Sami Kajalo is a Senior University Lecturer at the Department of Marketing, Aalto University School of Business, and an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at the University of Helsinki. His research focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR), brand loyalty, marketing strategy, retailing, and digital marketing, with a methodological emphasis on structural equation modeling (SEM). He has contributed over 117 publications, including works on consumer motivations in collaborative consumption, the strategic role of market orientation, and the impact of ethical leadership in retail environments. Kajalo teaches at both Aalto University’s Business School and its Executive Education DBA program. His academic journey includes a doctoral degree from the Helsinki School of Economics (2002), a licentiate (1993), and a master’s degree (1990) in Business and Economics. Research Interests: Kajalo’s work explores the intersection of psychological traits and CSR perceptions, particularly how these influence brand loyalty. He investigates arts marketing, digital transformation in retail, and the integration of CSR into strategic frameworks. His research methodologies prioritize empirical analysis to advance theoretical contributions in marketing disciplines. Article Trends: Recent publications highlight themes such as ethical dimensions in online retailing, market orientation as a competitive tool, and consumer behavior in sharing economies. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implications for retail strategy and organizational performance. Academic Engagement: Kajalo has collaborated internationally, including visiting researcher roles at Hokkaido University and hosting academic visitors. His expertise contributes to sustainable development goals related to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and quality education (SDG 4).
Mátyás Mervay is a Research Fellow at New York University's Center for European and Mediterranean Studies. He holds a PhD in East Asian and Modern European History (2024) from NYU, an MA in Modern and Contemporary Chinese History (2017) from Nankai University, and a BA in History and East Asian Cultures (2012) from Eötvös Loránd University. His research bridges Habsburg Central Europe and China, focusing on Transnational and Global History Refugee and Migrant Diasporas History of the Habsburg Empire in East Asia European Imperialism and Colonialism in China Republican-Era Chinese History Recent publications analyze Austro-Hungarian refugee soldiers in China (2018) Shanghai’s Hungarian Jewish rescuer Paul Komor (2023) Interwar Shanghai migrant communities (2024) with upcoming work on the Oxford Handbook of Global Habsburg History (2025). Scientific awards include R. John Rath Prize (2025) University of Vienna GLORE Fellowship (2023) Jewish Culture Fellowship Grant (2023)
Tridas Mukhopadhyay is the Deloitte Consulting Professor of e-Business at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business, where he has served on the faculty since 1986. His academic journey at CMU progressed from Instructor of Information Systems (1986-1987) to Assistant Professor (1987-1993), Associate Professor (1993-1997), Professor (1998-present), and Deloitte Consulting Professor of e-Business (2000-present). He also served as Director of the MS in Electronic Commerce program from 1999-2004. Ph.D. in Computer and Information Systems, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, 1987 M.B.A. in Computer and Information Systems, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, 1981 B. Tech. in Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 1978 Professor Mukhopadhyay's research spans multiple critical areas in information systems and technology management. His work on strategic IT use examines how organizations derive business value from information technology investments. He has conducted extensive research on business-to-business commerce, particularly focusing on e-procurement systems, web-based marketplaces, and electronic intermediation models. His cybersecurity research investigates the economic aspects of cyber security, including liability mechanisms and patch release strategies. In software engineering, he has studied productivity, quality metrics, and offshore software development contracts. His most recent publications reveal several key trends in his research trajectory. There's a growing focus on digital platform economics, examining advertising models, virtual currency systems in gaming, and sharing economy dynamics. His work increasingly incorporates behavioral aspects, studying how users respond to personalized content and how backers exert control in crowdfunded projects. Methodologically, his research employs sophisticated analytical approaches including hierarchical Bayesian models, structural equation modeling, and natural experiment designs. CART Research Frontier Award, Carnegie Mellon, 2005 Distinguished Ph.D. Alum, Michigan Business School, 2004 Best Paper, International Conference on Information Systems, 2001 Best Paper, MIS Quarterly, 1995 Xerox Research Chair, Tepper School of Business, 1988-1989 Information Systems Society Distinguished Fellow, 2012 Professor Mukhopadhyay has served on numerous editorial boards including Information Systems Research (1994-2003), Management Science (1999-2003), and MIS Quarterly (1997-1999), demonstrating his significant contributions to the field. His consulting work with major organizations including Alcoa, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, IBM, and governmental agencies like the United States Post Office and Pennsylvania Turnpike has provided practical insights that inform his academic research. He has been actively involved in university governance through committee service including the Business Technology Faculty Search Committee and the CMU Faculty Senate. His research has been supported through various industry partnerships and academic grants, though specific grant details aren't provided in the source material. His teaching focuses on Business Computing and Strategic IT courses, reflecting his expertise in both foundational information systems concepts and strategic applications of technology in business contexts.
