Cicek Cavdar is an Associate Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Sweden. She leads the Intelligent Network Systems research group and specializes in Telecommunication Networks , with a focus on Beyond 5G/6G Mobile Networks , Energy Efficiency , and AI-Assisted Network Management . PhD in Computer Science (2009) from University of California, Davis and Istanbul Technical University Her research spans Cell-Free Massive MIMO , Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) , UAV Communication Systems , and Green Network Technologies . She actively contributes to 6G Network Architecture and Non-Terrestrial Networks , including satellite and aerial systems. Recent publications highlight AI-driven network optimization for handover management, energy-aware resource allocation , and multi-agent reinforcement learning in complex communication environments. She teaches advanced courses in Communication Systems , Machine Learning , and Software Engineering at KTH.
Professor Mohammad FARD is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Engineering, specializing in Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems. He leads research in autonomous vehicles, crash safety, and driver monitoring using AI. His industry experience includes six years at Nissan Technical Centre, focusing on vehicle body design. He holds a PhD from Tohoku University and has collaborated across Engineering, Health, and Science disciplines, achieving international media coverage for work on driver drowsiness and road safety. Research Interests: Autonomous Vehicles Advanced Crash Safety Driver State Monitoring AI in Noise/Vibration Human Factors/Ergonomics Teaching & Projects: Teaches Advanced CAE, Vehicle NVH, and research supervision in areas like crash simulation and vibration control. Current projects include Formula One safety barriers and driver education for autonomous vehicles. Awards & Labs: No awards listed. Active in cross-disciplinary teams and labs addressing automotive innovation and safety.
Antony Franklin is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), India. He leads the Networked Wireless Systems (NeWS) Lab and is actively involved in 5G research, wireless networks, and cybersecurity. He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Madras in 2010. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras, 2010 Research Interests: His research spans wireless networks , 5G systems , mobile edge computing , low-latency transport protocols , and cybersecurity . He focuses on next-generation mobile systems, especially 5G, aiming to meet the demands of ultra-low latency, high data rates, and quality of experience for services like IoT, autonomous driving, and VR. He has been involved in developing testbeds and prototypes to validate real-world performance of 5G technologies, including network slicing, LTE-WiFi integration, and edge computing. Scientific Awards: Best Academic Demo Award, IEEE COMSNETS 2018 Second Best Paper Award, IEEE ANTS 2017 Grants & Projects: Network Slice Life-cycle Management for 5G Mobile Networks – SPARC, MHRD (2019–2021) DNS/IPv6 for IoT Security – NASSCOM (2018–2019) CCRAN: Energy Efficiency in Cloud RAN – Intel India (2018–2021) End-to-End 5G Test-Bed – DoT, GoI (2018–2021) M2SMART Smart Cities – SATREPS (2018–2023) Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Protocols – STINT, Sweden (2017–2018) Low Latency 5G Protocols – SERB ECR (2016–2019) Lab & Team: He leads the NeWS Lab (Networked Wireless Systems) at IITH, which focuses on 5G, wireless networks, and IoT systems. The lab is actively involved in developing real-world testbeds and publishing in top-tier conferences and journals.
Dr. Ismail Guvenc is a Full Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. He holds an IEEE Fellowship and is a Senior Member of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors. His research focuses on 5G/6G wireless systems, UAV communications, heterogeneous networks, and spectrum management. He leads the NSF AERPAW project and serves as the NC State Site Director for the NSF BWAC I/UCRC center. Dr. Guvenc has authored/co-edited four books and holds over 30 U.S. patents. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida (2006) Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico (2003) Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Bilkent University, Turkey (2001) Research Interests: Dr. Guvenc’s work spans UAV communication systems, 5G/6G networks, spectrum sensing, and machine learning for network optimization. He emphasizes experimental validation through platforms like AERPAW, focusing on drone-based networks, radio dynamic zones, and testbed-driven innovation. His contributions address challenges in UAV localization, interference management, and energy-efficient networks. Grants & Leadership: PI and Director of NSF AERPAW (2019–Present) NC State Site Director for NSF BWAC I/UCRC (2019–Present) Recipient of NSF CAREER Award (2015) and NC State Faculty Scholar Award (2021) Publications & Awards: He has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to standardization efforts. His awards include the R. Ray Bennett Faculty Fellow Award (2019) and the USF Outstanding Dissertation Award (2006). Labs & Teams: Dr. Guvenc directs research in the ECE’s wireless communications group, leveraging AERPAW’s experimental capabilities to advance UAV networks and 6G technologies. His team collaborates with industry and government on spectrum policy and autonomous systems.
