Dr. Kruakae Pothong is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She holds a primary research role at 5Rights, focusing on children’s education data, child-centred design of digital services, and broader areas including digital ethics, human-computer interaction, and Internet policies. Her work emphasizes deliberative methods to integrate human values into technological advancements like IoT and distributed ledgers. Collaborating with LSE’s Professor Sonia Livingstone on the Digital Futures Commission project , she bridges user experiences with emerging technologies to foster inclusive design. Her research spans applications in agriculture, ambient environments, and energy management, engaging diverse groups such as youth, adults, and people with hearing loss. She advocates for participatory approaches to ensure technology development aligns with societal needs and ethical standards.
Dr. Alice Cheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at North Carolina State University (NCSU), with an adjunct role at the Poole College of Management. She is also the Director of the Studying Broad Communication Program-China and a University Faculty Fellow. She holds a Ph.D. from the Missouri School of Journalism and an MBA from the Crosby MBA program, recognized with an outstanding academic award. Her research focuses on AI-driven strategic communication, crisis management, and misinformation. Notable projects include leveraging AI chatbots for mental health support, combating misinformation, and ethical AI integration. She has secured over $2 million in grants from NSF, NEH, and others, including a prestigious Arthur Page Center Legacy Grant for ethics in public communication. Dr. Cheng has published over 160 articles in top journals like New Media & Society and Journal of Public Relations Research , and co-edits special issues in Internet Research and Public Relations Review . Awards include the University Faculty Scholar (2023-2024), Top Faculty Paper Award (AEJMC 2024), and the Hong Kong Government Reaching Out Award. She advises numerous graduate students and has led international collaborations, including keynote addresses at MIT, Peking University, and Vienna University of Economics. Her work bridges academia and practice through editorial roles, grants, and community outreach initiatives.
Professor Robyn Healy is the Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) and Head of the School of Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University. She holds a Professorial rank within the Department of Design and Social Context. Her career includes roles as Senior Curator at the National Gallery of Victoria and National Gallery of Australia, alongside extensive academic leadership. Her research focuses on fashion design, curatorial practices, museums, material culture, and practice-led research, with a PhD exploring new museum exhibition methodologies for fashion. She is a Category 1 research supervisor and leads a vibrant research team overseeing numerous PhD projects in fashion and design innovation. Education Leadership: Spearheaded restructuring of fashion programs to enhance cross-disciplinary studios and industry engagement. Professional Roles: Chair of IFFTI Research Sub-Committee, member of TEQSA accreditation panels, and advisor to national cultural institutions. Research Interests: Robyn’s work bridges fashion design, museology, and material culture with a focus on curatorial innovation and the phenomenology of wear. Her projects explore sustainable fashion practices, digital curation, and the intersection of fashion with health and technology. Awards: Centenary Medal (2013) for contributions to Australian fashion, and Gordon Darling Foundation Travel Scholarship. Supervision & Grants: Active in mentoring over 20 PhD and Masters candidates, with research projects addressing topics like sustainable textile methods, fashion curation in digital spaces, and biomimetic design. Engaged in collaborative grants exploring wearable health technologies and fashion’s environmental impact. Labs/Teams: Directs the School of Fashion and Textiles, fostering industry partnerships and innovative research initiatives in sustainable design and curatorial practices.
