Arno De Caigny is an Associate Professor at IÉSEG School of Management in France, specializing in Marketing Analytics. He holds a Ph.D. in Sales and Marketing from the University of Lille and Masters in Economics/Mathematics and Finance from Ghent University. His professional experience includes work as a Business Analyst at Deloitte. His primary research interests include customer churn prediction, AI applications in marketing, explainable AI for business, and life event-based marketing. He develops advanced machine learning models for customer behavior prediction and retention strategies. De Caigny's recent publications demonstrate strong focus on developing interpretable machine learning models for business applications, particularly in customer churn prediction and financial decision support. His work increasingly incorporates deep learning and natural language processing techniques.
Nicole M. Gasparini is an Associate Professor in Tulane University's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Science & Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2003) and researches fluvial/tectonic geomorphology, landscape evolution modeling, and climate-erosion interactions using tools like Landlab. Her work investigates sediment transport, river network evolution, and human impacts on landscapes. Research integrates field data with numerical models to quantify erosion processes across diverse environments. Publications demonstrate expertise in geomorphic model development, particularly through contributions to the Landlab toolkit. Recent articles focus on climatic controls on erosion, fault geomorphology, and uncertainty quantification in earth-surface models. Awards: Marguerite T. Williams Award for contributions to geosciences and advocacy against harassment in STEM Leads collaborative projects on landscape response to climate change and mentors students/postdocs in geomorphology and computational modeling.
Professor Saskia Goes is a Professor of Geophysics at Imperial College London's Department of Earth Science & Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. She specializes in geodynamics, subduction dynamics, and seismic hazard analysis using numerical modeling and geophysical data interpretation. Her affiliations include the Dynamic Earth and Hazards groups at the Imperial Centre for Geohazards Dynamics. Education: PhD in Geophysics from UC Santa Cruz (1995), Drs (BSc/MSc equivalent) from Utrecht University (1990). Prior roles include SNF Professor of Tectonophysics at ETH Zurich (2003-2005), Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan (1995-1996), and postdoctoral research at Utrecht University (1996-1999). Research focuses on mantle dynamics, lithosphere structure, and subduction zone processes. Her work integrates seismic imaging, machine learning, and numerical simulations to study phenomena like slab dynamics, mantle plumes, and fluid migration. Key themes include the interplay between tectonic forces and geochemical processes in continental and oceanic settings. Publications emphasize subduction zone processes, seismic tomography, and induced seismicity. She has led projects like the VoiLA initiative studying volatile recycling in the Lesser Antilles. Awards and recognition include invited lectures at leading conferences (AGU, EGU) and universities worldwide. Teaching includes undergraduate geodynamics, geohazards courses, and advanced MSc modeling modules. Active in promoting geohazard research through interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement.
Dr. Ernst Willingshofer is an Associate Professor of Tectonics in the Department of Earth Sciences at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. His research focuses on the coupling of deep crustal and upper mantle processes with surface deformation, particularly in collision zones and rift systems. He employs field studies and physical analogue modelling to investigate lithospheric rheology, strain localization, and tectonic evolution. Research Interests: Willingshofer's work spans tectonics, lithosphere deformation, and structural geology. Key themes include the influence of rheological stratification on strain partitioning, analogue modelling of orogenic systems, and dynamics of basins and orogens. His research has applications in understanding Alpine, Mediterranean, and global tectonic processes. Articles Trend: Recent publications (2021–2024) emphasize analogue modelling innovations, strain partitioning mechanisms, and tectonic evolution of collision zones. Subduction initiation, passive margin dynamics, and intracontinental deformation are recurring themes, with strong focus on Mediterranean and Alpine geology. Teaching & Advising: Coordinates BSc courses ( Deformation and Metamorphism of the Crust , Pyrenean Fieldwork ) and MSc courses ( Modelling Crust and Lithosphere Deformation , Dynamics of Basins and Orogens ). Supervises MSc, BSc, and guided research projects. Laboratory: Leads the Earth Simulation Lab, specializing in analogue modelling of tectonic processes.
