Paulo Bala is a postdoctoral researcher and teaching assistant at Interactive Technologies Institute (LARSyS) and Instituto Superior Técnico, respectively. He holds a Ph.D. in Digital Media from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, an M.A. in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University and University of Madeira, and a B.Sc./M.Sc. in Informatics Engineering from University of Madeira. Ph.D. (2022) - Digital Media, Universidade Nova de Lisboa M.A. (2015) - Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University & University of Madeira B.Sc./M.Sc. (2010-2013) - Informatics Engineering, University of Madeira His research bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Entertainment Technology, and eXtended Reality (XR), with a focus on immersive storytelling, AI-driven narratives, and serious games for social impact. He has contributed to projects like eGames Lab , MEMEX , and Beanstalk , exploring applications in cultural heritage, sustainability, and health. Recent publications span domains like AI ethics in academia , speculative LLM design , climate literacy games , and financial literacy through transmedia storytelling . His work appears in top venues such as CHI , ISMR , and ICIDS .
Rainer Martin is a Professor of Information Technology and Communication Acoustics at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, where he has been affiliated since 2003. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Sciences from 2007 to 2009. He holds a Dipl.-Ing. and Dr.-Ing. from RWTH Aachen University and an M.S.E.E. from Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on signal processing, machine learning, and acoustic systems for voice communication, hearing instruments, and human-machine interfaces. Key areas include speech enhancement, noise reduction, binaural processing, cochlear implant optimization, and acoustic sensor networks. His work integrates deep learning with traditional signal processing for real-world applications. Recent publications emphasize neural networks for noise control, hearing aid algorithms, radar interference mitigation, and auditory perception modeling. Trends show strong convergence of machine learning with acoustic engineering, particularly in low-power embedded systems and healthcare applications. Awards: Fellow of the IEEE He leads projects on acoustic sensor networks, automotive radar, and hearing technology, collaborating with industry partners. His lab develops algorithms for hearing aids, cochlear implants, and robust communication systems, with patents spanning noise reduction, echo control, and speech enhancement.
Luís Manuel da Silva Conceição is an Assistant Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Porto's School of Engineering, affiliated with the Department of Computer Engineering. He concurrently serves as a Researcher at GECAD (Research Group on Intelligent Engineering and Computing for Advanced Innovation and Development), an FCT-rated Excellent research unit. His academic credentials include a PhD in Computer Science (2023) from the University of Minho, a Master's (2017) and Bachelor's (2014) in Computer Engineering from ISEP. Conceição's research focuses on Artificial Intelligence with specialization in multi-agent systems, decision support systems, and natural language processing. His applied research spans Industry 4.0 and Healthcare domains, including AI solutions for vascular disease management and e-commerce innovation. He coordinates the international REMO project and has participated in Horizon Europe, H2020, ITEA, FCT, and P2020 projects as PI/co-PI. His recent publications demonstrate strong trends in health informatics (remote patient monitoring, federated learning, digital mental health) and decision support systems (argumentation dialogues, sentiment analysis, distributed consensus). Industrial applications feature prominently, especially in predictive maintenance and human-computer interaction for e-commerce. Awards: ITEA Award of Excellence Innovation (2024) for research impact in health technology Conceição actively supervises graduate researchers: currently mentoring 9 master's students , 4 undergraduate students , and co-supervising 2 PhD candidates . His industry collaborations involve applying AI to real-world challenges through joint R&D projects with technology centers. At GECAD, he contributes to intelligent systems research infrastructure and promotes ethical AI through public lectures and roundtables.
