Monder Ram is a Professor and Director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME). His research focuses on addressing societal challenges related to diversity, inclusion, and economic development through the lens of ethnic minority and migrant entrepreneurship. He advises governmental bodies such as the APPG for BAME business owners, emphasizing policy advocacy and community organizing. Key research themes include: migrant entrepreneurship dynamics, productivity challenges in microbusinesses, and the interplay between policy and grassroots enterprise. He critiques policy effectiveness and advocates for inclusive frameworks that empower marginalized entrepreneurs. Notable Contributions: Longitudinal studies on refugee entrepreneurs, regulatory compliance in migrant businesses, and the role of transnational networks. Policy Engagement: Advising on strategies to support ethnic minority businesses in regions like the West Midlands. Awards: Appointed OBE for services to entrepreneurship and diversity. His work bridges academic research with actionable insights, emphasizing participatory approaches and critical engagement to foster equitable economic ecosystems.
Christa Placzek is an academic affiliated with James Cook University, specializing in geology and paleoclimatology. Her research focuses on cosmogenic isotopes, erosion dynamics, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions in extreme environments like the Atacama Desert and Antarctic regions. She has contributed to studies on the K/Pg boundary in Antarctica, sediment dating of the Homo naledi fossils in South Africa, and volcanic chronology in Queensland. Her work integrates geochemical, sedimentological, and isotopic techniques to address questions in geomorphology and climate history. Placzek has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects involving archaeology, paleoanthropology, and environmental science. Notable contributions include analyses of the Barrow Island archaeological record and the Cradle of Humankind's landscape evolution. Her publications span over two decades, reflecting a sustained focus on understanding Earth's surface processes and their temporal variability. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, though her extensive research output indicates recognition in the field. Her work frequently intersects with global initiatives like the FUTORES conference, emphasizing applied geoscience for resource management and environmental sustainability.
Jelena Zikic is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the School of Human Resource Management at York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and an MSc from the London School of Economics. Her research focuses on career transitions of diverse populations, including skilled migrants, refugees, entrepreneurs, and baby boomers, emphasizing professional identity, cross-cultural mentoring, and labor market integration. She leads SSHRC-funded projects addressing migrant professionals' career challenges and has published widely in journals like Academy of Management Discoveries and Journal of Organizational Behavior . Dr. Zikic’s international collaborations span North America, Europe, and Asia, with a focus on global career dynamics. She teaches Career Management, Strategic HRM, and Organizational Communication, integrating critical thinking and global perspectives. Her work has been featured in the Globe and Mail , CBC Radio, and the HR Reporter . Education: PhD, University of Toronto MSc, Social and Organizational Psychology, London School of Economics BSc, University of Toronto Her research explores how macro-level contexts (e.g., institutions, policies) intersect with individual career strategies, particularly for marginalized groups. Recent work examines digital nomadism, career sacrifice, and the psychological impact of health-related career disruptions. She has received numerous awards, including the Verity International Prize and Emerald Literati Award. Zikic actively serves on editorial boards (e.g., Human Relations , Journal of Organizational Behavior ) and holds leadership roles in professional organizations like the Academy of Management and European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology. Her teaching and mentorship emphasize bridging theory with real-world career challenges.
