Denny Borsboom is Professor in the Psychological Methods Group at the University of Amsterdam, where he directs the Social and Behavioural Data Science Centre. His research program develops network theories of psychopathology, novel psychometric methods, and formalized psychological theory through initiatives like the Psychosystems Project and Theory Methods Lab. Research focuses on conceptual foundations of measurement, complex systems approaches to mental disorders, and computational modeling of psychological phenomena. Recent publications advance network psychometrics, validity theory, and integration of intra/interindividual dynamics. Articles demonstrate strong methodological innovation through computational psychiatry applications, network theory development, and philosophical engagement with psychological foundations. Recurring themes include psychopathological networks, measurement realism, system transitions, and collaborative theory-building frameworks.
Maarten de Rijke is a Professor at the University of Amsterdam's Informatics Institute, leading the Information Retrieval Lab (IRLab). He specializes in information retrieval, machine learning, and recommendation systems, focusing on neural ranking models, fairness, and conversational search. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in reproducibility, robustness, and ethical AI. He supervises numerous PhD students and postdocs, including recent defenses by Barrie Kersbergen, Antonis Krasakis, and Vera Provatorova. His lab collaborates internationally, organizing events like SIGIR workshops and the Search Engines Amsterdam (SEA) meetup. Key awards include the Best Reproducibility Paper Award (2025) and Best Paper at WSDM 2021. Research interests span generative retrieval, adversarial robustness, and fairness in ranking. Notable projects include the FULTR dataset, FairDiverse toolkit, and studies on empathetic conversational systems. He actively promotes open science through reproducible methodologies and community-driven benchmarks.
Dr. Saer Samanipour is a Visiting Professor at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, part of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research focuses on advanced analytical techniques for environmental and biomedical applications, with a strong emphasis on non-targeted analysis, mass spectrometry, and machine learning integration. He leads efforts in developing open-source tools like GcDUO and jHRMSToolBox to enhance data interpretation in complex chemical datasets. Key areas include environmental contaminant detection, chemical exposure assessment via wastewater-based epidemiology, and proteomic analysis of snake venoms. His work bridges computational methods with experimental chemistry to address global challenges in environmental health and toxicology. Primary affiliation: Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences Research themes: Non-targeted LC-HRMS workflows, machine learning applications in analytical chemistry, PFAS analysis, and exposome research Software contributions: GcDUO (GC×GC-MS), jHRMSToolBox (HRMS data processing) His publications highlight innovations in data-driven approaches for compound prioritization, toxicity prediction, and method optimization. Recent work explores chemical space exploration and chemometric strategies for complex mixture analysis, with applications to environmental monitoring and forensic science.
Afra Alishahi is a Full Professor at Tilburg University's Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence within the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. Her research focuses on computational models of human language acquisition and grounded language learning, leveraging neural models to explore how language processing and acquisition occur. She has held roles including Assistant Professor at Tilburg University (since 2011) and Postdoctoral Fellow at Saarland University (2008-2011). Her work bridges computational linguistics, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence, with contributions to understanding language learning mechanisms through models that integrate visual, auditory, and linguistic data. Education: PhD (university unspecified), with prior academic roles in Iran and Germany. Awards: CoNLL 2017 Best Paper Award, 2023 Outstanding Paper Award, NWO Aspasia Grant (2015), and NWO Natural Artificial Intelligence Grant (2015). Her research has been supported by grants such as the Dutch National Research Agenda-funded project on interpreting deep learning models for text and sound. Research Interests: Grounded language learning, interaction effects in language acquisition, and neural model interpretability. Key areas include multi-modal learning (e.g., linking speech to visual scenes), computational modeling of child language learning, and probing neural networks for linguistic knowledge. She co-organized workshops like BlackboxNLP (2018-2020) and has authored over 60 publications, including influential works on phonology encoding in neural models and gender disambiguation in machine translation. Teaching: Courses include Cognitive Models of Language Learning , Computational Linguistics , and Language, Cognition & Computation . She advises master's theses and leads projects in data science and AI. Lab/Team: Leads research on computational modeling, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams (e.g., with Grzegorz Chrupała, Afsaneh Fazly), and involvement in initiatives like the Interpreting Deep Learning Models for Text and Sound project.
