Greg Durrett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at University of Texas at Austin, leading the TAUR Lab (Text Analysis, Understanding, and Reasoning ). His research focuses on advancing Large Language Models (LLMs) for knowledge-intensive tasks in medical information processing scientific discovery legal reasoning . He received his B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from MIT (2010) and Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley (2016). His work develops techniques to train LLMs with new capabilities augment models for reliability assess model outputs improve reasoning frameworks . His 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) span knowledge propagation in LLMs chain-of-thought reasoning code generation benchmarks multi-modal reasoning fact verification discourse analysis . Scientific honors include NSF CAREER Award (2024) NSF grants (2018, 2024) Bloomberg Data Science Grant (2017) Facebook Fellowship (2014) Best Paper Finalist (EMNLP 2013) . Teaching: CS388: Natural Language Processing (graduate) CS371N: NLP (undergraduate) High school NLP module .
Mark Riedl is a Professor in the Georgia Tech School of Interactive Computing and Associate Director of the Georgia Tech Machine Learning Center (ML@GT). His research focuses on human-centered artificial intelligence, emphasizing the development of AI technologies that naturally interact with humans. Key areas include story understanding/generation, computational creativity, explainable AI, and ensuring AI safety. He holds affiliations with the GVU Center, Institute for People and Technology (IPaT), and Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM). His work is supported by NSF, DARPA, ONR, and industry partners like Google and Meta. Notable awards include the DARPA Young Faculty Award and NSF CAREER Award, plus three Pulitzer Prizes (collaborative with Roko M. Bask). Riedl's recent projects include STORY2GAME (AI-driven game design) and ethical AI frameworks addressing transparency and accountability. His research bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in education, healthcare, and creative industries. Research interests span AI ethics, narrative systems, and AI's societal impact. He explores how AI can be made more transparent through explainable mechanisms while maintaining creativity and safety. Collaborations with Roko Bask on futuristic culinary trends have produced influential works. His labs and teams focus on interdisciplinary approaches, combining computer science with social sciences to shape responsible AI development. Key grants and projects include NSF-funded initiatives on AI in education and DARPA-supported work on AI safety. His contributions to explainable AI challenge traditional XAI paradigms, advocating for human-centered approaches that prioritize user understanding and ethical implications. Current efforts emphasize adapting LLMs for world modeling and enhancing RL agents with causal reasoning capabilities.
Susan Fino is a Professor at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wayne State University. Her research focuses on public law, American constitutional law, administrative law, and the role of state supreme courts. She holds a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, an M.A. and Ph.D. from Rutgers University. She has received the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her courses include American Government (PS1010) and Constitutional Law (PS5110/PS5120), taught across multiple terms from 2023 to 2025. Dr. Fino's research explores judicial federalism, state constitutional frameworks, and legal interpretations of rights. Her work analyzes topics like church-state relations, taxation provisions in state constitutions, and assisted suicide debates. She has written extensively on state supreme court dynamics, including landmark cases and institutional performance metrics. Her scholarship bridges legal theory with practical governance challenges at both state and federal levels. Her publications span over three decades, addressing evolving legal landscapes such as the Rehnquist Court’s federalism approach and technological impacts on criminal sentencing. She consistently engages with issues at the intersection of law, politics, and societal values.
Associate Professor Kiat Boon, Daniel SENG is a leading academic at the National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in technology law and infocommunications law. He currently serves as Director of the LLM (Intellectual Property & Technology Law) program and IT Coordinator. Previously, he held roles as Director of Research at the Singapore Academy of Law (2001–2003), partner and head of technology practice at Rajah & Tann, and non-residential fellow at Stanford Law School’s Center for Legal Informatics (CodeX). His education includes a JSD and JSM from Stanford University, BCL (Oxford, Rupert Cross Prize recipient, 1994), and LLB (NUS with first-class honors). His research employs machine learning, NLP, and big data to analyze digital law challenges, particularly in copyright takedown notices and AI governance. Research interests span information technology law, empirical legal studies, quantitative research, and AI’s intersection with legal reasoning. He contributes to global legal reform via advisory roles at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), focusing on copyright exceptions, music licensing, and intermediary liability. Key awards include the 1994 Rupert Cross Prize. His work bridges law and technology through publications on digital evidence, metaverse legal frameworks, and AI’s impact on private law. He is actively involved in shaping Singapore’s legal infrastructure through government committees and academic initiatives.