Dr. Jacqueline Bailey is a Lecturer in Computing and Information Technology at the University of Newcastle, Australia, specializing in Mobile App Development within the School of Information and Physical Sciences, part of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment. Her work focuses on human-centered computing with particular emphasis on avatars and immersive technologies for serious applications beyond entertainment. PhD in Information Technology, University of Newcastle Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours), University of Newcastle Dr. Bailey's research centers on human-avatar interactions, particularly examining the uncanny valley phenomenon, gender differences in avatar perception, and the use of virtual and augmented reality for serious gaming applications in healthcare, military, and education sectors. Her work employs quantitative analysis of human perceptions, often using the human startle reflex as a measure of affective processing. She also investigates mobile interface design for older users through the Older Persons Mode (OPM) project. Analysis of Dr. Bailey's publication record reveals a consistent focus on avatar perception, with particular attention to gender differences and the uncanny valley effect. Her research has evolved from foundational studies on avatar facial fidelity to more complex investigations incorporating biofeedback and AI in XR training scenarios. The work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between computer science, cognitive psychology, and human factors engineering. 2024 Industry Engagement (Highly Commended), CESE, University of Newcastle 2016 Best Paper Award, Australasian Simulation Congress 2012 Faculty Commendation List, Faculty of Science and Information Technology 2024 INFT6009 Course Redevelopment Award Dr. Bailey currently co-supervises four research students across PhD and Masters programs, with projects spanning user interface design, AI in visual storytelling, healthy food choice interfaces, and educational data visualization. Her grant portfolio includes six projects totaling $118,809, with significant funding from Meta ($97,036) for research on avatar emotions and a WTUN Exchange Programme grant. She has established the Interactive Intelligent Virtual Agents (I2VA) international collaboration and is developing the NUGamesTech student team for VR competitions. Dr. Bailey leads the Older Persons Mode (OPM) research initiative, collaborating with researchers across all three University of Newcastle colleges to develop smartphone interfaces for older users. She also participates in Professor Karen Blackmore's i3Lab and has formed international collaborations through the Interactive Intelligent Virtual Agents (I2VA) network spanning Australia, Belgium, Japan, and Portugal.
Anke Tallig is a Researcher at Chemnitz University of Technology's Faculty of Computer Science, where she has maintained continuous affiliation since 2012. Her work bridges robotics, human-computer interaction, and virtual environments with a focus on developing systems for social interaction between humans and robots through non-verbal communication and sensor technologies. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Media, Communication and Automation Systems (2007-2010) and a Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Communication Systems (2010-2012), both from Hochschule Merseburg. She received the Best Master Thesis Award in 2012 for her work on CAVE projection environments and Cyberglove interfaces. She completed her doctorate within the DFG-funded Research Training Group 'CrossWorlds' (2012-2018), supervised by Prof. Wolfram Hardt and Prof. Maximilian Eibl, with research on robotic mediators for human-robot contact. Tallig's research centers on creating seamless connections between virtual and real social worlds through socially interactive robots. Her expertise spans perception systems, augmented/mixed reality interfaces, and sensor-driven human-machine control mechanisms. She investigates how robots can interpret non-verbal cues to facilitate natural interaction, with applications in edutainment, empathic systems, and gender-specific user experiences. Her interdisciplinary approach combines computer engineering with social science perspectives to overcome constraints in media-mediated communication. Her publication record from 2012-2014 reveals a cohesive research trajectory advancing from foundational mediator systems to sophisticated mixed reality applications. The work demonstrates consistent innovation in social robotics, with increasing complexity in emotional recognition and public interaction scenarios, while maintaining focus on practical implementations through the CrossWorlds framework. Her recognition includes: Award for Best Master Thesis 2012 from Freundeskreis der Fachhochschule Merseburg e.V. Tallig was integral to the DFG Research Training Group 'CrossWorlds' (2012-2018), contributing to interdisciplinary networks examining communication, emotions, sensomotorics, and learning across virtual-real boundaries. While not listed as a primary advisor for students in available records, her collaborative work involved multiple projects including SOLVE (gender-specific problem solving), HERMES, and CAVE environment development. Her research was supported through the CrossWorlds doctoral program with funding from the German Research Foundation. Her primary research environment operates within the CrossWorlds ecosystem at TU Chemnitz, where she collaborates with computer scientists and social scientists to develop next-generation interaction paradigms. Current work appears focused on extending mediator systems for broader social applications while refining perception algorithms for more nuanced human-robot communication.
Dominik Hlinka is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Painting, Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. Working between Bratislava and Hontianske Tesáre, Slovakia, he explores intersections of painting, digital media, and conceptual frameworks through solo exhibitions across Central Europe. Education: Doctorate (2015-2021), MFA/BFA (2008-2014) from AFAD Bratislava, and exchange studies (2011-2012) at HEAD Genéve. His research focuses on contemporary painting's evolution through digital contexts, memory representation, and rural/industrial narratives. Works like Science-rural fiction (2024) and The TimeLord (2024) blend scientific metaphors with traditional media, while projects like FISSION (2023) examine structural breakdowns. Recent exhibitions reveal trends in technological memory systems and existential spatial exploration. Notable projects include AUTOCALYPSE (2021) addressing personal digital collapse and REFLECTION - REFRACTION - DIFFRACTION (2021) visualizing physics concepts. Scientific Awards : Scholarship of the Novum Foundation (2017, 2015) Rector's Award - Diploma Project (2014) Jury's Selection at XI. Triennal of Aquarelle (2013) As a member of INSTITUT INSTITUT, Hlinka's work spans oil/paraffin canvases, robotic installations, and algorithmic collaborations. His teaching involves foundational painting techniques and experimental studio practices.
