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Dr. Ravindra Jayaratne is a Reader in Coastal Engineering at the University of East London , affiliated with the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering and Department of Engineering & Construction . With over 20 years of research experience, he specializes in modelling sediment transport processes , tsunamis , storm surges , extreme waves , and glacier lake outburst floods (GLOF) . Qualifications: Doctor of Engineering (Civil Engineering), Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering), BSc, PG Cert Administrative Roles: BSc Civil Engineering Programme Leader (2011-2017), REF2021 Impact Champion, Link Tutor for multiple countries Collaborations: Academic and engineering partners in Japan, UK, Canada, Mexico, Iran, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia Research Interests focus on coastal engineering , wave hydrodynamics , wave-structure interaction , and disaster prevention mechanisms . His work integrates field data from post-disaster surveys in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Japan, and the UK with numerical and laboratory models to develop both soft engineering solutions (management strategies, education) and hard engineering solutions (predictive tools, design guidelines) for coastal resilience. Recent Publications (2025-2018) examine: Flood risk and microplastic pollution in Indonesia and the Thames Scour mechanisms around coastal structures under extreme waves Community engagement in disaster preparedness across Japan and England Beach morphological changes and sediment transport dynamics Coastal structure stability against tsunami impacts Scientific Recognition includes: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Over £182,000 in external grants from NERC, GCRF, JSPS, Waseda University, and others £103,500 in internal grants at UEL 100+ peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles Academic Leadership involves: Supervising 2 PhD students and mentoring 3 civil engineering projects Contributing to REF2014 and REF2021 submissions Leading the "Flood Risk Modelling and Mapping" research team since 2017 External examiner roles at University of Plymouth Associate Editor at Coastal Engineering Journal , Taylor & Francis

• Coastal engineering
• Wave hydrodynamics
• Sediment transport modelling
• +4 more

Paul Kitchin is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Sport at Ulster University, affiliated with the Faculty of Life & Health Sciences. His research focuses on disability sport, gambling marketing, youth development, and organizational change in sport. He holds a PhD from Loughborough University on disability cricket's organizational dynamics. His work emphasizes health and social outcomes through sport, with notable contributions to disability inclusion, gambling's societal impacts, and sport management practices. Education: PhD (Loughborough University, 2014), specializing in disability cricket’s organizational change. Research interests span disability sport policy, gambling’s influence on youth, media marketing in sport, and equity in sports venues. Recent studies include a landmark report on gambling exposure among Irish youth (CODE RED, 2024) and analyses of disabled fans’ inclusion in English football (2025). Articles collectively highlight trends in accessibility challenges, gambling’s societal role, and disability advocacy in sport governance. Key themes include institutional barriers to inclusion, marketing ethics, and participatory equity. Awards: Sustained Educational Excellence Award (2021), Outstanding Paper Award (2021), Inter-Disciplinary PhD Competition Winner (2018). Advising and grants include supervising over 10 PhD students and securing grants like the North-South Research Programme (€199,962, 2022). He has led the Ulster University Research Seed Funding (2025) and ESRC initiatives on gambling-related harms. He leads the School of Sport’s research on sport management and disability inclusion, contributing to the Centre for Sport in Society. His work bridges academia and practice through external examiner roles at multiple institutions and editorial positions in journals like Managing Sport & Leisure .

• Disability Sport
• Sport Management
• Gambling Marketing
• +4 more

Jess Savage serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Global Sustainable Development at the University of Warwick. With extensive fieldwork across Southeast Asia and Madagascar, she integrates marine ecology with socio-economic analysis to develop community-centered conservation strategies for vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology Master's degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Ph.D. research on socio-economic and ecological impacts of marine management on local communities Research Focus: Professor Savage investigates climate change adaptation through nature-based solutions, specializing in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and human-ecosystem interactions . Her work examines how local resource-dependent communities can effectively participate in habitat monitoring and conservation planning, with emphasis on socio-economic equity and ecological resilience. Publication Trends: Recent scholarship (2023-2025) reveals intensifying focus on microplastic contamination in remote marine ecosystems, manta ray conservation biology, and climate migration dynamics in Madagascar. Earlier work (2017-2020) established foundational insights into MPA governance in Southeast Asia and volunteer-based monitoring systems, demonstrating consistent interdisciplinary methodology bridging environmental science and social development. Active Research: Protected Areas and People: Warwick GCRF Catalyst-funded project exploring community perceptions of sustainable resource management practices and conservation efficacy. Teaching Contributions: She delivers core Global Sustainable Development modules including Environmental Principles (GD105), Biodiversity and Ecology (GD109), Climate Change Challenges (GD305/GD323), and Global Carbonisation (CH987), emphasizing transdisciplinary approaches to planetary challenges through both in-person and digital instruction.

