Rahim Shayegan is an Assistant Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures in the Division of Humanities. He currently holds the Pourdavoud Endowed Director's Chair (2018-present) and serves as Director of the Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World. He also directs the Program of Iranian Studies at UCLA. PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (Iranian Philology, Ancient History) from Harvard University MA in Old Iranian Philology and Ancient History from Université de la Sorbonne BA in Philosophy, Comparative Philology, and History from Albertus-Magnus-Universität zu Köln His research focuses on Iranian epigraphy, philology, and historiography across multiple eras, including Achaemenid, Arsacid, Seleucid, and Sasanian periods. He studies Persian epic traditions, ancient religions, and intersections between Greek and Islamic historiographical practices. Ehsan Yarshater Book Award for Arsacids and Sasanians (2011) Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (2013-2014) UCLA Faculty Career Development Award (2008-2009)
Victor Vianu is a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, San Diego and holds the INRIA International Chair at INRIA-Saclay in Paris. He has maintained continuous faculty status at UC San Diego since 1983 while developing extensive international collaborations, particularly with French research institutions including INRIA, ENST-Paris, ENS-Paris, and the University of Paris. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California (1983) and undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Informatics at the University of Bucharest (1974-1977). Professor Vianu's research spans computational logic, database systems and theory, and automatic verification. His work uniquely bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in XML processing, workflow systems, and data-driven applications. He has made seminal contributions to understanding the theoretical underpinnings of database query languages and their expressive power, particularly in the context of XML technologies and workflow systems. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from theoretical computer science to practical database systems applications. His publication record reveals significant contributions to database theory spanning over three decades, with particular emphasis on XML technologies, workflow systems, and formal methods for data-driven applications. His work shows a clear evolution from foundational theoretical work to practical applications in business processes and web technologies. INRIA International Chair (2013) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2013) ACM PODS Alberto O. Mendelzon Test-of-Time Award (2010) Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (2006) Professor Vianu has held significant leadership roles including Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Journal of the ACM, numerous program committee chair positions for major database conferences (PODS, ICDT, ASIAN), and General Chair for ACM SIGMOD conferences. He has served on the executive committees of SIGMOD (1998-2000) and PODS (1993-2004), and was a member of the ICDT Council (1997-2007), demonstrating sustained influence in the theoretical database community. His extensive invited talks at major conferences including College de France, ACM PODS, and International Conference on Database Theory highlight his international recognition.
Joy Muth is a researcher affiliated with the Department for Teacher Education, contributing to the fields of educational psychology and student motivation. Her work intersects with English language learning and classroom practices. Education: BSc, MSc Key Collaborators: Marko Lüftenegger, Maximilian Hofleitner, Flora Fassl Her research focuses on: Self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation in education Mindset and achievement goals in student development Impact of autonomy-supportive teaching and ICT integration on motivation Recent publications highlight: 2025: Analysis of adolescent depression and school functioning in Zeitschrift für Bildungsforschung 2025: Critique of standardized testing impacts in Learning and Individual Differences 2024: ICT use in English language learning contexts in Sustainability She actively presents at academic conferences, including topics on schadenfreude and teachers' mindset systems.
Mathias Benedek is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Graz, Austria. He directs the Creative Cognition Lab and is actively involved in several research networks, including the "Complexity of Life" profile area, the "Brain and Behavior" research network, and the "FUTURE EDUCATION" research network at the University of Graz. His research focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying creative thinking, with particular emphasis on the role of memory processes, metacognition, and eye movement patterns during creative ideation. Dr. Benedek's work bridges psychological theory with empirical research methods including eye tracking, neuroimaging, and computational modeling of creative processes. His research has important implications for understanding how creative potential develops and how it can be assessed and nurtured in educational and professional contexts. Dr. Benedek's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on creative cognition across multiple dimensions. His recent work has expanded into emerging areas such as human-AI collaboration for creative tasks, automated assessment of creativity using large language models, and the relationship between physical activity and creative performance. His research shows a strong trajectory toward more ecologically valid methods for studying creativity in real-world contexts, moving beyond traditional laboratory paradigms. Seraphine Puchleitner Anerkennungspreis (PhD Supervision Award), University of Graz, 2021 William-Stern-Preis, German Psychological Society, 2019 Research Prize, University of Graz, 2017 Research Prize (Publication Category), Initiative Gehirnforschung, 2016 Berlyne Award, Division 10, American Psychological Association, 2015 Dr. Benedek has demonstrated strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers, as evidenced by his 2021 PhD Supervision Award. His research has been supported by multiple grants from national and international funding bodies, though specific grant details are not provided in the available information. His professional service includes leadership roles in the Initiative Gehirnforschung Steiermark since 2010 and active membership in several psychological societies across Europe and North America. Dr. Benedek leads the Creative Cognition Lab at the University of Graz, which employs a multidisciplinary approach to studying creative processes. The lab integrates methods from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and computational modeling to investigate the mechanisms underlying creative thought. Current research projects examine the relationship between eye movements and internal cognitive processes, the development of automated assessment tools for creativity, and the application of creativity research to educational contexts.
