Dr. Carla Vilela is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aveiro and Principal Researcher at CICECO. She coordinates the Sustainable Materials research line and leads projects on cellulose-based materials and circular economy. Her research focuses on sustainable materials from cellulose and renewable resources for applications in water remediation, food packaging, and textiles. Education includes a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aveiro and postdoctoral work at CICECO and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (UK). Research interests include: Development of cellulose-based functional materials Nanocomposites for biomedical applications Sustainable packaging solutions Biopolymer modification and characterization Publications demonstrate strong focus on cellulose nanocomposites, bioprinting bioinks, and active packaging. Recent articles frequently involve nanocellulose modifications, drug delivery systems, and sustainable material design. Awards include being named among World's Top 2% Scientists annually since 2020. Funding includes national projects (Cell4Janus) and EU collaborations (PRIMA Im-Pack). Leads the BioPol4Fun research group and supervises 6 PhD students. Current projects explore cellulose-based microrobots, resin valorization, and marine biopolymers.
Karl Henrik Johansson is a Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, where he also serves as the Founding Director of Digital Futures. He is a Fellow of both IEEE and the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, and has held leadership positions including Immediate Past President of the European Control Association and IEEE Control Systems Society Vice President Diversity, Outreach & Development. Dr. Johansson earned his MSc in Electrical Engineering and PhD in Automatic Control from Lund University. His academic journey includes visiting positions at prestigious institutions such as UC Berkeley, Caltech, and NTU. His research focuses on networked control systems and cyber-physical systems with applications in transportation, energy, and automation networks. His work investigates fundamental challenges in connecting physical world systems through communication networks, exploring how wireless communication and sensor technology can enhance system robustness, reliability, energy efficiency, and safety. Current research directions include security of cyber-physical systems, distributed optimization, multi-agent systems, and applications to intelligent transportation and energy networks. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on distributed optimization algorithms, secure networked control, multi-agent systems, and applications to transportation and energy networks. His work increasingly integrates machine learning techniques with traditional control theory, addressing challenges in privacy-preserving distributed computation, resilient state estimation, and resource allocation in complex networked systems. IEEE Control Systems Society Hendrik W. Bode Lecture Prize (2024) Swedish Research Council Distinguished Professor (2018-2027) Wallenberg Scholar (2009-2026) IFAC Young Author Prize IEEE CSS Distinguished Lecturer (2017-2019) IFAC Outstanding Service Award IEEE Fellow Dr. Johansson has supervised over 100 postdocs and PhD students, with many now holding prominent positions at institutions worldwide. His research has been supported by significant grants including the Swedish Research Council Distinguished Professor Grant (2018-2027), multiple Wallenberg Foundation grants, and numerous EU and national research projects. He has directed major research centers including ACCESS Linnaeus Centre (2009-2016) and Strategic Research Area ICT TNG (2013-2020). His research group operates within the Digital Futures initiative and maintains strong connections with industry partners through projects like the Integrated Transport Research Lab (supported by Scania and Ericsson) and Smart Mobility Lab. The group actively collaborates with international institutions and participates in major EU-funded projects addressing challenges in cyber-physical systems, transportation, and energy networks.
Professor Oula Ghannoum is a renowned plant scientist and academic leader at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University. She serves as Director of the ARC Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture and holds leadership roles, including Biological Sciences Discipline Lead and Associate Editor at Functional Plant Biology . Her research focuses on photosynthesis, global change biology, and protected cropping, aiming to enhance food security and climate resilience through crop improvement and sustainable agricultural practices. Education: BSc (Honours) in Plant Biochemistry, University of NSW (1993) PhD in Plant Physiology, Western Sydney University (1998) Research Interests: Professor Ghannoum’s work addresses global challenges like food security and climate change by exploring plant responses to environmental stress. Her lab uses advanced technologies like smart glasshouses and hyperspectral imaging to optimize crop yield and quality. Key areas include sugar signaling pathways in C3/C4 plants, water use efficiency, and heat tolerance in cereal crops. Grants & Funding: She has secured over $25M in research funding, leading projects on C4 photosynthesis, automated crop monitoring, and protected cropping systems. Notable collaborations include the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis and Future Food Systems CRC. Awards: 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Award 2023 Education and Outreach Award (Australian Society of Plant Scientists) 2001 ARC Postdoctoral Fellowship Labs & Teams: Her team develops innovative frameworks for sustainable horticulture, combining biology with AI and smart technologies. Ongoing work includes imaging-based crop monitoring and phenotyping for climate-resilient crops.
