Dr Saeed Sharif is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science department at the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering , University of East London . He leads the Intelligent Technologies Research Group and serves as Course Leader for MSc Computer Science programs. With a PhD in artificial intelligence from Brunel University London , his work bridges Artificial Intelligence , Medical Technology , and Smart Infrastructure . His research interests span Medical Image Analysis , Intelligent Diagnosis Systems , Big Data Analysis , and IoT Security . Collaborations with NHS Trusts and global institutions focus on improving healthcare systems through machine learning and biomedical signal processing. 2018-2022: £268,000 KTP project with Innovate UK Multiple Research Internship Schemes at UEL (2017-2021) European Research Centre collaboration (2015) As a technical committee member for conferences like IEEE CIT and a journal Guest Editor , he drives academic discourse. He has supervised numerous PhD students and served on examination panels, while maintaining 53+ publications in venues including IEEE Access , Applied Soft Computing , and Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine .
Joe Liu is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Human Centred Computing at Monash University, within the Faculty of IT. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Monash University (2023), a Master of Information Technology (2018), and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of New South Wales (2013). His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, Data Visualisation, and Immersive Analytics, with contributions to embodied interaction and construction safety management. He has taught courses such as FIT1050, FIT2081, and FIT2095, and served as a teaching associate for units like FIT3179 (Data Visualisation) and FIT5152 (User Interface Design). Education: PhD in Computer Science, Monash University (2023) MSc in Information Technology, Monash University (2018) BSc in Computer Science, UNSW (2013) Research Interests: Joe’s work explores immersive analytics, embodied interaction in virtual environments, and the application of augmented reality (AR) for safety in construction. He investigates spatial memory in AR, gesture-based interfaces, and multi-view visualisation techniques. His recent studies include physical landmarks’ impact on spatial recall and AR-driven fall hazard detection on construction sites. Publications: Over 10 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing trends in AR/VR applications, gesture interaction, and immersive analytics. Key themes include spatial cognition in immersive environments and industrial safety solutions through digital technologies. Awards: None explicitly listed beyond academic degrees. Advising & Grants: No formal advisees listed. Collaborates with researchers in embodied visualisation and safety engineering through Monash’s Embodied Visualisation group. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Embodied Visualisation research group at Monash University, focusing on interdisciplinary projects blending HCI and data science.
Professor Fernando Nieto is a Full Professor of Architecture at Tampere University, leading the SPREAD research group. He specializes in bridging architectural practice and academia through digital tools for sustainable urban design. His work focuses on community-based green transitions, loneliness in the built environment, and architectural pedagogy. Education: PhD in Advanced Architectural Design (Madrid School of Architecture, 2014). Postdoctoral research at Aalto University (2014–2018). Tenure track completion at Tampere School of Architecture in 2022. Research Interests: Sustainable design strategies, digitalization in architecture, social isolation mitigation through built environments, and architectural education reforms. He co-authored the 2021 book on loneliness and architecture, honored with a COAM Award. Current Projects: Coordinates the Visualising Our Future Public Realm (VOF) project (2023–2025), funded by Business Finland. Collaborates with firms like MUUAN Architects and SmartViz to develop multiscale digital tools for architectural offices. Grants & Partnerships: European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), collaboration with Aalto University, Royal College of Art, and multiple Finnish architectural firms. Labs/Teams: SPREAD group at Tampere University, focusing on design-research hybrid models and cross-sectoral partnerships.
Susanne Thurow is an ARC Laureate Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the iCinema Centre for Interactive Cinema Research within the University of New South Wales (UNSW), School of Arts, Design & Architecture . She also serves as Associate Director Research (Creative Arts) and Research Program Leader in Climate Aesthetics , fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between arts, humanities, and technology sectors. PhD in English Philology (2017, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel) First State Examination in Secondary School Teaching (2009, Kiel) Her research focuses on contemporary theatre , immersive interactive aesthetics , and decolonizing methodologies in Indigenous Australian studies. She explores the intersection of digital media , Indigenous knowledge systems , and climate disaster preparedness , often leveraging AI and VR technologies. Thurow's recent publications address terrestrial aesthetics , climate crisis representation , and cyber/physical design systems in performance and installation art. Her work emphasizes multimodal collaboration , zero-waste scenography , and AI-driven climate visualization . ASAL's Alvie Egan Book Award (2021, for Performing Indigenous Identities on the Contemporary Australian Stage ) UNSW ECAN Award for Research Excellence (High Commendation, 2021) UNSW Art & Design Dean’s Award (Best Monograph, 2019) She contributes to ARC Linkage Projects including LP190100563 (iModel), LP170100471 (iDesign), and LP180100126 (netARCHIVE), totaling over $1.5 million in grants. Her collaborations span institutions like Sydney Theatre Company , Opera Australia , and Fire and Rescue NSW .
