Francesca Ghiretti is a researcher at the Department of War Studies , King’s College London, affiliated with the Centre of Grand Strategy under the School of Security Studies . Her work spans economic security, geoeconomics, and the intersection of trade with international relations. PhD in War Studies (King’s College London) with a thesis on Chinese FDI securitization in the EU Holds the Leverhulme Scholarship and Outstanding Thesis Award Research interests focus on EU-China relations, foreign direct investments, and securitization theory, with a particular emphasis on Italy-China dynamics and the Belt and Road Initiative. Her publications highlight trends in Western economic security strategies, regulatory frameworks for FDI, and China's expanding geopolitical influence through infrastructure and trade. Key scientific recognitions include the Leverhulme Scholarship and Outstanding Thesis Award. She has contributed extensively to policy debates on EU-China relations and economic coercion mechanisms.
Dr. Ardalan Sameti is a researcher at UNSW Sydney with expertise spanning strategy (business & marketing strategies), branding, new product development, integrated marketing communication, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, and innovation management. Holding a PhD in Business from Macquarie University (2021) and two MBAs in marketing management (2011) and strategic management (2014), he combines academic rigor with practical industry experience. His research focuses on the intersection of product development and strategic decision-making, examining creative outcomes in professional settings, change agent selection procedures, and methods for improving human resource management service quality. With 11 journal articles published between 2015 and 2025, his work appears in journals like Technovation , Journal of Product & Brand Management , and Leadership & Organization Development Journal . Scientific Awards: Nominated for UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Awards (2025) Professional Memberships: Product Development & Management Association (PDMA) Australian Innovation Management Institute (AIMI) Certified Practicing Marketer, Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Design Institute of Australia (DIA) His work integrates academic research with industry applications, particularly in marketing roles across various organizations. He has received the International Research Training Program (IRTP) Scholarship from the Australian Government (2017) and maintains active collaborations with researchers like Amir Mashhady, Hamid Khalili, and Susan Koslow.
Mirsad Karic, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the International University of Sarajevo , the top private university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His research focuses on political systems, electoral dynamics, political theories, and the intersection of Islam with governance structures. He holds a Political Science degree from the International Islamic University in Malaysia , complementing his expertise in multicultural and transnational political frameworks. Dr. Karic’s work emphasizes Electoral systems and gender representation Balkan geopolitics and regional cooperation Post-Dayton Bosnia’s institutional challenges Cosmopolitanism and global risk frameworks His research portfolio includes analyses of urban-rural voting patterns, Bosnian students’ perceptions of Turkey, and the role of consociationalism in post-war governance. He has contributed to policy papers, book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles on these topics. Dr. Karic’s work bridges theoretical political science with practical governance challenges, particularly in multiethnic societies and transitioning democracies.
Dr. Julia Höhler is an Associate Professor in Agricultural and Food Economics at Wageningen University & Research , specializing in behavioral economics, cooperatives, and sustainability within food supply chains. She holds a PhD from Justus Liebig University (Giessen, Germany), with postdoctoral research at the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and visiting periods at the Swedish Agricultural University. Her research focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, stakeholder decision-making under risk, and cooperative organizational dynamics. Key projects include Horizon Europe initiatives C4B (bio-based business models) and UP-RISE. She co-founded the Open Science Community Wageningen to promote transparency in research methods. Recent publications explore topics like ESG performance in agri-food firms, insect protein production economics, and farmer risk preferences across 11 European countries. Her work bridges behavioral insights with policy design, emphasizing stakeholder participation in experimental policymaking frameworks. Dr. Höhler actively participates in interdisciplinary teams addressing food security, climate mitigation strategies, and supply chain resilience amid global crises like the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She also investigates digitalization trends and media representation of agricultural innovations.
