Professor Kurt Iveson is a Professor of Urban Geography in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney. He is affiliated with the Sydney Environment Institute and Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. His research focuses on urban equity, public space governance, and the democratization of urban processes. Notable projects include studies on multicultural urban planning, pandemic-era mutual aid networks, and climate adaptation strategies. He has authored influential books such as Publics and the City (2007) and Everyday Equalities (2019). Iveson’s work often bridges theory and practice, addressing issues like affordable housing activism, graffiti policies, and the spatial implications of digital media. His recent research emphasizes community-led disaster resilience, people power strategies, and the geopolitics of urban infrastructure. Grants include studies on informal accommodation in Sydney and international comparisons of urban alliances. Media engagements include ABC discussions on outdoor advertising, vertical transport, and post-pandemic urban recovery. His work advocates for inclusive urban policies that balance equity, sustainability, and civic participation.
Alexandra Paige Fischer is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) . Her research focuses on the human dimensions of environmental change , with emphasis on climate change adaptation , wildfire risk governance , and collective action in forested ecosystems . She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and serves as a contributing author to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report . PhD, Oregon State University (Forest Resources Social Science) MS, Oregon State University (Forest Resources Social Science) BA, Hampshire College (Cultural Anthropology) Her research integrates theories from natural resource sociology and human-environment geography , employing qualitative interviews , quantitative surveys , and social network analysis . She leads the Western Forest and Fire Initiative and investigates socio-ecological systems in fire-prone regions and coastal communities. Her work spans the U.S. West and Chile , where she explores global wildfire challenges and flammable plantation impacts. Recent publications highlight her contributions to climate adaptation frameworks , collective risk mitigation , and socio-ecological network analysis . She has received recognition as a Fulbright Scholar and leading fire science researcher . Fulbright Scholar, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile 50 Female Leading Scholars in Fire Science Grants include USDA Forest Service projects on climate change impacts on family forestlands and forestry responses to climate change . She actively contributes to Nature Sustainability , Global Environmental Change , and serves as Associate Editor for Ecology and Society and Frontiers in Climate .
Yavuz Köse is a University Professor of Turkology at the Department of Near Eastern Studies, Faculty of Philology and Cultural Studies, University of Vienna. He currently serves as Head of the Institute of Oriental Studies (since June 2024) and previously as Deputy Head (October 2022-June 2024). Before joining the University of Vienna in 2019, he was W3 Acting Professor for Turkology at the Asia-Africa Institute of the University of Hamburg (2010-2018). His educational background includes a Master of Arts in History and Culture of the Near East as well as Turkology, Psychology and Economics from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (2001). Professor Köse's research focuses on social, economic and consumer history of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, environmental and tourism history, history of science, and migration and workers' history. His work examines Ottoman social structures, economic transformations, cultural heritage, and identity formation, with particular attention to urban contexts and cross-cultural interactions. His recent publications show a strong emphasis on Ottoman social history, with particular attention to conversion narratives, cultural exchanges, and urban economic structures. The 2025 edited volume Becoming Ottoman represents a significant contribution to understanding identity formation in the Ottoman Empire. Among his notable recognitions is the Emerald Literati Award (2020) Professor Köse has supervised numerous doctoral students at both the University of Vienna and University of Hamburg, with research topics spanning cultural heritage in Turkey, migration histories, women's work and property, and Ottoman economic history. He has secured significant research funding including projects funded by FWF, DFG, and VolkswagenStiftung, such as the current 'Lebensmittelhändler von Istanbul' project examining Istanbul grocers as urban actors in supply chains. He is actively involved in academic leadership, serving as Head of the Institute of Oriental Studies and Deputy Spokesperson of the Doctoral School for Philological and Cultural Studies. He co-founded and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Diyâr. Journal for Ottoman, Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies and is a member of numerous scholarly organizations including the Society for Armenian Studies and the Society for Turkology, Ottoman Studies and Turkey Research.
