Professor Mary Fewtrell is a leading academic at University College London , holding the Professorship of Paediatric Nutrition within the Population, Policy & Practice Department. With a medical background from Oxford and Cambridge, she specializes in infant nutrition, bone health, and growth determinants. Her work bridges clinical practice and policy development, particularly in complementary feeding guidelines. Doctor of Medicine (University of Cambridge, 2000) MBBS (University of Oxford, 1986) MA (University of Cambridge, 1986) BA (University of Cambridge, 1983) Her research focuses on: Nutritional programming of bone health in children Methodological aspects of body composition measurement Human lactation and infant formula design Complementary feeding practices Long-term health associations of early growth patterns Recent publications highlight her work on lactation support interventions, protein hydrolysate safety, and the impact of maternal factors on infant outcomes. She contributes to global nutrition guidelines and maintains active collaborations in clinical trials related to preterm infant feeding.
Dr. Darko Davitkov is a researcher at the Department of Diseases of Ruminants, Carnivores, Poultry and Game within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. His academic career spans various clinical and molecular research areas in veterinary medicine, with a focus on parasitic, infectious, and systemic diseases in domestic and wild animals. Veterinary Internal Medicine Molecular Pathology Clinical Parasitology Equine Infectious Diseases Canine Hematology Wildlife Forensic Genetics His research has produced significant publications in journals like Parasites & Vectors and Veterinary Journal , covering topics from DNA-based species identification to oxidative stress in infected animals. While no explicit awards are listed, his work includes book authorship and collaborations on complex clinical cases involving rare diseases and parasitic interactions. Dr. Davitkov's recent work emphasizes parasitology, oxidative stress, and forensic applications in veterinary contexts.
Luigi De Napoli is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering at the University of Calabria's Engineering Faculty. He has been serving in this position since March 1, 2006, and achieved National Scientific qualification as associate in the Italian higher education system for the disciplinary field of 09/A3 - Industrial design, machine construction, and metallurgy, starting from December 20, 2019. His educational background includes a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calabria in 1993, followed by qualification as an Engineer in 1994. He completed his Ph.D. degree in Design and Methods in Industrial Engineering at the University of Bologna in 2003, with a thesis focused on the reconstruction of archaeological artifacts using CAD systems. High school: Liceo Scientifico Statale E. Fermi di Cosenza (1986) Bachelor Degree: Mechanical Engineering, University of Calabria (1993) Engineer Qualification (1994) Scholarship: ITIA-CNR in Milan on advanced FEM and BEM systems (1995/96) Ph.D.: Design and Methods in Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna (2003) Dr. De Napoli's research primarily focuses on Reverse Engineering applications in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design and Development, and Virtual Prototyping. His work spans various applications including the reconstruction of archaeological artifacts, geometry inspection, hull and prosthesis reconstruction, and sustainable product design methodologies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on biomedical applications, particularly in cranial prosthetics, tissue engineering, and ovarian tissue culture systems. His teaching portfolio is extensive, covering courses such as Computer-Aided Design, Sustainable Product Design, Engineering Drawing/CAD, and Modeling and Prototyping for Bioengineering across both Mechanical and Management Engineering programs. He has been teaching CAD courses since 2010 and Sustainable Product Design since 2011 at the University of Calabria. Dr. De Napoli is actively involved in the Research Group for Industrial Engineering Design and Methods (ING-IND/15), which focuses on methodologies and tools for product development processes, industrial product design and development (with particular attention to parametric and sustainable aspects), prototyping (virtual and mixed), and manufacturing using 3D printers. His work also encompasses Reverse Engineering techniques, User Centered Design methodologies for ergonomic analysis, and Virtual and Augmented Reality applications for industrial product design.
Besa Arifi is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Law, South East European University (SEEU), with over 15 years of academic experience in criminal law, criminology, and victims' rights. Her career spans roles as Coordinator for International Cooperation and Mobility (2015–present), former Head of SEEU's Human Rights Centre, and leadership in academic reform projects. PhD in Criminal Law Sciences (2007–2010), St. Cyril and Methodius University Master of Arts in Criminal Law and Criminology (2003–2006), St. Cyril and Methodius University Bachelor of Arts in Law (2000–2003), St. Cyril and Methodius University Her research bridges criminal law , cybercrime , and gender-based legal analysis , with a focus on restorative justice and counter-violent extremism strategies . Recent publications address blockchain-enabled corruption , hate crime drivers , and children's procedural rights . Arifi's scholarly output spans 15 years, covering hate speech regulation , domestic violence legislation , and digital forensics . She has collaborated with institutions like OSCE and UNDP on projects related to judicial independence and whistleblower protection in higher education.