Yu Jianxing is the Party Secretary of Zhejiang Gongshang University, overseeing the university's overall Party Committee operations and administrative leadership since 2023. He previously held roles as President and Deputy President of the university (2020–2023), and served as Dean of Zhejiang University's School of Public Administration (2015–2020). A distinguished academic, he holds a PhD in Philosophy from Fudan University (1999) and has been a visiting scholar at institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, Arizona State University, and several German universities. His academic leadership roles include directorships of key research institutes like Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Computational Science for Common Prosperity and editorships of influential journals like the Journal of Chinese Governance . Education: PhD in Philosophy (Fudan University, 1999); visiting appointments at University of Edinburgh (2004), Arizona State University (2006–2008), and multiple visits to German institutions (2011–2018). Earlier roles included distinguished professorships at Sun Yat-sen University and Zhejiang University. Research focuses on government reform, social governance, and public policy, with emphases on digital governance, civil society dynamics, and health care policies. He has led over 15 major research projects, including National Natural Science Foundation key projects and Ministry of Education initiatives. Key publications include Government Reform in the Digital Age (2023) and One-Stop Service Reform (2019), recognized with multiple national and provincial awards. Award highlights include the Yangtze River Scholars Distinguished Professorship (2012), State Council Special Allowance (2002), and three first prizes for outstanding research achievements from the Ministry of Education. His work bridges academia and policy, contributing to national initiatives like Zhejiang's Common Prosperity Demonstration Zone. He chairs or participates in over 20 national and provincial committees, including the State Council's Public Administration Discipline Evaluation Group and Zhejiang's Rule of Law Advisory Committee. His academic leadership extends to roles in China Social Governance Research Association and Zhejiang Public Administration Society.
Dr. David Firang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at Trent University, where he also holds appointments in the M.A. Sustainability Studies (MASS) and PhD IDSR programs. He previously served as Assistant Professor (Ltd) at the University of Windsor’s School of Social Work, focusing on curriculum leadership in advanced social policy and community practice. With over 13 years in child welfare at Toronto’s Children’s Aid Society and experience in community advocacy, Dr. Firang bridges academic and practical social work expertise. His research emphasizes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), immigrant transnationalism, environmental sustainability, and Afro-Canadian issues. He has led projects funded by SSHRC, Theall Research Grant, and the Symons Foundation, contributing to over a dozen peer-reviewed articles since 2018. Education: PhD and MSW, University of Toronto M.A., University of Saskatchewan Post-Diploma, British Columbia Institute of Technology B.A., University of Ghana Research Focus: Dr. Firang’s work explores transnational immigrant practices, housing inequities, and the intersection of race and environmental justice. Recent studies analyze Ghanaian diasporic housing strategies, pandemic impacts on international students, and anti-Black racism in policing. His advocacy spans Black communities, international students, and African diasporas in Toronto. Grants & Awards: SSHRC Research Grant Theall Research Grant Symons Research Foundation Grant SSHRC Insight Development Grant (IDG) Leadership & Community Engagement: Dr. Firang has led equity initiatives for marginalized communities, including grants management for Toronto’s Access & Equity Division. His roles in the Ghanaian Methodist diaspora and African community advocacy reflect his commitment to social justice.
Joao Carlos Amaro Ferreira is a Professor at the Faculty of Logistics, Molde University College (HiMolde), Norway. He holds PhDs in Computer Engineering and Industrial Engineering from the Technical University of Lisbon and the University of Minho, respectively. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare, energy, transportation, IoT, blockchain, and smart cities. He has led over 40 projects, including 6 as Principal Investigator, and contributed to international conferences like OAIR and INTSYS. He served as IEEE CIS President (2016-2018) and is an IEEE Senior Member since 2015. His academic contributions span AI-driven solutions for public sector informatics, healthcare data quality, and cybersecurity. He actively participates in European projects such as e-Hospital4Future and explores blockchain applications in supply chains and medical records. Ferreira leads the ABC-AI research group, emphasizing ethical and applied AI. His work bridges academia and industry through projects like gamification systems for eco-driving and AI in fisheries traceability. Recent publications highlight AI's role in cardiovascular disease detection, emergency department optimization, and blockchain-enhanced healthcare interoperability. He collaborates internationally, co-editing journals like Applied Sciences , and has authored patents in edge computing for maritime monitoring.
