Allen J. Scott is a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, with a joint appointment in the Department of Public Policy (School of Public Affairs) and Department of Geography. He has held prestigious positions at UCLA since 1994 and previously at the University of Toronto (1969–1994). His career spans over five decades, focusing on urban geography, regional development, and cultural economy. Education : BA (1961) from Oxford University; MA and PhD (1962, 1965) from Northwestern University. Research Interests include: Creative cities and cognitive-cultural capitalism Political economy of urbanization and globalization Industrial clusters and labor-intensive economies Human capital distribution in metropolitan areas Cultural landscapes and peripheral development Publication Trends (2005–2014) emphasize: Globalization's impact on low-technology industries Cognitive-cultural capitalism in urban contexts Human capital dynamics in metropolitan hierarchies Celebrity culture and urban glamour Creative field theories and urban policy implications Scientific Awards : 1986 Guggenheim Fellow 2003 Vautrin Lud Prize 2005 Meridian Book Prize 1999–2013: Chaires d’Excellence, Fellowships, and Doctor Honoris Causa 2008 Carol and Bruce Mallen Lifetime Achievement Award 2003 ISI Highly Cited Author
Philipp Budka is a Researcher (PostDoc) and Lecturer at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Vienna. He leads the North American research region for the ERC Advanced Grant project 'InfraNorth' and investigates transport infrastructures in northern Canada. Budka co-founded the Digital Ethnography Initiative and is a member of the Austrian Polar Research Institute (APRI). He holds a Mag.phil. in Cultural Anthropology and Communication Studies from the University of Vienna and Utrecht. His doctoral research focused on Indigenous digital infrastructures in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Education: Mag.phil. (2003), PhD in Cultural Anthropology (2017) Research Interests: Digital Anthropology, Infrastructure Studies, Media Anthropology, Indigenous Technologies His research explores sociotechnical systems, digital ethnography, and infrastructure sustainability in remote regions. Budka has co-edited volumes on media and conflict and ritualization, and is currently working on monographs about Indigenous online platforms and transport infrastructures in Canada. Grants: ERC Advanced Grant (InfraNorth), various teaching and research roles at FU Berlin and HMKW Berlin. He was co-leader of the Media Anthropology Network (EASA) from 2017–2024. Labs/Teams: Team of the Lehrendenvertretung (Teaching Representatives), Digital Ethnography Initiative, InfraNorth Project.
Jennifer Robinson is Professor of Human Geography at University College London (UCL), with a distinguished career spanning institutions like the London School of Economics, The Open University, and University of Natal. Her work bridges global urban studies, postcolonial geography, and comparative urbanism, reshaping urban theory through critiques of modernity and neoliberalism. She co-directs the UCL Urban Laboratory and has led international conferences like At the Frontiers of the Urban (2019). Her research focuses on reorienting urban studies through postcolonial and global South perspectives, advocating for comparative methods to transcend Eurocentric frameworks. Key themes include urban governance, political geography, and large-scale development, particularly in African cities. Recent publications highlight trends in global urban theory, comparative urbanism, and the interplay of finance and urban development. She has received prestigious awards such as the RGS-IBG Murchison Award (2009) and an ERC Advanced Grant (2019), and has been widely cited in Geography and Urban Studies. RGS-IBG Murchison Award (2009) Fellow of the Society of South African Geographers (2016) ERC Advanced Grant (2019) Robinson has examined over 30 PhD theses internationally and held editorial leadership roles, including Editor-in-Chief of the Studies in Urban and Social Change book series. She directs comparative research programs funded by ESRC and contributes to scientific assessments like the UK Research Excellence Framework.
