Jaline L Gerardin is an Associate Professor in Preventive Medicine (Epidemiology) and McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. She is affiliated with the Center for Global Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM), Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, and Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health. Her career focuses on malaria modeling and public health interventions. Current affiliations: Northwestern University, IPHAM, NICO, Center for Global Health Prior role: Malaria lead at Institute for Disease Modeling Research Focus: Gerardin specializes in malaria transmission modeling and public health intervention optimization . Her work addresses subnational tailoring of malaria strategies, intervention mix analysis for elimination, and ethical modeling practices. She integrates multidisciplinary data (entomology, immunology, demography) into agent-based models to guide policy in resource-limited settings. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize subnational malaria intervention prioritization (Guinea, Nigeria), diagnostic performance evaluation, human mobility impacts on transmission, and wastewater surveillance applications for disease modeling. Leadership Roles: Co-chair: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene symposia Member: WHO working groups, Malaria Modeling Consortium Advisor: WHO Malaria Multi-Model Comparison initiatives Education: PhD from University of California, San Francisco (2013)
Stuart Croft is Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of Warwick and Professor of International Security in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS). Since joining Warwick in 2007 he has served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (Arts & Social Sciences), Provost, and since February 2016 as the University’s chief executive, leading 5,500 staff across all disciplines. Education & Career: 18 years at the University of Birmingham, latterly Professor of International Relations and Head of the School of Social Sciences. Appointed Professor of International Security, University of Warwick, January 2007. Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (Arts & Social Sciences) 2011-2013. Provost 2013-2016. Vice-Chancellor & President from February 2016. Research Interests: Professor Croft’s scholarship lies at the intersection of security studies and political culture, using constructivist and narrative approaches to analyse how identities and discourses shape security policy. He has published extensively on the War on Terror, NATO transformation, European security governance, and the securitisation of Islam in Britain. His work combines large-scale funded empirical projects with theoretical innovation in International Relations. Publications & Grants Trend: Over the past two decades his output has clustered around three themes—cultural narratives of terrorism and counter-radicalisation, institutional governance of Euro-Atlantic security (NATO/EU), and arms-control regimes—moving from traditional strategic studies toward critical security approaches that foreground identity, discourse and governance. Scientific Awards & Fellowships: Academician, Academy of Social Sciences (2006) Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (2006) International Studies Association – International Security Section Book Award short-list 2007 Doctoral Supervision & Mentoring: He has successfully supervised 21 PhD students at Birmingham and Warwick, examined 25 UK PhDs as external examiner, and currently supervises 6 doctoral researchers. He has mentored 9 ESRC, EU and British Academy post-doctoral fellows. Editorial & Professional Leadership: Editor of the Palgrave ‘New Security Challenges’ book series since 2005; co-editor of Contemporary Security Policy 1989-2004; editorial board member of Critical Studies on Terrorism and Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict . Chair (2009-2011) and President (2011-2013) of the British International Studies Association.
Professor Gregor Verbic is a faculty member at the University of Sydney in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering , where he serves as Director of the Centre for Future Energy Networks . Previously, he held an assistant professor position at the University of Ljubljana and was a NATO-NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Waterloo. His career spans academic research, industry leadership as Head of Interenergo's Investment Department, and extensive collaboration with IEEE. PhD in Electrical Engineering (University of Ljubljana) Senior IEEE Member Research Interests focus on transforming power systems to zero-carbon grids through: Aggregation and control of distributed energy resources (DERs) Frequency control with wind generation and electric vehicles Stochastic optimization for multi-energy systems Smart home energy management with phase change materials Notable Contributions include: 2006 IEEE prize paper for voltage instability prediction 2010-2024: 15 recent publications on DER coordination, network tariffs, and low-inertia grid stability Teaching includes courses on: ELEC3203/ELEC9203: Electricity Networks ELEC5213: Engineering Optimisation ELEC5206: Sustainable Energy Systems Labs & Initiatives Centre for Future Energy Networks The Net Zero Institute
Barton Lee is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) and Chair of Political Economy & eDemocracy at the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (D-MTEC) of ETH Zurich . He holds an Affiliate Fellowship with the Stigler Center at Chicago Booth and was a Junior Research Fellow at Magdalen College, University of Oxford (2021–2022). Dr. Lee earned his PhD in Economics from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2021, following a visiting year at Harvard University (2018–2019). Current Role : Asst. Prof (TT) + Chair, ETH Zurich Affiliations : Stigler Center (Chicago Booth), UNSW Resilient Democracy Lab Research Focus : Political Economics, Applied Theory Dr. Lee investigates democratic fragility through lenses of legislative gridlock , technocratic governance , and populist voter behavior . His work connects economic policy with political institution design , often employing formal modeling and empirical analysis . Notable projects include studies on the feedback loops between polarization and policy failure and adaptive strategies in autocratic regimes . He actively contributes to academic networks via personal website and Google Scholar , and engages in collaborative workshops such as the 2025 IAST/TSE Workshop on Political Economy of Autocratic Rule . Dr. Lee also advocates for academic positions like the Professor of Health Economics role at ETH Zurich. Scientific Awards: Affiliate Fellow, Stigler Center (2021–present) Junior Research Fellow, Magdalen College, Oxford (2021–2022) Dr. Lee's recent work explores intersections between technology , democracy , and economic theory , with active participation in conferences and mentoring networks across Europe and Australia.
