Johann Kastner is a Professor at Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, leading the Research Center Wels Computed Tomography R&D-Headquarters. He is affiliated with Centers of Excellence in Automotive/Mobility, Energy, and Smart Production. His research focuses on advanced materials characterization using X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), with applications in non-destructive testing, composite materials, and biomedical engineering. Key research areas include porosity analysis in carbon fiber reinforced polymers, phase contrast imaging, and additive manufacturing. He has led over 10 projects, including the EU-funded xCTing initiative (2021–2025) and the X-PRO project (2020–2024), emphasizing industrial CT applications and cross-virtuality data analysis. His work spans 335+ publications, with notable contributions to XCT-based defect detection, material microstructure analysis, and AI-driven image segmentation. Collaborations include COMET K Projects and FTI-Structurförderung grants. He has advised 2 PhD students and actively participates in international conferences and workshops. Laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art XCT systems for 3D microstructural analysis, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry, and augmented reality visualization tools for industrial applications.
Dorin Boldor holds the Charles P. Siess Jr. Professorship at Louisiana State University's Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. His research specializes in microwave heating, bioprocessing, and bioenergy systems. He teaches BE 4303: Engineering Properties of Biological Materials and holds a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. Research encompasses microwave-assisted biomass conversion, pyrolysis kinetics, and sustainable fuel production, with emphasis on reactor design and catalytic processes. Recent publications (2022-2025) explore lignin pyrolysis, biodiesel co-formulants, and oil containment technologies, reflecting applied engineering solutions for energy and environmental challenges.
Jeff S. Kuehny is the Resident Director of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and part of the LSU College of Agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology/Horticulture from Clemson University and has conducted extensive research on ornamental plant physiology, urban watersheds, and wetlands. His roles include directing the Botanic Gardens, which supports Louisiana’s agricultural industries through research and education. Kuehny has taught numerous plant science courses, including Landscape Management and Urban Landscape Management, and co-founded ACCEPtS for collaborative course sharing between universities. Education: A.S. (1983, Northern Oklahoma College), B.S. (1986, Oklahoma State University), M.S. (1988, North Carolina State University), Ph.D. (1993, Clemson University), and a postdoc at the Boyce Thompson Institute. Research focuses on ornamental crop physiology, urban forest management, and environmental impact. Recent projects include implementing the Botanic Gardens’ Master Plan, emphasizing Louisiana’s agricultural heritage and ecological preservation. His publications span plant growth models, nutrient dynamics, and biocontainer use in horticulture. Awards: None explicitly listed. Grants and advising: No detailed information provided. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with LSU AgCenter and the Burden Museum & Gardens.
Mr. Jean-Charles Billaut is a Professor at the Polytechnic School of Tours (EPU) within the University of Tours, affiliated with the Computer Science Department and the Fundamental and Applied Computer Science Laboratory of Tours (LIFAT). His primary research focuses on Operational Research, particularly in scheduling theory, production planning, and logistics optimization, with notable contributions to healthcare and food supply chain systems. He has held leadership roles, including Director of the Computer Science Laboratory since 2007 and Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Operational Research since 2007. His work bridges theoretical advancements and real-world applications, addressing challenges in multi-agent scheduling, robust production systems, and emergency logistics. Key collaborations include optimizing chemotherapy production and medical sample dispatching, reflecting his commitment to impactful operational research. His research often employs metaheuristics and exact methods to solve complex scheduling and routing problems, emphasizing sustainability and resilience in supply chains.
Dr. Fabian Abiusi is a post-doctoral researcher in Sustainable Food Processing at ETH Zurich's Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, part of the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST). His work focuses on developing innovative bioprocesses to convert industrial food by-products into high-quality microalgal biomass using mixotrophic cultivation strategies. His research emphasizes enhancing microalgae productivity through oxygen-balanced systems and improving protein bioaccessibility via in vitro digestion models and cell disruption techniques. His academic background includes a PhD (details unspecified) followed by postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich. Key research themes include acidophilic microalgae (e.g., Galdieria sulphuraria), photobioreactor optimization, and leveraging extremophilic organisms for sustainable food production. He has contributed to projects like the MAB2.0 initiative integrating algae into wastewater treatment systems. Abiusi's publications highlight advancements in mixotrophic cultivation, protein bioaccessibility assessment, and utilization of volcanic microalgae for nutritional applications. Though no awards are explicitly listed, his work aligns with emerging trends in circular bioeconomy and alternative protein sources. His research group collaborates on lab-scale to pilot-scale systems, aiming to bridge gaps between microbial biotechnology and food industry applications.