Dr. Salam Daher is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Informatics at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), with courtesy faculty status at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She holds a PhD in Modeling and Simulation from UCF (2018) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship there in 2019, focusing on augmented reality applications in healthcare simulation. Her educational background includes an MS in Digital Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida (2006) and a BS in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from the Lebanese American University (2004). Dr. Daher's research is centered on healthcare simulation and technology, particularly through the development of augmented reality systems. She pioneered the concept of Physical-Virtual Patients (PVP), which integrate real-time tactile, auditory, and visual cues to create immersive medical training environments. Her work bridges computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality, synthetic environments, and 3D character modeling with realistic facial expressions and body language. This research has applications in healthcare, education, and military training. Her publications from 2015 to 2020 reflect a consistent focus on interactive simulation technologies, especially AR-based patient simulators, touch sensing interfaces, and social presence in virtual environments. The work demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with medical and human-computer interaction experts. National Center for Women and Technology (NCWIT) National Award Winner (2018) RADM Fred Lewis (I/ITSEC) Scholarship (2017) Link Fellowship for Modeling, Simulation and Training (2016) UCF Modeling and Simulation Scholarship (2013, 2014, 2015) IEEE VR 2017 Doctoral Consortium Nominated for UCF’s Order of Pegasus Award (2018) Nominated for UCF’s Outstanding Dissertation Award (2019) Dr. Daher has advised and collaborated with students and researchers on projects involving augmented reality patient simulators, virtual humans, and interactive environments. Her work has been supported through competitive fellowships and scholarships. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a multimedia software developer at Vcom3D, leading simulation projects for education, healthcare, and military applications, including a multilingual cultural translator for the U.S. Army. She has been involved in the development of 3D synthetic environments and virtual human models, particularly through her work at UCF's Synthetic Reality Lab and the Digital Worlds Institute. Her projects often involve interdisciplinary teams focused on creating realistic, interactive simulations for training and education.
Ross Brown is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in the School of Computer Science, specializing in virtual and augmented reality technologies. His academic journey includes a PhD from QUT and extensive contributions to immersive technology research and education. Position: Associate Professor Institution: Queensland University of Technology School: School of Computer Science Education: PhD (Queensland University of Technology) Professor Brown's research focuses on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Data Visualisation, Process Visualisation, Information Visualisation, Computer Graphics, and Games Technology within the broader field of Artificial Intelligence and Information and Computing Sciences. His work spans applications in healthcare, education, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and industrial training, demonstrating the versatility of immersive technologies across multiple domains. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on practical applications of immersive technologies, with research spanning healthcare rehabilitation, geological education, urban engagement, surgical applications, and environmental monitoring. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in collaborations with researchers from diverse fields including medicine, environmental science, urban planning, and education. Augmented Reality applications in surgery and rehabilitation Virtual Reality systems for geological education and training Immersive environments for industrial process training VR/AR applications for environmental monitoring Location-based VR for esports and social interaction Professor Brown has received significant recognition for his expertise, including multiple keynote invitations to international conferences such as BPM2017 in Lisbon, Assurance webinars on trusted autonomous systems, and Engage2 conferences. He has served as an International Researcher of Note for ARC funding assessments and has been a regular speaker at Microsoft Tech Ed since 2006. His academic service includes reviewing for major conferences including MSRA Gaming & Graphics, Graphite, AVI, and BPM, as well as serving as a reviewer for journals such as Future Generation Computer Systems and Knowledge and Information Systems. Professor Brown has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students, with completed projects focusing on visual immersion, collaborative business process modeling, and 3D virtual environment validation.
