Simon Addyman is an Associate Professor in Project Management at University College London's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. With over 30 years of industry experience spanning the UK, Gambia, and Balkans, he focuses on organizational routines, temporary organizing, and dialogue in construction project management. He is Programme Director for UCL's MSc in Project and Enterprise Management and a Visiting Lecturer at King's College London since 2018. PhD in Construction Project Management (UCL, 2019) MSc in Construction (Project) Management (Heriot-Watt University, 1999) His research integrates pragmatist process theory and practice theory to analyze construction projects as entangled networks, emphasizing language use, lifecycle transitions, and wellbeing in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). He founded the Centre for Construction Project Organising (CCPO) at UCL and collaborates with industry stakeholders including HS2, Highways England, and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. APM Herbert Walton Award (2019) Project Professional of the Year (UK APM Awards 2013) As a thought leader in construction project organizing, he bridges academic rigor with industry practice through executive education and advisory work, particularly in public infrastructure capacity enhancement projects like London Underground's Bank Station upgrade.
Sunčana Piri Rajh is a full Professor at the Marketing Department of the Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Zagreb, where she has held a permanent academic appointment. She previously served as head of the Graduate University Study Program in Business Economics (Marketing major) from 2014 to 2023 and as head of the Marketing major within the Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Study Program from 2020 to 2023. Professor Piri Rajh earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees in Marketing from the Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb. In 2007, she completed an advanced education program in didactics, psychology, rhetoric, Croatian language, and informatics to acquire formal teaching competencies for higher education institutions, organized through collaboration between the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zagreb. Her primary research focuses on consumer behavior, with particular expertise in digital consumer behavior, price management, and value-based pricing. She has conducted extensive research on consumer decision-making styles, digital piracy behavior, and visitor behavior at cultural heritage sites. Her work consistently bridges theoretical marketing frameworks with practical applications in digital environments and tourism contexts, demonstrating exceptional methodological rigor in adapting established frameworks to new domains. Professor Piri Rajh's publication record shows a clear evolution toward applying consumer behavior theories in digital contexts and cultural heritage tourism. Her recent research demonstrates sophisticated adaptation of the Consumer Styles Inventory framework across diverse contexts, increasingly integrating psychological theories like the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand complex behaviors including digital piracy and heritage site visitation patterns. Her significant contributions to academic discourse have been recognized through several prestigious awards: Dr. Mijo Mirković award (2001) for co-authoring the university textbook 'Marketing' Dr. Mijo Mirković award (2008) for the academic paper 'Perceived risk as a determinant of perceived value and purchase intention' Fedor Rocco award (2017) for the academic paper 'Organizational buying decision approaches in manufacturing industry: developing measures and typology' Professor Piri Rajh has made substantial editorial contributions, serving as guest editor for a special issue of Market-Tržište in 2020 and as editor for the International Journal of Multidisciplinarity in Business and Science from 2020 to 2024. She has been an active reviewer for numerous prestigious journals including European Journal of Marketing. Her conference involvement is equally impressive, having chaired the organizing committee for CROMAR 2019 and participated in program committees for multiple international conferences across Europe.
Rongbin Han is a Full Professor in the Department of International Affairs at the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs. Previously holding positions as Associate Professor (2019-2025) and Assistant Professor (2013-2019) at UGA, he has established himself as a leading scholar in Chinese cyber politics. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2012), preceded by studies at Peking University's School of International Studies (1999-2003) and the National University of Singapore's Department of Political Science (2003-2006). Ph.D. in Political Science, University of California, Berkeley (2012) M.A. in Political Science, National University of Singapore (2006) B.A. in International Politics, Peking University (2003) Professor Han's research focuses on the complex interplay between digital technologies and authoritarian governance in China. His work examines how internet platforms simultaneously empower citizens while reinforcing state control, challenging simplistic narratives about technology's democratizing potential. He investigates social activism, media politics, political participation, and democratization within China's unique political context, with particular attention to how online expression both challenges and sustains authoritarian rule. His research reveals how pluralization of online discourse can paradoxically strengthen regime resilience by empowering pro-regime voices alongside critics. Analysis of Han's recent publications shows a clear evolution in his research focus from early work on online activism and censorship toward more sophisticated examinations of how authoritarian regimes strategically direct digital dissent. His scholarship demonstrates consistent methodological rigor combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, with increasing attention to transnational dimensions of Chinese cyber politics. The publications reveal a thematic progression from studying citizen resistance to analyzing state adaptation strategies, culminating in his conceptualization of 'directed digital dissidence' as a key mechanism of authoritarian resilience. While specific awards aren't detailed in the available information, Han's work has received significant scholarly attention and media coverage in major outlets including The Economist, Washington Post, and Rest of World. His research has demonstrably influenced academic and policy discussions about internet governance in authoritarian contexts. Professor Han maintains an active scholarly profile with approximately 50 publications and over 17,000 reads on ResearchGate. His collaborative work, particularly the 2023 book Directed Digital Dissidence in Autocracies co-authored with Jason Gainous, Andrew MacDonald, and Kevin Wagner, demonstrates his engagement with interdisciplinary research teams. He has also participated in important scholarly conversations about the challenges facing China scholars in North American academic settings, particularly regarding academic freedom and research ethics in the context of US-China tensions. His research program appears well-positioned to continue exploring the evolving relationship between digital technologies and authoritarian governance, with potential future work likely to address emerging issues such as AI governance, cross-platform information flows, and the international dimensions of cyber sovereignty debates.
