Professor Ashantha Goonetilleke is a leading academic in Water/Environmental Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) , School of Civil & Environmental Engineering. With over 300 publications and $14M+ in research funding, his work focuses on climate change adaptation, integrated water resources management (IWRM), and sustainable urban water systems. Key roles: Technical Advisor to Brisbane Airport Corporation (10 years), Professorial Chair in Airport Innovation (5 years), Director for Infrastructure Research (QUT, 2005–2010), Discipline Leader for Civil Engineering (2017–2019) Research pillars: Water Quality Protection: Microplastics, PFAS, and urban pollutant dynamics Risk-Based Water Recycling: Decentralized systems and life-cycle analysis Infrastructure Resilience: Climate change impacts on water supply systems WASH Innovations: Decentralized sanitation and SDG6 implementation His 15 most recent articles (2023–2025) highlight expertise in nanotechnology for water purification, flood resilience strategies, and microplastics-heavy metal interactions. Awards include QUT's Vice-Chancellor's recognition for research-industry partnerships (2007, 2009). Supervised over 40 PhD students, with notable works on stormwater pollutant modeling and climate adaptation frameworks.
Ignacio Merino SanchezFayos is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Design and Arts, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, where he teaches Digital Design: 3D CAD Advanced. His academic work integrates theoretical instruction with hands-on design practice, focusing on sustainable innovation within industrial production systems. Merino's research centers on sustainable design methodologies, digital manufacturing processes, and DIY culture's role in redefining industrial production. His work through the Design Friction Lab explores the intersection of high-tech and low-tech solutions, emphasizing ethical production, material longevity, and aesthetic functionality in contemporary design. His design portfolio demonstrates consistent innovation in sustainable object creation, spanning safety equipment, modular furniture, and everyday products. These projects exhibit recurring themes of user-centered adaptation, material efficiency, and reinterpretation of traditional objects for modern urban contexts, often utilizing digital fabrication techniques like 3D printing farms. Merino's work has achieved international recognition through exhibitions at Milan Design Week, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Vitra Design Museum, showcasing how digital manufacturing can enable transparent, fast, and intricate production systems while addressing environmental concerns. His notable recognition includes: Red Dot Award 2020 for the SEVENTWENTY helmet design As co-founder of the Design Friction Lab, Merino leads initiatives like DIYR (Do It Yourself Revolution) and Sustainable Smart Parasites, which investigate how prosumer-driven practices can reshape industrial production. The lab's philosophy combines simplicity, longevity, ethics, and aesthetics to create sustainable technology-enabled systems that challenge conventional manufacturing paradigms.
Professor Julia Branson is a faculty member at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the GeoData Institute. Her research spans geospatial analysis, environmental science, and urban planning, with particular expertise in applying geographic information systems to solve complex societal challenges. Research Interests Professor Branson's research focuses on the application of geospatial technologies to diverse fields including emergency response systems, environmental management, and third sector organization mapping. Her work bridges technical geospatial analysis with practical applications in public health, conservation, and urban planning. She has particular expertise in translating complex spatial data into actionable insights for policymakers and service providers. Her research portfolio demonstrates a consistent thread of using geographic information to address real-world problems, from optimizing ambulance services for elderly populations to understanding coastal resilience in the face of climate change. This interdisciplinary approach has positioned her as a key contributor to both academic research and practical applications of geospatial science. Research Trends Professor Branson's publications reveal an evolving research trajectory that began with foundational work in environmental science and coastal management, then expanded into urban planning and retail geography, before focusing more recently on emergency response systems and third sector mapping. Her work consistently applies geospatial analysis to diverse domains, demonstrating the versatility of these methods across disciplinary boundaries. Recent publications show a growing emphasis on applying geospatial techniques to healthcare delivery and emergency services, particularly for vulnerable populations. This represents a strategic shift toward more socially impactful applications of geospatial science, while maintaining her strong foundation in environmental applications. Research Projects and Funding Marine Gazetteer for UK Waters ESRC Emerging international connections of philanthropy (funded by ESRC) Geodata Research Activity (funded by VARIOUS) Research analysis of mobile phone coverage using crowd-sourced data (funded by SASA-Citizens Advice Bureau Southampton) Research Environment As a member of the GeoData Institute at the University of Southampton, Professor Branson works within a collaborative research environment focused on advancing geospatial science and its applications. The institute provides a platform for interdisciplinary research connecting environmental science, urban planning, public health, and social sciences through the common lens of spatial analysis.
