Lisa Lowe is Samuel Knight Professor of American Studies at Yale University, specializing in race, immigration, and colonial studies. Her interdisciplinary scholarship examines connections between Asian American cultural politics and global historical formations. Lowe's influential books include 'Immigrant Acts' and 'The Intimacies of Four Continents', which trace colonial linkages across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Fellowships include Guggenheim, Rockefeller, and Mellon Foundation awards. Current research investigates coloniality of knowledge in the humanities. Lowe teaches courses on race/liberalism, immigration, and globalization, advancing critical approaches to American studies through transnational frameworks.
Cecilia Bruzelius is a Professor of Comparative Social Policy and Migration at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, holding a chair since October 2024. Previously, she served as a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen (2023–2024) and at the University of Tübingen’s Institute of Political Science from 2017 to 2023. She earned her DPhil from the University of Oxford (2018), MSc from the London School of Economics (2012), and BA from Uppsala University (2011). Her research focuses on comparative social policy, migration studies, political sociology, and socio-legal frameworks, with a particular emphasis on EU citizenship, social rights of migrants, and the governance of free movement. Key areas include the relationship between migration and welfare systems, EU integration challenges, and institutionalized exploitation of migrant workers. Bruzelius teaches courses such as International Migration and National Welfare States , Political Demography , and Global Labor Migration Politics . She has published extensively on EU social rights, emigration policies, and welfare chauvinism, with articles in prestigious journals like Journal of European Public Policy and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies . Her work bridges academic and policy realms, analyzing how states balance migration control with social protection. She leads the Research Unit on Comparative Social Policy and Migration at Tübingen, contributing to debates on EU citizenship’s socio-economic dimensions.
Professor Dympna Devine is a Full Professor of Education, Society and Critical Childhood Studies at University College Dublin's School of Education. She leads the Children’s School Lives (CSL) study, a large-scale longitudinal investigation examining primary schooling experiences in Ireland and rural Sierra Leone. Her research bridges sociologies of education and childhood, focusing on children’s voices, rights, and equalities. She has held roles such as Vice Principal for Research Innovation and Impact in the College of Social Sciences and Law (2021–2024) and served on the National Children’s Advisory Council (2014–2021). Dr. Devine holds a BEd, MEd, and PhD from University College Dublin. Her work spans migrant children’s education, pedagogies for social justice, and policy advocacy for education as a public good. She has secured over €5 million in research grants, including projects funded by the EU, Irish Research Council, and Norwegian Research Council. Her recent studies explore intergenerational learning in coastal communities and the impact of the pandemic on schooling. Her research interests include: Sociologies of Education, Children’s Rights, Migrant Children, and Educational Equity. Key articles analyze teacher professionalism in Sierra Leone, gender dynamics in education, and pandemic-era pedagogies. Awards include a UCD Case Study Impact Award (2023) and Marie Curie Fellowship (2007). Dr. Devine has supervised over 20 PhD students, examining topics from foster care to faith schooling. She currently co-leads studies like 'Child Friendly Cities' and 'Birth Family Contact in Foster Care'. Her grants include the 'Safe Learning Model in Sierra Leone' (2017–2022) and 'Valuing the Past' (2016–2023).
Dr. Mohamed A. Abdallah is an Associate Professor at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on environmental pollutants , particularly persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and emerging contaminants , using mass spectrometric techniques and exposure modeling. Education : PhD in Environmental Chemistry (University of Birmingham, 2010), MSc in Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry (Assiut University, 2003), BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Assiut University, 2000) His research spans microplastics in air, water, and food matrices; pharmacokinetic modeling for human exposure; and environmental health risk assessment . He collaborates on interdisciplinary sustainability projects like the Birmingham Plastics Network . Recent articles analyze PFAS contamination in water sources, microplastics in beverages , and toxic interactions between microplastics and contaminants in freshwater ecosystems. His work combines analytical chemistry with policy advisory functions for Health Canada, UK Committee on Toxicity (CoT), DEFRA, and EFSA. Scientific Awards : Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) As an experienced educator, he leads modules like Pollution Impact and Environmental Management and Chemical and Biological Incident Management . He has supervised 16 PhD graduates and currently mentors 10 PhD candidates across environmental and biosciences programs.
