London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)United Kingdom
Fabian Broeker is an ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Media and Communications at LSE. His research focuses on technology's role in everyday life, particularly examining social media, dating apps, and their intersections with intimacy, identity, and urban environments. He holds a PhD from King’s College London (2021) and an MSc in Digital Anthropology from UCL. Broeker’s monograph, Love and Technology (Routledge, 2023), details his Berlin-based ethnography of dating app users. Broeker is an Associate Member of the Digital Anthropology Lab at the University of Tübingen. His work merges academic research with filmmaking, having collaborated with institutions like the BFI and British Independent Film Awards. He also consults for tech firms like Google on digital media topics. His research interests include digital ethnography, platform studies, and the spatial dynamics of dating apps. Recent publications analyze dating app rituals, location-porting in tourism, and the evolving digital dynamics of intimacy. Broeker’s work often bridges anthropology, sociology, and urban studies to explore how digital technologies shape contemporary social practices.
Ian Ewart is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading's School of the Built Environment, serving as Head of Construction and Engineering Management and Research Group Lead for Organisation, People and Technology. He chairs the Research Ethics Committee since 2016 and supervises undergraduate/postgraduate dissertations. His academic journey spans engineering and anthropology: DPhil Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2007-2012) MSc Material Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2006-2007) BA (Hons) Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Oxford, Harris Manchester College (2003-2006) Diploma in Management Studies, University of the West of England (1990-1994) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Staffordshire University (1983-1987) Ewart's research integrates ethnographic methods with digital technology studies, examining human-technology interactions in construction and domestic settings. His work bridges engineering practice and social anthropology, focusing on skill transmission, sustainable design, and multisensory experiences in virtual environments. Publications from 2025-2013 reveal a dominant trajectory in digital twins for socio-ecological sustainability, VR-based occupant behavior prediction, and HBIM for heritage conservation. The corpus demonstrates consistent cross-disciplinary innovation, merging archaeological reconstructions with healthcare applications while maintaining anthropological rigor. Key recognition: ESRC Future Research Leader fellowship (2013) for Designing Healthy Homes project He supervises PhD candidates like Afolabi Dania (Nigerian sustainable construction) and Joanna Hull (Heritage BIM), leveraging ESRC funding for ethnography-VR health studies. His grants emphasize participatory design and real-world impact assessment in built environments. Leaders the Organisation, People and Technology research group, developing multisensory Roman town reconstructions with sound/smell integration to advance archaeological and architectural experience modeling.
Lesley Gourlay is a Professor of Education at the IOE - Culture, Communication & Media , part of University College London . She has held leadership roles including Director of the Academic Writing Centre (2010-2020) and Head of the Department of Culture, Communication and Media (2014-2018). Research Focus: Science and Technology Studies in Education, Posthuman Theory, Sociomaterialism, Digital Engagement Awards: Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship (2021-2025) for 'The Datafied University' Her publications explore postdigital education, algorithmic governance, and digital performativity. Recent work includes the open-access monograph The University and the Algorithmic Gaze (2025) and co-editing the Palgrave Handbook of Science and Technology Studies in Education . She is currently working on two forthcoming monographs: The University and the Writing Machine and Weave: The Making of Meaning . Lesley's scientific contributions analyze digital education through postphenomenological, sociomaterial, and posthumanist lenses. Key themes include learning analytics, AI's role in education, and the materiality of digital practices. Her work challenges binary distinctions between online/campus education and human/nonhuman agency. Collaboration Network: Extensive co-authorships with scholars like Petar Jandrić, Clara O’Shea, and Martin Oliver. She co-organizes the UK-wide Digital University Network and contributes to journals such as Postdigital Science and Education and Educational Philosophy and Theory .
Dr Thomas Maguire is a Visiting Fellow with the King's Intelligence and Security Group in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, and Assistant Professor of Intelligence and Security at Leiden University. His research focuses on intelligence-propaganda interactions and international security cooperation, particularly in Cold War Southeast Asia and counter-terrorism contexts. Education: PhD in International Relations (POLIS, University of Cambridge) MPhil in International Relations (POLIS, University of Cambridge) BA (Hons) in History (Durham University) Maguire's research examines the intersection of intelligence operations and propaganda dissemination in foreign policy contexts, with specialized focus on British and American covert action in Southeast Asia. He also investigates post-colonial security relationships and international counter-terrorism cooperation frameworks. His work spans historical analysis and contemporary security challenges. Maguire's publications demonstrate interdisciplinary research across public health, virology, and immunology, particularly addressing COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccine development, and immune responses. This reflects methodological versatility in addressing complex global security and health challenges through both historical analysis and biomedical research. Scientific Awards: Lisa Smirl Prize for best thesis (University of Cambridge) Maguire leads the Dutch Government-funded 'Sharing Secrets' project investigating intelligence disclosure decision-making. He teaches intelligence studies courses and co-convenes the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar. At Leiden, he coordinates undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Intelligence Studies and Crisis Management. Maguire previously served as Research Fellow at Darwin College and the Department of Politics and International Studies (University of Cambridge), and as John Garnett Visiting Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute focusing on East African security challenges.
