Claudia Plant is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science , leading the Research Group Data Mining and Machine Learning . Her research focuses on clustering algorithms, data mining, and machine learning applications in areas like biomedical data, wind energy, and causality inference. She has contributed to projects such as Knowledge-infused Deep Learning for Natural Language Processing (2020–2028) and Hybrid Computational Sciences (2021–2021). Plant has authored over 160 publications, with recent work emphasizing deep learning, anomaly detection, and GPU-optimized algorithms. She actively engages in academic activities, including talks on clustering methods and interdisciplinary projects like Governing Algorithms: The Politics of Data and Decision-Making . Her research interests span clustering algorithms , graph neural networks , causality discovery , and ethical digital transformation . Notable projects include causal analysis of wind farm dynamics and AI-enhanced education tools. Plant’s work bridges computational methods with societal challenges, such as empowering marginalized communities through ethical technology adoption.
Hannelore Reicher serves as Associate Professor at the Institute of Educational Science within the Faculty of Environmental, Regional and Educational Sciences at the University of Graz, Austria. Her research is anchored in the university's "Heterogeneity and cohesion" research network, addressing critical intersections between social pedagogy, education, and societal challenges. Current affiliations include active roles in editorial boards and major longitudinal studies. Her research program centers on vulnerable populations and systemic interventions: Social Pedagogy frameworks for contemporary welfare systems Emotional health dynamics in educational settings Social-Emotional Learning as inclusion catalyst Foster care systems and biological family perspectives Parent education program development 2024 publications reveal concentrated focus on social work's adaptation to instability, demonstrating how professional practice drives social transformation through participatory approaches. Her chapter on family perspectives in out-of-home care exemplifies applied research bridging theory and child welfare practice. Reicher leads two significant funded projects: the STEILA longitudinal study on student engagement (2020-2026) with public institutional support, and a sexual abuse prevention program accompanying Styria's "My Body Belongs to Me" theatre project (2024-2026). These initiatives reflect her commitment to evidence-based educational interventions. Professional leadership includes editorial roles for "Austrian Yearbook of Social Work" (since 2019) and "Socio-educational impulses" (since 2022), alongside historical contributions to Austria's Parent Educator Quality Seal Commission (2006) and International Pedagogical Conference advisory board (2013). Her directorship of the MLG Innovation-Oriented Management in Education consortium (2011-2017) demonstrates sustained institutional impact.
Univ.-Prof. Adriano Del Sal is a Professor of Guitar at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), affiliated with the Institute for Music Education (IAR). His work focuses on expanding instrumental education through inclusive practices, with specializations in guitar pedagogy and interdisciplinary music outreach. He leads projects like the Music to Touch initiative and collaborates with institutions such as SUPERAR and the Exilarte Center. Teaching: Guitar, Music Education for Voice and Instruments (IGP program) Research: Sparkling Science-funded projects on inclusive music practices and gender representation in classical repertoire Awards: 2023 Staatspreis Ars Docendi for teaching excellence His professional activities include organizing workshops (e.g., with Henk Guittart, Torfinn Hoffart), masterclasses, and international cooperations. He actively contributes to gender diversity initiatives and music therapy programs.
Inci Dirim is a Professor at the Department of German Studies within the Faculty of Philology and Cultural Studies at the University of Vienna . Her work focuses on German as a Second Language (DaZ) , multilingualism, migration pedagogy, and educational equity. She has developed diagnostic tools for language assessment, contributed to curriculum design, and critically analyzed discrimination mechanisms in language education. Education : Magistra Artium (MA) in Linguistics and German Studies from the University of Bremen (1991); PhD in Educational Science from the University of Hamburg (1997) Her research emphasizes language diagnostics , cultural identity , and reflexive pedagogy , particularly in contexts of linguistic and social heterogeneity. She has led projects like TESSLA (language support for multilingual children) and Unterrichtsbegleitende Sprachstandsbeobachtung DaZ (classroom language assessment). Recent publications explore inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to DaZ, normative foundations in language teaching, and separation practices in language promotion. She serves as a key figure in the Austrian Association for German as a Foreign/Second Language (ÖDaF) and the German Society for Educational Science (DGfE) , advocating for critical perspectives on language, migration, and education. Her teaching includes courses on Basics of German as a Foreign and Second Language , Modern German Literature , and Language Diagnostics .
