Prof. Dr. Hannes Taubenböck holds the Chair of Global Urbanization and Remote Sensing at the Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg (Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Geography and Geology) since 2022 and collaborates with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). His research bridges remote sensing with urban geography, focusing on: Global urbanization patterns and structural analysis Informal settlements (slums/refugee camps) Climate change and natural hazard vulnerability Migration dynamics via remote sensing and social media He obtained his PhD (2008) and habilitation (2019) at JMU Würzburg, preceded by geography studies at LMU Munich (1999-2004). His recent publications analyze: Climate impacts on African agriculture Urban permeability and walkability Border region disparities Heat exposure modeling Methodologically, he specializes in: Deep learning for earth observation Multi-modal data fusion Urban pattern classification Building stock analysis His work informs policy applications in: EU cohesion programs Disaster risk reduction Environmental justice Urban sustainability
Minh Hoai Nguyen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Stony Brook University. He received his PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of New South Wales. Prior to Stony Brook, he was a post-doctoral research fellow at Oxford University and a Kurti Junior Research Fellow at Brasenose College. Education: PhD in Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor of Engineering, University of New South Wales His research focuses on computer vision , machine learning , and time series analysis , particularly in developing algorithms for human action recognition , gesture detection , and expression analysis in video data. Applications include video surveillance , human-computer interaction , and medical diagnosis of behavioral disorders . His work integrates computer vision for video processing, time series analysis for modeling human behavior, and machine learning for training complex algorithms. Notable awards include: CVPR 2012 best student paper award Winner of PASCAL VOC 2012 Challenge for Human Action Recognition He teaches courses such as Video Analysis (CSE 594) and Introduction to Robotics (CSE 525) .
Adriano Jorge Cardoso Moreira is an Associate Professor with Habilitation at the Department of Information Systems, School of Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Portugal. He is also a Senior Researcher at the Algoritmi Research Centre and Scientific Coordinator of the Urban and Mobile Computing department at Centro de Computação Gráfica. His research focuses on indoor positioning , mobile and context-aware computing , urban computing , and simulation of wireless networks . Research Interests : Indoor Positioning, Mobile Computing, Urban Mobility, Sensor Networks, Wi-Fi and UWB Localization, Smart Cities. Leadership : Coordinated the Computer Communications and Pervasive Media Group (2008-2016), Scientific Committee member (Director of MAP-tele PhD program in multiple terms), and leads the Master in Telecommunications and Informatics since 2021. Publications : Over 100 papers, including IEEE Transactions and Sensors journal articles, with an h-index of 23 and 2136 citations. Awards : First and second prizes in EvAAL-ETRI Indoor Localization Competitions (2015, 2016, 2017).
Dubravko Radic serves as Professor of Service Management at the University of Leipzig's Faculty of Business and Economics since 2009, while simultaneously holding the position of Deputy Head of the Price and Service Management group at the Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economics IMW since 2013. His academic career spans multiple institutions including the University of Wuppertal where he completed his habilitation, and the University of Frankfurt am Main where he earned his doctorate in statistics and econometrics. Doctorate (Dr. rer. pol. summa cum laude): Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt a.M. (2004) Habilitation: Bergische Universität Wuppertal (2009) Diplom-Volkswirt: Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt a.M. (1999) Research Stay: University of California Davis (2008) Professor Radic's research centers on the intersection of empirical methods and business management, with particular emphasis on service pricing modeling, applied microeconometrics, and social interactions in service contexts. His work bridges theoretical econometric approaches with practical business applications, especially in the healthcare sector where he has led multiple Fraunhofer IMW projects including ASARob, NurMut, and ATMoSPHÄRE. His research methodology combines quantitative modeling with real-world case studies to address strategic and operational decisions in service organizations. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on discrete choice modeling, game theory applications in marketing, and service innovation frameworks. The 2025 paper "Discrete Games in Marketing Research" presented at the Global Marketing Conference in Hong Kong exemplifies his approach of applying advanced econometric techniques to practical marketing problems, particularly in digital service contexts. His work shows an evolving trajectory from foundational service management concepts toward increasingly sophisticated modeling of strategic interactions in service markets. Professor Radic has extensive experience advising major corporations including Metro AG, Lilly Deutschland, IMS Health, Berlin Chemie, and Augustinum gGmbH. His practical projects at Fraunhofer IMW focus on translating academic research into actionable business solutions, particularly in healthcare digitization and service innovation. He has led the TRAIN@MINE project developing training tools for Vietnam's mining sector and contributed to studies on Big Data applications in health insurance. At the University of Leipzig, he leads research activities through the Institute for Service and Relationship Management, supervising multiple research projects that connect academic inquiry with industry applications. His team collaborates with international partners including the University of California Davis, University of Maryland, Northwestern University, and the Technion Israel Institute of Technology, creating a robust research ecosystem focused on service management innovation.
