Dr. Juan Manuel Berbel Pineda is a full Professor at the Department of Business Organization and Marketing at Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain. His academic work focuses on tourism economics, sustainable tourism practices, and international business strategies, particularly within the hotel industry and textile sector. Key research areas: Tourism Economics, Sustainable Tourism, International Business Strategy Affiliated with IMEGS (Innovation and Marketing for a Sustainable Global Environment) research group Doctoral Programs: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Family Business His research explores tourism competitiveness and internationalization patterns through empirical studies on hotel chains in Latin America, fair trade impacts in emerging economies, and post-COVID-19 rural tourism development. Analysis of 15 recent publications reveals strong emphasis on structural equation modeling, cross-cultural comparisons, and market segmentation strategies. Current academic activity includes international collaborations with institutions like Massey University, Varna University of Management, and University of Mauritius. His 2020 work on Ecuadorian chia seed exports demonstrates methodology for EU market selection using 7-dimensional indicators, while his sustainable tourism studies provide frameworks for pandemic-era tourism revival through non-overcrowding strategies.
Daniel Sierra Ramos is an Adjunct Professor at IE University, Spain, and Co-Founder of Fitizens, a startup developing AI-driven wearables for physical activity quantification. He has over 6 years of experience as a Lead Data Scientist at Telefónica and Synergic Partners, specializing in AI applications for industries like banking, retail, and telecommunications. His expertise includes machine learning models for customer segmentation, predictive maintenance, and demand forecasting, alongside Big Data and cloud technologies (AWS/Azure). Education: Master in Telecommunication Engineering (Carlos III University, 2015) Master in Multimedia and Communications (Carlos III University, 2015) Bachelor in Telematic Engineering (Carlos III University, 2013) His research focuses on integrating AI into wearable devices and industry-driven data solutions. He trains professionals in AI from technical and business perspectives, emphasizing autonomy in data-centric environments. Active in corporate roles since 2015, he bridges technological innovation with practical business applications.
Sergio Moreno Gil is a Professor in the Department of Economics and Business Management at Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain. He is affiliated with the GIR TIDES research group (Economy, Environment, Sustainability and Tourism) and the Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development. His academic work focuses on tourism economics, marketing, and sustainability within the Social and Legal Sciences branch. Dr. Moreno Gil's research interests span across multiple dimensions of contemporary tourism. His primary focus areas include sustainable tourism development, destination marketing, sharing economy platforms in tourism, and consumer behavior analysis. He has made significant contributions to understanding tourism in the Canary Islands, particularly through his work with the Canary Islands Tourism Observatory. His research integrates traditional tourism studies with emerging fields like neurotourism and biometric analysis of tourist experiences. His publication record shows a clear trend toward addressing contemporary challenges in tourism. Recent works focus on sustainability in mass tourism destinations, the impact of sharing economy platforms, gastronomic tourism marketing, and collaborative tourism networks. His research demonstrates a strong methodological diversity, employing bibliometric analysis, social network analysis, and empirical studies of tourist behavior. Dr. Moreno Gil has been actively involved in the Canary Islands Tourism Observatory, contributing to annual reports on tourism sustainability in the region. His collaborative work spans across the Ibero-American region, with numerous co-authorships reflecting international research networks in tourism studies.