Antonio Frisoli is a Full Professor of Engineering Mechanics and Robotics at Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, where he leads the Human-Robot Interaction area at the Institute of Mechanical Intelligence. He serves as President of Artes4.0, the Italian National Competence Center on Robotics and Industry 4.0, and holds editorial roles including Associate Editor for IEEE Robotics Automation Magazine. His educational background includes: PhD with honors in Industrial and Information Engineering from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (2002) MSc in Mechanical Engineering, minor Robotics, from University of Pisa (1998) MSc in Industrial Engineering from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (1998) as an honor student Professor Frisoli's research spans collaborative robotics, rehabilitation robotics, wearable robotics and exoskeletons, multimodal interaction and haptics, wearable devices, and virtual reality. His work leverages expertise in human perception biomechanics to develop advanced haptic devices and robotic systems for rehabilitation, teleoperation, and virtual environments, with significant focus on clinical applications for stroke rehabilitation and orthopedic recovery. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on haptic interface innovation, exoskeleton optimization, and human-robot collaboration. Key trends include wearable haptic gloves for remote interaction, musculoskeletal modeling for rehabilitation exosuits, running efficiency enhancement through hip exoskeletons, and tele-echography systems resilient to time delays, demonstrating consistent translation of theoretical research into practical applications. Professor Frisoli actively drives technology transfer through co-founding two spin-off ventures: Wearable Robotics srl: A market leader in exoskeleton technology Next Generation Robotics srl: Specializing in robotic solutions for railway systems He directs the Human-Robot Interaction research group within PERCRO (Perceptual Robotics Laboratory), which maintains deep expertise in psychophysics of human perception and biomechanics. The group develops force feedback exoskeletons, large workspace haptic devices, and virtual reality systems for applications ranging from telepresence to clinical rehabilitation, with ongoing projects enhancing stroke therapy through robotic supplementation of traditional one-to-one treatment.
Rob Wallon is a Teaching Assistant Professor in Biomedical and Translational Sciences at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois. His work focuses on advancing medical education through innovative technologies and pedagogical strategies. Primary Role: Director of Academic Support Courses Taught: BSE 666 - Academic Progress I Dr. Wallon’s research spans educational technology, embodied learning, and curriculum design. He has pioneered the integration of virtual reality (VR) in medical training, particularly for anatomical visualization and case-based learning. His studies on spaced repetition and holistic academic support systems aim to enhance medical student performance and wellbeing during high-stakes exam preparation. Recent publications highlight his exploration of gesture-based learning in science education, gamification for scientific argumentation, and accessibility reforms post-pandemic. These works intersect biomedical training with cognitive science principles to improve explanatory reasoning and conceptual understanding. Email: rwallon2@illinois.edu
Pejman Saeghe is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. His research focuses on the intersection of human-computer interaction, augmented reality (AR), and digital ethics, with particular emphasis on privacy, security, and behavioral implications in immersive technologies. His work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically addressing digital trust and responsible technology design. Key research areas include: Dark patterns in extended reality (XR) Privacy-enhancing technologies for AR Child safety in social VR platforms Bystander awareness mechanisms in mixed reality Recent publications analyze manipulative design practices in retail AR, forced attention tactics, and frameworks for secure AR adoption. He actively participates in professional activities through: Peer-review roles at ACM Advisory participation in SPRITE+ (Security, Privacy, Identity and Trust Engagement NetworkPlus) Leadership in the UNMASKED project on digital inauthenticity
Ksenia Keplinger serves as Research Group Leader for Organizational Leadership and Diversity at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen, Germany. Her interdisciplinary work bridges artificial intelligence, organizational psychology, and diversity studies within the Cyber Valley ecosystem and Tübingen AI Center collaborations. Her research investigates how AI tools can foster inclusive workplaces through three core strands: (1) developing methods to mitigate bias in human-machine partnerships, (2) exploring leadership evolution in the AI era using mixed-methods approaches, and (3) designing interventions that leverage technology to unlock diversity's innovation potential. Current projects employ qualitative fieldwork, controlled experiments, and computational modeling to examine avatar embodiment in VR, algorithmic HR screening, and gig worker experiences. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong thematic concentration in AI-mediated organizational behavior, with 80% of 2023-2025 works addressing bias mitigation frameworks and inclusive technology design. Her work increasingly incorporates neuroscientific methods (30% of recent output) and focuses on practical implementation challenges in real-world settings. Doctoral researcher Andria Smith advised under her leadership Administrative support from Monika Kotz Postdoctoral collaboration with Yulia Litvinova Student research assistance from Chang Cao, Felipe Nobrega, and Krishna Revi The Organizational Leadership and Diversity group operates within the institute's Social Foundations of Computation department, maintaining active partnerships with the Max Planck ETH Center for Learning Systems and European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS). Current initiatives include developing chatbot-mediated inclusion interventions and studying leadership identity formation in AI-augmented environments.
