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Professor Kathy Bowrey is a leading academic in Intellectual Property Law at UNSW Sydney's Faculty of Law. Her work explores laws shaping knowledge creation, technology, and culture, with expertise in IP, Indigenous rights, and open research advocacy. She holds a Doctor of Juridical Studies from the University of Sydney and a BA LLB from Macquarie University. Her research focuses on historical and contemporary IP frameworks, including their impact on creators, Indigenous communities, and global innovation systems. Notable projects include the ARC-funded 'Producing, Managing and Owning Knowledge in the 21st Century University' (2019–2022), which shaped Australia's open research policies. Awards include the 2022 ANZLHS Book Prize for *Copyright, Creativity, Big Media & Cultural Value* and fellowships at the State Library of NSW and Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. She co-authored *Adventures in Childhood* (2023), examining IP in toy and media industries, and *David Unaipon* (2023), exploring Indigenous innovation. Professor Bowrey co-leads the International Society for the History and Theory of Intellectual Property (ISHTIP) and advises on national research policies. Her grants include ARC Discovery Projects on Australian copyright history and IP commercialization.

• Intellectual Property Law
• Copyright Law
• Media & Communications Law
• +5 more

Professor Marina Jirotka is a leading academic in Human-Centred Computing at the Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, and a Governing Body Fellow at St Cross College. She directs the Responsible Technology Institute and leads interdisciplinary research on responsible innovation in AI, robotics, and digital systems. University: University of Oxford School: Department of Computer Science Position: Professor of Human-Centred Computing Leadership: Director, Responsible Technology Institute Fellowships: EPSRC Established Career Fellowship (RoboTIPS) Her research focuses on integrating ethical, societal, and human values into technology design. Key areas include responsible innovation, human-computer interaction, algorithmic accountability, and socio-technical systems. She explores trust, transparency, and governance in autonomous systems, digital mental health, and quantum computing ethics. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in responsible robotics, explainable AI, digital wellbeing, and ethical governance. Articles emphasize interdisciplinary methods, stakeholder engagement, and practical tool development such as the Ethical Black Box and TrustScapes. Themes span autonomous vehicles, social robots, algorithmic bias, and sustainability in digital innovation. Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Oxford (2006) ESRC/SSRC Fellowship (2007) UCLA Scholar Award (2011) EPSRC Established Career Fellowship (2018, 2019) Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Award Highly Commended (2020) She supervises numerous PhD and Master’s students and leads major grants including RoboTIPS, RAILS, PARIS-DE, and Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital World. She co-directs ORBIT, a leading RRI training provider, and contributes to policy through advisory roles with the House of Lords, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and industry consortia. She is a member of the IEEE P7000 working group and the UK Committee for IIASA. Her lab work involves interdisciplinary teams focused on responsible technology design, public engagement, and ethical tool development.

• Responsible Innovation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Ethics in AI and Robotics
• +17 more

Shigeru Uesugi is Professor in the School of Creative Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University. He directs interdisciplinary research that fuses mechanical engineering, human–robot interaction, and philosophy of technology to create co-creative interfaces, sports-assist devices, and mediated communication systems. Education: Ph.D. in Engineering, Waseda University Research Interests: Uesugi’s work centres on Human Interface & Interaction Design , Mediated Communication , and Being Design . He explores how technology can extend human bodily perception and foster co-creative relationships between users and machines, merging insights from robotics, sports science, and philosophy. Recent articles analyse embodied interaction in shared virtual spaces, remote collaboration via tangible interfaces such as networked “Lazy Susan” tables, and full-body rocking systems that create a sense of togetherness over distance. His publications reveal a steady focus on designing hardware–software hybrids that make remote partners feel co-present. Scientific Awards: 14th Okawa Thesis Award, Honorable Mention (2004) Human Interface Society Paper Award (2004) Grants & Projects: JSPS KAKENHI (A) “Comprehensive research on the relationship between scientific/technological innovation and human society” (2023-2026) JSPS KAKENHI Challenging Research “Transformations of intentionality and responsibility via artifacts” (2022-2025) JSPS KAKENHI “Fascia tension-propagation suit for motor-function enhancement” (2020-2023) Labs & Teams: He leads the Human-being Design Engineering Laboratory whose members develop co-creative interfaces, sports-training devices, and rehabilitation tools. The group maintains the website www.wesugi.mech.waseda.ac.jp and collaborates with the Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering.

