Prof. Jack van der Vorst is the Personal Professor of AgriFood Supply Chain Logistics at Wageningen University's Operations Research and Logistics Group. Previously serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Wageningen University & Research (until 2024) and General Director of the Social Sciences Group, he leads over 1000 personnel across three institutes. His advisory roles include the Topteam AgriFood (Science Captain), Top consortium for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI), The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), and Florensis BV's Supervisory Board. With 20+ PhD supervisions and 200+ publications, his research focuses on innovative logistics concepts in AgriFood systems, including supply chain resilience, sustainability, and system innovation. His work integrates modeling frameworks with practical industry applications, emphasizing perishable products, horizontal collaboration, and environmental efficiency. Research interests span AgriFood System Design, Supply Chain Strategy, and Performance Management. His recent studies address challenges like postharvest loss reduction in developing countries, CO2 emission minimization in cold chains, and circular economy implementation in mushroom supply chains. Methodologically, he employs multi-criteria decision models, optimization techniques, and simulation to address complex logistics problems. Publications highlight themes such as horizontal collaboration success factors, vulnerability assessment frameworks, and green supply chain design. His work bridges academic rigor with industry needs, often collaborating with policymakers and international organizations to promote sustainable agri-food systems.
Markus Koller is a faculty member at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, affiliated with the Center for Religious Studies (CERES). His research focuses on Ottoman history, South-East European studies, and religious historiography. He holds an academic rank of Researcher and has been active in multiple projects, including the CERES Research Department. His work spans Ottoman military expansion, religious policies, and cultural exchanges. Notable contributions include studies on Atatürk's political biography, Ottoman-European diplomatic relations, and the historiography of the Ottoman Empire. Koller's publications cover books, edited volumes, and articles in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his expertise in interdisciplinary historical research. He currently serves as a member of the CERES Research Department and has contributed to collaborative projects such as the 'Ottoman Europe' research initiative. His email is Markus.Koller@ruhr-uni-bochum.de .
Dustin Tingley is a Professor of Government at Harvard University and holds a joint appointment at the Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy . He serves as Interim Vice Provost for Advances in Learning and directs the Data Science and Technology Group and the Harvard Initiative on Learning and Teaching . He earned a PhD in Politics from Princeton and a BA in political science and math from the University of Rochester. Key Roles : Deputy Vice Provost (past), Chair of Harvard's Standing Committee on Climate Education Research Focus : Climate change politics, data science, causal inference, and international political economy His recent work explores the political economy of climate transitions , public opinion on carbon policies , and machine learning applications in social sciences . He co-founded ABLConnect , a repository for active learning pedagogy, and organized conferences on causal mechanisms , teaching with AI , and equitable classrooms . Awards : Gladys M. Kammerer Award (2015) for co-authored book Sailing the Water’s Edge Notable Publications : Uncertain Futures: How to Unlock the Climate Impasse (2023, with Alex Gazmararian) The Political Economy of the Clean Energy Transition (2025)
Frederic Malherbe is a Professor of Economics and Finance at University College London (UCL), affiliated with the UCL School of Management. His research focuses on financial intermediation, banking regulation, macroeconomics, and political economy. He holds an Orcid identifier (0000-0003-1175-5487) and maintains an active academic profile via Google Scholar and personal website. His work explores critical issues such as bank capital requirements, systemic risk, and the cross-border effects of financial policies. Recent contributions include analyses of pipeline risk in leveraged loans and the forced safety effect of capital regulations. Malherbe is a key organizer of the EuroFIT and London FIT networks, fostering collaboration in financial intermediation theory research. Publications span top journals like the Journal of Finance, Journal of Political Economy, and Review of Financial Studies. His research bridges theory and policy, addressing real-world challenges such as regulatory design and economic stability. Malherbe’s work has been featured in VoxEU and MappingIgnorance.org. He actively participates in academic communities, organizing workshops and conferences on topics like syndicated loans and macroprudential regulation. These events have involved institutions such as the London Business School, Imperial College, and the ECB.