Ioannis Athanasiadis is a Full Professor and Chair of Artificial Intelligence at Wageningen University & Research (The Netherlands). He leads the Artificial Intelligence (AIN) group, focusing on advancing AI methods for global challenges in agriculture, ecology, and sustainability. Previously, he was faculty at the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA, Switzerland) and the Democritus University of Thrace (Greece). He holds a PhD (2005, cum laude) in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research integrates machine learning, knowledge engineering, and environmental modeling to address food security, climate adaptation, and ecosystem services. He leads initiatives like AgML (AgMIP's machine learning benchmarking effort) and coordinates European grants such as LTER-LIFE and CYBELE . Prof. Athanasiadis has supervised over 40 PhD/postdoc researchers and serves as Editor of Environmental Modelling and Software . He collaborates internationally on projects involving AI for crop modeling, digital twins, and sustainable agriculture. His team develops frameworks like Crop2ML and PyCrop2ML to enhance interoperability between process-based models and machine learning systems.
Toni Kotnik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Aalto University, Finland. He holds dual expertise in mathematics and architecture, with a Ph.D. from the University of Zurich and a second degree in architecture. His roles include principal of d’HKL , a Zurich-based experimental architecture firm, and adjunct lecturer at institutions like Harvard University and the Bartlett School of Architecture. His research focuses on integrating science, engineering, and computation into architectural design, emphasizing structural innovation and sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics (Dr. sc. Nat.), University of Zurich, 1999 Second degree in Architecture Research Interests: Computational design and generative systems Structural aesthetics and neuroaesthetics Sustainable urban and architectural solutions Parametric modeling and material systems Key Contributions: Advances in graphic statics and form-finding Design strategies for high-density urban environments Integration of AI and generative tools in architectural practice Recent Work Trends: Recent articles emphasize computational methods for industrial layout optimization, AI’s role in architecture, and embodied perception in structural design. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, such as the Singapore Hawker Centre redesign and experimental structures like hypar-combined shells. Awards: Aalto University Doctoral Thesis Awards (2022) Best Presentation Award (2019) Oscari-Vilamo Award (2023) Advising & Grants: Supervised 4 theses, including recipients of awards like the Metex Award shortlist. Active in international academic networks, serving on conference committees (e.g., International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures) and editorial roles (e.g., Automation in Construction journal). Labs & Teams: Leads the d’HKL studio, collaborating globally on projects like the AA/ETH Pavilion and the Hypercube for Gardens by the Bay. Research focuses on experimental design and material systems.
Prof. Jianyong Ouyang is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), part of the Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD from the Institute for Molecular Science (Japan), and has worked at the Japanese Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, UCLA, and NUS since 2006. His research focuses on high-performance conducting polymers, thermoelectric materials, and flexible electronics. Key achievements include inventing the first polymer/nanoparticle memristor (2004), hybrid ionic/electronic thermoelectric converters (2020), and self-adhesive conducting polymers (2020). Research interests include flexible/wearable electronics, organic electronics, and energy materials. Notable awards include the Distinguished Award for Novel Materials (2015), NUS Young Investigator Award (2017), and inclusion in the World’s top 2% Scientists (2019–2022). His lab has over 200 publications with ~30,000 citations and an H-index of 87. Publications highlight advancements in thermoelectric polymers, stretchable sensors, and energy materials. Collaborations include work on perovskite solar cells, graphene-based electrodes, and MXene composites. His group explores applications in healthcare monitoring, energy harvesting, and smart materials.