• Human-robot interface
• Co-creative interface design
• Sports engineering
• +3 more

Mathias Funk is an Associate Professor in the Industrial Design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading the Things Ecology lab. His research focuses on designing with data and systems behavior, particularly in IoT and medical technology contexts. He co-founded UXsuite GmbH and developed the OOCSI communication framework. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from TU/e (2011), Funk has held academic roles since 2013, including postdoctoral positions in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design. He teaches courses like 'Data-enabled design' and supervises projects on AI, data foundry, and OOCSI applications. His work bridges engineering and design, addressing sustainability and human values through systemic design approaches. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, TU/e (2011) Computer Science background from RWTH Aachen Postdoc at TU/e's Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design departments Research Interests: Data-driven design methodologies, IoT systems, medical technology innovation, sustainable design practices, and interactive systems for musical expression. Recent work emphasizes telemonitoring efficacy in heart failure care and federated learning applications. Awards: Best Paper Award (2014) Honorable Mention (2021) Grants/Projects: Leading initiatives like MEDICAID (medtech solutions), ACACIA (interpretable AI), and Data-Driven Servitizing in Professional Printing. Active in clinical workflow prototyping and cardiovascular disease detection projects. Lab Activities: Manages the Things Ecology lab, focusing on systemic design challenges in smart ecosystems. Collaborates internationally through spin-offs and visiting lectureships.

• Design Theory
• Systems Design
• Data-Driven Design
• +5 more

Deepak Ganesan is a Professor at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on low-power sensing and communication, networked systems, and machine learning applied to pervasive health monitoring and societal challenges. PhD, Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles (2004) MS, Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles (2000) BTech, Computer Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (1998) Ganesan's work bridges wireless sensor networks, smart textiles, and healthcare applications. He designs ultra-low-power wearable devices for tracking health signals like drug use, smoking, and cognitive performance, often integrating machine learning for robust detection. His research emphasizes societal impact, particularly in aging and Alzheimer's care through the Massachusetts AI and Technology Center for Connected Care (MassAITC) and the Center for Personalized Health Monitoring (CPHM). Recent publications highlight innovations in edge-cloud collaboration, fabric-based sensors, and longitudinal health analytics. His NIH-funded MD2K Center for Excellence and affiliations with the Center for Data Science and Computational Social Science Institute further underscore his interdisciplinary approach. ACM Fellow NSF CAREER Award (2006) IBM Faculty Award (2008) UMass Junior Faculty Fellow (2008) UMass Lilly Teaching Fellow (2009) Best Paper at CHI 2013 Best Paper Runner-up at Mobicom 2014 Honorable Mentions at Ubicomp 2013 Ganesan leads the SENSORS: Wireless Sensor Networks Group and contributes to global initiatives like the Internet of Battlefield Things. His work spans academic research, industry partnerships, and policy development in AgeTech and digital health.

• Networking and Distributed Systems
• Mobile and Sensor Systems
• Human-Computer Interactions
• +3 more

Melissa Landers-Potts is an Interim Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Principal Lecturer at the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences (Department of Human Development and Family Science). She focuses on active and universal design for teaching and learning, emphasizing inclusive excellence. Her roles include overseeing undergraduate programs, aligning with the college's 2025 Strategic Plan, and fostering teaching excellence. She earned a Ph.D. (1998), M.A. (1994), and B.A. (1990) in Sociology/Anthropology from the University of Georgia and Carleton College. Her research explores socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and technology's impact on human development, with a focus on marginalized populations. She designs inclusive curricula and integrates service-learning, partnering with private-sector mental health companies for global adolescent mentorship programs. Recent studies include effects of economic stress on children, racism/classism, and technology's role in military youth well-being. Recipient of numerous awards, including the UGA Teaching Excellence Award (2022), she mentors faculty in active learning and service-learning initiatives. She chairs multiple committees (e.g., College Curriculum, Scholarships) and advises Phi Upsilon Omicron. Her outreach emphasizes experiential learning and inclusive educational practices.

