Dr. Hilde Kuehne is a Professor at the University of Tuebingen and a key researcher at the Tuebingen AI Center. She holds affiliations with MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab and Goethe University Frankfurt, with a focus on computer vision, multimodal learning, and explainable AI. Her work bridges vision-language models, audio-visual alignment, and self-supervised methods. Co-organizer of the New Frontiers in Associative Memories workshop @ ICLR 2025 Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Carl-Zeiss-Foundation Contributor to CVPR 2025's UTD dataset for unbiased video benchmarks Her research addresses critical challenges in: Explainability for Vision Transformers (LeGrad) Fine-grained audio-visual alignment (CAV-MAE Sync) Zero-shot visual recognition automation (Meta-Prompting) Spatio-temporal grounding without annotations Recent collaborative work spans 15+ publications across CVPR, NeurIPS, ICCV, and ICLR, with emphasis on multimodal foundation models, dataset bias mitigation, and differentiable logic networks. She actively contributes to workshop organization and peer review as evidenced by her involvement in CVPR 2025 and ICLR 2025 program committees.
Prof. Maciej Lewenstein is a Group Leader and ICREA Professor at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), Spain. He leads the Quantum Optics Theory group, focusing on theoretical and computational studies of quantum many-body systems, topological phases, and nonlinear optics. He holds a Dr.rer.nat. in Physics from the University of Essen, Germany. His research interests include quantum simulations, high-harmonic generation, Bose-Einstein condensation, and quantum information processing. He has pioneered work on topological quantum thermometry and ultrafast phase transitions in materials like vanadium dioxide. His group actively explores the intersection of quantum optics with condensed matter physics and quantum computing. Recent articles highlight advancements in tensor network approaches for topological phases, quantum algorithms for many-body systems, and the application of sonification to quantum entanglement dynamics. He has received a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant and the ICREA Professorship, recognizing his contributions to quantum science. Prof. Lewenstein advises over a dozen PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a dynamic research environment at ICFO. His grants include ERC and ICREA funding, supporting projects on quantum simulations and nonlinear optical phenomena. The Quantum Optics Theory group collaborates internationally, with expertise in light-matter interactions, quantum resource theory, and quantum many-body localization. Their lab develops novel methods for probing quantum systems using high-harmonic spectroscopy and quantum trajectory simulations.
Ståle Knudsen is a Professor in the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, Norway. His research bridges environmental anthropology and political ecology, focusing on transnational corporations, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and environmental governance. Key areas include Norwegian energy corporations' CSR practices abroad, Turkish fisheries management, and global energy policies. He led the EU-funded KNOWSEAS (2009–2013) and ENERGETHICS (2015–2019) projects, examining CSR in state-owned energy sectors. Knudsen has authored Fishers and Scientists in Modern Turkey (2009) and co-edited Corporate Social Responsibility and the Paradoxes of State Capitalism (2023). His work critiques the intersection of financial logics and environmental accountability in global corporate operations. From 2014–2021, he served as Head of the Department of Social Anthropology at UiB. Research Interests: Corporate responsibility, energy governance, political ecology, environmental conflict, and transnational corporations. Key Projects: ENERGETHICS (CSR in energy companies), KNOWSEAS (European marine management), and ELMÉ (EU fisheries policies). Knudsen’s research combines long-term fieldwork in Turkey with interdisciplinary analysis of global energy systems and CSR paradoxes. He critiques the 'Nordic Model' as a CSR framework and explores tensions between corporate profit and sustainability goals in Norway’s state-owned enterprises.