Fabienne Lind is a researcher at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Journalism and Communication Studies , focusing on communication studies, media framing, and political discourse. Her work spans migration, climate change, and social media analysis. Research interests include Comparative communication research Computational text analysis Media framing of climate justice and migration Digital political communication Multilingual text analysis Recent publications analyze social media dynamics , climate change coverage , and migration discourse across Brazil, India, and South Africa. Her 2025 work on longitudinal disparities in communication research highlights global trends. Scientific awards include PhD Award (2023) ICA Journalism Studies Division Top Student Paper Award (2019) Article of the Year by 'Communication Methods and Measures' (2018) She contributes to collaborative projects like CIDAPE (2024–2027) on climate, inequality, and democratic action, and engages in computational text analysis tools development for communication studies.
Johannes Brandstetter is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Machine Learning at Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) where he leads the "AI for data-driven simulations" research group. He is also Co-founder and Chief Scientist at Emmi AI, bridging academic research with industrial applications in AI-driven physics simulation. Brandstetter earned his PhD after working at CERN's CMS experiment on Higgs boson physics. In 2018, he transitioned to machine learning, joining Sepp Hochreiter's research group in Linz. From 2021-2023, he worked at the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab under Max Welling and Microsoft Research, developing expertise in Geometric Deep Learning and neural surrogates for partial differential equations. He returned to JKU in October 2023 to establish his own research group. His research spans Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Physics-Informed Machine Learning with focus areas including Neural PDE solvers, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Climate Modeling. Brandstetter believes AI is poised to revolutionize industrial-scale simulations, potentially saving thousands of compute hours across engineering domains. His work integrates computer vision, numerical simulation, and engineering components to advance data-driven approaches. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward foundation models for scientific applications, particularly in atmospheric modeling (Aurora), geometric deep learning, and neural surrogates for complex physical systems. His interdisciplinary work spans computer vision, climate science, computational physics, and engineering, demonstrating the versatility of his research approach. Principal Investigator for "AlKa-DL: Alpine karst spring discharge prediction" (FWF-funded, 2024-2027) Principal Investigator for Cluster of Excellence "Bilateral Artificial Intelligence" (FWF-funded, 2024-2029) Co-PI for "Fast, efficient and flexible CFD simulation through generative AI" (FFG-funded, 2025-2026) As an educator and researcher, Brandstetter actively engages with the scientific community through invited talks at major conferences including presentations on "Closing the Gap Between Scientific Foundation Models and Real-World Applications" (March 2025) and "Scientific Machine Learning for Science and Engineering" (February 2025).
Torsten Schwede is a Professor for Structural Bioinformatics at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, and serves as Vice President for Research at the same institution. He leads the SPHN Data Coordination Center at SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. His research focuses on computational structural biology, protein structure prediction, and structural bioinformatics, with contributions to tools like SWISS-MODEL. He has been honored as a Highly Cited Researcher in Biology and Biochemistry (2019–2021). Education: PhD in Protein X-ray Crystallography from Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Germany). Positions include leadership roles in academia and industry (e.g., GlaxoSmithKline). His work emphasizes protein modeling, data management, and integrative structural methods. Collaborations span computational drug design, benchmarking initiatives (CASP), and open-source software development. Scientific contributions include advancements in protein-ligand interactions, homology modeling, and the development of ModelCIF and QMEANDisCo frameworks. He actively participates in global initiatives like the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) and precision medicine.