Professor Paweł Kubicki is a member of the Department of Society and Cultural Heritage of Europe at the Jagiellonian University 's Institute of European Studies. His work bridges urban sociology, social movements , and the Europeanization of identities . He holds a higher doctorate ( habilitacja ) and serves as a permanent faculty member. Key Research Areas : Urban anthropology, migration studies, European cultural heritage, post-totalitarian societies. International Collaborations : Humboldt University (Berlin), University of Belgrade, Lund University, Università di Trieste, Universitat de Barcelona, and others. Recent Publications focus on: Urban resilience during migration crises (Kraków case studies) Backlash movements against progressive urban policies Migration transition in Poland (2016 onwards) Reinterpreting European cultural heritage through urban studies Comparative analysis of globalizing cities (Kraków vs. Poznań) New European Bauhaus initiatives post-pandemic Significant Projects include: 2022-2023: Strategic Program "Excellence Initiative" (principal investigator) 2018-2021: Erasmus+ curriculum development for European urban heritage 2007-2011: FP6 RECON project on urban democratization
Deniz Göktürk is a Professor in the Department of German at the University of California, Berkeley, with extensive cross-disciplinary affiliations including the Department of Film and Media, Berkeley Center for New Media, Digital Humanities, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Center for Race and Gender, Department of Gender and Women’s Studies, and Program in Critical Theory. She previously taught at the University of Southampton (1995-2001) and has served as graduate adviser and department chair at Berkeley since joining in 2001. Her educational background includes a Dr.phil. from Freie Universität Berlin (1995), focusing on literary and cinematic imaginations of America in early twentieth-century German culture. She also worked as a certified Turkish translator for legal and medical institutions prior to her academic career. Göktürk's research centers on cultural and media studies with emphasis on moving images, multilingual literature, and migration theories within global frameworks. Her work critically examines social interaction and aesthetic intervention across transnational contexts, bridging film studies, migration theory, and cultural geography through interdisciplinary methodologies that challenge conventional national narratives. Her publications from 1991-2020 reveal consistent engagement with German-Turkish cultural dynamics, cinematic traditions, and urban identities. Key patterns include transnational perspectives on migration, deconstruction of national cinemas, and analysis of aesthetic forms in social transformation—particularly evident in her edited volumes on German cinema, Istanbul's cultural positioning, and integration narratives. Major recognitions include: DAAD fellowship ESRC grant (UK) Institute for European Studies support Townsend Center for the Humanities funding Center for Cinepoetics fellowship (Berlin) Digital Humanities at Berkeley initiative As graduate adviser and department chair, she has shaped German studies curricula while leading cross-campus collaborations like 'Cultural Forms in Transit' and the 'Circulation' working group. Her grant portfolio reflects sustained institutional support for transnational humanities research spanning migration studies, media theory, and cultural geography. She co-founded TRANSIT (Berkeley German Department's electronic journal, 2005) and coordinates the Multicultural Germany Project, establishing platforms for critical discourse on migration, media, and cultural identity through digital humanities frameworks and international scholarly networks.
Marie-Christine Michaud is a Professor of American Studies at the University of South Brittany (Université de Bretagne Sud), affiliated with the Heritage and Creation in Text and Image research laboratory (HCTI-EA 4249). She specializes in Italian American studies, ethnicity, and immigration dynamics in the United States, with a focus on transnational identity formation and cultural recognition. Academic Background: Doctorate (1997, Paris-Sorbonne IV) Accreditation to Supervise Research (2010, University of Valenciennes and Hainaut-Cambresis) Her research explores the evolving identity of Italian Americans through literary analysis, urban studies, and historical frameworks, examining themes such as ethnic festivals, culinary adaptation, intergroup relations, and transnational connections. Michaud’s work frequently analyzes how Italian Americans navigate cultural assimilation while maintaining ethnic distinctiveness, particularly in New York City contexts like Little Italy’s transformation and the Verrazzano Bridge symbolism. She has published extensively on Italian American representation in literature and film, including studies of The Courtyard of Dreams , Nuovomondo , and The Wine Cellar , connecting artistic works to broader sociopolitical narratives of migration and identity. Her recent scholarship addresses contemporary issues like ethnicization in U.S. society and the struggle for recognition through cultural festivals such as Marco Polo Day. Leadership: Co-director of HCTI research laboratory (2012–present) Former administrative head for L2 year at UBS (2010–2012) Coordinator of the 'Amériques' research group within HCTI (2009–2012) Michaud teaches North American civilization (L1–M2) and American literature (L3–Master), mentoring students through research projects on ethnicity and transnationalism. Her scholarly activities include organizing international conferences on American studies and participating in collaborative projects like the John Calandra Italian-American Institute’s 'Diaspore italiane' initiative.