Adane Tilahun Getachew serves as an Associate Professor at the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in bioactive compounds analysis and application within food science. His research integrates green extraction technologies with sustainable food processing to valorize marine and agricultural byproducts. His primary research interests focus on antioxidant mechanisms , bioactive compound recovery , and advanced extraction methodologies including supercritical fluids and subcritical water processing. Key application areas include marine lipid extraction from invasive species like starfish and round goby, plant protein isolation from legumes and lupin seeds, and stabilization of omega-3 enriched food products. His work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through waste reduction and sustainable resource utilization. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on extraction optimization (particularly supercritical CO 2 and pressurized liquid methods), marine bioactives (seaweed, starfish, shrimp waste), and food product development (mayonnaise, packaging films, protein concentrates). Dominant themes include response surface methodology applications, seasonal variation impacts on bioactive yields, and techno-functional properties of extracted compounds. His collaborative projects demonstrate extensive interdisciplinary work across European research initiatives: SUSTAINABLE JET FUELS (2024-2027): Micro-algal cell factories for zero-waste aviation fuel GrExOmega (2022-2025): Green extraction of omega-3 from invasive marine species AlgaeVita (2025-2027): Biofortified algae ingredients rich in vitamin D3 and omega-3 SBbioact (2019-2022): Biorefinery of Nordic brown algae bioactives Dr. Getachew leads research on sustainable food systems with emphasis on waste valorization and green processing technologies, maintaining active collaborations with multiple European institutions through DTU's National Food Institute infrastructure.
Keigo Kobayashi is an Associate Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Department of Architecture. He has served in this position since 2016, previously holding the rank of Assistant Professor from 2012 to 2016. His professional journey includes significant experience at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) in Rotterdam, where he worked as a Senior Architect and Project Architect from 2007 to 2012. His educational background includes a Master of Architecture II from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (2005), a Master of Architecture from Waseda University's Graduate School of Science and Engineering (2003), and a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Waseda University's School of Science and Engineering (2002). Kobayashi's research focuses on architectural planning and city planning, with particular interests in food-related architecture, spatial behavior, and sustainable design. His work explores the intersection of architecture with everyday life, examining how spatial configurations influence human behavior and community formation. Recent research has investigated food systems in urban contexts, playful approaches to spatial design, and the relationship between architectural form and environmental performance. His publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical applications of architectural theory, with projects spanning from food truck design in Shodoshima to zero-energy housing solutions and innovative approaches to architectural education. His work shows a consistent interest in how architecture can respond to contemporary social challenges while maintaining theoretical rigor. Excellence in Concrete Construction Award 2019, American Concrete Institute (ACI), Qatar National Library / OMA Kobayashi actively contributes to architectural education through various committee memberships, including serving as Chief of the Subcommittee on Strategies for International Compatibility in Architectural Education at the Architectural Institute of Japan and leading the Caberra Accord Correspondence Subcommittee at the Japan Accreditation Board for Engineering Education. His teaching portfolio at Waseda University is extensive, covering architectural design studios from undergraduate to doctoral levels. He leads several research initiatives, including the Wakusei Project in Tosa, Kochi, NPO PLAT (Platform for Architectural Thinking), and the European Thinkbelt/McDonald's Radio University project which represents an innovative approach to architectural education and community engagement, particularly in contexts of migration and cultural exchange.
Jeppe Lund Nielsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Denmark. His research lies at the intersection of microbial ecology, genomics, and environmental biotechnology, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, and environmental monitoring. His primary research interests include Microbial Ecology, Functional Ecology, Genomics, Molecular and Technical Microbiology, Anaerobic Digestion, Metagenomics, and eDNA Metabarcoding . He applies molecular tools to understand microbial community dynamics in engineered and natural systems, particularly in wastewater and marine environments. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, sustainable cities, and climate action. The recent publication trends reflect a strong emphasis on environmental applications of microbiome science, including nitrogen cycling in wastewater, bioaerosol exposure in workers, eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring, and valorization of waste streams through biotechnology. His articles frequently appear in high-impact environmental and microbiological journals and demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, ecology, and public health. Among his notable scientific contributions are leadership roles in significant research projects such as the AAU Bubble Project (Power2Proteins), JAMBO seabed impact study, and investigations into biotechnological pesticides. He has also contributed to public discourse through media engagement on topics like pesticide regulation and environmental innovation. Professor Nielsen has supervised PhD students, including M. Eskeldsen, and is actively involved in grants and collaborative research across Europe. He is a key member of research teams focused on environmental microbiology, wastewater biotechnology, and marine impact assessments. His lab integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental engineering to address pressing sustainability challenges.