• Climate Change
• Marine Conservation
• Biodiversity
• +5 more

Dr Laura Wallis serves as Senior Lecturer and Marjon Business Lead at the University of St Mark and St John, where she directs postgraduate business provision within the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation. Her academic foundation combines business expertise with specialized focus on lifestyle-driven entrepreneurship contexts. Her educational trajectory demonstrates deep institutional commitment to Plymouth-based programs: PhD in Lifestyle Entrepreneurship within Lifestyle Sports Industry (University of Plymouth) Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice with HEA Fellowship Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methodology (University of Plymouth) MSc Business and Management (University of Plymouth) BA (Hons) Business Administration (University of Plymouth) Foundation Degree Business and Management (North Devon College/University of Plymouth) Research centers on the intersection of entrepreneurial identity formation and lifestyle choices within sports industries, with particular emphasis on flexible work arrangements and work-life balance dynamics. Her investigations reveal how surf culture and rural tourism settings generate unique entrepreneurial ecosystems where lifestyle preferences directly shape business models and growth trajectories. This work bridges academic theory with practical applications for micro-enterprise development in coastal communities. Publication trends since 2016 show consistent focus on lifestyle entrepreneurship typologies within sports contexts, especially surfing communities in Southwest England. Her scholarship establishes frameworks for identifying entrepreneurial motivations in leisure-based industries while addressing rural enterprise support mechanisms and pedagogical approaches to entrepreneurial education. Key contributions include defining lifestyle entrepreneur characteristics through ethnographic studies of surfboard makers and coastal micro-businesses. Professional recognition includes: Fellowship to the Higher Education Academy Membership in the Chartered Management Institute As programme lead for business postgraduates, she mentors students through curriculum development in accounting, leadership, and entrepreneurial portfolio writing. Her research projects evaluating rural enterprise support systems demonstrate applied scholarship connecting academic work with regional economic development needs, though specific grant details remain undisclosed in source materials.

• Lifestyle Entrepreneurship
• Lifestyle Sports Industry
• Flexible Working
• +4 more

Sam Bleakley is an Associate Lecturer in Sustainable Tourism at Falmouth University, specializing in cultural geography, surf communities, and post-conflict tourism recovery. He holds a PhD from Falmouth University/University of the Arts London (2016) and MA/BA Geography from Pembroke College, Cambridge (2004/2001). His research focuses on sustainable tourism’s role in cultural exchange, particularly in regions recovering from conflict or environmental disasters. He produces the Brilliant Corners documentary series exploring grassroots surf cultures across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Professional engagements include: World Surf League Broadcaster for World Longboard Championships Consultant for Sustainable Surf Tourism in Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and China Fellowships with Royal Geographical Society and Tourism Society Key areas of expertise include blue health, coastal sustainability, and mindfulness in tourism management. His work bridges academic research with practical initiatives through films, books (e.g., Surfing Brilliant Corners ), and educational programs.

• Sustainable Tourism
• Surf Communities
• Cultural Exchange
• +4 more

Professor Hisham Elkadi is the Chair of Architecture and former Executive Dean at the University of Salford. His research focuses on urban regeneration, cultural built heritage, and Smart Urban Futures (SURF) group leadership. He has secured £20M+ in grants from EU FP6, ERDF, AHRC, and others. Previously, he held senior roles at Deakin University, University of Newcastle, and Belfast’s School of Architecture and Design. His research interests span Urban Ecology, Sustainable Urban Futures, Smart Cities, and Energy Building Performance. Notable projects include the £19M ERDF Energy House 2 and the EU/UIA IGNITION project (€1.6M). He has supervised 25+ PhD students and authored 140+ publications, including 5 books. Elkadi’s work emphasizes community-based heritage conservation and climate resilience, such as ‘up the wall’ in Northern Ireland and Geelong’s Urban Food Hub. He chairs the Greater Manchester Low Carbon Board and is an honorary professor at KIT (Germany) and Taylor’s University (Malaysia). Awards include the UK Flood & Coast Excellence Award for IGNITION. His recent research explores urban heat islands, green infrastructure, and social capital’s role in SME resilience. Projects like the Manchester Ship Canal ecological corridor highlight his transformative urban design philosophy.