Hilda Tellioglu is an Associate Professor and Dean of Academic Affairs for Informatics at TU Wien, leading the Artifact-based Computing and User Research department. She holds a dual role as Head of Research Unit and oversees the Office of the Dean. Her work focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design Thinking, and Digital Transformation, with a strong emphasis on socio-technical systems and participatory design methodologies. Research interests span software engineering, CSCW, ambient assisted living (AAL), and digital co-creation practices in urban planning. She has spearheaded projects like aspern.mobil LAB, EnviSense, and StreetForum, exploring smart mobility, environmental sensing, and citizen participation in urban development. Her work frequently integrates tangible interfaces and model-based design approaches. Key contributions include frameworks for digital transformation evaluation (EEFCET 2020), user-centered design for informal caregivers (TOPIC platform), and crisis management systems using crowdsourcing (RE-ACTA). She has led over 20+ research projects funded by FFG, EU, and national agencies, focusing on mobility innovation, healthcare technology, and sustainable urban systems. Teaching responsibilities include courses on Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, and Research Methods across bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. She actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through initiatives like the Center for Technology & Society (CTS) and Living Lab methodologies.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Priv.Doz.DI Dr.nat.techn. Günter Langergraber is a Professor and Head of the Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He also serves as Deputy Head of the Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure since 2025. With expertise in nature-based solutions , constructed wetlands , and resource-oriented sanitation systems , his work integrates modelling and simulation with practical applications for wastewater treatment and urban sustainability. Habilitation in Sanitary Engineering (2012), BOKU PhD in Natural Sciences (2001), BOKU His research focuses on developing advanced wastewater treatment technologies using constructed wetlands , biochar systems , and smart sensors . Key areas include urban water circularity , stormwater management , and climate resilience through nature-based infrastructure . He leads major EU-funded projects like ProCleanLakes and UniNEtZ , emphasizing the role of sustainable sanitation in achieving SDG 6 . Recent publications analyze: Design optimization of vertical flow wetlands using numerical models Implementation frameworks for circular cities via nature-based solutions Hydrological dynamics in Mediterranean and tropical wetland systems Soil water balance quantification via stable isotopes Scientific accolades include IWA Fellow (2014) and the IWA Project Innovation Award (2011) . He has supervised 478 publications and 56 projects, including EU Horizon 2020 initiatives and Austrian Science Fund (FWF) programs. As a keynote speaker at international conferences, he advocates for renaturalized urban water systems and decentralized sanitation . Langergraber contributes to technical guidelines (e.g., DWA-A 272) and policy reports for Austrian ministries. His work bridges academic research , industry collaboration , and public engagement through media appearances and training programs for wastewater plant operators.
ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Heintel is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geography and Regional Research, University of Vienna. With over 30 years of experience, he focuses on regional development, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable urban-rural linkages. His work spans Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America, emphasizing participatory governance and evidence-based policy. International guest professorships: University of New Orleans, Hebrew University, German University of Technology in Oman Recipient of Marshall Plan Chair and bm:bwk research grants Keynote speaker at conferences in Austria, Germany, Croatia, and Japan Research interests include collaborative governance, regional disparities, and transformative planning in megacities. His recent publications explore EU cohesion policy, cross-sectoral cooperation, and urban resilience frameworks. He has advised regional governments on demographic shifts and sustainable development. Notable trends in his 293+ publications: 100% focus on regional development, 75% sustainable practices, 60% cross-border governance, and 45% urbanization in the Global South. His work bridges academic theory with practical policy interventions. Scientific engagement: Editorial Advisory Board, Europa Regional (2008-2023) Speaker at 243+ international events Media coverage in Der Standard , Österreichische Medien , and public debates Leadership roles include co-founding the Austrian Association for Applied Geography (ÖVAG) and coordinating the IGEN EU project (2011-2013). He mentors young researchers through conference sessions and regional workshops.
