Fernando Sánchez-Figueroa is a Full Professor at the University of Extremadura's Department of Computer Systems Engineering and Telematics. He is a co-founder of Homeria Open Solutions, a spin-off engaged in R&D projects under EU frameworks. His research focuses on Software Engineering, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, and Ambient Intelligence. He has authored over 50 scientific articles and led numerous R&D contracts with public and private entities. Key roles include: Academic: Full Professor at University of Extremadura Entrepreneur: Co-founder of Homeria Open Solutions Research: Participation in EU-funded projects and development of AI-driven solutions for healthcare, smart cities, and education Research Interests: Machine Learning applications in healthcare, predictive analytics for education, and sustainable smart city technologies. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations, such as medical image segmentation using SAM models and cost-efficient UAV systems. Publications: Recent works include decision support systems for employability analysis, zero-shot learning in medical imaging, and recommender systems for education. He emphasizes data-driven approaches and model-driven engineering in software development. Impact: Developed tools like CompareML for preliminary data analysis and LiveSankey for advanced web visualization. His contributions span academia and industry, addressing challenges in healthcare, urban sustainability, and educational technology.
Nick Thieberger is an Associate Professor in the School of Languages and Linguistics at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He also holds adjunct positions at the University of Sydney, University of Hawai'i, LaTrobe University, Australian National University, and the University of Tasmania. Thieberger serves as Director of PARADISEC (Pacific and Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures), President of DELAMAN (Digital Endangered Languages and Musics Archives Network), and Deputy Director of the Research Unit for Indigenous Language at the University of Melbourne. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and leads multiple major research projects including Nyingarn and Modularised cultural heritage archives. Thieberger's primary research interests focus on language documentation, endangered languages, and digital archiving methodologies. His work bridges linguistics, digital humanities, and Indigenous language preservation, with particular emphasis on Pacific and Australian Indigenous languages. He has developed innovative approaches to linguistic archiving, including the creation of PARADISEC, which has become a model for digital language archives worldwide. His research spans theoretical linguistics, practical archiving solutions, and community-based language work, with significant contributions to Nafsan (South Efate) language documentation and Australian Indigenous language preservation. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward integrating digital humanities with language documentation, particularly focusing on computational approaches to endangered language preservation. Thieberger's work increasingly addresses ethical considerations in linguistic archiving, community-led documentation models, and the development of platforms that give Indigenous communities control over their linguistic heritage. His research shows a progression from descriptive linguistics toward infrastructure development for language preservation, with growing emphasis on access protocols, data sovereignty, and the technical challenges of long-term digital preservation. Open Scholarship Award (2025) for PARADISEC team Digital Repository of Ireland Award for Research and Innovation (2024) DASSH award for Research Partnership and Social Impact (2021) Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities (2021) Ludwig Leichhardt Jubilee Fellowship by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2013-2015) ARC Australian Postdoctoral award (2004-2007) QEII Fellowship (2009-2014) Future Fellowship (2014-2018) Thieberger has secured substantial grant funding throughout his career, including multiple ARC grants as Chief Investigator. He leads the ARC LIEF grant 'Nyingarn: a platform for primary sources in Australian Indigenous languages' (2021-2025) and another ARC LIEF grant for 'Modularised cultural heritage archives – future-proofing PARADISEC' (2022-2025). He also serves as Chief Investigator in the ARDC-funded 'Online Heritage Resource Manager to Describo Collections' project (2023-2024) and in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language (2014-2025). His grant portfolio reflects his dual focus on theoretical linguistic research and practical infrastructure development for language preservation. Thieberger directs PARADISEC, a pioneering digital archive for endangered language materials that has become an international model. He also leads the Nyingarn project team, which is developing a platform specifically for Australian Indigenous language materials. Through DELAMAN, he coordinates with other language archives worldwide to establish best practices for digital language preservation. His work with the Language Data Commons of Australia (LDACA) further demonstrates his commitment to building research infrastructure that serves both academic researchers and Indigenous communities.
