Professor Dimitris Lagos is a faculty member at the Hull York Medical School under the University of York . He holds the role of Professor of Immunology and serves as the Director of Research , leading the Departmental Research Committee. His academic career includes prior appointments as Lecturer , Senior Lecturer , and Reader at Hull York Medical School. Professor Lagos' research focuses on RNA Biology and RNA Medicine , specifically investigating RNA-driven immune gene regulation in infection and cancer. His group explores transcriptome instability in cancer, sexual dimorphism in lymphocytes, and circulating non-coding RNAs as disease biomarkers. He utilizes advanced transcriptomics platforms like long-read RNA sequencing and spatial omics for discovery, with pharmacological RNA targeting as a therapeutic strategy. His recent publications highlight trends in immune checkpoint regulation (e.g., PD-L1, IDO1), Cancer Immunology , and RNA-based biomarkers for disease prognosis. He leads the MANIFEST immuno-oncology consortium and collaborates with Oxford Nanopore Technologies . His group has historically spearheaded molecular pathology themes in global infectious disease consortia, including the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium . Professor Lagos is funded by Cancer Research UK and UKRI (MRC and BBSRC). He supervises postgraduate students Mags Gwynne , Ali Deghany , Charlotte Booth , and Molly Cartwright . His work bridges gene regulation , RNA Medicine , and Immunology , emphasizing translational applications.
Hiroko H. Dodge is a Full Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and serves as Director of Research Analytics at the Interdisciplinary Brain Center, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Her work bridges clinical neurology, data science, and epidemiology with a focus on dementia research. Dr. Dodge's research spans multiple critical areas in aging and cognitive decline, with particular emphasis on clinical trials (both behavioral and pharmacological) in dementia research. Her expertise includes the epidemiology of dementia, application of demographic methods to clinical fields, and advanced data science approaches to understanding cognitive aging. She has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between social isolation and cognitive decline, as demonstrated through her leadership of the Internet-Based Conversational Engagement Clinical Trial (I-CONECT). Her work explores how social engagement, environmental factors, and nutritional status impact cognitive trajectories in older adults. Dr. Dodge has pioneered research on digital biomarkers for early detection of cognitive impairment, utilizing computerized cognitive testing, speech analysis, and facial expression recognition through projects like the ARMADA study. She has also investigated the role of environmental exposures such as air quality and lead in dementia risk. Editorial Board Member for The Journals of Gerontology Series B Editorial Board Member for Alzheimer's & Dementia Associate Editor for Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions Her research has been widely recognized, with 445 publications that have garnered over 15,000 citations. Dr. Dodge leads innovative clinical trials and methodology development for dementia research, including decentralized trial approaches and synthetic control methods that address challenges in contemporary Alzheimer's disease therapeutic development. She leads "Hiroko Hayama Dodge's Lab" which focuses on innovative approaches to dementia research, particularly through the integration of technology and clinical assessment. Her I-CONECT project, which investigates the impact of frequent social interactions via webcam/internet on cognitive function in socially isolated older adults, represents a novel approach to dementia prevention. Dr. Dodge collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, with notable partnerships at Oregon Health & Science University and other leading research centers.
