Marketta Kyttä is a Professor of Land Use Planning at Aalto University's Department of Built Environment. She holds a PhD in Architecture from Helsinki University of Technology (2004) and leads the Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering Master’s program. Research Interests: Child- and age-friendly urban environments SoftGIS methodology for participatory mapping Social sustainability and urban health Public participation in planning Activity space modeling Scientific Awards: Lea Pulkkinen award Tapio Nummenmaa award Geospatial World Forum's WebGIS Innovation Award (2010) Oskari Vilamo award (2020) Oppikirja-palkinto for urban planning literature Methodological Contributions: SoftGIS (PPGIS innovation) Commercialization as Maptionnaire software International Collaborations: Affiliated with universities in Italy, Australia, and the US. Her work spans 80+ countries through Maptionnaire’s global adoption.
Professor Sandra Wachter is a leading academic in legal and ethical implications of AI, Big Data, and robotics at the Oxford Internet Institute (OII) , University of Oxford, and as Humboldt Professor at the Hasso Plattner Institute. She leads the OII's governance of emerging technologies (GET) research programme , focusing on AI regulation, algorithmic bias, and human rights. Affiliations : Berkman Klein Center (Harvard University), World Economic Forum, UNESCO, IEEE, World Bank, Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, Oxford Martin School, and more. Research : Legal and ethical frameworks for AI, explainability (notably Counterfactual Explanations ), fairness metrics, and combating algorithmic discrimination through her Conditional Demographic Disparity (CDD) tool. Awards : Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Award (2025), O2RB Excellence in Impact Award (2021, 2018), Computer Weekly Women in UK Tech (2021), Privacy Law Scholar (2019), CognitionX Outstanding Achievements (2023, 2017). Impact : Her work is implemented by Google, IBM, Amazon, and Microsoft; influences NHS and MHRA policies; and has been cited in major media outlets including The New York Times, BBC, and Nature.
Sai Ravela is a Principal Research Scientist in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research focuses on nonlinear stochastic dynamics, coherent fluid systems, uncertainty quantification, and autonomous observing technologies. He specializes in developing data-driven methodologies for natural hazard detection, climate change impacts, and environmental risk assessment. Ravela’s work integrates computational science with geophysical applications, including storm surge modeling, extreme rainfall analysis, and geothermal exploration. He pioneers techniques like neural dynamical systems and adversarial learning to improve predictive accuracy in nonstationary climate regimes. His contributions span environmental monitoring systems, autonomous aircraft resilience frameworks, and policy-informed climate vulnerability assessments. Key research areas include: Coastal flood risk in Bangladesh and Vietnam Dynamic data-driven applications systems (DDDAS) Machine learning for geosciences and environmental systems Uncertainty quantification in complex fluid dynamics He leads interdisciplinary projects at MIT’s Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) program, advancing methods for data assimilation, surrogate modeling, and real-time environmental observatories. His innovations bridge theoretical frameworks with practical solutions for climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
Jiao Licheng is a Distinguished Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Xidian University, leading the School of Artificial Intelligence and the Department of Computer Science and Technology. He holds prominent roles such as Director of the Key Laboratory of Intelligent Perception and Image Understanding (Ministry of Education) and the International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Perception and Computing. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Evolutionary Computation, and Remote Sensing, with significant contributions to image understanding and brain-inspired computing. Education: B.E. (1982) from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, M.E. (1984) and Ph.D. (1990) from Xi'an Jiaotong University. Postdoctoral research at Xidian University (1990–1992). Research Interests include AI, Machine Learning, Image Processing, and Big Data Analysis. His work bridges theoretical advancements and practical applications, such as medical imaging, SAR image analysis, and autonomous systems. Recent articles emphasize innovations in remote sensing, deep learning architectures, and evolutionary algorithms. Awards include IEEE Fellow, IET Fellow, and the Wu Wenjun Artificial Intelligence Outstanding Contribution Award. Labs/Teams: Key Lab of Intelligent Perception, International Joint Research Center, and leadership in national innovation bases. Active in academic societies, including editorial roles in IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics and Geoscience and Remote Sensing.