Gonzalo Nápoles is an Assistant Professor at Tilburg University's School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Department of Cognitive Science and AI. He holds a Doctoral Degree in Computer Science from Rough Cognitive Networks (2014–2017). His research focuses on AI applications in cognitive modeling, pattern classification, and neural networks with interdisciplinary applications in healthcare, finance, and social sciences. Key research areas include Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, data augmentation techniques for neuroimaging, and interpretable machine learning systems. He actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and innovation. Recent work explores AI ethics, financial risk assessment using dynamic networks, and sensory processing disorder analysis through neural networks. Education: Doctoral Degree in Computer Science, 2017 (Thesis: Rough Cognitive Networks) Prize-winning research includes Best Paper Awards at CIARP 2021 and IWAIPR 2023. He collaborates internationally, hosting academic visitors and serving on multiple PhD committees. Current projects involve stock prediction using graph neural networks and fMRI data augmentation methodologies. Awards: Best Paper Award - CIARP 2021 Best Paper Award - IWAIPR 2023 Nápoles advises on PhD theses in cognitive science and AI applications. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations in healthcare, finance, and urban systems.
Rianne Conijn is an assistant professor in the Human-Technology Interaction group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. Her research bridges data-driven methodologies (machine learning, statistical modeling) with human-centered design to enhance learning analytics, explainable AI, and writing process analysis. She holds a joint PhD (cum laude) from Antwerp University and Tilburg University, and an MSc (cum laude) in Human-Technology Interaction from TU/e. Academic Background: MSc (2015, TU/e, cum laude), PhD (2020, Antwerp University & Tilburg University, cum laude). Research Focus: Learning analytics, keystroke logging, explainable AI for education, data dashboards, and self-regulated learning dynamics. Teaching: Courses in Advanced Research Methods, Human-AI Interaction, Behavioral Research Methods, and AI ethics in education. Her recent publications explore parallel language planning in writing, longitudinal self-regulated learning strategies, and generalizability of academic performance prediction models. She leads an NWO Veni project on Human-Centered AI in education, emphasizing tailored explanations for student-AI collaboration. Scientific awards include cum laude distinctions for her MSc and PhD, and the NWO Veni grant. Collaborative work spans institutions in the Netherlands, Norway, and the U.S., with applications in intelligent tutoring systems and ethical AI deployment in exams. Key trends across her work: integration of machine learning with educational theory, leveraging keystroke data for cognitive process insights, and prioritizing actionable, explainable AI systems for student support. Publications span journals like the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , Computers and Education , and IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies . Scientific Awards: NWO Veni grant for Human-Centered AI in education Cum laude for MSc and PhD Grants & Collaborations: National Science Foundation grants (2016868, 2302644) for biometric feedback in writing UK Research and Innovation grant (ES/W011832/1) for real-time AI scaffolding TU/e Boost! Program grant for self-regulated learning analysis Labs & Teams: EAISI Foundational (Eindhoven AI Systems Institute) Human Technology Interaction group at TU/e Collaboration with Norwegian Reading National Center (University of Stavanger) Project teams for Waterproof ITS and ProWrite grants
Didier Meuwly is a Full Professor of Forensic Biometrics at the University of Twente (since 2013) and Principal Scientist at the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). His work focuses on automating and validating probabilistic evaluation of forensic evidence, particularly biometric traces. He has contributed to international standards via ISO Technical Committee 272 and served as Associate Editor for Forensic Science International . PhD in Forensic Speaker Recognition (University of Lausanne, 2000) Research spans forensic biometrics, likelihood ratios, AI validation, and gait/body analysis from surveillance footage. Recent work addresses ISO standards (21043), forensic AI explainability, and multimodal evidence evaluation. His publications emphasize empirical validation and statistical rigor. Key awards include: ENFSI Distinguished Forensic Scientist Award (2022) University of Lausanne Law Faculty Prize (2002) Active in global forensic networks, he chairs the ENFSI R&D Committee and collaborates across disciplines on digital evidence, biometric security, and forensic methodology.
