Shuaishuai Wang is a Lecturer in Digital Media and Culture at the University of Manchester, specializing in platform studies, critical algorithm studies, and queer media. His research explores queer communities' digital presence across platforms like Douyin, TikTok, and Blued, with a focus on algorithmic governance, data-driven social media operations, and geopolitical-economic contexts. He holds a PhD in Media Studies from the University of Amsterdam and previously served as Assistant Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam. Shuaishuai leads two university-funded projects: 'Douyin Data Economies' (100,000 CNY) and 'Algorithmic Configurations of Sexuality' (30,000 Euros). His work appears in journals like Big Data & Society , Television & New Media , and Social Media + Society , and he contributes to media outlets including The Conversation and Sixth Tone. His research interests emphasize the interplay between algorithms, queer identities, and platform economies. Recent studies analyze Douyin's shift to e-commerce, LGBTQ+ visibility challenges in algorithmic systems, and the political dimensions of TikTok. He has also examined business models of LGBTQ platforms and the impact of censorship on digital queer spaces. Key grants include projects investigating data economies and algorithmic configurations of sexuality, reflecting his commitment to understanding technology's societal implications. Collaborations span global institutions, with notable work on misinformation, playful political performances, and transgressive digital cultures.
Professor Simon Deakin is a Fellow and Director of Studies in Law at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, specializing in private law (tort and contract law) and labour law. He teaches on the undergraduate Law Tripos and the LLM programme, with research focusing on law and economics, artificial intelligence, and historical legal analysis. Current research on Is Law Computable? and AI ethics Co-editor of computational law essay collection Developed Cambridge Leximetric Database for quantitative legal analysis His research spans tort law, corporate governance, digital economy regulation, and sustainability. Recent work explores the Anthropocene's legal implications and labour law's computational approaches. Scientific awards include the Cambridge Students' Union teaching prize (2023) He supervises doctoral students annually and contributes to legal education through widely used textbooks. As a Centre for Business Research (CBR) affiliate, he advances data-driven analysis of global labour regulation.
Aleksandar Mihajlovic is a researcher and Art Director at Singidunum University, Serbia. With a doctoral degree in Contemporary Business Decision-Making (2022), a master's in Business Economics (2014), and a bachelor's in Computer Graphics and Design (2008), he combines academic rigor with creative leadership in the university's marketing strategy. Doctoral studies: Contemporary Business Decision-Making, Singidunum University (2022) Master studies: Business Economics, Singidunum University (2008–2014) Undergraduate: Computer Graphics and Design, Faculty of Informatics and Management (2005–2008) High school: Robotics and Flexible Production Systems Technician, Polytechnic Academy (1995–1999) His research spans visual communication , digital marketing , and artificial intelligence applications in creative industries. Key contributions include Co-authoring 11 academic papers (2015–2025) on topics like Instagram ad effectiveness, techno-feudalism, and responsive logo design. Developing the scientific research portal 'Singipedia' and international magazine 'SingiLogos'. Participating in 7 global projects including Erasmus+ and TEMPUS initiatives. His scientific awards include the JISA Discobolos Special Award (2010), IT Globus Award (2010), and Grafima Fair Special Award (2025). He serves on the organizing committee for conferences like Sinteza and Sitcon , and has judged marketing competitions while volunteering for NGOs like the City Organization of the Deaf of Belgrade.