Jay Strader is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University, where he serves as Graduate Director for the astronomy PhD program and Associate Chair for astronomy. His research focuses on compact objects, particularly black holes and neutron stars in globular clusters, neutron star binaries in Fermi gamma-ray sources, and intermediate-mass black holes. He has received a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering and grants from NSF and NASA. His research group includes postdoc Ryan Urquhart, graduate students Thomas Do and Rebecca Kyer, and several undergraduates, with past students like Teresa Panurach (now director of NoVEL Consortium) and Samuel Swihart (NRC fellow at Naval Research Lab). Education: PhD in Astronomy, UC-Santa Cruz/Lick Observatory Awards: Packard Fellowship Collaborations: Member of Rubin Observatory's Stars, Milky Way, and Local Volume science collaboration since 2008 Previous Positions: Hubble Fellow and Menzel Fellow at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (2007-2012) Program Initiatives: Co-founder of PAREDS program for early research opportunities at MSU His work has been supported by NSF and NASA grants, and he has contributed to studies on black holes in M22, hypervelocity globular clusters around M87, and transitional millisecond pulsars. His group collaborates with Laura Chomiuk and contributes to data catalogs like the M31 globular cluster velocity dispersion database.
Dr. Xiao Zhou is a Research Fellow affiliated with the Professorship for Consumer Behavior at ETH Zurich. His current position began in 2021. Prior to this, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Reading (2020-2021) and completed his PhD in Consumer Behavior at the University of Copenhagen (2015-2019). His research focuses on advancing consumer behavior studies through interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from marketing, behavioral economics, and human motion analysis. Zhou’s work emphasizes understanding decision-making processes and their applications in real-world contexts. Education history includes a PhD in Consumer Behavior from the University of Copenhagen (2015-2019), followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Reading (2020-2021). His academic trajectory reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied research. His research interests span consumer behavior, marketing research methodologies, and behavioral economics. Notably, his recent publications explore cutting-edge technologies in motion capture and computer vision, including real-time human motion tracking and generative models for 3D reconstruction. This reflects a unique intersection of consumer behavior studies with technical advancements in computational methods. Zhou’s research outputs demonstrate expertise in areas such as inertial sensor-based motion analysis, physics-aware tracking systems, and hierarchical modeling techniques. His contributions highlight innovative solutions for challenges in human pose estimation and 3D reconstruction. He is currently based at ETH Zurich’s Department of Consumer Behavior, contributing to both academic research and potential industrial applications of his work.
Chang Lou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on distributed systems, operating systems, and cloud computing, emphasizing runtime assurance and failure detection. He leads LiftLab, a reading group exploring cutting-edge system research. Education : Ph.D., Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University (2023); B.S., Computer Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2016). Research : Develops techniques to improve system reliability, including silent failure detection, memory leak mitigation, and formal verification. His work has been deployed at Microsoft Azure and recognized with awards like NSDI Best Paper (2020). Teaching : Offers courses like CS4740 (Cloud Computing) and CS6501 (Cloud System Reliability). Awards : NSF CAREER Award (2024), ACM SIGOPS Dissertation Honorable Mention (2023), Google Cloud Grant (2023). Service : Serves on program committees for NSDI, EuroSys, and SOSP. Co-organizes workshops like SIGCOMM Formal Methods x Networks.
Dr. Kathryn A. Burnett is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Arts and Media at the University of the West of Scotland, based in the School of Business and Creative Industries. She is actively involved in supervising PhD students and contributes to research areas including rural sociology, cultural heritage, and climate adaptation. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable communities and environmental stewardship. Education: (Details not explicitly provided in text, but her extensive academic output suggests a PhD in related fields.) Research Interests: Dr. Burnett’s expertise spans Scottish culture, remote rural communities, island studies, and the creative industries. Her work emphasizes cultural work, resilience in marginalized regions, and the intersection of media, narrative, and place. She explores themes such as Gaelic heritage, climate adaptation strategies, and the socio-economic dynamics of small island communities. Recent Research Trends: Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to rural regeneration, climate adaptation through participatory methods, and the mediatization of island spaces. Recent work includes studies on Arctic art education, coastal community resilience, and sustainable enterprise in remote areas. Awards: SFHEA (2021) Best Paper Award, Rural Enterprise ISBE, Cardiff (2013) Winner of Best Paper Rural Enterprise ISBE (2014) Grants & Advisory Roles: She has held external examiner roles at institutions like the University of Highlands and Islands and has been a Board Member of The Reid Foundation. Her activities include organizing conferences, hosting academic visitors, and contributing to national and international research networks. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include projects with the University of Lapland (e.g., Nurture: Living in the Landscape) and cross-border initiatives on Arctic studies and climate adaptation. She frequently engages in interdisciplinary research with environmental scientists and sociologists.