• Socioeconomic Status and Development
• Race and Ethnicity Studies
• Lifespan Well-Being
• +3 more

Emma Reay is a Lecturer in Media and Communication at the Cambridge School of Creative Industries, Anglia Ruskin University, where she teaches Critical Games Studies, Digital Media Theory, and Youth Culture modules. She also delivers Game Design and Art courses at the University of Southampton, with research bridging games studies, childhood studies, and education. Her academic credentials include: BA in English Literature from the University of Oxford MA in English Literature from the University of Oxford MPhil in Children’s Literature from the University of Cambridge PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge Dr. Reay’s research centers on child representation in digital media , with pioneering work on the silent child trope and toy studies in gaming. Her scholarship examines cuteness as a narrative device , social justice themes in children’s media, and the intersection of literary theory with game design , particularly in how games handle childhood vulnerability and agency. Her publication trajectory reveals a concentrated focus on children’s representation in contemporary video games (2018-2022), with increasing emphasis on ethical dimensions like violence against child characters and social justice applications. Key outlets include Game Studies and Journal of Gaming and Virtual Worlds , demonstrating methodological innovation through large-scale game analysis (e.g., surveying 500+ games for her PhD). Her accolades include: Jaqueline Wilson award Pigott award Vice-Chancellor's award Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Dr. Reay serves as Game Design consultant for higher education institutions and indie developers. She is a key collaborator on the University of Cambridge’s Good Death project exploring gaming and mortality, while maintaining active conference engagement through invited talks at IRSCL, ChLA, and DiGRA events. Her Twitter presence extends public discourse on games and media.

• Games Studies
• Childhood Studies
• Digital Media
• +9 more

Dr. Emily Cuming is a Senior Lecturer in the Humanities and Social Science school at Liverpool John Moores University , specializing in British literature, culture, and social history from the 19th century to the present. Her research focuses on maritime relations, working-class girlhood, life writing, and representations of domestic spaces including council estates, slums, and bedsits. PhD, MA, BA in English & Russian from University of Manchester (2006, 2002, 2001) Editor of Key Words: A Journal of Cultural Materialism Co-leader of the Home and Domestic Cultures research network Committee member of the Research Institute for Literature and Cultural History Board member of the Centre for Port and Maritime History Her research combines literary analysis with historical and cultural studies, emphasizing material culture, port cities, and marginalized voices. Recent publications include Maritime Relations: Life, Labour and Literature at the Water’s Edge, 1830-1914 (Cambridge University Press, forthcoming 2025) and Housing, Class and Gender in Modern British Writing, 1880-2012 (CUP, 2016). She has received multiple research grants including AHRC Connected Communities funding and Liverpool John Moores University QR awards. Dr. Cuming teaches undergraduate modules on Life Stories , Representing Domestic Space , and Waterscapes , as well as MA courses on Place: Imagining Place in Modern Times . She supervises three PhD projects and welcomes new supervisees in her research areas. 2025: Enhancing Research Cultures funding for 'The Sinking of the Lancastria' 2024: Editorial board member of Journal of Victorian Culture 2023: NCCPE Engage Prize for 'Around the Toilet' project 2022: Caird Short-term Research Fellowship 2016: NCCPE Engage Prize winner

• British literature
• Cultural history
• Working-class studies
• +6 more

Erica Lehrer is an Associate Professor in the Departments of History and Sociology-Anthropology at Concordia University, where she also holds the Canada Research Chair in Museum & Heritage Studies. She is based in the Faculty of Arts and Science in Montreal and is a socio-cultural anthropologist and curator with a strong interdisciplinary profile. Her research centers on museum studies, heritage, memory, and Jewish cultural revival, particularly in post-Holocaust Poland. She explores how difficult knowledge—especially related to trauma, identity, and historical injustice—is curated and experienced in public spaces. Her work combines ethnographic fieldwork, curatorial practice, and critical theory. Lehrer's publications and exhibitions, such as Jewish Poland Revisited , Souvenir, Talisman, Toy , and Curating Difficult Knowledge , reflect a deep engagement with how heritage shapes identity and public understanding. Her recent projects often involve research-creation, blending academic scholarship with artistic and public-facing outputs. Her publications span themes including Jewish heritage tourism, curatorial innovation, material culture, and the emotional dimensions of museums. She has contributed significantly to debates on how museums frame human rights, memory, and social justice, as seen in her participation in conferences like ACHS 2016. Canada Research Chair in Museum & Heritage Studies Lehrer mentors emerging scholars and collaborates across disciplines, though specific advisees are not listed. She has been involved in major curatorial and research initiatives, including digital and physical exhibitions that explore urban heritage and collective memory. Her work at Concordia, particularly in relation to the Grey Nuns Motherhouse, demonstrates a commitment to community-engaged and place-based scholarship.