Michael Waters is a Professor of Anthropology at Texas A&M University, holding the prestigious titles of Regent’s Professor and University Distinguished Professor. He serves as Director of the Center for the Study of the First Americans and Executive Director of the North Star Archaeological Research Program, leading research on the earliest inhabitants of the Americas through archaeological and geoarchaeological investigations across multiple continents. Education: PhD, University of Arizona, 1983 Dr. Waters specializes in First Americans Studies and Geoarchaeology, with primary focus on Late Quaternary human migrations, Clovis and pre-Clovis cultures, and megafauna extinctions. His fieldwork spans the United States, Mexico, Russia, Jamaica, and Yemen, employing interdisciplinary approaches to understand Ice Age human adaptations, migration routes, and environmental interactions through geological analyses of archaeological sites. His recent publications demonstrate consistent leadership in dating methodologies, pre-Clovis site validation, and megafauna extinction studies, with strong emphasis on radiocarbon dating precision, geoarchaeological context validation, and interdisciplinary synthesis across archaeology, geology, and paleoecology. Scientific honors include: Kirk Bryan Award (2003) Rip Rapp Archaeological Geology Award (2004) Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2004) Texas A&M University Distinguished Professor (2017) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2022) Texas A&M University System Regents Professor (2023) Dr. Waters currently mentors graduate students Nicholas Bentley and Adam Burke. His research is funded through projects including the Debra L. Friedkin site investigations, Hall's Cave Texas excavations, and continental-scale megafauna extinction dating initiatives. As Director of the Center for the Study of the First Americans, he oversees collaborative research teams conducting fieldwork and laboratory analyses to advance understanding of Paleoindian cultures and the peopling of the Americas.
Jessica Hendy is a Senior Lecturer in Palaeoproteomics at the University of York's Department of Archaeology. Specializing in ancient protein analysis, she explores culinary practices, diets, and disease in prehistoric societies, with a focus on biomolecular methodologies. University of York (2019–present) Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History (2016–2019) University of York (PhD, 2015) University of Auckland (BA, BSc, 2010) Her research integrates palaeoproteomics and ZooMS to investigate: Dietary biomarkers in archaeological contexts Origins of fermentation and dairying Protein preservation in dental calculus and ceramics Human-animal interactions through biomolecular data Recent publications highlight her work on: Beerstone proteomes for brewing history Multi-taxa dairy identification Viking Age organic artifacts Neolithic food globalization Diagenesis patterns in ancient proteins Salmon fishing and pottery adoption Her scientific awards include: Philip Leverhulme Prize (2019) General Anthropology Division Prize (2023) Max Planck Society Donors Award (2016) Humanities Research Centre Doctoral Fellowship (2015) As a supervisor, Jessica mentors PhD candidates like Charlotte Blacka (rapid proteomics), Eleanor Green (biomolecule substrates), and Jan Dekker (Mesolithic container technology). She co-supervises external students at Cambridge and British Columbia. She leads initiatives such as the BioArCh research group and directs postgraduate research (2021–2022). Currently on a 2023–2024 sabbatical , her work remains pivotal in biomolecular archaeology.
Dr. Jamal Barnes is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice at Edith Cowan University's School of Arts and Humanities, where he also serves as the coordinator for the Criminology and Justice Practicum Program. His academic expertise spans human rights, torture and inhuman treatment, detention conditions, asylum seekers and refugees, and international norms and law. His educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from Murdoch University (2014), along with multiple bachelor's degrees from the same institution: Bachelor of Arts in Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism (2010), Bachelor of Legal Studies in Criminology (2009), and Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Studies (2009). Dr. Barnes's research focuses on the intersection of human rights and migration, with particular attention to torture and inhuman treatment in detention contexts. He has developed a vulnerability approach to understanding irregular migration and modern slavery in Australia, while also examining ethical dimensions of refugee treatment through concepts like hospitality and love. His book 'A Genealogy of the Torture Taboo' (Routledge, 2017) traces the historical development of the torture prohibition norm from the eighteenth century to the present day. His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent pattern of examining how international human rights norms are implemented or undermined in practice, particularly in the Australian context. Recent publications explore contemporary issues including the impact of AUKUS on Indo-Pacific security, the application of diplomatic assurances in torture prevention, and the implications of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for addressing modern slavery. Migrant and transnational identity-formation project (2018-2020, $18,000) Digital Preservation of Australia's Migrant Cultural Heritage (2018-2019, $19,000) International Collaboration with Swansea University on Cyberterrorism (2018-2019, $8,395) Australian counter-terrorism cooperation with states that torture (2018-2019, $13,700) As an educator, Dr. Barnes teaches courses including International Human Rights, Aboriginal Australians in the Criminal Justice System, and the Criminology and Justice Practicum Placement. He has supervised multiple PhD students on topics ranging from refugee experiences to ethical considerations in post-terrorism contexts, serving as both principal and associate supervisor.