Armin Kirchknopf serves as a Junior Researcher at the Media Computing Research Group within the Institute of Creative Media/Technologies, Department of Media and Digital Technologies at the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten. His interdisciplinary work bridges artificial intelligence, computer vision, and social media analysis, with significant contributions to misinformation detection and disaster response systems. Based at Campus-Platz 1 in St. Pölten, Austria, he actively collaborates on EU-funded projects and publishes in top-tier AI venues. His educational journey spans humanities and technology: a Bachelor of Arts in Egyptology and Master of Arts in Classical Archaeology from the University of Vienna (including fieldwork at excavation sites across Austria, Germany, and Egypt), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Media Technology from FH St. Pölten. This unique background informs his human-centered AI research approach. Kirchknopf's research centers on explainable multimodal AI systems for real-world challenges. His recent work demonstrates expertise in transformer-based architectures for cross-lingual fake news detection, sexism identification, and flood monitoring through social media imagery. He pioneers techniques like Grad-CAM for object detection explainability and develops visualization tools for complex data interpretation, emphasizing transparency and social impact in AI deployment. Analysis of his 13 publications (2017-2022) reveals a strategic shift toward applied AI in societal contexts , particularly using social media data for disaster management and combating online toxicity. His projects consistently integrate computer vision with natural language processing, showing increasing sophistication in multilingual capabilities and model interpretability frameworks. His scientific recognition includes: Creative Business Award for co-developing the Tenjin learning quiz application No documented student advisement or grant leadership appears in current records, though he actively mentors through project-based collaborations. His work with the Media Computing Research Group drives innovation in educational technology and public safety applications. Kirchknopf contributes to the Media Computing Research Group's portfolio including Fake News Detection, SAiEX (Safe AI with explainable integrity), InfraBase (building footprint segmentation), and Ressel Center music therapy projects. His cross-disciplinary collaborations span computer scientists, archaeologists, and social scientists, reflecting the group's commitment to human-centric technological solutions .
Sylvain Lefebvre is a permanent researcher at INRIA (Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique) in France, where he leads the MFX research team since 2018. Previously, he was part of the ALICE group at INRIA Nancy (2009-2018) and the REVES team in Sophia Antipolis (2006-2009). His career includes a postdoctoral position at Microsoft Research Seattle (2005) following his PhD at INRIA Rhones-Alpes under Fabrice Neyret. His educational background includes a PhD in Computer Graphics from Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble) in 2005, preceded by a Master in Computer Graphics from INP Grenoble in 2001. His habilitation thesis focused on Runtime Texture Synthesis. Lefebvre's research centers on simplifying content creation for highly detailed patterns, structures, and shapes with applications spanning Computer Graphics to additive manufacturing. He develops fast, controllable by-example synthesis approaches that generate content while enforcing user-specified constraints. His work addresses computational challenges through novel data structures and algorithms optimized for GPUs and FPGAs, including his Silice programming language. The ERC-funded ShapeForge project (2012-2017) advanced shape generation for 3D printing, leading to the IceSL software for digital modeling and fabrication. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on additive manufacturing optimization, with recurring themes in structural integrity, material efficiency, and geometric algorithms. His work bridges computer graphics theory with practical fabrication constraints, particularly in microstructure design, slicing techniques, and mechanical metamaterials. The interdisciplinary nature spans computer science, materials engineering, and robotics. EUROGRAPHICS Young Researcher Award (2010) ERC Starting Grant for ShapeForge project (2012) Lefebvre has advised over 25 PhD students and interns including Marco Freire, Thibault Tricard, and Jimmy Etienne. His ShapeForge project received significant ERC funding, supporting research in computational fabrication. He serves on numerous program committees including SIGGRAPH, Eurographics, and SIGGRAPH Asia, reflecting his leadership in the computer graphics community. As leader of the MFX team since 2018, Lefebvre directs research in computational fabrication, focusing on IceSL software development for 3D printing workflows. The team integrates computer graphics techniques with manufacturing constraints, developing tools that simplify complex object design and fabrication while addressing real-world challenges in material usage and structural integrity.