Chris Seijger is an Assistant Professor in Water Resources Management at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on water governance, climate change impacts, and policy integration in agricultural and environmental systems. He has collaborated extensively with institutions in Jordan, Germany, Egypt, and Vietnam, addressing challenges such as water scarcity, delta management, and IoT-driven resource monitoring. He co-promotes three PhD projects focused on water system efficiency, agricultural innovation, and hydrological modeling. Seijger's work bridges academic research and policy, emphasizing participatory approaches and interdisciplinary solutions. Research interests include strategic delta planning, cross-sectoral policy analysis, and the application of technology in natural resource management. His recent projects explore IoT systems in Germany, transformative water policies in Jordan, and agricultural productivity in water-scarce regions. Seijger has published widely in journals like Hydrological Processes and Environmental Science and Policy , contributing to debates on sustainable water use and climate resilience. He actively engages in knowledge transfer, as seen in his media contribution advocating for centralizing water in food systems. Current projects involve optimizing Nile water systems, assessing irrigation modernization in Egypt, and evaluating water governance in the Mekong Delta.
Luuk Fleskens is an Associate Professor in Soil Physics and Land Management at Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands. He is affiliated with WIMEK (Wageningen Institute for Environment and Climate Research) and has established himself as a leading researcher in sustainable land management, soil conservation, and climate change adaptation across multiple geographic contexts including China, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and various European countries. His educational background includes a doctoral degree (dr.ir.) in environmental sciences or related field, though specific details of his academic training are not provided in the available information. Dr. Fleskens' research focuses on the intersection of soil science, land management, and socio-economic factors. His work spans: Soil degradation and restoration processes Economic valuation of ecosystem services Climate change adaptation strategies for agriculture Cost-benefit analysis of sustainable land management practices Water resources management in dryland regions Policy implementation for sustainable land use His recent publication record demonstrates strong engagement with pressing global challenges, particularly around land restoration in the Chinese Loess Plateau, watershed management in Ethiopia, and conservation agriculture in Tunisia. The research shows a consistent methodological approach combining spatial analysis, economic modeling, and field-based empirical studies to evaluate the impacts of land management interventions. Dr. Fleskens has received recognition through multiple research projects and collaborations, with significant funding for his work on desertification resilience, soil health assessment, and farming system transformations. His research has practical applications for policymakers and land managers working on sustainable development challenges. As an academic supervisor, he has guided numerous PhD candidates through their research, focusing on topics related to sustainable land management across different global contexts. His collaborative network spans multiple continents, reflecting the global nature of land degradation challenges.
Dr. Matthijs Dekker is an Associate Professor in the Food Quality and Design group at Wageningen University, Netherlands. He holds a PhD and has prior industry experience at Unilever Research Laboratory. His research focuses on process/product design impacts on food health aspects, phytochemicals in fruits/vegetables, mathematical modeling in food science, and innovative food packaging. With over 130 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 40), he leads projects on antimicrobial packaging, food matrix effects, and consumer-focused food design. Research Interests: Dekker’s work integrates food engineering, nutrition, and packaging science. Key themes include optimizing phytochemical stability during processing, developing smart packaging systems, and modeling digestion dynamics. He explores how food structure influences bioactive compound bioavailability and sensory attributes. Publications Overview: Recent work spans antimicrobial packaging innovations, carotenoid bioaccessibility, and glucosinolate stability. His articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches linking food chemistry, microbiology, and consumer behavior to enhance food safety and health benefits. Professional Activities: He serves on scientific committees (e.g., Healthier Food Logo, Novel Foods Safety Assessment) and lectures at the Dutch Packaging Center. Teaching responsibilities include courses on predictive modeling, food packaging design, and data science applications in food systems. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary team in the Food Quality and Design group, collaborating on EU-funded projects like antimicrobial nanostructures in packaging and sustainable logistics solutions for perishables.