Miguel Ángel Bernal Merino serves as a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Modern Philology, Translation and Interpretation at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Concurrently, he acts as convener of the MA in Translation at the University of Roehampton in London, managing its Specialised Translation, Audiovisual Translation, and Intercultural Communication pathways since 2005. His academic profile bridges theoretical research and industry application in localization disciplines. PhD in The Localisation of Video Games, Imperial College London MSc in The Localisation of Multimedia Interactive Entertainment Software, Imperial College London Certificate in Software Localisation, University of Limerick CELTA, University of Cambridge MPhil in Lip-Synched Dubbing, Universidad de Alicante MA in Hispanic Literature, University of Rhode Island BA in English & Spanish Linguistics, Universidad de Alicante Bernal Merino's research pioneers the expansion of Translation Studies into interactive media domains. His work on video game localization examines interactivity, cultural adaptation, glocalisation, and playability, while his audiovisual translation research investigates creativity in lip-synched dubbing, subtitling, and audiodescription. He extends these frameworks into gaming-based language learning through haptic environments and multisensory reinforcement, exploring physiological aspects of multilingual cognition and polysemiotic neural networks. This multidisciplinary approach fundamentally challenges traditional boundaries in translation theory. His publication trajectory reveals evolving industry-academia integration, shifting from foundational game localization frameworks (2008-2015) toward user-centered research and educational applications (2018-2024). Recent work emphasizes measurable business impacts through quality localization, regional market adaptations, and crowd-sourced methodologies, demonstrating consistent influence on professional standards across gaming and translation sectors. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Bernal Merino supervises doctoral research on mobile game localization, transmedia fan experiences, and historical game content translation while developing industry-academia pipelines through projects like AHRC's Media Across Borders. His funded initiatives—including Maximising ROI through Quality Game Localisation and Video Games for Language Learning—bridge theoretical innovation with commercial implementation, focusing on glocalisation strategies, interactivity metrics, and playability optimization. These collaborations connect European universities, gaming studios, and localization service providers. As chair of the IGDA Localization SIG and member of GIR Discourse, Communication and Society, he directs international forums for game localization discourse. His work with Routes into Languages promotes audiovisual media in language education, while REF-readiness collaborations enhance research excellence across European institutions through his professional network spanning industry conferences like GDC Summit and Game Global.
Alicia Orea Giner is a Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business Sciences of Rey Juan Carlos University, specializing in sustainable tourism and social justice. Her research focuses on Generation Z's sustainable consumption practices in food tourism, AI integration in hospitality, and ethical dimensions of tourism. She co-authored the award-winning article The way we live, the way we travel: generation Z and sustainable consumption in food tourism experiences , recognized with the 2024 Emerald Literati Outstanding Paper Award. Her work bridges sustainability, technology, and cultural studies. Key themes include feminist methodologies in tourism research, transformative travel through ecofeminism, and post-pandemic food tourism trends. She explores AI applications in service robots, wellness tourism's mental health connections, and marginalized communities' roles in culinary tourism. Recent studies address LGBTQ+ tourism challenges, stakeholder participation in World Heritage sites, and ghost tours' cultural narratives. Awards highlight her contributions to sustainability and social justice in tourism. Awards: 2024 Emerald Literati Outstanding Paper Award Research Foci: Food Tourism, AI Ethics, Feminist Tourism Studies, Cultural Heritage Management Labs/Teams: No specific lab mentioned; collaborates across interdisciplinary tourism research networks.
Luis Botella Garcia Del Cid is a Full Professor at the Department of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Faculty of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Sports, Ramon Llull University. His work focuses on therapeutic alliance, constructivism, and clinical psychology. University: Ramon Llull University School: Faculty of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Sports Department: Psychology and Speech Therapy Email: lluisbg@blanquerna.url.edu His research spans therapeutic alliance, psychometrics, constructivist approaches, and clinical psychology. He investigates therapist personal style, team solutions in psychotherapy, and adolescent interactions with social media influencers. His recent projects include ACM Psicopersona and Proceso Terapéutico funded by AGAUR. Key publications (2022-2023) address dyadic coping during the pandemic, fuzzy cognitive mapping in clinical supervision, and teamwork in psychotherapy. Articles span interdisciplinary collaborations across 27 countries with a focus on psychological distress and relationship quality. He collaborates with the Psicopersona research group and participates in systems-thinking-based clinical models. His work integrates constructivist theory with practical applications in therapeutic contexts and adolescent digital behavior.