David Stebbins is a political scientist at the RAND Corporation and a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. He also serves as the associate director for research support for RAND's Forecasting Initiative (RFI), where he leads research on transnational criminal organizations, foreign terrorist organizations, intelligence policy, emerging technologies, and soft-power influence. His work supports various U.S. government agencies, including those within the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and Special Operations Forces (SOF). Ph.D. in Conflict Resolution, George Mason University M.A. in International Affairs, Columbia University (focus: international security policy, conflict resolution) B.A. in Social Science, Castleton State College Stebbins’ research interests span intelligence community dynamics , counterterrorism , violent extremism , and the impact of emerging technologies on national security. He has deep regional expertise in the Middle East , with working proficiency in Arabic and extensive knowledge of extremist networks in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region. His recent work explores AI applications in intelligence , personnel vetting reform , and forecasting models for geopolitical risk . His 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on intelligence policy , security clearance processes , emerging technological threats , and military decision-making . Themes include bias mitigation in intelligence, AI-augmented battlefield analysis, and the risks of AI in chemical and biological warfare. His work combines rigorous policy analysis with practical frameworks for government implementation. Scientific Contributions and Awards: Developed the RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism , widely used by community-based programs. Authored influential reports on defense institution building, personnel vetting, and ISR effectiveness. Regular contributor to RAND’s commentary and expert insights on homeland security and extremism. Stebbins advises on multiple national security grants and policy initiatives, particularly in intelligence reform and counterterrorism. He has collaborated with agencies including the DoD, DHS, and the Senate Judiciary Committee. His military background as an Infantry Combat Medic in the Vermont Army National Guard informs his operational understanding of defense challenges. He has led teams within RAND’s Forecasting Initiative and contributed to major research programs on extremism, AI, and security policy. His future work is expected to focus on AI ethics in national security , resilience against disinformation , and modernizing intelligence collection .
Nezih Altay serves as Professor and Director of the MS in Supply Chain Management Program within the Department of Management & Entrepreneurship at DePaul University's Driehaus College of Business. He maintains international research affiliations as a Resilience Research Fellow at Delft University of Technology and research partner at Kühne Logistics University's Research Institute on Leadership and Operations in Humanitarian Aid, while continuing his relationship with Hanken School of Economics as a HumLog Institute Research Affiliate. His academic credentials include: PhD in Operations Management, Texas A&M University (2001) MBA, University of Texas Pan American (1996) BS in Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, Turkey (1993) Altay's research centers on humanitarian supply chains, disruption management, and after-sale service operations, addressing critical challenges in disaster response systems and vulnerable population support. His work bridges theoretical operations management with practical humanitarian applications, emphasizing resilience building and ethical considerations in crisis contexts through frameworks like coping strategies and ambidextrous organization design. Recent publications (2022-2025) show intensified focus on pandemic resilience, migrant flow logistics, and generative AI applications for social good, while maintaining core themes in disruption management and humanitarian innovation. His research increasingly integrates advanced analytics with field-based evidence from crises in Turkey, Greece, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Major recognitions include: Academic/Research Accomplishment Award from American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) (2019) Fulbright-Hanken Chair in Business and Economics (2021) Altay has directed DePaul's MS in Supply Chain Management program while teaching executives, MBA, and undergraduate students since 1999. His Fulbright Grant enabled significant collaboration with HumLog Institute, and editorial leadership includes co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Humanitarian Logistics & Supply Chain Management and senior editor of Production and Operations Management. International research partnerships drive his work through Delft University's resilience initiatives, Kühne Logistics University's leadership institute, and Hanken's HumLog Institute, creating a global network for humanitarian operations research with field studies across multiple continents.
Tarun Patel is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University (SMU). He earned his PhD in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business (2020) and a BBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business (2010). His research spans corporate finance, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and political frictions in financial markets. PhD: University of Washington (2020) BBA: University of Georgia (2010) His research investigates critical topics such as: - The impact of political polarization on corporate mergers and employee dynamics - Taxation-driven shifts in corporate payout policies - Conflicts of interest in investment advisory commissions - Brokerage firm ownership in IPOs and analyst credibility The trends in his research include analyzing political influences on financial decisions, tax optimization strategies, and institutional conflicts in capital markets. Notable findings include evidence that political polarization reduces cross-party mergers and increases employee turnover, while higher state taxes incentivize share repurchases over dividends. PhD Forum Prize for best paper, Australasian Finance and Banking Conference (2019) HOPE Teaching Award Nominee (2024) He has presented his work at leading conferences and institutions, including the American Finance Association Meetings (2023), European Finance Association Meetings (2023), and universities such as National University of Singapore, University of Texas at Dallas, and Singapore Management University. His work addresses both theoretical and practical challenges in corporate governance, taxation, and regulatory compliance.