Dick Harrison is a Professor at Lund University's Department of History, Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology. With over 100 books and extensive media engagement, he bridges academic rigor and popular science. His work spans medieval Europe, migration studies, and historical methodology, reaching global audiences through lectures, podcasts, and television series like SVT's Sveriges Historia . Research Interests: Harrison focuses on Medieval heroism and state formation Religious technologies in Europe Historical analysis of political decisions Integration and militarization in urban contexts Cultural impact of historical narratives Scientific Awards: Recipient of Lund University's Pedagogical Award His recent articles explore WWII counterfactuals, geopolitical decisions, and religious symbolism in conflict. Harrison's teaching philosophy emphasizes engagement, and he actively collaborates across disciplines, balancing academic critique with public outreach.
高建 (Gao Jian) is a Professor and doctoral supervisor at Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management, where he also serves as Deputy Director of the Academic Committee and Director of the G20 Entrepreneurship Research Center. His prior leadership roles include Party Committee Secretary (2014–2019), Vice Dean (2012–2015), and Department Director. He holds visiting scholar credentials from Stanford University and MIT. Education: 2004: Visiting Scholar, Stanford University Graduate School of Management 2000: Visiting Scholar, MIT Sloan School of Management 1997: Visiting Scholar, MIT Sloan School of Management 1996: PhD, Tsinghua University Research Interests: Gao Jian specializes in venture capital, entrepreneurship, strategic management, and corporate transformation. His recent work explores G20 entrepreneurship policies, technology-driven ventures, sustainable business models, and digital innovation. His interdisciplinary approach integrates economics, psychology, and policy analysis to address global entrepreneurial challenges. Publications: His research spans empirical studies on entrepreneurial psychology, innovation ecosystems, venture financing, and policy impacts. Articles frequently analyze China's entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing job creation, technology commercialization, and cross-border investment trends. Longitudinal and large-scale datasets underpin his work on startup success factors and ecosystem development. Awards & Honors: 2021–2020: Tsinghua SEM EMBA/Executive Education Teaching Excellence Awards 2020: National First-Class Undergraduate Course (co-led) 2019: Outstanding Master’s Thesis Supervisor 2018: National Education Award (Second Prize), Outstanding Doctoral Supervisor 2017: Beijing Education Award (First & Second Prize) 2014: Best Paper Award (China Strategy Forum) 2013: National Research Award (Third Prize) 2007: Ministry of Education ‘New Century Talent’ Teaching & Advising: He teaches courses across undergraduate, MBA, EMBA, and executive programs, including Entrepreneurial Management , Venture Capital , and Corporate Control . Recognized for mentoring excellence, he received Tsinghua’s Outstanding Thesis Supervisor awards (2018–2019) and led the design of nationally accredited curricula. Leadership: As Director of the G20 Entrepreneurship Research Center, he coordinates international policy analyses and promotes best practices in entrepreneurship ecosystems. The center’s outputs include comparative studies and global reports influencing G20 policy frameworks.
Sergey Glebov is Professor of History at Smith College with a joint appointment in the History Departments of Smith and Amherst colleges. His academic work centers on the intellectual, political and cultural history of the Russian empire and Soviet Union, particularly examining ideologies of imperial expansion, Russian nationalism, and Russia's nationalities. He maintains an active scholarly profile with numerous publications and serves as a founding editor of Ab Imperio: Studies in New Imperial History and Nationalism in the Post-Soviet Space . Glebov's research interests focus on the history of the Russian Empire in Siberia, the Far East, and North America, with particular attention to interactions between native peoples and imperial structures, and the history of missionary activities and scholarly exploration. His work on the Eurasianist movement connects reimaginings of Russian imperial space with the emerging structuralism in interwar Europe, creating important theoretical bridges between Russian intellectual history and broader European thought. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with themes of imperial subjecthood, colonialism, and post-colonial theory, particularly examining how these concepts apply to the Russian imperial context. Glebov frequently collaborates with other leading scholars in the field, as evidenced by his co-authored publications with researchers like Ilya Gerasimov and Marina Mogilner. Major Publications: From Empire to Eurasia: Politics, Scholarship and Ideology in Russian Eurasianism, 1920s – 1930s (2017) Between Europe and Asia: The Origins, Theories and Legacies of Russian Eurasianism (2015, co-edited) Region v istorii imperii: istoricheskie esse of Sibiri (2013) As an active member of the academic community, Glebov maintains regular office hours for students and continues to produce significant scholarly work, with publications extending through 2023. His research contributes substantially to our understanding of Russian imperialism, Eurasian identity, and the complex relationship between center and periphery in imperial systems.