Francesca Perugia is a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University's School of Design and the Built Environment within the Faculty of Humanities. She holds positions in both academic and administrative roles, including the Office of the Provost. With qualifications from the University of Roma Tre (B.Arch.) and University of Western Australia (PhD), her work bridges academic research, policy advocacy, and industry practice. Education : B.Arch. (cum Lode), University of Roma Tre, Rome M. Soc. Sc., University La Sapienza, Rome PhD, University of Western Australia Her research focuses on housing policy , climate adaptation , and sustainable urban development , with emphasis on disaster-responsive housing, aging populations' housing needs, and migrant housing challenges. She leads AHURI-funded projects like 'Improving Australian climate change adaptation strategies' and 'Older people, homelessness & homelessness risk.' Her publications span The Conversation , Australian Planner , and interdisciplinary journals, addressing topics like refugee housing resilience and policy failures in Perth's housing affordability. She has received teaching excellence awards in 2019 and 2021 for innovative pedagogy. Francesca advises on housing policy at local and national levels, collaborating with agencies like the WA Department of Communities and the Mid West Development Commission. Her work integrates architectural expertise with social equity goals to advance resilient urban futures.
Simon Underdown is a Professor of Biological Anthropology at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences and the Centre for Environment and Society (CES). He leads the Human Origins and Palaeo-Environments (HOPE) Research Group. His research focuses on human-disease co-evolution, ancient DNA, and hominin evolution, with fieldwork in South America, the Middle East, and southern Africa. He holds multiple fellowships, including from the Royal Society of Biology and Royal Geographical Society. Research interests include Paleopathology, microbiome studies, and Neanderthal adaptation. Notable grants include £45,000 from the Anglo-Omani Society for DNA and Ancient Flora research in Oman (2021–2023) and £14,907 from the Society of Antiquaries for environmental studies (2019–2024). He has supervised six PhD students exploring topics like medieval skeletal health and human migration. Awards include Chartered Science Teacher status and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His work appears in journals like Annals of Human Biology and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .
Carmen Azcárraga Monzonís is a distinguished Professor in the Department of International Law "Adolfo Miaja de la Muela" at the University of Valencia, specializing in Private International Law. With a publication record spanning from 2004 to 2025, she has established herself as a leading expert in international family law, immigration law, and gender-related legal issues within the European context. Her research focuses on critical areas including international child abduction, surrogacy regulations, international adoption procedures, gender-based violence against foreign women, nationality law, and the legal challenges of cross-border family relations. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to examining how Spanish law interacts with international and European Union frameworks, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations such as immigrant women and children. A significant portion of her recent scholarship addresses contemporary challenges including Ukraine refugee protection mechanisms, EU Directive 2024/1385 on violence against women, and evolving immigration policies. Her publications reveal a consistent pattern of analyzing Spanish jurisprudence through the lens of international conventions and EU regulations, particularly the Hague Conventions on child abduction and international adoption. Professor Azcárraga Monzonís has directed two doctoral theses and contributed extensively to collective works, including coordination of significant publications on nationality and immigration law. Her scholarly impact is reflected in 135 citations and an H-index of 6, demonstrating substantial influence in her field of expertise. Her academic leadership extends to collaborative projects examining EU family law regulations, with particular emphasis on practical implementation challenges within the Spanish legal system and its autonomous communities. Her work bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical judicial applications, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and legal practice.