John Whitney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. He joined the university in January 2016. His research focuses on human-safe robotics, medical robotics, soft robotics, MEMS, microrobotics, and bio-inspired design, with a particular emphasis on flapping aerodynamics and insect flight mechanisms. He has led major research initiatives including the National Science Foundation-funded 'Controllable Compliance' robotic arm project and Office of Naval Research projects on haptic manipulators for explosive ordnance disposal. Whitney holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University (2012) and an SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT (2006). He is affiliated with Northeastern's Institute for Experiential Robotics and has contributed to advanced systems like the ANA Avatar XPRIZE robotic avatar. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanical engineering, control systems, and biomedical applications. Education: PhD in Engineering Sciences, Harvard University, 2012 SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, 2006 Awards: 2023 Impact Award Finalist, International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2022-2023 College of Engineering Faculty Award Recipient His research spans teleoperation systems, haptic feedback mechanisms, and soft material manufacturing. Notable projects include a MR-safe haptic system for prostate biopsies and a novel robotic arm for contact-rich environments. His lab's work on flapping-wing microrobots draws inspiration from insect flight dynamics to improve micro air vehicle (MAV) performance. Whitney advises teams like the Northeastern Mars Rover Team and ANA Avatar XPRIZE finalists, demonstrating his commitment to hands-on student engagement. His publications emphasize practical robotics solutions for medical, industrial, and exploratory applications.
Heng WANG is a Full-time Professor of Law at the Yong Pung How School of Law, Singapore Management University (SMU), since January 2023. Previously, he served as Associate Dean (Faculty Matters & Research) at SMU Law (2024–2025) and held senior positions at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), including Co-Director of the Tsinghua-UNSW Joint Research Centre for International Commercial and Economic Law (2019–2022). He has held visiting and adjunct roles at institutions such as the National University of Singapore, China University of Political Science and Law, and Case Western Reserve University. His education includes a PhD from Southwest University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL, 2008), an LLM (National Top 10 Model Student) from SWUPL (2003), and dual bachelor’s degrees in Law and International Studies (1999–2000). Wang’s research focuses on governance challenges of digital transformation (AI, sustainability, dispute settlement), digital currencies, and China’s role in shaping the international economic order. He has authored influential works on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CBDCs, and regional economic agreements. His publications appear in journals like the Journal of International Economic Law and World Trade Review . He has received prestigious awards, including the Lee Kong Chian Fellowship (2024–2025), ARC grants, and the Singapore Law Gazette’s Best Feature Article (2023). His work addresses cutting-edge topics such as blockchain governance, CBDC regulatory frameworks, and the future of cross-border financial systems. He actively contributes to global initiatives like the World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Alliance and the Future of Blockchain. Wang has advised on international trade and investment disputes and led research centers focusing on China’s economic policies. His academic leadership includes steering committees for the Asian International Economic Law Network and the Society of International Economic Law. He maintains editorial roles at journals like the Journal of World Trade & Investment and the Asia Pacific Law Review .
Prof. Dr. Ben Wagner is a Professor of Media, Technology & Society at Inholland University, Director of TU Delft's AI Futures Lab on Rights and Justice, and Professor of Human Rights & Technology at IT:U. His work bridges social sciences, technology, and human rights, focusing on digital governance, AI ethics, and societal impacts of technological change. He holds a PhD from the European University Institute (2013) and has led institutions like the Center for Internet & Human Rights (Viadrina) and the Sustainable Computing Lab (WU Wien). Key initiatives include Inholland's Digital Rights Research Team (DRRT), Sustainable Media Lab (SML), and contributions to the European Cloud for Heritage OpEn Science (ECHOES). His research emphasizes designing accountable tech systems, digital rights frameworks, and sustainable digital infrastructures. Recent work addresses gaps between legal/ethical guidelines and public sector data practices, AI governance across nations, and audit mechanisms for platform transparency. Awards include the 2023 Best Paper Award at HICSS for AI governance research and a 2013 Best Student Paper at Internet Science. Collaborations span academia, governments, and industries to shape equitable tech policies. Active in advisory roles for ENISA, Patterns Journal, and the UKRI Trustworthy Systems Hub.