Dr. Tina Cao is a Lecturer in Dietetics and Human Nutrition within the School of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics at La Trobe University. She holds an Honorary position at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and collaborates with researchers from Monash University and Northern Health. Her academic journey includes previous Research Fellow positions at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute and the University of Melbourne. Dr. Cao's educational background spans medical training (MBBS from Jiangsu University, China), public health (MMedSc from Karolinska Institute, Sweden), and epidemiology (PhD from University of Adelaide, Australia). Her diverse academic preparation has positioned her at the intersection of clinical medicine, public health, and nutritional science. Her research interests focus on cardiometabolic disease prevention through nutrition and lifestyle interventions at the population level. Dr. Cao investigates the complex relationships between dietary patterns, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic outcomes, with particular attention to disadvantaged and culturally diverse populations in Australia. Her work bridges nutritional epidemiology with implementation science, developing evidence-based interventions that address health inequities. Dr. Cao frequently utilizes large-scale datasets like the China Health and Nutrition Survey and the AusDiab study in her research. Dr. Cao's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with nearly 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and a national report, accumulating over 830 citations since 2019. Her recent work shows increasing focus on health literacy integration into chronic care models, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse populations with type 2 diabetes. She has made significant contributions to understanding unmet needs in diabetes self-management and the role of digital health solutions during the pandemic. Her scientific recognition includes: Membership in the Australian Diabetes Society (since 2024) Membership on the La Trobe Academic Board (since 2024) Membership in The Nutrition Society of Australia (since 2016) As an educator, Dr. Cao supervises honors and master's students and teaches research-focused subjects including HEA 201 (Integrating Evidence into Practice), DTN 304 (Nutritional Epidemiology and Research Skills), and DTN 306/312 (Nutrition Research projects). She actively collaborates with Professor Brian Oldenburg at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Associate Professor Rebecca Jessup at Northern Health, focusing on culturally diverse populations' health needs. Dr. Cao is committed to translating research findings into practical applications that address health inequities, particularly in the Australian context where cultural diversity presents unique challenges for chronic disease management. Dr. Cao maintains an active research agenda with multiple ongoing projects examining cardiometabolic health in diverse populations, digital health interventions, and implementation strategies for chronic disease management. Her work bridges academic research with practical healthcare solutions, demonstrating her commitment to improving population health outcomes through evidence-based practice.
Håkan Fischer is a Professor of Human Biological Psychology at Stockholm University, where he has served as Head of the Department of Psychobiology and Epidemiology since 2011. He also holds an associate professor position at Karolinska Institutet, is affiliated with the Aging Research Center and Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre, and is a faculty member at Digital Futures at the Royal Institute of Technology. Since September 2025, he has additionally served as a visiting professor at Linköping University. Fischer has established himself as a leading researcher in emotional and cognitive processing, with particular expertise in socio-emotional aspects across the lifespan. Fischer earned his PhD in psychology from Uppsala University in 1998, followed by postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School (1999-2001). He then worked at the Aging Research Center at Karolinska Institutet before joining Stockholm University in 2011. His academic journey includes a sabbatical year (2021-2022) at the University of Florida's Department of Psychology. Fischer is actively involved in university governance as a member of the Swedish Research Council's Subject Council for Humanities and Social Sciences (2023-present) and represents Stockholm University in multiple international collaborations. Håkan Fischer's research primarily focuses on investigating intra- and interindividual differences in affective, cognitive, social and perceptual processing, with special emphasis on age-related differences in adults. His laboratory employs advanced neuroimaging techniques including fMRI, PET, and fNIRS to examine brain function, while also utilizing structural imaging methods like T1-weighted imaging, DTI, and perfusion imaging to study brain structure. Fischer advocates for single-subject small-N designs to better understand emotional and cognitive mechanisms. His current research lines include socio-emotional perception and recognition, oxytocin effects on socio-emotional processing across the lifespan, and AI development for interpersonal communication analysis. Analysis of Fischer's recent publications reveals a strong focus on emotion recognition across populations, neurobiological mechanisms of socio-emotional processing, and methodological innovations. His work consistently integrates behavioral testing, neuroimaging, and genetic analysis to provide comprehensive insights. The increasing incorporation of AI approaches demonstrates his adaptation to emerging technological advances in psychological research. Fischer has published 136 peer-reviewed articles with over 12,200 citations and a Google Scholar h-index of 53. Fischer has received consistent funding since 2002 from prestigious sources including the Swedish Research Council, Wallenberg Foundation, STINT, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, and Konung Gustav V och Drottning Victorias stiftelse. He currently leads nine funded research projects (two as principal investigator totaling 6.9 million SEK, seven as co-applicant totaling 24.8 million SEK) spanning multiple international collaborations in Sweden, Germany, and the USA. As an educator, Fischer leads the basic course in Cognitive Neuroscience and the master's course in Emotion Psychology and Affective Neuroscience. He regularly teaches at both undergraduate and advanced levels, primarily in biological psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and emotion psychology. Fischer currently supervises six doctoral students (one as main supervisor, four as assistant supervisor) and has mentored graduate students since 2002. Håkan Fischer leads a dynamic research laboratory that investigates emotional, social, perceptual, and cognitive processing. The lab examines how intraindividual variations across stimuli and time, as well as interindividual differences in age, gender, genetics, personality, and sleep deprivation affect these processes. His lab maintains active national and international collaborations with researchers at Stockholm University, Uppsala University, Karolinska Institutet, University of Florida, and University of Gothenburg, creating a robust interdisciplinary research environment focused on translating basic neuroscience into practical applications.