Dr. Patrick Reis Santos is a Grant-Funded Researcher (B) in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Adelaide. His research focuses on marine ecology, fisheries conservation, and the impacts of contaminants like microplastics and pharmaceuticals on marine ecosystems. He employs techniques such as otolith chemistry, stable isotopes, and natural tags to study fish population connectivity, seafood provenance, and environmental changes. Dr. Santos collaborates with industry and government agencies to advance sustainable seafood practices and mitigate plastic pollution. His work also addresses emerging contaminants, including their effects on fish biology and human health through seafood consumption. Recent research trends include analyzing microplastic contamination in fish tissues, developing methods to trace seafood origins, and assessing climate-driven shifts in fish populations. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to marine conservation, combining ecology, chemistry, and policy. Dr. Santos is actively engaged in field manuals for microplastic sampling and advocating for standardized monitoring practices to address global marine challenges. He supervises students in Masters and PhD programs, focusing on fisheries management, environmental toxicology, and marine policy. His work contributes to broader initiatives like Australia’s marine conservation strategies and international efforts to combat plastic pollution.
Professor You Jae Lee is a full Professor of Korean Studies at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, where he holds a W3-professorial chair. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Department of Korean Studies. He serves as Managing Director of the Department, Director of the Center for Korean Studies, and Director of the King Sejong Institute Tübingen. His academic leadership and institutional roles underscore his central position in advancing Korean studies in Europe. Dr. phil. in History, University of Erfurt Master of Arts, Freie Universität Berlin Undergraduate studies in History, Korean Studies, Philosophy, and Political Science at Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Seoul National University Professor Lee's research lies at the intersection of modern and contemporary Korean history, postcolonial theory, Cold War dynamics, and transnational migration. His work emphasizes everyday life, diaspora formation, and the cultural history of religion and missions. He has pioneered studies on Korean labor migration to Germany, particularly focusing on miners and nurses, and explores how colonial legacies, religious movements, and Cold War geopolitics have shaped Korean society and its global diaspora. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong thematic focus on migration, memory, and transnational encounters. His scholarly output spans Korean diaspora in Germany, Cold War solidarity, missionary history, and conceptual history. These articles demonstrate a consistent engagement with oral history, material culture, and identity formation, often bridging Korean and German historical experiences. His work is published in both Korean and German, reflecting his bilingual and binational scholarly perspective. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, Professor Lee's editorial and research leadership roles—such as directing the AKS Strategic Research Institute and curating major exhibitions—highlight his recognition in the academic community. Professor Lee has supervised numerous research initiatives, edited significant volumes, and led externally funded projects such as the AKS Tübingen Global Korea Project and the TUDOKU-Netzwerk. He has advised collaborative teams and doctoral researchers, though specific student names are not listed. His public engagement includes media appearances, podcasts, and opinion columns, extending the impact of his academic work into public discourse. He leads the AKS Strategic Research Institute and has directed the King Sejong Institute Tübingen since 2012. His team has produced exhibitions like 'Shared. Divided. United. Deutschland-Korea' and research networks such as TUDOKU-Netzwerk, focusing on everyday history in Korean studies. These initiatives reflect a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to Korean-German historical research.
Professor T. Max Friesen is a leading Arctic archaeologist at the University of Toronto's Department of Anthropology , specializing in prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies, zooarchaeology, and climate change impacts on cultural heritage. His research spans 5,000 years of Arctic history, focusing on the Canadian Arctic regions of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories through collaborations with northern communities. Education: PhD in Archaeology from McGill University (1995) Research Interests include: Prehistoric Arctic migrations (Paleo-Inuit, Thule) and their technological adaptations Zooarchaeological analysis of animal bones from sites like Bell and Pembroke Climate change effects on archaeological preservation in permafrost regions Thule-Inuit cultural evolution and subsistence economies Community-based archaeology and heritage conservation His 15 most recent publications (2000-2018) demonstrate expertise in Arctic colonization dynamics, 3D documentation of endangered sites, and interdisciplinary studies of host-pathogen relationships through HBV subgenotype B5 research. Key projects include the Arctic CHAR initiative for climate change mitigation and comparative studies of Dorset vs. Thule hunting technologies. Scientific Contributions: Coined terminology standardization for Arctic archaeological traditions Developed frameworks for understanding Inuvialuit interregional interaction Advanced 3D recording methods for rapidly deteriorating Arctic sites Reconstructed millennial-scale caribou drive system evolution Advising: Actively mentors graduate students in Arctic archaeology with fieldwork opportunities in Nunavut and the Mackenzie Delta. Collaborates with Kitikmeot Heritage Society and international researchers on heritage preservation.