Neal Driscoll is a Professor of Geology and Geophysics at the Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. He specializes in tectonic deformation, landscape evolution, and seafloor imaging, with a focus on understanding Earth's processes through sediment records. Driscoll co-directs UC San Diego’s Center for Public Preparedness (CP2) and leads ALERTCalifornia, a critical infrastructure network monitoring wildfires, floods, and earthquakes via over 1,000 cameras. His work bridges geohazard mitigation, climate impacts, and disaster response. Education: B.S., Geology, University of New Hampshire M.S., Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Ph.D., Columbia University (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) Research Interests: Driscoll investigates tectonic deformation’s role in shaping landscapes and seascapes, particularly in response to climate and sea-level changes. His fieldwork includes high-resolution seafloor imaging and seismic data analysis in regions like Iceland and California. He also studies neotectonics, geohazards, and coastal processes, with recent focus on the San Andreas Fault system and Salton Trough rift dynamics. ALERTCalifornia: This program uses advanced camera networks to monitor natural disasters, providing real-time data for first responders and researchers. Its infrastructure, originally for earthquake monitoring, now supports multi-hazard tracking, including wildfires and landslides, enhancing public safety and environmental understanding. Awards: Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award Heezen Award and Storke Award (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) Scripps Undergraduate Teaching Award MIT Distinguished Crosby Lecturer Advising & Grants: Driscoll has mentored students in geology and geophysics, with grants supporting his research on fault systems, climate impacts, and disaster preparedness. His collaborative projects include the Salton Seismic Imaging Project and Arctic Ocean sediment studies. Labs & Teams: Leads ALERTCalifornia and CP2 teams, collaborates with Scripps’ Geosciences Research Division on marine geophysics and tectonic studies, and partners with global institutions like WHOI and Icelandic research groups.
Professor Alex Copley holds the position of Professor of Tectonics at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge. His research focuses on understanding Earth's crustal deformation, tectonic forces, and earthquake dynamics across scales from microcrystalline to continental. He employs integrated approaches combining field geology, geophysical data, numerical modeling, and petrological analysis. His work addresses key questions on earthquake controls, tectonic force origins, and crustal material properties, with global field projects spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and South America. Research interests include: Earthquake mechanics and seismic hazard mitigation Continental tectonics and mountain belt evolution Crustal rheology and lithospheric dynamics Metamorphic petrology and continental collision processes Large-scale controls on critical mineral distributions Recent publications highlight studies on fault mechanics in Iran, Himalayan shortening, and the thermal evolution of mountain ranges. His work bridges fundamental geoscience with societal applications, including earthquake resilience and tectonic influences on resource formation. Affiliations include Bullard Laboratories and collaborations with global institutions. No formal awards are listed in the provided text, though his research has been published in high-impact journals like Nature and Geophysical Research Letters .
David A. Foster is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research integrates thermochronology, structural geology, and petrology to investigate tectonic and magmatic processes, with a recent focus on enhanced weathering of basaltic rocks for carbon sequestration. He leads the Thermochronology Lab, providing analytical services for mineral separation, Ar/Ar dating, and thermal modeling. Research interests span: Tectonics & Geodynamics : Orogenic collapse, terrane accretion, and supercontinent cycles. Thermochronology : Application of temperature-sensitive isotopic systems to crustal evolution. Surface Processes : Links between tectonic uplift, erosion, and carbon capture via rock weathering. His publications emphasize regional tectonics (e.g., Andes, Appalachians, Cordillera), utilizing geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and structural analysis. Recent work explores collisional orogens, basin provenance, and magmatic arcs, with recurring themes of extensional collapse and paleogeographic reconstructions. Educational contributions include co-authoring the comprehensive textbook Geology of National Parks , now in its 8th edition, which synthesizes geological features of U.S. national parks in the context of plate tectonics and landscape formation.
Joshua Ignatius is a Professor of Business Analytics at the Aston Business School, part of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University. He focuses on research areas including supply chain analytics, prescriptive analytics, electronic commerce, and operations management. His work often addresses challenges such as information asymmetry in supply chains, user recommender systems, and logistics optimization. He is currently accepting PhD students in topics like Information Asymmetry in Supply Chains, User Recommender Systems, and Supply Chain Analytics. His research interests are centered on leveraging data-driven approaches to improve decision-making in supply chain and operational contexts. This includes studying disruption risk management, dynamic data modeling, and the integration of AI in cloud services. He also explores strategic decisions in e-commerce logistics, customer segmentation strategies, and environmental sustainability. Recent publications highlight his contributions to supply chain resilience, optimal security in cloud computing, and sustainable manufacturing processes. For instance, his 2025 work on supply chain network viability addresses disruption risks through dynamic data strategies. Another key area is the analysis of customer behavior in product upgrades, utilizing online review data to inform quality differentiation strategies. Dr. Ignatius has collaborated on projects involving platform information sharing, manufacturer encroachment, and logistics sourcing for e-commerce firms. His research often bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, emphasizing practical solutions for operational challenges. He holds a strong record of supervising PhD students and guiding projects that combine academic rigor with industry relevance. His work frequently appears in leading journals such as the European Journal of Operational Research and Journal of Operations Management.