Dr. Jay Yoon is an Associate Professor at Department of Human Centered Design , College of Human Ecology , Cornell University . He leads the Meta Design & Technology Lab which focuses on creating products that enhance both momentary and long-term user experiences through human-centered design , human-computer interaction , and positive psychology principles. Education : BA & BE in Industrial Design & Computer Science, Handong University (South Korea) MSc in Design for Interaction, Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) PhD in Emotion-driven Design, Delft University of Technology His research demonstrates how emotional granularity and positive emodiversity in technology interactions can significantly improve user well-being. He has developed multiple design tools like the EmotionPrism and Positive Emotional Granularity Cards. Industry collaborations include smart home services , airport crew centers , museum tours , and brand loyalty programs . Notable publications span International Journal of Design , She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation , and International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction . Scientific Awards : Sloan Recent Alumni Achievement Award His design projects have been exhibited at international conferences including Design & Emotion and Dutch Design Week . Current research explores technology-mediated well-being through hedonic and eudaimonic experience design.
Carles Pont Sorribes is an Associate Professor and Vice-Dean at the Faculty of Communication at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), where he also directs the Journalism Degree program. He serves as Academic Director of the Master in Political and Institutional Communication at UPF Barcelona School of Management. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Social Communication, a Master's in Social Communication, and a Bachelor's in Journalism and Education Sciences. Education: Ph.D. in Social Communication Master's in Social Communication Bachelor's in Journalism and Education Sciences His research focuses on political communication, public opinion, risk/crisis communication, and journalism. Key themes include the Catalan sovereignty process's international media coverage, digital news credibility, and media engagement strategies. Recent work explores AI's role in journalism training and the impact of disinformation on senior populations. Publications highlight trends in crisis communication (e.g., Ebola and Germanwings disasters), the framing of Catalan independence in global media, and the evolution of Twitter as an emergency communication tool. His books include El impacto del engagement y el futuro de la empresa periodística (2022) and Risk and News (2020). Dr. Pont Sorribes has no listed scientific awards but contributes to academic-industry collaboration through his roles in educational programs. His work emphasizes media sustainability and audience loyalty, with proposals for operational frameworks in journalism.
Lynda Gratton is a Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour at London Business School. She directs the globally renowned program 'Human Resource Strategy in Transforming Companies' and teaches a highly popular elective on the Future of Work, for which she received the 'Excellence in Teaching' award in 2016. She has led the Future of Work Consortium for over a decade, facilitating collaboration among executives from 60+ companies via a bespoke platform. Her research explores the intersection of people and organizations, with key interests in: Corporate culture and organizational learning Strategic management and HR strategy Organisational change dynamics Future of work innovation and hybrid models Longevity's societal impacts Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on workplace evolution, particularly analyzing hybrid work models, AI's human implications, and leadership during disruption. Articles frequently address resilience, technological adaptation, and redefining organizational structures for an uncertain future. Awards & Honors: Thinkers 50 Top 15 Global Thinker Warren Bennis Best Article (2022) CMI Management Book of the Year (2015) FT Business Book shortlist (2017) Tata Prize (India), NAHR Fellowship (US), HR Prize (Australia) She advises global institutions including the World Economic Forum (where she co-chaired the Council on Work, Wages and Job Creation) and served on Japanese Prime Minister Abe's advisory board. She currently contributes to MIT Sloan Management Review and The Times of London. Through the Future of Work Consortium, she leads a major initiative connecting executives worldwide to address workforce transformation challenges, emphasizing collaborative innovation.
