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Sebastian HennView profile

Professor

• Economic Geography
• Regional Development
• Transnational Entrepreneurship
• +7 more

Sebastian Henn is a Professor of Economic Geography at the Institute of Geography, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, where he has held the Chair since 2014. He serves as Dean of Studies for the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences (since 2020) and Deputy Director of the Leibniz ScienceCampus "Eastern Europe - Global Area". His research spans transnational entrepreneurship, knowledge-based regional development, cluster dynamics, polarization/peripheralization, and migration studies . Education: Dipl.-Geogr. (University of Mannheim, 2001); Dr. rer. nat. (University of Halle, 2006); Habilitation (University of Halle, 2014) Key research areas include spatial perception, mobilities, health geography, and global-local interactions in sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and the diamond industry. Publications (2013-2024) focus on global production patterns, cluster evolution, regional embitterment, and the role of transnational entrepreneurs in industries from Gujarat to Antwerp. His 2023 work explores populist resentments in rural regions and health infrastructure disparities in Thuringia. Awards include the 2017 Journal of Economic Geography Best Referee Award. He co-edits the Springer series "Perspectives in Human Geography" and holds leadership roles in academic societies like the Schumpeter Centre for Social and Economic Change. Editorial and Review Activities : Active on boards of the Journal of Economic Geography and ZFW journal. Regular reviewer for 20+ journals and funding bodies including DFG and DAAD. Leads research on BRIC investments, Southern multinationals, and spatialization processes under globalization .

Sara FriedmanView profile

Professor

• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Sociocultural Anthropology
• Law and State Power
• +5 more

Sara Friedman is a Professor of Anthropology and Gender Studies at Indiana University Bloomington, affiliated with the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Cornell University (2000), an M.A. from Cornell, and a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Yale. As Director of Graduate Studies in Anthropology, she oversees academic and research initiatives within the department. Her research examines intersections between intimate life and political/legal domains in China and Taiwan, focusing on state power, migration, gender, and non-heteronormative families. Current projects include comparative studies of LGBT family formation in Taiwan/China and middle-class Chinese families rejecting urban lifestyles for rural alternatives. These projects address legal reforms, kinship transformations, and evolving ideals of the 'good life.' Recent work includes publications on LGBT reproductive rights, cross-border migration sovereignty debates, and legal recognition struggles. Her books include *Exceptional States: Chinese Immigrants and Taiwanese Sovereignty* (2015) and *Intimate Politics: Marriage, the Market, and State Power in Southeastern China* (2006). Awards include a Fulbright Fellowship and a Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation Grant. Her research bridges gender/sexuality studies, legal anthropology, and East Asian studies, emphasizing ethnographic engagement with marginalized communities. Current projects explore how state policies shape family structures and how non-traditional families navigate bureaucratic and social challenges in rapidly changing sociopolitical contexts.

• Climate Change Governance
• Urban Sustainability
• Nature-Based Solutions
• +3 more

Professor Harriet Bulkeley is a faculty member at Durham University, affiliated with the Department of Geography within the Faculty of Social Sciences . Her research focuses on urban responses to climate change, nature-based solutions, transnational environmental governance, and the politics of urban sustainability transitions. Research Interests : Climate change governance in urban contexts Nature-based solutions for sustainable cities Transnational policy networks Urban political ecology Biodiversity and climate policy intersections Supervisions : Daniella Rolle (MA, current) Amy Robson (PhD, completed) Robbie Gilmore (PhD, current) Erwin Nugraha (PhD, completed) Rebecca Pearl-Martinez (PhD, current) Andrea Elizabeth Armstrong (PhD, completed) Carlos Tornel (PhD, completed)

• Central Asian Studies
• Iranian Studies
• Ethnography
• +3 more

PD Dr. Lutz Rzehak is an academic staff member at the Institute for Asian and African Studies (IAAW) within the Faculty of Humanities at Humboldt University of Berlin, serving as a Teacher for special tasks specializing in Modern Iranian languages and the ethnography and cultural history of Afghanistan and Central Asia. His educational background includes: Oriental Studies/History from the State University of Leningrad (1985) Doctorate in Iranian Studies, Humboldt University of Berlin (1991) Habilitation in Central Asian Studies / Iranian Studies, Humboldt University of Berlin (2001) Dr. Rzehak's research spans Central Asian Studies , Iranian Studies , Ethnography , and Linguistics , with fieldwork focusing on Baloch, Pashtun, and Tajik communities. His work examines language evolution, social structures, and cultural practices through historical and contemporary lenses, particularly regarding Soviet influence and post-Taliban Afghanistan. Key contributions include grammatical analyses of Iranian languages and ethnographic studies of religious rituals and tribal systems. His recent publications (2016-2021) reveal consistent focus on Iranian language dynamics (especially Dari and Pashto), ethnic identity politics in Afghanistan, and cultural history of Central Asia. These works address language change mechanisms, ethnic consolidation strategies, and the interplay between tradition and modernity, often utilizing comparative linguistic and ethnographic methodologies. His scientific awards include: Heisenberg Fellow of the German Research Foundation Dr. Rzehak has held significant research positions including Research Associate in the Crossroads Asia Competence Network (2011-2016) and Heisenberg Fellow (2002-2011). While his CV does not list formal PhD advisees, his language lecturing and research supervision have mentored numerous students in Central Asian and Iranian studies through course instruction and fieldwork guidance. He has been actively involved in the Crossroads Asia Competence Network, a major interdisciplinary research initiative examining transregional connections and historical trajectories across Central, South, and West Asia.