Dr. Alexander Plopski is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Visual Computing, Technische Universität Graz. His research focuses on advancing augmented reality (AR) technologies, human-computer interaction (HCI), and optical display systems. He holds a PhD, M.Sc., and BSc in relevant fields. His work emphasizes perceptual optimization in AR displays, eye tracking integration, and accessibility solutions for color vision deficiencies. Key research areas include gaze-contingent AR interfaces, light field manipulation for extended reality, and multimodal interaction techniques. Notable contributions include the development of the 'guitARhero' interactive AR guitar tutorial system and studies on focal distance effects in optical see-through displays. His publications span topics from AR display calibration to gesture recognition using radar sensing. He has explored applications in industrial training, medical AR, and robotic telemanipulation. His work often bridges theoretical perceptual studies with practical system implementations, aiming to enhance user experience and accessibility in AR/VR environments.
Mohamed-Slim Alouini is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Associate Dean of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. He also serves as the Associate Vice President for Research and holds the UNESCO Chair in Education to Connect the Unconnected. With over 500 journal publications and more than 46,000 citations, he is a world-renowned expert in wireless communications who was elected IEEE Fellow in 2009 at the age of 39. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), 1998 MS in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), 1995 Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies (DEA) in Electronics, Université Pierre & Marie Curie (Sorbonne University), 1993 Diplôme d'Ingénieur, École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications (Télécom Paris Tech), 1993 Habilitation, Université Pierre & Marie Curie (Sorbonne University), 2003 Dr. Alouini is a world-renowned expert in wireless communication and networking with research interests spanning diversity combining techniques, MIMO systems, multi-hop/cooperative communications, optical wireless systems, cognitive radio, UAV communications, and advanced modulation schemes. His current focus addresses the technical challenges of uneven information and communication technology distribution, particularly targeting rural, low-income, disaster-prone, and hard-to-reach areas through integrated ground-airborne-space networks. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations to solve real-world connectivity problems. His recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate a clear research trajectory toward integrated communication networks combining terrestrial, aerial, and space components. There's growing emphasis on UAV communications, satellite systems, optical wireless technologies, and rural connectivity solutions, with increasing integration of machine learning techniques for network optimization. His work shows consistent focus on addressing the digital divide, with several publications specifically targeting 6G challenges for connecting underserved populations and recycling existing infrastructure for enhanced rural connectivity. Scientific Awards: Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2019) Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (2018) IEEE Fellow (2009) Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers (2016) OIC Science & Technology Achievement Award (2017) Multiple recognitions as Highly Cited Researcher NSF CAREER Award (1999) Dr. Alouini has mentored numerous successful students and post-doctoral fellows who have secured positions at top institutions worldwide including Harvard, Caltech, Imperial College, and faculty positions at Korea University, Hanyang University, and universities across the Middle East. His December 2018 PhD graduate Qurrat-Ul-Ain Nadeem received the prestigious Marconi Society Paul Baran Young Scholars award, while post-doctoral fellows have won IEEE ComSoc Young Professionals Best Innovation Award and attended the Lindau Nobel Meeting. His Communication Theory Lab at KAUST drives significant research in wireless communications with funding supporting extensive publication output and innovative projects. Dr. Alouini leads the Communication Theory Lab at KAUST and holds the UNESCO Chair in Education to Connect the Unconnected, focusing specifically on technical solutions for connecting underserved communities. His lab works on integrated ground-airborne-space networks to bridge the digital divide, with particular emphasis on rural, low-income, and hard-to-reach areas. The team develops practical solutions using UAVs, satellite communications, and recycled infrastructure to provide cost-effective connectivity where traditional approaches fail.