Niladri Banerjee is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, serving as Research Representative of the Matter Community in Physics. His research focuses on atomic-precision growth of materials, advanced electronic and magnetic characterisation, and modelling to develop emergent quantum phases in low-dimensional systems including thin films and van der Waals materials. Education PhD, University of Cambridge Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Cambridge Junior Research Fellow, Wolfson College, Cambridge Research Interests His work spans critical areas in quantum technology development: Quantum Materials: Engineering emergent quantum phases through atomic-precision synthesis of low-dimensional materials. Spintronics: Investigating spin-orbit coupling effects and triplet supercurrents in superconducting hybrid structures. Superconductivity: Developing superconducting switches, diodes, and proximity-effect devices for quantum computing. Nanomaterials: Characterising thin films and van der Waals heterostructures for next-generation electronic applications. Recent Publications His 2021-2025 publications demonstrate sustained leadership in superconducting spintronics and topological quantum materials. Key contributions include realising de Gennes' superconducting switch, roadmap development for quantum technologies, and flux-pinning mediated superconducting diodes. His work consistently bridges experimental synthesis with theoretical modelling to address challenges in quantum computing and neuromorphic technologies. Scientific Awards No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided materials. Advising and Grants Details regarding student advising and research grants were not specified in the available information. Labs and Teams As an active member of Imperial's Matter Community in Physics, Dr. Banerjee collaborates on advanced characterisation techniques and quantum device engineering, focusing on spin-orbit coupled materials and topological phenomena for quantum technology applications.
Simon Webb is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Manchester, leading the Organic Chemistry Group within the School of Chemistry. His research focuses on molecular self-assembly to create biomimetic materials, with key themes including membrane recognition, synthetic ion channels, and magnetically responsive biomaterials. He earned his PhD from the University of Cambridge and has held academic positions since 2002. His work bridges organic chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedicine, contributing to sustainable development through advanced materials in medicine and biotechnology. Education: B.Sc./M.Sc. Chemistry, Auckland University (1990–1994) PhD, University of Cambridge (1994–1997) Research Interests: Membrane communication via synthetic ion channels Magnetic nanoparticle-vesicle assemblies for drug delivery Peptide-based foldamers for signal transduction His lab develops materials that mimic biological membranes, such as magnetically triggered drug delivery systems (MNPVs) and foldamer-based sensors. Collaborations span advanced materials, biotechnology, and medical research. Current projects include exploring cooperativity in multivalent ligand binding and lipid raft dynamics. Publications highlight innovations in foldamer design, supramolecular arrays, and enzyme-responsive materials. His work is supported by grants and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and advanced materials.
Prof. Hatice Gunes is a Full Professor of Affective Intelligence and Robotics at the University of Cambridge's Department of Computer Science and Technology, leading the Affective Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AFAR Lab). She holds an EPSRC Fellowship and is an EPSRC Fellow. Her research focuses on multimodal affective and social intelligence for AI systems, particularly embodied agents and robots, integrating Machine Learning, Affective Computing, and Human Nonverbal Behaviour Understanding. Key projects include the CHANSE initiative (2025–2028) for child mental health assessment via social robotics, the EPSRC Fellowship on robotic EQ for wellbeing (2019–2025), and the EU Horizon 2020 WorkingAge project. Prof. Gunes has pioneered systems like the EU SEMAINE project's SAL system, recognized with Best Demo and Paper Awards, and co-founded SensingFeeling, a spin-out company from the Innovate UK Sensing Feeling project. Her work emphasizes ethical AI and fairness, earning awards like the Best Paper Award in Responsible Affective Computing (IEEE ACII'23). She has delivered keynote talks at IEEE FG’19 and ICPR’22 and collaborates with the Department of Psychiatry and wellbeing professionals. Education: PhD in Computer Science from University of Technology Sydney (UTS) under Australian Government IPRS Scholarship Postdoctoral Research at Imperial College London (SEMAINe project) Research Interests: Multimodal affective computing, social robotics for mental wellbeing, fairness in AI systems, human-robot interaction (HRI), and ethical deployment of AI technologies. Her lab develops robots for workplace wellbeing coaching and child mental health assessment, with over 700 media coverages and partnerships with industry and healthcare sectors. Notable Achievements: Runner-up Collaboration Award (2023 VC Research Impact) Better Future Award (2023 Hall of Fame) Finalist RSJ/KROS Interdisciplinary Research Award (2021) Shortlisted Sony Women in Technology Award 2025 Labs & Teams: AFAR Lab drives interdisciplinary research in Cambridge, focusing on socially intelligent robots and AI systems that address critical societal challenges in wellbeing and mental health.