Professor Ian David Hickson is a distinguished academic serving as Professor of Molecular Aging, Head of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and Theme Leader in the Center for Healthy Aging at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health Sciences. He also directs the DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, a major research center funded by a 65,000,000 DKK grant from the Danish National Research Foundation. Hickson's research focuses on understanding chromosomal instability and its impact on human disease, particularly cancer, neurodegeneration, and infertility. His laboratory pioneered the discovery of ultra-fine anaphase bridges (UFBs) and identified MiDAS (Mitotic DNA Synthesis), a process that completes DNA replication at difficult-to-replicate regions. His work combines protein biochemistry, molecular/cell biology, high-resolution imaging, and single-molecule biophysical techniques to study DNA metabolism and chromosome dynamics. The most recent publications demonstrate continued leadership in chromosome biology, with research spanning DNA topology, replication stress, chromosome mechanics, and the connection between DNA repair defects and cancer immunotherapy resistance. His work shows consistent focus on fundamental mechanisms of genome maintenance with clear implications for human disease. Fellow of the Royal Society (2010) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK) (2010) Member of EMBO (2011) ERC Advanced Grant recipient (2012) FEBS National Lecturer Award (2013) Professor Hickson has supervised over 40 PhD students who have gone on to prominent positions worldwide, including professors at major universities, group leaders at research institutes, and scientific officers in biotech companies. His laboratory has established international collaborations across Europe, the US, and Asia, particularly with Zhejiang University in China where he holds a Qiushi Guest Professorship. He actively participates in organizing major international conferences on DNA replication and chromosome stability.
Alison D. Gernand serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences within the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University. She maintains active affiliations with the Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH) and the Penn State Center for Women's Health Research, and is currently accepting new graduate students. Education: PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2011) MPH, University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston (2003) RD, University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston (2002) Research Focus: Dr. Gernand's work centers on micronutrient deficiencies—particularly vitamin D—and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. Her investigations span placental vascular development, biomarker concentration dynamics through plasma volume analysis, and adverse outcomes including fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. She maintains a strong emphasis on public health applications in resource-limited settings across low- and middle-income countries. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in available sources. Mentorship and Teaching: Actively supervises graduate researchers while teaching core courses including NUTR 451 (Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle), NUTR 456 (Community Nutrition), NUTR 511 (Maternal and Child Nutrition), and NUTR 583 (Nutritional Epidemiology). Her research program addresses critical gaps in maternal micronutrient interventions through ongoing grant-supported projects. Research Infrastructure: Leads the Micronutrient and Pregnancy Lab, leveraging institutional partnerships with CRBH and the Center for Women's Health Research to advance translational studies from bench to global implementation.
Dr Marcin W. Smietana is a Researcher in the Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Reproductive Sociology Research Group (ReproSoc). His work focuses on LGBTQ+ family formation through transnational surrogacy and adoption, integrating perspectives from queer theory, reproductive justice, and critical animal studies. Coordinates the 'Changing In/Fertilities' project (Wellcome Trust funded) on fertility behaviors among LGBTQ+ individuals Conducted EU-funded comparative studies on surrogacy in the U.S. and Spain Co-edited a special issue on 'Making Families: Transnational Surrogacy, Queer Kinship and Reproductive Justice' Current book project examines gay men's reproductive decision-making in transnational contexts His interdisciplinary research bridges sociology, queer theory, and critical animal studies, with emerging interests in queer ecologies and human-nonhuman reproduction relationships.