Nora Uglik-Marucha is an NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow at King’s College London’s Department of Biostatistics & Health Informatics, affiliated with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. Her work focuses on autism in women and misophonia through advanced psychometric methodologies. She holds MSc and BSc degrees in Clinical Neuropsychiatry and Psychology from King’s College London. Research interests include gender bias in autism screening tools, measurement invariance analysis, and questionnaire development. Her doctoral project develops novel autism assessment tools for women under Dr. Silia Vitoratou and Prof. Francesca Happé. Key contributions include the S-Five tool for misophonia assessment and validation studies across cultures. She has published on misophonia mechanisms, cross-cultural measurement robustness, and autism screening equity.
Summary Tiziano VESCOVI is a Full Professor of Business Economics and Management at the Venice School of Management , Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He holds roles including Co-Director of the International Management to Asia Research Laboratory (IMA Lab), member of the technical-scientific Committee of the Ca' Foscari Challenge School, and scientific director of the Italian School of Booksellers. His teaching focuses on Cross-Cultural Marketing , Brand Management , and International Marketing to China in both English and Italian programs. Education : - Degree in Business Economics (Ca' Foscari, 1981) - ITP Certificate (HEC Paris, 1987). Research Interests : - Cross-cultural aspects in international markets, particularly China. - Digital transformation in marketing strategies. - Luxury brand management and global market entry strategies. - Made-in-Italy products in socio-culturally diverse markets. Recent Projects : - 'The Merchant and the Dragon' (2013-): Strategies for Italian SMEs entering China. - 'Managing Digital Transformation' (2021-): Strategic processes in tech adoption. - PNRR LEGO Project (2024-26): Italy-East Asia education collaboration. Office Hours : - Weekly online sessions (Thursdays 2-4 PM via Zoom). - Physical location: San Giobbe Campus, C1 Building, Room 127. Labs/Initiatives : - IMA Lab: Research on Asia-Pacific market dynamics. - Master in Luxury Client Advisor: Collaboration with LVMH Group.
Theresa Yakich is a Lecturer in the Teaching and Learning department at the College of Education, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She holds a PhD in Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and serves as VP of Clinic Operations at the Family Support Center, providing services for children with autism. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in behavior analytic services across educational, clinical, and community settings. Her research focuses on parent/staff training methodologies and promoting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practices in local communities. She has published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and seeks to unite practitioners advancing behavior analysis principles.
Elizabeth J. Wilson is a Professor of Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College and former founding Director of the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society (2017–2022). Her research focuses on energy systems transitions, offshore wind policy, and regulatory challenges in emerging technologies. She holds a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz, an M.S. from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. Her research explores gaps between policy goals and practice in offshore wind development, federal-state-local institutional dynamics, and energy transmission challenges. Notable works include Energy Law and Policy (2022, co-authored) and Smart Grid (R)evolution (2015, co-authored). She teaches courses on energy-environment intersections and offshore wind policy analysis. Her expertise spans energy system transformations, carbon sequestration, and public perception of technology. She has advised on grid modernization, regional transmission organizations, and renewable energy policy. Active in academic leadership, she collaborates with Dartmouth’s Environmental Studies Department and the Irving Institute to advance energy-society nexus research.
Jari Puttonen is a Professor of Structural Engineering at Aalto University's Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering. His research focuses on structural analysis, fire safety, materials science, and nuclear infrastructure safety. He has held roles as Principal Investigator in projects related to nuclear waste repository concrete modeling and aging management of NPP infrastructure. He has advised over 20 academic visitors and served in doctoral thesis committees. Education: Doctoral degree (1987), Licentiate (1984), and Master's degree (1979) in Engineering and Technology from Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University). Research Interests: Steel and composite materials behavior under extreme conditions Fire resistance of structural systems Long-term performance of concrete in nuclear facilities Non-destructive testing of construction materials Seismic resilience of critical infrastructure Awards: Recipient of the Knight, First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2020), PUUPalkinto 2010, and Schweighofer Prize 2011 for innovative energy facade research. Grants & Projects: Led 13 research projects including PERCO2_2023 (nuclear waste repository modeling) and CONAGE2022 (NPP concrete aging). Active in EU-funded initiatives and industry collaborations. Labs & Teams: Core member of Aalto's Structural Engineering Research Group, collaborating with Chalmers University and Technical University of Munich on advanced materials testing.
