Prof. Sebastian Rudolph is a Professor of Computational Logic at the Institute for Artificial Intelligence , Faculty of Computer Science , TU Dresden. Since 2021, he has been an Affiliate Member of the Faculty of Mathematics. His research spans theoretical and applied artificial intelligence, focusing on Knowledge Representation and Reasoning through formalisms like Description Logics, Existential Rules, and Formal Concept Analysis, with applications in Semantic Technologies. 2017 : ERC Consolidator Grant for decidability principles in logic-based knowledge representation 2006-2013 : Postdoctoral researcher, project leader, and Privatdozent at KIT's Institute AIFB 2011 : Habilitation at KIT Earlier : PhD in Algebra and teaching qualification in mathematics, physics, and computer science at TU Dresden His recent publications address decidability of logical reasoning, non-monotonic extensions in formal concept analysis, standpoint logics, and multiagent systems. He supervises the DeciGUT and KIMEDS projects, and is involved in the SECAI and ScaDS.AI centers. Teaching activities include courses on Theoretical Computer Science, Existential Rules, and Formal Concept Analysis.
Dr. Anett Hoppe is a research staff member at the Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology (TIB) in Hannover, Germany, where she works in the Visual Analytics research group. Her research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, education technology, and information science, with particular emphasis on how people learn through search processes and educational video consumption. Dr. Hoppe completed her academic journey with: Ph.D. in Semantic Web technologies for online user profiles from the University of Burgundy, Dijon, France Her primary research interests span Search as Learning, software-based support for scientific reproducibility, and ethical considerations in computer-based decision making. She investigates how visual elements, reading sequences, and AI technologies impact knowledge acquisition during web search and educational video consumption. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, educational psychology, and information retrieval to create more effective learning experiences, with recent publications examining the role of large language models, vision-language models, and visual complexity in educational contexts. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong interdisciplinary focus combining computer science, educational psychology, and information science. Her research examines video-based learning effectiveness, knowledge gain prediction, educational resource discovery, and the impact of visual elements on learning outcomes. She consistently explores how AI technologies can be leveraged to enhance educational experiences while maintaining attention to ethical considerations and scientific reproducibility. Dr. Hoppe maintains active collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions, with frequent co-authorship patterns indicating strong research partnerships, particularly with Ralph Ewerth and other members of the Visual Analytics group at TIB. Her work supports TIB's mission to advance knowledge infrastructure and scholarly communication through innovative technological solutions while directly addressing practical challenges in educational technology and information retrieval.
Elisa Kreiss is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at UCLA, affiliated with the College of Letters & Science. She leads the Coalas Lab (Computation and Language for Society Lab), focusing on advancing understanding of how communicative context shapes language use through natural language processing, psycholinguistics, and human-computer interaction. Her work addresses challenges in image accessibility for visually impaired users, supported by grants from Google, NSF, and Stanford initiatives. Education: Ph.D. in Linguistics, Stanford University (advised by Christopher Potts) Research Interests: Her research bridges AI ethics, image accessibility, and human-centered evaluation of machine learning systems. Key themes include: Generating context-aware image descriptions for accessibility Ethical implications of vision-language models Interpretable AI through causal reasoning Awards: Google Research Awards National Science Foundation Grant Stanford Human-Centered AI Initiative Support Stanford Community Impact Award (2022) Lab & Advocacy: Directs the Coalas Lab, emphasizing inclusive research environments. Advocates for diversity in STEM and accessible technology design.
Shannon Barrios is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Utah, where she has served since 2022. She co-directs the Speech Acquisition Lab and specializes in second language acquisition, phonetics/phonology, and psycholinguistics. Her research explores how adult learners develop perceptual and lexical representations of novel phonological contrasts, with a focus on cross-language speech perception, orthographic effects, and social factors in input processing. BA, Spanish (SUNY Geneseo, 2004) MA, Linguistics (Syracuse University, 2007) PhD, Linguistics (University of Maryland, 2013) Her research interests span adult second language acquisition , phonolexical development , and accent bias . She investigates how learners process phonological contrasts, the role of orthography in speech perception, and the influence of social roles (e.g., teachers vs. peers) on language learning. Her work combines behavioral experiments, ERP/MEG neuroimaging, and computational modeling. Barrios’ recent publications (2024–2020) focus on representational fuzziness , talker variability , and lexical contrast mechanisms . Her 2024 Languages paper proposes a factorial typology for evaluating auditory word recognition scenarios, while her 2024 JASA Express study highlights individual listener variation in cross-language speech perception. Earlier works examine allophone acquisition, orthographic input effects, and neural correlates of phonological mapping. She has received two teaching awards from the University of Maryland (2013). Her teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and graduate courses in phonetics , psycholinguistics , and second language acquisition theory . She also leads workshops on research ethics, mentee development, and academic literacies.