Kyle Doudrick serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, with his office located in 166 Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering. His research program bridges environmental engineering and materials science to address critical water quality challenges. Education Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Arizona State University (2013) M.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Memphis (2008) B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Memphis (2006) Research Focus : The Doudrick Lab pioneers physical-chemical treatment technologies targeting emerging contaminants including PFAS, micro/nanoplastics, and oxyanions. His group develops solar-activated photocatalytic systems for water purification and wastewater-to-hydrogen conversion, while investigating fundamental processes in catalytic, adsorptive, thermal, photochemical, and electrochemical treatment. Current work emphasizes understanding contaminant fate in natural and engineered systems through advanced analytical methods. Publication Trends : Recent works (2019-2020) demonstrate a cohesive research trajectory centered on electrochemical and photocatalytic water treatment. Key themes include nanomaterial stability for contaminant degradation, hybrid processes for persistent pollutants like PFOS, and innovative reactor designs such as hydrogel membranes. These publications span environmental engineering, materials chemistry, and sustainable energy conversion, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to water security challenges. Laboratory Operations : The Doudrick Lab maintains a mission-driven focus on developing cost-effective, scalable solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing water infrastructure. Research activities combine fundamental material science with practical engineering applications, targeting real-world implementation of contaminant removal technologies while advancing scientific understanding of emerging pollutant behavior.
Professor Ryan Ko is a leading academic in Cyber Security at the University of Queensland (UQ), serving as Chair and Director of the UQ Cyber Research Centre, Director of Research at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and a member of UQ's Academic Board. He holds a BEng (Computer Engineering) and PhD from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research focuses on data provenance, industrial control systems (ICS) security, privacy-preserving technologies, and AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. Ko has pioneered initiatives such as the UQ Cyber Centre, interdisciplinary cybersecurity education programs (MCyber, PGDipCyber), and the Oceania Cybersecurity Challenge. He has attracted over AUD 20 million in competitive grants as lead investigator, including the NZ$12.2M STRATUS project. Ko’s work spans industry and policy, including advisory roles with INTERPOL, governments, and NGOs. He has authored over 100 publications, contributed to ISO standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 21878), and co-founded cybersecurity startups. Awards include Fellowships from the Australian Computer Society and Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the CSA Ron Knode Service Award. Education: Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) (Hons.), Nanyang Technological University (2005) PhD in Computer Science, Nanyang Technological University (2011) Awards: Fellow, Australian Computer Society (2016) Fellow, Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences (2020) Young Professional Award, Singapore Government (2018) Grants & Leadership: AUD 20M+ lead investigator grants; NZ$12.2M STRATUS project (2014–2018) Established UQ Cyber Centre (2019) and NZ’s first cybersecurity graduate program (2012) His research emphasizes returning data control to users, with applications in agriculture, energy, and critical infrastructure. Ko’s contributions include patents, open-source tools (e.g., Kali Linux), and frameworks like TrustCloud for cloud accountability.
Professor Sabine Dittmann is a leading expert in coastal ecosystem ecology and marine sciences at Flinders University, Australia. As a Professor of Marine Biology in the College of Science and Engineering, her work bridges research and environmental management, focusing on hypersaline estuaries, blue carbon restoration, and invasive species control. She holds a Habilitation in Ecology from the University of Bremen (2001), PhD from the University of Göttingen (1987), and MSc from the same institution (1984). Her research interests include coastal ecosystem health, mangrove and saltmarsh restoration, and decision support frameworks for marine conservation. She has advised government agencies on marine parks, Commonwealth Marine Reserves, and the Coorong ecosystem. Key roles include national president of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (2012–2014), current president of the Royal Society of South Australia, and member of the Australian Antarctic Science Council since 2019. Her recent work emphasizes the global challenges of hypersaline wetland restoration, invasive species impact, and blue carbon methodologies. Over 112 publications span estuarine dynamics, benthic macrofauna, and policy-relevant ecosystem assessments. Projects like the Coorong benthic surveys highlight her commitment to translating science into conservation action.