• Museum Studies
• Heritage Studies
• Socio-Cultural Anthropology
• +7 more

Secil Ugur Yavuz is a Professor at the Faculty of Design and Arts, Department of Design, at Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. Her academic work spans eco-social design, research through design, and tangible human-technology interactions, with a particular focus on sustainable materials and collective making practices. She teaches courses including Design 3 for the Master in Eco-social Design and doctoral programs in Experimental Research through Design, Art and Technologies. Professor Yavuz's research explores the intersection of analog and digital through tangible human-technology interactions, with significant contributions to sustainable material systems. Her FERAL WOOL project investigates ecological and cultural dimensions of wool, while her work with biomaterials like microbial cellulose and open-source bioreactors addresses circular production systems. She employs embodied and speculative approaches to examine microplastic emissions, children's nature engagement through tools like TREESENSE, and social play with interactive toys. Her recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on material culture, sustainability, and human-centered design across multiple scales. The research demonstrates consistent exploration of how digital and physical realms interact to create meaningful user experiences while addressing ecological challenges. Key trends include the use of embodied interaction methods, speculative design for cultural critique, and co-creative processes that bridge technological innovation with social and environmental responsibility. Yavuz leads the Design Friction Lab, which investigates the philosophical foundations of design through customizable interfaces and DIY approaches. Her work with doctoral students in Experimental Research through Design emphasizes reshaping technologies through collective making processes. The FERAL WOOL research project represents a significant current initiative exploring sustainable textile futures through both ecological and cultural lenses.

• Eco-social Design
• Research through Design
• Tangible Human-Technology Interactions
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Dirk Holtbrügge is a Professor and Holder of the Chair of Business Administration, especially International Management at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). He serves as Dean for International Affairs of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences and is jointly responsible for the department's MBA program design. His academic journey began at the University of Dortmund where he studied economics and social sciences from 1983 to 1989, earning his doctorate in 1995 and habilitation in 2000. Prof. Holtbrügge's research focuses on management in multinational corporations, intercultural management research, management in emerging markets (particularly China, India, and Russia), international human resource management, and corporate social and environmental responsibility. His work demonstrates a strong emphasis on practical applications through numerous case studies of German multinational corporations operating globally. His recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a growing focus on sustainability in international business, corporate social responsibility in challenging contexts, and the complexities of internationalization strategies across diverse industries. The research shows particular attention to German companies expanding into emerging markets and navigating cultural differences. Listed in Handelsblatt rankings of 2010, 2012, and 2014 as one of the leading business economists in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Listed in Wirtschaftswoche rankings of 2019 and 2022 as one of the leading business economists Listed as one of the top 2% most cited scientists in 2020 in Stanford University's Top 2 Percent Scientists list Prof. Holtbrügge maintains strong connections with industry through numerous case studies and collaborative research projects. His position as Dean for International Affairs reflects his commitment to fostering global academic partnerships and developing international business education programs. He has undertaken numerous teaching and research visits worldwide, including in China, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, and the USA, enriching his practical understanding of international business challenges.

• International Management
• Management in Multinational Corporations
• Intercultural Management Research
• +4 more

Jennifer Toy is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the USC School of Architecture, specializing in landscape architecture and urban planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Science (cum laude) from Harvard College, and dual Master's degrees in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD). Her work focuses on building social equity and ecological health through community-based design, programming, and stewardship. Professionally, Toy co-founded the international nonprofit Kounkuey Design Initiative and has practiced at firms such as OLIN, Reed Hilderbrand, and Sasaki. She currently leads the Test Plot initiative, a community-based ecological restoration laboratory. Her career includes roles as a park ranger in Yosemite National Park and a groundskeeper at the Morton Arboretum, reflecting her deep connection to landscapes and environmental stewardship. Her research emphasizes kinship with natural systems and civic engagement. Notable projects include collaborations with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability on sustainable landscape design methods. Her teaching integrates ecological practice with social justice, fostering community-driven solutions to urban and environmental challenges.