Panagiota Antonopoulou is a Professor at the University of Peloponnese , affiliated with the Faculty of Human Movement Sciences and Quality of Life and the Department of Sports Organization & Management . Her work bridges media studies , political communication , and sports management , with a focus on place branding and digital media impacts . Education: Doctoral degree in Sociology from Panteion University (dissertation: The role of television in national elections , Grade: Excellent) Research interests include: Sports, media, and political communication interactions Place branding through ultra-distance events like Spartathlon Crisis management in sports organizations Sustainable tourism and urban identity (e.g., Piraeus, Sparta) Strategic HRM in sports events and facilities Recent publications highlight: Algorithmic journalism in sports reporting (2018) Media's role in shaping perceptions of sports violence (2012–2017) Place branding strategies for regional development (2017) Evolution of Greek sports press and radio (2008–2012) She teaches courses such as: "Sports Journalism and Media" (2015–present) "Tourism Politics and Strategy" (2015–present) "Communication and Writing Skills" (2010–present)
Dr. Halefom Abraha is an Assistant Professor at the International and European Law (IER) Department of Utrecht University's School of Law. He specializes in Digital Human Rights, focusing on privacy, data protection, AI regulation, and algorithmic management in labor markets. His research addresses cross-border data access for law enforcement and digital sovereignty. Abraha holds a joint PhD from the University of Malta and Edith Cowan University (Australia) for his thesis on 'Cross-Border Data Access for Law Enforcement Purposes,' which earned the 2021 Dean's Award for Academic Excellence. He completed postdoctoral research at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, University of Oxford (2021-2024), and has advised the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee. His expertise spans EU and international law, with notable fellowships including Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN (2017-2020) and AFRINIC (2017). Abraha is affiliated with the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM) and RENFORCE, focusing on governance challenges in the digital society. His research areas include the Future of Work under digital transformation, Security in Open Societies, and Contesting Governance paradigms. Key publications address workplace data protection frameworks, algorithmic management regulation, and cross-border data governance. Abraha advocates for contextualized legal solutions balancing innovation with human rights protections.
Manju Ahuja is a Scientia Professor of Information Systems and Technology Management at the UNSW Business School, University of New South Wales, and holds the Frazier Family Professor of Information Systems at the College of Business, University of Louisville (on leave). Recognized globally as a top-tier researcher in Information Systems, she has held faculty roles at Indiana University, Florida State University, and Penn State University. Education & Affiliations: PhD-level training and research assistantships at University of Pittsburgh (1990–1994) Research assistantship at Pace University (1982–1984) Graduated with high honors from Indore University, India (1980) Research Focus: Professor Ahuja's scholarship centers on the intersection of information technology and human behavior, with particular emphasis on IT workforce dynamics, AI ethics, digital transformation, work-life balance, innovation, and entrepreneurship . Her work explores how emerging technologies reshape organizational practices, employee well-being, and societal norms. Editorial Leadership: She currently serves as Senior Editor for Information Systems Research , and previously held senior editorships at MIS Quarterly (2014–2017) and Journal of AIS (2017–2019). She has also served as Associate Editor for MIS Quarterly , Information Systems Research , and Management Science . Scientific Recognition: Fellow, Association of Information Systems (2021) Lifetime Achievement Award, Academy of Management OCIS Division (2020) Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists List (2020) Presidential Distinguished Faculty Award, University of Louisville (2022) Enterprising Women Award, Louisville Business First (2023) Multiple Best Paper Awards and Faculty Research Awards Grants & Funding: Professor Ahuja has secured over $2 million in National Science Foundation funding across four major grants focused on IT workforce issues, highlighting her sustained impact on policy and practice. Teaching & Mentorship: She teaches courses in Research Methods, Information Systems Theory, and Behavioral IS , and actively mentors doctoral students and early-career researchers. While specific student names are not listed, her editorial roles and conference leadership indicate extensive supervision and collaboration. Global Engagement: Her visiting scholar appointments span premier institutions including HEC Paris, Bocconi University, National University of Singapore, UC Irvine, and University of Hawaii at Manoa, underscoring her role in shaping global IS research agendas.