Sean Robson is a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy and a Senior Behavioral/Social Scientist at the RAND Corporation. He serves as Associate Director of the Workforce, Development, and Health Program within RAND Project AIR FORCE, where he leads research on manpower, personnel, training, and readiness issues for the U.S. military. Robson holds a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology from the University of Tulsa and a B.S. from James Madison University. His research expertise lies in the scientific validation of assessment and selection systems, physical and psychological fitness standards, and workforce development in military contexts. His research interests span military education and training, operational readiness, gender integration in the military, workforce diversity, enlisted personnel management, leadership, and competency modeling. He has led numerous projects to establish evidence-based physical fitness tests for Air Force Special Warfare and combat specialties in the Army, and has contributed to reforms in recruiting, classification, and resilience programs. Recent publications highlight a strong trend in applying data science, machine learning, and policy analysis to improve human resource management in the Air Force and Department of Defense. His work increasingly integrates artificial intelligence and optimization models to modernize workforce systems, while maintaining a core focus on human performance, resilience, and readiness. Assessment and selection for special operations Physical and behavioral fitness standards Military workforce development Machine learning in HR STEM talent in defense Robson has made significant contributions through RAND’s research portfolio, with over 37 research publications and multiple expert insights. His scientific work informs high-level defense policy and operational practices, particularly in the U.S. Air Force and Army. He has also advised on diversity initiatives, abuse prevention in training, and energy-sector workforce development. He is actively involved in current defense research, with recent and forthcoming publications in 2024 and 2025, indicating ongoing leadership and scholarly impact. He is based at RAND and can be contacted at Sean_Robson@rand.org.
Anna Weinstein is an Associate Professor of Screenwriting in the Department of English at Kennesaw State University, where she coordinates the Graduate Certificate in Screen & Television Writing. She is a core faculty member in the Master of Arts in Professional Writing program and an affiliated faculty member in the Gender and Women's Studies program. Her educational background includes an M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Writing for the Performing Arts from the University of California, Riverside, and a B.A. in Speech Communication from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Anna's research focuses on screenwriting, women's representation in film and television, and industry studies. Her creative work includes developing a limited series on Georgian author Lillian E. Smith and adapting 'The Jack Tales' for film. She frequently explores contributions of women both in front of and behind the camera, advancing critical discourse on gender in media. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent emphasis on female-driven narratives and global women directors. Her work predominantly features interviews with filmmakers and critical analyses of women's roles in cinema history, highlighting diverse voices and underscoring her commitment to documenting underrepresented perspectives in screenwriting and media studies. Anna Weinstein serves as Secretary for the Screenwriting Research Network (2022-2024) and Co-chair of the Film Area for the Popular Culture Association (2021-present). As Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate program, she mentors students in screenwriting and professional writing, fostering next-generation media creators through curriculum development and personalized guidance.
Alipaşa Ayas is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Education at Bilkent University, where he also serves as Chair of the Department of Educational Sciences. His research focuses on science education, teacher training, conceptual understanding, and inclusive education. He has led numerous national and international projects, including UNICEF- and EU-supported initiatives. Ph.D., University of Southampton M.A., University of New Brunswick MSc., Karadeniz Technical University BSc., Karadeniz Technical University His research interests span teacher education, science education (particularly chemistry), concept development, curriculum design, and assessment strategies. He employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore these areas. His publications emphasize inquiry-based learning, conceptual change strategies, and the effectiveness of interventions such as the 5Es model, constructivist activities, and analogies in enhancing science learning. These works often address misconceptions in chemistry and methods to improve scientific process skills. He has contributed to projects supported by the World Bank, EU, and UNICEF, including initiatives on lifelong learning, education development, and inclusive teacher training. His administrative roles include a 6-year deanship at Karadeniz Technical University and leadership of Bilkent University’s Graduate School of Education since 2017.
Professor Michael Bell is the Foundation Professor of Ports and Maritime Logistics at the University of Sydney Business School's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies. He holds a BA from Cambridge University, MSc and PhD from Leeds University, and has held roles including Director of Imperial College London's PORTeC and academic positions at Newcastle University and Karlsruhe Technical University. His research focuses on ports, transport networks, sustainability, and intelligent transport systems. He has authored over 150 publications, including seminal works like Transportation Network Analysis . Current projects include circular economy diversification for ports and autonomous delivery systems. Awards include fellowship in multiple transport societies. Education: BA (Economics) Cambridge (1975), MSc (Transportation) Leeds (1976), PhD (Freight Distribution) Leeds (1981). Postdoctoral research at Karlsruhe Technical University (1982–1984). Research Interests: Ports logistics, transport network resilience, urban logistics, cybersecurity in supply chains, and sustainable transport policy. Publications span 40+ years, emphasizing empirical and theoretical advancements in maritime systems, network modelling, and policy analysis. Recent work explores autonomous systems integration and port diversification strategies. Grants include a 2023 iMOVE CRC project on land use trip surveys and a 2022 ARC Discovery Project on automated transport decisions. Media appearances address global trade disruptions (e.g., Suez Canal blockage), autonomous vehicles, and port sustainability. Led PORTeC (Imperial College) and co-founded the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at Sydney. Active in policy advisory roles for government agencies and industry bodies.