Nico Pietroni is a Professor at the School of Computer Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he conducts research at the intersection of geometry processing, digital fabrication, and architectural geometry. His work bridges theoretical foundations in computational geometry with practical applications in industrial production pipelines, and he is affiliated with the Visualisation Institute (VI) Research Network at UTS. His primary research interests include geometry processing, mesh parametrisation, digital fabrication, architectural geometry, and computational design. He has pioneered techniques such as FlexMaps for computational design of flat flexible shells and Metamolds for computational design of silicone molds. His research focuses on developing concepts and practical algorithms for the creation and manipulation of digital shape representations, with applications spanning entertainment industry, digital fabrication, and architectural geometry. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward computational methods for digital fabrication and architectural applications. His work spans from garment design and alteration to architectural structures like grid shells and bending-reinforced structures. He has developed innovative approaches for surface approximation, mesh processing, and computational design that address practical challenges in manufacturing and construction, with particular emphasis on reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining design integrity. Wynne Prize finalist for "Bending the Light" artwork, exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales Professor Pietroni has supervised numerous research students working on projects related to geometry processing, digital fabrication, and computational design. His funded research includes projects such as "Digital Optimization of Personalised Spacesuit" and "CRC-P Shoulder Replacement Implant Design for Additive Manufacturing," demonstrating the practical applications of his work across diverse fields from space research to medical technology. He has secured multiple research grants totaling significant funding for computational design research. He has developed several influential software projects including MeshLab (an open-source system for 3D mesh processing that won the SGP Software Award in 2017), HexaLab (an online viewer for hexahedral meshes), and QuadMixer (for layout-preserving blending of quadrilateral meshes). His work has been widely adopted by both academic researchers and industry practitioners in fields ranging from entertainment to architecture to medical technology.
Keiichi Muramatsu is Associate Professor (tenure-track since 2025) at Waseda University’s Global Education Center, Japan. Holding a Doctor of Human Sciences from Waseda, he has successively served as Assistant Professor at Saitama University and as part-time Lecturer at Bunkyo University. He is an active member of the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence and the Color Society of Japan. Education: Doctoral Program, Human Sciences, Waseda University (2009-2014) Master’s Program, Human Sciences, Waseda University (2007-2009) Bachelor, Department of Human Informatics and Cognitive Sciences, Waseda University (2003-2007) Research interests: Muramatsu integrates Kansei informatics and soft computing to quantify human emotional and aesthetic responses. His work spans colour-emotion modelling for lighting and butterfly aesthetics, bio-signal driven emotion recognition using chaotic fingertip plethysmography, and gait classification via deep learning for personalised rehabilitation and stumble prevention. He also develops ontological frameworks to share emotional knowledge across educational and product-service system design domains. Publication trends: Across 62 Scopus papers (h-index 7), Muramatsu’s recent outputs demonstrate a convergence of affective engineering and AI: convolutional networks visualise gait features for training feedback, neural predictors estimate learner states in intelligent tutoring systems, and psychophysiological models link colour, fragrance and 3-D sound to emotional dimensions. Studies consistently combine subjective evaluations with objective indices such as fNIRS, skin conductance and chaotic exponents. Grants & industry links: He has led JSPS KAKENHI grants and internal Waseda special research projects, collaborated with Toyota on driver affective scales, and contributed to exoskeleton development with Saitama medical device firms. His work on LED automotive lighting and mobility-scooter stress evaluation reflects ongoing industry knowledge transfer. Advising & labs: While specific student names are not disclosed, Muramatsu supervises graduate research on gait-assistive devices, emotion recognition wearables, and ITS architectures within the Global Education Center’s interdisciplinary environment.