Stefania De Vincentis is an Associate Professor of History of Contemporary Art at the Department of Humanities, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. She teaches across multiple degree programs including History of Contemporary Art, Digital and Public Humanities, and Economics and Management of Arts and Cultural Activities. Her office is located at Malcanton Marcorà (VeDPH, second floor) where she holds student office hours on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Dr. De Vincentis earned her PhD with honors in Human Sciences from the University of Ferrara. Her educational background includes studies in video art and visual arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, the IUAV-Institute of Architecture at the University of Venice, and a Master's Degree in Cultural Heritage Management (MuSeC) at the University of Ferrara. She was a Visiting Student at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles and a fellow at the Ermitage Italia Center for Art History. Her research focuses on the intersection of art history and digital technologies, particularly examining how digital tools transform museum experiences and art historical scholarship. Dr. De Vincentis investigates digital museum applications, virtual reality approaches to art collections, and the impact of technologies like IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework) on art historical research. Her work explores how AI, VR, and other digital methodologies can enhance engagement with cultural heritage while raising critical questions about the nature of digital art history as a discipline. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on practical digital applications in museum contexts, particularly at institutions like the Galleria Borghese in Rome. Her work spans from theoretical reflections on digital art history methodology to hands-on implementations of virtual reality and AI technologies for museum collections. As a founding member of the DiDiART laboratory (Diagnostics and Digital for Art) at the University of Ferrara and a member of the Venice Center for Digital and Public Humanities (VeDPH), Dr. De Vincentis actively contributes to digital humanities initiatives. She has collaborated extensively with cultural institutions including the Ferrara Arte Foundation, Pinacoteca Nazionale di Ferrara, and Estense Castle, bridging academic research with practical museum applications. Her teaching portfolio demonstrates a commitment to preparing students for careers at the intersection of art, technology, and cultural heritage management. She offers specialized courses that equip students with both theoretical frameworks and practical skills for engaging with digital transformations in the cultural sector.
Professor Caterina Zeppieri is a faculty member at the Institute for Analysis and Numerics within the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Münster, Germany. She serves as an investigator in Mathematics Münster and specializes in optimization and calculus of variations. Her research spans multiple collaborative projects within the Excellence Cluster EXC 2044. Her primary research interests focus on Calculus of Variations , Homogenization Theory , and Free-Discontinuity Problems , with significant contributions to the mathematical understanding of material science phenomena. Her work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in material modeling, fracture mechanics, and multi-scale analysis. She has developed sophisticated mathematical frameworks for understanding stochastic homogenization, phase-field approximations, and gradient damage models in heterogeneous materials. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward increasingly complex multi-scale problems involving randomness and discontinuities. Her work demonstrates deep connections between Γ-convergence theory, stochastic processes, and applications to material science, particularly in modeling fracture phenomena and composite materials. A notable trend is her development of global methods that unify deterministic and stochastic approaches to homogenization problems. Zeppieri actively contributes to teaching at the University of Münster, regularly offering courses on Partial Differential Equations, Calculus of Variations, and Advanced Topics in Mathematical Modeling. Her teaching spans both undergraduate and graduate levels, including specialized seminars on cutting-edge research topics in her field. She is deeply involved in the EXC 2044 collaborative research center, particularly in project units C1 (Evolution and asymptotics), C2 (Multi-scale phenomena and macroscopic structures), and C3 (Interacting particle systems and phase transitions), where she contributes her expertise in variational methods and homogenization to multi-disciplinary research efforts.