Professor Alfred Riedl is a distinguished faculty member at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), specifically within the School of Education, where he focuses on Vocational Education. His academic career spans decades of dedicated research and teaching in vocational pedagogy, teacher training, and educational innovation. Riedl has established himself as a leading expert in vocational education research, particularly in developing integrated teacher training programs that bridge theory and practice. His research interests encompass vocational education research, teacher training methodologies, language promotion in vocational settings, educational language for vocational schools, and action-oriented instructional approaches. Riedl has pioneered innovative programs such as the "Berufliche Bildung Integriert" (BBI@TUM), which connects the first and second phases of vocational teacher education with a strong emphasis on theory-practice integration. His work on language support for immigrants in vocational schools and career perspectives for asylum seekers and refugees demonstrates his commitment to addressing contemporary educational challenges. Professor Riedl's recent publications reveal a strong focus on competency-oriented and evidence-based approaches to teacher education, with particular attention to migration contexts and language diversity. His work spans from theoretical foundations of vocational pedagogy to practical implementation of innovative teaching methods in vocational settings. The recurring themes across his publications include teacher professionalization, integration of theory and practice, and addressing the challenges of diverse student populations in vocational education. As an active supervisor, Riedl has guided numerous doctoral candidates and master's students through their academic journeys, with recent theses focusing on topics such as inclusive education, digital learning environments, action-oriented instruction, and sustainable development education in vocational contexts. His teaching portfolio includes foundational courses in vocational pedagogy and didactics, as well as specialized seminars on action-oriented learning and sustainable development education. Riedl's collaborative projects demonstrate his commitment to practical relevance in teacher training, including international master's programs for vocational education and language support initiatives for immigrants in vocational schools. While he has announced his imminent retirement, his extensive contributions to vocational education research and teacher training continue to shape the field at TUM and beyond.
Dr. Lucia Sorbera is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Arabic Language and Cultures at the University of Sydney, specializing in gender history of the Arab world. She teaches Arabic and Islamic Studies, contributes to International Comparative Literatures and European Studies programs, and supervises postgraduate research in women's history and Middle Eastern politics. PhD in Egyptian Feminism (Università di Venezia) Chair of Arabic Studies Co-editor of Sex and Desire in Muslim Cultures (2020) Her research focuses on Egyptian feminist movements, Arab women's political leadership, and cross-cultural narratives. She has published extensively on transnational feminism, postcolonial studies, and the intersection of gender with contemporary Arab cinema. Recent scholarly activities include a 2025 monograph on feminist human rights foundations and a 2022 editorial on Middle East women's studies. She leads projects analyzing women's narratives in the 2011 Egyptian revolution and chairs the Religion State and Society in the Muslim World research cluster. Scientific Awards: Fernand Braudel Senior Research Fellowship (2021-2022) Kathleen Fitzpatrick Visiting Fellow (2017) Multiple Faculty Research Support Scheme grants (2011-2020) Dr. Sorbera serves on editorial boards for Women and Gender History series and Third Space journal, organizing academic events like the 2013 Competing Visions in the Muslim World symposium.