Benjamin Slade is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Utah (2020–present). He previously served as Assistant Professor at the University of Utah (2013–2020) and Visiting Senior Lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington (2011–2013). Education: PhD in Linguistics (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2011), MA in Linguistics (2008) and Cognitive Science (2004), BA in English (Johns Hopkins, 1999). His research focuses on formal and historical linguistics, particularly semantics/syntax. Key areas include: Quantifier particles in cross-linguistic contexts Aspectual adverbials across languages Focus identification and labelling Sinhala and Dravidian historical syntax South Asian languages (Sanskrit, Hindi, Sinhala, Malayalam) Germanic languages (Old English, Old Norse) Hungarian linguistic features Morphological innovation in subcultures (e.g., Rastafari English, cyberpunk discourse) Recent publications examine verb-verb complexes in Indo-Aryan languages, aspectual adverbials in Hungarian, and semantic continuity from Old to Modern South Asian languages. His work combines formal analysis with diachronic investigation. Scientific Awards & Fellowships Dissertation Completion Fellowship (University of Illinois, 2010) FLAS Fellowship (University of Illinois, 2008) Cognitive Science/Artificial Intelligence Award (Beckman Institute, 2008) Jacob K. Javits Fellowship (US Department of Education, 2000) IGERT Fellowship (NSF, 1999) Slade teaches courses in historical linguistics, semantics, and language & social justice. His work bridges theoretical linguistics with cultural and historical analysis.
Andreas Pavlogiannis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aarhus University. His research focuses on formal methods , algorithmic verification , automata theory , concurrency , static and dynamic program analysis , network diffusion , evolutionary graph theory , and evolutionary game theory . Teaching courses: Programming Languages (Bachelor) , Algorithmic Model Checking (Master) , and Program Analysis (Master) Service: Program committee member for POPL, ESOP, AAAI, IJCAI, CONCUR, OOPSLA, and organizer of CONFEST'25 His research has been supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), VILLUM Foundation, Stibo Foundation, and Danish Council for Independent Research (DFF). He is actively recruiting PhD and PostDoc researchers. Recent publications span quantum computing , concurrent systems , evolutionary dynamics , and network science , with particular emphasis on symbolic algorithms , dynamic analysis , and graph-based models .
Prof. Dr. Michael Mecklenburg is a Professor of Older German Literature (Medieval Studies) at the Department of German Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kassel. His office is located at Kurt-Wolters-Straße 5, Room 3024, 34125 Kassel, with consultation hours by prior registration via Moodle. He has maintained an active teaching position through the winter semester 2024/25, offering courses including Introduction to Old German Literature and Language 1 , Konrad von Würzburg , and Middle Ages in Film . Dr. Mecklenburg's research focuses span evolutionary psychology and literature, emotionality in medieval texts, heroic poetry, early modern prose novels, medieval perception in film, ancient poetry, spiritual game, and medieval comedy. His approach uniquely combines cognitive and evolutionary perspectives with traditional literary analysis, particularly examining how emotions like shame function within medieval narrative structures. He has pioneered interdisciplinary approaches connecting medieval studies with contemporary psychological frameworks. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with narrative theory and reception studies, with particular attention to how medieval texts handle complex emotional landscapes. The publications trend shows increasing interdisciplinary work, connecting medieval literature with evolutionary psychology, gender studies, and film studies. His edited volume Adventurous 'Crossings': Premodern Intersectionality (2017) represents a significant contribution to intersectional approaches in medieval studies. Evolution - Emotion - Literature. Studies on Shame in Middle High German Narrative Poems (Habilitation thesis, 2007) Parody and Pathos. The Reception of Heroic Sagas in Historical Dietrich Epics (2002) Adventurous 'Crossings': Premodern Intersectionality (Edited volume, 2017) The Last Judgment in European Sermons (Edited volume, 2013) Throughout his career, Mecklenburg has demonstrated commitment to both teaching and research, with a distinctive focus on the emotional dimensions of medieval literature. His work bridges historical literary scholarship with contemporary theoretical approaches, creating new pathways for understanding medieval texts through modern psychological frameworks. He has contributed significantly to the study of emotion in medieval narrative, particularly through his habilitation thesis on shame in Middle High German poetry.