Dikai Liu is a Distinguished Professor and Strategic Research Director at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia, within the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering . His work spans field robotics and human-robot collaboration (HRC) , focusing on autonomous systems for infrastructure maintenance, construction automation, and underwater operations. Key research areas: Robotics, Human-Robot Interaction, Bio-Inspired Design, Infrastructure Maintenance Recent publications highlight innovations in trust modeling for HRC, stiffness control in continuum robots, and sociotechnical frameworks for AI-driven robotic systems. His 15 most recent articles emphasize applications in bridge maintenance, construction automation, and ethical AI integration. Awards include the 2019 UTS Medal for Research Impact, ASME DED Leonardo da Vinci Award (USA), and multiple engineering excellence recognitions. His research has generated over $22M in external funding, including 13 ARC grants and industry partnerships.
Marisa Exter serves as Associate Professor of Learning Design and Technology within Purdue University's Department of Curriculum and Instruction since 2020, following promotion from Assistant Professor (2013-2020). With 15+ years of software design and development experience, she holds dual expertise in Computer Science (BS/MS) and Instructional Systems Technology (PhD). Her educational foundation includes: PhD in Instructional Systems Technology, Indiana University (2011) MS in Computer Science, Illinois Institute of Technology (2003) BS in Computer Science, Elmhurst College (1999) Dr. Exter's research pioneers transdisciplinary educational innovation , focusing on how design processes transform technology-creation fields like Instructional Design, Computing, and Engineering. She investigates formal and non-formal learning experiences to enhance undergraduate education through interdisciplinary programs, while simultaneously examining online graduate program structures that support adult learners' connection to faculty and peers. Her work integrates heutagogical principles for lifelong learning and rigorously documents design successes/failures through scholarly design cases. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals accelerating focus on dispositional development in computing professions , competency-based curriculum models, and transdisciplinary experience design. Her methodological evolution includes increased use of Q methodology and collaborative autoethnography to capture diverse perspectives in educational innovation. As Purdue PI for a $3M multi-institutional computing competencies grant and co-coordinator of AECT's Summer Research Symposium, she drives national curriculum reform. Her mentorship approach cultivates the Exploring Disruptive Education research family group, which investigates interdisciplinary design processes across technology-rich learning environments. Professional service spans Computing Curriculum 2020 Task Force leadership and ACM/AERA membership. The Exploring Disruptive Education research collective she co-leads operates as an interdisciplinary incubator for educational innovation. This team examines how design thinking transforms learning experiences through technology integration, with particular emphasis on creating connections between formal education and industry practices in computing and engineering fields.
Jeffrey R. Gruen is Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology) and of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, and a faculty member in the Investigative Medicine Program at Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. His research is affiliated with multiple centers including the Yale Center for Genomic Health, Wu Tsai Institute, and the Yale Child Health Research Center. Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Yale School of Medicine Professor of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine Member, Investigative Medicine Program, Yale Graduate School Principal Investigator, Gruen Lab Education: MD, Tulane University, 1981 BS in Chemistry, Tulane University, 1977 Residency in Pediatrics, Yale-New Haven Hospital, 1984 Internship in Pediatrics, Yale-New Haven Hospital, 1982 Dr. Gruen's research centers on the genetic and molecular basis of dyslexia and language impairments. His lab pioneered the mapping of the DYX2 locus on chromosome 6 and discovered the DCDC2 gene, a major contributor to reading disability. His team identified READ1, a transcriptional control element that modulates risk for dyslexia, and demonstrated synergistic interactions between genetic variants in DCDC2 and KIAA0319 . His work integrates human genetics, molecular biology, and neuroimaging to understand the biological mechanisms underlying learning disabilities. He leads the Yale Genes, Reading and Dyslexia (GRaD) Study and the New Haven Lexinome Project, aiming to enable early diagnosis and personalized educational interventions. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in integrating genetic data with cognitive, behavioral, and educational assessments. Key themes include genome-wide association studies of dyslexia, gene-environment interactions (particularly involving phonological awareness and home environment), phenotype harmonization across cohorts, and the application of genetic findings to educational policy and practice. Imaging genetics and the study of comorbid conditions like Sluggish Cognitive Tempo are also prominent. Scientific Awards: Innovative Research Award, Kavli Institute, 2022 Dr. Gruen has served as Principal Investigator on numerous NIH-funded studies, including the GRaD Study, the Pediatric Imaging NeuroGenetics (PING) Study at Yale, and the New Haven Lexinome Project. He mentors a broad network of collaborators across institutions such as the University of Colorado, University of Bristol, and Johns Hopkins. His lab trains researchers in human genetics, molecular techniques, and cognitive phenotyping. He leads the Gruen Lab, which focuses on human genetic studies, molecular genetic mechanisms, imaging genetics, and longitudinal intervention studies. The lab collaborates extensively with national and international research centers and utilizes advanced techniques including GWAS, sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and MRI-based phenotyping.