Kelly Askew is a Professor of Anthropology and Afroamerican & African Studies at the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She holds a PhD in Anthropology (Harvard, 1997) and a BA in Music and Anthropology (Yale, 1997), with over three decades of fieldwork in Tanzania and Kenya. Education PhD in Anthropology, Harvard University (1997) BA in Music and Anthropology, Yale University Key Roles Chair of the Department of Anthropology Niara Sudarkasa Collegiate Professor Her research bridges three primary domains: Postsocialist transitions (e.g., property rights formalization and land conflicts), art and political aesthetics (e.g., Swahili music, African visual arts, ethnographic filmmaking), and indigenous political movements (e.g., Maasai and Parakuyo pastoralists). She has produced award-winning documentaries like The Chairman and the Lions (2013) and Maasai Remix (2019), which examine cultural resilience and land rights. Scientific awards include being a finalist for the African Studies Association Herskovits Award (2002). Recent publications analyze land dispossession mechanisms, postsocialist cultural production, and media’s role in political identity. She has secured grants from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Ford Foundation.
Joshua Fairfield is the William Donald Bain Family Professor of Law and Director of Artificial Intelligence Legal Innovation Strategy at Washington and Lee University's School of Law. His expertise spans digital property, data privacy, cryptocurrencies, and virtual worlds regulation. He holds a BA from Swarthmore College and a JD from the University of Chicago. Professor Fairfield's research focuses on the intersection of law and technology, particularly in digital ownership, privacy rights, and emerging technologies like IoT and blockchain. He has authored influential books, including Owned: Property, Privacy and the New Digital Serfdom (2017) and Runaway Technology: Can Law Keep Up? (2021). His work critiques corporate control over digital devices and advocates for consumer rights in the digital age. Education: BA, Swarthmore College; JD, University of Chicago Key Achievements: Fulbright Grant (2012–2013), American Law Institute Member (2013) Consulting: Advises U.S. agencies like the White House Office of Technology and Homeland Security Privacy Office His recent articles address topics such as environmental AI ethics, NFT regulation, and smart contract governance. Fairfield emphasizes the need for updated legal frameworks to protect digital rights and ensure democratic control over technology. He directs the AI Legal Innovation Strategy initiative, focusing on integrating AI into legal systems while addressing ethical and regulatory challenges.
Rana Jaleel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at the University of California, Davis, within the College of Arts & Sciences. She holds multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Cultural Studies Graduate Group, Chair of the Designated Emphasis in Feminist Theory and Research, Faculty Advisor for the Sexuality Studies Minor, and Co-Director of HATCH: The Feminist Arts & Sciences Initiative. She is also a 2021–2024 College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Faculty Fellow. Education: Ph.D. in American Studies, New York University J.D., Yale Law School MFA in Poetry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Rana Jaleel’s research centers on the politics of evidence, examining how harm is recognized or erased in legal, cultural, and political contexts. Her work critically engages with reproductive labor, race, gender, sexuality, property, and international law. She draws from feminist theory, critical ethnic studies, legal studies, and decolonial thought to interrogate the intersections of power, knowledge, and violence. Her interdisciplinary approach is reflected in her contributions across law, cultural studies, and creative writing. Her publications and editorial projects reveal a strong focus on racial capitalism, settler colonialism, queer/trans of color critique, and feminist legal theory. She explores how international legal frameworks for sexual violence are shaped by imperial and racial power. Her work frequently appears in journals such as Critical Ethnic Studies Journal , Cultural Studies , and Brooklyn Law Review . She has co-edited special issues on democracy, gendered citizenship, and racial capitalism, demonstrating a commitment to collective scholarly work. Scientific Awards: Author of Color First Book Award from Duke University Press for The Work of Rape Rana Jaleel is actively involved in academic service and mentorship. As Co-Director of HATCH and leader of the Write the Future! Lab, she fosters creative and critical scholarship among undergraduate students, particularly from women/queer/trans of color and transnational feminist perspectives. She serves on the Editorial Collective and Board of The Critical Ethnic Studies Journal and is a member of the American Association of University Professors’ Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure. Her leadership extends to admissions and curriculum development in interdisciplinary programs. She is co-editing a forthcoming issue of South Atlantic Quarterly on 'Queer/Trans of Color Transits and the Global Imaginaries of Racial Capitalism' and continues to develop projects that bridge creative practice, legal critique, and feminist theory.