Isabel Gabbe , University Professor of Piano & Piano Didactics at Mozarteum University Salzburg's Innsbruck Department since 2016, is a German-French pianist and music educator with extensive international experience. She heads the Music Education Department and contributes to artistic higher education through her work with the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) and the Austrian Society for Music and Medicine (ÖGFMM). Studied with Hans Leygraf and Rainer Becker Certified music physiologist Founder of "Moments Musicaux" festival in France Active in teacher training across Europe and South America Her research focuses on music education , physiological piano teaching methods , and musicians' health . Isabel integrates creative approaches to piano instruction for children, emphasizing cross-cultural communication through music. Her recent work explores alternative keyboard techniques and inclusive pedagogy. Professor Gabbe's publications analyze piano didactics, including " Alles ist erlaubt, nur nicht Alles spielen! " on practical repertoire use and " Musizieren lernen? Ein Kinderspiel! " on playful learning approaches. She contributes to Schott Verlag's "Üben&Musizieren" series and Waxmann Verlag's music education publications. Scientific recognitions include: German Music Council Artist List (2000) EPTA Austria Vice Chair (2018–present) Deutsche Tonkünstlerverband Deputy Chair (2015–2023) Richard Wagner Association Stipend (2002) Aspen Music Festival Stipend (1995,1996) Isabel Gabbe actively mentors educators through workshops and masterclasses across Europe and South America, focusing on sustainable teaching practices and physiological approaches to piano instruction. She has participated in numerous festivals and serves on academic committees for music education curricula.
Ass.-Prof. Edith Blaschitz is an Assistant Professor in the Department for Arts and Cultural Studies at the University for Continuing Education Krems, part of the Faculty of Education, Arts and Architecture. Her research focuses on Nazi-era forced labor camps, historical memory, digital cultural heritage, and participatory research methodologies. She leads projects like the 2022-2025 'NS-„Volksgemeinschaft“ und Lager im Zentralraum Niederösterreich' initiative and the 2021-2022 'Making Traces Readable' project, which combine citizen science with digital technologies to document and memorialize sites of Nazi persecution. Education: Not explicitly stated in available texts Affiliations: Director of studies in Cultural Heritage and Digital Humanities Her work bridges historical research with modern digital tools, emphasizing public engagement through augmented reality, co-curation platforms, and geographical mapping. Recent publications include monographs on Nazi labor camps in Lower Austria and interdisciplinary analyses of visual media in reconstructing historical landscapes. Grants include funding from Austrian federal programs and local municipalities for projects like 'Wo sind sie geblieben? Die Frauen von Krems' (2019-2021). She actively participates in international conferences discussing digital preservation of contested spaces and memory politics. Collaborates with institutions such as the Filmarchiv Austria and regional heritage organizations, contributing to exhibitions and public educational initiatives about lesser-known WWII sites.
Radu Ioan Bot is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Vienna, where he also serves as Head of the Department of Mathematics. His primary affiliations include the Department of Mathematics (Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1, 1090 Wien) and the Research Network Data Science (Währinger Straße 29, 1090 Wien). Bot's research centers on optimization theory with emphasis on convex/nonconvex optimization, monotone operators, and dynamical systems. He develops fast algorithms for variational inequalities and monotone inclusions by bridging continuous-time dynamics with discrete optimization methods. His work frequently addresses bilevel optimization, Tikhonov regularization, and second-order dynamics, yielding accelerated convergence rates for complex problems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant trends in time-scaling techniques, vanishing damping dynamics, and structured splitting methods. Key contributions include unifying Nesterov acceleration with Heavy Ball dynamics, developing reflected forward-backward algorithms for constrained optimization, and establishing strong convergence guarantees for monotone operator flows. These advances demonstrate consistent innovation in accelerating optimization while maintaining theoretical rigor. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided source material. Details regarding student advising and research grants were not specified in the available information, though his leadership roles as Dean and Department Head indicate significant administrative responsibilities alongside active research. Bot participates in the University of Vienna's Research Network Data Science, suggesting interdisciplinary engagement in data-driven methodologies with potential applications in machine learning and computational mathematics.
