Melissa Nisbett is a Senior Tutor for Arts & Humanities at the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, King's College London , with over two decades of teaching experience across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her work bridges education, research, and policy engagement. Department: Culture, Media & Creative Industries Contact: melissa.nisbett@kcl.ac.uk Active Project: Abuse in the Arts (funded by AHRC, 2025–2025) Research Interests focus on the intersection of culture and power, including: Soft power and cultural diplomacy Authoritarian states' use of culture Leadership abuse in the arts Cultural heritage in conflict Political tourism Cultural policy and social justice Publications Trends emphasize: Critical analyses of soft power (2015–2022) Post-conflict cultural dynamics (2019–2020) Leadership ethics in creative industries (2016–2024) Globalization and cultural policy (2012–2021) Scientific Awards Recipient of the King’s Education Award (2016/17) Nominated for King’s Education Awards (2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2023/24) Advising and Grants : Melissa supervises PhD students and leads the AHRC-funded project Abuse in the Arts (2025–2025). She actively contributes to curriculum development and student welfare initiatives.
Oddbjørn Bruland is a Professor in Water Resources Engineering at NTNU's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and serves as Program Leader for the MSc in Hydropower Development. He holds a PhD and master's from NTNU, and an executive master's in Technology Management from MIT/NHH/NTNU. His expertise spans hydropower optimization, flood risk management, snow hydrology, and digital transformation in environmental systems. Bruland's research focuses on: 1) Snow as a resource for hydropower/skiing through snowpack modeling and melt processes, 2) Flood risk mitigation using advanced hydrodynamic modeling and GIS tools, 3) Hydropower planning balancing techno-economic and socio-environmental factors, and 4) Digital innovation like VR visualization of natural hazards. His strategic initiatives include NTNU's 'World of Wild Waters' project and the HydroCen Labs infrastructure. Recent work emphasizes flash flood dynamics in steep Norwegian rivers, using models like TELEMAC-2D and high-performance computing. He leads projects like Trygg Elv (flood detection algorithms) and QuickAware (VR landslide awareness tools). His publications address critical issues in cold region hydrosystems, hydraulic infrastructure optimization, and climate adaptation strategies. Bruland has held leadership roles including Water Resources Group Leader (2016-2020), Board Chair for NTNU/NHH's Tech Management program, and Chair of Strindheim Ski Club. He advises on flood protection policies and infrastructure resilience, advocating for evidence-based decision-making in environmental management.
Prof. Dr. Ruben Apressyan is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Advanced Study "Access to Cultural Goods in Digital Change" at the University of Münster, Germany. His current research focuses on "How to Deal with Cultural Goods in War and Post-war Times: An Ethical Analysis," funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Previously, he has held visiting fellowships at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Studies, Uppsala University (2010), Lichtenberg Kolleg – The Göttingen Institute for Advanced Study (2016), and Ruhr University Bochum (2023). Ruben Apressyan earned his Candidate of Science degree in Philosophy from Lomonosov Moscow State University, focusing on ethical sentimentalism in 18th century moral philosophy, and his doctoral degree "The idea of morality and principal normative-ethical programs" from the Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences. His academic journey includes teaching positions at Lomonosov Moscow State University, University for Humanities (Moscow), Free University, Novgorod State University, and Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada). A leading scholar in moral philosophy, Prof. Apressyan's research spans normative and applied ethics, history of philosophy, moral psychology, and the genealogy of morals based on the Golden Rule. His work critically examines moral normativity, the universality of ethical principles across cultures and historical periods, and the philosophical foundations of war ethics and nonviolence. His recent scholarship has increasingly focused on the ethical dimensions of digital transformation, particularly regarding access to cultural goods and the moral implications of digitization in education and society. Prof. Apressyan's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent exploration of moral philosophy's core questions while adapting to contemporary ethical challenges. His work shows particular strength in bridging historical philosophical analysis with current ethical dilemmas, especially in the areas of pandemic ethics, digital education, neuroethics, and the ethical management of cultural heritage in conflict situations. His scholarship reflects a deep engagement with both Western and Russian philosophical traditions. Honorary doctorate from Uppsala University (2013) Medal of the Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences for advancement of Philosophy (2016) Medal of Russian Ministry of Science for contribution to the development of science and technology (2021) As a member of the UNESCO World Commission for the ethics of scientific knowledge and technology (2004-2011), Prof. Apressyan contributed to expert groups on teaching bioethics, environmental ethics, and ethics of climate change. His editorial work includes co-editing the Russian Encyclopaedic Dictionary in Ethics (2001) and serving on the Editorial Board of the Russian New Philosophical Encyclopaedia (2000-2001). He has also edited Russian editions of "Moral constraints on War: Principles and Cases" (2001, 2022).
