Professor Vitali Wachtel of Bielefeld University's Faculty of Mathematics specializes in advanced stochastic processes, probability theory, and their applications in mathematical modeling. Since 2021, he holds a W3 Professorship and serves as Principal Investigator in CRC 1283 'Taming uncertainty and profiting from randomness and low regularity in analysis, stochastics and their applications' since 2023. Chaired Examination Boards for Bachelor & Master Business Mathematics Member, Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences Research focus: Markov processes, random walks in cones, branching processes Research Trends: His recent work spans critical multitype branching in random environments (2025), asymptotic expansions for conditioned random walks (2024), and invariance principles for integrated processes. He explores connections between stochastic processes, combinatorial structures, and risk modeling with level-dependent premiums. Awards: Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship (2017), Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Teaching: Coordinates modules including 'Stochastic Processes' (24-M-PT-STP) and 'Introduction to Probability Theory' (24-B-EW-5). Active in curriculum development and academic governance through multiple university committees.
Professor Greger Larson is a leading scholar in evolutionary genomics and bioarchaeology at the University of Oxford, serving as Director of the Palaeogenomics & Bio-Archaeology Research Network. Based at Brasenose College, he specializes in ancient DNA studies, domestication processes, and human-animal dispersal patterns. His work bridges archaeology, genetics, and computational biology to address long-standing evolutionary questions. University of Oxford: Current affiliation Palaeo-BARN: Director Research focus: Domestication, ancient DNA, phylogenetics Larson's research integrates ancient DNA with morphological data to reconstruct evolutionary trajectories. His projects span mammals like dogs, cats, and pigs, exploring how domestication shaped modern biodiversity. Recent work examines viral virulence through archaeological samples and interdisciplinary analyses of historical human-animal interactions. His publications highlight trends in domestication genetics, including dual dispersal patterns in dogs and genetic shifts in post-introduction populations. Collaborative efforts like the FarmGtex project emphasize functional genomics across livestock tissues. Supervision includes DPhil students studying epidemiological transitions, Basque uniqueness, and bioarchaeological methods. Current grants from AHRC and ERC support his work on human-chicken interactions and ancient DNA synthesis.
Beatrice de Graaf is a Professor of History of International Relations & Global Governance at Utrecht University's Department of History and Art History, within the Faculty of Humanities. She serves as Scientific Director of the Adapt! Academy (2025–2035), a consortium funded by a NWO Gravitation grant, focusing on societal crisis resilience. Her roles include core editorships of Terrorism and Political Violence and Journal of Modern European History , and membership in the Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW) and Academia Europaea. She is also a Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge and holds fellowships at the Center for Advanced Security Studies in Bonn and George Washington University's Extremism Project. Education: She earned her PhD from Utrecht University (2004) on GDR, Dutch churches, and the peace movement, awarded the Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award. She holds a master's in Modern History and German from Utrecht and Bonn universities. Notable achievements include the NWO Stevin Prize (2018), Arenberg European Prize (2022), Comenius Prize (2022), and Brouwer Trust Prize (2023). Research focuses on security state evolution, counterterrorism, crisis management, and their impacts on democratic values. Key projects include TerInfo (classroom terrorism education), Security History Network, and JISRA’s 'Reimagining Religion, Security and Social Transformation' (2022–2025). Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary policy, emphasizing resilience and interdisciplinary collaboration. Media engagement includes columns in NRC Handelsblad , international TV/radio appearances, and the Huizinga Lecture (2024).
Melissa Kemp is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with the College of Natural Sciences. She is based at the Jackson School of Geosciences campus in Austin, Texas, with an office in PAT 102. Her research focuses on Quaternary paleontology, conservation paleobiology, and the ecological dynamics of Caribbean and North American biodiversity hotspots. She teaches GEO 391: Broader Impacts in STEM, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and community engagement. Dr. Kemp’s work integrates morphological and molecular data to study evolutionary adaptations, extinction processes, and human impacts on ecosystems. Her NSF CAREER Award supports research on Jamaican fossil ecosystems, while her NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) advanced studies on North American reptile evolution. She actively promotes equity in STEM through programs like GEOPAths GO Jamaica, which combines service learning with conservation efforts. Key research themes include reconstructing ancient communities, analyzing functional trait diversity in reptiles, and understanding the role of historical contingency in shaping modern biodiversity. Her grants and awards reflect a dual focus on scientific discovery and educational outreach, bridging paleontology with modern conservation challenges.
