Jean Wagemans is a Professor at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Humanities, where he leads research in the Department of Speech Communication, Argumentation Theory and Rhetoric. His work specializes in the interdisciplinary study of argumentative discourse, bridging philosophy, linguistics, and computational analysis. He maintains an active research profile with recent publications exploring AI-generated argumentation, legal/medical discourse, and digital misinformation. Wagemans' research centers on argumentation theory, rhetoric, and debate, with emphasis on practical applications in AI ethics, healthcare communication, and public discourse. His recent investigations include: Developing computational models like Adpositional Argumentation (AdArg) for natural discourse analysis Examining ethical frameworks for AI-generated arguments Creating argument-checking methodologies to combat misinformation Analyzing normative structures in public deliberation His scholarly publications (2022-2024) demonstrate a distinct trajectory toward computational argumentation, with recurring themes of AI ethics, misinformation detection, and applied discourse analysis. Recent works systematically address: The intersection of argumentation theory with AI systems Methodologies for evaluating reasoning in natural language Cross-disciplinary applications in law, medicine, and digital humanities
Prof. dr. Mirella M.N. Minkman serves as the Vilans Chair in Innovation of Organization and Governance of Integrated Care at Tilburg University's TIAS School for Business and Society. Concurrently, she is CEO of Vilans (National Knowledge Organization for care and support), bridging science, practice, policy, and education through national innovation programs. Her leadership extends to Chair of the National Governance Innovation Advisory Committee (BoZ), Chair of the NVTZ Scientific Advisory Board, Supervisory Board roles at RIBW Brabant and Rivierenland Hospital, and membership in the VGN Committee of Experts. Minkman's research pioneers person-oriented integrated care governance within multi-organizational networks, focusing on leadership, accountability systems, and strategic innovation. She examines how governance modes enable collaborative care models while addressing implementation barriers in healthcare transformation. Her work emphasizes change management frameworks for large-scale system integration, with particular attention to supervision mechanisms and value-based accountability structures across care continua. Analysis of her 15 recent publications (2021-2023) reveals consistent exploration of integrated care governance across Dutch and international contexts. Key thematic clusters include leadership in nursing home care, decision-making dilemmas in service networks, and emerging AI applications in long-term care. Methodologically, her work spans systematic reviews, policy analyses, and implementation studies, predominantly published in the International Journal of Integrated Care and specialized healthcare management outlets. Through Vilans, Minkman directs national knowledge platforms and large-scale implementation programs that connect academic research with practical healthcare innovation. Her international engagement includes board membership with the International Foundation for Integrated Care, editorial roles for the International Journal for Integrated Care, advisory positions with WHO's Integrating the Health and Care Workforce group, and participation in the UK Center for Evidence IMPACT's Critical Friends Group.
Devrim Murat Yazan is an Associate Professor at the University of Twente, affiliated with the Department of Industrial Engineering & Business Information Systems and the Digital Society Institute. He holds a PhD from the Interpolytechnic School of Doctorate (Politecnico di Bari, Politecnico di Milano, and Politecnico di Torino, 2011, Italy). His research focuses on sustainable supply chain management, circular economic business models, industrial symbiosis networks, and decision-making frameworks for transitioning to a circular economy. Methodologies include input-output modeling, game theory, and agent-based simulation. He leads the 'Sustainable Circular Economy' research group, supported by a Horizon 2020 grant (€725k contribution from UT). The group explores decision-making in industrial symbiosis, efficient network operations, and cost/benefit-sharing mechanisms. Recent work includes developing matchmaking platforms for circular construction ecosystems and analyzing greenwashing impacts on brand perception. Awards include the CIOB Award (2024). His teaching includes courses like 'Sustainable Business Development' and 'Sustainable Supply Chains for Consumer Products'. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13). Grants and collaborations involve EU Horizon 2020 and diverse institutions. Research outputs span 62 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on circular economy implementation, industrial symbiosis dynamics, and decision-support tools.