• Urban Ecology
• Sustainable Urban Futures
• Smart Cities
• +5 more

Peter Wiltshier is a Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Spa Management at the University of Derby. His research focuses on community-based tourism, religious pilgrimage management, and wellness tourism, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of tourism with cultural heritage, indigenous rights, and sustainable development. He has authored or co-authored influential books including Managing Religious Tourism (2019) and Community-based Tourism in the Developing World (2019). Key Research Themes: Religious tourism management, community development through tourism, wellness services integration, and cultural preservation. Recent Collaborations: Worked with institutions like the Church of England on heritage tourism (2015), and co-led studies on the Chatham Islands' indigenous tourism (2008) and Wirksworth's knowledge transfer initiatives (2014). His publications span academic journals like the International Journal of Religious Tourism & Pilgrimage and Journal of Tourism Futures , exploring topics such as volunteer roles in pilgrimage management (2014), spa services in surf tourism (2018), and virtual cultural tourism frameworks (2016). His research often bridges theoretical models with applied solutions for communities and sacred site managers. Wiltshier has contributed to policy-oriented studies such as Lessons learned: knowledge management and tourism development (2012), emphasizing practical outcomes for stakeholders. His work consistently advocates for endogenous development, particularly in marginalized or culturally significant regions.

• Tourism Management
• Community Development
• Religious Tourism
• +3 more

Dr. James Marshall is a Research Fellow at the School of Applied Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University. His work focuses on surf therapy, mental health interventions, and program theory development within Sport for Development (SFD) initiatives. PhD in Programme Theory within Surf Therapy (2018-2022) Research interests center on surf therapy's role in improving mental health for post-conflict communities, emergency responders, and individuals with acquired brain injury. His methodological expertise includes Delphi studies , grounded theory , and mixed methods . Recent publications (2019-2024) analyze surf therapy program theories across global contexts (Sierra Leone, Liberia, USA) and examine safe space implementation in SFD projects. Key findings highlight the importance of non-judgmental environments , physical therapeutic elements , and community engagement for mental health outcomes.

• Surf Therapy
• Mental Health Interventions
• Sport for Development
• +4 more

Dr. Bob Brewin is an Associate Professor in Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Exeter, UK, and a UKRI Future Leader Fellow. His career includes roles as Senior Lecturer (2021–2024) and Lecturer (2019–2021) at Exeter, alongside prior positions at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the National Centre for Earth Observation. His research focuses on satellite remote sensing of marine biogeochemistry, phytoplankton dynamics, and citizen science for environmental monitoring. Educated at the University of Plymouth, he holds a PhD in Marine Remote Sensing (2019), MSc in Applied Marine Science (201?), and BSc in Surf Science and Technology (1st class honours). His work bridges global and regional scales, studying ecosystems from polar waters to tropical oceans. Key research interests include marine optics, primary production, bio-optical modeling, and developing algorithms for phytoplankton group detection via remote sensing. He also advocates for citizen science to enhance observations in under-sampled regions, such as using low-cost tools like Secchi disks for water quality monitoring. His TEDx talk in 2019 explored the role of outdoor recreation in managing environmental change, linking societal awareness to climate action. Scientific awards include the UKRI Future Leader Fellowship (2021–present). Brewin collaborates globally, contributing to initiatives like the Atlantic Meridional Transect and NEOM marine ecosystem monitoring. His work integrates ecological concepts with advanced modeling, addressing climate variability impacts on phytoplankton distribution and ocean health.

• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Satellite Oceanography
• Phytoplankton Dynamics
• +5 more

Sharon Wilson is an active Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Strategy at Northumbria University Business School, specializing in Transport Mobilities, Cultural Geographies, and Tourism. Her interdisciplinary research engages with embodiment theory and non-representational theory to address societal mobility challenges. PhD in Tourism, University of Sunderland (awarded 2017) MSc (awarded 2017) MA in Fine Art (awarded 2006) MA in Photography (awarded 2005) Wilson's research centers on critical mobilities studies, examining how movement shapes social relations through innovative frameworks like infrastructural violence analysis and mobile homemaking. Her work bridges tourism studies, human-animal interactions, and disability inclusion, with significant contributions to understanding e-scooter cultures, deaf tourism, and military infrastructure legacies. She actively promotes mobilities as essential for societal modernization through global academic networks. Her publication trends reveal deep engagement with spatial justice, emphasizing embodiment in infrastructure (2024), advancing deaf tourism scholarship (2023), and exploring urban human-animal encounters (2022). Key thematic clusters include mobility justice, sensory accessibility, and critical infrastructure studies across geography and tourism journals. As a dedicated research supervisor, Wilson leads multiple major projects including the £180K Leverhulme Trust-funded "Life Stories of Infrastructure" (2023-2026) and recently completed the "Surfing the City" e-scooter study. She serves on the editorial committee of Applied Mobilities and actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through mobility justice research. Wilson maintains a robust fieldwork practice, having presented at 20+ conferences worldwide and planned research at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Her collaborative approach spans geography, tourism, and environmental studies communities, with recent work examining campervan cultures, infrastructural violence, and multisensory tourism.

• Transport Mobilities
• Cultural Geographies
• Tourism Studies
• +7 more

Rachael Telford is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Sport within the Faculty of Life & Health Sciences at Ulster University. She holds multiple administrative roles, including Course Director for the MSc Sport & Exercise Nutrition, undergraduate work experience placement coordinator, Erasmus coordinator, and study abroad lead. She co-leads employability initiatives and developed a pioneering employability website resource for students. Education: PhD in Sport Studies from Ulster University (2009). Research focuses on sport and national identity, lifestyle/exreme sports, teaching pedagogy, and student employability. She has contributed to editorial roles like the editorial board of Sport in Society since 2009 and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her work addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals through sport’s role in community integration and social cohesion. Notable achievements include establishing Ulster as Northern Ireland’s first Active IQ accredited fitness assessment center. Awards: Ulster Education Excellence Award (2025) Key Activities: Organized European Association for Sport Management Conference (2023)

• Sport and National Identity
• Lifestyle and Extreme Sports
• Teaching and Learning Research
• +3 more

Paul Cook is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Sport Management at Northumbria University. His career spans academic leadership, interdisciplinary research, and international collaboration. PhD in Marketing (2013) MA Sport Coaching and Development with distinction (2003) First-class BSc in Surf Science and Technology (2003) Association for Project Management Professionals Qualification (2004) Research focuses on: authenticity in global surf brand marketing , student journey experiences , human interaction in sport business contexts , and methodological approaches for authentic representation . His work intersects with Social Inclusion, Women’s Sport & Wellbeing, and Sport Pedagogy research groups. Recent publications examine: brand value co-creation in education marketing, surf tourism ethics, micro-celebrity influence on social media, and ethnographic insights into leisure experiences. He previously secured £10m+ in competitive EU funding and developed international programs in Singapore, Barcelona, and Thailand through partnerships like FC Barcelona and Barca Innovation Hub. Active in interdisciplinary research groups (Cornwall Air Quality, Social Inclusion) Led award-winning SMART Women education project replicated across Europe

• Sport Management
• Surf Brand Marketing
• Authenticity in Marketing
• +5 more

Dr. Brendon Ferrier is a Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences, where he integrates sports science, biomechanics, and mental health research. Holding a PhD in Biomechanics from Edith Cowan University and an MSc in Sports Medicine from the University of Glasgow, he co-founded the Surf Lab at Edinburgh Napier University in collaboration with Lost Shore Surf Resort. His work spans surf therapy, wearable sensor applications in education, and high-performance sports research. BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, Edith Cowan University MSc in Biomechanics, Edith Cowan University PhD in Biomechanics, Edith Cowan University MSc in Sports Medicine, University of Glasgow Dr. Ferrier’s research focuses on surf therapy for mental health in post-conflict/post-epidemic contexts, wearable sensors in educational and sports performance settings, and biomechanical analysis of surfing and cricket. His work has been published in journals like International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research , with recent studies on emergency responders’ mental health and adolescent cricket training . He actively contributes to scientific awards through international recognition, including the International Mobility Award from Portugal’s Foundation of Science and Technology. His scientific advisory roles include the Great Britain Surfing ED&I Advisory Board and Scottish Surfing Performance Committee. Dr. Ferrier’s educational outreach via the STEMfit program has engaged global student teams in Olympic-style competitions using sports technology. International Mobility Award - Foundation of Science and Technology Portugal International Sports Engineering Association - Idea Award for Integrity As a research supervisor , he guides postgraduate students in projects such as Digital Twins and Virtual Reality and PDK-X Inhibitors for Endometrial Cancer . He also collaborates with organizations like the Australian Institute of Sport , Scottish Institute of Sport , and Lost Shore Surf Resort , emphasizing community impact and translational research.