Xi Ling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering at Boston University. They lead the Ling Group, which focuses on the fundamental science and applications of nanomaterials, particularly 2D van der Waals materials. Their research integrates synthesis, characterization via advanced spectroscopy, and device development for energy conversion and chemical sensing. The group utilizes facilities at the Photonics Center for cutting-edge materials analysis. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (Lanzhou University, 2007); Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (Peking University, 2012). Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to synthesize novel 2D crystals, investigate their physical properties through Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and engineer flexible, transparent devices. Recent publications highlight innovations in strain engineering, ferroelectricity modulation, and exciton dynamics in materials like NiPS3 and GaSe. Students gain expertise applicable to academia and industry roles in semiconductor manufacturing, materials engineering, and instrumentation. The group’s work bridges foundational science and practical applications, addressing challenges in nanoelectronics and sustainable energy technologies.
Dr. Gabrielle Kremer is a Senior Research Associate and Guest Researcher at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), focusing on provincial Roman archaeology with emphasis on the Danube provinces and Gallia Belgica. She has taught at the University of Vienna since 2001 and coordinates interdisciplinary projects on Roman stone monuments, including the Corpus Signorum Imperii Romani Carnuntum series. Her work bridges epigraphy, sculpture analysis, and funerary architecture studies. Research focuses include: Religious practices in Roman provinces Stone monument provenance and reuse Cultural identity in Noricum and Pannonia Interdisciplinary analysis of Roman material culture Monumental grave architecture in the Treveri region Current projects involve the PolychroMon initiative (2023–2025) analyzing polychromy in Roman monuments and the Accommodation/Living in a Sacred Context study. She co-edited multiple international colloquium proceedings and led the "Religion and Society" working group (2017–2020) at OeAW's Institute for Cultural History of Antiquity.
Leysia Palen is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Information Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. She was the founding chair of the Department of Information Science, which launched in 2015, and maintains appointments in both the Department of Information Science and Computer Science. Palen is also a faculty fellow with the Institute of Cognitive Science and ATLAS Institute. She received her PhD from the University of California, Irvine in Information and Computer Science in 1998 and has been a faculty member at CU Boulder ever since. Her educational background includes: BS in Cognitive Science from University of California, San Diego MS and PhD in Information and Computer Science from University of California, Irvine Palen is a leader in crisis informatics, an area she forged with her graduate students and colleagues. Her research integrates human-computer interaction (HCI), computer-supported cooperative work, and social computing to address socio-technical issues of societal importance. She conducts empirical research in the interpretivist tradition while adapting quantitative techniques for analyzing large-scale online interactions during crisis events. Her work has earned her the ACM Computer Human Interaction Social Impact Award in 2015, and she was elected to the ACM CHI Academy in 2016. Palen's research examines how people use technology to communicate during emergencies and disasters. Her work spans hurricane response, earthquake recovery, terrorist attacks, and pandemic situations, analyzing social media usage, risk communication patterns, and emergent information infrastructures. She directs Project EPIC (Empowering the Public with Information during Crisis) and co-directs the Center for Software & Society at CU Boulder. Her publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding human-technology interaction in critical situations, with over 90 articles spanning two decades. Palen has secured approximately $5 million in research funding as Principal Investigator from the National Science Foundation, including an NSF CAREER award in 2006. She serves as an Associate Editor for both the Human Computer Interaction Journal (Taylor and Francis) and the Computer-Supported Cooperative Work Journal (Springer), reflecting her leadership in these academic communities. Palen has held positions at Xerox PARC, Boeing Commercial, USWEST Advanced Technologies, and Microsoft Commercial, and has been a faculty member at the University of Aarhus in Denmark and University of Agder in Norway.