Dr. Uğur Aytaç serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Utrecht University's Faculty of Humanities, where he is affiliated with the Ethics Institute. His scholarly work centers on political power, legitimacy, and democratic theory, with particular focus on digital governance, economic institutions, and state power structures. Dr. Aytaç's research program comprises two interconnected strands. His first line of inquiry examines theories of political legitimacy, arguing that normative standards should extend beyond state power to encompass broader social relations including patriarchy and capitalism. He employs ideology critique and other normative methods to study how social actors can resist illegitimate power structures. His second research line analyzes how social media companies' powers transform the digital public sphere, investigating whether these powers can be compatible with democratic values like political equality and free speech, and exploring governance schemes to democratize Big Tech corporations. His scholarly contributions have been published in premier journals including the American Political Science Review, Political Theory, The Journal of Politics, Political Studies, Constellations, and the Journal of Social Philosophy. Dr. Aytaç actively contributes to academic community building as co-coordinator of the political philosophy study group at the Dutch Research School of Philosophy. He also engages with public audiences through lectures such as his 2023 presentation on democracy and social media at the Utrecht Day of Philosophy, and a 5-episode Turkish-language podcast series on political philosophy he hosted during 2021-2022.
Wessel Reijers is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Media Studies, Paderborn University, Germany, with visiting scholarships at the Technion and the Robert Schuman Centre, European University Institute. Previously, he was a Max Weber Fellow at the European University Institute, a Research Associate in the ERC project "BlockchainGov" led by Dr. Primavera de Filippi, and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna. Reijers received his PhD in technology ethics from Dublin City University. His academic journey has spanned multiple European institutions, focusing consistently on the ethical implications of emerging technologies for society and citizenship. His research primarily explores how emerging technologies impact citizenship, with particular attention to social credit systems and their effects on civic virtue. He also investigates distributed governance models, analyzing both their potential to enhance democratic processes and their inherent risks. His work bridges philosophy, political theory, and technology studies, offering critical perspectives on how technological developments reshape societal structures. Recent publications demonstrate a growing focus on AI ethics, interpretability, and what he terms "Positive Luddism"—a critical yet constructive approach to technological development that emphasizes human flourishing while acknowledging technology's dangers. Reijers is the author of "Narrative and Technology Ethics" and co-editor of "Interpreting Technology." His upcoming book "Introduction to the Ethics of Emerging Technologies" (2025) further establishes him as a leading voice in technology ethics. His work has gained recognition in both academic and public spheres, with media appearances including a Deutschlandfunk interview on "Positive Luddism" (2024). Beyond academia, Reijers is a creative individual who writes fiction, composes and produces music (available on Soundcloud), and creates paintings. He is part of an international music collaboration called "Conditio Humana," demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary engagement between technology, ethics, and the arts.
Richie Goulding is an Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with both the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences (Physiology Department) and the AMS - Musculoskeletal Health. He holds a post-Doctoral Fellow position in the Laboratory for Myology. His research focuses on physiological determinants of exercise tolerance, mitochondrial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes, and exercise bioenergetics. Goulding completed his PhD at Liverpool Hope University and conducted postdoctoral research in Kobe, Japan, under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Sciences. Key research areas include the role of exercise training in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative metabolism regulation, and age-related declines in physical capacity. He has published extensively on topics such as skeletal muscle adaptations, post-exertional malaise in Long COVID, and critical power thresholds in exercise physiology. Goulding teaches courses on applied exercise physiology and training aging/disuse-related issues. His work integrates experimental physiology, clinical studies, and machine learning to explore exercise performance and health outcomes. Recent studies emphasize mitochondrial health in diabetes, muscle abnormalities in chronic conditions, and predictive modeling of exercise responses.