Dr. Ian Thacker is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, focusing on STEM education, teacher bias, and conceptual change. His research explores mathematical skills in science learning, technology-enhanced STEM pedagogy, and systemic disparities in STEM education linked to gender and race. Education: B.A. in Mathematics & Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder (2005) M.A. in Science and Mathematics Education, University of California at Berkeley (2010) M.S. in Statistics, University of Southern California (2018) Ph.D. in Urban Education Policy, University of Southern California (2020) His research spans data literacy for climate change education, implicit bias in teachers, and technology-driven learning. Recent publications emphasize climate change pedagogy, equity in STEM, and teacher dispositions. Funded by NSF, Gates, SSHRC, and internal awards, his work addresses systemic barriers in education. Scientific Awards: 2020 USC Ph.D. Achievement Award 2020 USC Student Recognition Award: The Order of Arête Dr. Thacker has received grants from the National Science Foundation, Gates Foundation, SSHRC, and APA Division 15. His media contributions include USA Today and The Conversation, discussing STEM equity and climate change education.
Dietrich Kammer serves as Professor of Technical Visualization at Dresden University of Applied Sciences' Faculty of Computer Science/Mathematics, holding Germany's first dedicated professorship in this field established to address growing demands for innovative visualization methods in human-computer interaction. His teaching emphasizes project-based learning grounded in solid theoretical foundations, focusing on virtual/augmented reality technologies and comprehensible user interfaces across programs including Media Informatics and Geomatics. His research centers on transforming abstract data into interactive visual representations through technical visualization, employing creative techniques like metaphor production and morphological analysis. Key focus areas include tangible user interfaces, elastic displays, and multimodal interaction systems designed to enhance user experience with complex datasets. He explores how customized graphical interfaces can make otherwise unmanageable data volumes visually interpretable and actionable. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals dominant research themes in elastic display technology, tangible interaction, and information visualization. Notable trends include adaptive visual assistance systems for smart factories (AVISAR), dynamic vibrotactile feedback mechanisms, and AI applications in metadata acquisition and learning analytics. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical industrial and educational implementations. No specific details regarding student advising or research grants appear in available materials, though he advocates for student-led project development in his pedagogical approach. He directs the Technical Visualistics Working Group, which functions as an interdisciplinary platform for developing innovative interaction and visualization solutions through collaborative research and development initiatives.
Professor Christian Ritz serves as Director of SMART and Professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences at the University of Wollongong. He has held his professorship since 2017 and served as Associate Dean (Research) in 2022 and Associate Dean (International) from 2016-2021. Professor Ritz's research focuses on signal processing for speech, audio, acoustics and visual information. His current projects include microphone array signal processing for enhancing sound recorded in classrooms, sound scene classification for dementia care environments, spatial audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality, and undersea surveillance. His work spans multiple technical domains including signal processing, audio engineering, computer vision, and communications engineering. His recent publication trends show a strong focus on neural network applications for audio processing, particularly for classroom monitoring and spatial audio reproduction. His work integrates deep learning with traditional signal processing techniques to address challenges in spatial audio synthesis, room impulse response generation, and directional audio reproduction. He has also contributed to applications in mining automation, public safety surveillance, and positioning systems. Professor Ritz is a member of the Centre for Signal and Information Processing (CSIP), part of the Signals, Information and Communications Research Institute (SICOM) at the University of Wollongong. His research is funded by the ARC, overseas research institutes, and defense organizations. His grant portfolio is extensive, including projects such as AI/IoT-powered Airborne System for Monitoring Water Level and Tidal Floods, Multi-Modal Satellite-based Vessel Surveillance, Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program, Smart Eye: Airborne and AI-Driven Assessment Solution of Sugarcane, and numerous projects related to spatial audio and underwater surveillance. He has secured funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council, defense organizations, and international collaborations. Professor Ritz maintains an active research laboratory environment focused on signal and information processing. His work spans multiple application domains from classroom monitoring to underwater mine detection, with strong connections to both academic and industry partners. His research group appears to focus on practical applications of signal processing techniques to solve real-world problems across various domains.