Stephen Brooks is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, actively contributing to research and education in computer graphics, visualization, and human-computer interaction. He is affiliated with the Human-Computer Interaction, Visualization & Graphics research cluster and currently supervises multiple graduate students on diverse projects. PhD in Computer Science, University of Cambridge (2004) MSc in Computer Science, University of British Columbia (2000) BSc, Brock University (1998) His research focuses on computer graphics and visualization, particularly non-photorealistic rendering, image editing, 3D geospatial systems, ocean visualization, and real-time rendering of natural phenomena. He has also worked in sound synthesis and motion editing. His recent publications show a strong emphasis on visual analytics, network flow visualization, and ocean science applications. His work spans interdisciplinary domains including environmental science, genomics, cybersecurity, and digital art. He has developed visualization tools for ocean science under a major CFREF-funded initiative and created novel methods for rendering stained glass, mixed media art, rivers, and ocean surfaces. His research integrates perception, automation, and user interaction to enhance visual analysis. Notable scientific contributions include work on tone mapping optimization, uncertainty visualization using chromatic aberration, semantic object clouds, and hybrid 2D/3D GIS. His publications appear in top venues such as IEEE TVCG, ACM Transactions, and SIGGRAPH. NSERC Discovery Grants Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) NSERC CREATE Mitacs Accelerate and Globalink CFI New Opportunities Grant Cyber Security Research and Development Grant He has supervised numerous PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students in areas including ocean visualization, tone mapping, network security, VR, and geospatial analytics. He teaches courses in Game Design, Visualization, Computer Animation, and Network Computing, emphasizing project-based and interdisciplinary learning. He leads research in visual analytics for network data (FloVis), ocean science, and mixed reality collaboration. His lab develops interactive systems for data exploration in domains ranging from marine biology to cybersecurity. Future work includes expanding ocean-first climate visualization and enhancing mixed presence collaboration in immersive environments.
Steven Greybush is an Associate Professor in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. He is based in University Park, PA, and his research bridges atmospheric science, climate modeling, and interdisciplinary applications. He leads and contributes to major research initiatives involving AI-enhanced weather forecasting, planetary meteorology, and climate impacts on water and health systems. His research interests include Atmospheric Science , Climate Modeling , Data Assimilation , Planetary Meteorology (especially Mars) , Lake-Effect Snowbands , Tropical Cyclones , and Climate-Health Interactions . His work applies advanced techniques such as the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF), and AI-driven models to improve predictions of weather and climate phenomena. His recent publications (2021–2025) reveal a strong trend in integrating satellite and radar data into numerical models, enhancing forecasts of convection, hurricanes, and snowstorms. He also explores Martian atmospheric dynamics and the impact of climate variability on public health in Africa. His work is supported by major grants from NASA and NSF, including a $1.23 million NASA grant to improve AI satellite weather forecasting and an NSF grant for AI-powered weather pattern understanding. $1.23 million NASA grant for AI satellite weather forecasting NSF grant for AI-powered weather pattern understanding Penn State part of $6.6M consortium to improve weather forecasting Reducing Uncertainty in River System Forecasts to Maximize Nuclear and Hydro Generation Greybush collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and participates in field campaigns such as IMPACTS (Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms). He advises or co-advises graduate students and researchers, though specific advisees are not listed. His work is published in top journals including Journal of Geophysical Research , Monthly Weather Review , JAMA Network Open , and PNAS .