Professor Linda Newnes is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, leading the Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation (£5M) and the TRansdisciplinary ENgineering Design (TREND) research group (£1.8M). Her work focuses on transdisciplinary engineering, whole life value analysis, and sustainable manufacturing. She directs The Foundry: Centre for Digital, Manufacturing & Design, emphasizing people-centric digitalization and cross-sector collaboration. Her research integrates natural/social sciences and industry stakeholders to address challenges in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. Notable projects include models for whole life value (cradle-to-cradle) and tools for transdisciplinary working. She actively promotes Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I), leading the University’s Aurora programme and Athena SWAN submissions. Recent publications explore digital skill premiums, transdisciplinary frameworks, and AR deployment challenges. She advocates Industry 5.0 principles, emphasizing human-centric innovation and resilience in socio-technical systems. Current grants focus on net-zero transitions and cellular agriculture manufacturing. Her advising spans doctoral students in transdisciplinary engineering, Industry 5.0, and future manufacturing. She collaborates with industry partners like Airbus and Innovate UK to advance cost estimation, decision support tools, and lifecycle analysis.
Lynn Helding serves as Professor of Practice in Voice and Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, where she also coordinates the Vocology & Voice Pedagogy program. She is a distinguished author, most notably of The Musician's Mind: Teaching, Learning and Performance in the Age of Brain Science , and was appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Singing in 2023. With decades of experience as both a performer and pedagogue, Helding bridges the gap between voice science and artistic practice, advocating for cognitive science as the "Third Pillar of Voice Science" alongside physiology and acoustics. Helding's educational background includes: Master's Degree in Vocal Pedagogy with Distinction from Westminster Choir College of Rider University (2005) Artist Diploma from Indiana University (1988), where she was the first singer ever accepted into this prestigious program Completion of the Summer Vocology Institute at the National Center for Voice and Speech Helding's research focuses on the application of cognitive science to voice pedagogy, with particular emphasis on motor learning theory and expertise studies from social psychology. She pioneered the concept of cognitive science as the "Third Pillar of Voice Science," arguing that understanding the brain's role is essential for effective voice teaching. Her work challenges traditional approaches by emphasizing the "how" of teaching over the "what," advocating for science-informed (rather than science-based) pedagogy that respects both scientific findings and artistic tradition. Helding's research has significant implications for addressing performance anxiety, optimizing practice methods, and developing more effective teaching strategies that account for how musicians actually learn. Her scholarly contributions demonstrate a consistent focus on bridging cognitive science with practical voice teaching. Rather than treating voice science as purely technical knowledge, Helding examines how this information can be effectively communicated to students, recognizing that the delivery method is as important as the content itself. This approach has led to innovative frameworks for evidence-based voice pedagogy that consider both physiological realities and cognitive processing limitations. Helding's significant recognition includes: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah University (2020) Van L. Lawrence Fellowship, jointly awarded by the Voice Foundation and the National Association of Teachers of Singing Foundation (2005) Induction into the prestigious American Academy of Teachers of Singing (2022) Recognition as a "legendary figure in the field of voice pedagogy" As an educator, Helding maintains a thriving studio with private clients including members of the Los Angeles Opera and Los Angeles Master Chorale. Her USC Thornton voice students have earned fellowships to prestigious programs including the Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. She has presented masterclasses described as "life-altering" at major voice conferences throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Helding previously served twenty-two years as Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Performance Studies at Dickinson College, and four years as voice faculty at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music. Helding is actively involved with the USC Voice Center at Keck Medicine of USC as a team member, where she applies her vocology expertise to help singers with functional vocal issues and those recovering from voice surgery. She is a co-founder of the NATS Science-Informed Voice Pedagogy Institute and frequently collaborates with voice scientists and medical professionals to advance the field of vocology.
Alexandra Kirsch is an Assistant Professor in the Media Informatics Department at the University of Tübingen's Faculty of Informatics. She held the Carl von Linde Junior Fellowship at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) from 2010. Previously, she was a senior research scientist at TUM's Intelligent Autonomous Systems Group and led the independent Junior Research Group “Planning for Adaptive Robot Assistance” within the Excellence Cluster CoTeSys (Cognition for Technical Systems). Education: Diploma in Computer Science from TUM, 2003 Doctoral degree from TUM, completed between 2003-2007 Research Interests: Kirsch focuses on developing control mechanisms for autonomous robots using artificial intelligence, aiming to create systems that collaborate closely and transparently with humans. Her work emphasizes models of world dynamics, robot action effects, and human behavior. She created the Robot Learning Language (RoLL) to automate model acquisition and update processes during robot operations. Collaborations with psychologists and neuroscientists explore joint human-robot planning tasks and model development for seamless interaction. Scientific Awards: Member of the Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften Förderkolleg (2012) Award by Comet Computer GmbH for excellent graduation results (2003) Advising & Grants: Managed interdisciplinary research projects during her junior fellowship at TUM. Previously worked as a management consultant at Booz & Co., 2007-2008. Her grants include the Carl von Linde Fellowship and support for the Junior Research Group. Labs/Teams: Active in the Planning for Adaptive Robot Assistance group (CoTeSys) and collaborates with the Cognitive Technology focus group at TUM-IAS. Engages in cross-disciplinary teams involving neuroscience and psychology for human-robot interaction studies.
