Prof. Marius Preda is a Lecturer at Telecom SudParis, specializing in multimedia technologies and standards. His work focuses on 3D graphics, point cloud compression, augmented and virtual reality, and MPEG standardization. He has contributed to numerous international conferences and publications, particularly in advancing compression techniques and interactive media systems. Key research areas include MPEG standards for 3D graphics, point cloud compression (notably G-PCC), and AR/VR applications in industrial and educational contexts. He has led projects like ATOFIS, an AR training system for manufacturing, and explored lightweight neural network libraries (FasterAI). His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations, emphasizing interoperability and efficiency. Preda has collaborated extensively on international standards through MPEG, contributing to the development of protocols for mixed reality, media convergence, and interactive systems. His research also addresses challenges in real-time processing, hardware optimization, and user-centric design across domains like robotics, energy systems, and cultural heritage preservation.
Professor Wen Tang is a leading academic in Digital Games Technology at Bournemouth University, appointed as Professor in 2016. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Leeds, UK, with prior roles as a Research Fellow at Leeds and Bradford Universities. Her expertise spans Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), AI, and medical applications, focusing on surgical robotics and endoscopy. She leads major research projects, including the Horizon-MSCA-2024-IP-01-01:3D-Intel Surgery initiative starting in 2025. Her research integrates VR/AR algorithms, AI-driven medical imaging, and robotics. Notable grants include EPSRC, Innovate UK, EU H2020, and Royal Academy of Engineering funding, totaling over £2 million. She serves on the EPSRC Peer Review College and has published extensively in journals like IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging and Neurocomputing. Key projects include developing interactive surgical simulation tools, point cloud registration methods, and gamified health interventions. Her work aligns with UN SDGs for Quality Education, Decent Work, and Sustainable Innovation. Future work emphasizes 3D medical visualization and healthcare technology integration. Publications highlight advancements in medical image fusion, AI for surgical robotics, and VR safety training. She collaborates widely, mentoring teams in digital health and extended reality applications.
Matthias Zwicker is the Elizabeth Iribe Chair for Innovation and the Phillip H. and Catherine C. Horvitz Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, where he currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Computer Science. He joined UMD in March 2017 as the Reginald Allan Hahne Endowed E-Nnovate Professor in Computer Science. Prior to UMD, he was a professor at the University of Bern, Switzerland (2008-2017), Assistant Professor at UC San Diego (2006-2008), and a post-doctoral associate at MIT (2003-2006). PhD from ETH Zurich, Switzerland (2003) Matthias Zwicker's research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and computer graphics, with the goal of enabling next-generation AR/VR and computer graphics applications. His work spans several key areas including point-based graphics, gradient-domain rendering, image processing, and 3D reconstruction. He has made significant contributions to surface splatting, texture synthesis, and denoising techniques. His recent work increasingly integrates deep learning approaches with traditional computer graphics techniques. Zwicker's recent publications (2021-2022) show a strong trend toward integrating deep learning with computer graphics, particularly in 3D reconstruction, rendering, and animation. His work increasingly focuses on neural radiosity, point cloud processing, and differentiable rendering techniques. There's a clear emphasis on improving perceptual quality in graphics applications, with many papers addressing challenges in AR/VR systems. His research group frequently publishes at top venues including SIGGRAPH, CVPR, and ICCV. BEST STUDENT PAPER AWARD! at VISAPP 2018 As an active member of the UMD community, Zwicker has served as a University Senator for the CS department, as a faculty co-lead in developing the new Immersive Media Design major, and as a faculty mentor in the Gemstone Honors Program. His service includes conference leadership roles such as papers co-chair for IEEE/Eurographics Symposium on Point-Based Graphics, Eurographics, and Eurographics Symposium on Rendering. Zwicker leads research in the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering at UMD (room 5244). His work builds on his previous leadership of the Computer Graphics Group at the University of Bern, where he served as head of the group and as director of undergraduate and graduate studies. His research continues to push boundaries in the integration of AI and graphics for next-generation visual computing applications.