Hazim Fazlić is a Lecturer in the Department of Religion at Lake Forest College, where he has served since 2014. He holds a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Birmingham (UK), an MA in Islamic Sciences (also from Birmingham), and a BA in Islamic Studies from the University of Sarajevo. His work focuses on Islamic intellectual history in the Balkans, interfaith reconciliation, and religious adaptation under secular regimes. Education: PhD in Islamic Studies, University of Birmingham (UK) MA in Islamic Sciences, University of Birmingham (UK) BA in Islamic Studies, University of Sarajevo Research Interests: Dr. Fazlić specializes in 20th century Bosnian Muslim thought, post-conflict reconciliation, and the survival of Islam in communist Yugoslavia. He has published extensively on fatwa analysis, interfaith diplomacy, and religious adaptation strategies in multiethnic societies. Publications Trends: His articles analyze religious texts (e.g., fatwas), historical case studies of Balkan communities, and theological responses to political challenges. Recent work emphasizes post-war communal trust-building and the role of faith communities in reconciliation. Professional Roles: Adjunct Professor at Lake Forest College (2014–present) Former Imam at Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago (2013–2015) Postgraduate Teaching Assistant at University of Birmingham (2010–2012)
Dr Justyna Maguś is an Assistant Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University's Faculty of Political Science and Journalism. She works at the Pracownia Badań nad Instytutem Literackim w Paryżu (Paris Literary Institute Research Unit). PhD in Social Sciences (Media Studies) from UMCS (2016) MA in Political Journalism (2010) and History (2008) Her research focuses on press history, political journalism, media genres, and Paris Literary Institute studies. She has received multiple research grants, including from Poland's National Science Centre. Her work examines topics like Polish diaspora media, post-1989 political discourse, and media ethics. Recent publications show particular interest in: Polish exilic media networks Political memory construction Digital storytelling techniques Historical podcasting She serves as Secretary of the Leopold Ungert Scholarship Chapter and is affiliated with two Polish academic societies.
Dr. Daniel Dückers is an Associate Research Fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), where he has served since 2005. He also coordinates the 'Politico-economic Short Analyses' for Africa (PSA Africa) since 2020 and manages the BMZ-Escalation Potential Analysis project. From 2019–2020, he was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bayreuth’s Chair for Sociology of Africa. His research focuses on conflict analysis, civilian crisis prevention, and sustainable development metrics, particularly through frameworks like the Basic Development Index (BDI). Dückers has contributed to major projects such as the multi-phase 'Context Matters' initiative analyzing politico-economic contexts for German development cooperation. His work bridges theoretical development research with practical policy advice, emphasizing sustainable and egalitarian societal strategies. Education: PhD stipendiary (2009–2014) at Goethe University Frankfurt, Cluster of Excellence 'The Formation of Normative Orders.' Master of Peace and Security Studies (M.P.S., IFSH, Hamburg University). Studies in Sociology (Free University Berlin), with minors in Social Anthropology and African Science (Humboldt-University Berlin, 1995–2001). Research Interests: Analyzes conflict dynamics and civilian crisis prevention mechanisms. Explores comprehensive measures of societal development levels, including the 'good life' in societal contexts. Advocates for strategies fostering sustainable and egalitarian societies, particularly aligned with UN SDGs. Grants & Projects: Lead researcher for BMZ-funded 'Context Matters' (2018–2027), analyzing country-specific politico-economic contexts and global/regional trends. Former roles include research at the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF, 2003–2004) and the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH).