Lisa Austin is a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, holding the Chair in Law and Technology. She serves as Associate Director at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society and is a Faculty Associate at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center. Previously, she co-founded the IT3 Lab at the University of Toronto, which conducted interdisciplinary research on privacy and transparency issues. Professor Austin earned her BA &Sc from McMaster University (1994), MA from the University of Toronto (1995), LLB from the University of Toronto (1998), and PhD from the University of Toronto (2005). She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2006 and previously served as law clerk to Mr. Justice Frank Iacobucci of the Supreme Court of Canada. Her research spans data governance, privacy law, property law, and legal theory. Professor Austin has published in prestigious journals including Legal Theory , Law and Philosophy , Theoretical Inquiries in Law , and Canadian Journal of Law and Society . She co-edited Private Law and the Rule of Law (Oxford University Press, 2015), challenging the conventional understanding that the rule of law applies only to public law. Professor Austin's scholarship consistently emphasizes the relationship between privacy, power dynamics, and legal frameworks, arguing that privacy is fundamentally about power rather than mere consent or harm prevention. Her recent work addresses pressing issues including the data governance gap during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital rethinking of constitutional privacy protections, and smart city data governance. 2017 President's Impact Award from the University of Toronto Professor Austin actively engages in policy discussions, having submitted testimony before parliamentary committees on privacy legislation reform, including the Privacy Act and the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act. Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical policy impact, making her a leading voice in Canadian privacy law and technology governance.
Carlos Portugal Gouvêa is an Associate Professor at the University of São Paulo Law School, where he leads multiple research centers including the Center for Corporate Governance (CGC-USP), Asian Legal Studies Center (CELA-USP), and Law and Poverty Group (GDP-USP). He is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Law Institute (IDGlobal), a leading think tank in Brazil focusing on environmental and social justice. Educational background includes S.J.D. from Harvard Law School and LL.B. and Livre-Docência from the University of São Paulo Research interests span corporate governance, ESG, human rights, and distributive justice in private law He has coordinated impactful projects including mapping global litigation on homelessness and analyzing carbon offset mechanisms in indigenous territories His scholarly work has influenced major rulings in the Brazilian Supreme Court, particularly regarding intellectual property and health rights. He is a human rights activist and founding member of influential non-profits like Instituto Sou da Paz and Conectas Human Rights. With a focus on high-impact research, his recent publications address racial diversity in corporate leadership, class action trends in Brazil, and social rights for marginalized populations. He actively engages in public policy and legal innovation through his roles in regulatory commissions and academic organizations.
Jim Rogers is an Associate Professor and Chair of PhD Studies at the School of Communications, Dublin City University. His research focuses on media and cultural industries, music, and copyright, with an emphasis on the digital transformation of the music industry, global strategies, and policy implications. He has authored and edited multiple books and articles on topics such as the evolution of performing rights organizations, the audio-visual nexus, and Ireland's music industry success. Rogers has presented at international conferences across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, engaging with issues like intellectual property, creative destruction, and cultural policy. His work bridges academic theory and industry practice, addressing the intersection of technology, law, and cultural production.
Di Bu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Finance at Macquarie University, leading the Macquarie University FinTech and Banking Research Centre. He holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Queensland (2015). His research focuses on FinTech innovations, climate finance, household finance, and behavioral finance, with an emphasis on embedding sustainability into financial systems. He has secured over AUD 4 million in research funding through ARC Linkage and Discovery projects, focusing on AI-driven credit assessments, Open Banking, ESG analytics, and climate resilience. Education PhD in Finance, University of Queensland (2015) Research Interests Di's work explores belief formation in financial decisions, sustainable lending practices, and climate adaptation tools. He pioneers projects such as AI credit scoring systems, behavioral interventions for sustainable investing, and digital platforms for climate resilience. His interdisciplinary approach bridges industry, government, and academia to address financial and environmental challenges. Projects & Funding AUD 4M+ in grants including two ARC Linkage and one ARC Discovery projects Current initiatives: Greenwashing detection, ESG rating divergence analysis, and climate-resilient finance platforms Labs/Teams Director of the FinTech & Banking Research Centre and affiliated with Data Horizons Research Centre and Frontier AI Research Centre at Macquarie University.