Aeli Roberts is a Professorial Teaching Fellow at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, specializing in sustainability, health and safety, and sustainable construction practices. She is a member of BSSC's Centre for Sustainable Governance and Law in the Built Environment, a partnership between UCL and Gatehouse Chambers. Her educational background includes a diverse range of qualifications: PhD from Open University (2004), Bar Vocational Course from BPP Law School (2005), BSc in Construction Management from University College London (2003), MSc from Royal Holloway (1988), BSc from Royal Holloway (1986), and Higher National Diploma from Camberwell College of Art (1990). Initially trained as a chemist, she worked in industry and taught material science to conservation students before transitioning to construction management. Roberts' research focuses on integrating green space within urban environments for environmental and social benefits, health and safety in construction, and sustainable building practices. Her work examines sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which employ 85% of UK construction workers, and explores architect-client interactions for sustainable domestic construction. She has conducted comparative studies of health, safety, and well-being in UK and Hong Kong construction industries. Her publication record shows a strong focus on operational failure mitigation, knowledge transfer for safety culture, and the role of building control in sustainable construction. Recent work emphasizes climate change impacts on construction, wellbeing in the industry, and sustainable design integration. Her research bridges academic theory with practical application in the construction sector. Scientific Awards: Significant contributions serving the Design Futures Council's London and Cambridge Think Tank (2012) Roberts has held teaching positions across multiple subject areas including materials science, law, and sustainability. She has developed a third-year module on built asset management, emphasizing the importance of post-occupancy building performance. Her teaching philosophy connects historical building conservation with contemporary sustainability challenges, particularly in the context of upgrading existing housing stock to meet carbon reduction targets. She has been involved in collaborative research projects with organizations including the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), focusing on eco-design training for the construction supply chain. Her work with the CIC 2050 Group demonstrates engagement with industry-wide sustainability initiatives.
Prof. Liam Murphy is a Full Professor of Computer Science & Informatics at University College Dublin (UCD) and Director of the Performance Engineering Laboratory. He holds a B.E. from UCD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. His research focuses on performance engineering of networks, software systems, and multimedia transmissions. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and is an IEEE member and Fellow of the Irish Computer Society. Education: B.E. in Electrical Engineering, UCD (1985) M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences, UC Berkeley (1988, 1992) Research Interests: Dynamic resource allocation in networks Cloud computing efficiency Software performance engineering Wireless multimedia systems Quality of Service (QoS) optimization Recent work emphasizes energy-efficient cloud workflows, multi-objective data center optimization, and decentralized traffic simulation. Grants & Awards: Fellow of the Irish Computer Society (2007) Conference Paper Awards (2004, 2002, 2001) Principal Investigator in multiple funded projects (e.g., EU-funded traffic simulation, cloud resource allocation) Advising & Labs: Directed 24 Ph.D. and 8 M.Sc. students. Leads the Performance Engineering Laboratory (PEL), focusing on distributed systems, cloud efficiency, and network performance. Collaborates on industry-relevant projects like crovan (UCD/DCU campus company). Teaching: Coordinates courses on computer science fundamentals, distributed systems performance, and software engineering at UCD.
Dr. Sheryl Staub-French is a Professor and Head (Pro Tem) in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Applied Science. She directs the BIM TOPiCS Lab, focusing on digital delivery methods for sustainable construction using BIM. Her research spans over 100 publications in BIM, VDC, and collaboration frameworks. She previously served as Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), advancing inclusive practices in engineering education. She holds a BS from Santa Clara University and MS/PhD from Stanford University. Her research interests include BIM implementation challenges, design coordination, 4D visualization, and sustainable construction innovation. She teaches courses like CIVL 300 (Construction Engineering), CIVL 426 (Virtual Design and Construction), and advanced BIM topics. Her lab collaborates with industry/government to develop BIM guidelines and tools. Notable projects include UBC’s Brock Commons Tall Wood Building and studies on IPD adoption barriers in Canada. Her work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing digital transformation and EDI. She has pioneered BIM-based methods for facility management and energy modeling, addressing gaps in information quality and handover processes. Her contributions span policy development, tool innovation, and educational reforms to enhance construction sector efficiency and inclusivity.