Xavier DesjardinsView profile

Professor

• Urban Planning
• Spatial Planning
• Mobility Studies
• +3 more

Xavier Desjardins is a University Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at Sorbonne University and co-head of the Landscapes, Resources and Construction Know-How axis within the Mediations UR research group. His work bridges urban planning, mobility, and territorial policy, with a regional focus on Western Europe. He serves on the editorial boards of the International Journal of Urban Planning , Flux , Town Planning Review , and Urbanisme . Desjardins specializes in ecological planning, sustainable development, and the interplay between territorial policies and urban mobility. His recent research explores zero net artificialization strategies, European territorial sobriety, and climate-resilient infrastructure, reflecting a broader agenda to reconcile strategic planning with environmental imperatives. He frequently consults for businesses, local authorities, and government departments on urban development and directs the Master's program in Urban Planning and Development at Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing cross-border planning insights.

Simon RobinsonView profile

Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Participatory Design and Co-Creation
• Conversational User Interfaces
• +4 more

Professor Simon Robinson is a faculty member in the School of Mathematics and Computer Science at Swansea University, holding a position as a Professor of Computer Science. He serves as the Head of the Future Interaction Technologies (FIT) Lab and Director of the MSc year for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Enhancing Human Interaction and Collaboration with Data-Driven Systems. His research focuses on devices and interactions designed for emergent users in low-connectivity regions, emphasizing participatory design and co-creation with underserved communities. Current projects include the EPSRC-funded UnMute initiative, which aims to empower marginalized language speakers through spoken language technologies. Key affiliations include leadership roles in the FIT Lab and the EPSRC CDT, alongside contributions to projects like Rethinking Public Technology in a Post-COVID Era, PV Interfaces, and Scaling the Rural Enterprise. His work spans ubiquitous computing, deformable devices, and inclusive interaction design for global south communities. Research interests center on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a focus on low-resource settings. Recent work addresses speech technologies for unwritten languages, trust in human-robot interactions, and sustainable self-powered interfaces. His lab explores innovations like Light-In-Light-Out (Li-Lo) displays and community-driven smart materials (PV-Pix). Professor Robinson has supervised numerous PhD students across topics including AI ethics, predictive maintenance, and human-centric NLP. He teaches modules like Introduction to HCI and contributes to the Human-Centred Big Data and AI Dissertation program. His work integrates grants from EPSRC and collaborative projects with international partners, reflecting a commitment to socially impactful technology. Labs & Teams: Director of the FIT Lab, active in the EPSRC CDT, and collaborator in interdisciplinary teams focusing on rural technology, assistive AI, and sustainable interfaces.

Kuni KamizakiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Urban Transformation
• Housing Inequality
• Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
• +4 more

Kuni Kamizaki is an Assistant Professor and Admissions Chair at the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), University of British Columbia. He holds a Ph.D. in Planning from the University of Toronto (2022). His research focuses on urban transformation in global cities, emphasizing displacement, housing inequality, and community-led alternatives for social and racial justice. He has conducted fieldwork in Tokyo (Japan) and collaborated with community land trusts in Toronto and Vancouver. Education Background: Ph.D. in Planning, University of Toronto, 2022 Research Interests: Kuni’s work adopts a multi-scalar approach to study urban decline in post-growth Japan (e.g., Tokyo’s population decline and aging crisis) and explores CLTs as anti-displacement tools. He emphasizes participatory action research with grassroots organizations like Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust and Downtown Eastside Community Land Trust. His research bridges theory and practice, aiming to inform equitable urban policies. Awards and Recognition: 2023 Urban Affairs Association’s Janet Smith Emerging Activist Scholar Research Award Metcalf Foundation Fellow (2024) analyzing Toronto’s Parkdale CLT history Teaching and Collaboration: Kuni teaches courses on housing justice and urban planning. He actively engages with non-profits in Metro Vancouver through UBC’s Balanced Supply of Housing project. He is a member of Planners Network, advocating for socially just planning practices. Labs/Initiatives: Collaborates with Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (Toronto) and Downtown Eastside Community Land Trust (Vancouver), contributing to housing justice advocacy and policy development.