Chuang Gan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, affiliated with the College of Information and Computer Sciences and the Department of Computer Science. His work focuses on advancing artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, and embodied agents through interdisciplinary research combining neural networks, physical simulations, and multimodal learning. Research interests include generative models, reinforcement learning, vision-language integration, and scalable autonomous systems. He explores topics like world modeling for robots, adaptive policy learning, and physics-driven AI. His projects often involve creating systems that learn from visual, auditory, and tactile inputs to perform complex tasks such as object manipulation, navigation, and decision-making in dynamic environments. Recent research trends emphasize embodied AI systems capable of long-horizon planning, compositional reasoning, and efficient learning from limited data. His work bridges theory and practice, with applications in robotics, simulation platforms, and multimodal generation. Key contributions include frameworks for 3D scene understanding, adaptive world models, and novel training paradigms for large language models. His research has been applied to robotics platforms like RoboDreamer and UBSoft, focusing on unbounded soft environments. Collaborations involve designing benchmarks for physical scene understanding (e.g., Physion++), and creating tools like DiffTactile for tactile simulation. His work often integrates principles from differential geometry, PDE dynamics, and game theory. Chuang Gan’s research group develops open-source tools and benchmarks, such as the SoftZoo robot co-design platform and the SOK-Bench situated reasoning benchmark. His team emphasizes scalable alignment methods beyond human supervision and explores ethical AI through principles like symmetry-enhanced training.
Mikko Valkama is a Professor at the Department of Communications Engineering , part of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University . His research focuses on advanced wireless communication systems, positioning technologies, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). He holds an Orcid ID ( 0000-0003-0361-0800 ) and can be reached at mikko.valkama@tuni.fi . Research interests span 5G/6G networks , RF antenna design , deep learning for signal processing , and millimeter-wave systems . He leads projects on positioning algorithms (e.g., mmWave SLAM, NLOS mitigation), ISAC architectures, and hardware-efficient transmitter linearization. Notable contributions include works on DECT-2020 NR standards, phase-based localization, and RIS-assisted systems. In 2025 alone, his group published over 30 articles on topics such as: Antenna array design for Ka-band and wideband applications Machine learning for power amplifier predistortion Bistatic radio SLAM and mmWave mapping Covert transmission and physical-layer security His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations, often validated through experimental setups (e.g., TUJI1 dataset for indoor localization). No scientific awards were explicitly listed in the provided texts.
Gioele Zardini is the Rudge (1948) and Nancy Allen Assistant Professor at MIT's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), with affiliations to the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich and previously worked as a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. His research focuses on co-design of complex systems, autonomous systems, and game-theoretic modeling of transportation networks. Education: BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics from ETH Zurich (2017–2019), PhD in 2023. He has held visiting roles at nuTonomy Singapore, Stanford, and MIT. Research interests include co-design methodologies, autonomous vehicle systems, compositionality in engineering, and strategic interactions in mobility networks. Recent work emphasizes scalable fleet coordination, safety-critical robotics, and user-centric transportation solutions. Notable awards include the 2024 ETH Doctoral Dissertation Award (Silver Medal), Best Paper at ITSC 2021, and federal grants for enhancing urban transit equity. He leads the Zardini Lab, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in systems engineering and autonomy. Grants and advising: Received federal grants for transit accessibility projects. His work on Autonomy Talks has produced over 180 recorded lectures, promoting knowledge exchange in autonomous systems. Labs/Teams: Principal Investigator at LIDS, affiliate at IDSS, and founder of the Zardini Lab, focusing on systems co-design, mobility innovation, and game-theoretic frameworks.
Tim Van de Cruys is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Arts, KU Leuven, serving as Head of the Centre for Computational Linguistics (CCL). He maintains significant affiliations with LECTIO (KU Leuven Institute for the Study of the Transmission of Texts, Ideas and Images), Leuven.AI (KU Leuven Institute for Artificial Intelligence), and LILI (KU Leuven Interdisciplinary Language Institute). His work bridges computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, and humanities research with practical applications across multiple disciplines. Dr. Van de Cruys specializes in computational semantics and creative language generation, with particular expertise in applying NLP techniques to historical and classical texts. His research spans multiple domains including: Natural Language Processing for ancient languages (Latin, Ancient Greek) Computational approaches to lexical and compositional semantics Large language models and their applications in humanities research Creative language generation and human-AI collaboration Named entity recognition and disambiguation in historical contexts Non-autoregressive modeling for sequential generation tasks His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying cutting-edge NLP techniques to humanities challenges, particularly in processing ancient languages. He frequently employs transformer models to address named entity recognition, word sense discrimination, and semantic analysis in low-resource language contexts. His work consistently bridges formal linguistic theory with practical computational applications, creating valuable tools for digital humanities scholars. As promotor and co-promotor on numerous research projects extending through 2029, Dr. Van de Cruys supervises PhD students working at the AI-humanities intersection. His current major projects include "Living Corpora" (exploring human-AI collaboration in digital humanities), "Stochastic processes and non-autoregressive models for sequential generation," and "NIKAW" (exploring knowledge networks from classical antiquity). These projects demonstrate his commitment to advancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications of computational linguistics. He teaches various courses including Computational Linguistics, Scripting Languages, Programming for Humanities, Computational Creativity, and AI for Humanities, training students to work at this critical interdisciplinary crossroads. His leadership of the Centre for Computational Linguistics positions him at the forefront of computational linguistics research in Belgium, where he continues to expand the boundaries of what's possible at the intersection of language, computation, and humanistic inquiry.