Professor Jennifer Payne is Warden of Merton College, Oxford, and a leading authority in company law, corporate finance law, financial regulation, and corporate insolvency. She has authored numerous influential books and articles, and holds significant editorial and advisory roles in the academic and policy-making spheres. Research Interests: Company law and corporate governance Corporate finance and securities regulation Financial regulation and policy Corporate insolvency and debt restructuring Comparative and European financial law Her work spans both theoretical and practical dimensions, with a strong focus on regulatory frameworks, legal reforms, and cross-border financial issues. She has contributed extensively to policy debates and legal developments in the UK and EU. Scientific Awards & Honors: Elected to membership of the International Insolvency Institute (2016) Member of ESMA’s Securities and Markets Stakeholders Group (2016–2018) Member of ESMA’s Corporate Finance Standing Committee Consultative Working Group (2015–2017) Law Delegate of Oxford University Press (2020–present) Expert Advisory Panel member to the Law Commission on Intermediated Securities and Digital Assets Editorial & Advisory Roles: Founder editor, Journal of Corporate Law Studies Founder editor, Oxford Business Law Blog Review Articles editor, Oxford Journal of Legal Studies Contributor to Palmer’s Company Law Visiting Positions: She has held visiting professorships at Melbourne Law School, National University of Singapore, and the University of Auckland, reflecting her international academic influence.
Mariana Gkliati is an Assistant Professor of International and EU Law at Radboud University, Nijmegen. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Law (Magna Cum Laude) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Legal Research Master (Summa Cum Laude) from Utrecht University. Her PhD from Leiden University focused on Frontex accountability, supervised by Professors Rodrigues and Besselink, and was supported by the Meijers Research Institute. Education: PhD in Immigration Law, Leiden University (2016-2020) Legal Research Master, Utrecht University (Summa Cum Laude) Graduate Diploma in Law, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Magna Cum Laude) Her research interests center on migration, refugee law, and human rights, particularly the accountability of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). She leads the externally funded project 'European Border and Coast Guard Agency: Systemic Accountability in Practice,' involving an 8-member team. Her work emphasizes evidence-based policy-making and anti-smuggling policies. Professional Activities: Research Affiliate, Refugee Law Initiative (RLI), University of London Teaches on the RLI MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies Former visiting Research Fellow at the School of Advanced Study (2016) and Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law (2019-2020) Awards: Magna Cum Laude, Graduate Diploma in Law Summa Cum Laude, Legal Research Master Her grants and projects include systemic accountability research on Frontex. She advises NGOs, law firms, and the European Parliament, and contributes to expert reports on migration and borders. Labs/Teams: Leads an 8-member research team for her funded project on Frontex accountability.
Sakari Melander is a Professor at the Faculty of Law , University of Helsinki, specializing in Criminal Law , with a focus on constitutionalization, Europeanization, and sentencing policies. His work bridges theoretical criminal law with practical legislative and policy challenges. Key research areas include EU criminal law, constitutional constraints on criminal legislation, and general doctrines of criminal law. He has extensive experience in parliamentary legal consultation, providing expert opinions to Finland’s Legislative Committees (e.g., on immigration control, anti-corruption directives, and digital evidence handling). Recent publications address topics like EU corporate sanction policies, constitutionalization of criminal law, and reforms in Finnish sentencing systems. His 2025 article in the New Journal of European Criminal Law explores balancing administrative and criminal sanctions in the EU. Scientific awards include: Hilkka ja Otto Brusiin Foundation Thesis Prize (2001) Magister Bonus – Good Teacher Award (2014) Primustohtori Award (2010) Year’s Teacher (2010) Year’s Opponent (2008) He leads research projects such as Criminal Law Under Pressure: Differentiation and Harmonization (2012-2015) and Assessment of Human Trafficking Sanction Practices (2021-2022), and supervises doctoral theses on criminal law topics.