Ivana Bojanic is a full-time Researcher at the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Norway. She holds a PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences from NTNU (2023) and has a background in pharmacy, medical biochemistry, and clinical experience as a laboratory head in Serbia. Her research focuses on mental health, drug use patterns, and cultural safety in healthcare, particularly among the Sami population and Arctic indigenous communities. She leads interdisciplinary projects funded by organizations like NordForsk and SANKS, addressing mental health in cardiovascular diseases/diabetes, digital health innovations for aging populations, and culturally safe healthcare services. Education: BSc in Pharmacy and Medical Biochemistry from the University of Belgrade, MSc in Pharmaceutical Health Prevention (University of Belgrade), PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences (NTNU). Teaching responsibilities include physiology, pharmacology, and quantitative research methods at bachelor's and master's levels. She supervises PhD and master's students and collaborates internationally on public health initiatives. Key Research Projects include: "Exploring Cultural Safety in Municipal Healthcare Services for Saami with Somatic Diseases" (Project Manager, NOK 267,000) "Promoting Healthy Aging of Sámi and Inuit Elders Through Co-Designed Digital Health Tool" (NordForsk, NOK 15 million) She is affiliated with research groups: Healthcare and Population Health, Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Management. Her work emphasizes co-design methods, quantitative/qualitative research, and health equity for marginalized groups such as the Sami population.
Denzil Fiebig is Professor in the School of Economics at UNSW Business School since 2001, with prior appointments including chair positions in econometrics at the University of Sydney. His international engagements include visiting roles at the University of Florida, University of Southern California, Tilburg University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of York, and Erasmus University. His research focuses on econometric methodology and applied health economics, particularly healthcare utilization and policy analysis. Recent publications demonstrate methodological innovation in analyzing healthcare systems, insurance markets, and economic behavior during health shocks. His work employs advanced econometric techniques including panel data models and discrete choice experiments to study physician behavior, health financing, and socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access.
Kristina Eriksson-Backa is Professor at the School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law. Recognized through numerous publications, her research focuses on health information systems and vulnerable populations. Research interests center on health information literacy, e-health adoption among seniors, and healthcare access for immigrant communities. Significant work examines how information behavior affects health outcomes in marginalized groups. Publications demonstrate strong focus on digital health equity across diverse populations. Recent studies analyze EHR system design for seniors, health information practices in diabetes management, and refugee health-seeking behaviors across Nordic countries. Consistent themes include technology adoption barriers and cross-cultural health communication. Editorial and examination activities include doctoral dissertation pre-examination and conference organization. Research leadership includes ongoing studies on health information vulnerability through international collaborations.
Professor Mark Baker is a Professor of Surface Science and Engineering at the University of Surrey, affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Engineering Materials Research Centre. He holds a BSc in Chemical Physics from the University of Kent and a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Surrey. His research focuses on advanced materials characterization techniques for thin films and coatings, particularly femtosecond laser ablation (fs-LA) XPS depth profiling, corrosion resistance, and energy materials. He has supervised multiple PhD/EngD students and collaborates with industry partners like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Plasma Quest Ltd. Research interests include thin film devices, wear/corrosion coatings, and spectroscopic techniques like XPS, AES, and SEM. Over 200 publications and 6,000+ citations highlight his contributions to surface engineering and materials science. His recent work explores fs-LA XPS for perovskite solar cells and corrosion mitigation in cast iron pipelines. He also leads employability initiatives as Faculty Director of Employability. Notable projects include collaborations on smart windows using VO₂ coatings and fs-LA XPS instrumentation development. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in energy conservation, corrosion control, and advanced material synthesis.