Praveen K. Kopalle is the Signal Companies' Professor of Management, professor of marketing, and area chair at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College. He served as associate dean for the MBA program (2015–18) and chairs the marketing area (2012–15, 2022–present). He teaches courses in retail pricing analytics, marketing concepts, and new product development. Education: PhD in Marketing (Columbia University, 1992), MBA (Indian Institute of Management, 1988), BE in Mechanical & Product Engineering (Osmania University, 1986) His research focuses on marketing , machine learning , artificial intelligence , pricing strategy , retail analytics , and new product innovation . Recent work addresses digital customer orientation, loyalty programs in the big data era, and predictive analytics in retailing. He has published in top journals like Journal of Consumer Research , Management Science , and Marketing Science . Praveen serves as departmental editor for Production and Operations Management and associate editor for multiple journals. He has held leadership roles in the INFORMS Society for Marketing Science and contributed to editorial boards of 10+ journals. Scientific Awards: 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award (American Marketing Association’s Retailing and Pricing Special Interest Group) 2015 Core Teaching Excellence Award (Tuck School) 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award (IIM Bangalore) Multiple John Little and Davidson Awards 2022 Distinguished Alumnus Award (Osmania University) His teaching spans MBA core courses ( Marketing , Statistics for Managers ) and electives ( Retail Pricing Strategy , Marketing New Products ). He also leads executive education programs and the Tuck Integrative Experiential Learning (TuckINTEL) initiative.
Fay Yarbrough is the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Graduate Programs and William Gaines Twyman Professor of History at Rice University's School of Humanities. She specializes in 19th-century Native populations of the U.S. Southeast and Indian Territory, focusing on Indigenous-African diaspora interactions. Her research examines tribal sovereignty, race formation, and gender through legal frameworks and colonial dynamics. Education: PhD (Emory University), MA (Emory University), BA (Rice University). Teaches courses on Civil War history, Native history, African American history, and gender studies. Key works include Race and the Cherokee Nation (2008), Choctaw Confederates (2021), and co-edited Gender and Sexuality in the Indigenous Americas (2011). Explores topics like Cherokee marriage laws, Choctaw Civil War participation, and colonial gender manipulation. Affiliated with Rice's Center for the Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality and Center for African & African American Studies. Active in promoting interdisciplinary research on race, Indigenous sovereignty, and gender in historical contexts.
André Catarino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal, and Deputy Director of the 2C2T – Center for Textile Science and Technology since 2022. He is an integrated researcher at the center, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of textiles, electronics, and materials science. Education: Postgraduate Specialization in Digital Business, University of Porto, Porto Business School (2020–2021) Ph.D. in Textile Engineering, University of Minho (2005) M.Sc. in Textile Engineering, University of Minho (1998) B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Porto (1992) Research Interests: André Catarino's research spans a wide range of domains, including smart and electronic textiles , wearable sensor systems , materials engineering , and functional textiles for health and sports . His recent work also delves into digital marketing and the application of artificial intelligence in textile systems. His expertise encompasses electronics, instrumentation, programming, fabric manufacturing, and textile characterization. He has led or participated in over 25 national and international research projects , including EU-funded initiatives like BE@T, GreenAuto, and Fashion Alive. His work has resulted in 4 Portuguese patents and 1 European patent , alongside numerous prototypes and technology transfers. Publications and Impact: With over 115 scientific publications , including journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, his research output is both broad and impactful. His recent publications focus on smart vests for posture monitoring, textile-based EMG electrodes, and consumer behavior in fashion marketing. Student Supervision: He has supervised or co-supervised more than 45 master’s and doctoral dissertations , covering topics from wearable health monitoring systems to sustainable fashion design and digital marketing strategies. Labs and Teams: As Deputy Director of the 2C2T – Center for Textile Science and Technology , he leads a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers. The center is a hub for innovation in textile science, with a strong emphasis on integrating electronics, sustainability, and human-centered design into textile applications.