Janet Hoskins is Professor of Anthropology and Religion at the University of Southern California, where she has been on faculty since 1985. She previously held a professorship at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and has held numerous visiting appointments including at Stanford University, National University of Singapore, Kyoto University, and the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Anthropology, Harvard University, 1984 M.A. in Anthropology, Harvard University, 1982 B.A. in Anthropology, Pomona College, 1975 Hoskins' research explores several interconnected themes: indigenous representations of time and history, the relationship between gender, exchange and narrative, and colonial/postcolonial theory with specific focus on Caodaism. Her work bridges visual anthropology, material culture studies, and religious studies, examining how traditional practices adapt in transnational contexts. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Indonesia, Vietnam, and California, with additional research in Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on Vietnamese religious traditions, particularly Caodaism and Dao Mau, examining how these practices transform in diaspora contexts. Her work shows increasing attention to transpacific connections, religious syncretism, and the material dimensions of religious practice. She frequently analyzes how religious communities maintain identity while adapting to new cultural environments, with particular attention to ritual performance, spirit possession, and religious iconography. Honors and awards include: Harry J. Benda Prize for best book in Southeast Asian Studies National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship Residency at the Getty Center for Humanities and Arts President of the Society for the Anthropology of Religion Lee Kong Chian International Fellowship USC Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Recognition Award Hoskins has secured substantial research funding including multiple National Science Foundation grants, Luce Foundation awards, and Templeton Trust funding. She co-founded USC's Center for Transpacific Studies and has served as Graduate Advisor for Anthropology and Chair of the Anthropology Department. Her documentary films on Indonesian and Vietnamese religious practices have been widely distributed and screened at international festivals. She directs the Transnational Religion research project, which examines indigenous Vietnamese religions in both homeland and diaspora contexts. This work involves collaboration with scholars in Vietnam and the United States, with research sites in California's Vietnamese communities. The project has produced numerous publications, films, and digital resources documenting spirit possession rituals, religious architecture, and transnational religious networks.
Erin M. Runions is Professor and Nancy M. Lyon Professor of Biblical History and Literature in the Department of Religious Studies at Pomona College , where she has been a faculty member since 2005. Her academic work sits at the intersection of biblical scholarship, political theology, cultural studies, and critical theory. Her research focuses on the Hebrew Bible and its reception history , particularly how biblical interpretations shape contemporary ideologies around sexuality, race, biopolitics, governance, war, torture, and U.S. imperialism . She critically examines how scriptural narratives are mobilized in political discourse and cultural production, including film, law, and religious movements. Runions’s publications include The Babylon Complex: Theopolitical Fantasies of War, Sex, and Sovereignty (2014), How Hysterical: Identification and Resistance in the Bible and Film (2003), and Changing Subjects: Gender, Nation, Future in Micah (2001). Her recent articles analyze topics such as carceral affect, biblical biopolitics, and the theological implications of economic sacrifice during the pandemic. Her scholarship frequently draws on feminist, queer, poststructuralist, and psychoanalytic theories to interrogate power, identity, and subjectivity. Her most recent publications reveal a sustained engagement with the intersections of religion, affect, and political economy , particularly in carceral systems and pandemic responses. She explores how biblical language is used to justify or critique systems of control, often linking theological concepts to broader structures of capitalism and state violence. Her notable awards and honors include: Lilly Endowment, Wabash Center Grant (2008–2009) Lilly Endowment Summer Research Stipend (2007) Fonds pour la formation de chercheurs et l'aide à la recherche, Québec (Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2000–2002) She is actively involved in social justice, including facilitating a writing workshop in a women’s prison and advocating for environmental justice in Pomona. She has taught courses such as Queer Theory and the Bible , Gender and Religion , and The Bible Goes to Hollywood . She received her Ph.D. from McGill University and her B.A. from the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Anna-Viktoria Vittinghoff is a Lecturer in East Asian Studies at the University of Sheffield, School of Languages, Arts and Societies, a position she has held since August 2022. Her academic work focuses on the social history of modern Japan, with particular emphasis on the intersections of feminism, disability, and reproductive justice. Dr. Vittinghoff's educational background includes: B.A. in Japanese Studies and History of Art from Ludwig Maximilian University Munich M.Sc. in East Asian Relations from the University of Edinburgh Ph.D. in Japanese Studies from the University of Edinburgh Dr. Vittinghoff's research spans several interconnected fields within modern Japanese history. She specializes in the Disability movement in post-war Japan , the Ūman ribu (women's liberation) movement of the 1970s , and reproductive justice and politics in modern Japan . Her work critically examines the intersection of disability and gender within social