical implementations in industrial environments. Technical Expertise : Network densification strategies, interference management, and performance evaluation of large-scale wireless deployments. Developed simulation frameworks for LoRaWAN and WiFi TSN, with a focus on ns-3 validation. Education : PhD in Industrial Wireless Communication (2019, Ghent University).
Luís Moreira de Sousa is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Engineering, Higher Technical Institute (Instituto Superior Técnico), University of Lisbon. His academic work bridges computer science and geography, with a focus on Geoinformatics rather than traditional GIS. He is affiliated with the Information and Decision Support Systems research unit and teaches Data Administration and Information Systems. His research spans several interconnected domains: spatial simulation, semantic web technologies for geospatial data, hexagonal grid systems, and resource depletion studies. Dr. de Sousa has developed innovative approaches to spatial simulation through his DSL3S (Domain Specific Language for Spatial Simulation Scenarios) and has contributed significantly to the Semantic Web through the GloSIS web ontology for soil data. His current major project is the book Spatial Linked Data Infrastructures , which bridges geospatial science and semantic web technologies. His publication record shows consistent contributions to spatial simulation tools, semantic web applications in geospatial domains, and resource depletion analysis. His work demonstrates a clear trajectory from practical spatial simulation tools toward more sophisticated semantic web applications for geospatial data. The recent focus on spatial linked data infrastructures represents the culmination of his interdisciplinary approach, combining computer science rigor with geospatial domain knowledge. Dr. de Sousa is a strong advocate for open source tools and maintains an active presence in the FOSS4G (Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial) community. His professional digital footprint includes Codeberg, Mastodon, ORCID, Google Scholar, LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and StackExchange. Outside his academic work, he maintains interests in resource depletion (having created the Portuguese Peak Oil website PicoDoPetroleo.net in 2005 and contributed to TheOilDrum), cycling (covering thousands of kilometers annually), music, and literature. His Goodreads profile shows an active engagement with science fiction, history, and science literature.