Zoran Oklopcic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University. He holds an LL.B. from the University of Zagreb, an Executive M.A. from Amsterdam, an LL.M. from Central European University, and an S.J.D. from the University of Toronto. He is currently on sabbatical until December 2025. His affiliations include editorial board membership at the Review of Constitutionalism and Constitutional Change and visiting positions at institutions like Harvard Law School, NYU, and the University of Edinburgh. Oklopcic's research explores the interplay of constitutional theory, political philosophy, and international law, with a focus on concepts like territorial rights, self-determination, and constituent power. His work critically examines the foundations of constitutional orders in post-conflict societies and the Global South, while challenging Western-centric legal paradigms. His current projects include monographs on the Spain-Catalonia constitutional stalemate (with Karlo Basta) and the role of hierarchy/system in Western social imaginary. His publications analyze trends in constitutional crises (e.g., Ukraine, Catalonia), secession ethics, and populism's impact on democracy. Articles often employ interdisciplinary lenses—combining legal theory, anthropology, and complexity theory—to deconstruct concepts like 'the people' and 'sovereignty.' Awards and Fellowships: MacCormick Visiting Fellow, University of Edinburgh (2013) Junior Faculty, Harvard Law School’s Institute for Global Law and Policy (2013–2015) Hauser Global Research Fellow, NYU School of Law (2014) Visiting Scholar, University of Victoria (2015)
Juergen Gadau is a behavioral ecologist and evolutionary biologist at Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences and Biosocial Complexity Initiative, specializing in sociogenomics of social insects. His research integrates molecular, genomic, and behavioral approaches to understand evolutionary processes. Education: Ph.D. from University of Würzburg (1997) Research Interests: Gadau investigates the genetic architecture of adaptive traits in social insects, focusing on speciation mechanisms, division of labor, and chemical communication. His work primarily utilizes Hymenoptera (ants, wasps, bees) as model systems, with significant contributions to understanding: Genomic basis of caste determination and reproductive division of labor Evolution of sex pheromones and hybrid incompatibilities Transposable element dynamics in invasive species Social insect genome evolution across 100 million years His publication record shows consistent focus on comparative genomics, with recent work emphasizing transposable elements in invasion biology and fine-scale mapping of parasitoid wasp genomes. Key methodologies include QTL analysis, linkage mapping, and functional genomics. Grants and Service: Gadau has secured multiple NSF and NIH grants, including leadership on projects examining genetic architecture of reproductive caste determination. He serves as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies (2008-2015) and maintains active roles as journal reviewer for Science , PNAS , and Evolution . His service includes NSF panel reviewing and editorial work for Heredity .
Matt L. Miller is a Research Fellow at Arizona State University's REACH Institute, specializing in prevention science and computational modeling of high-risk behaviors. His work bridges psychology, public health, and complex systems analysis to develop evidence-based interventions for at-risk populations. Dr. Miller's academic background includes: Ph.D. in Psychology, University of California, Davis (2019) M.A. in Psychology, University of California, Davis (2016) B.S. in Psychology, University of California, Davis (2010) His research centers on harm reduction strategies for substance use and sexual behaviors, utilizing advanced quantitative methods including agent-based modeling and latent growth curve analysis. He focuses on translating theoretical models into real-world applications through simulation of human coordination systems and organizational behavior. Current projects examine cannabis-related hospitalizations in Arizona and methodological improvements in longitudinal data analysis. Recent publications (2015-2025) reveal three dominant research streams: (1) methodological innovations in latent growth modeling and time specification, (2) public health applications analyzing cannabis-mental health relationships in Arizona hospital data, and (3) ecological and behavioral simulations using agent-based models. His work consistently integrates computational techniques across psychology, epidemiology, and wildlife management domains. As a NIH T32 postdoctoral fellow mentored by Prof. Kevin Grimm and Prof. Cady Berkel, Dr. Miller contributes to the REACH Institute's mission through the SATRN expertise network in simulation design and quantitative analysis. His research group specializes in convergent modeling approaches that integrate conceptual, computational, physical, and data-analytic frameworks. Dr. Miller maintains active research infrastructure through his lab website (convergentmodels.com), ORCID profile (0000-0002-2377-6325), and Google Scholar citations, supporting ongoing projects in behavioral intervention translation and complex systems modeling.