Professor Jonathan Goodhand is a distinguished academic in the Department of Development Studies at SOAS University of London, where he has established himself as a leading expert on conflict, peacebuilding, and political economy in fragile and post-conflict states. His work focuses on the complex interplay between illicit economies, borderland dynamics, and political settlements in South and Central Asia, with particular expertise in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. As a prolific researcher and supervisor, he has shaped the field through both theoretical contributions and empirical studies grounded in extensive fieldwork. Professor Goodhand's research interests span several interconnected domains: Conflict and peacebuilding dynamics in post-war contexts Political settlements and statebuilding processes Borderland and frontier studies, particularly the role of brokers Illicit economies, especially drug economies and their relationship to conflict The intersection of development and security in fragile states Humanitarian action and its political implications in conflict zones His recent publications reveal a sophisticated analytical framework that connects spatial dimensions of conflict with political economy approaches. Goodhand has pioneered research on "frontier brokers" who operate in the margins between state and non-state authority, examining how these figures shape post-war transitions. His work on the "drugs-development-peacebuilding trilemma" has gained significant traction in policy circles, challenging conventional approaches to drug policy in conflict-affected regions. The Drugs & (dis)order research project, which he leads, represents a major contribution to understanding how illicit economies can be transformed into peace economies. Professor Goodhand has supervised numerous doctoral students whose work extends his research agenda into new contexts including Afghanistan, Colombia, South Sudan, and Myanmar. His influence extends beyond academia through policy engagement with international organizations working on conflict resolution and development.
Gerald Reiner serves as Head of the Institute for Production Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), within the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management. He holds a Magister Degree, doctorate, and Habilitation in Business Administration from WU. His academic career includes positions as full professor in Production Management and Logistics at the University of Neuchatel (Switzerland, 2007-2014) and Universitaet Klagenfurt (Austria, 2014-2018), where he also served as head of the department of Operations, Energy, and Environmental Management. Dr. Reiner has held visiting professorships at Aston Business School (UK), HEC Lausanne (Switzerland), University of Bergamo, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan (Italy). His research spans several critical areas including Industry 4.0 implementation, integrated capacity and inventory management, humanitarian logistics operations, circular supply chains, and operations management for base of the pyramid contexts. His work particularly focuses on practical applications addressing food waste reduction, sustainable manufacturing, and blockchain technology in supply chains. His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear evolution toward digital transformation in operations, with recent focus on hydrogen production systems, AI integration in manufacturing, and blockchain applications for food supply chain transparency. The research shows increasing emphasis on sustainability integration within traditional operations management frameworks, particularly addressing European manufacturing challenges and food system inefficiencies. Publication Excellence Award 2021 (2023) Researcher of the month (January 2023) Highly Commended paper in the 2017 Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence ISIR Service Award (2014) Emerald Outstanding Paper Award (2013) Dr. Reiner coordinates multiple significant international research projects including EU-project 'Keeping Jobs in EU', EU/Ecsel-project 'Power Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing 4.0', 'Integrated Development 4.0', and 'Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing leading to Sustainability and Industry 5.0'. His current projects focus on FOODIS (cross-border ecosystem for innovation in food supply chains), Circular Design implementation, and blockchain applications for banana supply chains. He actively supervises research teams working on food waste reduction, sustainable packaging systems, and AI applications in operations management.
Dermot J Hayes is the Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences and holds the Pioneer Hi-Bred International Chair in Agribusiness at Iowa State University's Department of Economics and Ivy School of Business. His expertise spans agricultural economics, financial economics, and international trade policy with a focus on commodity markets, farm policy, and China's agricultural impacts. Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of California, Berkeley (1986 and 1982). Research Interests: Includes U.S. farm policy, international trade dynamics, agribusiness strategies, crop insurance, financial derivatives, and China's role in global commodity markets. His work emphasizes policy analysis, market resilience, and emerging challenges like disease outbreaks (e.g., African Swine Fever). Awards: AAEA Fellow (2007), AAEA Enduring Quality Award (2006), and J.H. Ellis Teaching Award (2005). His research on food safety auctions remains influential. Consulting: Since 1995, he has advised the National Pork Producers Association on trade economics. His work informs policy debates on tariffs, trade deals, and market disruptions. Labs & Collaborations: Engaged with Iowa State's interdisciplinary initiatives on agriculture-environmental nexus and bioenergy systems.