Julia Carboni is a Professor at Washington State University (WSU) and Director of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, a joint initiative between WSU and the University of Washington. She also holds a Distinguished Scholar appointment at the University of Washington. With a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Arizona, Dr. Carboni has held faculty positions at Syracuse University and Indiana University, focusing on collaborative governance and civic engagement. Her research explores governance innovation, public policy design, and nonprofit management, emphasizing depolarization strategies and civic collaboration. Key initiatives include the Project for Civic Health, aiming to reduce political polarization, and the Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute, which has trained over 300 elected officials in collaborative leadership. Her work is supported by grants from organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the IBM Center for the Business of Government. Dr. Carboni co-founded the Indy Food Council, demonstrating her commitment to community-driven solutions. Her academic contributions span network analysis methodologies, public-private partnerships, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Current projects focus on enhancing democratic processes through evidence-based governance frameworks. Her advisory and grant activities include leading the Ruckelshaus Center’s policy innovation programs and collaborating with foundations on civic media strategies. She actively participates in professional networks like ARNOVA (Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action).
Dr. Patrick Murray serves as Head of Research and Technology Transfer within the Research, Development and Innovation division at Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest. His work focuses on advancing biotechnological solutions for environmental and healthcare challenges through interdisciplinary research. Research Interests: Dr. Murray leads studies in microbial biosynthesis, sustainable materials engineering, and marine bioproducts. His team explores endophytic fungi for nanoparticle synthesis, sepsis modeling via organ-on-chip systems, and bioremediation of plastic pollution. Recent projects include valorizing marine organisms like Gelidium corneum for pharmaceuticals and developing bio-based food packaging materials. Advising & Funding: Supervised graduate students include Katie S., Matias M., and H. Ermis. Notable grants include a €10M EU Just Transition Fund award for bioeconomy initiatives and a €2.8M project revolutionizing Ireland's food processing industry. Media highlights include breakthroughs in chondroitin sulphate production sustainability and student academic excellence recognition. Labs & Collaborations: Active in the Midwest R&D hub, collaborating on international projects involving microorganism-driven solutions for environmental challenges. Engages in multidisciplinary teams bridging microbiology, bioengineering, and sustainable chemistry disciplines.
Dr. Upamali Amarakoon is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management at Central Queensland University's School of Business and Law, affiliated with the Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chains. She holds a PhD in Human Resource Management (University of Queensland, 2014), an MBA in HRM (University of Colombo, 2009 with three gold medals), and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Industrial Management (University of Kelaniya, 2005 with first class honors). Her expertise spans HRM innovation, regional workforce challenges, volunteer management, and diversity and inclusion. She currently leads a stakeholder engagement project funded by the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre and collaborates with Foodbank Australia on volunteer management strategies. Education PhD in Human Resource Management, The University of Queensland, Australia (2014) MBA in Human Resource Management, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (2009) Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Industrial Management, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2005) Research Interests Her research focuses on strategic HRM innovation, addressing regional staffing challenges, and managing volunteers in nonprofit contexts. She also explores diversity and inclusion in the resources sector and organizational change management. For instance, her work with Foodbank Australia examines volunteer management systems, while her pilot project on regional staffing tackles SME talent attraction in rural areas. She advocates for integrating HR practices to enhance firm competitiveness and social impact. Publications Trends A recent focus on food waste and stakeholder engagement reflects her commitment to applied research. Her work bridges HRM theory with practical solutions for regional industries and social enterprises. Key themes include crisis management, volunteer effectiveness, and policy-driven workforce strategies in diverse sectors like mining and aged care. Dean’s Award for Outstanding Research Thesis (2014) Three gold medals for academic excellence in MBA (2009) Advising & Grants Currently available to supervise research candidates, her expertise includes project teams and organizational restructuring impacts. She leads a grant-funded stakeholder engagement initiative and collaborates on diversity reports for Queensland’s resources sector. Her teaching spans contemporary HRM issues, organizational change management, and volunteer management frameworks. Labs & Teams Affiliated with the Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chains , she engages in multidisciplinary projects addressing regional development challenges and food waste solutions.