Mauro Pezzè is a Full Professor of Software Engineering at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) and Università di Milano Bicocca, leading the STAR research group since 2006. He holds a laurea from the University of Pisa and a PhD from Politecnico di Milano. His research focuses on software testing, analysis, self-adaptive systems, and cloud systems. He has held editorial roles, including Editor-in-Chief of ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodologies (TOSEM), and served on numerous program committees. Education: Laurea (Pisa), PhD (Politecnico di Milano). Professional roles include Dean of the Faculty of Informatics at USI (2009-2013), visiting scientist at UC Irvine and Edinburgh, and technical lead for international projects. He co-authored a seminal book on software testing (Wiley, 2007), with over 670 citations. Research Interests: Software Testing, Self-Adaptive Systems, Cloud Computing, AI in SE, Sustainable Software. Projects include work on field-based testing, failure prediction in distributed systems, and neuro-symbolic approaches for test oracles. Grants and Advising: Led STAR Lab projects in self-healing systems, GUI testing, and semantic matching. Advised numerous PhD/postdoc students (e.g., Ciniselli, Di Grazia, Qiu). Collaborations with European tech firms on R&D initiatives. Labs/Teams: STAR Group at USI/Constructor Institute, Bicocca, and Politecnico di Milano. Current members include postdocs and PhD students working on AI-driven testing and cloud reliability.
Prof. Ueli K. Heiz is a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Cluster Catalysis and Advanced Spectroscopy group within the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on the unique properties of atomic-scale clusters in the non-scalable size regime, exploring their applications in catalysis (nanocatalysis, asymmetric catalysis, photocatalysis) and energy conversion. He develops advanced experimental tools like ECSTM (Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy) and UHV (Ultra-High Vacuum) systems for studying cluster dynamics and reactivity. Key research areas include clusters at solid-liquid interfaces, gas-phase cluster kinetics, and ambient pressure photocatalysis. His group investigates how quantum size effects and precise atomic structures influence catalytic performance. Associated with TUM’s Chair of Physical Chemistry , his work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical applications in sustainable energy technologies. The group collaborates with initiatives like the Munich Catalysis Alliance (MuniCat) and operates specialized facilities such as the Magnetron Sputtering Cluster Source and Spectroscopy labs. His research has led to advancements in understanding reaction mechanisms on size-selected clusters, including methane coupling, alcohol photocatalysis, and enantiospecific surface interactions. Funding sources include the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) and other institutional grants. While no personal awards are explicitly listed, his contributions to catalysis and spectroscopy methodologies are highlighted through high-impact publications in Journal of the American Chemical Society and Angewandte Chemie .
Frankie Santos Laanan is Dean of the College of Education at the University of Utah, where he also holds Professorial appointments in the Departments of Education, Culture & Society and Educational Leadership & Policy. A first-generation college graduate and Pacific Islander scholar, he earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from UCLA in Political Science and Higher Education. Dr. Laanan has led institutions including the University of Guam, Iowa State University, and the University of Alabama, with a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students. Research Foci: Community college role in STEM pathways, transfer student adjustment, educational equity for first-generation/low-income/historically underrepresented students, postsecondary policy, and workforce development Funding: Over $8 million in grants from the Spencer Foundation, National Science Foundation, and USAID His scholarship has shaped understanding of transfer student capital, with foundational work on factors influencing retention and satisfaction among vertical/horizontal transfer students. Key findings highlight coursework quality, institutional support, and student-faculty interactions as critical for success. Scientific Awards: Barbara K. Townsend Early Career Scholar Award Founders' Service Award (ASHE Council on Ethnic Participation) Outstanding Faculty Award (NASPA Latino/a Knowledge Community) Summer Database Institute Fellow (National Center for Education Statistics) As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Laanan has studied PLTW curriculum impacts, CTE program accountability, and social capital intersections in STEM pathways. His translational research emphasizes student-centered leadership and policy reform.
