Prof. Dr. Ute Windisch is a full-time professor at the Central Hesse University of Applied Sciences , Department of LSE (Life Sciences Engineering). She chairs the Examination Board for Bachelor's programs since 2015 and leads guideline committees at the VDI and DIN. Her work focuses on biomonitoring using lichens and mosses to assess environmental pollution and climate change impacts. Air quality assessment via lichen mapping Urban climate biomonitoring Heavy metal and nitrogen deposition studies Development of LiMo analysis software Her research spans terrestrial and limnic ecosystem disturbances , with projects in Bavaria, Hesse, and international collaborations (Chile, Russia). She supervises numerous bachelor's and master's theses on topics like: Cyanobacteria in bathing waters Oil spill ecological impacts PFAS contamination indicators Urban heat island effects Stream renaturation success Beaver ecological impacts Scientific awards include the 2023 VDI Honorary Plaque for voluntary contributions. She developed the LiMo-Analyse software (2013) for lichen area calculations and leads third-party funded projects with institutions like HLNUG and LANUV NRW.
Martina Skendrović Babojelić is an Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Pomology, specializing in fruit tree cultivation, quality analysis, and preservation of traditional cultivars. Her research bridges agroecology, plant physiology, and food safety. PhD (2009): Biochemical and anatomical changes in heat-treated Satsuma mandarin fruits Master's (2002): Pollen germinability in apple pollenizers Her work focuses on morphological characterization of fruit trees , oxidative stress mechanisms , and innovative cultivation technologies . She investigates the nutritional and bioactive properties of fruits, particularly traditional apple and citrus varieties, with emphasis on postharvest physiology and functional food development . Recent research trends include polyphenol interactions in traditional apple cultivars, climate adaptation in cherry cultivation , and non-thermal processing techniques for juice preservation. Her projects span topics like IPM strategies and genetic resource conservation . She has led initiatives such as the LIFE+ SU.SA.FRUIT project, coordinated national strategies for fruit sector sustainability , and contributed to EU programs for precision agriculture . Her professional roles include membership in the Faculty Council and national committees for agricultural policy.
Marina Anić is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Agriculture. Her academic work focuses on vine physiology, canopy management, and climate change impacts on viticulture. Education: PhD in Science (2022), Master of Engineering in Horticulture (2015) Research Interests: Table grapes, vine ecology, climate adaptation, canopy management, and precision viticulture. Recent research trends include studies on harvest timing effects on grape chemistry, canopy manipulation techniques, and integration of autonomous robotics in viticulture. Her work addresses climate challenges through biochemical profiling and sustainable vineyard practices. Marina has contributed to projects like the HEKTOR EU program (2020–2023) and participated in the EIT Climate-KIC Pioneers into Practice program in 2020. She has collaborated internationally with institutions such as IRTA Fruitcentre (Spain) and MED GOLD LIVING LAB .
Nikola Bilandžija is an Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in mechanization and autonomous systems in agriculture. His research focuses on agricultural biomass, energy crops, and engineering solutions for sustainable agroecosystems. He actively contributes to projects addressing climate change mitigation, circular bioeconomy, and bioenergy optimization. University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture (2009–present) Projects funded by NATO, Croatian Science Foundation, Horizon 2020, and World Bank Research themes: biomass energy potential, ash fertilization, soil health, and machine learning applications His publications analyze the energy properties and productivity of Miscanthus x giganteus, Virginia Mallow, and cereal residues under varying environmental and technological conditions. Recent work explores ash fertilization impacts, soil respiration dynamics, and waste biomass valorization for bioproducts. He serves as Topic Editor for Energies and Editor-in-Chief for international symposium proceedings, advancing discourse on agricultural engineering and bioenergy systems.