Maarten Loonen is an Associate Professor in Arctic and Antarctic Studies at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Arts, with a dual appointment at Campus Friesland. He serves as the station manager of the Netherlands Polar Station on Spitsbergen (http://www.poolstation.nl), where he conducts critical research on Arctic ecosystems. His academic journey includes earning a BKO basic qualification in education from the University of Groningen in 2017. Loonen's research focuses on Arctic ecology with particular expertise in geese, reindeer, arctic foxes, polar bears, terns, grass ecosystems, and bird migration patterns. His work is highly relevant to understanding climate change impacts in polar regions, with his research fingerprint showing strong connections to goose studies, barnacle geese, Branta species, goslings, spring ecology, reindeer, breeding sites, and flyways. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach, spanning ecology, climate science, geospatial analysis, and environmental education. These works collectively reveal trends in Arctic environmental change, migration pattern shifts, technological applications in polar research, and historical human impacts on Arctic ecosystems. His research output shows increasing integration of technology like machine learning with traditional ecological field studies. Officer of the order of Orange Nassau (2021) Member of the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research (2014) Loonen actively contributes to numerous international committees including as Chair of the NyAlesund Science Managers Committee (since 2016), the Bird Assessment Committee for Schiphol airport, and the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Bird Protection Society. He has served as Dutch representative to CAFF (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna) since 2000. His work spans academic research, policy advising, and public engagement on Arctic issues, with significant media presence discussing climate change impacts in polar regions. His leadership extends to managing the Netherlands Polar Station on Spitsbergen and organizing scientific expeditions to Svalbard. Through these roles, he coordinates international research efforts and facilitates access to critical Arctic research infrastructure for scientists from multiple countries.
Vinod Singhal is the Charles W. Brady Chair Professor of Operations Management at the Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology. He has held editorial roles at top-tier journals including Departmental Editor at Production and Operations Management and Associate Editor at Management Science , and serves on the Academic Advisory Board of the European School of Management and Technology (Germany). Education Ph.D. in Operations Management (University of Rochester, 1988) M.S. in Operations Research (University of Rochester, 1984) MBA in Operations Management (Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, 1981) B.E. in Mechanical Engineering (Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani, 1979) Singhal's research focuses on the impact of operations decisions on financial performance, with significant contributions in supply chain disruptions, total quality management (TQM), and corporate sustainability. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, US Department of Labor, and Sloan Foundation, and has been cited over 200 times in practitioner publications like The Economist and Business Week . Recent publications analyze topics like the bullwhip effect, supply chain ethics, and environmental policies' market impacts. His research methodology combines empirical analysis with case studies and industry surveys. Teaching & Leadership Winner of MBA-level teaching awards Former Associate Dean of MBA Programs Coordinator for M.S. Major in Management International workshops in 9 countries With prior industry experience at General Motors Research Labs, Singhal bridges academic research and practical implementation, particularly in manufacturing strategy and activity-based costing systems.
Dr. Stewart Firth is a Research Fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University. With a career spanning decades, he has taught at the University of Papua New Guinea, University of Hawaii, and served as Professor of Politics at the University of the South Pacific (1998-2004). His academic work focuses on the political dynamics of Pacific Island states, with particular emphasis on post-colonial governance structures. BA (Hons), University of Sydney MA (Hons), Australian National University D.Phil, University of Oxford Research interests center on small island states, colonial legacies, and democratic processes in Oceania. His fingerprint analysis reveals significant engagement with Fiji (77%), Solomon Islands (48%), Melanesian studies (38%), and Nauru (25%). Recent publications examine contemporary issues like China-Samoa debt dynamics, Australian detention policies in Nauru, and Pacific military takeovers. His work intersects with 12 similar profiles across institutions, highlighting collaborative regional research networks. Projects include the Pacific Literacy Course (2017-2018) and Pacific Information Service (2006-2008), demonstrating long-term commitment to regional education and research infrastructure.
Jan Stentoft is a Professor in the Department of Business and Sustainability at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), specializing in Supply Chain Management with a focus on practical applications for Danish businesses. His work bridges academic research and industry implementation, particularly with small and medium-sized enterprises across Denmark. Based at the Kolding campus, he maintains an active research profile with over 380 publications and extensive collaboration with Danish manufacturing firms. Stentoft's research concentrates on critical contemporary supply chain challenges including Supply Chain Resilience, Industry 4.0 integration, Cybersecurity applications, and Sales & Operations Planning. His fingerprint analysis reveals strong expertise in Supply Chain Management (100%), Danish business contexts (73%), Industry dynamics (61%), and SME-focused supply chain solutions (26%). He examines how technological innovations impact manufacturing relocation decisions, supply chain risk management, and business continuity in volatile geopolitical environments. His recent publication trends demonstrate a clear shift toward practical applications of supply chain theory, with increasing focus on pandemic-related disruptions, cybersecurity threats, and the implementation challenges of Industry 4.0 technologies. The research shows strong emphasis on behavioral aspects of supply chain management, recognizing that successful implementation depends as much on human factors as technological capabilities. Danish manufacturing SMEs form the primary empirical basis for his work, creating regionally relevant but globally applicable insights. Stentoft actively engages with industry through numerous consulting projects and media appearances, with nearly 500 press mentions. He has led multiple significant research projects including the active Cybersikkerhed og Forretningskontinuitet project running through February 2026, examining cybersecurity and business continuity in Danish manufacturing SMEs. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Supply Chain Resilience, Operations Management, and System Implementation in SMEs. With 47 teaching activities documented, he maintains strong connections between his research and educational offerings, ensuring students receive current, practice-oriented knowledge directly applicable to contemporary business challenges.