Dr. Robert (Rob) G. Belleman is a Lecturer and researcher in the Computational Science Lab at the Informatics Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam. He concurrently serves as Director of the university-wide College of Informatics (CoI), manager of the Visualisation Lab at Science Park, and head of the Education Group, consolidating teaching, research, and infrastructure leadership roles. Education details are not disclosed in the supplied text. His research integrates large-scale scientific computing with immersive visualisation. Core themes encompass GPU-accelerated simulations—from gravitational N-body dynamics to flood modelling—interactive visual analytics for criminal and biological networks, 3-D morphological analysis of marine organisms, sign-language lexicon technologies, and in-silico oncology platforms that fuse multiscale cancer models with clinical IT workflows. Recent articles (2022-2024) emphasise interdisciplinary visual analytics: uncovering cocaine-trafficking scenarios, discriminating coral species via 3-D quantification, and constructing 3-D sign-language lexicons. Earlier work advanced GPU computing for astrophysics and MD simulations, hybrid socio-genetic network modelling of HIV spread, and grid-enabled oncosimulation for nephroblastoma therapy planning. No scientific awards are listed in the provided source. Belleman leads educational innovation through the College of Informatics and the Education Group, while infrastructural oversight of the Visualisation Lab supports numerous UvA research teams. No explicit grant amounts or named PhD advisees appear in the text. He heads the Visualisation Lab facility at Science Park and coordinates the Education Group within the Computational Science Lab, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among computer scientists, life scientists, and physicists.
Professor Ian Haynes is a distinguished Professor of Archaeology at Newcastle University's School of History, Classics and Archaeology, where he has held a chair since 2007. He previously served as Director of the BA History and Archaeology program and Lecturer at Birkbeck College, University of London (1995-2007), and as a Lecturer at the University of Oxford (1994-1995). His academic leadership extends to roles as Director of Research for the School of Historical Studies and Head of Archaeology at Newcastle. Haynes' research spans three key areas: cult practice in the Roman world, frontier communities along imperial boundaries, and material culture studies. His methodological approach integrates advanced survey techniques, geophysical analysis, innovative excavation methods, and digital imaging technologies. Geographically, his work extends across the Roman Empire with significant projects in Italy (particularly Rome), Britain (focusing on Hadrian's Wall), Romania, and recently Pakistan with Gandharan art studies. His current research is dominated by the ERC Advanced Grant-funded 'Rome Transformed' project, which examines the physical reshaping of Rome's eastern Caelian from the 1st to 8th centuries CE. This work combines traditional archaeology with cutting-edge digital humanities approaches, including 3D visualizations that the project terms 'provocations' to stimulate scholarly debate. His fieldwork also includes the Birdoswald Excavation Project on Hadrian's Wall (co-directed with Tony Wilmott) and the 'De-fragmenting Gandhara' initiative. ERC Rome Transformed advanced grant (2019) Member, Academia Europaea (elected 2020) PI Research Project of the Year, Current Archaeology Awards (2015) Fellow, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (2013) Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (2003) Corresponding Member, Deutsches Archäologiches Institut (2024) Haynes co-directs the Frontiers of the Roman Empire Digital Humanities Initiative (FREDHI) with Professor Peter Stone and leads NU Digital Heritage. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous international partnerships, including work with the University of Florence, British School at Rome, and Italian National Research Council. His outreach extends to community programs and next-generation field schools that train students in born-digital recording systems and specialized archaeological techniques.