Filip Biljecki is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed at the Department of Architecture within the College of Design and Engineering and the Department of Real Estate at the NUS Business School, National University of Singapore. He is the founder and principal investigator of the NUS Urban Analytics Lab and was awarded the prestigious NUS Presidential Young Professorship in 2020. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, his research bridges geomatic engineering, geospatial technologies, and urban data science to advance digital twins and data-driven urban planning. Dr. Biljecki's educational background includes: PhD in 3D GIS (cum laude), Delft University of Technology, Netherlands (2017) MSc in Geomatics, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands (2010) BSc in Geodesy and Geoinformatics, University of Zagreb, Croatia (2008) His research interests focus on emerging urban data sources, particularly urban imagery, and their application in 3D city modeling, digital twins, and GeoAI. He explores how crowdsourcing and open science can inform cutting-edge techniques for urban sensing and analytics at city-scale. His work significantly contributes to establishing smart cities through innovative methods that integrate recent advancements in computer science, geomatics, and urban data science. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on street view imagery applications for urban analytics, digital twin development, and geospatial AI. His research spans multiple domains including urban morphology, environmental assessment, public health applications, and urban comfort analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in collaborations with researchers from diverse fields, producing impactful studies that address complex urban challenges through innovative methodological approaches. His notable scientific achievements include: Annual Teaching Excellence Award (ATEA), 2025 College Educator Award AY2023/2024, 2025 Urban Informatics Paper of the Year Award, 2023 Top 2% scientists worldwide (Stanford University), 2021 Presidential Young Professorship (NUS), 2020 As an educator, Dr. Biljecki has supervised dozens of students leading to publications in leading journals and placements at top universities and organizations. He has delivered talks at over 120 universities and organizations worldwide including MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and ETH Zurich. His research is supported through various grants and affiliations including his role as Principal Investigator at the Future Cities Lab Global at the Singapore-ETH Centre. The NUS Urban Analytics Lab, which he established, brings together scholars from diverse disciplines to drive research on making cities smarter and more data-driven. The lab has developed innovative tools like ZenSVI for street view imagery analysis and has produced influential research on urban digital twins, urban morphology, and GeoAI applications. Through his leadership, the lab continues to pioneer methods that advance data-driven urban planning and smart city development.
Amanda Giang serves as Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science, Department of Mechanical Engineering, holding a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Modelling for Policy. She maintains a joint appointment with the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES). Her educational background includes a B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT, with postdoctoral training at MIT and Harvard. Dr. Giang's research employs interdisciplinary approaches to develop modeling tools for environmental policy analysis, focusing on pollution assessment, environmental injustice, and the intersection of air quality, decarbonization, and equity. Her work emphasizes action-oriented partnerships with community organizations and government health/environment agencies. Current projects address freight transport decarbonization equity, cumulative impact assessment methodologies for overburdened communities, and holistic environmental impact evaluation in technology design. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise across environmental modeling, policy analysis, and justice frameworks, with significant contributions to understanding spatial inequities in environmental risk distribution and developing community-engaged research methodologies. UBC Killam Research Prize, 2023 Dr. Giang actively collaborates with community groups and government authorities through her LEAP (Learning, Environmental Assessment, and Policy) research group. Her work integrates technical modeling with real-world policy applications, particularly in urban environmental planning contexts where equity considerations are paramount. She has developed innovative frameworks for cumulative impact assessment and environmental justice analysis that directly inform regulatory decision-making processes. Her research laboratory focuses on developing open-source modeling tools for environmental policy analysis while maintaining strong community partnerships that ensure research addresses pressing local environmental justice concerns.
Luca Sebastiani is a Full Professor in Horticultural Sciences (AGR/03) at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy, since 2014. He currently coordinates the PhD Course in AgroBioSciences and has previously served as Director of the Institute of Life Sciences (2016-2021). His academic career includes roles as Associate Professor (2002-2014) and Assistant Professor (1998-2002) at the same institution. PhD in Plant Biology from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (1996) MSc in Agricultural Sciences from University of Pisa (cum laude, 1991) Postdoctoral research in agricultural biotechnology (1996-1998) Research Interests: Focus on plant-environment interactions, particularly abiotic and biotic stress responses in crops. Key areas include: Physiological and molecular responses to climate change stressors Nutraceutical enhancement of food crops Plant germplasm conservation using molecular markers Agriculture 4.0 integrating AI, IoT, and robotics Phytoremediation using poplar and Brassica species Scientific Contributions: His work bridges molecular mechanisms (aquaporin function, heavy metal transport) with ecosystem-level applications (precision irrigation, contaminant phytoremediation). Recent publications emphasize genome sequencing, stress tolerance modeling, and nutraceutical food development. ISHS Medal for SapFlow Workshop organization (2011) Giovanni Spitali Foundation Award for PhD dissertation (1998) Collaborations: Extensive international collaborations with institutions like Beijing Forestry University, Comenius University, and Purdue University. Currently supervises projects in plant phenotyping, omics technologies, and sustainable crop management.