Jane M Caffrey serves as a Distinguished University Professor at the University of West Florida's Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, with dual appointments at the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation and Biology Education programs. Her research integrates field and laboratory approaches to address critical estuarine ecosystem challenges in the Florida Panhandle, focusing on human impacts on water quality and habitat restoration. Her academic foundation includes: PhD in Marine Science from University of Maryland College Park (1989), dissertation on nitrogen cycling in estuarine sediments MS in Marine Science from Louisiana State University (1983) BA in Biology from Cornell University (1981) Dr. Caffrey's research centers on estuarine biogeochemistry , with particular emphasis on nitrogen cycling dynamics , seagrass ecosystem function , and microbial-ecosystem interactions . She investigates how human activities alter nutrient flows and oxygen dynamics in coastal habitats, employing both traditional sampling and sensor technologies. Her work bridges fundamental ecological processes with practical management applications for seagrass restoration and water quality protection. Recent publications demonstrate growing integration of citizen science in seagrass monitoring and water quality assessment across the Florida Panhandle. Key trends include advancing light attenuation modeling for habitat mapping, evaluating artificial reef ecosystem services , and developing science-based frameworks for emerging estuary management programs . Her work increasingly addresses climate change impacts on hydroclimatic patterns and estuarine resilience. Major recognitions include: Distinguished University Professor (2022) Mercator Fellow, University of Rostock (2021) Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring (2020) Distinction in Research and Scholarly Activities Award (2019) Nautilus Award, UWF Honors Program (2013) Dr. Caffrey has secured significant external funding from the EPA, Electric Power Research Institute, and state agencies for projects including long-term mercury deposition studies, phosphorus spill impact assessments, and current technical support for Florida Panhandle Estuary Programs. She actively mentors undergraduate researchers through field-based citizen science initiatives like Project Oyster Pensacola, emphasizing hands-on learning in ecosystem restoration. She leads research at UWF's Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation while collaborating with newly formed Estuary Programs across Northwest Florida, providing critical data analysis and technical expertise for ecosystem-based management initiatives.
Dr. Amelia Wenger is a Senior Research Fellow at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland , and leads the Water Pollution Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society . Her research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to water pollution management, coral reef conservation, and integrated land-sea planning, emphasizing ecological and social connectivity. Research Themes : Biodiversity conservation, environmental management, marine biology Collaborations : Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Centre for Marine Science Research Interests include wastewater pollution management, integrated watershed management, and coral reef conservation. Her work addresses pollution assessment, monitoring, and cross-sector collaboration for co-benefits to nature and people. Recent Research Trends highlight spatial frameworks for sanitation, watershed management solutions, and global coral reef refugia diversification. She emphasizes pollution impacts on marine ecosystems, climate resilience, and human-health-environment links. Supervision involves advising PhD projects on sediment pollution, coral reef resilience, and watershed management in the Pacific. Collaborators include experts in marine science, environmental policy, and public health. Funding includes grants from the Wildlife Conservation Society, Coral Accelerator Program, and BRIN-KONEKSI, supporting projects on marine debris, climate resilience, and pollution risk assessment tools.