Professor Vasyl Stepanovych Kravtsiv is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Institute of Regional Studies named after M. I. Dolishnyi, part of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He serves as both the Director of the Institute (from 2014 to July 2025) and Head of the Department of Regional Environmental Policy and Nature Management. With a career spanning over four decades in regional studies, environmental policy, and economic development, Professor Kravtsiv has established himself as a leading expert in regional economics and environmental management in Ukraine. Professor Kravtsiv's educational background includes a degree in Geography from Ivan Franko Lviv State University (1980). His academic achievements include becoming a Candidate of Economic Sciences (1987), Senior Researcher (1994), Doctor of Economic Sciences (2007), and Professor (2010). He has also been honored as a 'Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine' for his significant contributions to the field. His scholarly work examines the theoretical and practical aspects of regional environmental policy formation, particularly during Ukraine's transition to a market economy. Professor Kravtsiv's research primarily focuses on regional economics, environmental policy, spatial development, and cross-border cooperation. His work examines the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability, with particular emphasis on the Carpathian region of Ukraine. He pioneered economic methods of environmental quality management in Ukraine, which now operate as pollution fees. Professor Kravtsiv has developed numerous regional environmental safety programs approved by Western Ukrainian authorities and contributed significantly to Ukraine's State Regional Policy Concept. His recent publications address contemporary challenges including the impact of the war and pandemic on tourism, spatial economic development amid European integration, and sustainable growth in decentralization contexts. His scholarly contributions include over 100 scientific works, with 18 monographs exploring regional development, environmental policy, and cross-border cooperation. Professor Kravtsiv's work demonstrates consistent evolution from theoretical foundations to practical policy implementation, with recent publications showing adaptation to Ukraine's wartime conditions and European integration requirements. Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine Editor-in-chief of the journal 'Regional Economy' Editor-in-chief of the collection 'Socio-economic problems of the modern period of Ukraine' Author of over 100 scientific works including 18 monographs Key contributor to Ukraine's environmental policy framework As Director of the Institute of Regional Studies, Professor Kravtsiv oversees extensive research activities, coordinates international collaborations through Erasmus+ and Visegrad Fund programs, and guides scholarly publication efforts. His leadership has positioned the Institute as a key contributor to Ukraine's regional development policies and environmental management strategies. He actively participates in developing Ukraine's adaptation to European standards and contributes to reconstruction planning amid wartime conditions, demonstrating both academic rigor and practical policy relevance.
Professor Maia Chankseliani is Professor of Comparative and International Education at the University of Oxford and a Governing Body Fellow of St Edmund Hall. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Educational Research and Chair of the Executive Committee of the Education and Development Forum (UKFIET), and is a Trustee of the University of Bahrain. She leads the International Mobility and World Development research project funded by the U.S. Department of State. Her educational background includes: BA and MA from Tbilisi State University MA from the University of Warwick EdM from Harvard University PhD from the University of Cambridge Professor Chankseliani's research explores the public role of tertiary education in diverse settings, examining how universities contribute to social, economic, and political development, and how international engagement shapes both institutions and societies. Her work spans international student mobility and its developmental impact, academic freedom, university contributions to sustainable development, and higher education in post-Soviet contexts. Her monograph What Happened to the Soviet University? (OUP, 2022) offers insights beyond the former Soviet context, addressing contemporary debates around academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Her major international study International Mobility and World Development represents the first global mixed-methods project examining how international education contributes to societal development. Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on the ripple effects of international student mobility, particularly examining poverty reduction mechanisms, intercultural competence development, and systemic impacts on home countries. Based on extensive qualitative data from over 700 interviews across 70 countries combined with quantitative analysis, her research reveals how internationally mobile individuals become agents of change through knowledge transfer, policy influence, and institutional reform. This body of work shows that returnees adapt, translate, and embed reform through multiple mechanisms far beyond simple skill transfer. Professor Chankseliani has secured significant research funding from diverse sources including the U.S. Department of State, UKRI/ESRC, British Council, World Bank, Qatar Foundation, and European Commission. Her research has informed policy dialogue in areas such as poverty reduction, education and health systems, gender equality, and civic life. She regularly engages with governments and international audiences, and her work is frequently featured in global media outlets including Nature and University World News. At Oxford, Professor Chankseliani convenes the Comparative and International Education Research Group and previously led the department's MSc in Comparative and International Education from 2017 to 2024. She supervises multiple doctoral students and has worked on numerous externally funded research projects involving UK government departments, international organizations, and academic institutions. Her current research portfolio includes examining how international education experiences translate into societal development outcomes, with particular emphasis on poverty reduction mechanisms and the long-term impacts of mobility on home countries.