Pascal Jansen is a PhD candidate and research associate at the University of Ulm's Institute of Media Informatics, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). He joined the HCI group in June 2021, holding an M.Sc. (distinction) in Media Informatics (2021) and B.Sc. in Computer Science (2018) from Ulm University. His master’s thesis, SwiVR-Car-Seat , explored vehicle motion effects on VR interaction quality. Research Interests : Jansen focuses on inclusive UI design, computational modeling, and ubiquitous personalization in automotive systems, urban mobility, and AR/VR. He investigates motion-aware interfaces, automated vehicle visualization, and Bayesian optimization for context-aware UIs. His work bridges HCI with robotics and sustainability. Publications & Awards : Over 15 peer-reviewed papers include CHI, AutomotiveUI, and IMWUT contributions. Notable achievements include a 2025 CHI Honorable Mention (OptiCarVis) and multiple "Special Recognition for Outstanding Reviews" awards from top venues. His work has been featured at the Long Evening of Science (2024, 2023) and the German Computer Game Awards (2021). Projects : AutoVis (automotive UI analytics), UAM-SUMO (urban air mobility simulation), PedSUMO (AV-pedestrian interaction). Teaching : Lectures on Automotive UIs, UI Software Technologies, and media informatics seminars since 2021. Grants : Co-investigator in SituWare (2023), a project optimizing driver situation awareness in automated vehicles. His research also addresses energy-saving home appliances (IMWUT 2024) and precision agriculture robotics (CHI 2025).
Dr. David Dobbelstein is a former academic researcher at the University of Ulm, affiliated with the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Group. He holds an M.Sc. in Applied Computer Science from the University of Duisburg-Essen (2014) and a Ph.D. from the University of Ulm (2019), focusing on near-body interaction and wearable interfaces. His work bridges wearable computing, mobile interaction design, and sensory feedback systems. Research Interests: Dr. Dobbelstein specializes in wearable computing , novel interaction techniques , and ubiquitous computing . Notable projects include the Belt (unobtrusive touch input for head-worn displays), PocketThumb (dual-sided touch interface for smart-eyewear), and inScent (wearable olfactory notifications). His research emphasizes socially acceptable interaction methods and user-centered wearable systems. Teaching Contributions: He taught courses such as Pervasive Computing, Ubiquitous Computing, and Grundlagen Interaktiver Systeme, and supervised over a dozen theses on topics like wearable input devices and privacy-preserving interactions. His doctoral work received recognition, including an Honorable Mention Award (2014). Publications: His 15 most recent works span ISWC, CHI, and UIST conferences, covering topics like haptic feedback systems, olfactory displays, and mobile VR interaction. He remains actively involved in the HCI community as a reviewer and conference organizer.
Dr. Philipp Ackermann is a researcher and academic leader at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering. His roles include Deputy Head of the Human-Centered Computing Research Group, Head of the Visual Computing Lab, Deputy Programme Director for Medical Informatics, and Delegate for Entrepreneurship in the School of Engineering. His research focuses on Visual Computing (especially Augmented Reality), Medical Informatics , and Digital Health . He leads projects like AR Patterns (design patterns for AR experiences) and Automated Recognition of Modular Product Structures in AR , which explore circular economy applications. His work bridges technical innovation with practical implementation, emphasizing collaboration in immersive technologies and data-driven solutions. Key research trends in his articles include: Advancements in XR technologies (e.g., 3D inference pipelines, physically-based rendering) Collaborative systems in AR/VR environments Applications of AR in healthcare and industrial settings Systematic reviews of collaboration in virtual spaces He has contributed to projects as both leader and team member, addressing topics from surgical proficiency training to intelligent viticulture. His work often emphasizes real-world impact through partnerships between academia and industry. Philipp leads the Visual Computing Lab , fostering interdisciplinary innovation in computer graphics and immersive technologies. His educational contributions include teaching the CAS Advanced Statistical Data Analysis course.