Ricardo Filipe da Silva Pocinho is an academic researcher affiliated with the Higher School of Education and Social Sciences (ESECS) at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal. He joined the faculty in March 2022 and holds the role of Assessor in the Regional Health Administration of the Center (ARS Centro). His primary research focuses on educational evaluation , social competence development , and pedagogical innovation , with emphasis on school-based interventions and socioemotional learning programs. He has supervised five doctoral students and published extensively on topics including family involvement in education, pandemic impacts on teaching, and workplace happiness initiatives. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining educational psychology with social work methodologies. Recent publications highlight projects like the 'Smiling Team' workplace well-being program and evaluations of educational interventions for youth transitioning from residential care. He collaborates closely with institutions like the University of Coimbra and has presented at major conferences such as TEEM20 and the International Conference on Childhood and Adolescence. Key contributions include designing programs to promote socioemotional competencies in schools and analyzing social policies during pandemics. His research emphasizes practical applications, evidenced by projects like the 'Third Age Universities' study in Portugal and Brazil, and pedagogical innovations in technical director training.
Francesc Miralles Torner is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Department of Enterprise and Technology, specializing in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. He leads the BOCETO: Boosting Comfort in Educational Environments project and participates in initiatives like Digital Innovation and AI as an agent for Digital Transformation . His work focuses on sustainability frameworks, innovation intermediaries, and technology's role in addressing global challenges. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Department: Enterprise and Technology Key Research Areas: Digital Innovation, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, Sustainability, AI Recent research explores configurational approaches to startup innovativeness, orchestration of innovation networks, and digital transformation through global and sustainable lenses. His collaborations span institutions like AGAUR and international researchers.
Jordi Perelló Muntan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Architecture at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, where he is also affiliated with the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria de Telecomunicació de Barcelona (ETSETB). He is a member of the Broadband Communications Systems and Architectures (CBA) and IDEAI-UPC research groups, focusing on advanced optical and future internet networking technologies. Research Interests: His research spans telecommunications networks, optical fiber and optical networking, resource optimization, network architectures, and the Future Internet. He investigates performance optimization in 5G transport networks, Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM), Recursive Inter-Network Architecture (RINA), elastic optical networks, and cognitive networking. His work integrates SDN, network virtualization, and green networking principles for scalable and efficient infrastructures. Publication Trends: His recent publications focus on probabilistic constellation shaping in multicore fiber networks, cognitive strategies for optical margin reduction, RINA-based QoS assurance, and migration planning toward spectrally-spatially flexible optical networks. These reflect a strong trend toward intelligent, adaptive, and energy-efficient network design for future communication systems. Scientific Awards: Co-recipient of the 2020 Fabio Neri Best Paper Award Runner-up (Elsevier Journal of Optical Switching and Networking) Co-recipient of the ONDM 2021 Best Paper Award Co-recipient of the 2019 IEEE Communications Society Charles Kao Award Co-recipient of the ONDM 2012 Best Student Paper Award Advising and Grants: He has advised multiple PhD students on topics including RINA, optical network planning, and virtual provisioning. He has led or participated in major European (H2020, FP7) and national (PID, TEC) research projects such as SLICENET, PRISTINE, TRAINER, and ALLIANCE, focusing on 5G, RINA, and sustainable network infrastructures. Labs and Teams: He is an active member of the CBA research group at UPC, contributing to experimental and theoretical advancements in optical and programmable networks. His team collaborates internationally on testbed development and standardization efforts in next-generation networking.