Serkut Ayvasik is a Researcher at the Chair of Communication Networks at Technical University Munich (TUM). He joined TUM in March 2019 as a research and teaching associate, following his M.Sc. in Communications Engineering (2019) and B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (2016) from Middle East Technical University. His research focuses on: Wireless Network Resource Management for heterogeneous latency-critical 5G applications Channel State Information Prediction using depth images Network Slicing and Quality of Service optimization Machine Learning for proactive network configuration Telemedicine Applications in cross-border communication Key article trends include 5G/6G technology , IoT sustainability , digital twins , and haptic feedback systems . He contributes to IEEE and ACM journals, with recent work on Digiot (2025) and OCTOPUS (2024). Collaborations include researchers like Wolfgang Kellerer (Chair), Edwin Babaians , Alba Jano , and Fidan Mehmeti . His work spans projects such as 6G Future Lab Bavaria , DFG GGI QCDE , and ERC FlexNets .
Jukka Manner is a Full Professor (tenured) of Networking Technology at Aalto University's Department of Communications and Networking (Comnet), School of Electrical Engineering. With a career spanning over two decades in internet technologies, he leads research in networking, wireless systems, and energy-efficient ICT solutions. Dr. Manner received his MSc (1999) and PhD (2004) degrees in computer science from the University of Helsinki. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to internet standardization through the IETF since 1999, where he served as co-chair of the NSIS working group. Professor Manner's research focuses on networking, software and distributed systems, with particular emphasis on wireless and mobile networks, transport protocols, energy efficient ICT and cyber security. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications, addressing critical challenges in modern communication systems, sustainable networking practices, and security frameworks. His research group has made significant contributions to 5G technologies, UAV communications, and energy-efficient network design. His extensive publication record shows a clear evolution toward sustainability in networking technologies, with recent work focusing on energy efficiency in 5G systems, sustainable web technologies, and the environmental impact of digital infrastructure. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between telecommunications engineering, computer science, and environmental science, with particular emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of digital systems while maintaining performance. Cross of Merit, Signals (2014) Medal for Military Merits for contributions in national defence and C4 (2015) Professor Manner has supervised over 200 MSc theses and more than 20 doctoral dissertations, establishing himself as a dedicated mentor in the field. He has been principal investigator and project manager for over 15 national and international research projects, including serving as Academic Coordinator for the Finnish Future Internet research programme (2008-2012). His leadership extends to conference organization, having served as local co-chair of Sigcomm 2012 in Helsinki, and active participation as a peer reviewer and member of various Technical Program Committees. As an active contributor to internet standardization through the IETF, Professor Manner's work has practical impact on global networking technologies. His research group maintains strong connections with industry partners and participates in shaping future networking standards and practices, particularly in the areas of sustainable networking, 5G evolution, and security frameworks for emerging technologies.
Guy Hoffman is Associate Professor and Associate Director of Undergraduate Affairs at Cornell University's Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He holds faculty appointments in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Information Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Hoffman earned his Ph.D. in Human-Robot Interaction from MIT and M.Sc. in Computer Science from Tel Aviv University. His research explores computational, design, and social aspects of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), with focus areas including: Embodied cognition for social robots Anticipation and timing in HRI Nonverbal behavior in human-robot collaboration Robotics for performing arts Non-anthropomorphic robot design Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work spanning social robotics, adaptive interfaces, inclusive design, and AI education. Recent articles explore shadow-based interaction privacy, emotional conveyance through shape-changing interfaces, and cultural aspects of robot morphology. Major recognitions include: Andrew P. Sage Best Transactions Paper Award (IEEE, 2020) Dennis G. Shepherd Teaching Award (Cornell, 2019) Best Paper Award, IEEE/ACM HRI Conference (2015) His research group develops robotic platforms like Blossom and investigates human-robot collaboration in workspaces, inclusive play for children with mixed abilities, and open-source educational tools for AI literacy.
Noura Limam is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo's Cheriton School of Computer Science. Her research spans network operations, with emphases on software-defined networking (SDN), 5G/6G architectures, network security, and autonomous network management. Recent work focuses on AI-driven solutions for encrypted traffic analysis, network slicing security, and satellite communication systems. She develops frameworks like Monarch for network slice monitoring and 5Guard for secure slicing. Contributions include blockchain-assisted authentication protocols, meta-reinforcement learning for threat mitigation, and novel handover mechanisms for non-terrestrial networks. Her publications demonstrate consistent innovation in making networks more adaptive, secure, and efficient.