Mr. Dr. Gerdien Oldenhuis is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Groningen, specializing in Labor Law and Social Security Law. He holds multiple roles including Coordinator and Head Teacher of the post-academic social security law course (PAO), Member of the Supervisory Board of the Groninger Leergang Arbeidsrecht, and Coach for the National Team of the Hugo Sinzheimer Moot Court Competition. His expertise spans work contract law, social security claims, and legal policy analysis. He contributes to academic publications such as the Tijdschrift voor Ontslagrecht and Tijdschrift Arbeidsrechtpraktijk . Oldenhuis teaches courses on work contracts, social law fundamentals, legal research methodologies, and thesis supervision. His research focuses on labor transitions, dismissal law, and the intersection of employment and social security policies. Ancillary activities include roles at the Bestuursacademie Nederland, Schuldhulpacademie, and editorial work for legal journals. He actively participates in policy discussions and legal education initiatives, emphasizing practical applications of law in real-world scenarios.
Patrick Metze is Professor of Law at Texas Tech University School of Law, where he has served since 2008. He initially joined as an adjunct professor teaching the criminal defense clinic in 2007 and became a full-time Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Criminal Defense Clinics in May 2008. He was promoted to Professor of Law with tenure in September 2012. Professor Metze has established several groundbreaking clinical programs including the Capital Punishment Clinic (2010), the Caprock Regional Public Defender Office and Clinic (2010) - the first full-time public defender office operated from within a law school, and the Texas Tech School of Law Innocence Clinic (2016). Professor Metze earned his B.A. from Texas Tech University in 1970 and his J.D. from the University of Houston in 1973. Before joining academia, he maintained a private law practice in Levelland and Lubbock, Texas for over 30 years, initially handling general practice including banking, collections, corporate law, and oil and gas matters, but shifting focus to criminal and family law following the 1986 oil industry collapse in West Texas. He was one of only 14 attorneys qualified for appointment as first chair in Capital Murder cases in the 9th Administrative Judicial Region. Professor Metze's research focuses on criminal law and procedure, with particular emphasis on capital punishment, innocence projects, and the school-to-prison pipeline. His publications reveal a consistent concern with constitutional protections, ethical obligations of courts and practitioners, and systemic reforms in criminal justice. His work spans both theoretical analysis of legal principles and practical guidance for criminal defense attorneys. Among his professional recognitions, Professor Metze is a Life Fellow of The Texas Bar Foundation and maintains membership in The Pro Bono College of the State of Texas. His presentations at numerous professional seminars demonstrate his active engagement with the criminal defense bar and commitment to advancing legal practice. Professor Metze has served on various committees including the Criminal Justice Council of the State Bar of Texas, the Advisory Committee to the Lubbock Special Needs Defenders Office, and as a former board member of the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (where he served as President) and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Professor Valeska Ferrer Usó is a canon lawyer and theologian at Comillas Pontifical University, specializing in abuse prevention in ecclesiastical environments. She coordinates the UNIJES-funded Jordán research project (since 2021) and teaches subjects including 'Christianity and Social Ethics' and 'State Ecclesiastical Law' since 2022/23. Education: Doctorate in Canon Law (2022), Law Degree (2002), Ecclesiastical Studies (2012), Expert in Neuropsychology (2017), Specialist in Spiritual Exercises (2008). Her research focuses on canonical criminal law, restorative justice, and structural analysis of abuse mechanisms in religious institutions. Recent publications address procedural reforms, memory spaces for reconciliation, and interdisciplinary abuse prevention frameworks. She practices law at Madrid's Ecclesiastical Tribunal in marriage annulment cases and contributes to the Society of Jesus' Safe Environment System team (since 2024). Her work integrates theological, legal, and neuropsychological perspectives.