Juan Alberto Ruiz Casado is a Research Fellow at Ca' Foscari University of Venice's Department of Comparative Linguistic and Cultural Studies. He holds a PhD from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (2021) and has held postdoctoral positions at Academia Sinica and National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. His research focuses on international relations, particularly the Sino-U.S. rivalry, discursive constructions of the 'China Threat,' and the concept of 'populism of the privileged.' He has also explored Catalan secessionism and democracy discourse in Spain. Education: PhD in Social Research and Cultural Studies, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (2021) Master's in Culture of Peace, Conflict, Education, and Human Rights, University of Málaga (2016) Bachelor's in Communication Sciences, University of Málaga (2006) Research interests include discursive analysis of geopolitical conflicts, populism's role in identity politics, and the intersection of media narratives with global power dynamics. His work often bridges theory and case studies, such as the Taiwan Strait tensions and U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Grants and fellowships include a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Cofund Fellowship. Beyond academia, he has worked as a paratrooper, international trade consultant, English teacher in China, UN intern, and freelance photographer, visiting over 100 countries.
Jacqueline Nießer is a historian working at the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) since September 2024, coordinating the Horizon Europe Twinning project RETLAMI-SEE on Southeast European transformations, labor, and migration. She earned her PhD in History from the Graduate School for East and Southeast European Studies at the University of Regensburg (2018, magna cum laude) with a dissertation on transnational memory of the Yugoslav wars through the REKOM initiative. Her academic career includes postdoctoral fellowships at Charles University Prague's VITRI (2019), Leibniz Science Campus Leipzig (2020), and research associate roles in the COURAGE Horizon 2020 project (2016–2019). Education: PhD in History, University of Regensburg (2018) Diplom in Cultural Studies, European University Viadrina (2005) Nießer's research focuses on transnational memory processes, cultural opposition under socialism, and the history of bodily practices like naturism (Freikörperkultur) in socialist Yugoslavia and Mediterranean islands. Her work bridges cultural history, transnational studies, and post-conflict recovery, with publications on comparative memory models and the Courages project. Her recent scholarship examines naturism as a transnational subculture and 'banal Europeanization' during the Cold War, analyzing its role in Yugoslav and Italian socialist societies. Nießer has received DAAD scholarships, Erasmus funding, and institutional grants supporting fieldwork and collaborative research. Scientific Awards: German-Czech Seminar Fellowship (2024) University of Regensburg Gender Equality Grant (2023–2024) seeFField Outgoing Fellowship (2023) Leibniz Science Campus Post-Doc Stipend (2020) VITRI Fellowship (2019) DAAD Short-Term Scholarship (2012) Nießer actively contributes to academic networks like the Memory Studies Association and the South East Europe Society (e.V.), organizing conferences and participating in research groups focused on Mediterranean islands and transnational memory. She is currently advancing her habilitation on European naturism's transnational body history.
Prof. Dr. Tobias Wille is an Assistant Professor (W1) of International Security at Goethe University Frankfurt and an Associate Fellow at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF)’s Research Department International Security. He serves as Principal Investigator and Academic Coordinator for the interdisciplinary research initiative ConTrust – Trust in Conflict since 2021. Education: PhD in Political Science (Goethe University Frankfurt, 2017), MSc in International Relations (London School of Economics and Political Science, 2010), MA in Political Science (University of Munich, 2009) Research Focus: Trust and mistrust in international politics, international security, diplomatic practices, and the interplay of norms and conflict. His work spans theoretical frameworks (e.g., Bourdieu’s practice theory) and empirical case studies (e.g., Kosovo, Brexit). Recent Publications: Explores trust erosion post-Brexit, bureaucratic diplomacy in contested states, Clausewitzian political boundaries, and critical analysis of international practices. Articles appear in International Affairs , Review of International Studies , and International Theory . Projects & Grants: Led the ConTrust initiative (2021–2025) and was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellow (2018–2020) at Columbia University. Earlier, he was a Research Associate at Goethe’s Cluster of Excellence/Normative Orders (2015–2022). Conferences & Networks: Co-organized the final ConTrust conference (2025) and actively participates in the New Diplomatic History Network (NDH), contributing to panels on diplomatic interiors, caste in Indian diplomacy, and transnational practices. Labs & Collaborations: Affiliated with Goethe’s Cluster of Excellence “Normative Orders” and PRIF’s International Security Department. Collaborates with scholars like Benjamin Martill, Sebastian Schindler, and networks such as the Leibniz Cooperations and ConTrust.