Dr. Serena Hussain is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University. She is a sociologist and human geographer with extensive research experience in multiculturalism, migration, and Muslim communities in Britain and Australia. Her previous roles include Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oxford and Principal Scientist at Charles Darwin University. PhD in Sociology and Social Policy, University of Bristol Bachelor's degree, University of Manchester Her research centers on ethnic and internal migration, religious minorities, social cohesion, and census representation of Muslim populations. She investigates how religious and ethnic identities shape integration and societal inclusion, particularly focusing on British Muslims and diasporic communities such as the Pahari-speaking population. Her interdisciplinary work bridges sociology, human geography, and public policy. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on migration patterns, religious education, and the statistical representation of minority groups. Her work combines quantitative data analysis with sociological theory to explore integration, identity formation, and policy implications for multicultural societies. Dr. Hussain has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. She has contributed to significant research projects on multiculturalism and migration but no information is available about student supervision or grant funding. She remains actively engaged in scholarly research through her current position. No specific laboratory or research team is mentioned in the text, though she is affiliated with the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, which likely hosts collaborative research initiatives on social cohesion and intergroup relations.
Marc-Antoine Berthod is a Professor and Co-dean at the School of Social Work and Health at HES-SO, leading the LaReSS research laboratory. His work focuses on death studies, palliative care, and funeral practices, with a particular interest in anthropology and qualitative research. He has spearheaded projects like Necropolis (2021-2025), exploring contemporary funeral transitions and mourning in old age, and Appreciating Death (2017-2020), an ethnographic study of assisted suicide in Switzerland. Key research interests include: Funeral rituals and ecological cemetery design Psychosocial impacts of death in workplaces Legal and ethical frameworks of assisted suicide Mourning practices during pandemics Cultural dimensions of mortality Grants & Projects: Swiss National Science Foundation (CHF 324,000) for assisted suicide research HES-SO grants for ecological cemetery studies (CHF 67,450) Collaborations with CNRS France, WHO-affiliated institutions, and Swiss palliative care networks Labs/Teams: Director of LaReSS, collaborating with anthropologists, sociologists, and healthcare professionals.
Prof. Oytun MEÇİK is a Professor of Economics at Eskişehir Osmangazi University (ESOGÜ), holding roles in the Department of Economics within the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. His academic journey includes a PhD from Anadolu University (2014), and he transitioned from Uşak University to ESOGÜ in 2015, becoming a Professor in 2023 after serving as an Associate Professor (2017–2023). His research focuses on labor markets, innovation economics, and social/economic networks, with particular interest in social capital dynamics, education-job mismatches, and digital transformation impacts. He has authored over 160 publications and supervised multiple theses. Academic leadership roles include serving as Deputy Rector, editor of ESOGÜ's journals, and member of the Turkish Economic Association. His recent projects address labor market integration, firm competitiveness, and regional economic development. Education: Bachelor's in Economics, Eskişehir Osmangazi University (2008) Master's in Economics, Uşak University (2010) PhD in Economics, Anadolu University (2014) Research Interests: Labor Market Dynamics Innovation and Technology Economics Social Capital and Network Effects Regional Economic Development Globalization and Trade Integration Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Grants & Projects: Lead researcher on TÜBİTAK 1003 project on firm competitiveness (2017–2019) Global Value Chain Integration study funded by Economic Research Forum (2017–2018) ESOGÜ project enhancing graduate employability through social/human capital (2016–2017) Awards & Recognition: Social Mediator Title (2024) Member of the Turkish Economic Association (2017–present) Administrative Roles: Rector's Advisor (2019–present) Director of Corporate Communication Center (2018–present) Dean of Mahmudiye Atçılık Vocational School (2019–present)