Prof. Dr. Judith Möller is the Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow Institute (HBI) and holds a joint professorship at the University of Hamburg's Institute for Journalism and Communication Studies. Her research focuses on political communication effects, media's role in public opinion formation, and algorithmic impacts on society. She previously served as Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam and Adjunct Professor at the University of Trondheim. Key awards include the 2019 VENI Talent Track grant from NWO for her work on AI-driven societal effects. Her collaborative projects address disinformation, media regulation, and AI ethics. She advises institutions like ERGA, EPRA, and German media authorities, emphasizing practical applications of her research. Notable contributions include the Reuters Digital News Report series and studies on generative AI's societal implications. Education: Previous academic roles at University of Amsterdam & Trondheim. Affiliated with ASCoR, CPC, and ICDS research initiatives.
Atreyi Kankanhalli is a Professor at the National University of Singapore, specializing in Information Systems with a focus on knowledge management, healthcare IT, and digital innovation. Their research spans over three decades, with prolific contributions in top journals like MIS Quarterly, Journal of AIS, and Information & Management. They have co-authored over 150 papers addressing topics such as crowdsourcing, online communities, and the impact of AI on scholarly practices. Notable work includes studies on user adherence to health apps, innovation in public sector data utilization, and the ethical challenges of generative AI in peer review. Kankanhalli has also led research on global virtual teams and digital technologies' role in social justice, reflecting a commitment to both technical and societal dimensions of information systems. Education & Background: While specific degree details are not provided, their extensive publication history and academic roles imply advanced qualifications in Information Systems or related fields. They have collaborated with global researchers across institutions like NUS, University of Illinois, and Singapore Management University. Research Themes: Core areas include digital health interventions (e.g., fitness app adherence), organizational innovation via open data and crowdsourcing, and the socio-technical challenges of AI in academia. Their work often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as healthcare decision support systems and policy-driven technology adoption. Impact & Influence: As an editorial board member and frequent conference contributor (e.g., ICIS, PACIS), Kankanhalli shapes the field's research agenda. Their recent focus on generative AI's implications highlights proactive engagement with emerging technologies' ethical and methodological challenges.
Prof. Dr. Michael Gröschel is a Professor of Business Informatics at the Faculty of Computer Science, Mannheim University of Technology. His expertise spans Business Process Management (BPMN, Process Mining), Digital Transformation, and innovative Business Models. He teaches courses on BPM, project management, and e-business, often collaborating with industry clients through student projects. As a consultant, he specializes in BPMN training and IT-driven business strategy. His work emphasizes practical applications of IT tools like RPA and low-code platforms. Recent publications focus on RPA bot performance evaluation, AI in automotive trade, and business model-IT alignment. Prof. Gröschel’s research bridges academic insights with real-world challenges, particularly in leveraging technology for business innovation. He has authored books and articles on business intelligence tools, mobile business strategies, and digital customer care. His consulting services include executive coaching for academic career advancement and enterprise IT management best practices. Office: Building A, Room 007c | Phone: +49 621 292-6764 | Professional website available for further engagement opportunities.