Tom Mitchell is a Professor of Audio and Music Interaction at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol . As leader of the Creative Technologies Laboratory , his research focuses on interactive technologies for creative expression, blending computer science, music, and artificial intelligence. He is the principal investigator for the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project "Sensing Music Interactions from the Outside-In" and co-investigator for the Bridge , a £3M creative technology facility. His research spans digital musical instrument design , GPU-accelerated audio processing , and sonification of scientific data . Recent work includes accessibility improvements in virtual environments, AI-driven DMI development, and interdisciplinary collaborations like the MiMU Gloves with Imogen Heap. He also contributes to robotics teleoperation through auditory feedback systems. Selected publications highlight trends in GPU acceleration for audio , generative AI in musical contexts , and human-robot collaboration via sonification. As a software developer , he specializes in C++ and the Juce library , with applications in live performance systems and scientific visualization projects like Soma and danceroom Spectroscopy . UKRI Future Leaders Fellow Active in AHRC and WECA-funded projects Best paper nominations at EvoMUSART and International Faust Conference Mitchell collaborates with institutions including the Bristol Robotics Laboratory , Computer Science Research Centre , and Pervasive Media Studio . His work bridges academic research with commercial applications through ventures like May Productions and x-io Technologies.
Thomas Ertl is a Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), leading the Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control. His research focuses on urban water systems, emphasizing sustainable drainage, climate change adaptation, and nature-based solutions. He has coordinated 55 projects, including international initiatives in Albania and Austria, addressing stormwater management, wastewater heat recovery, and sewer infrastructure resilience. Key Projects : Analysing re-activated watercourses for urban resilience (2024–2028) Resilient rainwater management in Austria (2024–2028) Assessing pollutant emissions in Albania (2024–2027) Research Themes : Building Information Modeling (BIM) in wastewater systems Uncertainty analysis under climate change Stormwater pollution and heat island mitigation Awards : 2018: Goldene Ehrennadel des ÖWAV 1993: Best student award at AGIT 93 His recent publications highlight multidisciplinary approaches to wastewater energy recovery, spatial compatibility of nature-based solutions, and prioritization of stormwater management sites. He has supervised numerous theses and contributed to media discussions on urban climate resilience, including articles in Austrian outlets like futurezone.at and Der Kurier.
Professor Cathryn Birch is a leading academic in Meteorology and Climate at the University of Leeds' School of Earth and Environment. She holds a Professorship specializing in high-impact weather systems and climate modeling, with extensive collaborations across international meteorological services including the Indonesian Met Service (BMKG) and the UK Met Office. Her research focuses on tropical meteorology , particularly thunderstorm formation and extreme rainfall mechanisms in Southeast Asia. She employs convection-permitting models , satellite observations, and machine learning techniques to develop nowcasting systems that predict severe weather 2-3 hours in advance. Key research areas include: Weather and climate extremes in tropical regions Flood forecasting and early warning system development Climate impacts on health (particularly humid heat extremes) Machine learning applications for weather prediction Her recent publications demonstrate strong trends in applied meteorology with emphasis on real-world implementation - 60% of her 2023-2025 work involves operational forecasting systems, while 40% focuses on climate-health linkages. Notable methodological innovations include satellite-based humid heat early warning systems and deep learning frameworks for convection initiation. Major scientific recognition includes: 2024 Emerging Environmental Impact Award for flood early warning systems 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for tropical community resilience 2014 European Meteorological Society Young Scientist Award Professor Birch actively supervises 6 PhD students and 3 postdocs while leading multi-million pound projects including the £6M National Hub on Net Zero, Health and Extreme Heat (HEARTH). Her team develops practical forecasting tools currently being tested with African meteorological services and the Indonesian Met Service. She also serves on the European Meteorological Society Awards Committee and the Met Office K-scale project steering group.
Beate Paulus is a Professor for Theoretical Chemistry at the Freie Universität Berlin , affiliated with the Chemistry and Biochemistry college and the Chemistry department. Her research focuses on advanced quantum chemical methodologies and applications to 2D materials, spintronics, and catalysis. Current affiliation: Freie Universität Berlin Key research areas: Quantum Chemistry, Density Functional Theory, 2D Materials, Spintronics, Electrocatalysis Her work spans computational modeling of electronic structures, magnetic properties, and chemical reactions using Density Functional Theory (DFT) with specialized corrections. She investigates systems like MoS2 , graphene heterostructures , and transition metal complexes , aiming to understand and optimize properties for energy applications, biosensors, and nanoelectronics. Recent publications highlight her contributions to quantum mechanical fluorine tunnelling , spin-selective transport in doped nanoribbons , and surface functionalization strategies for 2D materials. Her group also explores mechanically interlocked molecules and redox-responsive polymers with potential biomedical applications. Beate Paulus leads the Paulus Group , which actively publishes in high-impact journals and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving experimental and theoretical approaches.