Taskin Padir is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University and concurrently serves as an Amazon Scholar. He holds a PhD and MS from Purdue University and a BS from Middle East Technical University. His research focuses on experiential robotics, human-robot teaming, and embodied AI, with leadership roles in the Robotics and Intelligent Vehicles Research Laboratory (RIVeR Lab) and the Institute for Experiential Robotics. Padir has led projects for DARPA, NASA, and industry partners, advancing autonomous systems for extreme environments and human-robot collaboration. Education: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (2004) MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University (1997) BS, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Middle East Technical University (1993) Research Interests: Shared autonomy and human-in-the-loop robotics Embodied artificial intelligence Human-robot teaming in extreme environments (e.g., space, disaster zones) Collaborative robotics for industrial applications His work bridges robotics, AI, and real-world challenges, with recent projects addressing seafood processing automation, robotic navigation in unstructured terrains, and spectroscopy-based environmental monitoring. Awards: Recipient of the 2024 Faculty Research Team Award, 2023 Impact Award, and 2022 Amazon Scholar distinction. His research has been funded by NSF, DARPA, NASA, and industry collaborators like Amazon Robotics and Intel. Labs: Director of the RIVeR Lab and Institute for Experiential Robotics, fostering interdisciplinary research in autonomous systems and intelligent vehicles. Current projects include CRISP (Co-worker Robots for Seafood Processing) and PROSPECT (robotic spectroscopy tools).
Professor James Scanlan is a Professor of Design within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton. He leads research in design, logistics, simulation, and optimization, focusing on aerospace systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). His work is funded by BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and the EPSRC. Previously, he held roles at BAe Systems and the University of the West of England, completing a PhD on aerospace design process modeling. He has launched a spin-off business commercializing design process research. Education: MSc in Aerospace Design (Salford University), PhD in Computer Modeling of Aerospace Design (University of the West of England). Research groups include the Computational Engineering and Design Group and the Centre for Defence and Security Research. External roles include membership in the US National Science Foundation and European Programme Committee for Value Driven Design. Teaching: Leads MSc courses in aerospace IGDS. Awards: 2008 Rolls-Royce R&T award for Creativity. Personal interests include squash, flying Piper Warrior aircraft, and BBC interviews on UAV civil applications.
Professor Qing Cao is Professor, Director of Studies, and Director of the Centre for Comparative Modernities at Durham University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures. His research examines Chinese media, communication, and modern intellectual history through three interconnected strands: the role of media in China's modernization, the impact of media language on social perceptions, and mutual China-West representations shaping identity politics. His research interests encompass China's modern intellectual history, Chinese politics, mass media dynamics, Western reporting on China, Chinese linguistics, and translation studies. Current projects include a book on Chinese state media's construction of alternative modernity and editorial work for the Routledge Research Encyclopaedia on Chinese Studies. Previously funded by AHRC and British Academy, his work explores the discursive transformation of Chinese society. Professor Cao's publications demonstrate sustained focus on discursive constructions of modernity and identity across historical periods, with recent work examining late Qing intellectual transformations through linguistic analysis. His supervision includes PhD students researching Western media representations of China, diplomatic language, and gender discourses in Chinese newspapers.
Professor David Abbink is a Full Professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at Delft University of Technology, holding a joint appointment between the Department of Cognitive Robotics in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering since November 2023. He founded the Delft Haptics Lab and co-founded the Cognitive Robotics Department in 2017. Abbink leads the transdisciplinary research and innovation centre FRAIM, which was awarded the prestigious NWO Stevin Premie (Dutch Nobel Prize equivalent) in June 2024. Trained as a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics, Abbink's research focuses on human behavior adaptations when interacting with autonomous systems. He has published over a hundred scientific articles on human-robot interaction, haptics, shared control, tele-operation, driver assistance systems, and sensorimotor control. His research has been funded by industry partners (Nissan, Boeing, Renault), RVO (Brightsky project 2022-2026), and the Dutch Science Foundation NWO through personal grants (VENI 2010-2014, VIDI 2015-2019). Abbink's recent work centers on worker-robot relations as an academic focus, collaborating with organizations like Erasmus Medical Centre for nursing work, Schiphol and KLM for baggage handling, and KLM Engine Repair Services for maintenance work. He also serves as scientific director for the Centre for Meaningful Human Control, launched in October 2024. His work bridges engineering, social sciences, and practical applications to responsibly shape the future of work with emerging robotic capabilities. NWO Stevin Premie (2024) Best IEEE SMC journal paper on Cybernetics (2019) Top 25 scientific talents according to New Scientist (2015) Best teacher of Faculty 3mE (2013, 2014) Best teacher of Department of BioMechanical Engineering (seven consecutive years) Abbink has supervised over 110 MSc students and 11 PhD students. His educational contributions include developing the Master Programme in Robotics at TU Delft and receiving international recognition for his course 'The Human Controller.' He is also a prominent science communicator, featured on national television, radio, and major Dutch newspapers, and has delivered lectures at venues like The Royal Institution and Lowlands Festival. Despite his academic commitments, Abbink maintains a drummer persona, having recorded four albums and performed over 400 shows across three continents between 1999-2014.