Dr. Matteo Montecchi is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Marketing at King’s Business School, King’s College London, where he also serves as Theme Lead for Sustainable Consumption at the Centre for Sustainable Business and Programme Director for the Strategic Marketing (Open Executive) programme. He teaches core modules such as Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing, and Research Methods, and leads executive education initiatives. Previously, he was a Senior Lecturer at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and has held visiting positions at Milan Politecnico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and Università Federico II. Montecchi earned his PhD in Marketing from King’s College London, an MRes in Marketing from Birkbeck College, an Executive Master in Marketing and Sales from SDA Bocconi and ESADE, and a Bachelor’s in Business Economics from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He also holds a PgCert in Academic Practice and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His research focuses on the digital transformation of marketing, particularly the role of artificial intelligence and blockchain in enhancing transparency and trust. He investigates ethical engagement with diverse consumer groups, inclusion, and corporate responsibility, with a special interest in marginalized communities. His work integrates consumer behavior, digital interactions, and decision-making with technological innovation, offering actionable insights for sustainable and responsible business strategies. The most recent 15 publications reflect a strong trend in AI in retail, brand transparency, consumer trust, ethical data use, voice technologies, and social sustainability. His research spans journals in marketing, psychology, interactive marketing, and business ethics, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact. Scientific Awards: KingsCAT: Capture and Analysis Tool for Social Media Research at King’s College London (2024) – Recognized as part of a collaborative team for advancing digital research infrastructure and media analysis. Montecchi is actively involved in PhD supervision and is accepting new students. He has led research projects using social media analytics (KingsCAT) and has contributed to strategic debates on grand challenges in marketing. His work connects academic research with real-world managerial applications, particularly in digital strategy and ethical innovation. He is a key contributor to interdisciplinary research through tools like KingsCAT, which supports collaborative social media analysis, and his publications often involve co-authorship with experts in data science, psychology, and organizational behavior.
Dr. Ava Fatah gen. Schieck is a Professor of Media Architecture and Urban Digital Interaction at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL) , where she has been affiliated since 2001. She teaches in the MSc Architectural Computation program, focusing on embodied interactions and urban digital experiences. Education: ATQ03 - Recognised by the HEA as a Fellow (UCL, 2008) Certificate in Learning and Teaching (UCL, 2007) Master of Science (UCL, 2001) Her research explores the intersection of architecture, digital media, and urban spaces. Key themes include: Mediated spatial experiences in museums and public environments Embodied interactions through dance, movement, and performative design Urban screens and community-centered digital installations Smart city critiques focusing on marginalized communities Pervasive computing's impact on social dynamics Her publication corpus (149+ outputs) predominantly addresses media architecture, HCI, museum technology, and sensory interactions , with recent work emphasizing olfactory interfaces, pandemic urbanism, and heritage digitization. Awards & Honors: Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA, 2023) Projects & Grants: As Principal Investigator for the EPSRC-funded 'Screens in the Wild' , she examines networked urban screens for community engagement. She previously led the 'SCREAM' project (UrbanBuzz program) and contributed to EPSRC's 'Urban Design and Pervasive Systems'. She reviews grants for EPSRC, UKRI, SNSF, and other international bodies. She directs research through UCL's Space Research Group and VR Centre for the Built Environment , collaborating globally. As program chair for the Media Architecture Biennale (2012-2020), she fosters interdisciplinary dialogue across architecture, HCI, and interaction design.
Andy White is a Professor in the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, specializing in mathematical biology. He holds dual roles in the Mathematics Department and the broader interdisciplinary research environment. His research focuses on developing mathematical models to address ecological and evolutionary questions, particularly in host-parasite dynamics and infectious disease management. He has held academic positions since 1999, progressing from a Lecturer to Professor by 2013. Education: PhD from University of Liverpool (1996), supervised by Professors Mike Begon and Roger Bowers. Early career included climate change research at NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (1996–1999). Research Interests: Mathematical modeling of biological systems, including adaptive dynamics in host-parasite interactions, population dynamics of ecological systems, and disease transmission mechanisms. Key projects include analyzing the UK grey squirrel invasion and tuberculosis/African swine fever spread. Collaborations span institutions like UC Berkeley and the Institute of Game and Wildlife Research, Spain. Recent Article Trends: Focus on pathogen-mediated invasions, virulence evolution in multispecies contexts, hyperparasite dynamics, and the ecological impacts of predator recovery (e.g., pine marten effects on squirrel populations). These studies combine theoretical models with real-world conservation applications. Grants & Collaborations: Engages in interdisciplinary projects addressing global challenges like biodiversity conservation and disease management. Active in collaborations across Europe and North America. Labs/Teams: Leads research groups focused on mathematical ecology and epidemiology, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life on land and good health.