Dr Mahsheed Ansari serves as a Senior Lecturer in Islam and Contemporary Islamic Studies and Higher Degrees Research Coordinator at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at Charles Sturt University. She also holds positions as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Religion and Ethics and Society (CRES) at Charles Sturt University and as a sessional Law lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her academic career spans teaching, research supervision, and community engagement focused on Islamic studies and Australian Muslim communities. Ansari holds a double degree in Law and Arts from Western Sydney University, a Master of Arts in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Sydney University, and a PhD in Historical Studies and Islamic Studies from Monash University. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary work bridging legal, historical, and religious studies. Her research explores multiple facets of Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and ethics, with a particular focus on the historical and cultural presence of Islam and Muslims in Australia. She has developed significant expertise in oral history methodologies to capture Muslim heritage, particularly through her Australian Muslim Heritage Project. Her work often examines the intersection of Islamic thought with contemporary social issues, including prophethood debates, Muslim women's experiences, and interfaith relations in the Australian context. Through her book Modern Debates in Prophecy and Prophethood in Islam: Muhammad Iqbal and Said Nursi (2023), she has contributed to contemporary theological discourse on Islamic prophetic tradition. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent thematic development across three main trajectories: historical and theological studies of Islamic thought (particularly regarding prophethood and Islamic modernism), Australian Muslim history and identity formation, and contemporary social issues affecting Muslim communities including gender, trauma, and political representation. Her work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary engagement, moving from purely theological studies toward sociological, historical, and public policy applications. Ansari has received multiple research grants supporting her work on Australian Muslim history, including funding from Charles Sturt University ($1,700 in 2023, $14,500 in 2019, $15,000 in 2017-2018), the Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare ($12,000 in 2023, $22,000 in 2017-2019), Cumberland Council ($8,000 in 2019), and the Public & Contextual Theology Research Project Grant ($9,500 in 2019, $25,000 in 2017-2018). As Higher Degrees Research Coordinator at CISAC, she supervises PhD candidates including Carol Mroue researching Islamic spirituality in post-traumatic growth for Australian Muslim women and previously supervised Mukesh Chander's work on citizenship issues. She has also co-supervised research on transnational Islamic movements and online religious education. Her teaching portfolio includes subjects on Islamic spirituality, women in Islam, Muslims in Australia, and Islamic morality across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her current research focuses on the Australian Muslim Heritage Project and Muslim Pioneers Project, particularly documenting Dr Ashfaq Ahmad's contributions to institutional development of Islam in Australia. These projects represent significant community-engaged scholarship that bridges academic research with cultural preservation efforts.
Prof. Dr. Ali AVCU is a Turkish academic specializing in the history of Islamic sects. He has held faculty positions at Ankara Social Sciences University (2020-), Cumhuriyet University (2011-2015), and others, with a focus on Basic Islamic Sciences . His administrative roles include Department Head and Deputy Dean . Education : PhD in History of Islamic Sects (Ankara University, 2009); MSc in Fundamental Islamic Sciences (Ondokuz Mayıs University, 2002); BA in Theology (Ondokuz Mayıs University, 1999) Research Areas center on Islamic sectarian movements, particularly Shia, Kharijism, and Ismaili traditions. His work explores doctrinal conflicts (e.g., Imamate legitimacy), esoteric interpretation systems, and historical interactions between Islamic theological schools. Recent publications analyze Gnostic influences in Ismailism, Batinism's epistemology, and the evolution of sectarian concepts like zekat. His teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses on Islamic sectarian history, methodological issues in sectarian research, and classical text analysis. Academic Leadership : Served as Director of Research Application Center (2015-2016) and thesis advisor for 9 students. His 32 publications (192 citations) reflect deep engagement with Islamic intellectual history.
Ajay B. Limaye is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia. His research spans terrestrial and planetary landscapes, focusing on fluvial geomorphology, quantitative stratigraphy, and planetary surface processes. He employs remote sensing, geospatial analysis, numerical modeling, and laboratory experiments to study river dynamics, sedimentary deposits, and climate records on Earth, Mars, and Titan. His work integrates NSF and NASA-funded projects, including the development of a Landscape Evolution Laboratory with a 7m×3m experimental basin for controlled landscape modeling. His research explores feedbacks between landslides and ecology in central Virginia, Martian deltaic deposits, and submarine channel systems. He teaches courses in geomorphology, planetary geology, and fundamental geosciences. NSF CAREER Award (2023) : "GLOW: Sequencing rivers with machine learning and bioinformatics" Keck Institute Fellowship (2010) : High-resolution stratigraphy of Mars polar deposits Recent publications analyze braided river dynamics (e.g., Brahmaputra-Jamuna River), meander bend geometry, landslide-vegetation interactions, and planetary hydrology. His experimental work on autogenic fluvial terraces and turbidity maximum zones in estuaries demonstrates interdisciplinary methodological rigor.