Lars Nordström is a Professor at the Division of Electric Power and Energy Systems within KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. His work bridges control systems , communication networks , and power systems , with a focus on future architectures, functionality, and quality aspects of ICT for power grid operations. He has led initiatives such as the Swedish Centre of Electric Power Engineering and served as Thematic Leader for Smartgrids in KIC InnoEnergy. In 2014, he was a Visiting Professor at Washington State University. Education : Ph.D., MSc.EE Nordström's research explores the intersection of smart grids , machine learning , and cybersecurity for power systems. Key areas include: Wide-Area Monitoring and Control (WAMC) systems Decentralized control strategies for DC microgrids Impedance modeling using neural networks Data-driven methods for islanding detection ICT reliability and protocol design for grid operations His recent publications emphasize machine learning applications in power systems, including LSTM networks for EV charging management, graph attention networks for stability monitoring, and digital twin approaches for cyber-attack mitigation. These works span disciplines such as Smart Grids, Power Electronics, and Data Science. Scientific Recognitions : Senior Member, IEEE Senior Member, CIRED Senior Member, Cigre Past Chairman, Swedish IEC TC57 Mirror Committee Nordström actively teaches and examines graduate courses like Communication and Control in Electric Power Systems and Computer Applications and Machine Learning in Electric Power Systems . His work influences industry practices through collaborations on digital substations, energy market analysis, and resilience strategies.
Dr. Cathy Oke OAM is an Associate Professor and Melbourne Enterprise Principal Fellow in Informed Cities at the Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne. She serves as Director of the Melbourne Centre for Cities and holds roles as a Senior Advisor to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Her work bridges research, policy, and practice to advance nature and climate action in urban environments. Previously, she served as a Councillor for the City of Melbourne (2008–2020) and contributed to the Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub (CAUL) as a Knowledge Broker. Cathy holds a PhD in Genetics and over 20 years of experience in environmental communications and project management. Her research focuses on urban sustainability, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions. Key initiatives include Innovate4Cities, which drives city-led climate innovation, and projects on urban biodiversity restoration. Cathy’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of scientific evidence into actionable policies. Educations: PhD in Genetics RMIT University affiliation as a former research fellow Awards: 2023 Order of Australia Medal for service to Local Government and the Environment Her articles highlight themes such as urban climate governance, nature-based solutions, and global city networks. She collaborates with international bodies to enhance city diplomacy and accelerate climate action. Cathy leads the Melbourne Centre for Cities, a hub for urban research and policy engagement.
Christine Clark, MD, MSc is an attending laryngologist at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Sean Parker Institute for the Voice and Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. She earned her B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh (2011) and her M.D. from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine (2017), followed by residency at Georgetown University Medical Center and a fellowship in Laryngology at Weill Cornell, where she also obtained a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Science. B.A. - University of Pittsburgh (2011) M.D. - Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine (2017) Residency - Georgetown University Medical Center Fellowship - Sean Parker Institute for the Voice (Laryngology) Master’s - Clinical and Translational Science at Weill Cornell Dr. Clark specializes in evaluating and treating swallowing, voice, and airway disorders. Her research focuses on chronic cough, laryngeal hypersensitivity, and benign phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions. She has developed clinical tools like the 3D-printed injection laryngoplasty simulator and quality improvement initiatives for surgical airway management. Her clinical work and research span topics such as vocal fold hemorrhage management, pharyngeal residue quantification in dysphagia, and granuloma as markers of malignancy. Recent publications emphasize global otolaryngology capacity building and performer-specific voice injury care. Scientific awards include: Teaching awards for excellence in medical student education during residency Dr. Clark is affiliated with the Sean Parker Institute for the Voice at Weill Cornell Medicine and serves as an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology.