Yves Wautelet serves as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, where he conducts research in conceptual modeling, business process management, and digital transformation. His work addresses critical challenges at the intersection of information systems engineering and business strategy, with particular focus on sustainability-driven modeling approaches and IT governance frameworks. His primary research interests include: Conceptual modeling methodologies and frameworks Business process management and information systems design Digital transformation strategies and implementation IT governance and business-IT alignment Sustainability-driven modeling for circular economy Agile software development practices and methods Requirements engineering with user stories Wautelet's recent publication record demonstrates significant scholarly productivity with numerous 2024-2025 publications spanning conceptual modeling frameworks for sustainability (Circulise), tools for identifying ambiguity in user stories (AmbiTRUS), and approaches to align strategic and operational agility. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications across diverse domains including healthcare, circular economy, software development, and organizational transformation. His research consistently applies model-driven approaches to solve complex real-world problems, often integrating sustainability considerations into information systems engineering. As a promotor and co-promotor, Wautelet currently supervises multiple doctoral research projects including: Automatic generation of conceptual models from textual descriptions (2024-2028) Sustainability-Driven Modeling Assistant for Twin Transition in Vietnam (2024-2028) Home Care Business Process Management using Distributed Ledger Technologies (2024-2028) Teaching Modeling Skills in BPMN formalism (2021-2025) His research is conducted through the Information Systems Engineering Research Group (LIRIS) at KU Leuven's Brussels campus, where he contributes to advancing model-driven approaches for addressing contemporary business and technological challenges.
Javier Franco Aixelá **Roles and Affiliations**: Full Professor of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Alicante, Director of the Department of Translation and Interpretation (2017–2021). Coordinates the Master's in Institutional Translation (Legal and Economic). Active in teaching Translation Theory, Professional Ethics, and Advanced Literary Translation. **Education**: PhD in English Philology (University of Alicante, 1996), Licenciatura in English Philology (Complutense University of Madrid, 1986), Expert in Translation (Complutense University of Madrid, 1991). **Research**: Specializes in translation theory, cultural aspects of translation, and bibliometrics. Founded the BITRA database (70,000 entries by 2017), a comprehensive online bibliography on translation and interpreting. Recent focus on bibliometric analysis of translation studies, including advertising translation, open access in academia, and cognitive approaches. **Teaching**: Taught courses like Professional Ethics, Advanced Literary Translation, and Translation of Research Genres. Supervised over 125 theses in the last five years, including high-impact works on medical neologisms (Habiba Chbab El Fakhi) and gender-neutral translation (María López Medel). **Awards**: Coordinator of the University of Alicante's Translation Doctoral Program, which received a quality distinction from the Ministry of Education. His theses have been awarded "Excellent Cum Laude" by the university. **Projects**: Led competitive research projects such as the 2021–2025 bibliometric study on economic translation and the BITRA database expansion (2007–2010). Collaborated on international initiatives like the 5th ICEBFIT Conference (2023). **Publications**: Authored 40+ books (e.g., *La traducción condicionada de los nombres propios*), co-edited *ENTI: Encyclopedia of Translation and Interpreting*, and published widely in journals like *META* and *Translation & Interpreting*.