Dr. Chian Siau Chen is a Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in earthquake engineering and geotechnical engineering. His research focuses on soil liquefaction, land reclamation, and ground improvement. He holds leadership roles, including Vice President of the Geotechnical Society of Singapore (2016–2017) and President (2024–2025). He has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Top 10 Innovators Under 35 in Asia (2016) and the Prominent Geotechnical Engineer Award (2022). Education: PhD in Engineering from Cambridge University (2012), B.Eng. (1st Class) from Nanyang Technological University (2006). Research Interests: Earthquake Engineering, Centrifuge Modelling, Ground Improvement, Remote Sensing, and Land Reclamation. His work bridges theoretical analysis and practical applications, including disaster risk reduction and sustainable construction. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on seismic stability, soil mechanics, and innovative techniques for urban infrastructure. Recent trends emphasize digital tools (e.g., LiDAR, UAV) and probabilistic models for ground settlement predictions. Awards: Extensive accolades span technical excellence, teaching (ATEA 2017–2019), and professional service. He is a committee member for international geotechnical councils and editorial boards of journals. Grants & Projects: Funded by EPSRC for post-disaster reconnaissance and by Singaporean agencies for land reclamation. Leads collaborative efforts to recycle construction waste into sustainable fill materials. Labs/Teams: Active in NUS research groups and international collaborations, contributing to urban earthquake engineering and geotechnical innovation.
György Hetényi is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne, specializing in large-scale geophysics. His research focuses on mountain-building processes, earthquake dynamics, and tectonic deformation of the Himalayas and Alps. He leads the AlpArray project, deploying the largest academic seismic network in Europe. Since 2015, he has held an SNSF Assistant Professorship, advancing to his current role in 2020. Education: Bachelor's in Geophysics at Eötvös University (Budapest) Master's and PhD at École Normale Supérieure (Paris), studying Himalayan deformation Research Interests: Combining seismic and gravity data to model crustal structures, numerical modeling of orogenic processes, and educational seismology initiatives in Nepal. Active in field campaigns across Bhutan, Nepal, and the Ivrea-Verbano Zone. Publications: Over 48 peer-reviewed articles since 2007, emphasizing crustal imaging, seismic tomography, and Himalayan tectonics. Recent work includes participatory gravity modeling challenges and pan-Alpine gravity database development. Awards: Prize of the Chancellery of the Universities of Paris (2007) for doctoral research on Himalayan deformation. Teaching & Outreach: Developed the 'Geophysics Across Scales for Geologists' module in the UNIL-UNIGE program. Co-leads the Nepal School Seismology Network, integrating low-cost seismic education tools. Grants & Projects: AlpArray, DIVE (scientific drilling in Ivrea Zone), and seismic hazard assessments in Bhutan. Collaborates with international networks like ICDP and European seismic consortia. Labs/Teams: Part of the Institute of Earth Sciences (UNIL) and leads the OROG3NY project on mountain-building dynamics.
Dr. Attila Balázs is a Senior Researcher and Lecturer at ETH Zurich's Institute of Geophysics, affiliated with the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. His research integrates numerical modeling with geological data to investigate tectonic-surface process interactions, focusing on orogen-basin systems and continental deformation. Key contributions include studies on back-arc basins, transform faults, and the Tibetan Plateau's uplift mechanisms. He holds the 2020 Flinn-Hart Award and an ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship. His work emphasizes geodynamic processes such as mantle delamination, slab dynamics, and crustal deformation patterns. Balázs collaborates with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Group and maintains an active research portfolio spanning field observations, seismic analysis, and 3D numerical simulations. Research Foci: Tectonic modeling, basin evolution, mantle dynamics, and crustal rheology Key Regions: Pannonian Basin, Tibetan Plateau, Adriatic Sea, Himalayas His articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding continental and oceanic tectonics, with recent emphasis on transform fault mechanics, triple junction dynamics, and the interplay between tectonics and climate.