John Psarras is a Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, specifically within the Division of Industrial Electric Devices and Decision Systems. He serves as the Director of the Decision Support Systems Laboratory (DSSlab) and the University Research Institute of Communication and Computer Systems. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (1982) and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1989), both from NTUA. His research specializes in decision support systems with applications in energy management, environmental analysis, and information systems. Key areas include: Multi-criteria analysis for energy policy and renewable integration AI-driven optimization of smart grids and building efficiency Sustainable finance mechanisms for green projects Blockchain applications in education and data security His recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on AI-enhanced decision tools for energy transitions, smart infrastructure, healthcare diagnostics, and cross-border renewable cooperation, reflecting interdisciplinary innovation. He has supervised 22 PhD theses and coordinates EU-funded projects in energy policy, clean technology, and capacity building. No scientific awards are listed in available sources. He leads the Decision Support Systems Laboratory (DSSlab), advancing research in energy analytics, and directs the University Research Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, facilitating large-scale interdisciplinary collaborations.
Asma Mehan, Ph.D. , is an Assistant Professor at the Huckabee College of Architecture, Texas Tech University , with a Ph.D. in Architecture, History, and Project from Politecnico di Torino (2017). Her work bridges architectural humanities and critical urban studies , focusing on urban inclusivity, heritage preservation, and climate justice. She authored two books— Tehran: From Sacred to Radical (2022) and Kuala Lumpur: Community, Infrastructure, and Urban Inclusivity (2020)—and leads the Coordination Team of the AESOP Young Academics network. Education: Ph.D. in Architecture, History, and Project, Politecnico di Torino (2017) Her research spans spatial justice , feminist placemaking , and heritage studies , addressing issues like oil urbanism , digital citizen participation , and resilient housing . Articles highlight her interdisciplinary approach to urban resilience, AI integration, and socio-environmental equity. She has held fellowships including the FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus and NIAS-KNAW Urban Citizenship Fellowship. Scientific Awards: AESOP Young Academics Award European Architectural History Network (EAHN) Fellowship Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) Grant ZK/U Berlin Researcher-in-Residence SAHGB Award Dr. Mehan has taught at TU Delft and Politecnico di Torino, guest lectured at TU Munich and Deakin University, and conducted visiting research in Switzerland, Australia, and Berlin. Her work appears in over 50 publications across English, Persian, and Italian, emphasizing critical pedagogy , collaborative design , and policy toolkits for urban inclusivity.
Professor John Shields is a distinguished academic in Human Resource Management and Organisational Studies at the University of Sydney’s Business School. He holds a BA(Hons) from ANU and a PhD from the University of Sydney. As Academic Director International, he oversees global strategies for the Business School’s international partnerships and recruitment. His roles have included Associate Dean (Programs), Deputy Dean, and Chair of the Faculty Board, reflecting his extensive leadership within the institution. In research, Shields focuses on performance management, reward systems, corporate governance, and international education. He co-authored seminal textbooks like *Managing Employee Performance and Reward* and *Human Resource Management: Strategy and Practice*. Current projects explore performance management transformation, pay secrecy disclosure, and gaming’s psychological impacts. His teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as Strategic HRM and Global Leadership. Shields has supervised over a dozen PhD students, with topics ranging from Saudi Arabian workplace dynamics to corporate governance in Australian firms. Recognized with the 2008 Wayne Lonergan Teaching Award, he actively contributes to professional bodies like the Australian Human Resources Institute. Publications highlight his influence in HRM theory and practice, including studies on CEO remuneration, board capital, and pandemic-era worker resilience. His interdisciplinary work bridges organizational behavior, economics, and policy, positioning him as a key figure in contemporary HRM research.