Tina Comes is a Full Professor in Decision-Making & Digitalisation at the University of Maastricht, Netherlands. She holds a part-time position (0.2 FTE) and has previously held academic roles at TU Delft (Associate Professor in Decision-Making for Resilience, 2017), University of Agder (Full Professor in ICT, 2015-2017), and Visiting Professor at Lamsade, Université Dauphine, Paris (2014). Her research focuses on Crisis Informatics , Decision Theory , Disaster Management , Humanitarian Logistics , and Resilience . Her work spans building simulation , ventilation systems , and energy-efficient design , with grants totaling €9.6 million since 2012. Key projects include Resilient Systems (NL Ministry of Defense, 2020-2026), H2020 HERoS (2020-2023), and Climate Resilient Urban Infrastructure (Amsterdam, 2020-2022). She has supervised 6 PhD students at TU Delft (2017-2022), 3 Postdocs/PhDs at University of Agder (2013-2020), and 1 PhD at Université Toulouse (2014-2018). Her scientific awards include: 2020 José Maria Sarriegi Award by the Spanish Red Cross 2019 Emerald Literati Award 2016 Delft Technology Fellowship (acceptance rate 2012 Best Paper Award at ISCRAM Conference
Edgar Weippl is a Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, where he serves as Vice Dean and Head of the Research Group Security and Privacy. His work spans cybersecurity, blockchain, and machine learning, with teaching roles in information security and software security courses. Current Positions: Vice Dean (Faculty of Computer Science), Head (Security and Privacy Research Group), Deputy Head (Neuroinformatics & Knowledge Engineering Groups) Research Interests: Cybersecurity, blockchain, IoT security, code obfuscation, privacy technologies, reinforcement learning, and socio-technical systems security Selected Publications: Focus on blockchain privacy, VoWiFi security, code obfuscation, and reinforcement learning applications
Inci Dirim is a Professor at the Department of German Studies within the Faculty of Philology and Cultural Studies at the University of Vienna . Her work focuses on German as a Second Language (DaZ) , multilingualism, migration pedagogy, and educational equity. She has developed diagnostic tools for language assessment, contributed to curriculum design, and critically analyzed discrimination mechanisms in language education. Education : Magistra Artium (MA) in Linguistics and German Studies from the University of Bremen (1991); PhD in Educational Science from the University of Hamburg (1997) Her research emphasizes language diagnostics , cultural identity , and reflexive pedagogy , particularly in contexts of linguistic and social heterogeneity. She has led projects like TESSLA (language support for multilingual children) and Unterrichtsbegleitende Sprachstandsbeobachtung DaZ (classroom language assessment). Recent publications explore inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to DaZ, normative foundations in language teaching, and separation practices in language promotion. She serves as a key figure in the Austrian Association for German as a Foreign/Second Language (ÖDaF) and the German Society for Educational Science (DGfE) , advocating for critical perspectives on language, migration, and education. Her teaching includes courses on Basics of German as a Foreign and Second Language , Modern German Literature , and Language Diagnostics .
Hans Tompits is an Associate Professor in the Department of Knowledge-Based Systems at Technische Universität Wien (Vienna University of Technology). His research focuses on computational logic, declarative logic programming, and formal methods, with a particular emphasis on Answer-Set Programming (ASP). He coordinates the Master's program in Logic and Computation and leads projects in areas such as formal methods for optimization, fault-tolerant autonomous systems, and algorithmic composition. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications, including tools like SeaLion (an ASP IDE with debugging support) and dlvhex (an ASP-based semantic web reasoner). He has contributed to foundational topics like program equivalence, debugging techniques, and integration of ASP with external systems. His recent projects address challenges in autonomous vehicle architectures, music composition algorithms, and safety-critical system design. Tompits has published extensively on topics ranging from nonmonotonic reasoning and modal logics to the development of declarative programming tools. His interdisciplinary approach spans computer science, mathematics, and AI, with applications in both academic and industrial contexts.
Andreas Hepp is a German media and communication scholar currently serving as a Full Professor (W3) at the University of Bremen , affiliated with the Center for Media, Communication and Information Research (ZeMKI). He has held visiting positions at prestigious institutions including the London School of Economics, Goldsmiths (University of London), Stanford University, and Université Paris II. Research Focus: Deep Mediatization and Datafication Communicative Artificial Intelligence Transcultural Communication Qualitative Methodologies Digital Futures and Algorithmic Society Major Grants: Co-Spokesperson for DFG/FWF Collaborative Research Group 'Communicative AI' (2025–) Principal Investigator for DFG Priority Programme 'Mediatized Worlds' (2012–2016) DFG-funded Creative Research Unit 'Communicative Figurations' (2013–2016) Scientific Awards: Fellow of the International Communication Association (2024) Theoriepreis and Zeitschriftenpreis from German Communication Association (DGPuK) 2010 Best Journal Publication Award Labs & Networks: Leads the 'Datafication and Mediatization' lab at ZeMKI and co-founded the 'Communicative Figurations' research network.
Univ.-Prof. Martin Pinzger is a Professor at the Department of Informatics Systems, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt. He serves as Head of Department and Member of the Senate, actively contributing to academic governance. Research Focus: Automating Software Engineering Tasks, Mining Software Repositories, Program Analysis, Software Evolution and Visualization Recent Work: Developing tools for API evolution analysis, cybersecurity AI (CAI), robotics benchmarking (RobotPerf), and dependency validation His research combines empirical studies with tool development for software maintenance and security. Current projects address challenges in REST API breaking changes, cloud security certifications, and robotic system performance evaluation. Publications since 2023 demonstrate continued engagement with topics spanning AI-driven code segmentation, microservice API evolution, and cybersecurity tool development. Key trends include cross-disciplinary applications of NLP to software engineering and security-focused tool creation. Contact: martin.pinzger@aau.at