Iñaki Vadillo-Pérez is a Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Malaga's School of Sciences, specializing in hydrogeology and environmental water systems. His research focuses on aquifer characterization, water contamination analysis, and isotopic techniques for understanding groundwater processes in Mediterranean and volcanic environments. His research interests include hydrogeochemistry, karst and volcanic aquifer systems, water contamination sources and processes, isotopic characterization methods, and environmental monitoring of cave systems. Vadillo-Pérez has conducted extensive research on the Guadalhorce river basin in Southern Spain and volcanic aquifers in Costa Rica, examining nitrate pollution, emerging contaminants, and groundwater recharge processes. His publication record shows consistent research activity from 2014 through 2024, with recent work examining pandemic impacts on cave microclimates, methane origins in peridotite massifs, and emerging contaminants in Mediterranean water basins. His research demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach combining hydrochemical analysis, isotopic techniques, and statistical modeling to address complex water resource challenges. Vadillo-Pérez has collaborated extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, contributing to numerous studies on water quality assessment, aquifer vulnerability, and environmental protection in sensitive karst and volcanic systems. His work has significant implications for water management policies in Mediterranean regions facing increasing water scarcity and contamination challenges.
Lars Wadsö is a Professor at the Division of Building Materials under the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) at Lund University . He contributes to the Circular Building Sector profile area, focusing on sustainable construction materials and hydration processes in cement-based systems. His research expertise spans isothermal calorimetry , hydration analysis , and moisture property evaluation of building materials. He investigates bio-based insulation performance , stabilized dredged material quality , and thermal properties of sustainable materials , with a strong emphasis on applications for the UN Sustainable Development Goals . Recent publications highlight calorimetric methodologies for assessing material hydration, strength development, and moisture interactions. His work bridges materials science with environmental engineering , particularly in circular construction technologies and low-carbon material development . Collaborative projects include Urban Arena and Advancing optical microscopy for materials engineering . He supervises PhD candidates in cement hydration and material stabilization and contributes to national geodata standards through interdisciplinary research networks.
Charles de Lannoy is an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering department at McMaster University . His research focuses on Membrane Technology , Environmental Remediation , and Electrochemical Processes for water treatment and CO2 capture. Recent publications highlight advancements in membrane fouling prediction , electrically conductive membranes , and CO2 removal via electrochemical systems . His work spans both theoretical and applied domains, including mask filtration efficiency during the pandemic. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses such as Advanced Mass Transfer , Particle Electrokinetics , and Mass Transfer and Stagewise Operations , with a consistent focus on chemical engineering fundamentals since 2017.
Reza Hosseinpourpia is an Associate Professor at the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Linnaeus University, Sweden. With a Dr. rer. nat. degree in wood biology from Göttingen University, his work focuses on enhancing wood properties through thermal and chemical modifications, bio-based adhesives, and sustainable composites. Research Themes: Thermal/chemical wood modification Renewable adhesive systems Hygroscopicity control Wood-polymer composites Current Projects: Graphene applications in bioadhesives Artificial heartwood development Fire protection with bio-modification Machine learning for moisture prediction Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes tannin-based treatments, starch modification for adhesives, and agricultural byproduct utilization in composites. Key journals include BioResources , Polymers , and Wood and Fiber Science . Methodology: Combines analytical chemistry (FTIR, TGA), mechanical testing, and environmental aging studies to improve bio-based materials' durability and industrial viability.
Nuša Cukrov is a Research associate at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, affiliated with the Division for Marine and Environmental Research and the Laboratory for physical chemistry of traces. Her work focuses on marine environmental systems, particularly the Krka River Estuary in Croatia, where she investigates sediment composition and contaminant dynamics. Her research spans Marine Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, and Sedimentology, with specialized expertise in Trace Metal Analysis (copper, mercury, vanadium), Microplastics distribution, and Karst Hydrology. She examines ecological risks from anthropogenic pollution in estuarine and subterranean aquatic systems, employing advanced analytical techniques to assess metal speciation and microplastic transport across salinity gradients. Analysis of her 2019-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on the Krka River Estuary, with key themes including sediment diagenesis, metal contamination sources, microplastic pollution pathways, and microbial community dynamics in anchialine caves. Her methodological approach integrates voltammetry, metagenomics, and radon tracing to address nutrient fluxes and contaminant behavior in complex hydrological systems. She operates within the Laboratory for physical chemistry of traces, collaborating extensively with international teams on projects ranging from ecological video monitoring of Marine Protected Areas to karstic groundwater discharge studies. Her co-authorship patterns indicate strong interdisciplinary networks across marine biology, geochemistry, and environmental engineering disciplines.