Aaqib Saeed is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology. His research focuses on Human-Centric AI, Federated Learning, Self-Supervised Learning, and Audio Understanding, with applications in Personal Health. He holds a PhD (cum laude) from TU/e and an MSc (cum laude) from the University of Twente. Education: PhD in Computer Science (cum laude), TU/e (2021) MSc in Computer Science (cum laude), University of Twente (2018) Research Interests: Development of robust federated learning frameworks for decentralized data Self-supervised learning for audio and physiological signal analysis AI-driven solutions for healthcare monitoring Key Contributions: DeltaMask: Reducing communication overhead in federated fine-tuning FedNS: Mitigating noisy decentralized data in federated learning Labeling Chaos to Learning Harmony: Handling label noise in FL Professional Experience: Visiting Industrial Fellow, University of Cambridge (2023) Research Scientist, Philips Research (2019–2023) Research Internships: Google Research, TNO/EIT Digital Awards: UT Scholarship (MSc) Cum Laude awards for both PhD and MSc Labs/Teams: EAISI Health, EAISI Foundational, Computational Design Systems.
Anna Wilbik is a Professor in Data Fusion and Intelligent Interaction at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University (The Netherlands). Her research bridges data understanding and human-machine synergy in complex systems, focusing on multi-criteria decision making, explainable AI, and data fusion techniques. PhD in Computer Science (with honors), Systems Research Institute, Polish Academy of Science (2010) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Missouri (2011) Stanford University TOP500 Innovators Program Alumnus Research Pillars: Intelligent human-machine interaction for joint decision making Data fusion methods for heterogeneous data integration Contextualized multi-criteria decision frameworks Fuzzy logic and linguistic summaries for explainability Federated learning systems Article Trends: Recent work focuses on intuitionistic fuzzy sets for knowledge-intensive processes, federated learning with uncertainty handling, and linguistic summarization techniques for interpretable AI. She actively explores explainability , collaborative business models , and driver behavior analysis through attention-based models. Professional Leadership: Vice-chair of IEEE Fuzzy Systems Technical Committee Organizer of IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (2024)
Robert Pollice is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen , specializing in Homogeneous Catalysis . His research integrates computational chemistry , machine learning , and automated experimentation to accelerate molecular design and catalyst development . Research Interests focus on homogeneous catalysis , quantum chemistry , and machine learning applications. His work addresses challenges in reaction mechanism modeling , noncovalent interactions , and inverse molecular design , leveraging closed-loop optimization and large language models for chemical data analysis . Publications span quantum chemical simulations , solvation energy calculations , excited state engineering , and automated catalyst discovery . His recent studies explore inverted singlet-triplet gaps , machine learning for reaction modeling , and SELFIES for molecular string representations . Peer-review Contributions include evaluations for journals like Organic Process Research & Development , Materials Advances , and Chem , reflecting his expertise in catalysis , quantum chemistry , and AI-driven chemical discovery .
Raymond H. Cuijpers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Human Technology Interaction group. His research focuses on Cognitive Robotics , Human-Robot Interaction , and Artificial Intelligence for cognitive agents, with applications in healthcare robotics and aging population support. PhD in Physics of Man from Utrecht University (2000) Postdoctoral research at Erasmus MC Rotterdam and Radboud University Nijmegen Key research areas include: Developing socially intelligent robots with proper social cue interpretation Hybrid AI approaches for real-world complexity handling Visual-haptic perception integration in human motor control Service robots for COPD patient assistance (KSERA project) Rescue robotics and tele-operation applications Recent research output (2025) includes studies on: Personalization in human-robot communication Optimal lighting for elderly visual perception Human-robot bonding mechanisms Interactive sensorized platforms for homecare (GUARDIAN) Audiovisual temporal integration in virtual environments He coordinates large-scale European projects like GUARDIAN and previously KSERA, contributes to sustainable development goals through healthcare robotics, and serves on editorial boards of leading journals including International Journal of Social Robotics . His work spans both technical robotics development and human-centric interaction studies.