Clémence Poirier is a Senior Researcher in the Cyberdefense Project within the Risk and Resilience Team at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich. She previously served as a Research Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in Vienna and as a Researcher for Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. She also holds the position of Space Generation Advocacy and Policy Platform's Lead on Responsible Space Behavior at the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). Her educational background includes a Master's degree in International Relations, International Security and Defense and a Bachelor's degree in Foreign Applied Languages (English, Russian, Spanish), both from University Jean Moulin Lyon III, France. Dr. Poirier is multilingual, which supports her international research collaborations. Dr. Poirier's research focuses on the critical intersection of space operations and cybersecurity, with particular emphasis on geopolitical implications of cyber conflict in outer space. Her work examines how terrestrial conflicts like the Ukraine war impact space security architecture and explores policy frameworks for protecting space infrastructure from cyber threats. She has conducted extensive research on space cybersecurity policy across multiple jurisdictions including Australia, Europe, and the United States. Analysis of her publication record reveals a clear progression from foundational space policy research toward increasingly specialized work on space cybersecurity. Her recent publications demonstrate growing attention to practical policy implementation challenges, with several papers addressing specific national and regional approaches to space cybersecurity governance. There's also a notable trend toward multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly with technical experts in space systems engineering. Dr. Poirier has established significant research partnerships with major space institutions including the European Space Agency, with whom she collaborated on climate policy research examining the integration of space-based data in European environmental policies. Her work with SmartSat CRC in Australia demonstrates international research coordination on space infrastructure security. She leads research initiatives focused on responsible space behavior and has contributed to policy development through her work with the European Economic and Social Committee. Her current Cyberdefense Project at ETH Zurich's CSS represents the culmination of her expertise in space security policy development.
Miriam Wilhelm is a Full Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), where she contributes to Sustainability and Purchasing modules. She previously held a Full Professor position at the University of Groningen (2010-2022) and served as Academic Director for MSc programmes. Her research focuses on multi-tier supply chains, governance of sustainability, and human rights in global supply networks. She has published in top journals like Journal of Operations Management and Organization Science , and currently serves as Associate Editor at the Journal of Supply Chain Management . Her recent work explores forced labor mitigation via social intermediaries, plural sourcing for CSR, and mandatory due diligence legislation. She has received multiple Best Paper awards at Academy of Management Conferences (2016, 2018, 2020). Key Research Themes : Governance of supply chain sustainability Decent work and human rights Multi-tier supply chain complexity Education : Doctoral degree from Freie Universität Berlin; visiting researcher at University of Tokyo, Meiji University, and University of Melbourne. Activities : Regular speaker at Academy of Management Annual Meetings and other global conferences.