Sandra Bellekom is a Lecturer-researcher at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, working within the Entrance – Center of Expertise Energy. Her work focuses on system integration in the energy transition, with particular expertise in renewable energy systems, solar power optimization, and smart grid technology. She contributes significantly to research projects related to sustainable energy solutions and environmental systems analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Delft University of Technology (1993-1998) Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Sciences, cum laude, from University of Groningen (2002-2005) Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) from University of Groningen (2010-2011) Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (ir), cum laude, from Delft University of Technology (1989-1993) Sandra Bellekom's research interests span the critical areas of energy transition and sustainable systems. Her work emphasizes practical applications of renewable energy technologies, particularly focusing on system integration challenges. She investigates how solar energy systems perform under real-world conditions, examining factors like panel contamination and cleaning effectiveness. Her research also extends to hydrogen energy systems, smart grid integration, and the economic optimization of renewable energy solutions. Through her work, she addresses key challenges in making the energy transition technically feasible and economically viable, with a strong focus on data-driven analysis and system modeling. Her recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate a clear trend toward applied research in solar energy optimization and hydrogen systems. The research shows increasing focus on practical field studies examining how real-world factors like bird droppings, dust, and other contaminants affect solar panel performance. There's also a notable shift toward system-level analysis, particularly in hydrogen energy configuration and the integration of multiple renewable sources. Her work consistently bridges technical analysis with practical implementation considerations, making it highly relevant for industry applications. Sandra actively participates in multiple research projects including 'Effect of pollution and cleaning of solar parks,' 'Hydrogen Works,' and studies on sensible heat storage systems. Her collaborative approach is evident in her numerous co-authored publications across various energy domains. While specific mentoring relationships aren't detailed in the available information, her background includes supervising master's students during previous academic positions. Her research laboratory and team work primarily through the Entrance – Center of Expertise Energy, focusing on practical field studies and system modeling. Current projects involve monitoring solar parks across the Netherlands, developing hydrogen configuration tools, and optimizing energy storage solutions for buildings. The team employs a combination of field measurements, data analysis, and system modeling to address real-world energy challenges.
Dr. Lennert Coenen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Communication and Cognition within the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences at Tilburg University. His research focuses on media effects, statistical methodology in communication science, and the philosophical foundations of research design. He has held a visiting professor position at KU Leuven (Feb–Sept 2021). His work critically examines issues like moderation analysis, omitted variable bias in mediation studies, and the implications of algorithmic platforms on media exposure. Research Interests include: Media effects and epistemological challenges in communication research Statistical methodologies such as strong-form frequentist testing and mediation analysis Philosophical issues in hypothesis testing and theoretical interpretation Family technoference and digital media's societal impacts Recent publications highlight critical examinations of research methodology and the theoretical implications of statistical findings in communication science. Collaborations include work with Tim Smits on frequentist testing frameworks and interdisciplinary projects on algorithmic governance. Teaching responsibilities include courses on statistics, data visualization, and media effects analysis.
Willem Schinkel is a Full Professor of Social Theory at Erasmus University Rotterdam, affiliated with the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences. He coordinates the Engaging Public Issues master's programme and hosts the Compositions Book Club podcast. His academic career includes visiting scholar positions at NYU (New York, USA) and Humboldt University in Berlin. Professor Schinkel's research spans multiple domains within social and political theory, with current focus on the genealogies of migration and property. His work critically examines immigrant integration in Western Europe, bordering practices, and the theoretical frameworks that shape migration studies. He approaches these topics through genealogical methods that trace historical continuities and transformations in social thought and practice. Schinkel's publication trajectory reveals a progression from foundational critiques of integration frameworks toward more complex examinations of bordering mechanisms, visual representations of migration, and recently, algorithmic governance. His work consistently challenges disciplinary boundaries, particularly in migration studies where he advocates for decolonial approaches that question the very foundations of the field. Scientific Awards: FWOS Grant (2015) for the research project 'Good sex: How young people perceive and practice good sex' Professor Schinkel has supervised 13 students across various research projects. His academic service includes editorial work for Theoretical Criminology journal and numerous peer-review activities. He has been actively engaged in public discourse through media appearances and academic presentations on topics ranging from student protests to the theoretical foundations of sociology. Through the Engaging Public Issues master's programme and the Compositions Book Club podcast, Schinkel has created platforms for interdisciplinary dialogue between academic theory and contemporary social issues. His work bridges theoretical rigor with practical engagement in public discourse, particularly evident in his media commentary on university governance and student activism.