Tina Comes is a Full Professor in Decision-Making & Digitalisation at the University of Maastricht, Netherlands. She holds a part-time position (0.2 FTE) and has previously held academic roles at TU Delft (Associate Professor in Decision-Making for Resilience, 2017), University of Agder (Full Professor in ICT, 2015-2017), and Visiting Professor at Lamsade, Université Dauphine, Paris (2014). Her research focuses on Crisis Informatics , Decision Theory , Disaster Management , Humanitarian Logistics , and Resilience . Her work spans building simulation , ventilation systems , and energy-efficient design , with grants totaling €9.6 million since 2012. Key projects include Resilient Systems (NL Ministry of Defense, 2020-2026), H2020 HERoS (2020-2023), and Climate Resilient Urban Infrastructure (Amsterdam, 2020-2022). She has supervised 6 PhD students at TU Delft (2017-2022), 3 Postdocs/PhDs at University of Agder (2013-2020), and 1 PhD at Université Toulouse (2014-2018). Her scientific awards include: 2020 José Maria Sarriegi Award by the Spanish Red Cross 2019 Emerald Literati Award 2016 Delft Technology Fellowship (acceptance rate 2012 Best Paper Award at ISCRAM Conference
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Ulrike Krippner is a researcher at the Institute of Landscape Architecture , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna. With a doctorate in 2015 and roles as Visiting Scientist at Leibniz University Hannover (2014), she focuses on historical landscape architecture, design in historical contexts, and heritage science. Education: Diplom in Landscape Planning (1996), Doctorate (2015) Key Affiliations: BOKU Wien, Leibniz University Hannover, Dumbarton Oaks (2010) Her research spans the history of landscape architecture in Austria, with emphasis on 20th-century design, cultural heritage preservation, and urban green spaces. She co-founded the Archive of Austrian Landscape Architecture (LArchiv) and contributed to projects like the Vienna Danube Island and WIG 64 garden exhibitions. Recent publications analyze historical gardens (e.g., Villa Beer, Donaupark) and their conservation. She has served on editorial boards and committees for heritage organizations, including ICOMOS Austria and ECLAS conferences. Scientific Awards: Theodor Körner Förderpreis (2006) Krippner supervised multiple master's theses and collaborated on interdisciplinary research, particularly in documenting Jewish women landscape architects and postwar urban landscapes.
Albert Treytl is a Senior Researcher at the Danube University Krems , serving as Head of the Center for Distributed Systems and Sensor Networks and Deputy Head of the Department for Integrated Sensor Systems. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Vienna University of Technology (2001) and has over two decades of experience in communication technologies and security. Current roles: Head of Center, Deputy Head of Department Research focus: Security for embedded systems, IoT, digital twins, AI in energy optimization Involvement: IEEE, CEN TC 247 WG4, IEEE1588 standardization His work addresses distributed data management, smart grid security, and model predictive control strategies for energy efficiency in buildings and traffic systems. He leads multiple national and international projects funded by FFG and EU programs. Recent research projects include KI4HVACS (AI-driven HVAC optimization), Factories4Renewables (industrial renewable energy integration), and Dataskop (sensor-based data economy). He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and serves as co-lecturer at the Vienna University of Technology.
Andreas Rauber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Data Science at Technical University of Vienna. He serves as Curriculum Coordinator for Bachelor and Master programs in Business Informatics and Data Science, and chairs the Curriculum Commission for Business Informatics. His research focuses on Information Systems Engineering, Logic and Computation, and Visual Computing, addressing challenges in data management, digital preservation, and reproducibility in e-science. He leads projects like OS Trails and FAIR-AI, emphasizing FAIR principles and trustworthy research infrastructures. Rauber has contributed to over 150 publications, including works on data citation frameworks, adversarial ML defenses, and reproducibility in IR. His work bridges technical innovation with policy, exemplified through roles in the EOSC Support Office Austria and RDA Austria initiatives. Key projects include establishing FAIR data practices across universities and advancing digital preservation through repositories like DBRepo. He coordinates international collaborations, such as the EU-funded EOSC-Life and EGI Advanced Computing projects. His teaching spans courses in machine learning, information retrieval, and research methods, fostering next-generation data scientists.