Dr. Tram Tran is a Lecturer in Design at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Her research focuses on human-centered design applications for autonomous mobility systems and urban augmented reality interfaces , exploring how emerging technologies can enhance safety, trust, and inclusion in transportation contexts. Master’s and PhD in Interaction Design from University of Sydney Postdoctoral Research Associate on ARC Discovery Project 'Shared-Space Interactions between People and Autonomous Vehicles' Her work integrates virtual reality simulation and digital ethnography to study multi-entity autonomous vehicle interactions, wearable AR applications, and physiological response measurement systems. Recent publications examine transparency in automated vehicle behavior, gesture-based communication protocols, and speculative technology design through cultural lenses. Dr. Tran serves as OzCHI 2025 Program Chair , AutoUI 2025 Workshop/Tutorial Co-Chair , and SydCHI Events Chair . She maintains active collaborations across human-robot interaction, metaverse development, and urban technology research.
Vincent Havard is a Researcher-Lecturer at CESI in Rouen, France. He holds a HDR (Accreditation to Direct Research) from CNAM (2023) and a PhD in Computer Sciences from Rouen University (2018). His academic role combines research and teaching in the field of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for industrial applications. He leads the Engineering and Numerical Tools research team, focusing on digital twin integration, human-robot collaboration, and deep learning for industrial automation. Teaching responsibilities include designing and delivering advanced courses on AR/VR for engineering students, including a 175-hour module on 3D modeling and AR/VR applications for IT engineers (Master 2 equivalent), and specialized modules for robotics and maintenance engineering programs. His pedagogical approach emphasizes project-based learning and industry-relevant skills. Research interests span data modeling for AR/VR, deep learning for human action recognition, and digital twin architectures for Industry 4.0. He has supervised over 30 PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and research engineers, including notable works on ontology-based data models, human motion analysis, and BIM-VR integration. Key projects include the NumeriLab initiative and collaborations with industrial partners to develop immersive training environments. His contributions to the field include 10 peer-reviewed journal articles (ACL), 16 conference papers (C-ACTI), and 6 oral presentations (C-COM). Notable awards include a Best Paper Award at CONFERE 2017. He actively contributes to the scientific community through roles in the AFXR association and participation in international conferences.
Alberto Cannavo' is a fixed-term Assistant Professor in the Department of Control and Computer Science (DAUIN) at Politecnico di Torino. He is affiliated with the College of Electronic, Telecommunications and Physics Engineering and the College of Computer, Film, and Mechatronics Engineering. His research and teaching focus on computer graphics, extended reality, and immersive technologies. His research interests include: Extended Reality (XR), Virtual and Augmented Reality Digital Twin and Metaverse technologies Information Visualization and Visual Analytics Immersive simulations for training and social interaction Interactive 3D visualization and multimedia systems His recent publications highlight work on Metaverse architectures, virtual fitting rooms, and immersive training simulations. These contributions span journals such as Virtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware and IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications , as well as IEEE VR workshops. The research demonstrates a strong trend toward applied XR systems, human-centered design, and real-world deployment in education, training, and industry. Scientific contributions and leadership include: Scientific Manager of commercial research projects on VR training for NATO procedures (CBRN-MED, RECCE) Lead on prototyping functional test system interfaces Inventor of the national software patent VR 4 CBRN TRAINING Active participation in IEEE VR workshops as editor and contributor He supervises PhD students Roberta Macaluso and Alessandro Visconti, whose work focuses on socially engaged virtual environments and digital twins in the Metaverse. He teaches courses such as Information Visualization and Visual Analytics (PhD), Computer Graphics (Master’s), and Algorithms and Programming (Bachelor’s). He is a member of the GRAINS research group and the VR@POLITO laboratory, both central to his interdisciplinary work in intelligent graphics systems.