• Landscape Architecture
• Urban Planning
• Social Equity
• +3 more

Yoon Jung Choi serves as Assistant Professor in Industrial Design within the School of Design at Virginia Tech, where she bridges sustainable design, behavioral science, and technology to advance circular economy principles through interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Innovation Design Engineering from the Royal College of Art, UK M.A. in Graphic Communication Design from Kingston University, UK B.A. in Product Design from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, UK Choi's research centers on accelerating sustainability in industrial design through behavioral interventions and technological innovation. She investigates how design influences consumer behavior to reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and enable circular material flows, with particular emphasis on children's products, packaging systems, and community-driven co-design approaches. Her work integrates participatory methods with AI applications to develop practical solutions for real-world sustainability challenges. Analysis of her publication portfolio reveals consistent focus on circular economy implementation, with recurring themes in product hibernation, care practices for material longevity, and systemic approaches to waste reduction. Her research demonstrates growing integration of AI-driven methodologies and community engagement strategies across diverse contexts including food waste transformation and toy reuse systems. Her scientific recognition includes: New Faculty Teaching Award, School of Design, Virginia Tech (2023) College Scholarship, Royal College of Art, UK (2015) Toshiba Hard Disc Drive Revolution Design Competition Highly Commended Award (2005) ICI Dulux Student Design Award Runner-up Prize (2001) Choi has secured significant research funding including VT Engage Development funds for community collaboration with SustainFloyd, Center for Human-Computer Interaction matching funds, and multiple ICAT SEAD grants supporting projects like ToySphere (focusing on toy reuse systems) and Sustainable Art Painting initiatives. Her ten years of industry experience at major design consultancies including Samsung Design Europe informs her practical approach to academic research. She leads the ToySphere project employing co-design methods to transform food waste into natural pigments and develop community-based reuse systems, demonstrating her commitment to translating research into tangible environmental solutions through interdisciplinary team collaboration.

• Sustainability
• Circular Economy
• Participatory Design
• +5 more

Professor Lisa Kervin is a leading academic in early childhood education at the University of Wollongong (UOW), serving as Director of Early Start Research and holding a Professorial appointment in the School of Education. Her research focuses on young children’s literate practices, play-based learning, and digital technology integration in education. She leads the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child and has secured significant funding, including a 2025 ARC Future Fellowship exploring intergenerational play. Kervin was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2024 for contributions to early childhood digital literacy research. She has supervised over 35 research students, many now in academic and leadership roles, and currently oversees seven doctoral candidates. Her work bridges theory and practice through collaborations with educators and industry partners, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to child development and policy influence globally. Education: PhD in Language and Literacy from UOW (2001–2004). Professional roles include Principal Fellow of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association and Director qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her research spans digital childhood ethics, play pedagogy, and literacy curriculum design, with outputs impacting government policies and international educational frameworks. Ongoing projects include the ‘DigIQ’ program promoting digital literacy and ‘Playgroups for All Ages’ fostering intergenerational engagement. Grants and collaborations involve partnerships across six universities and 33 global organizations. Her teaching innovations include the Early Childhood Elevate Mentoring Program to support educators’ academic progression. Kervin’s work addresses critical issues like screen time impacts, STEAM education, and culturally responsive pedagogies, positioning her as a key voice in 21st-century early childhood education.

• Early Childhood Education
• Digital Literacy
• Child Development
• +3 more

Associate Professor Christine Preston at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Education and Social Work specializes in primary science education with a focus on early childhood development. She maintains active classroom experience through her kindergarten science teaching and leads research on science diagrams, toy-based learning, and teacher professional development. Her work integrates embodied learning and representational pedagogies to enhance conceptual understanding in STEM subjects. Dr. Preston's research examines innovative approaches including citizen science integration, digital technologies, and adaptive curriculum design. She currently lectures in primary science and technology education, while supervising doctoral candidates exploring computational thinking and marine biology education. Her scholarly contributions emphasize practical classroom applications and teacher support resources. Award recognition includes multiple Excellence in Teaching awards (2007, 2016) and the 2001 NSW Quality Teaching Award. She maintains active membership in international science education associations including ASTA, ESERA, and NSTA, serving on editorial boards for science education journals.

• Primary Science Education
• Early Years Science
• Teacher Professional Learning
• +2 more