Professor Muhammad A S Abdel Haleem, OBE, is the King Fahd Professor of Islamic Studies at SOAS University of London, within the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. He holds a BA from Cairo University and a PhD from the University of Cambridge (Cantab), with additional qualifications including FCIL (London). His research focuses on Quranic language, style, and translations, alongside Islamic family law and Arab society. Key interests include Qur’anic exegesis, comparative religious studies, and the intersection of scripture with contemporary issues like disability ethics and interfaith relations. Professor Haleem has supervised numerous PhD candidates exploring topics such as divine states in Sufism, gender relations in the Quran, and charitable work in multicultural societies. He has authored over 60 works, including translations of the Quran and influential studies on Quranic structure and theology. Awards: Order of the British Empire (OBE) Publications: Over 60 books and articles, including Understanding the Qur'an: Themes and Style and translations of the Quran. His work bridges academic theology with practical ethics, emphasizing contextual interpretation and intercultural dialogue. Current research continues to explore Quranic coherence, legal hermeneutics, and the Quran’s role in modern society.
Manfred Droste is a Professor at the Institute of Computer Science of the University of Leipzig, where he leads the Research Group on Automata and Formal Languages. He serves as Director of the Graduate Centre Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences and is Vice-speaker of the DFG-Research Training Group Quantitative Logics and Automata. His academic career spans decades of research and leadership in theoretical computer science and algebra. Prof. Droste's research focuses on theoretical computer science, particularly automata theory, logic, algebraic models for concurrent systems, and domain theory. In algebra, his interests include model theory, automorphism groups, and ordered algebraic structures. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in formal language theory and quantitative systems. His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on weighted automata, formal languages, and their logical characterizations. Over the years, his research has evolved to address increasingly complex quantitative models, with recent work focusing on weighted complexity classes, weighted linear dynamic logic, and decidability boundaries for weighted automata. Prof. Droste has received significant recognition including election to Academia Europaea, an honorary doctorate from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, and fellowship in the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association. These honors reflect his substantial contributions to theoretical computer science. He has supervised numerous PhD students including Dietrich Kuske, Paolo Boldi, and Karin Quaas, many of whom have become prominent researchers. His extensive grant portfolio includes multiple DFG projects on weighted automata and international collaborations through DAAD funding. Prof. Droste leads a vibrant research team including Andrea Hesse, Karin Quaas, Erik Paul, and others. He has organized the international workshop series "Weighted Automata: Theory and Applications" since 2002, fostering global collaboration in this specialized field.
Dr Ellen Adams is a Reader in Classical Archaeology and Liberal Arts at King’s College London, affiliated with the Departments of Classics and Interdisciplinary Humanities. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2004) and has conducted archaeological fieldwork across Europe. Her research focuses on Minoan Crete, disability studies in classical contexts, and museum accessibility for sensory-impaired audiences. She co-organizes the ICS Mycenaean Seminars and founded the Museum Access Network for Sensory Impairments (MANSIL) in 2018. Her work bridges archaeology and modern accessibility, emphasizing audio description, touch tours, and British Sign Language in museums. Recent projects include Disability Studies and the Classical Body (Routledge, 2021) and collaborations with institutions like the British Museum and the Courtauld Gallery. She teaches Greek archaeology, museum studies, and interdisciplinary modules in global cultures. Adams has appeared on BBC Radio discussing Minoan civilization and classical reception. Her research projects include Making Sense of Visual Art Through a Visual Language (BSL) and Anosmia in Culture and History . She actively curates public engagement events, such as BSL storytelling in Holyrood Park and creative writing competitions for blind/visually impaired audiences.
Professor Hannah Thompson is a faculty member in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Royal Holloway, University of London. Her academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Cambridge and postdoctoral research at Darwin College. She has held roles such as Director of the Humanities and Arts Research Institute and is currently Principal Investigator of the AHRC-funded 'Sensational Museum' project. Her research focuses on French literature, Critical Disability Studies, and accessibility in museums and arts. Education: PhD in French Literature (University of Cambridge), MPhil, and undergraduate degrees from Newnham College, Cambridge. Affiliations include Senior Fellow at the Higher Education Academy and membership in societies like the Society of French Studies. Research interests span French literature, disability studies, gender, and museum accessibility. Key projects include the IDEA fellowship on inclusive audio description and collaborations with institutions like VocalEyes and the Wellcome Collection. Notable awards include the Visiting Researcher (DEA) in 2022. She has advised on numerous PhD and MA students and leads initiatives like the Blind Spot Blog.