Pedro Ramos is a Full Professor and Director at the Department of Information Science and Technology (ISTA), ISCTE-IUL University Institute of Lisbon. He is also an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR-Iscte, a leading research center in Information Sciences, Technologies, and Architecture. His academic leadership includes directing various degree programs and serving on institutional governance bodies such as the Scientific Committee and General Council. PhD in Information Sciences and Technologies (ISCTE-IUL, 1999) Master's in Business Sciences (ISCTE-IUL, 1992) Bachelor's in Business Organization and Management (ISCTE-IUL, 1988) His research focuses on Information Systems , NoSQL databases , formal modeling of organizations , and big data management . He explores applications in distributed systems, semantic web, and data mining for business intelligence and public policy. His work bridges theoretical modeling and practical implementation in enterprise IT environments. His recent publications span high-impact journals in transportation, tourism, education, and information systems. Key themes include semantic interoperability in bibliographic data , passenger rail disruption management , data mining for guest satisfaction , and social media engagement in sports and fashion . His research consistently applies computational and analytical methods to real-world organizational challenges. Pedro Ramos has played a central role in developing and coordinating master's programs in Information Systems and related fields. He actively supervises both Master’s and PhD students, with ongoing projects in formal ontologies, public policy, business performance, and decision support systems. He has also contributed to institutional research projects funded by European programs. He leads research at ISTAR-Iscte and has held key administrative roles, including Director of the Department of Information Science and Technology and leadership in academic councils. His work integrates research, teaching, and institutional development.
Oliver Riedel holds the professorship "Production Information Technologies" at the University of Stuttgart's Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units. His research focuses on Industry 4.0, digital product passports, and IoT integration in manufacturing systems. Key contributions include frameworks for adaptive production control, OPC UA-based data models, and blockchain applications for manufacturing transparency. He has authored/co-authored over 50 publications between 2019–2025, addressing topics such as fault-tolerant systems, hybrid commissioning, and AI-driven industrial processes. Research interests span sustainable manufacturing, real-time networking, and automation technologies. Notable projects include the Gaia-X4ICM initiative for manufacturing ecosystems and the development of digital twins for production systems. His work bridges theoretical advancements with industrial applications, emphasizing interoperability and data-driven decision-making in smart factories. Articles highlight innovations like event-based digital product passports and reinforcement learning for industrial control. Collaborations include institutions like KIT and RWTH Aachen. No awards or grants are explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record reflects significant academic influence.
Qi Sun is an Assistant Professor at New York University's Tandon School of Engineering, jointly affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Center for Urban Science + Progress (CUSP). He leads the Immersive Computing Lab, where his research focuses on advancing virtual and augmented reality through perception-aware computing, neural rendering, and energy-efficient XR displays. Research Interests: His work lies at the intersection of computer graphics, computer vision, and computational perception. He investigates how human perception can guide the design of immersive technologies, with research directions including foveated rendering, generative models for VR/AR, bio-physically inspired wearable displays, and multimodal interaction. His lab collaborates with industry leaders such as Meta to develop next-generation XR systems. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in perception-driven optimization for XR, focusing on reducing computational and energy costs while preserving visual quality. Key themes include gaze-contingent rendering, saliency modeling, holographic compression, and AI-assisted AR guidance. These works are published in top venues like ACM SIGGRAPH, IEEE ISMAR, IEEE VR, and IEEE VIS, often earning best paper awards. Scientific Awards: IEEE Virtual Reality Best Dissertation Award Best Paper Award, ACM SAP 2024 Best Paper Honorable Mention, ACM SIGGRAPH 2024 Best Paper Honorable Mention, IEEE VR 2024 Best Paper Honorable Mention, IEEE VIS 2023 Best Paper Award, IEEE ISMAR 2022 Best Paper Honorable Mention, ACM SIGGRAPH 2022 Best Paper Award, ACM SIGGRAPH 2022 Advising and Grants: Dr. Sun actively recruits PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and interns, particularly those with backgrounds in neural rendering and generative models. He encourages pre-application collaborations and advises through the Tandon CSE PhD program. His research is supported by academic-industry partnerships, including recent work with Meta on XR display optimization. He promotes interdisciplinary research that bridges urban science, AI, and immersive computing. Labs and Teams: He directs the Immersive Computing Lab at NYU Tandon, which conducts cutting-edge research on human-aligned wearable displays and generative AI algorithms for XR. The lab focuses on making XR devices more efficient, immersive, and accessible for real-world applications in urban environments, healthcare, and education.