Professor Daniel Miller is a leading anthropologist at University College London (UCL), specializing in digital anthropology and material culture. He directs the Centre for Digital Anthropology and teaches the MSc in Digital Anthropology. His groundbreaking research on social media and smartphones has produced extensive comparative studies across nine countries through projects like Why We Post and The Anthropology of Smartphones and Smart Ageing (ASSA). PhD in Anthropology and Archaeology from Cambridge University (1983) Pioneered global ethnographic studies on digital media's societal impact Miller's research examines how technology shapes everyday life, with particular focus on smartphones, digital health (mHealth), and transnational relationships. His work bridges anthropology with philosophy, exploring concepts like eudaimonia (the good life) through ethnographic storytelling. His publications explore digital media's role in reconfiguring family dynamics, communication, and material culture. Recent projects include analyzing color and print trends in Western fashion, and investigating how digital technologies mediate relationships in diverse cultural contexts. Miller contributes to public anthropology through accessible writing and open-access scholarship, with his work receiving over 1.8 million downloads. His ethnographic approach combines academic rigor with narrative empathy, making complex social phenomena relatable.
Dr. Dibyadyuti Roy is an Associate Professor in Cultural Studies, Media Studies, and Digital Humanities at the University of Leeds, within the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies. His work bridges data-driven research with humanistic inquiry, focusing on digital cultures in Majority World contexts. He co-founded India's first Digital Humanities collective, DHARTI, and led initiatives like the DHAI 2018 conference. Currently, he serves on the Executive Council of the British Association for South Asian Studies (BASAS) and affiliates with the Data & Society Research Institute. Programme Director for BA Cultural and Media Studies Steering Committee Member of PRiA (Pedagogic Research in the Arts) Research interests include algorithmic accountability, postcolonial masculinities, and science/technology studies. His research critiques technological narratives through postcolonial lenses, addressing issues like social media health promotion during India's pandemic, nuclear historiography, and digital divides. He has held prior faculty roles at IIM Indore and IIT Jodhpur. Roy has spearheaded initiatives like the DHARTI Twitter Conference and co-organized workshops on AI in the Global South. His work emphasizes ethical, decolonial, and intersectional approaches to digital humanities and technology studies.
Dr. Radu Jianu is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at City, University of London , where he has been a faculty member since 2016. He is affiliated with the giCentre , a leading research group in information visualization. He earned his PhD and MSc in Computer Science from Brown University, USA, and a Diploma in Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Timisoara, Romania. His academic career includes a previous role as Assistant Professor at Florida International University (2012–2016). His research focuses on Data Visualisation, Visual Analytics, and Human-Computer Interaction . He conducts interdisciplinary collaborations with domains such as biology, food policy, and energy decarbonisation, aiming to develop interactive visual tools that enhance data understanding and decision-making. His methodological approach includes user studies, eye-tracking, and the design of novel visualization techniques. Dr. Jianu teaches Programming in Java and Cognition and Technologies , and he coordinates the Programming Bootcamp. He also holds administrative responsibilities as the Progression and Support Director in the Computer Science Department and is a member of its Executive Committee (ExCo). His recent publications reflect a growing interest in LLM-assisted visual analytics, gaze-aware systems, and collaborative human-AI analytical frameworks . He has published in top venues such as IEEE TVCG, CHI, EuroVis, and Nature Immunology, with several best paper awards. His work on the RAMPVIS project highlights his contributions to visualization in public health emergencies. Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award, Symposium on Graph Drawing (2018) Best Short Paper Award, EuroVis (2020) Advising and Grants: Dr. Jianu supervises multiple PhD and MSc students, including Dany Laksono (Energy Decarbonisation) and Maeve Hutchinson (NLP-mediated Visualization). His students have co-authored high-impact, award-winning papers. He has been involved in funded research initiatives such as RAMPVIS, which received support from UKRI/EPSRC for developing visual analytics infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Labs and Teams: He is an active member of the giCentre at City, University of London, a hub for visualization research. He also collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in epidemiology, immunology, and computer science, contributing to large-scale projects like the Immunological Genome Project and RAMPVIS.