Mehdi Toloo is a Reader in Business Analytics at the University of Surrey's Surrey Business School. He holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD, and is a docent. Previously, he was a Professor at Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic) and Sultan Qaboos University (Oman). His research focuses on Business Analytics, Operations Research, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), and Decision Analysis. He has supervised over 40 postgraduate students and contributed to top-tier journals like European Journal of Operational Research and Omega. He is an editor for journals including Computers & Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics. Recognized globally, he ranks in the top 2% of scientists worldwide in Business Analytics & Operations Research (2020-2024). His research projects include performance evaluation with unclassified factors, economies of scope in network DEA, and selective measures in DEA. He collaborates internationally on projects like robust optimization and supply chain sustainability. His teaching spans undergraduate courses in Operations Research, Mathematics for Business, and Programming, alongside postgraduate modules on Quantitative Methods and Advanced DEA. His work bridges theoretical and applied research, with applications in healthcare, renewable energy, and public policy.
Dr. Peter Swoboda is an honorary Associate Professor in Cardiology at the University of Leeds and a consultant cardiologist. His research focuses on the interplay between exercise and cardiac disease, particularly in aging populations, funded by the British Heart Foundation. He also investigates advancements in heart failure diagnosis and treatment. Clinically, he specializes in cardiac imaging, leading the cardiac MRI service at Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals Trust and serving on the British Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (BSCMR) board. His research portfolio includes studies on myocardial fibrosis in endurance athletes, arrhythmia risk in veteran athletes, and the diagnostic utility of 4D flow MRI. He leads the CE-MARC 3 trial, evaluating cost-effective approaches to stable chest pain management. Over 15 peer-reviewed articles from 2025–2023 highlight his work in cardiac imaging, ischemia, and post-COVID cardiac involvement. No scientific awards are listed. His clinical roles include overseeing MRI services and contributing to national cardiovascular imaging guidelines. He actively collaborates on studies involving cardiac mechanics, genetics of cardiomyopathy, and exercise physiology impacts on cardiac structure.
Dr. Steven Aronin is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine and serves as Chief of Infectious Disease at Waterbury Hospital. He holds multiple leadership roles including Medical Director of the Waterbury Hospital Infectious Disease and Travel Clinic, Program Director for Ryan White HIV Programs, and Hospital Epidemiologist. His academic work focuses on infectious diseases, particularly meningitis, endocarditis, HIV/AIDS, and antibiotic efficacy. Dr. Aronin completed his MD at Ross University School of Medicine and residency at Yale Primary Care Internal Medicine Program. He has been a Core Faculty member at Waterbury Hospital since 2009 and oversees the Yale-Waterbury Internal Medicine Residency Program's Infectious Disease training. He is also President of the Connecticut Infectious Disease Society. His research emphasizes translational antibiotic studies, particularly sulopenem's efficacy against resistant pathogens like E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Recent work includes phase 3 trials comparing sulopenem to ertapenem for intra-abdominal infections, and evaluating its use in UTIs and anthrax models. Key findings include sulopenem's superior efficacy in UTIs and its potential as a biodefense agent against inhalational anthrax. Dr. Aronin actively contributes to clinical guidelines through studies on HIV screening integration and bacteriuria's clinical impact. His work bridges academic research with direct patient care, emphasizing antibiotic stewardship and improving infectious disease treatment outcomes.
Professor Steve Luzio holds a Personal Chair in Biomedical Sciences at Swansea University, based in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. He leads a nationally accredited clinical laboratory focused on diabetes diagnostics and research, collaborating with pharmaceutical and medical device industries globally. His research spans diabetes pathophysiology, clinical trial methodologies, and diagnostic innovations, with particular emphasis on β-cell function, diabetes complications, and non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies. He has co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles and 200 conference abstracts. Recent work includes evaluations of diabetes prevention programs, non-invasive glucose monitoring devices, and immunotherapies for type 1 diabetes in adolescents. He also investigates health disparities in diabetes management within prison populations and retinopathy screening compliance. Luzio oversees the Swansea University Medical School’s diabetes laboratory, contributing to Welsh and international research networks. His work bridges clinical practice and innovation, with a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in diabetes care.