Nate ApathyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Health Policy
• Health Services Research
• Health Informatics
• +3 more

Nate Apathy is an Assistant Professor of Health Policy & Management at the University of Maryland School of Public Health and an Affiliated Research Scientist at the Regenstrief Institute. He holds a PhD in Health Policy & Management from Indiana University (2020) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in health services research at the University of Pennsylvania (2022). His research focuses on health information technology's role in healthcare delivery reform, regulatory impacts on health IT innovation, and the use of EHR metadata to assess care quality. He examines organizational strategies to reduce IT-based burdens, particularly in primary care and specialty settings. His work bridges health policy, services research, and informatics, with emphasis on EHR documentation dynamics, clinician workflows, and interoperability challenges. Notable studies include analyses of physician EHR time allocation, telemedicine integration, and the impact of team-based documentation tools. He has contributed to national discussions on electronic health record legal settlements, opioid prescribing guidelines, and nursing home post-acute care specialization. Nate’s research has been published in journals such as Health Affairs , Annals of Internal Medicine , and Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association . He collaborates with institutions like the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and focuses on translating informatics insights into actionable policy recommendations.

• Southeast Asian Studies
• Cultural Anthropology
• Gender Studies
• +7 more

Eric Charles Thompson is an Associate Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the National University of Singapore. With a PhD in sociocultural anthropology from the University of Washington and postdoctoral experience at UCLA's Center for Southeast Asian Studies, his academic career spans over two decades. Teaching Focus: Anthropology, Gender Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, Research Methods Research Specializations: Transnational networking, planetary urbanization, agrarian transitions, and ASEAN regionalism. He has conducted fieldwork across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, examining urban-rural dynamics and cultural shifts in Malay society. His publications include books on rural Malaysia and ASEAN youth identity, with work appearing in journals like Urban Studies and Current Anthropology . Thompson also serves as co-editor of the Asian Journal of Social Sciences and associate editor of the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies .

Margaret GroseView profile

Associate Professor

• Ecological Design
• Urban Ecology
• Sustainable Landscapes
• +4 more

Associate Professor Margaret Grose is an academic at the University of Melbourne's Melbourne School of Design, specialising in Landscape Architecture. She holds an Associate Professorship and teaches ecological design principles in the Masters of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Environments programs. Her work bridges design and ecological science, with a focus on urban ecosystems, water management, and cultural landscapes. Education: Grose began in Agricultural Science (soils/water processes), completed a PhD in ecophysiology of Australian plants, followed by postdoctoral research at Oxford University and the University of Cambridge’s Mathematical Biology group. She later trained in Landscape Architecture and practiced as an environmental scientist in urban design projects. Research interests include integrating ecological science into design, the role of historical ecological knowledge in contemporary design, and urban water systems. Her recent Universitas 21 Fellowship explores teaching ecology to built environment students globally. Publications span topics like urban forestry in China, dryland river parks, and impacts of artificial light on ecosystems. She has received the 2011 Faculty Teaching Award for Excellence in the Masters program. Supervision focuses on river design, urban waterways, ecological planting resilience, and design of public spaces in Mediterranean climates. She collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining ecology, urban planning, and cultural heritage.

Andrea DreyerView profile

Professor

• Art Education
• Didactics
• Teacher Professional Development
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Andrea Dreyer is a full-time Professor of Art and its Didactics at the Bauhaus University Weimar , where she has served since 2013. She is Vice Dean for Strategic Development within the Faculty of Art and Design and actively participates in academic governance, including roles in graduation committees, teacher training advisory boards, and curriculum commissions. Her research focuses on teacher professionalization, architectural pedagogy, and digital art education, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and qualitative social research methodologies. First and Second State Examination for Teaching at Grammar Schools in Art Education and Social Studies (1994–2000, 2004–2006) Andrea Dreyer’s publications span topics such as Bauhaus-inspired pedagogy, urban-rural spatial education, and digital integration in art teaching. She has led initiatives like DigiProSMK and Denkraum.Bauhaus , and her work often bridges art, architecture, and societal transformation. She has served as Dean of Studies and Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching at Bauhaus University, advocating for phase-transcendent teacher networks and reflective professional practices. Her recent articles address participatory architectural psychology, interdisciplinary curriculum design, and digitalization in art education. Despite extensive committee involvement and editorial contributions, no specific scientific awards are highlighted in the provided texts. She mentors students and collaborators within the kunst:pädagogik | netz:werk platform and maintains active partnerships with institutions like the Thuringian Ministry of Education and Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.