Dr. Giles Hindle is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for the MSc Business Analytics at the Hull University Business School, part of the Faculty of Business, Law and Politics at the University of Hull. He is also an Associate Fellow at Warwick Business School. His career includes roles such as Assistant Professor at Warwick Business School and Associate Director of HCS Ltd, reflecting his expertise in business analytics, operational research, and systems thinking. His research focuses on business analytics methodologies, ethical implications of data science, and systems approaches to complex public policy challenges. Notable areas include healthcare logistics, transportation safety, and elderly care economics. He has contributed to strategic decision-making in sectors like hospital resource allocation and road safety policy. Dr. Hindle’s work spans interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly through problem structuring methods and mixed-methods research. He is affiliated with the Centre for Systems Studies and the Marketing, Management and Business Strategy research group. His research outputs highlight a commitment to aligning analytical practices with organizational and societal goals. PhD Supervision: Welcomes applications in Data Science, Business Analytics, Business Modelling, Soft Systems Thinking, and Operational Research. Key Collaborations: Warwick Business School, Health Services Management, and Public Sector organizations. Labs/Teams: Centre for Systems Studies, Marketing, Management and Business Strategy group.
Professor Gabriel Harris is a faculty member in the Department of Food Science at North Carolina State University, serving as Co-Director of Undergraduate Programs. His teaching portfolio includes courses like Food Science and the Consumer, Analytical Techniques in Food and Bioprocessing Sciences, and Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods. His research focuses on understanding how food processing impacts health properties, particularly the anti-inflammatory effects of plant-based foods such as tea, chocolate, and muscadine grapes, alongside their roles in blood sugar regulation and satiety. Education includes a Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition from The Ohio State University (2001), M.S. in Food Science from NC State (1997), and B.S. in Home Economics from Morgan State University (1995). Research emphasizes functional foods, bioactive components, and innovative processing techniques like microwave-assisted extraction. His publications explore topics ranging from coffee's effects on athletic performance to the development of shelf-stable protein bars. Collaborations include the Foods for Health and Well-Being group. No specific awards are listed, but his work contributes to advancing food science education and nutritional health applications.
Frederico Castelo Ferreira is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. His primary affiliation is with the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IST/IBB). He holds a dual focus on academic research and industrial collaboration, with expertise in bioengineering, bioprocess development, and biomaterials. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Imperial College London), postdoctoral training at Imperial College London and Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and MIT-Portugal Program involvement. Research: Specializes in sustainable biofuels, advanced separations in pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials for tissue engineering. Key projects include membrane-based systems for biofuel production, stem cell microenvironment engineering, and electroconductive scaffolds for neural and bone regeneration. Awards: 1st Prize for Knowledge Valorization (2008), Technology Venture Fellowship (2006). Activities: Founded the Portuguese Young Chemists Group, organized the 1st Portuguese Young Chemists Meeting (2007), and contributed to initiatives like CoHiTec 2008-2013. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on biomaterials, bioprocesses, and tissue engineering. Teaching: Teaches courses in Bioentrepreneurship, Bioengineering Topics, and Advanced Biomaterials at the graduate level.
Dr. Ricardo Del Sol Abascal is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences at Swansea University, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. He leads research in microbial genetics, focusing on bacterial genome analysis and protein nanocage applications for drug delivery. His work explores how microbes interact with environments, particularly Streptomyces species and insect microbiomes. Teaching contributions include modules on molecular biology techniques, genome analysis, and gene manipulation. He mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervising research projects in bioinformatics, microbial genomics, and synthetic biology. Key research areas include bacterial symbiont interactions, RNA interference mechanisms in insects, and Streptomyces developmental biology. His lab investigates stress responses, antibiotic production regulation, and bacterial cell division processes. Publications span topics like symbiotic bacteria colonization dynamics, probiotic consortium genomics, and Dps protein biochemistry. Collaborations with institutions worldwide highlight his interdisciplinary approach to microbiology and biotechnology.