Albert Atserias is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Faculty of Informatics of Barcelona (FIB) and the ALBCOM research group (Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Complexity, and Formal Methods). He is also associated with the Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC-BarcelonaTech. His research is central to theoretical computer science, with a strong emphasis on logic and complexity. Atserias's research interests span Computational Complexity, Logic in Computer Science, Finite Model Theory, Proof Complexity, and Constraint Satisfaction Problems . His work explores the fundamental limits of computation, the expressive power of logical languages over finite structures, and the complexity of proving mathematical statements. He investigates the algebraic and combinatorial properties of proof systems, the limits of efficient algorithms for constraint solving, and the theoretical foundations of databases. His research often bridges logic, algebra, and combinatorics to provide deep insights into computational phenomena. The trends in his recent publications show a sustained focus on the logical and algebraic underpinnings of computational problems. Key themes include the consistency and complexity of database queries , the power and limitations of proof systems (like resolution and sum-of-squares), and the expressive power of homomorphism counts in graph theory. His work on the hardness of automating resolution and the development of circular proof systems are particularly significant contributions to proof complexity. The 2024 PODS Best Paper Award for work on relational consistency underscores the impact and timeliness of his research. Among his notable scientific awards are the prestigious ICREA Acadèmia , the PODS 2024 Best Paper Award , the Premi Extraordinari de Doctorat (Extraordinary Doctoral Prize), and the Kleene Award for Best Student Paper . These accolades reflect both the excellence of his early work and his continued leadership in the field. Atserias has been a principal investigator on numerous competitive research projects, including funding from the European Research Council (ERC) and the Spanish Ministry of Science. He has advised doctoral students, such as Toni Hakoniemi, whose thesis on proof complexity he supervised. His extensive collaborative network includes leading researchers like Phokion Kolaitis, Anuj Dawar, and Victor Dalmau. He has also served on the scientific committees of major conferences, contributing to the academic community. He is a core member of the ALBCOM research group , a leading team at UPC focused on theoretical aspects of computer science, which provides a vibrant environment for research in algorithms, complexity, and formal methods. His work is also connected to the broader Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science and mathematics.
Anna Villarroya Planas is a Professor at the Universitat de Barcelona, serving as Director of the Research Center for Information, Communication and Culture. She holds a law degree and economics degree from the Universitat de Barcelona, and a PhD in Public Sector Economics from the same institution. Affiliated with both the Faculty of Information and Audiovisual Media and the Department of Economics, she has been teaching courses related to cultural economics and cultural policies since 1993. Her research focuses on digital culture and content, with special emphasis on open access to science and economic studies on culture, particularly examining gender perspectives in cultural sectors. She serves as President of the European Association of Cultural Researchers and coordinates the Interuniversity Doctoral Program in Gender Studies: Cultures, Societies and Policies. Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a strong focus on gender equality in cultural sectors, particularly examining gender discrimination in the performing arts, LGBTQ perspectives in information studies, and cultural policies with gender perspectives. Her work spans multiple disciplines including cultural economics, gender studies, library science, and policy analysis, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches to understanding cultural production, consumption, and policy implementation. She has participated in numerous research projects funded by public entities including the World Bank, Council of Europe, ERICarts, Organization of Ibero-American States, Spanish Ministry of Culture, Catalan Department of Culture, and Barcelona Provincial Council, as well as private foundations like "la Caixa" Banking Foundation, Carulla Foundation, and Alternativas Foundation. Since 2006, she has authored the report on cultural policy in Spain included in the Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends, and since 2017 has been a member of the Council of the Association of the Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends. Her leadership extends to directing research projects focused on gender perspectives in information and media studies, including the GEMPIMS (Gender Perspective Mentoring Program in Information & Media Studies) initiative at the University of Barcelona.
Eugene F. Fama, 2013 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, is the Robert R. McCormick Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Widely regarded as the "father of modern finance," his work on the efficient markets hypothesis and risk-return relationships has profoundly influenced both academic and investment communities. Bachelor's, Tufts University (1960) MBA and PhD, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (1964) Fama's research centers on theoretical and empirical finance, focusing on asset pricing models, market efficiency, and portfolio management. His recent publications emphasize factor investing, including the development of five-factor models and the analysis of international market anomalies. Key trends in his scholarship include empirical validation of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), international factor analysis, and the distinction between luck and skill in mutual fund performance. His work remains foundational for quantitative finance and investment strategies. Scientific Awards and Fellowships Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2013) Deutsche Bank Prize in Financial Economics (2005) Morgan Stanley American Finance Association Award for Excellence in Finance (2007) Onassis Prize in Finance (2009) Chaire Francqui (1982) Nicholas Molodovsky Award from CFA Institute (2006) Fred Arditti Innovation Award (2007) Fellow of the American Finance Association (2001) Fellow of the Econometric Society Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fama serves as Advisory Editor for the Journal of Financial Economics and has mentored numerous PhD students through his academic career. His research continues to shape financial theory and practice, with ongoing analysis of market efficiency and factor-based investing.