Walter Timo de VriesView profile

Professor

• Intelligent Land Management
• Responsible Land Administration
• Urban and Rural Development
• +8 more

Professor Walter Timo de Vries is a faculty member at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , holding the Chair of Land Management and Land Development within the Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, TUM School of Engineering and Design . His research focuses on intelligent and responsible land management , urban and rural development , spatial justice , and the development of a Human Geodesy framework. A graduate of TU Delft (1988) and Rotterdam (PhD), he has led international projects across Asia, Africa, and South America. At TUM, he directs the Master's and PhD Programs in Land Management , serves as Dean of Geodesy , and leads TUM.Africa . Member of the German Geodetic Commission Member of the Bavarian Academy for Rural Development Academic Coordinator of TUM SEED Center Research Interests span responsible land governance , land tenure security , land consolidation , and geospatial methods for sustainable development. His recent work examines the Water-Energy-Food Nexus and digital twins in collaborative planning. He has supervised over 20 PhD and Master’s students on topics like spatial justice , nomic pastoral tenure , and smart land use . Publications address blockchain in land administration , spatial inequalities , and land policy reforms across global contexts.

Nik LukaView profile

Associate Professor

• Ethnography
• Landscape Studies
• Urban Planning
• +12 more

Nik Luka is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, McGill University, with a joint appointment in Urban Planning. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, an M.Arch. from Laval University, and a B.A.A. from Toronto Metropolitan University. His roles include Associate Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Montréal and associate memberships in the Department of Equity, Ethics, and Policy and the Bieler School of Environment. Ph.D. (Toronto) M.Arch. (Laval) B.A.A. (Toronto Met.) Luka specializes in ethnography, landscape studies, and critical design/planning research, focusing on REURBANISM—the transformation of (sub)urban landscapes through collaborative design and participatory governance. His work bridges natural processes and human culture, emphasizing narrative, discourse, and policy-led urbanism. His recent publications highlight trends in recreational mobilities, densification, transit-oriented development, and periurban landscape dynamics. Themes span urban walkability, public space design, and transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. SSHRC Partnership Grant with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Collaborative projects in Sweden and continental Europe Champ des Possibles partnership in Montreal Luka engages with community organizations such as the Montreal Urban Ecology Centre, Convercité, and Suspicious Fish, blending academic research with civic practice. His affiliations include the Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design and international collaborations on landscape connectivity.

Mehebub SahanaView profile

Researcher

• Transboundary River Basin Management
• Socio-Ecological Resilience
• Land-Use Change
• +4 more

Mehebub Sahana is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in Geography at The University of Manchester. He leads a three-year research project on political partition, ecological degradation, and environmental sustainability in the Bengal Delta. His work focuses on transboundary river basins, socio-ecological resilience, and land-use dynamics in the Global South. He has been PI on projects funded by the International Science Partnerships Fund and SEED Impact Fund, addressing flood hazards, heat vulnerability, and environmental governance. Teaching roles include courses on GIS, environmental policy, and dissertation support at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has organized interdisciplinary workshops on transboundary river basins and serves as an editor for Taylor & Francis and Elsevier. Sahana’s research integrates remote sensing, GIS, and socio-economic analysis, contributing to UN SDGs related to climate action, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption. Scientific awards include the Best Paper Presentation Award (2015) and recognition for his work on lockdown effects during the pandemic (2022). His consultancy projects span high conservation value assessments, climate policy, and biodiversity reporting in India and Southeast Asia. He collaborates internationally, addressing challenges in South Asia’s transboundary ecosystems and climate vulnerability.

• Urban and Regional Planning
• Human Geography
• Architecture
• +4 more

Prof Barbara Lipietz is a Professor of Urban Development Planning at the Development Planning Unit, University College London (UCL), and serves as Vice Dean International of The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. Her roles include leading the MSc Urban Development Planning program and directing academic internationalization efforts at The Bartlett. Her research focuses on urban equity, trans-local solidarity networks, and participatory urban planning practices, with a strong emphasis on the Global South. Key areas include housing rights, displacement dynamics in Nigeria, climate resilience, and co-production of knowledge for just urban futures. She critiques neoliberal urban development models and advocates for marginalized communities' inclusion in decision-making processes. Her work spans multiple continents, engaging with organizations like the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights and contributing to international frameworks such as the Sendai Guidelines for Disaster Resilient Urban Planning. She frequently publishes in peer-reviewed journals and policy platforms, emphasizing actionable research to bridge academic and activist agendas. Notable contributions include theoretical explorations of 'just cities,' critiques of 'world-class city' narratives, and analyses of urban transformations post-Arab Spring. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes experiential learning and partnerships with grassroots organizations.