Julia Powles is an Associate Professor at the UWA Law School and Director of the UWA Tech & Policy Lab. Her research focuses on privacy, intellectual property, internet governance, and the legal and political dimensions of data, automation, and AI. She has led investigations into high-profile cases like the NHS/Google DeepMind data breach and Sidewalk Labs’ smart city project. Currently, she advises on national robotics strategy, responsible AI, and privacy policies in Australia. With a background spanning academia, policy, and law, she holds roles in global committees and contributes to media outlets like the New Yorker and Financial Times. Her work bridges legal frameworks and technological innovation, emphasizing ethical governance and societal impact. Education: BSc (Hons) ANU, LLB (Hons) UWA, BCL Oxford, PhD Cantab. Expertise includes AI ethics, data privacy, and regulatory policy. Recent projects address drone delivery systems, corporate accountability of Big Tech, and governance in health monitoring. Awards include the 40 Under 40 Award for WA (2022) and Poynter Fellowship (2018). Grants include the Children’s Online Safety Program (2024–2027) and Minderoo Foundation initiatives. She chairs the PRIS Universities Network and co-chairs international tech policy summits. Roles: Director, UWA Tech & Policy Lab; Expert on National AI Centre, WA Privacy Committee. Research: Over 100 outputs, focusing on AI governance, corporate liability, and tech ethics.
Shakirah Hudani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina, with an affiliation in the Department of African, African American, & Diaspora Studies. She holds a PhD in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley. Her work centers on African urbanism, post-conflict urban change, and spatial politics in East Africa. Key research focuses include Rwanda's post-genocide urban reconstruction, Nairobi's peripheral development, and Luanda's oil-driven transformations. Her research examines how urban spaces reflect and reshape social dynamics, particularly around memory, identity, and governance. Recent projects analyze commemoration practices in Rwanda, land disputes in Nairobi, and carceral architectures. She critiques master planning processes and explores grassroots urban agency in marginalized communities. Publications span urban studies, critical geography, and postcolonial theory, with a focus on decolonizing urban narratives. Her work bridges academic analysis with practical urban policy debates, emphasizing equity and participatory planning in transitional societies.
Mariana Dias Paes is an Assistant Professor of Law and Society in the Department of History and Politics at The American University of Paris. Her research focuses on race, citizenship, colonialism, and the law in former Portuguese colonies in Africa and the Americas (particularly Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau) between 1750-1930. Her work examines colonial courts as sites where Africans contested colonialism and asserted rights to freedom, property, and improved working conditions. Education includes: Ph.D. in Law from University of São Paulo and Max Planck Institute for European Legal History (2018) M.A. in Law from University of São Paulo (2014) B.A. in Law from Federal University of Minas Gerais (2010) Her research has wide implications for understanding emancipation, citizenship, decolonization, and race, while unearthing African participation in multiple legal systems. She leads digital humanities projects preserving endangered colonial judicial archives in Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau. She has led digitization efforts for approximately 10,000 colonial court records and organized endangered judicial collections at national archives.
Prof. Dr. Nils Stieglitz is a distinguished Professor of Strategy at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management since 2012 and serves as President & CEO since 2018. He leads the Management Department (2015–2018) and held the Executive Board role as Vice President Corporate Development (2017–2018). His research spans Strategic decision-making Organizational adaptation Human-agent interaction across dynamic environments. His scholarly work appears in top-tier journals like Strategic Management Journal , Management Science , and Organization Science , focusing on complex organizational trade-offs, incentive design, and scenario planning. He also contributes strategic insights to global media outlets such as Harvard Business Review and The Economist . As Senior Editor at the Journal of Organization Design and editorial board member of Organization Science , he shapes discourse on organizational theory. His teaching emphasizes strategy formulation and organizational design principles.
Nicholas Vincent is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Responsible Artificial Intelligence, and Human-Centric Machine Learning. He holds a Ph.D. in Technology and Social Behavior from Northwestern University (2022) and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA (2016). Education: Ph.D., Northwestern University (2022); B.Sc., UCLA (2016) Affiliations: Simon Fraser University School of Computing Science His work examines the societal implications of AI, including data labor rights, algorithmic governance, and ethical design. Notable contributions include frameworks for measuring attentional agency on digital platforms and studies on collective action in tech contexts. He received the SIGCHI Outstanding Dissertation Award in 2024. Recent publications explore topics like AI ethics, governance of generative models, and Wikipedia's role in content ecosystems. He actively participates in policy discussions through media engagements and conference talks, advocating for public-oriented AI development.