Feng Gao is a Professor of Optoelectronics at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, and leads the Electronic and Photonic Materials (EFM) division. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering (Institute of Technology) and conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and materials science. His work focuses on organic semiconductors and metal halide perovskites for sustainable energy technologies. His research interests include: Organic and perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and recyclability Perovskite LEDs for next-generation lighting and displays Electrically pumped perovskite lasers Flexible and lead-free perovskite materials for X-ray detection and information storage Sustainable materials design with full lifecycle consideration His recent publications reveal a strong focus on improving device stability, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing energy conversion efficiency in optoelectronic systems. Trends in his work show a shift toward circular economy principles, green manufacturing, and multifunctional materials. His research has been published in top journals including Nature , Science , Nature Energy , and Advanced Materials . Scientific awards received: Göran Gustafsson Prize in Physics ERC Consolidator and Starting Grants Wallenberg Scholar (2024) SSF Future Research Leader (2020) Tage Erlander Prize (2020) Wallenberg Academy Fellow (2017) Lisa Meitner Grant for Israel-Swedish Collaboration Feng Gao has secured significant research funding from the European Research Council (ERC), the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (SEK 31 million for flexible X-ray technology), Swedish Research Council (VR), Swedish Energy Agency, FORMAS, Vinnova, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. He actively mentors PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Max Karlsson and Huotian Zhang, and fosters international collaborations with institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Oxford, and Zhejiang University. His group emphasizes both scientific excellence and career development, supporting exchanges with leading global labs. He leads a dynamic research team within the Advanced Functional Materials (AFM) environment at IFM, working on groundbreaking projects such as fully recyclable solar cells, touch-sensitive LED displays, and perovskite-based random number generators for quantum communication. The group is also building new experimental infrastructure, including advanced labs for optoelectronic materials synthesis and characterization.
Florence Hachez-Leroy is a Lecturer at the University of Artois and an Associate Member of the Centre de Recherches Historiques (CRH) at EHESS-CNRS in Paris. She is affiliated with the GrHEco research team and the CRH laboratory, where she contributes to research in economic and industrial history. Her work spans business history, heritage studies, and the history of technology, with a focus on aluminum and industrial materials. Her research interests include the history of new materials and their uses, corporate history, consumption, technological innovation, health and food history, and industrial heritage. She has led significant research projects such as the ANR Créalu on aluminum as heritage and participated in EU-funded initiatives like EUWOL. She is actively involved in heritage networks, serving as President of CILAC and a board member of TICCIH. Her recent publications explore themes in industrial heritage, aluminum’s global impact, and corporate archival practices. She has authored and edited several books, including works on aluminum’s cultural and industrial significance. Her research bridges academic history with public heritage and policy engagement. Scientific Awards: Special mention, 10th Crédit Agricole Prize for Business History Prix Roberval 2004, grand public category Juvenile honorary member, Institut Universitaire de France (2009–2013) She teaches courses at both the University of Artois and EHESS on industrial and scientific heritage, business history, and 19th–20th century European industrial history. She supervises research and has directed master’s theses on corporate museums and heritage valorization. She is based at the CRH in Paris and collaborates with national and international research teams and heritage organizations.
Kenan Li, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice. He joined SLU in August 2022 and teaches courses such as Statistical Learning, R for Spatial Analysis, and Environmental Determinants of Health. His research bridges data science, GIS, and public health, focusing on spatial computation, environmental exposures, and community resilience. Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University M.S. in Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University B.S. in Environmental Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Nankai University, China Dr. Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of spatial computation, environmental health, and community resilience . He develops geo-AI frameworks , integrated geo-cyber-infrastructures , and biostatistics algorithms using big data, deep learning, and sensor data. His work emphasizes understanding human-environment interactions, urban sustainability, and health disparities. His recent publications from 2023 to 2015 reveal a strong trend in spatial modeling of population dynamics , machine learning for environmental exposure analysis , and resilience assessment in vulnerable coastal regions. He has pioneered methods like Dynamic Time Warping Self-Organizing Maps and Wavelet-based Shapelet Discovery to extract meaningful patterns from high-frequency sensor data. His scientific awards include the Taylor Geospatial Institute Seed Grant (2023) , the Saint Louis University 2023 Health Research Grant , and selection for the Scholarly Undergraduate Research Grants and Experiences . He has secured funding from NSF, NIH, USC Keck School of Medicine, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dr. Li has advised and collaborated on numerous research projects, particularly in interdisciplinary teams studying the Mississippi River Delta and urban health interventions. He has been involved in NIH/NIBIB-funded projects and led research on emergency management of trail systems in Los Angeles County. He is actively involved in building research labs and teams focused on spatial data science and public health analytics , having previously worked at USC’s Spatial Sciences Institute and Population and Public Health Sciences Department.