Ahmed Elsayed is an Associate Professor in Economics and Finance at Durham University Business School, where he contributes to the Ethical Finance, Accountability and Governance (EFAG) centre. He holds fellowships with the SDGs Network, Economic Research Forum, and Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. His research focuses on financial market dynamics with specialization in emerging economies. Elsayed's primary research examines FinTech innovations, cryptocurrency markets, and sustainable finance frameworks. He investigates volatility transmission mechanisms in global financial systems and Islamic banking practices. His work analyzes how geopolitical events and oil price fluctuations impact financial stability in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on financial contagion effects, with increasing attention to sustainable markets and green finance. His methodological approach combines econometric modeling of regime-switching behaviors with quantitative analysis of spillover effects across commodity, cryptocurrency, and traditional financial markets. He advises graduate students including Muchammad Affandi and Nurul Abd Razak, guiding research in financial market integration and risk transmission phenomena. His laboratory focuses on developing empirical frameworks for assessing financial stability in dual banking systems.
Professor Nejat Anbarci is a distinguished academic in Economic Theory, Behavioral Economics, and Political Economy at Durham University's Business School. He holds a PhD from the University of Iowa (1988) and has taught at U.S. universities until 2008, followed by roles in Australia before joining Durham in 2018. His research focuses on bargaining solutions, game-theoretic models, and applications to real-world issues like corruption, climate impacts, and sports economics. Education: PhD in Economics from the University of Iowa (1988). Research interests span experimental economics, institutional design, and public policy. Notable contributions include studies on arbitration mechanisms, loss aversion in professional sports, and the political consequences of natural disasters. His work often bridges theoretical models with empirical analysis, addressing societal challenges through economic frameworks. Publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach, with recent work exploring AI-driven dispute resolution, evolutionary game models on hypergraphs, and the economic implications of climate events. His research has appeared in top journals like the Quarterly Journal of Economics, Management Science, and Games and Economic Behavior. Advising and grants: No specific advisees or grants listed in available texts. His work emphasizes collaborative research with international scholars, reflecting his global academic network. Labs/teams: No formal lab affiliations mentioned, though collaboration with peers on projects like earthquake fatality analysis and sports performance studies suggests active participation in interdisciplinary teams.
Assoc. Professor Leah Gibbs is an environmental and cultural geographer at the University of Wollongong, holding dual appointments in the School of Geography and Sustainable Communities and the School of Social Sciences. She holds a PhD from the Australian National University and has held academic roles since 2010, including postdoctoral fellowships at the Universities of Glasgow and Sheffield. Her research focuses on environmental governance, human-shark encounters, and freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and Indigenous knowledges. Leah's work explores mechanisms of environmental damage through colonialism and governance, while also investigating cultural practices that foster human-nature connections. Key projects include the 'Fish Futures' initiative on freshwater ecosystems and the 'City+Sea' collaboration examining coastal urbanization. She has secured significant funding from bodies like the Australian Research Council and New Zealand's MBIE, totaling over 29 grants since 2014. Leah has supervised numerous PhD students, with current advisees researching topics like eel fisheries management and Aboriginal women’s cultural burning practices. Awards include multiple Writer-in-Residence fellowships and a nomination for the UOW OCTAL teaching award. She actively contributes to academic leadership roles, including editorial boards for cultural geographies and People and Nature , and governance roles at the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. Her research outputs span over 50 peer-reviewed articles and reports, addressing themes like shark hazard mitigation, climate change adaptation, and urban natures. Collaborations with artists and scientists highlight her commitment to transdisciplinary scholarship addressing global environmental challenges.
Scott Sigmund Gartner serves as the Provost of the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and holds an affiliate Professor position at Penn State's School of International Affairs. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Michigan, and dual M.A. and B.A. degrees (with honors) from the University of Chicago. His research focuses on national/international security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and conflict mediation. Key interests include policy assessment, military casualty politics, and international dispute resolution. Over 50 academic publications span political science, military intelligence, and public policy. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and others. Notable awards include the Jefferson Award and multiple reference/publication accolades. Current research projects address counter-terrorism strategies, military suicide, and casualty impact analysis. He regularly contributes op-eds to major outlets like The New York Times and is frequently featured in media discussions on national security topics.