Ian Owens is a Professor and Director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. He holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Leicester (1991) and a B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Liverpool (1988). His research focuses on avian ecology, evolution, and conservation, with an emphasis on global biodiversity, invasive species impacts, and the genetic basis of wild populations. Owens has held leadership roles at institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and Imperial College London. His work integrates field experiments, genetic analyses, and big data to address ecological and evolutionary questions. He leads initiatives like eBird and the Macaulay Library, leveraging citizen science for biodiversity monitoring. Key themes include biogeographical patterns, evolutionary mechanisms, and conservation strategies for endangered species. His research interests span community ecology, evolutionary processes, and organismal biology, with a focus on applying ecological insights to global sustainability challenges. Notable contributions include studies on avian migration’s role in coevolution with parasites, phenotypic plasticity in island birds, and the ecological drivers of body size variation. Owens’ work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, combining genomics, spatial analysis, and citizen science to inform conservation policies. Publications highlight his exploration of avian life history strategies, extinction risk factors, and the ecological impacts of invasive species. He has pioneered global biodiversity assessments, advocating for the integration of natural history collections to address environmental challenges. While no formal awards are listed, his leadership and research contributions have significantly impacted conservation science and ornithology.
Carsten Rahbek is a Full Professor in Biodiversity at the University of Copenhagen's Globe Institute, where he directs the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (CMEC) and the Villum Center for Global Mountain Biodiversity. He holds concurrent appointments as Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, Visiting Professor at Imperial College London, and Professor at Peking University. His research spans biodiversity science, macroecology, climate change impacts, conservation biology, and science-policy interfaces. Key interdisciplinary work explores connections between biodiversity and human health, green economy transitions, and sustainable development policies. Education: • PhD in Biogeography (1995), Smithsonian Institution & University of Copenhagen • MSc in Biology/Zoology (1992), University of Copenhagen Research Leadership: • Leads Denmark's IPBES (UN Biodiversity Panel) activities • Scientific advisor to EU Presidency, World Bank, and Danish government • Developed international MSc programs in Climate Change and Nature Management Honors & Awards: Order of Dannebrog (Danish Royal House, 2020) Annual Natural Sciences Research Prize (2019) Villum Kann Rasmussen Prize (2012) Danish Elite Researcher Prize (2010) Elected Member, Royal Danish Academy of Sciences Supervision & Training: Mentored >33 PhD students, 37 postdoctoral researchers (including 10 Marie Curie Fellows), and >20 MSc/BSc students. Developed curricula for international biodiversity science programs. Centers & Teams: Directs two major research centers focusing on macroecological patterns and mountain biodiversity conservation, coordinating international teams across 15+ countries.
Peter C. Lippert is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah , with research spanning paleomagnetism, tectonics, and environmental magnetism. His work connects geological time scales to climate dynamics, orogenic processes, and urban pollution monitoring. BS (2003) and PhD (2010) in Earth sciences Postdoctoral training at University of Arizona and UC Santa Cruz Research focuses include: Antarctic ice age cyclicity and Earth's orbital influences Hydrothermal alteration effects on paleomagnetic records in Tibet Magmatism during Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean closure Magnetofossils as climate proxies for rapid warming events Evergreen needle magnetization for urban pollution mapping Recent publications highlight collaborations across 50+ international institutions , with methodological innovations in site-level paleomagnetic analysis and FORC-PCA magnetofossil discrimination. His 15 most recent articles (2020–2024) address tectonic reconstructions, geomagnetic field evolution, and climate-ocean interactions. He serves on the Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) Steering Committee and has received the Taft-Nicholson Summer Faculty Fellow award. Teaching emphasizes Earth science as a philosophy, with courses on structural geology, dynamic Earth systems, and field research.
Gideon Rosenbaum is Professor in Structural Geology and Tectonics at the University of Queensland's School of the Environment. His research focuses on geodynamic processes at convergent plate margins. BSc Hebrew University (1997) PhD Monash University (2004) Research examines tectonic evolution of orogenic belts using field geology, geochronology, and geophysical data. Current projects investigate arc curvature development, subduction zone segmentation, and continental assembly mechanisms. Recent publications demonstrate advanced applications in geochronology and structural analysis, particularly in Australian and Mediterranean terrains. Work increasingly incorporates geochemical proxies for tectonic reconstruction.