David Henderson is the Director of the Cyclone Testing Station (CTS) in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at James Cook University, Australia. He has over two decades of experience as a research engineer specializing in the performance of low-rise buildings under extreme wind conditions. He previously served as the CTS Research Fellow and Manager, and was seconded as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, working on full-scale house testing under simulated wind loads. His work bridges engineering research, disaster assessment, and policy development. David's research focuses on wind engineering, structural resilience, and disaster mitigation. His key interests include cyclonic wind loading, internal and external pressure dynamics in buildings, fatigue failure of structural connections, and the vulnerability of housing to severe wind events. He has conducted post-disaster surveys across Australia and Canada, assessing damage from cyclones, tornadoes, and earthquakes. His research has direct applications in building codes, retrofitting strategies, and community risk reduction. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding and mitigating wind-induced damage to residential structures, particularly through full-scale testing, modeling of pressure dynamics, and fragility assessment of roofing systems. His work spans experimental, theoretical, and policy-oriented domains, with a growing emphasis on climate change adaptation and community resilience. Topics such as internal pressure design, load sharing in roof frames, and retrofitting for wind resistance are central to his contributions. 14 research awards (specific names not listed) Active member of Standards Australia code committees Invited speaker at national and international conferences Media contributor on storm damage and building safety David has led multiple research projects funded by councils and agencies focused on extreme wind mitigation, data systems (SWIRLnet), and community risk reduction. While formal student supervision is not explicitly listed, he collaborates extensively with researchers such as John Ginger, Korah Parackal, and Daniel Smith. He has contributed to major studies involving wind load testing, housing vulnerability modeling, and climate adaptation planning. David is a key figure in the Cyclone Testing Station, leading its full-scale testing program and contributing to the development of software for controlled load and measurement systems. His team conducts wind risk assessments for communities and large installations, incorporating terrain analysis and retrofitting evaluations. The CTS serves as a national resource for wind engineering research and disaster resilience innovation.
Angelo Castaldo is an Associate Professor in Public Finance at the Faculty of Law, Sapienza University of Rome, with a Ph.D. in Law and Economics from the University of Siena and an M.Sc. in Economics from the University of York. He serves as Chair of the Graduate Program in European Studies (LM-90) and the Master in Competition and Regulation of Markets (CORE), while also holding roles at international institutions like Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in China. Education: Ph.D. in Law and Economics, University of Siena M.Sc. in Economics, University of York, UK Master in Law and Economics, University of Siena Research Focus: Public Finance Law and Economics Environmental Crime Analysis Occupational Safety and Health Competition Policy Technological Innovation Impact His recent publications analyze workplace accident determinants, environmental crime drivers, and taxation policies for sin goods, employing empirical methods across European and Italian contexts. Current research projects focus on technology's impact on occupational safety and public investment incentives for workplace health improvements. He actively participates in academic conferences and serves as co-managing editor for public finance working papers at Sapienza University of Rome.
Prof. Roland Pail is a full Professor of Astronomical and Physical Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He leads the Chair of Astronomical and Physical Geodesy, part of the TUM School of Engineering and Design. His research focuses on physical and numerical geodesy, global/regional gravity field modeling, and satellite gravity missions like GOCE, GRACE, and future initiatives like MAGIC. He has held leadership roles, including President of IAG Commission 2 (2015–2019) and Vice Dean of TUM's Department of Aerospace and Geodesy. Pail earned his doctorate (sub auspiciis praesidentis) from TU Graz (1999) and habilitation in 2002. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Geodesy and has received numerous awards for his contributions to geodesy. His work integrates satellite data with geophysical modeling to monitor mass transport processes (e.g., ocean circulation, ice melt) and Earth's interior dynamics. He collaborates internationally on missions such as the DFG Research Training Group UPLIFT and the MAGIC constellation. Key publications include gravity field models (e.g., XGM2016, GOCO06s) and studies on future mission design, stochastic modeling, and climate monitoring. Pail’s scientific awards include the IAG Fellowship (2011), Young Authors Award (2006), and the Allmer-Löschner Prize (2000). His research also addresses quantum sensor applications in satellite gravimetry and the development of next-generation gravity field retrieval techniques.
Professor Patrice Rey is a faculty member at the School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney. He holds the rank of Professor and specializes in geodynamics, tectonics, and landscape evolution. With an international career spanning 12 institutions across three continents, his research focuses on continental rifting, mantle dynamics, metamorphic processes, and the interplay between climate and tectonics. Notable projects include studies on Australia’s geological history, the formation of precious opal, and the dynamics of early Earth geodynamics. His work bridges field geology, numerical modeling, and geophysical analysis. Key research themes include gravitational collapse in cratons, the role of isostasy in fold belt evolution, and the impact of dynamic topography on sedimentary systems. He has contributed to interdisciplinary projects such as the Perseverance Mars mission, highlighting connections between Earth’s geology and Martian surface processes. Recent publications emphasize continental crust evolution, landscape dynamics, and the integration of virtual reality tools in geological education. He leads research teams funded by grants like the Australian Research Council (DP22 and LP20 projects), focusing on mineral systems and Proterozoic rift basins. His media presence includes BBC documentaries and NOVA series, showcasing his expertise in continental evolution and planetary geology.