David Beynon is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Tasmania, where he also serves as Associate Head of Learning and Teaching. His academic work is deeply intertwined with his professional experience as a registered architect and co-founder of alsoCAN Architects. He is a prominent researcher focusing on the cultural, social, and historical dimensions of architecture, particularly in relation to migration, urban renewal, and multiculturalism. Doctor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne (2002) Bachelor of Architecture with Honours, University of Melbourne (1990) Registered Architect, Victoria (1995) David Beynon's research centers on architectural history, theory, and criticism, with a strong emphasis on migration and architecture, Southeast Asian architecture, multicultural built environments, and industrial heritage. His work seeks to understand how architectural content and meaning adapt in response to cultural change, demographic shifts, and transnational connections. He explores both contemporary Australian suburban environments and ancient Asian temples, aiming to develop a more culturally reflective and socially sustainable architectural practice. His recent publications, spanning from 2020 to 2025, consistently explore themes of cultural adaptation and hybridity in the built environment. A significant trend is the investigation of immigrant contributions to Australian industrial and urban landscapes, as seen in his work on postwar immigrant recruitment, refugee enterprise, and migrant industries. Another major theme is the study of diasporic and hybrid religious architecture, particularly Chinese temples in Bali and Daoist temples in Australia. His work also incorporates digital methods for reconstructing and understanding ancient temples, and he has engaged with contemporary issues like the value of culture during the pandemic. Winner of John Grice Memorial Prize for best Postgraduate Thesis in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne in 2002. David Beynon is an active research supervisor, currently guiding several PhD students on topics such as cross-cultural temple architecture in Bali, ancient Buddhist monasteries, Tasmanian urban development, and campus design for wellbeing. He is the Chief Investigator on the ARC Discovery Project 'Architecture and industry: the migrant contribution to nation-building,' a major collaborative grant with researchers from the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, and the Australian National University. He has supervised numerous successful PhD and Masters theses on a wide range of topics, including Alvar Aalto's landscapes, Malaysian housing, and Bendigo's Chinese architecture. He is actively engaged in the academic and professional community, serving as the President of the Society of Architectural and Urban Historians Asia and as a member of the Society of Architectural Historians Australia New Zealand and the Australian Institute of Architects. He is also the University representative on the Launceston Heritage Advisory Committee.
Dr. Angie Voela is a Senior Lecturer in Psychosocial Theory and Practice at the University of East London (UEL), affiliated with the Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care within the School of Childhood and Social Care. She holds a BA, MA, MSc, and PhD. As Research Degrees Leader for Social Sciences, she co-leads the Feminist Research Group (UEL) and co-edits the international journal Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society . Her work integrates psychoanalytic and philosophical approaches to identity, gender, culture, and contemporary politics, with a focus on Lacanian theory, Baudrillard, Foucault, and Stiegler. She has published widely on topics including maternal mental health interventions, academic freedom, and the psychosocial impacts of lockdowns. Her research emphasizes myth in contemporary culture, spatial theory, and radical ethical frameworks. Notable works include the monograph Psychoanalysis, Philosophy, and Myth in Contemporary Culture: After Oedipus (2017) and recent studies on maternal mental health interventions in East London. She teaches modules such as Who are you? Reading the Body Psychosocially and Psychoanalysis, Culture and Religion . Voela has secured funding as an Academic Grant Holder for the Leverhulme Artist in Residence Barbara Loftus, focusing on Visualisation from Memory . Her interdisciplinary approach bridges psychoanalytic theory with cultural critique, addressing issues like austerity, neoliberalism, and social justice. She has contributed to edited volumes on post-lockdown psychosocial transformations and co-organized events like the British Science Festival session on SWAN interventions. Her work reflects a commitment to ethical spaces and radical praxis, engaging with contemporary challenges such as mental health, political discourse, and cultural representation.
Dr Rehan Zia is a Principal Academic at the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), part of the Faculty of Media and Communication at Bournemouth University, UK. His work integrates visual storytelling, computer animation, visual effects, and digital photography, with a strong emphasis on practice-led research. He teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, supervises PhD students, and has delivered invited lectures internationally on pedagogy, HDR photography, and digital craft. His educational background includes a PhD in Photography/Visual Effects (2020), an MA in Digital Effects (2007), an MSc in Computer Science (2004), and a BSc (Hons) in Computing (2003). These qualifications reflect his interdisciplinary expertise bridging technology and the arts. Rehan’s research interests center on visual storytelling, digital craft, HDR imaging, virtual and augmented reality, serious games for rehabilitation, and the pedagogy of creative arts education. His recent publications explore the fusion of fantasy in therapeutic games, mixed reality data visualisation, and reflexive photographic practice. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals including Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Partnership for the Goals. His recent scholarly output shows a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining art, technology, and healthcare, particularly through VR/AR applications for rehabilitation and heritage visualisation. He frequently publishes in arts and digital media conferences such as EVA London and the International Conference on the Arts in Society. Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS) Fellowship of the Royal Society for Arts (FRSA) Unreal Virtual Production Fellow Certified Nuke Trainer Rehan supervises PhD students including Tahmeena Javaid Adeel (researching fantasy in serious games for rehabilitation) and Maral Khosravi (working on 3D heritage reconstruction). He has been instrumental in developing best practices in creative arts teaching and has led curriculum design initiatives. His outreach includes workshops for schools and public exhibitions of his photographic work. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and public engagement, with no indication of retirement or departure from the institution. He is a key member of the NCCA research community, contributing to projects involving digital heritage, exergames, and immersive storytelling. His practice-led approach ensures that research, teaching, and creative output are deeply interconnected, enriching all three domains.