Claude MH Demers, Full Professor at Laval University's School of Architecture, is a leading researcher in architectural ambiances with a focus on integrating natural light and biophilic principles in cold climate design. She co-founded the Physical Ambiance Research Group (GRAP) and holds affiliations with multiple research centers including CRAD, Hydro-Québec Institute EDS, and International Ambiances Network. Ph.D. in Architecture from University of Cambridge (1997) M.Arch. (1993) and B.Arch. (1988) from Université Laval Professional experience at Côté Glouberman Architects (1989-1991) and Jeff Falkanger Architects (1988) Her research bridges architectural ambiance theory with practical applications through grants exceeding $1M CAD, including projects like Biophilic Design in the Arctic and Smart Curtain Walls . She specializes in hybrid analog/digital light modeling, occupant well-being assessments, and climate-adaptive building solutions. Recent publications emphasize biophilic lighting frameworks for Arctic environments, 360° environmental visualization systems, and photobiological impacts of color configurations. Collaborative projects with Marc Hébert and Jean-François Lalonde explore melanopic light representations, immersive visualization tools, and adaptive facade strategies. 2024 ACSA-AIA TOP TEN COTE for Pinguatigaq 2022-2021 ACSA-AIA TOP TEN COTE for multiple projects 2016 Blue Award International for Wood Innovation 2015-2007 Durabilys, Autodesk-AIA, and OAQ recognitions As principal investigator for SSHRC Partnership Grants and Polar Knowledge Canada projects, she advances Arctic design methodologies while directing graduate studios on physical ambiances and carbon neutrality. Her work spans architectural research, teaching, and professional practice.
Jonathan Lenoir is a CNRS Research Fellow at Université de Picardie Jules Verne, specializing in Eco-informatics, Plant Ecology, Macroecology, and Forest Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how climate change affects biodiversity patterns, particularly through the lens of microclimatic processes in forest ecosystems. He leads significant research projects including IMPRINT (Impacts of microclimatic processes on the redistribution of forest biodiversity in the context of macroclimate warming), funded by ANR JCJC with 300,000 EUR, and MORFO (Modeling of Microclimatic Warming under Forest Cover), funded by CNRS. Dr. Lenoir's research interests center on how global changes impact biodiversity across multiple spatial scales, with particular expertise in Arctic, mountain, and forest ecosystems. His work integrates field observations with advanced modeling approaches to understand species distribution changes, community dynamics, and the role of microclimates in buffering or amplifying climate change effects. He has made significant contributions to understanding plant range shifts, the impacts of invasive species, and the relationship between climate velocity and species tracking. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on climate change impacts on biodiversity, with numerous articles in high-impact journals including Nature Ecology and Evolution, Science, and Global Ecology and Biogeography. His research consistently addresses critical questions about how species respond to warming temperatures, with particular attention to differences between land and marine environments, and across elevation and latitude gradients. Dr. Lenoir actively supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Jacqueline Souza Lima, Eva gril, Pedro Poli, and Ali Almoussawi. His research is supported by multiple grants totaling over 500,000 EUR, demonstrating the significance and impact of his work in the field of ecological response to global change. His fieldwork extends internationally, including research in Argentina's Nahuel Huapi National Park where he studied plant invasions in mountain ecosystems alongside colleagues Ann Milbau, Jonas Lembrechts, Anibal Pauchard, and Martin Nuñez. This work contributes to understanding how non-native plants are becoming increasingly common in cold and harsh environments, posing threats to native plant species under future climate change.
Ronan Marrec is a Full Professor at the University of Picardie Jules Verne, affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and CNRS research unit UMR 7058 EDYSAN (Ecology and Dynamic of Anthropogenic Systems). His research examines spatial and temporal dynamics of human-modified landscapes and their impacts on biodiversity across multiple scales, integrating field studies, remote sensing, and ecological modeling. Education Doctor of Biology, Ecology and Agronomy (University of Poitiers) Research Focus Marrec's work centers on landscape ecology, functional traits, and community assembly in agroecosystems and forests. He investigates how agricultural practices, landscape connectivity, and microclimate heterogeneity influence species distributions and ecosystem services, with carabid beetles serving as key bioindicators. His methodology combines empirical field data with advanced spatial modeling techniques to address conservation challenges under global change. Publication Trends Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal consistent emphasis on non-equilibrium biodiversity dynamics, landscape connectivity modeling, and microclimate-buffering effects in forests. Key themes include species distribution responses to historical land use, impacts of agrivoltaism on soil biodiversity, and functional trait-based analyses of arthropod communities across European agricultural gradients. Research Funding Current: IMPRINT & MacMiCC (microclimate impacts on forest biodiversity), SEPIM & MOTIVER (sylvo-agro-ecosystem landscape structure), IAE-Betterave & ConservES (flower strips for aphid control), Okwind (agri-photovoltaism), Bio'AUXIL (farmer knowledge transfer) Past: SUR-PAS (agro-pastoral habitat monitoring, 2018-2021), WOODNET (European forest connectivity, 2017-2020), Alberta bee community modeling Academic Leadership Since 2018, Marrec has directed the Agronomy option of the DUT Biological Engineering program at Amiens IUT, teaching courses in General Agronomy, Soil Sciences, and Agroecosystem Management while maintaining active field research collaborations across France, Italy, and Canada.