Professor Michael Fulford CBE FBA is a leading archaeologist at the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology. He specializes in Roman and Iron Age archaeology, particularly through his long-term leadership (1997-present) of the Silchester Roman Town Project, investigating the urban development of Calleva Atrebatum. His work spans fieldwork, digital publication, and interdisciplinary research, including the Silchester Environs Project and collaborations with institutions like the Archaeology Data Service and Cotswold Archaeology. Key projects include the Silchester Insula IX excavation series (1997-2014), yielding five monographs on the site's evolution from an Iron Age oppidum to a Roman city. He has also directed the Nero and Silchester Project (2016-19) and pioneered experimental methods like gamma-ray spectroscopy for urban analysis. His research integrates economic, environmental, and social dimensions of Roman Britain, with a focus on rural settlement patterns, pottery industries, and imperial infrastructure. Fulford's awards include the CBE (2005) for services to archaeology and Fellowship of the British Academy. He collaborates across departments, engaging with History, Classics, and Geography, and advocates for open-access publication through projects like The Rural Settlement of Roman Britain online resource. His work bridges academia and public engagement, shaping understanding of Roman urbanism and its legacy in Britain.
Peter J. Thomas is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics at Case Western Reserve University's College of Arts and Sciences, with secondary appointments in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Biology. He serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Biological Cybernetics and leads the Computational Biomathematics Laboratory. Primary Affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics Secondary Affiliations: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Cognitive Science, Department of Biology Leadership: Co-Editor-in-Chief of Biological Cybernetics Thomas earned his B.A. in Physics and Philosophy from Yale University (1990), M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Chicago (1994), and both M.A. in Conceptual Foundations of Science and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Chicago (2000). His research spans mathematical neuroscience, theoretical biophysics, and information theory applications to biological systems. Thomas specializes in understanding how noise and stochasticity affect neural coding, developing mathematical frameworks for gradient sensing in cells, and applying graph theory to biological networks. His work on stochastic shielding has provided novel approaches to simplifying complex stochastic models while preserving essential dynamics. His research bridges theoretical mathematics with experimental neuroscience through collaborations with the Chiel laboratory and others. Thomas's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on stochastic oscillators, sensory feedback mechanisms, and information theory applications to biological systems. His work consistently develops novel mathematical frameworks to address specific biological questions, with significant contributions to understanding phase dynamics in neural oscillators and information processing in biochemical signaling. Core Fulbright Scholar Program (2013) Simons Fellow in Mathematics Program (2014) Multiple NSF grants as Principal Investigator Co-Editor-in-Chief of Biological Cybernetics Thomas has mentored numerous students at all levels, from undergraduates to postdoctoral researchers. His laboratory has produced successful scholars who have gone on to faculty positions at institutions like New Jersey Institute of Technology and the University of Nevada, Reno. He has actively organized workshops at the Banff International Research Station and served on editorial boards for leading journals in computational neuroscience. The Computational Biomathematics Laboratory focuses on developing mathematical frameworks to understand neural dynamics, cellular signaling, and pattern formation. The lab maintains strong collaborations with experimental neuroscience groups and has made significant contributions to understanding rhythmic neural systems, respiratory control mechanisms, and information processing in biological systems.
Jasmin Richter is a Research Fellow at the University of Oslo, affiliated with the LCE - Literature, Cognition and Emotions and the Social Psychology Research Group. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Cologne (2020), followed by postdoctoral positions at the University of Cologne (2020–2021) and the University of Oslo (2021–present). Education & Appointments: 2021–Present: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Oslo 2020–2021: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cologne 2020: Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Cologne 2015–2020: Ph.D. Student, University of Cologne 2015: M.Sc. in Psychology, University of Bonn 2013: B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Giessen Research Interests: Dr. Richter specializes in cognitive and social psychology, focusing on evaluative conditioning, processing fluency, and moralization. Her work explores how repetition, stimulus pairing, and temporal dynamics influence truth/moral judgments, memory consolidation, and affective preferences. Key themes include the role of episodic retrieval in learning mechanisms and the interplay between unawareness and contingency awareness in valence processing. Publications Trends: Her recent work (2021–2025) emphasizes experimental psychology, with contributions to Cognition & Emotion , Journal of Experimental Social Psychology , and Developmental Review . Topics include evaluative conditioning under varying temporal conditions, the effects of simultaneous stimulus pairing, and the cognitive foundations of affective preferences. Labs & Collaborations: Active in interdisciplinary teams, her research integrates experimental designs with neurocognitive frameworks. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Cologne, the University of Bonn, and international co-authors in psychology and cognitive science.