Dr. Paul Cureton is a Senior Research Fellow in Landscape and Infrastructure at Birmingham City University (BCU) and a Senior Lecturer in Design at Lancaster University. His work bridges design, landscape representation, and digital technologies. PhD : Landscape Representation, Manchester School of Architecture His research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to Future Cities, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and digital fabrication. He applies these tools to landscape and infrastructure projects, including mapping and urban modelling. Recent publications highlight his work in landscape representation, digital/analogue techniques, and visual futures analysis. He collaborates across academic disciplines and industries, with a strong emphasis on real-world impact through design innovation. Email: paul.cureton@bcu.ac.uk
Iyad Sawaftah , a Jordanian architect and Ph.D. researcher at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Applied Sciences, focuses on the intersection of the built environment, psychology, and virtual reality. His interdisciplinary research explores how environmental factors influence cognitive flexibility and creativity through digital twins and VR technologies. Education: Bachelor's in Architecture from the University of Petra (2021) Master's in Architectural Visualisation from Kent School of Architecture and Planning (2022) Research: Investigating environmental impacts on cognition via digital twins and VR under the Centre for Mind and Creativity Research. Professional Experience: Worked at Green Architects+ Planners in Amman and freelanced on projects across the UK, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and UAE. Awards: Recognized internationally for his graduation project "The Hidden Heaven" and served as a juror for the Inspireli Awards (2022).
Leonardo Ramondetti is a Research Fellow at the Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST) , Politecnico di Torino . His work focuses on Chinese urbanisation , infrastructure-led urbanisation , and sustainable planning , with empirical research in China and Europe. He has coordinated the China Room research group since 2016 and held visiting scholar positions at Tsinghua University and Laboratoire LATTS in Paris. Key Research Areas: Chinese urbanism, Critical cartography, Infrastructure-landscape design, Sustainable spatial planning Recent Projects: HyperSCAPES (2025-2028), Energy-Logistics Hubs in Mediterranean Ports (2025-2027) His recent publications examine infrastructure-urbanism intersections through GIS-ethnographic methodologies. Scientific recognitions include the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Seal of Excellence (2023) and TRAPEZIO Grant (2024). He teaches Urbanism modules at Università di Bologna and École Nationale Supérieure des Mines , integrating design research with policy analysis.
Stefan Balke is a Researcher at the AudioLabs Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), focusing on wind music research and Music Information Retrieval (MIR). Previously, he held a PostDoc position at the Institute of Computational Perception, JKU Linz (2018–2019) and later worked as a Data Scientist and Team Lead in industry. He temporarily served as a professor at Hochschule Weserbergland in 2023/24. Education: PhD (Dr.-Ing.) in MIR from FAU (2018), Electrical Engineering studies at Leibniz Universität Hannover (2008–2013). Research Interests: Music Information Retrieval, Deep Learning, Jazz and Wind Music Analysis, Dataset Development. His work includes creating datasets like ChoraleBricks (wind music) and JSD (jazz structure analysis), and tools like trackswitch.js for audio visualization. Grants & Projects: Secured 35k€ funding for his orchestra through the 'Engagiertes Land' program (2024). Collaborated on exhibits such as 'The Listening Machine' (Ars Electronica) and 'Con Espressione!' (mathematics of music exhibition). Contributions: Active on GitHub with repositories for datasets (choralebricks, jsd) and tools. Co-developed web-based audio tools and contributed to open-source projects like Sonic Visualiser and librosa.