Dr. Joëlle Goyette Pernot is a Full Professor at the School of Engineering and Architecture , Fribourg University of Applied Sciences (HES-SO) , Switzerland. She serves as Principal Investigator in multiple radon-related research projects including: RnSLL2020-2025 : Radon monitoring in the Smart Living Lab SCOL'AIR-FR (2021-2023) : Primary school indoor air quality study Horizon H2020 RadoNorm : Radiation protection research consortium Her work focuses on radon mitigation techniques , indoor air quality monitoring , and sustainable building practices . Recent publications analyze sensor technology performance, statistical methods for radon risk assessment, and climate interaction with building radon levels. She collaborates with institutions like EPFL, SUPSI, and ECONS SA, securing funding from federal agencies like OFSP and European programs.
Maryrose Mangan is an External employee in the Meteorology and Air Quality group at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in micrometeorology and land-atmosphere interactions. She recently completed her PhD in May 2025, focusing on evapotranspiration dynamics in semi-arid environments through the LIAISE project. Educational background: Master of Science (MSc) PhD, Wageningen University (2025) Her research centers on boundary layer processes, evapotranspiration mechanisms, and land surface interactions, with emphasis on semi-arid regions. She investigates how surface heterogeneity influences atmospheric boundary layers and quantifies water-carbon dioxide exchanges in vegetation canopies using field measurements and modeling approaches. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a methodological focus on improving micrometeorological instrumentation (e.g., sonic anemometer corrections) and analyzing turbulent structures in agricultural settings. Key themes include canopy-atmosphere coupling, diurnal gas exchange patterns, and solar irradiance dynamics under varying cloud conditions. Mangan contributed to the LIAISE project (2020-2025), generating the 'LIAISE LES - Prescribed Surface Fluxes Case' dataset for large-eddy simulations. This EU-funded initiative examined land-atmosphere feedbacks in the Iberian semi-arid zone through field campaigns and modeling. She operates within Wageningen's Meteorology and Air Quality group, collaborating internationally on environmental meteorology challenges including climate-vegetation interactions and surface energy balance modeling.
Azadeh Jafari is a Lecturer at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, since 2024. She investigates fluid dynamics with a focus on turbulent flows , particularly in renewable energy systems like solar arrays and wind farms, as well as boundary layer turbulence over complex surfaces. University of Queensland (2024–present) University of Adelaide (previous Lecturer and Postdoctoral roles) Research Interests: Turbulent canopy flows in agricultural fields , forests , and urban environments are analyzed via wind tunnel experiments , field measurements , and analytical modeling . Her work targets sustainable engineering solutions for drag reduction on aircraft/ships and wind load mitigation in solar energy systems. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide Masters (Coursework) in Mechanical Engineering, University of Guilan Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, University of Guilan Publications span boundary layer turbulence , flow control , and renewable energy applications , with recent studies on perforated surfaces , synthetic jets , and canopy flow characterization .
Dr. Gabriele Manoli is an Honorary Lecturer at University College London's Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering, where he leads the Urban Ecohydrology Laboratory. He holds a BSc from the University of Padova (2007), a double MSc from the University of Padova and Technical University of Denmark (2009), and a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences from the University of Padova (2014). His academic journey includes postdoctoral positions at Duke University (2014-2016) and ETH Zurich (2016-2019). Manoli's research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to urban sustainability, examining: Water-carbon-energy exchanges in natural and urban ecosystems Soil-plant-atmosphere interactions Complex system dynamics in urban environments Sustainable urban design with emphasis on green spaces and climate resilience Urban heat mitigation strategies and nature-based solutions His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on urban climate modeling, heat mitigation strategies, sustainable infrastructure, and public health intersections. Research consistently addresses urban heat islands, microclimate dynamics, green infrastructure effectiveness, and human-environment interactions in cities. Awards: Branco Weiss Fellowship (2017) for research bridging ecology, hydrology, and urban design Manoli leads the Urban Ecohydrology Laboratory and serves on UCL Urban Lab's steering committee. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals including Sustainable Cities (SDG11), Climate Action (SDG13), and Clean Water (SDG6).