Mischa Billing is a Senior Lecturer at Örebro University specializing in Culinary Arts and Meal Science. She is actively involved in research on sensory experiences, wine studies, and food pairing. Her work spans across multiple disciplines including haptics, olfaction, and culinary traditions. Her research interests focus on the intersection of sensory perception and culinary practices. Billing explores how sound affects taste perception, develops haptic attribute models for food design, and investigates improved sensory experiences for the elderly. Her work in sommelier training and critical attribute techniques bridges traditional culinary knowledge with scientific approaches to sensory evaluation. Analysis of her publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of sensory science in culinary contexts. Her work spans from theoretical explorations of wine tasting as embodied knowledge to practical guides for food and beverage pairing. The recurring themes include sensory integration, cultural contexts of food consumption, and innovative methods for enhancing meal experiences. Gastronomic Academy's Silver Medal Wine Profile of the Year Nose of the Year Honorary Truffle of the Year Billing has served as general secretary of the International Sommelier Association (ASI) and is a member of the Wine Academy in Sweden. She has extensive experience in evaluating diverse products including Swedish tap water and apple juice. Her media presence includes serving as a jury member on TV4's Sweden's Master Chef and delivering radio talks for Sveriges Radio. She leads several research initiatives including the Sense Lab, which focuses on future sensory experiences, and participates in research groups examining meals from social and cultural perspectives. Her projects like 'Rewine The World' demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches to reducing food waste through innovative culinary methods.
Professor Ben Outhwaite serves as Head of the Taylor-Schechter Genizah Research Unit at Cambridge University Library, a position he has held since 2006 following seven years as a Genizah researcher. His academic career is centered on the linguistic and historical analysis of Hebrew manuscripts from the Cairo Genizah collection. His educational background includes a B.A. in Hebrew Studies, M.Phil. in Medieval Hebrew literature, and Ph.D. from Christ's College, Cambridge. Supervised by Professor Geoffrey Khan, his doctoral thesis examined the grammatical description of Hebrew letters in the Genizah. Professor Outhwaite's research focuses on Hebrew language transmission during the Middle Ages, encompassing Biblical Hebrew vocalization traditions, medieval Hebrew as a communication medium, the form and function of medieval Hebrew Bibles, and the documentary history of communities depositing manuscripts into the Cairo Genizah. His work bridges linguistic analysis with historical context to illuminate Jewish life under Islamic rule. His publication trends reveal consistent contributions to Genizah scholarship, with recent work emphasizing economic history (Nile water pricing), religious polemics, manuscript transmission, and cross-cultural Jewish communities. The articles demonstrate deep engagement with documentary fragments while expanding into broader historical and linguistic contexts. Research funding has been secured from prestigious institutions including the AHRC, British Academy, Wellcome Foundation, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. He serves as series editor for Brill’s ‘Cambridge Genizah Studies’ and has contributed to major exhibitions like ‘Discarded History: the Genizah of Medieval Cairo’. The Taylor-Schechter Genizah Research Unit operates within Cambridge University Library, maintaining one of the world's most significant collections of Hebrew and Jewish manuscripts. The unit collaborates internationally on digitization projects and hosts the annual Genizah Lecture, Fragment of the Month features, and scholarly symposia.
Michael Ferdman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Stony Brook University, where he leads research in computer architecture and systems. His office is located in Room 343 at Stony Brook, NY 11794-2424, and he can be contacted via phone (631-632-8449) or email. Ferdman directs the Computer Architecture and Systems Laboratory (compas.cs.stonybrook.edu), focusing on next-generation server infrastructure. Ferdman's research spans the entire computing stack with emphasis on: FPGA integration for server environments (Intel HARP, Microsoft Catapult) Machine learning accelerators for convolutional neural networks Server systems optimization in the post-Moore era Network processing and software-defined networking Programming models for emerging memory technologies (HBM, 3D XPoint) Reconfigurable hardware and high-level synthesis His work addresses both performance and security challenges in modern computing infrastructure. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals consistent focus on: Hardware acceleration techniques (FPGAs, specialized processors) Memory hierarchy optimization and cache management Security vulnerabilities in web applications and systems Post-Moore computing architectures Parallel processing and distributed systems His research shows strong emphasis on practical implementations bridging hardware and software layers. Awards recognizing his contributions include: Graduate Teaching Award (2014) Best Paper Award at ASPLOS XVII Best Paper Finalist at HPCA XVII Three IEEE Micro Top Picks selections (2009, 2012) He teaches advanced courses including CSE 502, CSE 602, and CSE 506 at Stony Brook University.