Elisabeth Sylvan is an academic and researcher with affiliations as Senior Fellow at ITS Rio, Visiting Lecturer in the School of Engineering at Brown University, and Lecturer in the School of Politics and Public Policy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). She also serves as Senior Director at the Global Network of Internet & Society Research Centers (NoC). Her work focuses on sociotechnical systems, emerging technologies like AI, AR/VR, and their ethical implications, particularly in education and public policy. Dr. Sylvan holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from the MIT Media Lab, where her research addressed sociotechnical systems supporting shared knowledge and group action. She has received fellowships from the Highlands and Islands and Media Lab Europe. Her professional background includes roles at The Tech Interactive, Foothill College, and TERC. Her research interests center on the ethical and governance aspects of AI, digital identity, and education technology. She leads initiatives such as the NoC Museum Project and advises governments on AI's social impacts. Key projects include the Co-Designing Generative Futures initiative and work with the OECD on Digital Identity. Dr. Sylvan has been supported by grants from the U.S. NSF, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, MacArthur Foundation, and others. She contributes to academic communities as an associate editor of Critical AI journal and reviewer for conferences like IDC, CHI, and others. Her advisory roles include the World Economic Forum's Digital Identity Initiative and the Stanford d-school Build Lab. In education, she focuses on design engineering and museum integration at Brown, and teaches Critical Thinking in the Time of Generative AI at TUM. She has advised governments globally on digital self-determination and youth-related tech issues through her work with BKC and other institutions. Her future work continues to explore AI ethics, equitable tech access, and collaborative governance models, aiming to bridge policy, education, and technological innovation.
Charlie Hu is the Michael and Katherine Birck Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His work focuses on distributed systems, operating systems, networking, parallel computing, and signal/image processing. He holds a BS from the University of Science and Technology of China (1989), and MS/MPhil from Yale (1992), and PhD from Harvard (1997). Research emphasizes optimizing mobile and edge computing systems, particularly around 5G networks, AR/VR technologies, and energy-efficient systems. Recent work includes studies on 5G uplink performance, multi-carrier access potential, and camera parameter tuning for video analytics. He has developed systems like CAMTUNER and Elixir to improve video analytics accuracy and data quality. His contributions span energy profiling methodologies (e.g., GfxDoctor) and network traffic modeling frameworks. Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed here, but his extensive publication record reflects sustained impact in systems research. Advising activities and grants are not detailed in the provided text, though his lab likely focuses on next-gen wireless systems and embedded computing challenges.
Stuart Perry is a Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), serving as Head of Discipline for Signal Processing and Analytics in the School of Electrical and Data Engineering. He holds affiliations with UTS' Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the Global Big Data Technologies Centre, and the Visualization Institute. With over 20 years of experience, his career spans roles at DSTO and Canon Information Systems Research Australia (CiSRA), focusing on image processing, signal processing, and perceptual quality measurement. Perry co-directs the Perceptual Imaging Laboratory (PILab), researching 3D environments, light field technologies, and human perception in immersive realities. He actively contributes to international standards committees like ISO/TC42 and ISO/SC29/WG7, leading JPEG's point cloud coding efforts. His research emphasizes adaptive image processing, machine learning-driven object detection, and medical imaging applications. Perry has authored 60+ publications, two books, and 20 patents. Current projects include VR empathy case studies, point cloud compression, and disaster management digital transformation. Education: PhD in Engineering, University of Sydney (1999) Research Interests: His work bridges computational imaging and human perception, addressing challenges in augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D scanning, and immersive media. Key areas include light field and point cloud coding, psychophysics of visual perception, and medical diagnostics via machine learning. He explores how perceptual principles can optimize interactive technologies for education, healthcare, and entertainment. Recent Research Trends: Recent articles focus on 3D Gaussian splatting, glaucoma detection via deep learning, and JPEG Pleno standards for plenoptic imaging. His work balances technical innovation (e.g., efficient point cloud compression) with human-centric design (e.g., reducing VR motion sickness through display lag analysis). Awards & Recognition: Member of IEEE and founding SPINet participant. Over 60 refereed publications and 20 patents highlight his industry-academic impact. Grants & Leadership: Leads SmartSat CRC projects on yield estimation and Aus4innovation-funded disaster response tech. Manages grants totaling millions AUD. Editorial roles include Associate Editor of SPIE/IS&T Journal of Electronic Imaging. Labs & Collaborations: PILab collaborates internationally on perceptual imaging standards. Active in ISO committees shaping future media technologies.