Paavo Monkkonen is a Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. His research focuses on how policies and markets shape urbanization, housing affordability, and social segregation globally, with notable work in Latin America, Asia, and the U.S. He holds a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley and an M.P.P. from UCLA Luskin. Monkkonen has been a visiting scholar at institutions including the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Sciences Po Paris, and a Fellow at the Paris Institute of Advanced Studies (2024–2025). His research explores land use regulations, housing finance, and urban equity. Recent projects include studies on California’s fair housing laws and France’s social housing systems. Monkkonen teaches courses on housing policy, land value capture, and urban segregation. He founded the Latin American Cities Initiative (Ciudades) to foster academic and professional networks across the Americas. Monkkonen’s work has been supported by grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. His publications appear in journals like the Journal of the American Planning Association and Urban Studies , addressing topics such as zoning effects on segregation, housing development politics, and cross-national urban policy comparisons. He has advised on urban planning initiatives and contributed to policy debates on housing affordability, zoning reform, and equitable urban growth. His current research focuses on implementing fair housing laws in California and analyzing urban form’s environmental impacts.
Barbara A. Knuth is a Professor Emerita at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. She previously served as Dean of Cornell's Graduate School (over 10 years), Vice Provost/Senior Vice Provost (8 years), and Senior Associate Dean in CALS (3 years). Her academic career began with a PhD in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech (1987), making her the first woman in tenure-track faculty at Cornell's Department of Natural Resources. Education: Ph.D., Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences (Virginia Tech) M.En., Environmental Science (Miami University) B. Phil. & A.B., Zoology/Environmental Studies (Miami University, Phi Beta Kappa) Research Interests: Focuses on ecosystem-based management in Great Lakes/marine systems, risk communication around chemical contaminants in fish, and environmental stewardship. Also studies equity/inclusion in graduate education. Key themes include: Social science integration in natural resource policy Health benefits/risk trade-offs in fish consumption Community-based conservation strategies Outreach: Advises state/tribal agencies on fishery management and public health. Led initiatives improving graduate education through professional development, mental health support, and faculty mentoring programs. Awards: Debra W. Stewart Award (2019) Fellow, American Fisheries Society (2015-) Council of Graduate Schools Recognition Multiple teaching/research awards (1999-2006) Grants & Funding: Supported by NSF, Sea Grant, EPA, Sloan Foundation, and others for projects on Great Lakes management, educational equity, and contaminant risk communication. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Cornell's Center for Conservation Social Sciences. Collaborated with Ecologists Without Borders, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and National Academies Ocean Studies Board.
Raquel E. Aldana is the Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law, where she rejoined as a full-time faculty member in 2020 after serving as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Diversity (2017–2020). She holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and B.A. degrees in English and Spanish from Arizona State University (summa cum laude). Her academic career includes prior roles at the McGeorge School of Law and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as a Fulbright Scholarship in Guatemala (2006–2007). Her research focuses on transitional justice, criminal justice reform, sustainable development in Latin America, and immigrant rights. Aldana has authored or edited five books and over thirty law review articles, earning recognition through grants such as the UC Davis Academic Senate Interdisciplinary Grant for the project Building Bridges: Narrowing the Legal-Scientific Divide in Immigration Forensic Assessments . She teaches courses on immigration law, asylum, comparative forced displacement, and critical race theory. Aldana leads the Aoki Center for Critical Race and Nation Studies, co-directing its mission to advance interdisciplinary scholarship on race, ethnicity, and law. She co-founded the Critical Race Theory Book Series with UC Press, aiming to globalize and diversify critical race discourse. Her awards include the ABA’s Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award and the UC Davis Chancellor’s Achievement Award for Diversity. Her service includes roles on the American Law Institute, American Bar Foundation, and the Council on Foreign Relations. She chairs the ABA’s Latin America and Caribbean Council and co-chaired the UC Davis taskforce to achieve Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status, realized in 2024. Her work integrates legal education, policy reform, and grassroots advocacy to address systemic inequities in migration, criminal justice, and global development.