Prof. SG (Guid) Oei is a full-time faculty member at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Biomedical Diagnostics Lab under the Department of Electrical Engineering. He serves as a leading academic in the Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center and the Center for Care & Cure Technology Eindhoven , focusing on advanced signal processing systems for maternal-fetal health diagnostics. Primary Affiliation: Professor , Electrical Engineering, TU/e Research Centers: Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center, Biomedical Diagnostics Lab, Center for Care & Cure Technology Eindhoven Research Focus : Developing non-invasive fetal monitoring technologies, including electrohysterography and speckle tracking echocardiography , to improve detection of fetal distress, preterm birth prediction, and maternal-fetal health outcomes. His work bridges biomedical diagnostics with machine learning, emphasizing real-time clinical applications. Scientific Contributions : Over 288 research outputs with 4568 citations, including pioneering studies on: Fetal myocardial deformation analysis AI-enhanced cardiotocogram interpretation Extra-uterine life support system design Impact of maternal mental health on labor outcomes Optimization of uterine monitoring techniques Collaborative Networks : Works with key researchers like Jan WM Bergmans (NeuroPlatform), Massimo Mischi (Biomedical Diagnostics), and Judith OEH van Laar on projects spanning prenatal diagnostics, maternal-fetal coupling, and simulation-based obstetric training.
Dr. Sjoukje Osinga is an Assistant Professor in the Information Technology group at Wageningen University's Department of Social Sciences. Her research focuses on computational social science, natural language processing (NLP), and big data applications in agriculture. She holds a PhD from Wageningen University on agent-based modelling of knowledge management in the pig sector, with fieldwork in China. She contributed to EU H2020 projects like Cybele (big data in agriculture) and Dragon (knowledge transfer of ABM tools). She is a member of the SiLiCo Centre, specializing in simulating complex systems through agent-based simulations. Education: Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science (Groningen and Leuven, 1991) Research interests include agent-based modelling, big data analytics for agriculture, machine learning, and knowledge management. She explores topics like digital twins in health and agriculture, and sentiment analysis in policy-making. Her work bridges technical innovation with societal challenges, such as sustainable farming practices and compliance strategies in regulatory environments. Publications span agent-based models for pork supply chains, machine learning applications in crop forecasting, and digital twin frameworks for agriculture. She actively engages in interdisciplinary projects addressing data integration and policy implications of emerging technologies.
Michel Vols is a Professor of Public Order Law at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Law. He earned his degrees in Law and Philosophy from the same university and completed his PhD in 2013 on housing-related anti-social behavior across jurisdictions. As an academic researcher at the Centre for Public Order and Public Security (linked to the University of Groningen), he focuses on public order law, housing law, and human rights. His work includes founding the International Research Network on Law and Anti-social Behavior and conducting research for the Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations. Key roles include: Chair in Public Order Law Academic Researcher at the Centre for Public Order and Security Visiting Scholar at universities in Ghent, Bristol, Puerto Rico, Cape Town His research interests span public order, anti-social behavior mitigation, housing rights, and legal methodologies involving AI. Notable achievements include launching the free legal advice website overlastadvies.nl in 2019 and securing an ERC Starting Grant (€1.5M) in 2020 to study eviction protections under human rights frameworks. He has been awarded the Nicolaas Muleriusstipendium (2016) and has authored over 150 publications, including books on housing law and comparative jurisprudence. His work bridges legal theory and practice, often using interdisciplinary approaches like data science in legal analysis. He advises on policy reforms, such as exclusion orders for nuisance neighbors and drug-related property closures, and collaborates with government bodies on urban safety strategies. His research also explores the impact of evictions on vulnerable populations, including minorities and children.
Christine Moser is a Full Professor of Sustainable Organizing at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's School of Business and Economics (Management and Organisation department). Her research focuses on technology's role in social interaction, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and knowledge flows within social networks. She holds editorial roles at Academy of Management Learning and Education and Organization Studies , and chairs the European Group of Organizational Studies (EGOS). Education: PhD in 'Not a piece of cake: What makes online communities work?' (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2013) Master's in Culture, Organization & Management (cum laude, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2006) Research Interests: Moser explores how technology shapes organizational practices, with emphasis on online communities, social media governance, and sustainability challenges like food waste. Her work bridges sociology, psychology, and management theory, addressing ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making and AI. Awards: Best Article Award (Academy of Management Learning & Education, 2023) Emerald Literati Award (2018) Wilhelmina Drucker Award (2017) Projects & Grants: She leads MOVUS (2024–2026), redesigning digital care systems for elderly populations, and collaborates on strengthening ICT capacity in Ugandan universities (2023–2026). Her research is funded by the ISR Grant (2018). Labs/Teams: Central to her work is the EGOS organizing team (2021 colloquium coordinator) and interdisciplinary collaborations in sustainability and technology ethics.