Richard Jochelson serves as Dean of Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba (Robson Hall), a position he has held since July 1, 2016. Previously, he taught criminal law for 10 years at the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Jochelson holds a Ph.D. in Law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, an LLM from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, an LL.B. with Gold Medal from the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, and a B.Sc. in Zoology with Distinction from the same institution. He completed his legal training as a clerk at the Alberta Court of Appeal and Court of Queen's Bench before working at a major Canadian law firm. Dr. Jochelson's research program centers on critical issues in criminal justice and constitutional law, with primary interests in police powers jurisprudence, sexual regulation (particularly obscenity and indecency law), jury systems and representativeness, and legal pedagogy. His interdisciplinary approach bridges law with sociology and psychology, bringing empirical and theoretical rigor to legal scholarship. His work consistently addresses social justice concerns, examining how vulnerable populations interact with the justice system and how concepts like risk, precaution, and visibility shape legal decision-making. He has developed a distinctive methodology combining doctrinal analysis with empirical research on judicial behavior and jury decision-making. His recent publications reveal evolving scholarly priorities that respond to contemporary legal challenges. The 2025 article "Morbid Matters" addresses medical assistance in dying within federal corrections, while his 2024 works on youth terrorism cases and agnotology demonstrate expansion into new interdisciplinary territories. His longstanding commitment to police powers scholarship continues with "Ancillary Police Powers in Canada" (2024). The pandemic period saw significant contributions to understanding digital justice, mental health in legal education, and remote court proceedings. His criminal law scholarship maintains focus on jury representativeness, particularly regarding Indigenous inclusion following Bill C-75's elimination of peremptory challenges. Students' Teacher Recognition Award (CATL) - 2018 Dr. Jochelson has secured multiple SSHRC Insight Grants as both Principal and Co-investigator, demonstrating his ability to lead interdisciplinary research teams. His mentorship extends to junior academics and students, with several publications co-authored with emerging scholars. He has built significant research infrastructure, notably assembling nearly 40 interdisciplinary scholars across Canada for Robsoncrim.com, which has elevated the Criminal Law Edition of the Manitoba Law Journal to prominence as one of Canada's preeminent criminal law publications. As Dean of Law, Dr. Jochelson provides leadership in academic governance and legal education innovation. His service includes extensive committee work on academic affairs, workload policy, and hiring/tenure committees. His commitment to universal design principles informs both his teaching approach and administrative leadership, emphasizing accessibility and student-centered pedagogy that allows flexible evaluation methods tailored to individual learning preferences.
Sascha van Schendel is an Assistant Professor in Data Protection & Cybersecurity at the Department of Law & Markets, Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam. She is affiliated with the Erasmus Centre of Law and Digitalization and contributes to the Sectorplan SSH-Breed research initiative on the influence of digitalization on work, prosperity, and entrepreneurship. Her research lies at the intersection of law, technology, and fundamental rights, with a focus on data protection, privacy, algorithmic governance, and the regulation of emerging technologies in public and environmental domains. She has published widely on topics including GDPR compliance, privacy by design, smart energy systems, AI in criminal justice, and the legal implications of predictive policing. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward the regulation of data in public infrastructure (e.g., energy grids), algorithmic accountability in law enforcement, and the integration of legal and technical perspectives in privacy-preserving systems. Her work spans environmental law, criminal procedure, and digital constitutionalism, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While no formal PhD or Master’s students are listed, Dr. van Schendel has been involved in significant research projects such as the NWO-funded Megamind project on smart energy grids, indicating experience with competitive grant funding. She actively collaborates with legal scholars and contributes to public policy debates, including responses to national legislation like the Dutch Cybersecurity Bill. Labs and Teams: She is a core member of the Erasmus Centre of Law and Digitalization, a research hub focusing on the legal challenges of digital transformation. Her work is embedded in interdisciplinary collaborations involving law, technology, and public policy experts.