Professor Maia Chankseliani is Professor of Comparative and International Education at the University of Oxford and a Governing Body Fellow of St Edmund Hall. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Educational Research and Chair of the Executive Committee of the Education and Development Forum (UKFIET), and is a Trustee of the University of Bahrain. She leads the International Mobility and World Development research project funded by the U.S. Department of State. Her educational background includes: BA and MA from Tbilisi State University MA from the University of Warwick EdM from Harvard University PhD from the University of Cambridge Professor Chankseliani's research explores the public role of tertiary education in diverse settings, examining how universities contribute to social, economic, and political development, and how international engagement shapes both institutions and societies. Her work spans international student mobility and its developmental impact, academic freedom, university contributions to sustainable development, and higher education in post-Soviet contexts. Her monograph What Happened to the Soviet University? (OUP, 2022) offers insights beyond the former Soviet context, addressing contemporary debates around academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Her major international study International Mobility and World Development represents the first global mixed-methods project examining how international education contributes to societal development. Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on the ripple effects of international student mobility, particularly examining poverty reduction mechanisms, intercultural competence development, and systemic impacts on home countries. Based on extensive qualitative data from over 700 interviews across 70 countries combined with quantitative analysis, her research reveals how internationally mobile individuals become agents of change through knowledge transfer, policy influence, and institutional reform. This body of work shows that returnees adapt, translate, and embed reform through multiple mechanisms far beyond simple skill transfer. Professor Chankseliani has secured significant research funding from diverse sources including the U.S. Department of State, UKRI/ESRC, British Council, World Bank, Qatar Foundation, and European Commission. Her research has informed policy dialogue in areas such as poverty reduction, education and health systems, gender equality, and civic life. She regularly engages with governments and international audiences, and her work is frequently featured in global media outlets including Nature and University World News. At Oxford, Professor Chankseliani convenes the Comparative and International Education Research Group and previously led the department's MSc in Comparative and International Education from 2017 to 2024. She supervises multiple doctoral students and has worked on numerous externally funded research projects involving UK government departments, international organizations, and academic institutions. Her current research portfolio includes examining how international education experiences translate into societal development outcomes, with particular emphasis on poverty reduction mechanisms and the long-term impacts of mobility on home countries.
John Psarras is a Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, specifically within the Division of Industrial Electric Devices and Decision Systems. He serves as the Director of the Decision Support Systems Laboratory (DSSlab) and the University Research Institute of Communication and Computer Systems. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (1982) and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1989), both from NTUA. His research specializes in decision support systems with applications in energy management, environmental analysis, and information systems. Key areas include: Multi-criteria analysis for energy policy and renewable integration AI-driven optimization of smart grids and building efficiency Sustainable finance mechanisms for green projects Blockchain applications in education and data security His recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on AI-enhanced decision tools for energy transitions, smart infrastructure, healthcare diagnostics, and cross-border renewable cooperation, reflecting interdisciplinary innovation. He has supervised 22 PhD theses and coordinates EU-funded projects in energy policy, clean technology, and capacity building. No scientific awards are listed in available sources. He leads the Decision Support Systems Laboratory (DSSlab), advancing research in energy analytics, and directs the University Research Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, facilitating large-scale interdisciplinary collaborations.
Jennifer Edmond is Associate Professor of Digital Humanities and co-director of the Trinity Center for Digital Humanities at Trinity College Dublin, where she also directs the MPhil in Digital Humanities and Culture. She holds a PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures from Yale University and specializes in applying advanced methods and infrastructures for arts and humanities research. Her research focuses on Digital Humanities, Research Infrastructures, Open Science, Cultural Heritage, and Knowledge Technologies. She has developed significant expertise in European research policy, having coordinated the €6.5m CENDARI FP7 project and participated in numerous EU initiatives including PARTHENOS, Europeana Cloud, and the Computational Literary Studies Infrastructure (CLS Infra). Dr. Edmond maintains an active publication record exploring digital scholarly editing, privacy in literary texts, open science practices, and cultural heritage narratives. Her recent work demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of technology and democracy, digital ethics, and innovative methodologies for humanities research. Awards and Honors: Named one of Ireland's five 'Champions of EU Research' (2012) She served as President of DARIAH-EU's Board of Directors (2018-2022) and represented the organization on the European Commission's Open Science Policy Platform. Dr. Edmond has contributed to strategic developments at national and institutional levels, while actively promoting public outreach through various media formats and art installations.
William Reno is Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. With a PhD from the University of Wisconsin (1992), he has established himself as a leading scholar in African politics, conflict studies, and international relations. His career spans over three decades of research on state collapse, insurgency, and security assistance in fragile states, with particular expertise in West Africa and the Horn of Africa. His educational background includes a B.A. from Haverford College (1984), M.A. from the University of Chicago (1985), and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin (1992). Reno has held significant administrative roles including Director of the Program of African Studies (2012-2018) and currently serves as Department Chair since 2019. He previously served as non-resident Fellow at the Modern War Institute of the US Military Academy and has extensive experience as the department's graduate director. Reno's research focuses on the comparative politics of Africa, politics of violent conflict, political effects of foreign military assistance, and asymmetrical warfare. His work examines how patronage-based regimes operate in weak states, the evolution of insurgency in Africa, and security assistance strategies in fragile contexts. He has conducted extensive field research in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, and Congo, with particular attention to how state collapse reshapes political authority and armed group behavior. His scholarship reveals critical insights about why contemporary African insurgencies differ from earlier anti-colonial movements in their organizational capacity and political programs. Reno has supervised numerous doctoral students who have gone on to prominent positions in academia, government, and military institutions. His advisees include scholars examining topics ranging from minority communities in conflict zones to military effectiveness in African states. Many of his students have military backgrounds or policy experience, reflecting Reno's own engagement with practical security challenges. He has secured significant research funding including Fulbright-Hays Fellowships, Boren Fellowships, and support from organizations like the Social Science Research Council. Reno maintains active research collaborations with scholars globally, particularly through his work with the Program of African Studies. His current projects focus on the politics of security force assistance, political economy of jihadism, and armed groups in contexts of state collapse. His scholarly approach combines deep area expertise with theoretical innovation, often challenging conventional wisdom about conflict dynamics in fragile states.