Carles Padro Laimon is a Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and the School of Telecommunications Engineering. He is a leading researcher in cryptography and information security, focusing on secret sharing schemes, combinatorial structures, and cryptographic protocols. His work integrates discrete mathematics, coding theory, and algorithmic design to address security challenges in digital systems. Padro leads the MAK Research Group (Mathematics Applied to Cryptography) and the ISG-MAK Information Security Group. He has been involved in numerous competitive research projects, including initiatives on post-quantum cryptography and secure multi-user systems. His contributions span over 211 documented activities, including articles, theses, and conference participations. His research interests include the theoretical foundations of cryptography, with a focus on optimizing secret sharing schemes, analyzing matroid-based structures, and developing secure communication protocols. He has collaborated extensively with institutions like the UPC and European research networks, contributing to both academic and practical advancements in cybersecurity. Padro holds a PhD in Mathematics from UPC and has supervised doctoral theses and mentored researchers in his field. His work frequently appears in top journals like IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, Designs, Codes and Cryptography, and SIAM Journal on Discrete Mathematics.
Cristina Baus Marquez is a Research Fellow at the University of Barcelona's Faculty of Psychology, affiliated with the Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology. She holds a Ramon y Cajal Research Fellowship (2020–2025) and leads research in the Brain Dynamics and Structure of Human Cognition (BraCo) group. Her work focuses on cognitive neuroscience, bilingualism, and language processing, with a particular emphasis on electrophysiological and behavioral studies of language production, perception, and social cognition. Education: Bachelor's Degree (Llicenciatura) in Psychology, University of Barcelona (2003) PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and Specific Educational Needs, Universidad de La Laguna (2010) Research Interests include the neural mechanisms underlying bilingual speech production, cross-modal language interactions, and how linguistic experience shapes perception of faces and voices. She employs EEG/ERP techniques to study self-monitoring processes in bilinguals and investigates the role of iconicity in sign language production. Key Projects: Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (2020–2025): Investigates verbal interactions and learning mechanisms Fundación BIAL Grant (2017–2019): Explored electrophysiology of bimodal bilingualism AGAUR Grant (2018–2020): Studied verbal interactions' cognitive mechanisms Labs/Teams: Active member of the BraCo research group, collaborating internationally on multilingualism and cognitive neuroscience projects.
Danfeng Zhang is a faculty member at Duke University whose research sits at the intersection of programming languages and security. Active across the premier PL conferences since 2015, Zhang has served on more than two-dozen program committees and currently co-chairs the POPL Student Research Competition. Education & Affiliation: Home page: users.cs.duke.edu/~dz132 Affiliation: Duke University, United States Research Interests: Zhang’s work spans programming-language design, static and dynamic analysis, formal verification, and security. A recurring theme is developing language-based techniques that guarantee strong security and privacy properties—ranging from side-channel resistance and constant-time execution to differential-privacy proofs—while preserving performance and usability. His recent projects combine type systems, program logics, and automated reasoning to build practical verification tools for concurrent, speculative, and approximate software. Publication Trends: Across nine representative papers (2015-2024) Zhang has advanced static detection of cache side channels, automated proofs of differential privacy, and relaxed concurrency models. The trajectory shows deepening integration of security concerns into language infrastructure, with tool-building (CtChecker, SpecSafe, LightDP) that bridge formal guarantees and real-world systems. Service & Leadership: 2024 POPL Student Research Competition Co-Chair 2025 POPL Program Committee member Repeated reviewer/PC member: PLDI, SPLASH/OOPSLA, ISSTA, ECOOP, APLAS, PriSC, PASS Zhang regularly mentors student researchers through SRC sessions and workshop panels, fostering diversity and early-career participation in the programming-languages community.