Scott D. Landes is a Professor in the Sociology Department at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He holds affiliations with the Aging Studies Institute, Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, and Center for Aging and Policy Studies. Landes earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida in 2014. His research focuses on disability mortality disparities, veteran health outcomes, and the intersection of disability with medical and social theory. Education: Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Florida, 2014 Research Interests: Landes investigates mortality trends for disabled adults and veterans, disability theory integration with life course frameworks, and data equity in disability measurement. His work addresses systemic undercounting of disability in federal surveys and explores racial/ethnic disparities in lifespan outcomes for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Recent Research Trends: His publications analyze pandemic impacts on IDD populations, combat veteran longevity, and diagnostic overshadowing in mortality reporting. Recent work critiques Washington Group disability measures' limitations and advocates for improved data collection methods. Awards: 2025 Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award O’Hanley Faculty Scholar (Syracuse University) NIH-funded research projects on aging policy and mortality disparities Advising & Grants: Recipient of multiple National Institutes of Health grants. Advises on disability data equity initiatives and participates in interdisciplinary teams addressing veteran health disparities. Supervises graduate research on IDD lifespan trajectories and pandemic vulnerability. Labs/Teams: Core member of Syracuse’s Aging Studies Institute and Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion. Collaborates with the Center for Aging and Policy Studies on federal health data projects. Engages with national disability advocacy groups through research briefs and policy consultations.
Lorena Sosa is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, Utrecht University, specializing in International and European Law. She is affiliated with the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM) and the research program Family & Law (UCERF). Her roles include membership of the management board of the Center for Global Challenges, Director of Education at UGlobe since 2022, and a community-engaged learning ambassador for her faculty since 2023. Education: PhD (cum laude) in Law from Tilburg University (2015), LL.M. in International Public Law (cum laude, National University of Córdoba), and a law degree from the same institution. Prior to Utrecht, she held positions at the University of Buenos Aires, University of Turku, and others. Research focuses on intersectional discrimination, gender-based violence, and human rights law. Key areas include the Istanbul Convention, feminist legal frameworks, and trans rights in criminal procedures. She employs socio-legal methods and collaborates with international organizations like the EU, Council of Europe, and UN. Publications span topics like femicide, domestic violence, and transgender experiences. Recent works include contributions to the Routledge International Handbook on Femicide and Feminicide (2023) and Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women (2023). Awards include the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2018), VENI Grant (2020), and the Max van der Stoel Award (2015) for her PhD on intersectionality in violence against women frameworks. Teaching includes courses on human rights law at Utrecht’s Legal Research Master, PIL Master, and University College Utrecht. She advises on projects related to victim rights, gender diversity, and empirical legal studies.
Dr. Shahrzad Fouladvand is an Associate Professor in International Criminal Law at the University of Sussex's School of Law, Politics and Sociology. Her research focuses on transnational criminal law, human trafficking, and corruption, particularly their interplay in contexts like Albania. She previously worked at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), contributing to human rights conventions. A member of RUSI's Strategic Hub for Organised Crime (SHOC), she advocates holistic approaches to combating human trafficking beyond prosecution-centric methods. Dr. Fouladvand holds a PhD from the University of Sussex and is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. Education: PhD in Law, University of Sussex (2008–2012) Common Professional Examination (CPE)/Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), University of Huddersfield (2012–2014) Certifications in Machine Learning for Social Scientists (2023) and Social Network Analysis (2020) Research Interests: Dr. Fouladvand explores the nexus between human trafficking and corruption, emphasizing evidentiary challenges and institutional complicity. Her work integrates network analysis and responsibilisation frameworks, critiquing prosecution-centric approaches. Recent projects include a monograph on 'Human Trafficking, Corruption and Corporate Complicity' for Routledge, examining public-sector complicity in trafficking. Key Contributions: Authored over 30 publications, including journal articles and book chapters on ICC jurisprudence, anti-corruption law, and trafficking dynamics. Advised UK parliamentary committees on human trafficking and migration policies. Edited volumes on transnational organized crime and economic criminology. Awards and Fellowships: Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (2016) Visiting Scholarship at Max-Planck Institute (2021–2022) Elected Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Slavery for BACL Labs/Teams: Active member of RUSI's SHOC, focusing on policy-relevant research to combat organized crime.