Nikita Divissenko serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of International and European Law at Utrecht University's Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. He coordinates the Master's Programme 'Law and Technology in Europe' and co-teaches 'Law of Market Technologies', bridging legal scholarship with digital finance innovation. His academic credentials include a 2022 PhD from the European University Institute (EUI), complemented by dual LLM degrees in International, European and Comparative Law (EUI) and European Law from Leiden University (cum laude). Prior to Utrecht, he worked as a research associate at the Florence School of Banking & Finance. Divissenko's research centers on regulatory adaptation to disruptive technologies , with expertise spanning Law and Technology , Digital Finance , and Market-State-Society Interactions . His work critically examines demand-side regulatory frameworks for fintech innovations including crypto-assets, open banking, and BNPL services within EU legal structures. This scholarship employs empirical and comparative methodologies to assess regulatory effectiveness across financial sectors. Analysis of his 2020-2025 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory toward future-proof regulatory paradigms that balance innovation with consumer protection. Key themes include demand-conscious regulation, financial integration challenges, and the evolving role of state-market relationships in digital finance. His research demonstrates increasing influence through citations in crypto-asset regulation (5 citations) and significant Mendeley readership (20+). As an active member of the RENFORCE research group on EU Internal Market Law Regulation and Enforcement, Divissenko contributes to collaborative projects on financial integration while shaping next-generation legal education through his Master's program leadership.
Dr. Thomas Smits is a faculty member at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Amsterdam , specializing in Digital Humanities , Visual Culture , and Computational History . His research bridges artificial intelligence with historical image analysis, focusing on media history, colonial visual representations, and algorithmic approaches to archival studies. Recent publications highlight his work on multimodal datasets, generative AI in protest memory reconstruction, and the ethical implications of machine learning for historical research. Smits employs computational methods like CLIP and computer vision to analyze large-scale visual collections, including magic lantern slides, historical advertisements, and news images. Key research areas: Digital Humanities, Visual Memory, Algorithmic Analysis, Colonial Media, Gender Studies, Historical Epistemology. Methodological focus: Stochastic modeling, multimodal machine learning, distant reading of visual datasets, and AI-driven archival enhancement.
Charlene Kalle is an Associate Professor at the Mathematical Institute of Leiden University, where she also serves as the programme director of the bachelor Mathematics program. She earned her PhD in mathematics from Utrecht University and held postdoctoral positions at Warwick University and the University of Vienna before joining Leiden University. Charlene Kalle's academic journey began with her PhD studies at Utrecht University. After completing her doctorate, she pursued postdoctoral research at Warwick University and the University of Vienna, which provided her with diverse international research experiences before settling at Leiden University. Dr. Kalle's research focuses on ergodic theory , particularly examining the long-term behavior of dynamical systems. Her work explores intermittency in random dynamics , number expansions , and the fractals that emerge naturally in these contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding random dynamical systems, β-expansions, and continued fractions. Her research bridges pure mathematics with applications in probability theory and number theory, creating connections between seemingly disparate mathematical fields. Dr. Kalle has co-authored the textbook A First Course in Ergodic Theory (2021), which has become a standard reference in the field. An analysis of Dr. Kalle's recent publications reveals a strong focus on random dynamical systems and their applications to number theory. Her work frequently examines invariant measures, matching properties, and approximation techniques within various number expansion systems. A recurring theme is the study of intermittency and critical phenomena in random interval maps, which has implications for understanding complex dynamical behaviors. Her research often combines theoretical insights with practical applications, particularly in the realm of number theory and fractal geometry. Dr. Kalle has received several prestigious recognitions for her work: TOP-grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) Senior Teaching Qualification (awarded February 5, 2024) Dr. Kalle has supervised numerous PhD students to completion, including Niels Langeveld (2019), Marta Maggioni (2021), and Benthen Zeegers (2023). She currently supervises Jonny Imbierski and Sven van Dijk, and has collaborated with international students like Yan Huang from Chongqing University. Her research has been supported by significant grants from the Dutch Research Council, including two prestigious TOP-grants that have enabled her to pursue innovative research directions in ergodic theory and dynamical systems. Dr. Kalle is actively involved in the mathematical community through her service roles. She serves as the secretary and board member of both the Foundation Compositio Mathematica, which oversees several prestigious mathematical journals, and the Royal Dutch Mathematical Society (Koninklijk Wiskundig Genootschap), the oldest national mathematical society in the world, founded in 1778.