Professor Lorna Dawson is the Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute, with over 30 years of experience in soil-plant interactions applied to forensic investigations. She serves as an Honorary Professor in Forensic Science at Robert Gordon University and leads knowledge exchange for environment and soils through SEFARI Gateway. As a CBE awardee for services to soil and forensic science, she has contributed to over 100 forensic cases globally. Head of Forensic Science, James Hutton Institute Honorary Professor, Robert Gordon University SEFARI Gateway Knowledge Exchange Lead Research Focus: Dawson pioneered the use of soil organo-mineral markers in forensics, developing tools like SoilFit (EPSRC) and GIMI for soil characterization. Her work spans geoforensics, microbial forensics, and environmental crime scene analysis, with current projects on single-cell DNA analysis (SCAnDi) and plague ecology (Synergy-Plague). She co-edited foundational texts on geoforensics and established forensic soil SOPs for Brazil. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize soil's role in human decomposition analysis, microplastic tracking, and geospatial forensic applications. Collaborations highlight European and international networks, including work with police forces, universities, and legal systems. Scientific Recognition: 2018 CBE for forensic soil science RSE James Hutton Medal (2023) Fellowships: RSE (2018), RSA (2017) Advisory Roles: Chair of the Forensic Geology Group (Geological Society, London), Treasurer of IUGS International Forensic Geology Initiative, and committee member of ENFSI Animals, Plants, Soils Traces working group. She actively engages in public science communication, appearing in documentaries, crime novels, and the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. Labs & Networks: Leads the James Hutton Institute's Soil Forensic Team, coordinates the MiSAFE European microbial forensics project, and contributes to the International Network of Environmental Forensics. Her work integrates with police training programs and the NIST OSAC geo-trace evidence group.
Rikard Hoogland is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at Stockholm University within the Department of Culture and Aesthetics . His work bridges Theatre Studies and Cultural Policy , focusing on historical and contemporary transformations in Swedish theatre. Education : PhD in Theatre Studies (2005) Visiting Positions : Freie Universität Berlin, Universität Wien Research Interests center on Independent Theatre Groups , Early 20th Century Swedish Theatre , and Brechtian Theory in Modern Directing . His publications in journals like Nordic Theatre Studies and Peripeti explore topics such as: Commercialization of theatre systems Transnational actor migration Intermediality in stage design Political theatre during Cold War Pedagogical diversity in national schools He actively participates in the International Federation of Theatre Research and its Theatrical Event working group, analyzing how theatre intersects with urban spaces and societal shifts. His recent 2024 chapter on Swedish actors in Finland highlights language politics, while his 2022 book chapter re-examines Albert Ranft’s theatrical empire as a case study in cultural capitalism.
Patricia McMahon is an Assistant Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, where she teaches civil procedure, law and equity, and legal history. She also serves as the Director and Lead Interviewer of the Oral History Program at the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History and as Co-Academic Director of the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution. Professor McMahon received her BA in history from Huron University College at Western University, followed by an MA and PhD in history from the University of Toronto. She earned her LLB with honors from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where she served as co-editor-in-chief of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law Review and received the Dean Cecil A. Wright Key. She completed her LLM and JSD at Yale Law School as a Fulbright Fellow. Professor McMahon's research focuses on civil procedure, legal process, the impact of COVID-19 on courts, lawyers in public life, law reform, the fusion of law and equity, equitable procedure, and legal history broadly defined. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary legal challenges, particularly examining how historical developments in law continue to shape modern legal practice and procedure. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on legal history, particularly women's contributions to the legal profession, the development of advocacy principles, and the historical context of law reform. She has increasingly engaged with contemporary issues like AI in legal practice while maintaining her deep expertise in historical legal developments, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach that connects past and present legal challenges. Canadian Law and Society Association Book Prize for "The Persons Case" Short-listed for the John Wesley Dafoe Book Prize SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship Fulbright Fellowship Dean Cecil A. Wright Key from University of Toronto Professor McMahon actively supervises PhD students including Anna Jarvis, Madeline Davis, Catherine Le Guerrier, and Roger Dietrich. She has secured significant research funding including a 2025-2028 grant for "The Zealous Advocate in History" project, multiple Research Intensification Fund Grants from Osgoode Hall Law School, and SSHRC Connection Grants for workshops on early women in Canadian legal academia. Her current research includes three major book projects examining the history of equity fusion, fraud related to the Manhattan Project, and landmark constitutional cases from the 1930s. As Director of the Oral History Program at the Osgoode Society, Professor McMahon oversees what is described as "the largest collection of its kind in the world," conducting interviews with lawyers and judges about their contributions to the legal profession. Her work bridges academic research with practical legal history documentation, creating valuable resources for understanding the evolution of Canadian law.