Xuan Zhang serves as Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University, leading the Sensory AI Lab since joining in January 2024. Her research bridges computer architecture, integrated circuits, and artificial intelligence to develop miniaturized AI systems for autonomous physical platforms. She earned her PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University in 2012. Her educational background forms the foundation for her interdisciplinary work spanning hardware and software co-design. Dr. Zhang's research focuses on artificial intelligence hardware, machine vision sensors, and security for autonomous systems. She pioneers techniques for efficient in-sensor computing, analog circuit optimization via machine learning, and hardware-level privacy preservation. Her work addresses critical challenges in energy efficiency, robustness, and security for edge AI deployment, particularly in resource-constrained environments like medical devices and autonomous vehicles. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) hardware-accelerated privacy mechanisms for sensors, (2) machine learning-driven analog circuit design automation, and (3) energy-efficient architectures for neural network inference. These works consistently target real-world applications in healthcare, autonomous systems, and semiconductor design. Her accolades include the prestigious NSF CAREER Award (2020) and leadership in a $10 million federal semiconductor initiative. She contributes to national efforts in AI-powered chip design through the National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology. Dr. Zhang advises graduate researchers in the Sensory AI Lab, securing significant funding for projects spanning hardware security, in-sensor computing, and autonomous system assurance. Her lab collaborates with federal agencies and industry partners on cutting-edge semiconductor research. The Sensory AI Lab operates at the hardware-software interface, developing novel architectures for intelligent edge devices. Current projects include optical privacy preservation, robust analog design tools, and energy modeling frameworks for in-sensor visual computing systems.
Jonathan Douxfils is a Professor at the University of Namur, affiliated with the Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences and the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Center. His expertise lies in pharmacology, thrombosis, and anticoagulant therapies. He holds a Pharm.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Namur and a Master of Pharmacy from Université Catholique de Louvain. Key roles include CEO of Qualiblood, Co-Chairman of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis's SSC Control of Anticoagulation, and Pharmacovigilance Expert at the Federal Agency of Medicines and Health Products. His research focuses on anticoagulant safety, thrombosis risk assessment, and innovative diagnostic tools like the DOAC Dipstick. Notable awards include the Alfers Prize 2022, Eberhard F. Mammen Young Investigator Award 2019, and multiple recognition in hemostasis research. He leads projects such as NucleoGlio (glioblastoma diagnostics) and GT4HEALTH (gene therapy research). He has supervised 19 thesis works and contributed to over 436 research outputs. His work aligns with UN SDGs in health and innovation.
Michael Lovenheim is a Professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology. His research focuses on the intersection of education, public policy, and economics, with an emphasis on topics such as college major impacts, wealth effects on healthcare, tobacco regulation, and affirmative action policies. His work frequently addresses questions of social equity, labor market dynamics, and the long-term consequences of public interventions. Lovenheim’s research spans multiple domains, including the economic returns to education, the role of federal and state policies in shaping higher education outcomes, and the health implications of public initiatives. He has published extensively on topics such as the effects of vaccine mandates, the financial consequences of college enrollment decisions, and the intergenerational transmission of wealth. His recent studies highlight trends such as the impact of misinformation on consumer behavior in markets, the role of housing wealth in educational choices, and the evolving landscape of postsecondary education. Lovenheim also explores labor market structures, including unionization and monopsony dynamics, and the broader implications of tax policies on economic behavior. His work has been featured in leading academic journals and policy-oriented venues, contributing to evidence-based decision-making in areas ranging from healthcare access to tax reform. Lovenheim’s interdisciplinary approach integrates economics, public policy, and sociology to address pressing societal challenges.