Albert Atserias is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Faculty of Informatics of Barcelona (FIB) and the ALBCOM research group (Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Complexity, and Formal Methods). He is also associated with the Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC-BarcelonaTech. His research is central to theoretical computer science, with a strong emphasis on logic and complexity. Atserias's research interests span Computational Complexity, Logic in Computer Science, Finite Model Theory, Proof Complexity, and Constraint Satisfaction Problems . His work explores the fundamental limits of computation, the expressive power of logical languages over finite structures, and the complexity of proving mathematical statements. He investigates the algebraic and combinatorial properties of proof systems, the limits of efficient algorithms for constraint solving, and the theoretical foundations of databases. His research often bridges logic, algebra, and combinatorics to provide deep insights into computational phenomena. The trends in his recent publications show a sustained focus on the logical and algebraic underpinnings of computational problems. Key themes include the consistency and complexity of database queries , the power and limitations of proof systems (like resolution and sum-of-squares), and the expressive power of homomorphism counts in graph theory. His work on the hardness of automating resolution and the development of circular proof systems are particularly significant contributions to proof complexity. The 2024 PODS Best Paper Award for work on relational consistency underscores the impact and timeliness of his research. Among his notable scientific awards are the prestigious ICREA Acadèmia , the PODS 2024 Best Paper Award , the Premi Extraordinari de Doctorat (Extraordinary Doctoral Prize), and the Kleene Award for Best Student Paper . These accolades reflect both the excellence of his early work and his continued leadership in the field. Atserias has been a principal investigator on numerous competitive research projects, including funding from the European Research Council (ERC) and the Spanish Ministry of Science. He has advised doctoral students, such as Toni Hakoniemi, whose thesis on proof complexity he supervised. His extensive collaborative network includes leading researchers like Phokion Kolaitis, Anuj Dawar, and Victor Dalmau. He has also served on the scientific committees of major conferences, contributing to the academic community. He is a core member of the ALBCOM research group , a leading team at UPC focused on theoretical aspects of computer science, which provides a vibrant environment for research in algorithms, complexity, and formal methods. His work is also connected to the broader Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science and mathematics.
James Dodd is a Professor of Philosophy at The New School for Social Research, specializing in phenomenology, existential philosophy, and political thought. He holds a PhD from Boston University (1996). His research focuses on Husserl, Heidegger, and Jan Patočka, exploring themes like violence, sacrifice, and the interplay between history and philosophy. Dodd has authored major works including *The Heresies of Jan Patocka* (2023), *Phenomenological Reflections on Violence* (2017), and co-edited *The New Yearbook for Phenomenology and Phenomenological Philosophy* (2015). Education: PhD Philosophy, Boston University (1996) His work bridges philosophical inquiry with interdisciplinary questions, examining how fundamental questions like 'What is truth?' and 'What is the world?' unify diverse academic disciplines. Recent scholarship emphasizes phenomenological approaches to architecture, violence, and political resistance, particularly through Patočka’s lens. He critiques modernity’s ethical and political crises while advocating for philosophy’s role in holistic education. Publications span over 30 years, with notable contributions to Husserl studies, war philosophy, and phenomenological ethics. His 2023 book reinterprets Patočka’s hermeneutics, while 2021 articles analyze war’s philosophical dimensions. Dodd also engages with historical violence, memory, and the lifeworld’s role in scientific understanding. Awards: None explicitly listed Teaching includes courses on phenomenology, early Chinese philosophy, and Nietzsche. He mentors students through independent studies and senior projects, emphasizing critical thinking across disciplines. Dodd’s editorial work amplifies underrepresented voices in phenomenology and political philosophy. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with international scholars on Patočka’s legacy and phenomenological ethics, contributing to Routledge, Springer, and Brill publications. His research group explores interdisciplinary applications of phenomenology in architecture, violence studies, and historical consciousness.