Simon Lindgren is a Professor of Sociology and Director of DIGSUM (Digital Societies and Media) at Umeå University's Department of Sociology. His research focuses on politics, power, and resistance in the context of digital technologies, employing methods like critical discourse analysis, computational text analysis, and social network analysis. He leads interdisciplinary research on social dimensions of digital technology, including AI ethics, algorithmic governance, and digital activism. Key research areas include algorithmic politics, social media mobilization, critical AI studies, and data activism. Lindgren has directed projects such as 'Programmable Politics,' exploring algorithmic automation in civil society, and '#NeverForget vs. #NeverHappened,' analyzing Holocaust commemoration on social media. His work bridges sociology with computational methods, emphasizing the sociotechnical implications of digital tools. Recent publications address bot activity in progressive movements, class dynamics in AI research, and mental health discourse on Instagram. Lindgren has secured grants for AI ethics projects and co-authored works like the Handbook of Critical Studies of Artificial Intelligence . His research further explores digital care for aging populations and misinformation during emergencies. Lindgren coordinates the 'AI and Society' research group and has advised numerous collaborative projects at Umeå University. His work frequently intersects with policy analysis, aiming to inform governance of emerging digital technologies while critiquing techno-solutionist approaches.
Alexandre De Streel is a Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Namur, with affiliations to research entities including the Namur Digital Institute (NADI), Centre for Research in Regional Economics and Economic Policy (CERPE), and the Centre de Recherche Information, Droit et Société (CRIDS). He holds a Doctorate in EU Law from the European University Institute and a Master's in Economics from the Catholic University of Louvain. His research focuses on the regulation of digital industries , European competition policy , Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Law , and the governance of the European Union . He explores the intersection of law, economics, and digital innovation, with particular interest in the Sharing Economy and Network Industries . Recent publications analyze EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) , Antitrust , and Platform Regulation , reflecting his expertise in Competition Law and EU Institutional Law . He has served as Visiting Professor at SciencesPo Paris, European University Institute, and Barcelona GSE. De Streel is actively involved in teaching European Union Law , Competition Law , and Foundations of Law courses (DRHDB307, DROIB210, ECGEB130). He contributes to policy discussions as Academic Co-Director of CERRE and member of the Belgian Competition Authority's Scientific Committee.
Arun Rai serves as Regents’ Professor and Howard S. Starks Distinguished Chair at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business, where he co-founded and directs the Center for Digital Innovation. His career spans interdisciplinary research bridging information systems with societal impact through industry-university collaborations across global sectors. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. from Kent State University MBA from Clarion University of Pennsylvania M.S. from Birla Institute of Technology & Science Rai's research explores digital innovation , AI governance , and societal impacts of technology through investigations of platform ecosystems, supply chain transformation, and digital solutions for poverty and health disparities. His work uniquely connects technical systems design with behavioral and organizational outcomes across contexts from rural India to global corporations. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal intensifying focus on AI-human collaboration , digital risk assessment , and platform governance tensions , with growing emphasis on healthcare applications and equity implications. The trajectory shows evolution from organizational IT adoption toward complex sociotechnical systems addressing global challenges. His scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Association for Information Systems Distinguished Fellow of the INFORMS Information Systems Society LEO Award for Lifetime Exceptional Achievement Rai has mentored over 60 doctoral students (30+ as chair) with alumni now holding leadership positions globally. His research attracts major funding from Apollo Hospitals, China Mobile, IBM, Intel, UPS, and federal agencies, enabling real-world implementations like the Global Supply Chain Solutions Program during UPS's digital transformation. Current initiatives focus on generative AI in education and healthcare IT policy impacts. As director of the Center for Digital Innovation, he cultivates cross-sector partnerships advancing digital transformation through collaborative research on AI governance, platform ecosystems, and societal impact measurement.
Germain Gauthier is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University. His work bridges economics and political science with a focus on political economy, public economics, and machine learning methods. He develops AI tools for social scientists, particularly for analyzing unstructured data like texts and images. Ph.D. in Economics, Ecole Polytechnique (2018–2023) Postdoctoral Researcher, ETH Zürich (2023) M.Sc. in Analysis and Policy in Economics, Paris School of Economics (2017–2018) M.Sc. in Quantitative Economics, HEC Paris (2013–2017) His research spans two main areas: applied studies on digital technologies' societal consequences (e.g., X's algorithms, #MeToo's impact) and methodological innovations in machine learning for social science data. Recent publications include work on protest dynamics, inequality, and narrative extraction from texts. Key trends in his publications include: Machine learning applications to political and economic analysis Text mining for social science narratives Empirical studies on protest movements and digital governance Algorithmic bias in labor markets Economic policy evaluation using big data He has received significant funding: Swiss National Sciences Foundation Grant (300K CHF, 2023–2026) Swiss National Sciences Foundation Grant (100K CHF, 2020) Laboratoire d’Excellence Ph.D. Grant (2018–2023) He teaches courses on Public Finance (Bocconi) and Text as Data for Social Sciences (LMU München), and has developed open-source software packages like relatio and DeepLatent for text analysis and latent variable modeling.