Ana Cvitešić Kušan is a Researcher at the Ruđer Bošković Institute's Division for Marine and Environmental Research, focusing on atmospheric and marine biogeochemistry. Her work spans aerosol characterization, black carbon dynamics, and electrochemical analysis of sulfur species in marine environments. Key affiliations: Ruđer Bošković Institute, Laboratory for Marine and Atmospheric Biogeochemistry Her research integrates Environmental Chemistry and Atmospheric Science , with recent studies on SARS-CoV-2 in airborne particles, wildfire impacts on marine ecosystems, and aerosol deposition effects on the Adriatic Sea. Articles highlight trends in Climate Change , Pollution , and Marine-Atmosphere Exchange . As an electrochemistry expert, she mentors students like Ivona Mikić and Sara Vignjević. Her contact email is Ana.Cvitesic@irb.hr . Publications emphasize interdisciplinary methods, combining field campaigns (e.g., Brijuni National Park, Rogoznica Lake) with advanced analytical techniques.
Dr. Phil Hollyman is a Lecturer in the School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University, specializing in marine fisheries research. Previously, he worked as a fisheries ecologist at the British Antarctic Survey from June 2018 to December 2023, where he conducted extensive research on fisheries around South Georgia in the South Atlantic. His expertise spans ecosystem-based fisheries management, sclerochronology, and geochemistry for improving fisheries management and understanding marine species life histories. Dr. Hollyman completed his PhD in 2017 on Age, Growth and Reproductive Assessment of the Whelk, Buccinum undatum, in Coastal Shelf Seas and earned his BSc in MMBiol in 2011. His doctoral research developed innovative age determination methods for whelks using aquarium-based growth experiments and advanced geochemical techniques, which are now widely used in fisheries management. His research interests focus on the development and implementation of ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management, with particular emphasis on Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems. He utilizes sclerochronology and geochemistry to elucidate connectivity and life histories of fish and molluscs, and has pioneered the use of fixed-wing drones for monitoring penguin and seal populations. His work addresses critical challenges in fisheries science, including bycatch reporting in Antarctic krill fisheries and ecological aspects of commercially exploited fish species. Analysis of Dr. Hollyman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Southern Ocean ecosystems, particularly around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. His research spans multiple disciplines including marine ecology, fisheries science, conservation biology, and biogeography. Key themes include food web dynamics, population structure of commercially important species like toothfish, deep-sea biodiversity, and the application of innovative monitoring technologies. His work consistently addresses practical fisheries management challenges while advancing fundamental ecological understanding. Dr. Hollyman currently supervises four PhD students: Sarah Al-Jutaili (Bangor University), José Abreu (University of Coimbra), Madeline Anderson (British Antarctic Survey), and Huw James (Newcastle University). These projects are funded by organizations including the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, and NERC IAPETUS DTP. Previously, he supervised three PhD students to completion: Charlotte Colvin, José Queirós, and Patrick Keith. His research is supported by multiple funding sources including NERC, the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, and the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Dr. Hollyman collaborates extensively with researchers at the British Antarctic Survey, University of Coimbra, and other international institutions. His work has practical applications for fisheries management in Antarctic waters and contributes to the development of ecosystem-based approaches worldwide.