Lukas Engelmann is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh , specifically within the Science, Technology and Innovation Studies department under the School of Social and Political Science . His research focuses on the history and sociology of biomedicine , with particular interest in epidemiological reasoning , visual cultures of disease , digital epidemiology , and decolonial approaches to medical history . The Epidemy Lab , which he founded, explores the historical development of epidemiology and its contemporary influence on data-driven public health and pandemic policy-making . Engelmann's work has been funded by prestigious grants including an ERC Starting Grant (2021-2025) for his research on the history of epidemiological reasoning, and support from the Wellcome Trust for projects examining the social dimensions of digital health . His book 'Mapping AIDS' (2018) established him as a leading scholar in medical visualization , while 'Sulphuric Utopias' (2020) with Christos Lynteris explores the technological history of maritime sanitation and its political implications. Recent publications emphasize the visual and data practices that have shaped epidemiology, including works on epidemic modeling during the COVID-19 pandemic , the history of plague mapping , and the ethical implications of digital phenotyping . He has also contributed to interdisciplinary discussions on syndemics , co-infection epistemology , and the commercialization of bacteriology in the early 20th century. His scientific contributions have earned recognition through editorial roles in journals like Big Data and Society , and collaborative projects such as 'Working with Diagrams' (2022) which investigates the epistemological role of visual tools in medical knowledge production. Scientific Awards and Funding: ERC Starting Grant (2021-2025) Wellcome Trust Institutional Support Fund British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant Chancellor's Fellowship (University of Edinburgh) 'Sulphuric Utopias' listed in The Guardian's 30 Books to Understand the World (2020)
Courtney N. Reed is a Lecturer in Digital Technologies at Loughborough University London, where she joined in November 2023. She maintains a dual role as a visiting research fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics. Her academic journey includes a BMus in Electronic Production and Design from Berklee College of Music (2016), followed by an MSc (2018) and PhD (2023) in Computer Science from Queen Mary University of London. Prior to her current position, she completed postdoctoral research at both the Max Planck Institute for Informatics and King's College London. Bachelor of Music: Electronic Production and Design, Berklee College of Music (2016) Master of Science: Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London (2018) Doctor of Philosophy: Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London (2023) Dr. Reed's research explores the entangled relationships between humans, bodies, instruments, and technology in music interaction, with particular focus on vocal electromyography (VoxEMG) and the vocalist-voice relationship. Her work incorporates feminist and post-human theories to examine sociopolitical contexts within arts technology, aiming to design for creativity while acknowledging individual, messy bodies in artistic practice. She has developed an open-source platform for vocal electromyography to investigate how biosignal feedback changes understanding and perception of the body in vocal performance. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges music technology, human-computer interaction, and embodied interaction studies. Analysis of Dr. Reed's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong thematic focus on embodied interaction in music technology, with particular emphasis on vocal performance, biosignal feedback, and the philosophical underpinnings of digital instrument design. Her work consistently integrates theoretical frameworks like Karen Barad's agential realism with practical applications in digital musical instruments. Key trends include the exploration of ambiguity in data representation, the sociocultural dimensions of timbre in instrument design, and the development of novel methodologies for understanding embodied musical experiences through micro-phenomenology and ethnographic approaches. ACM SIGCHI Outstanding Dissertation Award (2024) for her thesis 'Imagining & Sensing: Understanding and Extending the Vocalist-Voice Relationship Through Biosignal Feedback' Best Newcomer Award at Loughborough University London's Community Awards Celebration (2024) Dr. Reed actively contributes to the academic community through conference organization and leadership roles. She serves as Member-at-Large on the NIME Board, previously chaired papers for NIME 2024, and co-organized the IBM SkillsBuild Sprint at Loughborough London. She has also chaired sessions at the ACM TEI Conference and co-chaired the Student Design Competition. Her collaborative work spans multiple institutions and includes significant contributions to interdisciplinary projects that bridge music, technology, and human experience. She has been instrumental in developing the senSInt research group and the RaveNET wearable network project. Dr. Reed leads the senSInt research group which focuses on sensorimotor interaction in music and performance contexts. The group develops innovative technologies including the VoxEMG platform for vocal electromyography, the Bones anti-corset for vocal performance, and the RaveNET network of wearable biosensing nodes. These projects explore the intersection of biosignals, embodied interaction, and musical expression, creating novel frameworks for understanding how technology mediates human creativity and performance. The group frequently collaborates with musicians, technologists, and theorists to develop and test these systems in real-world performance contexts.