Professor Nicholas Carah is a leading academic at the School of Communication and Arts , The University of Queensland , and serves as Director of the Centre for Digital Cultures & Societies . He is also an Associate Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society . His research focuses on the algorithmic and participatory advertising model of digital media platforms , with a sustained investigation into digital alcohol marketing . His research spans digital media, algorithmic culture, and affective capitalism , examining how platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook shape promotional practices and user behavior. He has led major ARC-funded projects and co-edited works such as Digital Intimate Publics and Social Media (2018) and Conflict in My Outlook (2022). As Deputy Chair of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education , he contributes to policy development on unhealthy product marketing. His recent publications highlight trends in social media advertising, algorithmic transparency, and health-risk marketing . Supervision roles include Principal Advisor for PhD projects on topics like digital labor, FemTech, and augmented reality , and Associate Advisor for cross-cultural studies in media and communication. He advocates for citizen science approaches to monitor digital marketing and its societal impacts.
Sendil Ethiraj is a Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School (LBS) and serves as Deputy Dean (Faculty). Originally from India, he earned his PhD in Management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining LBS, he spent over a decade as faculty at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. His research focuses on strategic management, covering innovation processes, competitive strategy, organizational design, human capital management, and technology-driven industry transformation. He has extensively studied innovation in complex systems across sectors like oil and gas, mutual funds, and healthcare insurance. His work addresses organizational structures for capability development, employee goal alignment, and platform governance in digital ecosystems. At LBS, he contributes to academic leadership as a member of the Governing Body since 2022. His initiatives emphasize designing reward systems to attract global research faculty and advancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging through the LBS Advisory Board. He teaches core courses in LBS's Master's, Executive Education, and PhD programs. Key research areas: Innovation in unconventional industries Human capital dynamics Platform governance Strategic response to technological disruption Organizational design for complex systems Contact: sethiraj@london.edu
Dr. Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy & Business Economy at Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London. She serves as Programme Lead for the BSc International Business Programme and Trade2Grow Executive Education Programme. Additionally, she is Impact Lead at the Brunel Centre for AI: Social and Digital Innovation, where she leads the capability area in the Future of Work. Dr. Tabaghdehi is also an economist and social impact advisor for the independent NGO, Social Innovation Movement. Dr. Tabaghdehi earned her PhD in Economics and Finance (2008) and MSc in International Money, Finance, and Investment (2015), both from Brunel University London. She also holds a BA in Theoretical Economics from University of Mazandaran. She completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Dr. Tabaghdehi is internationally recognized for her research on digital transformation, with particular expertise in the ethical integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Her work focuses on how emerging technologies shape industries, labor markets, and society, with emphasis on enhancing SME growth through technological innovation. She explores applications across critical sectors including social care, supply chain management, and environmental sustainability. A central theme in her research is smart data governance, ensuring ethical, transparent, and responsible use of data in decision-making processes. Her research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of technology, ethics, and business strategy. She has developed frameworks like the Digital Business Auditing Framework, which has been adopted internationally for smart city initiatives. Her work connects academic research with practical policy applications, as evidenced by her presentations as oral and written evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee. Her publications span AI ethics, digital footprint implications, fertility economics, and healthcare cost analysis, showing interdisciplinary breadth while maintaining thematic coherence around digital transformation's societal impact. Scientific Awards and Recognition Semi-finalist: Research Impact Award at Brunel University London, 2023 Staff Award: Exceptional in Collegiality and Supportive to Colleagues at Brunel University London, 2022 Exceptional Performance at Regents University London, 2018-19 Staff Award in Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Regents