Professor Simon Devitt is Research Director of the Centre for Quantum Software and Information (QSI) at the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Computer Science. He also holds several prestigious international appointments including InstituteQ Visiting Chair of Excellence in Quantum Technologies at Aalto University, Finland, and visiting positions at RIKEN in Japan. As a leading figure in quantum computing research, he directs the Australian Quantum Software Network and co-founded quantum education startup Eigensystems Pty Ltd. His educational background includes: PhD in Physics from University of Melbourne (2004-2007) BSc (Hons) in Physics from University of Melbourne (2000-2003) Professor Devitt's research spans quantum software, quantum architecture, and quantum error correction, with a focus on making quantum computing practical at scale. His work addresses fundamental challenges in quantum computing architecture when scaled to millions or billions of qubits. He has pioneered approaches to quantum error correction, resource estimation, and quantum network design, particularly through his leadership of the Quantum Technology at Scale (QTS) research group. His research bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementation challenges, aiming to shape the evolution of quantum technology over the coming decades. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical quantum computing challenges, with particular emphasis on error correction techniques, resource estimation, and quantum architecture. A significant portion of his work addresses the surface code and its variants, exploring ways to optimize qubit usage and error rates. He has also made important contributions to quantum networking, particularly through the concept of "quantum sneakernet," and to quantum education and standardization efforts that will be critical for the emerging quantum industry. His notable awards and recognitions include: Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales Warren Prize from the Royal Society of NSW InstituteQ Visiting Chair of Excellence in Quantum Technology Professor Devitt actively mentors numerous PhD students, postdocs, and researchers through his Quantum Technology at Scale group. His research is supported by significant funding from diverse sources including Google Academic Research Awards, Sydney Quantum Academy, DARPA, and the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science. He has led projects on quantum sneakernet networks, quantum algorithm benchmarking frameworks, and quantum software tools that address critical challenges in the field. He leads the Quantum Technology at Scale (QTS) research group at UTS, which focuses on the design and architectural challenges of quantum computing and communications technology at scale. The group includes researchers working on quantum computing architectures, quantum networking (Rottnest Quantum Sneakernet project), and quantum software (Quokka project). The team collaborates extensively with international partners including Aalto University in Finland, University of New South Wales, Keio University in Japan, and industry leaders like Rigetti Computing.
Rasmus Bjørk is a Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage. His research focuses on advanced materials for energy systems, particularly in magnetocaloric and elastocaloric cooling, magnetic materials, and additive manufacturing for functional devices. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in affordable and clean energy. PhD Supervision: Active projects include energy storage using topological spin textures, magnetothermal waste heat harvesting, and bio-magnetometers. Key Research Areas: Magnetic refrigeration, energy harvesting, and freeze-casting of functional materials. Recent advancements include 3D-printed elastocaloric coolers and studies on magnetoresistive devices. His team develops novel techniques for optimizing magnetic systems and energy conversion processes. He has published over 160 articles and led projects on regenerator design, magnetic bearings, and sensor technologies. Collaborations span multiple countries and disciplines. Notable contributions include pioneering work on freeze-casting for biomaterials and the MagTense micromagnetic framework. His research bridges theoretical modeling and practical applications in sustainable energy solutions.
Dr. Faisel Tubbal is a Lecturer, Laboratory Manager, and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator at the School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering, University of Wollongong. He holds a PhD in Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Wollongong (2017) and has extensive experience in research and academia. His roles include managing laboratories and coordinating work-integrated learning programs. Education: B.E. in Telecommunication Engineering, College of Electronic Technology, Libya (2004) Graduate Diploma in Engineering Technology, University of Wollongong (2011) M.S. in Telecommunication Engineering, University of Wollongong (2012) M.S. in Engineering Management, University of Wollongong (2013) Ph.D. in Telecommunication Engineering, University of Wollongong (2017) Research Interests: Dr. Tubbal specializes in antenna designs for CubeSat communications, wearable antennas, metamaterials, and wireless power transfer. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in satellite technology and IoT. Recent trends in his publications focus on RF energy harvesting, 5G/IoT integration, and medical wearable systems. Awards: 2021 and 2016 Vice-Chancellor's OCTAL Awards for teaching excellence Fellow at Wollongong Academy for Tertiary Teaching and Learning Excellence (WATTLE) Grants & Supervision: Currently supervising four PhD students on CubeSat systems, medical wearable antennas, and wireless power reception. He led an institutional grant (2024) on alternative learning content development. Labs & Teams: Manages engineering laboratories and coordinates industry-linked projects at the University of Wollongong. Active in IEEE as a Senior Member and contributes to conference organizing (e.g., ICSPCS 2019 Technical Committee).