Professor Jan Blecharz is a distinguished faculty member at the University of Physical Education in Kraków (AWF Kraków), where he serves in the Institute of Social Sciences. With over four decades of experience in sports psychology, Professor Blecharz has established himself as a leading expert in mental preparation for top-level competitions, psychological aspects of sports injuries, and stress management techniques for athletes. His work bridges academic research with practical application in elite sports settings. Professor Blecharz's research spans multiple critical domains in sports psychology, with particular emphasis on psychological aspects of physical injuries, mental preparation for elite competition, psychosomatic regeneration, and stress management techniques. His work has evolved to address contemporary challenges, including the unique psychological profiles of Generation Z athletes and self-regulation processes in sports performance. He has developed practical frameworks that translate complex psychological theories into actionable strategies for coaches, athletes, and sports organizations. His extensive publication record shows a clear trajectory from foundational work on sports injuries and mental preparation to contemporary research on self-regulated learning, burnout prevention, and the psychological impact of extreme conditions like winter swimming. This evolution reflects both his adaptability as a researcher and the changing landscape of sports psychology as a discipline. Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2002) Gold Badge of Merit for Sport (2004) Award of the Royal City of Kraków for scientific contributions (2002) Multiple team awards from Polish sports authorities (1984-2003) Professor Blecharz has mentored numerous students and collaborators, most notably Małgorzata Siekańska, with whom he has developed a robust research program spanning over 15 years. His teaching portfolio includes sports psychology, clinical psychology and psychotherapy, general psychology, and psychosomatic regeneration, reflecting the comprehensive nature of his expertise. He has also secured research funding including a significant project at the University of Physical Education in Kraków (2004-2006) and an international collaboration at Florida State University (2008).
Rafael Pinilla-Redondo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science, where he leads the Bacterial Immunity research group within the Section of Microbiology. His laboratory, located at Universitetsparken 15 in Copenhagen, focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bacterial defense systems against phages. His research interests center on bacterial immunity, particularly how CRISPR-Cas and other bacterial immune systems evolve and function. He investigates the molecular mechanisms driving these complex systems to answer fundamental biological questions and develop novel biotechnologies. His work spans phage biology, molecular evolution, molecular biology, and genetics, with a specific emphasis on bacterial defense mechanisms against viral threats. Dr. Pinilla-Redondo's recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to understanding bacterial immune systems, particularly CRISPR-Cas variants, retrons, and other defense mechanisms. His research shows strong trends in structural biology approaches to understanding immune system function, with increasing focus on the supramolecular organization of defense complexes and their evolutionary implications. Villum Young Investigator grant (2023) His laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions, as evidenced by the international authorship on his publications. The lab has developed specialized software tools including CRISPR-Cas Typer for automated identification of CRISPR-Cas loci, Plasmid Network for exploring the global plasmidome, and Hoodini (coming soon) for genome neighborhood visualization. His work has received significant attention, with multiple papers picked up by news outlets, blogged about, and widely shared on social media platforms. The Pinilla-Redondo Lab is part of the vibrant microbiology research community at the University of Copenhagen, focusing on the evolutionary arms race between bacteria and their viral predators.
Chris William Sanchirico serves as the Samuel A. Blank Professor of Law, Business, and Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he also co-directs the Center for Tax Law and Policy. His academic career is distinguished by rigorous interdisciplinary work that bridges legal analysis with economic theory and mathematical modeling. Sanchirico's research program demonstrates remarkable breadth while maintaining methodological rigor. His primary focus lies in tax law and policy with dual emphasis on contemporary international issues and theoretical tax design. His methodology reflects the eclecticism demanded by modern legal analysis, employing mathematical models, sophisticated statistical methods, and deep institutional analysis. A unifying feature across his diverse body of work is its critical, often skeptical appraisal of how mathematical models and techniques are applied to legal issues. The trajectory of Sanchirico's scholarly output reveals evolving focus areas within tax policy. His recent work has concentrated on international tax challenges including digital services taxation, global minimum tax frameworks, and the complex issues surrounding foreign-derived intangible income. His articles consistently demonstrate how theoretical tax principles intersect with practical policy implementation challenges faced by multinational corporations and tax authorities. Sanchirico's scholarly impact is evidenced by his ranking as #14 among U.S. tax professors in the 2024 Google Scholar H-Index with an H-Index of 25. This recognition places him among the most influential tax scholars in the United States, reflecting both the quality and impact of his research contributions to the field. As Co-Director of the Center for Tax Law and Policy, Sanchirico plays a significant role in shaping contemporary tax discourse. His work frequently informs policy debates, as evidenced by his public commentary on issues such as the Biden administration's proposals for corporate foreign income taxation and Senator McConnell's approaches to pandemic recovery incentives. His research bridges academic rigor with practical policy relevance, making substantial contributions to both scholarly and policy conversations in tax law.