University London, 2016 Best Lecturer Award at London Brunel International College, 2014 Best Lecturer Award at London Brunel International College, 2013 Dr. Tabaghdehi actively supervises PhD students researching areas including Smart Data Governance, Ethical AI Governance, Digital Innovation Impact, Responsible AI Adoption Strategies, Sustainability, and Future of Labour Market. She has secured research funding from multiple sources including the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), Brunel University London, and Brunel Business School. Her current projects include research on AI Adoption and Governance, Youth digital addiction, Algorithm Reliability Framework, and SMEs digital footprints. She has also co-designed the "Digital Adoption" module for the UK Government's Help to Grow Management program, demonstrating the practical application of her research. As a member of multiple professional organizations, Dr. Tabaghdehi serves as an associate practitioner at Social Value International, associate member of the Big Innovation Centre, and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI. She is also a member of the ESRC Review College, British Academy of Management Review College, and Energy Institute UK, contributing to the broader academic and policy communities through these roles.
Professor Imre S. Szalai is a leading scholar in arbitration law and dispute resolution, currently serving as Professor of Law at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. His expertise spans arbitration, litigation, professional responsibility, and legal ethics. He is nationally recognized for his work on the Federal Arbitration Act and its impact on civil justice. University: Pace University School: Elisabeth Haub School of Law Department: Dispute Resolution Academic Rank: Professor Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Yale University – Double Major in Economics and Classical Civilizations JD, Columbia University School of Law – Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar Research Interests: Professor Szalai specializes in the legal, historical, and ethical dimensions of arbitration. His work critically examines the expansion of forced arbitration in consumer and employment contexts, the erosion of trial rights, and the role of arbitration in undermining accountability. He explores the historical roots of the Federal Arbitration Act and advocates for reforms that restore fairness and consent in dispute resolution. His recent scholarship delves into emerging issues such as artificial intelligence in arbitration and the impact of pop culture on legal interpretation. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2022–2025) reflect a strong focus on contemporary challenges in arbitration law, including the #MeToo movement's influence on forced arbitration, AI-driven dispute resolution, the role of the Supreme Court in shaping arbitration policy, and high-profile cases involving Ticketmaster and Taylor Swift. His work combines doctrinal analysis, historical inquiry, and policy critique, often drawing from media and cultural references to make complex legal issues accessible. Scientific Awards: Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Columbia Law School Advising and Grants: Professor Szalai actively collaborates with students on amicus briefs and scholarly work. While specific grant funding is not detailed in the provided text, his extensive publication record and media engagements suggest sustained scholarly support. He mentors students in legal research, writing, and advocacy, particularly in the areas of arbitration and civil rights. Labs, Teams, and Initiatives: He maintains a public blog on arbitration law developments, where he analyzes recent court decisions, legislative changes, and policy debates. This platform serves as an educational resource and contributes to public discourse on arbitration reform. He also participates in academic and professional networks focused on dispute resolution and legal ethics.
Danaë Metaxa is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with a primary appointment in the Department of Computer and Information Science and a secondary appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication. They co-founded the Penn HCI group and focus on bias and representation in sociotechnical systems, particularly in high-stakes domains like politics and employment. Primary: Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania Secondary: Annenberg School for Communication Their research develops sociotechnical auditing methods that combine algorithmic analysis with user-centered behavioral interventions. Key areas include algorithmic justice, human-computer interaction, and marginalized groups' experiences with AI systems. Recent publications analyze generative AI harms, political content on TikTok, and automated hiring biases. They emphasize youth participation in algorithm auditing and ethical AI education. Danaë teaches courses like Algorithmic Justice and Human-Computer Interaction , and mentors PhD students in interdisciplinary research. They are a General Chair for FAccT 2025 and advocate for equity in AI research opportunities.