Jenni Partanen is an Assistant Professor at Aalto University, specializing in Built Environment research. Her work focuses on urban planning and computational social science, with particular emphasis on transportation systems, smart city technologies, and sustainable urban development. She is affiliated with the Planning and Transportation research group. Her research explores innovative approaches to urban challenges through computational modeling and data-driven analysis. Key areas include pedestrian safety optimization, wind comfort in public spaces, 15-minute city concepts, and urban vitality enhancement using big data. Recent publications highlight her contributions to computational urban planning, environmental design, and spatial analysis. Her methodological approach combines agent-based modeling, cellular automata simulations, and integration of socio-economic metrics with traditional urban data.
John Havlin is a Professor at North Carolina State University specializing in Soil Fertility, with research focused on nutrient management, precision agriculture, and GIS applications for sustainable crop production and environmental stewardship. Research Interests: Dr. Havlin's work centers on Soil Science and Precision Agriculture, with specific expertise in nutrient management for vineyards and row crops, phosphorus dynamics in waste-amended soils, and spatial analysis of soil-crop systems using Geographic Information Systems. He has pioneered interdisciplinary programs integrating research, extension, and academic training to address agricultural and environmental challenges through precision agriculture methodologies. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2013-2022) demonstrate sustained focus on long-term nutrient management effects across diverse cropping systems including corn, wheat, soybean, sorghum, and grapes. Key themes include nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization impacts, evapotranspiration measurement techniques, and spatial variability analysis using GIS, all contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection. Labs and Teams: Professor Havlin provides leadership in developing interdisciplinary research, extension, and academic programs in precision agriculture, directing initiatives that apply GIS-based problem-solving to production agriculture, environmental management, and natural resource conservation challenges.
Dr. Mitali Joshi is a postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Geosciences , Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development , Utrecht University , working in the Energy & Resources section on the JUST PEPP project. With a PhD in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Liège (2020), she specializes in GIS and remote sensing for urban-environmental applications. Education : PhD in Architecture/Urban Planning (University of Liège, 2020) Research Focus : Combines geospatial technologies with urban climate resilience to address challenges like: Green roof implementation for microclimate regulation Urban heat island mitigation through data-driven planning Flood vulnerability assessment for cultural heritage Disaster risk reduction in informal settlements High-performance computing for urban sustainability Publication Trends : Recent work demonstrates expertise in: Advanced statistical and machine learning applications Belgium-based urban climate studies Green infrastructure quantification methods Disaster resilience frameworks Climate zone specific modeling Skills : Proficient in Python, ArcGIS, R, High Performance Computing, and cartographic visualization techniques.
Jo Arve Alfredsen is a Professor at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where he has worked since 2004. His research focuses on applying automation, mathematical modeling, and sensor systems to enhance marine production and aquaculture technologies. He coordinates the Fisheries and Aquaculture Systems research group and teaches courses including industrial computer systems design and fish telemetry. PhD in Engineering Cybernetics, NTNU MSc in Engineering Cybernetics, NTNU Alfredsen's research integrates systems biology with cybernetic principles to develop advanced monitoring and control systems for marine environments. His work addresses challenges in aquaculture through numerical simulations, telemetry technology, and sensor network design, aiming to optimize fish welfare and production efficiency. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in underwater robotics, fish behavior analysis, and environmental monitoring. Key topics include wave-propelled unmanned vehicles, dissolved oxygen modeling, and telemetry-based stress indicators. All 15 most recent articles focus on marine automation, sensor integration, and aquaculture optimization. He has developed specialized tools for feed distribution analysis, fish health monitoring, and current flow assessment, contributing to precision aquaculture frameworks. His team's work on acoustic telemetry systems and biometric sensors has advanced real-time monitoring capabilities in commercial marine farms.