Tom Prince serves as a Lecturer in Business and Economics at Monmouth College's Center for Science & Business (Room 259), teaching core business courses including Advertising, Introduction to Marketing, Sports Marketing, and Business Capstone. His role bridges academic theory with real-world boardroom expectations in dynamic market environments. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Stetson University (1976), forming the foundation of his industry expertise. Professor Prince specializes in the evolution of marketing disciplines, with research emphasizing: Creative strategy development in advertising execution Consumer pattern analysis amid social networking shifts Impact of emerging media technologies on market dynamics Adaptation of traditional marketing frameworks to digital landscapes His teaching philosophy centers on preparing students to navigate complex advertising challenges through courses spanning entrepreneurship, advanced management, and citizenship, fostering readiness for contemporary business leadership.
Dr. Catherine Lou is an Associate Professor in supply chain and logistics at Victoria University Business School, part of the College of Arts, Business, Law, Education & IT. She serves as Discipline Leader for Transformative Research in Policy, Economy and Business at the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, and is the Global Head of the WiLAT Capacity Building Centre. Her academic journey began at Victoria University where she completed her PhD in Supply Chain Optimisation in 2015, after which she joined as a lecturer. Dr. Lou's educational background includes: PhD in Supply Chain Optimisation, Victoria University (2015) Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education, Victoria University (2018) MSc, BUAA, China (2010) Dr. Lou's research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas with a strong emphasis on quantitative approaches including optimisation modelling, statistics, and advanced data analysis. Her primary research areas include Supply Chain Management (focusing on sustainability, operations management, and risk management), Green Tourism and Visitor Economy, Leadership and Diversity initiatives, International Education, and Business Information Systems. Her work consistently integrates quantitative methods to address complex challenges in sustainable development and supply chain optimization, with particular attention to practical applications that benefit industry and society. Dr. Lou's publication portfolio demonstrates a clear trajectory toward increasingly interdisciplinary research that bridges supply chain management with sustainability, social justice, and wellbeing. Her recent work shows a growing emphasis on regional disparities in green manufacturing, social procurement systems, and the intersection of international student experiences with mental health. The thematic evolution of her research reflects a deepening commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through supply chain innovation, with publications appearing in D1 (top 5%) and Q1 journals across multiple disciplines. Dr. Lou has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to academia and professional practice: International Student of the Year - Postgraduate by Victoria State (2013) VU Outstanding Student Alumni Award (2015) Young Professional of the Year award by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Australia (2018) Excellence in Women's Leadership (Supply Chain Education) Award at the IEOM conference (2024) As an active researcher and mentor, Dr. Lou has secured over $$1.3$$ million in competitive research funding from diverse sources including international foundations, national and state government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and industry partners. She currently supervises multiple PhD students across various topics including AI adoption in SMEs, ESG activities, environmental sustainability in sports, and insurtech innovation. Her leadership extends to significant roles in professional organizations, particularly as Australia Chairperson and Global Vice Chairperson for Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), where she champions initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion worldwide. Dr. Lou plays a pivotal role in the WiLAT Capacity Building Centre, leading global initiatives that develop leadership capabilities and promote gender diversity in the logistics and transport sector. Her work bridges academic research with practical industry applications, creating meaningful impact across multiple sectors including tourism, infrastructure, and international education, with alignment to UN Sustainable Development Goals including Partnerships for the Goals, Good Health and Well Being, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Professor F. LeRon Shults holds a faculty position at the University of Agder's Department of Global Development and Planning. His research focuses on social simulation, computational social science, and the cognitive science of religion. He leads projects analyzing secularization trends, prosocial behavior, and pandemic response strategies through agent-based modeling. Collaborations include international teams addressing issues like religious demography, ethical AI systems, and conflict resolution. Key contributions include modeling the role of religious motivation in societal cooperation and simulating emotional contagion during crises. Research groups affiliated with him include 'Mobility, culture and gender' and 'Social simulation'. His work bridges disciplines such as sociology, cognitive science, and public policy. Recent studies explore secularization's evolutionary foundations, psychedelic experience analysis, and the ethics of artificial societies. He actively participates in conferences and publishes in journals like *Theory and Society* and *Religion, Brain and Behavior*.