Dr. James Waggitt is a Lecturer in Marine Biology/Ecology at the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University. He completed his PhD in Marine Ecology at the University of Aberdeen (2011-2015), followed by work as a Research Officer within the NERC-funded Marine Ecosystems Research Program (MERP) before becoming a lecturer in August 2017. His academic journey includes an MRes in Marine Biology (2009-2010) and BSc in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology (2006-2009), both from Plymouth University. Dr. Waggitt's research focuses on understanding how behavioral and environmental factors influence the distributions of cetaceans and seabirds in space and time. His work is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with statisticians, oceanographers, and engineers to understand how physical processes influence marine species behavior and movement. This research has significant implications for predicting spatial and temporal overlap with offshore developments and responses to climate change, ultimately facilitating effective marine spatial planning. His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on marine renewable energy impacts, cetacean and seabird spatial ecology, climate change effects, and marine conservation planning. His work spans multiple geographic regions including the North-East Atlantic, Antarctic Peninsula, and UK waters, with particular attention to tidal stream environments and their ecological significance. As an active supervisor, Dr. Waggitt mentors multiple PhD and MRes students, with research interests centered on cetaceans and seabirds, especially projects combining oceanographic and ecological disciplines. His external responsibilities include serving as a British Ecological Society Grant Reviewer and participating in several ICES working groups (Biodiversity, Marine Mammal Ecology, Joint Cetacean Data Protocol, and Seabird Working Groups). He also serves as a Trustee and Consultant for the Sea Watch Foundation, a cetacean conservation NGO. Dr. Waggitt holds leadership roles as Summer Internship Coordinator (since 2021) and Postgraduate Research Director (since 2023), and leads multiple research projects including PELAgIO (Physics-to-Ecosystem Level Assessment of Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms) with funding extending to 2026. His research has attracted substantial grant funding from sources including NERC, DEFRA, The Crown Estate, and Marine Scotland.
Guillaume Pédehontaa-Hiaa is an Associate Researcher in Medical Radiation Physics at Lund University, Malmö, specializing in radiochemistry and environmental radioactivity. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through radiation protection research and is affiliated with Particle and Nuclear Physics. His research spans radiochemistry, analytical chemistry, separation science, and radiation physics, focusing on radionuclide behavior in marine/terrestrial ecosystems, nuclear facility safety assessments, and spallation-source measurement techniques. Key areas include radioactive isotope monitoring in Swedish coastal waters, crop uptake of ESS-specific radionuclides, and carbon-14 dynamics near nuclear power plants. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in long-term environmental radioactivity studies, particularly dose modeling for ESS accidents, historical radionuclide tracking in algae, and baseline measurements for agricultural safety. His work emphasizes practical applications for regulatory bodies like the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. Dr. Pédehontaa-Hiaa actively leads projects including 'Imaging of marine bioindicators for environmental monitoring' (2024-2026) and 'Radioecology of 14C at Ringhals NPP', leveraging infrastructure like the Alpha and Gamma Spectrometry Laboratory. He collaborates extensively with researchers across Sweden and internationally on nuclear safety initiatives. He engages in public science communication through school programs (e.g., 'Naturvetenskapsprogrammet Fysikspets') and events like Kulturnatten, promoting radiation safety awareness in community settings.
Juha M. Kotilainen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland. His research focuses on collaborative governance frameworks for natural resources, addressing complex challenges that require multi-stakeholder solutions. Key research areas include circular economy transitions, critical raw material governance, mining policy, conflict mediation, and social acceptance of green technologies. He is actively involved in the Research Center for Mining, Minerals and Society (CEMMS) and leads the project Capacity building for the local governance of mineral exploration and mining (CAMI) (2025-2026). His interdisciplinary work bridges environmental policy, governance studies, and sustainability science. Kotilainen's publications demonstrate consistent focus on sustainable resource governance with emphasis on: Innovative frameworks for community-industry collaboration Policy analysis of biodiversity offsetting mechanisms Transdisciplinary approaches to critical material sustainability Comparative studies of mining governance across European contexts Conflict resolution strategies in natural resource management No scientific awards or student advisements are documented in available sources. Research activities are conducted through institutional collaborations at the University of Eastern Finland.