Irby Lovette serves as the Fuller Professor of Ornithology at Cornell University and directs the Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Museum of Vertebrates, and Cornell Lab’s Academic Affairs. His work integrates cutting-edge genomic approaches to explore avian biodiversity, evolution, and conservation. Dr. Lovette's research centers on deciphering the genetic basis of bird traits and evolutionary history through whole-genome analyses, which he describes as the "Hubble Telescope" for evolutionary biology. His expertise spans ornithology, evolutionary genomics, conservation genetics, speciation mechanisms, and climate-driven adaptations in avian populations, with emphasis on how genomic tools reveal biodiversity origins. His recent publications demonstrate a cohesive focus on genomic dissection of avian speciation, adaptation, and conservation challenges. Key themes include genetic structuring in endangered species, plumage evolution in raptors, hybrid zone dynamics, and climate-responsive genomic selection across diverse bird lineages from Australian finches to North American warblers and flycatchers. As an educator, Dr. Lovette actively mentors undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs drawn to Cornell's ornithology programs. He leads The Lovette Lab, which cultivates collaborative research at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics, and bird conservation through hands-on student engagement and interdisciplinary partnerships.
Andrew Jacobson is an Associate Professor of GIS & Conservation at Catawba College, affiliated with the Department of Environment & Sustainability and the Center for the Environment . His career bridges geospatial technology with wildlife conservation, focusing on species distribution in human-impacted landscapes. Education: B.A. in Environmental Studies, St. Olaf College M.E.M. in Environmental Management, Nicholas School of the Environment Ph.D. in Geography, University College London His research explores the intersection of GIS, drones, and carnivore conservation , particularly for species like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in East Africa. He investigates how human activities fragment habitats and affect large carnivore populations, while developing geospatial workflows to enhance conservation assessments. Recent publications highlight trends in species distribution modeling, biodiversity threat analysis, and policy critique . Notable topics include the limitations of the IUCN Red List, human-wildlife conflict in savannahs, and the role of geospatial tools in identifying low-impact zones for conservation. At Catawba College, Jacobson collaborates with students, faculty, and local organizations to advance conservation science. He previously served as a Science and Geospatial Advisor to the National Geographic Society, prioritizing global wild places for protection.
Sean R. Connolly is a Research Professor at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama, where he leads the Connolly Lab focused on coral reef ecology and biodiversity dynamics. He joined STRI in late 2019 after approximately 20 years of research on Central Indo-Pacific coral reefs, and now directs his research toward the coral reefs of the Tropical East Pacific and Caribbean regions. Dr. Connolly's research interests center on understanding the mechanisms that maintain biodiversity in species-rich systems, particularly coral reefs. His work investigates how large numbers of species coexist despite similar resource requirements, what determines the commonness or rarity of different species, how fishing and marine reserves impact reef ecosystems, and how coral reefs respond to climate change. His approach combines empirical field studies with mathematical and statistical modeling across multiple spatial and temporal scales. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on coral reef community dynamics, biodiversity patterns, climate change impacts, and fisheries management. Recent work increasingly addresses the effects of multiple stressors on reef ecosystems, with growing attention to the Tropical Eastern Pacific as a comparative natural laboratory. His collaborative research spans multiple institutions globally, reflecting the international nature of coral reef science. Dr. Connolly received his B.A. from Earlham College in 1994 and his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1999. His educational background provided the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach that bridges theoretical ecology with practical conservation applications. His research program currently investigates reef ecosystems on both sides of the Isthmus of Panama, taking advantage of the dramatically different reef conditions in the Tropical East Pacific (where one coral group dominates marginal reef conditions) and the Caribbean (where former community dominants have collapsed to a fraction of historical abundances). This comparative approach provides unique insights into the mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem resilience.
Christopher Bronk Ramsey is Professor in Archaeological Science and Head of the School of Archaeology at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Merton College. As chair of the INTCAL committee, he oversees global radiocarbon calibration. His expertise spans archaeological science, Quaternary environmental research, and nuclear instrumentation development. Research focuses on radiocarbon dating, Bayesian chronological modeling, and AMS techniques. Key areas include Quaternary chronology, human evolution, climate change impacts, and archaeological applications in the eastern Mediterranean, Amazonia, and Anglo-Saxon England. He develops the OxCal software for statistical chronology analysis. Recent publications emphasize radiocarbon calibration advancements, pre-Columbian land-use in Amazonia, European Neolithic chronologies, and high-precision dating methods. His work integrates archaeology, environmental science, and data science to address chronological challenges across diverse temporal and spatial scales. No specific scientific awards were detailed in the source material. He supervises numerous doctoral students on topics ranging from dendrochronology to digital archaeology and Middle Stone Age chronology. Major projects include FeedSax (Anglo-Saxon agriculture) and HERCA (Amazonian human-environment interactions), securing research grants for interdisciplinary teams. Professor Ramsey directs the OxCal project and co-leads IntCal, IntChron, FeedSax, and HERCA initiatives. These teams develop calibration standards, integrate chronological data, and investigate past human adaptations to environmental change, particularly in Amazonia and Europe.