Bilal Farooq is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Master of Engineering in Interdisciplinary Engineering (MEIE) at Toronto Metropolitan University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Disruptive Transportation Technologies and Services within the Department of Civil Engineering. His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Toronto (2011), MASc from Lahore University of Management Sciences (2004), and BSc from the University of Engineering and Technology (2001). Dr. Farooq's research pioneers disruptive transportation solutions through cyber-physical systems, AI/machine learning applications, behavioral modeling, and optimization techniques. His work specifically targets on-demand multimodal systems, sustainable urban transportation, urban air mobility, automated vehicles, and extended reality applications, addressing critical urban mobility challenges with human-centered approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward quantum-enhanced computational methods, privacy-preserving federated learning frameworks, and sustainability-focused decarbonization strategies across transportation domains, with increasing emphasis on human factors and real-world implementation. Notable scientific awards include: Ontario Early Researcher Award (2018) Canada Research Chair (2017) MassMotion Academic Pedestrian Modelling Project of the Year (2016) Québec Early Researcher Award (2014) Dr. Farooq actively supervises graduate students and secures significant research funding through his Canada Research Chair position and Early Researcher Awards. He directs the Laboratory of Innovations in Transportation (LiTrans), which develops interdisciplinary solutions integrating mathematics, engineering, computer science, and economics to address emerging transportation challenges. LiTrans focuses on disruptive transportation technologies, complete streets design, cyber-physical systems, pedestrian dynamics, resilience, and climate change impacts, collaborating with industry and government partners to translate research into practical urban mobility innovations for smart cities worldwide.
Michael Luck is a Professor of Computer Science at University College London, specializing in intelligent agents, multi-agent systems, and trust and reputation frameworks. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and innovation. He holds a BSc and PhD from UCL (1988, 1993). Education: BSc (1988), PhD (1993) in Computer Science from UCL Research focuses on formal frameworks for agent systems, norms, trust mechanisms, and applications in genome analysis and grid computing. Recent projects include AQUAREOS (robotics collaboration), SAIS (AI assistants), and TrustATrip (reputation systems). Publications emphasize adaptive service environments, norm enforcement, and Bayesian trust models. He has been awarded Fellow of the British Computer Society (2005). Advising/Grants: Lead/co-investigator on 21 projects including EPSRC-funded initiatives. Supervised 14 students. Active in global conferences like AAMAS and contributed to standards via EPSRC Peer Review College.
Christian Poellabauer is a Professor at Florida International University (FIU) in the Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, serving as Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Engineering & Computing. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (2004) and a Diplom-Ingenieur from TU Vienna (1998). His research focuses on mobile sensing, data analytics, and healthcare technologies, leading the MOSAIC Lab which develops solutions for healthcare, IoT, and smart cities. He previously led the Mobile Computing Lab at the University of Notre Dame and held leadership roles in data science institutes. Research Interests: His work spans digital biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, speech analysis for mental health, wearable device authentication, and wireless sensor networks. The MOSAIC Lab addresses challenges like real-time sensor data analysis on constrained devices and translating insights into clinical applications. Teaching: He has taught courses on Operating Systems, Mobile Computing, and Smart Health at both FIU and Notre Dame. Recent courses include COP4610 (Operating Systems Principles) and COP5614 (Graduate Operating Systems) at FIU. Service: He serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, and has organized conferences like ICNC 2023 and IEEE MASS 2021. His academic service includes roles on editorial boards and technical program committees for major conferences in distributed computing and networking. Advising & Labs: Advises current Ph.D. students in areas like multi-modal sensing for affective computing and mental health crowdsensing. Past students have pursued roles in academia and industry (e.g., Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Facebook, Microsoft). The MOSAIC Lab collaborates on projects like digital clinical outcome assessments and motor impairment detection.
Dr. Thomas E. Doyle is an Associate Professor at the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at McMaster University. His research focuses on biomedical signal processing, human-computer interfacing (HCI), and machine learning applications for healthcare augmentation, rehabilitation, and enhancement. He holds a Ph.D. from Western Ontario, Canada, and teaches courses like COMPENG 2DI4 (Logic Design). His work bridges cybernetics and clinical applications, emphasizing AI-driven solutions for medical diagnostics, patient monitoring, and space exploration. Education: B.E.Sc, B.Sc, M.E.Sc, Ph.D. from Western Ontario, Canada Recent Projects: Developed AI systems for remote healthcare diagnostics (2023) Collaborated with NASA on medical emergency simulators for deep space missions (2017–2023) Led ventilator development efforts for local hospitals during the pandemic (2020) His research interests span machine learning for mental health diagnostics, trust quantification in medical AI, and extended reality (XR) for medical training. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating computational methods with healthcare challenges. Recent publications highlight applications in pediatric emergency care, chronic pain management, and reliable medical device design. Dr. Doyle actively engages in educational initiatives, including first-year engineering pedagogy and experiential learning programs. He has received funding for projects such as the Educating the Engineer of 2025 (EtE-25) awards and contributes to initiatives like the Digital & Smart Systems and Health & Bio-innovation research clusters at McMaster.