Mag. Dr. Sergej Seitz is a Project Associate (postdoc) in the ERC Advanced Grant 'Prefiguring Democratic Futures' at the University of Vienna's Institute of Political Science (Faculty of Social Sciences). Previously, he held roles as a University Assistant (postdoc) at the University of Innsbruck's Institute of Philosophy and a research associate in the FWF project 'Language and Violence: The Ethico-Political Turn to Language after the Linguistic Turn.' He studied Philosophy and German Philology at the Universities of Vienna and Paris VIII. His research focuses on political philosophy, social philosophy, philosophy of language, radical democratic theories, discourses of alterity, and theories of linguistic violence. He has contributed to special issues like Politics of Truth (Le foucaldien) and Language, Ethics, Politics (Journal of Practical Philosophy), and co-edited Judith Butler's Philosophy of the Political . He participates in the ERC-funded project led by Prof. Oliver Marchart, exploring democratic futures through interdisciplinary political theory. His recent publications analyze normativity in ethical-political frameworks (Honneth/Derrida/Levinas), post-truth critiques, and Rancière's theories of political figures and resistance. Seitz has held teaching and research roles across institutions, with a focus on global and intercultural philosophy. He actively contributes to academic editing and international collaboration in critical theory and political philosophy.
Assoc. Prof. Gunter Heymann is an Associate Professor at the Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Austria. He leads the Heymann Lab and specializes in high-pressure synthesis, crystallography, and the design of novel inorganic materials. His research focuses on borates, chalcogenides, and luminescent materials, with contributions to understanding structural properties under extreme conditions. Heymann holds a PhD from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2007) and a Habilitation in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Innsbruck (2018). He has received notable awards, including the Lupe Award (2009) and Römer Award (2007). His work integrates experimental and theoretical methods to explore materials for optical and electronic applications. Education: PhD in Chemistry (2007), Habilitation in Inorganic Chemistry (2018) Affiliations: Heymann Lab, Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry Key Research Areas: High-pressure synthesis, crystal engineering, borate chemistry, luminescent materials Recent studies include investigations into new borate polymorphs, red-emitting phosphors, and UV-transparent materials. His publications emphasize structural characterization and functional material design, often leveraging advanced techniques like single-crystal X-ray diffraction and computational modeling.
Jillian Holt is a Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. She holds a PhD in Practice-led Research (2015), a Master of Design in Multimedia Design (2005), and brings over two decades of professional experience as a film editor across feature films, documentaries, and television. She has held leadership roles including Academic Leader and Course Director for the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours), and has significantly contributed to the internationalization of Swinburne’s film programs through CILECT and ASPERA affiliations. Her research centers on the intersection of creative practice, phenomenology, and pedagogy in film editing. Key interests include intuition in editing, embodied cognition, rhythm, and the teaching of creativity in postproduction. She has developed influential educational resources such as The Art of Editing: Australian Screen Editors Discuss Creativity in Editing . The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on creative editing, documentary storytelling, and pedagogical innovation. Her works span academic articles, creative documentaries, and thesis-based practice research, highlighting a blend of scholarly and artistic contributions in screen and digital media. Scientific Awards: Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Award, Swinburne University of Technology (2007) Supervision and Grants: She is actively co-supervising multiple PhD candidates on topics involving cultural identity, Indigenous research, and community-based documentaries. She has secured competitive grants, including a 2022–2023 research contract with the Australian Vietnamese Women's Association for a documentary project celebrating multicultural communities. Professional Engagement: She has held leadership roles in the Australian Screen Editors Guild (ASE), and served on committees for ASPERA and CILECT, reinforcing her national and international impact in film education and practice.