activism , eugenics and anti-eugenics , and transnational networks of reproductive justice in East Asia . Additionally, she explores the Japanese student movement and the New Left , social order and bio-politics in Japan , and the global context of 1968 . Dr. Vittinghoff's recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the interplay between gender, disability, and social movements in modern Japan. Her work, including articles on the feminist student movement, radical feminism from the vantage point of disability, and feminist challenges to eugenics, demonstrates a deep engagement with intersectional analysis. The research spans from the post-war period through the 1970s and beyond, highlighting the emergence of disabled women's voices and anti-eugenics activism. Her forthcoming work on Tokoro Mitsuko further explores the personal dimensions of political activism in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Dr. Vittinghoff has been recognized with several prestigious awards and grants, including: Sarah Hyde Memorial Award 2019 for PhD research project Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Studentship (Sept 2018 – Sept 2020) Japan Foundation Endowment Committee Grant for conducting field work in Japan (March 2020) British Association for Japanese Studies John Crump Studentship 2021 University of Edinburgh College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Centre for Data, Culture and Society Small PhD Fund (May 2020) Dr. Vittinghoff is actively involved in academic mentoring, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate taught dissertations. Her research has been supported by competitive grants, including the Sasakawa Foundation Studentship and the Japan Foundation Endowment Committee Grant, which facilitated fieldwork in Japan. These grants underscore the significance of her work on grassroots activism and historical analysis in the field of East Asian Studies. As a member of the East Asian Studies staff at the University of Sheffield, Dr. Vittinghoff contributes to the academic community within the School of Languages, Arts and Societies, collaborating with colleagues on research and teaching initiatives in Japanese and East Asian studies.
Carlos Guerrero Bosagna is a Senior Lecturer at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology; Physiology and Environmental Toxicology. His research bridges evolutionary biology, epigenetics, and environmental science, focusing on how environmental exposures (e.g., toxins, stress) induce epigenetic modifications that influence developmental processes and transgenerational phenotypic variation. Role: Senior Lecturer, Uppsala University Department: Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Key Projects: Epigenetic stress response in chickens, metabolic/reproductive effects of environmental toxins, germline epigenetic variation in speciation His work has secured a FORMAS grant for modeling environmental toxicant impacts on chicken reproduction and metabolism. Recent publications analyze avian methylation patterns , mito-nuclear interactions , and Z-chromosome epigenetic regulation . Collaborations span poultry science, computational biology, and global environmental epigenetics research. Scientific awards include a FORMAS grant for environmental toxicology research His research emphasizes sustainability and evolutionary innovation, with lab projects tracking epigenetic changes across six generations to mimic early speciation events. Methodological contributions include protocols like GBS-MeDIP for concurrent genetic/epigenetic analysis.
Vera Tripodi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) at Politecnico di Torino. Her academic career spans multiple institutions including the University of Milan 'La Statale,' University of Turin, University of Barcelona, University of Oslo, and Columbia University. She serves on the Single Guarantee Committee and is actively involved in gender equality initiatives. Dr. Tripodi earned her PhD in Logic and Epistemology from Sapienza University of Rome. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research positions at prestigious international institutions and a research position at the University of Milan from July 2021 to March 2022. Her research focuses on the intersection of philosophy, technology, and gender. She specializes in bioethics, ethics of technology, feminist philosophy and ethics, and social ontology. Her work addresses critical contemporary issues including climate change ethics, reproductive technologies, AI ethics, and gender equality in philosophy and academia. She has made significant contributions to understanding the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies and their social implications. Dr. Tripodi's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on ethical frameworks for technological development, gender issues in philosophy and society, and the philosophical implications of medical and technological innovations. Her work bridges theoretical philosophy with practical ethical concerns in rapidly evolving technological landscapes. Vice President of SWIP Italia (Society for Women in Philosophy) for two terms (2018-2021, 2021-2024) Member of the Bioethics Committee since 2019 Member of SIFA (Italian Society of Analytical Philosophy) since 2008 Associate Editor of AESTHETICS MAGAZINE since 2022 Member of the APHEX editorial board since 2010 Dr. Tripodi advises PhD students in philosophy programs at the University of Pavia and University of Eastern Piedmont. She teaches courses on Research Ethics in Dual-Use Technology, Gender and Diversity in Research, Ethics of Technology, and Bio- and Nanotechnologies in Medicine across various engineering programs at Politecnico di Torino. She also serves on course committees for Biomedical Engineering and Electronic, Telecommunications and Physics Engineering programs. She leads the NOW research project (2023-2025) titled 'Understanding Natural History: Nature, Evolution and Human Beings. A New Philosophical Framework' funded through the National Research PRIN program.