Harriet Bulkeley is a Professor of Geography and Deputy Executive Dean for Research in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health at Durham University, alongside a part-time Professorial role at Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. Her expertise spans climate governance, urban sustainability, and environmental justice, with a focus on cities' roles in addressing global challenges. She leads projects like the Horizon Europe NATURESCAPES initiative, exploring nature-based solutions for biodiversity and climate resilience. Key Roles: Full Professor at Durham University, Deputy Executive Dean, and part-time role at Utrecht University. Research: Prioritizes climate policy, urban low-carbon transitions, and the governance of sustainability experiments. Her research has secured over £19M in funding and includes influential works like An Urban Politics of Climate Change . Bulkeley serves on high-profile advisory bodies, including the ERC Scientific Council and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. She is a recipient of the Back Award (2017) and multiple fellowships.
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.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Sabine Plenk is Assistant Professor at the Institute of Landscape Architecture , part of the Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . Her work focuses on plant use in open spaces , emphasizing perennial planting design , ecological vegetation , and urban green space aesthetics . University: BOKU Vienna Institute: Landscape Architecture Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Her research explores: Naturalistic planting design for climate-resilient urban environments Ecological perennial plantings in municipal contexts Biodiversity-enhancing plant mixtures for public spaces Low-maintenance vegetation systems in Lower Austria Recent publications highlight perennial mixtures and ecological planting concepts applied in urban settings like Vienna's Adele-Jellinek-Park and Graz's Reininghauspark . Notable projects include sustainable stormwater planter vegetation and healing gardens for healthcare facilities. Scientific contributions: Nominated for Energy Globe Oberösterreich (2020) Awarded Floreales d'Angers (1996) Keynote speaker at international conferences She has supervised numerous Master's theses on topics ranging from climate-adaptive tree understory plantings to edible perennial landscapes , and serves on advisory boards for ecological garden design.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Privatdozent Dr. Marcela Suarez-Rubio is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) , specializing in urban ecology, biodiversity research, and wildlife monitoring . Her work integrates landscape ecology, remote sensing, and conservation biology to study how land-use changes affect birds and bats in temperate and tropical regions. She has led projects in Austria, Myanmar, and Bhutan, focusing on habitat connectivity, urban green spaces, and endangered species conservation . Education: PhD in Ecology, University of Maryland, USA (2011) MSc in Biology, University of Puerto Rico (2005) BSc in Biology, Universidad del Valle, Colombia (2000) Research Themes: Urbanization gradients and their nonlinear effects on avian and bat communities Biodiversity assessment in remote areas like Hkakabo Razi National Park Telemetric and acoustic methods for wildlife monitoring Conservation strategies for critically endangered species (e.g., White-bellied Heron) Ecosystem management in agricultural and forested landscapes Scientific Awards: ERASMUS+ Teaching Mobility (2022, 2018, 2017) National Parks Austria Research Award (2022) BOKU Teaching Award (2016) NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Award (2011) Golden Key International Honour Society (2008) Advising and Grants: Supervised 14 theses and secured funding from National Parks Austria, Austrian Academy of Sciences, and international organizations . Active in scientific peer-review (Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, Journal of Urban Ecology) and conservation policy for UNESCO World Heritage nominations.
Meike Levin-Keitel is a Professor of Spatial Research and Spatial Planning at the University of Vienna , leading the research group on Spatial Research and Spatial Planning within the Institute of Geography and Regional Research. Her work bridges planning theory and practical approaches to sustainability transformations in urban and regional contexts. She completed her studies in Landscape and Open Space Planning at Leibniz University Hannover (2000–2007) and earned her PhD in 2010–2019 at the same institution. From 2019 to 2023, she served as a Junior Professor and headed the research group on Spatial Transformation in the Digital Age at TU Dortmund. Her research focuses on spatial development linked to sustainability transformations, particularly at the intersection of theoretical planning approaches and action-oriented instruments. She emphasizes transdisciplinary research, co-creation, and socio-spatial dynamics to address urban and regional challenges. Her recent publications explore topics such as co-creation practices , multi-level governance , and integrating land-use and transport planning , reflecting her commitment to bridging theory and practice. She leads thematic groups in international networks like AESOP and ARL, contributing to global dialogues on planning theories and their substantial foundations. Her work also examines the impacts of digitalization on mobility, remote work, and urban resilience, positioning her at the forefront of contemporary spatial planning discourse.