Prof Nigel Mehdi is the Director of the DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Oxford's Department for Continuing Education, where he also serves as a Departmental Lecturer. He is a Fellow of Kellogg College, Oxford, and holds an Honorary Professorship in the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham. Additionally, he serves as Programme Director for the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Programme. Education: PhD in Real Estate Economics from London School of Economics Postgraduate qualifications in Software Engineering, Politics, Development and Democratic Education, Sustainable Development, Digital Education, and Professional Education and Training Research Interests: Prof Mehdi's research sits at the intersection of urban economics , digital technologies , and sustainable development . His work focuses on applying advanced technologies like AI and big data analytics to urban challenges. Key areas include: Real estate sustainability and economics Smart cities and intelligent buildings Spatial big data applications in urban planning Digital education for sustainability Urban resilience and governance Property technology (PropTech) innovations Research Trends: His recent publications demonstrate a clear focus on future-oriented urban governance , with multiple 'Executive Outlook' reports examining privacy, governance, money, ESG, and work in 2030+ scenarios. These works bridge academic research with practical policy implications for urban development. His earlier works focus on technological applications in surveying and urban development, showing an evolution from technical implementation to strategic foresight. Awards and Recognition: OUSU Outstanding Tutor (2017) Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Fellow of the British Computer Society Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Teaching and Supervision: Prof Mehdi leads the DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development programme and teaches on the Master's in Sustainable Urban Development. He welcomes doctoral applications in areas including: Real estate sustainability Spatial big data and smart cities Digital economies and urban analytics AI applications in urban contexts Urban resilience and governance Professional Roles: He serves as Chair of the UK Education Standards Board for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and as an Accreditation Team member for the Institution of Engineering and Technology. His consultancy work spans public and private sectors, including governments, NGOs, and global corporations.
Sir Paul Collier is Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and serves as the Oxford Academic Director of the International Growth Centre, a collaboration between the LSE and Oxford Universities. He is also a member of the Natural Resource Governance Institute Board. His academic work spans decades of research focused on economic development challenges in the world's poorest regions, bridging theoretical economics with practical policy solutions, particularly in contexts of conflict, natural resource management, and regional economic decline. Professor Collier's research interests center on economic development, with specific focus areas including: Mitigating the challenges of migration and the refugee crisis Understanding urbanization processes in low-income countries Addressing the political economy of resource-rich but economically poor nations Exploring how cultural factors influence economic outcomes Developing frameworks for regional renewal in neglected places Analyzing the relationship between democracy and economic development in fragile states His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of economic policy, social cohesion, and cultural dimensions in development contexts. Collier's work increasingly emphasizes the importance of collective learning, social capital, and local agency in reversing economic decline, moving beyond traditional market-centric approaches. Among his notable scientific contributions are: Handesblatt Prize for The Future of Capitalism Arthur Ross Prize for The Bottom Billion Adam Smith Prize by Glasgow's Philosophical Society (2023) Global Citizenship Award by Belgium's cooperative movement (2018) 2025 Axiom Business Book Award for Left Behind Professor Collier actively advises governments and international organizations on development policy, with particular emphasis on practical approaches to regional renewal. His current research project "Establishing state legitimacy and effectiveness in fragile and conflict-affected societies," funded by a British Academy Grant, examines how conflict-affected states can build functional governance capacity. He has also contributed to Oxford University's first MOOC "From poverty to prosperity: understanding economic development," making his expertise accessible globally.