Dr. Dan Hassler-Forest is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University, within the Faculty of Humanities. He specializes in cultural theory, media history, and popular culture analysis, particularly focusing on transmedia storytelling and critical race theory. His research examines how social power dynamics manifest in popular media, with a focus on major entertainment franchises like Fast & Furious . He is also a member of the Utrecht Young Academy, an interdisciplinary network for early-career researchers. Background: After completing his PhD at the University of Amsterdam on post-9/11 superhero films, he held positions there before joining Utrecht University in 2015. His teaching covers fan culture, media industries, and critical race theory. Research & Publications: He has authored/co-authored books on topics ranging from science fiction to Janelle Monáe’s Afrofuturism. Ongoing projects include a monograph on the Fast & Furious franchise. His work appears in journals like Science Fiction Film and Television and Adaptation . Public Engagement: A frequent media commentator, he contributes to platforms like The Washington Post and collaborates with cultural institutions such as EYE Film Museum and Impakt. His analyses address contemporary media’s role in political identity formation and societal debates. Awards: Recognized through his Utrecht Young Academy membership, highlighting his interdisciplinary contributions to open societies research.
Prof. Marianne Franklin is Chair of Media, Cultural Industries and Society at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Arts. Her research focuses on geocultural politics of digital media, internet governance, and decolonial perspectives in digital spaces. She holds degrees in History, Music, and a PhD in International Relations, combining multidisciplinary ethnographic methods. She serves as member of key institutions including the Digital Constitutionalism Network and UN Internet Governance Forum. Education: History (BA), Music (MA), PhD in International Relations Affiliations: GigaNet, Internet Rights and Principles Coalition, Global Internet Governance Academic Network Her research critiques techno-economic determinism and challenges Global North-centric frameworks in digital policy. Key themes include digital human rights, music's political role, and sustainable internet futures. She has secured research funding from SSRC, Ford Foundation, and Australian Research Council. Recent publications explore punk music politics, playlist geopolitics, and AI governance. She organized events like the EU AI Act conference and book launches on digital rights advocacy. Awards: 2022 International Studies Association STAIR Distinguished Scholar Grants: US SSRC, Ford Foundation, ARC She leads the Research Centre for Media & Journalism Studies and collaborates internationally on digital constitutionalism projects.
Francesca Toso is an Assistant Professor in Human Centered Design at the University of Venice, where she contributes to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of design, technology, and human well-being. Her work actively supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Education and Health. She has held external positions including Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Manager at Eindhoven University of Technology, where she led initiatives in AI ethics and healthcare robotics. PhD in Design, University of Venice (awarded May 2018) Postdoctoral Researcher & Project Manager, Eindhoven University of Technology (2020–2022) Assistant Professor, Human Centered Design, University of Venice Her research focuses on human-centered and transdisciplinary design, with strong emphasis on ethical AI, co-creation methodologies, and inclusive technologies for vulnerable populations such as people living with dementia. She explores how design can empower marginalized users, promote equity in healthcare, and foster meaningful social communication through technology. Her work integrates psychology, social sciences, and computer science to create tools that are not only functional but also culturally and emotionally resonant. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward critical engagement with emerging technologies—particularly generative AI—in educational and healthcare contexts. Her scholarship emphasizes participatory design, living labs, and stakeholder collaboration, often resulting in open-access outputs and datasets. Themes across her work include accessibility, inclusivity, ethical implications of AI, and the pedagogical transformation of design education. Francesca Toso has delivered multiple oral presentations and organized academic events, including the workshop 'Á la recherche du santé perdue' in 2023. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through citations and downloads, though formal awards are not listed in the provided text. She is actively involved in advising and mentoring through co-design practices in educational settings, as seen in her course development approach. Her collaborative network includes researchers from diverse disciplines and institutions, particularly in the Netherlands and Italy. She has contributed to projects involving industry partnerships aimed at improving technological products for dementia care, demonstrating applied impact beyond academia. Francesca leads and participates in living labs and co-design initiatives focused on dementia care and invisible disabilities. Her dataset 'Á la recherche du santé perdue' exemplifies her commitment to open science and community-driven innovation. These labs function as multi-stakeholder networks integrating patients, caregivers, designers, and technologists to co-create sustainable, user-centered solutions.