Neil Bruce is a Lecturer in Sound Design at the School of Digital Arts, Manchester Metropolitan University. With a PhD in Soundscapes and an MSc in Signal Processing, he bridges practice-led research with academic inquiry. Education: PhD in Soundscapes, MSc in Signal Processing, Dip Mus (Open) His research focuses on soundscapes, perception, and immersive audio, particularly in urban decay and liminal spaces. He explores how emerging technologies like VR/AR can enhance sonic storytelling and inclusivity in soundscape research. Recent publications and presentations highlight trends in ethical field recording, soundscape commodification, and inclusive methodologies like soundsitting. Collaborations with institutions like the University of the Arts London and EPSRC-funded projects underscore his interdisciplinary approach. Beyond academia, Bruce works with UK artists, performs as a guitarist, and hosts the Creativity Kickstarter podcast, authoring a book on creativity as a skill.
Anniken Sørlie serves as an Associate Professor of Law at the Department of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Oslo Metropolitan University. Her academic career spans multiple institutions including the University of Oslo and Østfold University College, with expertise in human rights law, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations. Sørlie holds leadership roles in professional organizations including JURK – Legal Advice for Women and The European Commission on Sexual Orientation Law (ECSOL), where she contributes to shaping legal frameworks for gender and sexual diversity in Norway and internationally. Doctorate in Law, University of Oslo (2018) - Thesis: "The Right to Gender Identity: A Grounded Life Cycle Perspective" Master's Degree in Law, University of Oslo (2012) Bachelor's Degree in European and American Studies, University of Oslo (2009) Professor Sørlie's research primarily focuses on the legal rights of LGBT individuals in Norway, with special emphasis on transgender rights and the intersection of gender identity with legal frameworks. Her work critically examines how laws impact people in vulnerable situations, particularly regarding privacy rights, protection against discrimination, and access to healthcare. She has made significant contributions to understanding compensation mechanisms for victims of violence following extreme events and the legal aspects of welfare benefits. Her scholarship bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical implications for policy development and social justice initiatives. Sørlie's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on gender identity, transgender rights, and inclusive legal frameworks. Her work spans children's rights, elderly care, workplace inclusion, and reproductive justice, revealing how cisnormative structures within legal systems create barriers for transgender individuals. The publications show a progression from foundational legal analysis toward practical interventions for creating more inclusive societies, with increasing attention to intersectional approaches that consider how gender identity intersects with other aspects of identity and social position. His Majesty the King's Gold Medal (2019) for doctoral thesis "The Right to Gender Identity: A Grounded Life Cycle Perspective" As an educator, Sørlie teaches human rights, administrative law, and welfare law at both bachelor's and master's levels, with specific focus on children's rights, social security, and health law. She serves as an examiner at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Law and other educational institutions, contributing to the development of future legal professionals. Her external engagements include board membership with JURK – Legal Advice for Women, active participation in the European Commission on Sexual Orientation Law, and previous service on Norway's Equality and Discrimination Board, demonstrating her commitment to applying academic expertise to real-world legal challenges. Sørlie participates in the "Living conditions, health, work and social inequality" research group at OsloMet, contributing to interdisciplinary work that connects legal scholarship with broader social science perspectives. Her involvement in projects like "LAW22JULY: RIPPLES" demonstrates her engagement with research teams addressing the legal aftermath of significant societal events. She collaborates with researchers across institutions including the University of Oslo and Oslo Pride to advance understanding of transgender experiences in Norwegian society.
Dr. Manuel Desco Menéndez is a Full Professor at the Department of Bioengineering , Carlos III University of Madrid , focusing on biomedical imaging and instrumentation. He leads the Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation Group. Key research domains: Medical Imaging , Neuroimaging , Biomedical Instrumentation Primary publication areas: Computed Tomography , PET Imaging , MRI , Biomaterials His scientific contributions (2022-2025) include: Neuroanatomical changes in pregnancy/postpartum and psychiatric disorders Advanced CT reconstruction algorithms with beam-hardening compensation Innovative biomedical nanoplatforms using milk exosomes Preclinical bone regeneration scaffolds in animal models Current technical developments focus on GPU-accelerated image processing and deep learning applications in tomographic reconstruction.