Susan J. Marsnik is a Professor in the Ethics and Business Law Department at the University of St. Thomas' Opus College of Business. She has served multiple terms as department chair and teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in legal strategy, integrating her practical experience in business and legal practice with international insights. Education: JD, University of Minnesota (International Law, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution) BA in English Literature, University of Minnesota AA in Liberal Arts, Vermillion Community College Her research focuses on global data privacy , patent and copyright law , and ethical frameworks for gig economy workers . She has published extensively in journals like the American Business Law Journal and Boston College Journal of International & Comparative Law, often using Catholic Social Teaching as an analytical lens. Recent publications examine modern contract education methods, data protection challenges, and TRIPS compliance in emerging economies. Awards include the Hoeber Memorial Award (2013, 2022) and a British Association of Law Teachers lifetime achievement award (2015). With extensive international experience teaching at European universities and as a Fulbright Specialist in Egypt, Marsnik has led study abroad programs and developed virtual global learning components. She has held editorial roles at the Journal of Legal Studies Education and served on the Fulbright Senior Specialists Roster.
Gabriele Messori is a Professor of Meteorology at Uppsala University's Department of Geosciences , focusing on the physical processes behind extreme weather events and their climatic impacts. His interdisciplinary research employs dynamical systems analysis , machine learning , and statistical methods to study phenomena like windstorms , heatwaves , and compound climate extremes in current and future climates. Education: Master's in Theoretical Physics from Imperial College London (2010), PhD in Atmospheric Physics from Imperial College London (2014) Prior Appointments: Postdoctoral fellow and researcher at Stockholm University, UK Met Office, and Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement (Paris) His research spans atmospheric dynamics , energy flow , and weather regime dimensions . Recent publications analyze compound droughts/floods , atmospheric rivers , and stratospheric wave reflections , emphasizing climate change attribution and predictability of extremes . He leads the ERC Starting Grant CENÆ project (2021–2026) on North Atlantic compound extremes and co-leads a Vetenskapsrådet project (2022–2025) to build a European climate impacts database. His work bridges climate science , disaster risk reduction , and societal adaptation strategies .
Miloš Vec , University Professor at the Institute for Legal and Constitutional History, University of Vienna, is a leading scholar in the history of international law, legal history, and regulatory regimes. His work bridges criminology, postcolonial jurisprudence, and the legal dimensions of the Industrial Revolution. Research Interests include the evolution of international law from the early modern period to the 20th century, with a focus on state relations, geopolitical shifts, and the juridification of warfare. He explores regulatory frameworks like reinsurance law and the historical interplay between law and power structures. Publications span monographs on the Congress of Vienna, chemical warfare legal debates, and co-edited volumes on peace paradoxes and normative orders. Recent works examine biometrics, neutrality doctrines, and colonial legal legacies. Scientific Awards highlight his recognition: Senior Global Hauser Fellow (2017) UNIVIE Teaching Award (2015) Academy Prize (2008) Otto Hahn Medal (1997) Walter Kalkhof-Rose Memorial Prize (2006) Advising & Grants include leadership in the DFG Excellence Cluster 243, advisory roles for Austrian federal museums, and collaborations with institutions in Bhutan, Canada, and Japan. He co-edits the Journal of the History of International Law and directs the Pariah Weapons Project.