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Surf Therapy
• +3 more

Dr. Luigi La Spada is a Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment. His academic journey includes a PostDoctoral Research Assistant position at Queen Mary University of London (2014-2017) and a Lecturer role at Coventry University (2017-2018). He is actively involved with multiple research groups including the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic, Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science Engineering Research Group, and Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyberphysical Systems. His educational background includes: Bachelor's and Master's degree (summa cum laude) in Electronics Engineering from University of RomaTre (2008, 2010) PhD in Electronic Engineering (Biomedical Electronics, Electromagnetics, and Telecommunications) from University of RomaTre and University of Pennsylvania (2011-2014) Dr. La Spada's research spans metamaterials engineering, electromagnetic wave control, and advanced sensor development, with significant contributions to metasurface applications and nanoparticle technology. His work has expanded into AI applications for security systems, quantum cryptography for UAV communications, and medical diagnostics. His interdisciplinary approach bridges theoretical electromagnetic concepts with practical engineering solutions across aerospace, healthcare, and agricultural technology sectors. His publication record shows a clear evolution from fundamental electromagnetic research toward applied technologies, particularly in quantum-enhanced security systems, AI-driven biometrics, and medical applications of metamaterials. Recent work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between electromagnetic theory, quantum physics, and artificial intelligence, with increasing focus on practical implementations in aerospace, healthcare, and agricultural monitoring systems. Dr. La Spada has received significant recognition for his research contributions: 2018 Advances in Engineering (AIE) 'key scientific contributor to excellence in science and engineering research' 2017 URSI Young Scientist Award (Canada) Finalist for 2017 IEEE Young Scientist Award 2016 ISAP Best Paper Award (Japan) 2015 EAI recognition for 'new technologies in telecommunications and sensing' His research has received international scientific recognition and media coverage from CNN, CBS, Times, and Aspen Institute. Dr. La Spada currently supervises PhD student Nida Zeeshan on AI-based biometrics facial recognition. He has secured substantial research funding including a £184,194 European Commission grant for Intelligent Multi-Agent Robotic Systems (iMARS) and multiple Scottish Funding Council projects totaling over £74,000. His current grants span robotics, AI visual systems, medical device development (Airglove technology), and wireless power transfer. Dr. La Spada is actively involved in the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic and Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyberphysical Systems, where he contributes to developing innovative methods in AI, Robotics, IoT, and 5G technologies. His work connects theoretical electromagnetic concepts with practical applications in healthcare, aerospace, and security systems.

• Metamaterials and Metasurfaces
• Electromagnetic Wave Control
• Nanoparticle Engineering
• +6 more

Dr. Naghmeh Moradpoor is an Associate Professor in Cybersecurity & Networks at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment. She serves as program leader for MSc Advanced Security and Cybercrime and MSc Cyber Security (GA), and is a core member of the Centre for Distributed Computing, Networking and Cybersecurity. Her research spans Industrial Control System security, Critical Infrastructure Protection, IoT cybersecurity, and autonomous vehicle security. Key areas include: Anomaly detection in ICS/CNI Adversarial machine learning defense Federated learning for security Blockchain for cybersecurity Cyberbullying detection Recent publications demonstrate leadership in next-generation security challenges, particularly in connected autonomous vehicles and critical infrastructure protection. Her work combines cryptographic innovations with practical security implementations across multiple domains. Award highlights: Outstanding Woman in Cyber (Scottish Cyber Awards 2017) Top 2% most cited researcher worldwide (AD Scientific Index 2023) Multiple ENSA teaching/supervision nominations She actively supervises PhD students in cybersecurity domains and serves as Academic Editor for multiple journals including Security and Communication Networks and IET Information Security. Her leadership extends to organizing major conferences including SINCONF and CCNI.

• Cybersecurity
• Industrial Control Systems Security
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• +7 more