Liviu Matei is a Professor of Higher Education and Public Policy and Head of the School of Education, Communication and Society at King’s College London. His career spans leadership roles at Central European University (CEU), including Provost and Director of the Yehuda Elkana Center for Higher Education, and founding the Global Observatory on Academic Freedom. He contributes to global policy debates as a key figure in the Open Society University Network (OSUN) and CIVICA European University. Education: Studied philosophy, history, and psychology at Babeș-Bolyai University, sociology of higher education at Bucharest University, and earned a PhD in Romania. His research focuses on academic freedom, university governance, funding mechanisms, and the internationalisation of higher education. Recent work explores the interplay between education and democratic resilience, especially in authoritarian contexts. He has led initiatives on quality assurance and science diplomacy in conflict zones. His publications from 2023-2025 emphasize academic freedom codification, transnational policy tools, and the European Higher Education Area’s evolving challenges. Articles from 2015-2022 analyze the Bologna Process’s impact in Central/Eastern Europe and pandemic-related educational crises. Scientific Awards: Chair of University of Yangon Revitalisation Committee (2018-2019) Chair of European Award for Excellence in Teaching Selection Committee (2021-present) Fellowships at The New School, Maison des Sciences de l’Homme Paris, and Salzburg Seminar Elected to Academia Europaea (2022) Liviu Matei supervises PhD students on topics like higher education geopolitics, adult learners’ equity, and science diplomacy. His affiliations include editorial boards for Internationalisation of Higher Education Journal and European Journal of Higher Education . He leads projects protecting higher education values across Europe and collaborates with Council of Europe initiatives.
Philipp Haindl is a lecturer at the Department of Computer Science and Security at St. Poelten University of Applied Sciences. His work focuses on software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI integration in education and manufacturing. Software Engineering Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence DevOps Quality Assurance Research Interests: Dr. Haindl explores software metrics, inter-service security in microservices, and AI tools like ChatGPT in programming education. He investigates quality models and non-functional requirements in DevOps environments. Publications: Recent work includes studies on ChatGPT's impact in software engineering education, systematic reviews of microservice security, and frameworks for human-AI teaming in manufacturing.
Univ.-Prof. Katja Corcoran serves as Professor of Psychology and Vice Dean for Research at the University of Graz's Faculty of Natural Sciences, leading the Institute of Psychology. She directs the university's 'Smart Regulation' profile area and participates in the 'Brain and behavior' research network, with leadership roles including former Head of Psychology Institute (2017-2019) and Deputy Head of Doctoral School of Psychology (2021-2023). Her research centers on social psychological mechanisms in sustainability transitions, particularly: Energy citizenship frameworks and prosumer behavior Goal contagion dynamics in social networks Intergroup contact interventions in educational settings Regulatory psychology for sustainable systems Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate interdisciplinary integration of psychological, legal, and economic perspectives, featuring field experiments across Austria and multi-lab European collaborations examining energy citizenship scales, behavioral nudges for appliance usage, and prejudice reduction in schools. Honors include: Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, 2004) She currently directs major funded initiatives: EU: 'Energy Citizenship and Energy Communities for Clean-Energy Transition' (2021-2024) FFG: 'FIWARE Driven Energy Communities for the Future' (2023-2026) International: 'Active User Participation for Smart Energy Services' (2020-2023) Corcoran serves on editorial boards of Social Psychology (since 2016) and Social Cognition (since 2013), and her work operates within the 'Brain and behavior' network fostering neuroscience-psychology-economics collaborations for complex decision-making research.
Timo Fleischer is an Associate Professor in the Chemistry Didactics Working Group at the University of Salzburg, affiliated with both the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and the School of Education. He leads key educational innovation projects including EXBOX-Digital, ChemGerLab-VR, and RECC Salzburg, and plays a significant role in digital science education development. Education: Bachelor of Science in Geography and Chemistry, University of Kiel (2011) Master of Education in Geography and Chemistry, University of Kiel (2013) PhD in Science Education, TUM School of Education (2017) Habilitation in Chemistry Didactics, University of Salzburg (2024) His research focuses on the effectiveness of digital media in teacher education and chemistry classrooms, the development of digital teaching and learning materials, and the integration of experimentation and modeling in science education. He is particularly interested in how digital tools support the learning of chemical language and representations. His work bridges educational theory and practical classroom innovation. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on digital scaffolding, augmented and virtual reality in chemistry labs, eye-tracking during experiments, and the use of fiction as an anchor in science teaching. These works reflect a trend toward immersive, technology-enhanced, and student-centered learning environments in science education. Scientific Awards: Ehrenurkunde Polytechnik-Preis 2022 – Projekt EXBOX-Digital Kulturfondspreis 2020 für das Projekt MINT:labs Science City Itzling Comenius-EduMedia-Siegel für EXBOX-Digital (2020) Qualitätslabel „Regional Educational Competence Centre“ (RECC) (2018–2021) Junior-Fellowship, Kolleg Didaktik:digital (2016–2017) Timo Fleischer has supervised various research projects and collaborated with numerous colleagues and students, though specific advisees are not listed. He has secured recognition and funding for initiatives such as EXBOX-Digital and MINT:labs, indicating successful grant acquisition. He is actively involved in teacher training, curriculum development, and science communication. He leads several innovative labs and teams, including ChemGerLab-VR (a virtual reality chemistry lab), EdTechAll, and the development of MINT:labs Science City Itzling. These initiatives focus on creating digital, hands-on, and inclusive science learning environments for both students and teachers.