Dr. Beatrice Piccoli is a Lecturer in Human Resource Management at the University of Essex's Essex Business School since September 2017. She holds a joint PhD in Work and Organizational Psychology from the Universities of Verona (Italy) and Leuven (Belgium). Her research focuses on job insecurity, employee well-being, leadership, and organizational behavior. She has been affiliated with KU Leuven's Research Group on Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology since her postdoctoral role funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant (2015–2017). Additional affiliations include a visiting scholar position at St. John’s University (New York, 2016) through the COOPERINT grant and a researcher role at the University of Verona (2016). Educational Background: PhD in Work and Organizational Psychology (2015): Joint program between University of Verona and KU Leuven MSc in Management of Training Services (2011): University of Verona Postdoctoral Researcher at KU Leuven (2015–2017): Funded by EU Horizon 2020 Research Interests: Beatrice explores the impact of job insecurity on organizational outcomes (e.g., performance, discretionary behaviors), employee well-being, and household dynamics. She also investigates mindfulness in high-stress professions, proactive personality traits among older workers, and the role of leadership in change management. Her work integrates social exchange theory, psychological contract theory, and cross-cultural perspectives. Grants & Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (EU Horizon 2020, 2015–2017) COOPERINT Internationalization Grant (University of Verona, 2016) Banco Popolare Funding for Aging & Well-being Research (2015) Teaching & Supervision: Dr. Piccoli teaches Human Resource Management modules at Essex Business School, focusing on organizational behavior and employee relations. She supports postgraduate research students in areas aligned with her expertise, such as job insecurity and workplace psychology. Labs & Collaborations: She collaborates with KU Leuven's Work and Organizational Psychology group and maintains ties with institutions in Italy and the U.S., emphasizing interdisciplinary research on workplace well-being and policy interventions.
Lionel Smith is a Professor of Comparative Law at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Law, appointed in 2024. His career includes roles at the University of Alberta (1991-1996), Oxford University (1996-2000), McGill University (2000-2022), and the University of Cambridge (2022-2024). He holds degrees from the University of Western Ontario, Cambridge University, Oxford University, and the Université de Montréal. LL.B. from University of Western Ontario and Université de Montréal LL.M., LL.D. from Cambridge D.Phil., M.A., D.C.L. from Oxford His research focuses on comparative private law, particularly fiduciary obligations, trust law, and unjust enrichment. He emphasizes understanding unselfish behavior through legal frameworks across civil and common law systems. Recent work includes The Law of Loyalty (Oxford UP, 2023) and contributions to Comparative Property Law: Global Perspectives (2017). Publications span 9 journal articles, 2 books, 2 book chapters, and 2 edited volumes. His 2024 Cambridge Law Journal article on 'knowing receipt' explores cross-jurisdictional trust recovery mechanisms, while his 2020 University of Toronto Law Journal paper redefines parenthood through fiduciary principles. Awards: Titular Member of the International Academy of Comparative Law, Member of American/European Law Institutes Leadership: President of World Society of Mixed Jurisdiction Jurists, non-practicing member of Alberta Bar Teaching includes the 'Comparative Law' course at Cambridge and co-authoring leading textbooks like Waters’ Law of Trusts in Canada . His research programs investigate trust law evolution in civil law systems and fiduciary duty foundations.