Daniel Dörler is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), where he has been employed since 2019. His academic background includes a doctorate in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from BOKU and studies in Biology/Zoology from the University of Vienna. He is a leading figure in the Austrian and European citizen science movement, with a focus on biodiversity, road ecology, and public engagement in science. Institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) Department: Institute of Zoology Position: Senior Scientist (wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) Email: daniel.doerler@boku.ac.at ORCID: 0000-0003-2056-4084 Daniel Dörler’s research interests center on citizen science, biodiversity monitoring, and ecological research, particularly in urban and road environments. He investigates the role of public participation in data collection for scientific research and conservation, with a focus on roadkill and amphibian populations. His work bridges ecology, social science, and science communication, emphasizing the transformative potential of citizen science for both science and society. He is deeply involved in methodological development, quality criteria, and the scalability of citizen science projects. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend towards the integration of technology, policy, and community engagement in citizen science. Works such as automated species detection for anurans, roadkill hotspot analysis, and the development of scalability toolkits highlight a move towards data-driven, policy-relevant, and ethically sound citizen science. The articles consistently focus on practical applications, project design, and the societal impact of participatory research, spanning sub-fields like conservation biology, bioacoustics, and science policy. Daniel Dörler has received numerous scientific awards, reflecting his excellence in research, teaching, and public outreach: 2023: Ars Docendi Award for excellent teaching, Honorary Mention for the Roadkill project (EU Citizen Science Prize), and multiple awards for co-supervised Master’s theses. 2022: Sustainability Award from Austrian Federal Ministries. 2017: BOKU Sustainability Prize and recognition as a Pioneer of Open Innovation in Science. 2018: Nomination for the National Animal Welfare Prize. Dörler is a principal investigator and project leader on numerous research grants from the European Commission, Austrian Science Fund (FWF), and national agencies. He is a key figure in the Citizen Science Network Austria and the platform "Österreich forscht." He frequently presents at international conferences, contributes to policy discussions, and mentors students. His collaborative work with Florian Heigl and others has established a robust network for citizen science in Austria and beyond. Daniel Dörler is a core member of the Citizen Science Network Austria and leads multiple projects such as "Leading Lights," "STEM education," and "Explore Research from East to West in Austria." He is also deeply involved in the "Roadkill" project and the "AmphiBiom" initiative for amphibian conservation. His work fosters a collaborative environment that brings together researchers, citizens, and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges.
PD Dr. Alban Knecht is an Associate Professor at the University of Klagenfurt's Department of Social Pedagogy and Inclusion Research. His academic work focuses on critical examinations of poverty, social exclusion, and welfare policy within the Austrian context. Knecht maintains an active research profile with numerous publications addressing contemporary social issues and contributes significantly to teaching within his department. Dr. Knecht's research interests center on poverty discourse analysis, resource theory in social work, youth sociology, and social policy. His work critically examines how poverty is represented in media, political discourse, and social work practice, with particular attention to stigmatization processes and counter-narratives. He has developed a transdisciplinary resource theory framework that informs his analysis of social inequality and welfare policies. His research also explores youth transitions, vocational education, migration issues, and the intersection of social and educational policy. Analysis of Knecht's recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on poverty discourse and its manifestations across multiple domains. His work consistently applies critical theory to examine how welfare policies construct narratives around poverty and social exclusion. The research demonstrates increasing attention to transdisciplinary approaches, particularly in developing resource theory frameworks that bridge social work practice with sociological and policy analysis. His publications frequently employ discourse analysis methods to examine media representations, policy documents, and fictional literature as sites where poverty narratives are constructed and contested. Dr. Knecht actively participates in academic conferences and events related to social work, poverty research, and youth policy. His work contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations about social justice, welfare state transformations, and critical approaches to social work practice. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the available materials, his extensive publication record suggests sustained research activity supported by institutional and potentially external funding.