Dr. Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy & Business Economy at Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London. She serves as Programme Lead for the BSc International Business Programme and Trade2Grow Executive Education Programme. Additionally, she is Impact Lead at the Brunel Centre for AI: Social and Digital Innovation, where she leads the capability area in the Future of Work. Dr. Tabaghdehi is also an economist and social impact advisor for the independent NGO, Social Innovation Movement. Dr. Tabaghdehi earned her PhD in Economics and Finance (2008) and MSc in International Money, Finance, and Investment (2015), both from Brunel University London. She also holds a BA in Theoretical Economics from University of Mazandaran. She completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Dr. Tabaghdehi is internationally recognized for her research on digital transformation, with particular expertise in the ethical integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Her work focuses on how emerging technologies shape industries, labor markets, and society, with emphasis on enhancing SME growth through technological innovation. She explores applications across critical sectors including social care, supply chain management, and environmental sustainability. A central theme in her research is smart data governance, ensuring ethical, transparent, and responsible use of data in decision-making processes. Her research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of technology, ethics, and business strategy. She has developed frameworks like the Digital Business Auditing Framework, which has been adopted internationally for smart city initiatives. Her work connects academic research with practical policy applications, as evidenced by her presentations as oral and written evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee. Her publications span AI ethics, digital footprint implications, fertility economics, and healthcare cost analysis, showing interdisciplinary breadth while maintaining thematic coherence around digital transformation's societal impact. Scientific Awards and Recognition Semi-finalist: Research Impact Award at Brunel University London, 2023 Staff Award: Exceptional in Collegiality and Supportive to Colleagues at Brunel University London, 2022 Exceptional Performance at Regents University London, 2018-19 Staff Award in Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Regents University London, 2016 Best Lecturer Award at London Brunel International College, 2014 Best Lecturer Award at London Brunel International College, 2013 Dr. Tabaghdehi actively supervises PhD students researching areas including Smart Data Governance, Ethical AI Governance, Digital Innovation Impact, Responsible AI Adoption Strategies, Sustainability, and Future of Labour Market. She has secured research funding from multiple sources including the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), Brunel University London, and Brunel Business School. Her current projects include research on AI Adoption and Governance, Youth digital addiction, Algorithm Reliability Framework, and SMEs digital footprints. She has also co-designed the "Digital Adoption" module for the UK Government's Help to Grow Management program, demonstrating the practical application of her research. As a member of multiple professional organizations, Dr. Tabaghdehi serves as an associate practitioner at Social Value International, associate member of the Big Innovation Centre, and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI. She is also a member of the ESRC Review College, British Academy of Management Review College, and Energy Institute UK, contributing to the broader academic and policy communities through these roles.
Vesa Pursiainen is an Associate Professor at the School of Business and Economics , University of St. Gallen (SBF-HSG). His research focuses on corporate finance, fintech, environmental economics, crowdfunding, and behavioral finance, with a particular emphasis on how technology, social dynamics, and crises impact financial decisions and market behavior.
Elisabeth Piller is Assistant Professor of Transatlantic and North American History at the Department of History, University of Freiburg. She serves as Senior Fellow in the FRIAS Project Group “Post-war Periods” (October 2024 – September 2025) and leads research on U.S. humanitarian aid and its geopolitical implications in the 20th century. PhD (2018) and MA (2011) in History BA (2008) in History and Religious Studies Her research focuses on American foreign policy, transatlantic relations since the 19th century, cultural diplomacy, and the evolution of modern humanitarianism. Key projects include analyzing post-WWII U.S. aid as a catalyst for global hegemony and revisiting WWI blockades' role in shaping humanitarian infrastructure. Recent publications highlight her expertise in blockades, humanitarian corridors, and postwar reconstruction. She has co-edited volumes on The Blockade in the Era of the World Wars (2024) and Humanitarianism and the Greater War (2023). Awards include the Transatlantic Studies Association-Cambridge University Press Book Prize (2022) and Friedrich-Ebert-Preis (2020).
Joel Mero is an Associate Professor at the School of Business and Economics, University of Jyväskylä , leading the Digital Marketing and Communication (DMC) research group and directing the International Master's Program in Digital Marketing and Corporate Communication (DMCC) . He holds a D.Sc. (Econ.) from Jyväskylä University (2016) and has designed over 20 courses across 10 institutions, covering all academic levels from Bachelor to Doctoral. His research focuses on B2B digital marketing management , particularly leveraging digital data and technologies in business markets. Notable achievements include two Best Paper Awards (2017 & 2019) in the Industrial Marketing Management journal. His work explores topics such as influencer marketing, big data analytics, marketing agility, and AI-driven strategies. Current research groups include the Sound Science Lab (music perception) and Digital Marketing and Communication (DMC) . He collaborates on projects like the Finnish Quantum Flagship , aiming to advance quantum technology applications. Mero emphasizes practical applications of digital tools, bridging academic insights with industry needs. Publications span conceptual frameworks, empirical studies, and industry guides, with a focus on B2B customer journeys, AI in content creation, and data-driven decision-making. His teaching and research highlight agility, innovation, and the ethical use of emerging technologies in marketing.
