Dr Mary Webb is a Reader in IT in Education at King's College London's School of Education, Communication & Society, affiliated with the Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (CRESTEM). Her research focuses on AI and machine learning in education, computer science pedagogy, digital technologies in science education, and formative assessment. She has over 150 publications and collaborates internationally through IFIP committees and the Informatics For All Coalition. Key awards include election to IFIP Technical Committee 3 (2001) and Working Group 3.3 (2005). Her teaching includes MA STEM Education and coordinating 'Digital Technologies and Education' modules. Current PhD students research topics like AI in ESL learning, collaborative online learning, and immersive technologies. Webb leads projects such as STEMINO (computational thinking practices) and 3D learning with haptic technologies. Her work emphasizes equitable technology integration, teacher training, and curriculum development in global education contexts.
Eric Breton is a Professor of Health Promotion at the French School of Public Health (EHESP) in Rennes, where he conducts research at the Arènes laboratory (UMR CNRS 6051) and the Research on Health Services and Management team (RSMS: INSERM U1309). Holding a Doctorate in Public Health, he brings extensive international research experience from Canada, Australia, and the UAE to his work on health promotion systems and social determinants of health. His educational background includes a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Public Health, with professional development through the Santé publique France Chair (2010-2018) and co-authorship of the seminal reference manual Health Promotion: Understanding to Act in the French-speaking World (Presses de l'EHESP, 2017). Dr. Breton's research focuses on strengthening local health promotion capacities to address upstream social determinants of health inequalities, with expertise in realist evaluation methods and policy analysis. His work examines community health systems, tobacco control advocacy, sugary drink taxation impacts (SODA-TAX project), and intergenerational addiction prevention (PATTERN project), emphasizing intersectoral action and health equity. His recent publications reveal dominant trends in community-based health promotion evaluation, Health in All Policies implementation, and local health contract mechanisms for reducing social inequalities. Key themes include realist program evaluation frameworks, health equity impact assessment methodologies, and contextual factors influencing policy transfer in public health. PATTERN 2 project (2022-2023, €64k): Prevention of intergenerational transmission of addictive behavior through "A Family Affair!" program PATTERN project (2020-2021, €98k): Intervention research on addictive behavior transmission SODA-TAX project (2019-2023, €164k): Analysis of France's sugary drink tax implementation and effects CLoterreS project (2017-2020, €200k): Local health contracts as mechanisms for territorializing regional prevention policies National Cancer Institute projects (2017, €29k; 2012-2016, €400k): Reducing social inequalities in cancer prevention As Educational Manager of EHESP's Population Health Promotion Certificate and coordinator of multiple Master of Public Health modules (including "Health promotion and disease prevention program planning"), Dr. Breton shapes public health education internationally. He contributes to national health governance through the High Council for Public Health (HCSP), serves on the Supervisory Board of Brittany's Regional Health Agency, and was Associate Editor for Health Education & Behavior (2018-2021). His research operates within the Arènes laboratory (CNRS) and RSMS team (INSERM), focusing on health services organization and policy implementation. He co-organizes the annual Global Community Health Workshop with UNESCO's Chair in Health & Education, fostering international collaboration on community-based health promotion strategies.
Gerhard Pfister is a professor of Mathematics at the University of Kaiserslautern. He holds the academic rank of Professor and specializes in Singularity Theory, Computer Algebra, Algebraic Geometry, and Complex Analysis. His career includes positions at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and University of Kaiserslautern, where he served as a professor from 1993 until his retirement in 2012, followed by a Senior Professorship until 2016. He has supervised numerous Ph.D. students, many of whom contributed to areas like computational algebra and singularity theory. Education: Gerhard Pfister earned his Diplom in Mathematics (1970) and Dr. rer. nat. (1971) from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He habilitated in 1976 and became a professor there in 1983 before moving to Kaiserslautern in 1993. Research Interests: Pfister's work focuses on singularity theory, computational algebra, and the development of the SINGULAR computer algebra system. His research bridges theoretical and algorithmic aspects of algebraic geometry and commutative algebra, with contributions to Gröbner bases, standard bases, and modular computation techniques. He has co-authored foundational textbooks and over 140 publications. Key Contributions: Pfister is a co-developer of the SINGULAR software, a leading system for polynomial computations in algebraic geometry and singularity theory. His work includes algorithmic approaches to primary decomposition, normalization of rings, and classification of singularities. He has also contributed to the theoretical underpinnings of Neron desingularization and semicontinuity in algebraic geometry. Grants & Awards: While no specific awards are listed, his sustained contributions to computational algebra and singularity theory have had significant impact. He has supervised over 25 Ph.D. students and co-authored multiple influential books. Labs/Teams: He is a core contributor to the SINGULAR project and collaborates actively with researchers in computational commutative algebra and algebraic geometry.
Professor Stefano Moretti holds a Professorship at the University of Southampton's Department of Physics & Astronomy and is a Full Professor at Uppsala University's Theoretical Particle Physics group. He is a member of the Southampton High Energy Physics (SHEP) group and the Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre. His research focuses on particle phenomenology, particularly collider physics, with over 550 publications and 34,000 citations. He is also a Visiting Staff at RAL PPD and part of the CMS experiment at CERN. Education: PhD from the University of Torino, followed by postdoctoral roles at the University of Cambridge, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), and the University of Oxford. He joined Southampton in 2003 via an STFC Advanced Fellowship. Research Interests : Standard Model (QCD/EW interactions), Supersymmetry, Non-minimal Higgs Models, Monte Carlo Event Generators, and Higher Order Corrections. He authored textbooks on Supersymmetry and SM Phenomenology. Awards : 2024 Lilly and Sven Thuréus Prize (Sweden), 2018 Honorary Doctorate from Uppsala University, and 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (shared with LHC experiments). Teaching : Coordinates the UG module PHYS2006 (Classical Mechanics) and teaches the PG Phenomenology course within the NExT PhD School. Grants/Projects : Lead researcher on multiple STFC, Royal Society, and EU-funded projects. Active in Horizon Europe evaluations and UK REF2021 panel work. Labs/Teams : Director of the NExT Institute, member of SHEP and STAG, collaborates with CMS at CERN, and advises on policy for science assessment frameworks.
Sondre Kvamme is an Associate Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. His research focuses on advanced algebraic structures, including Higher Auslander-Reiten theory, homological algebra, and representation theory of Artin algebras. Prior to his current position, he was a postdoc at Uppsala University (2019-2021) and Université Paris-Sud (2017-2019). He collaborates extensively with researchers in algebra and category theory, contributing to areas like monomorphism categories and cluster tilting subcategories. His work has been published in prestigious journals such as Advances in Mathematics and Mathematische Zeitschrift . Research Interests: Higher Auslander-Reiten theory Homological algebra Monomorphism categories Cluster tilting theory Exact categories Publications reflect his contributions to foundational questions in algebraic structures, with recent works focusing on torsion classes and exact category constructions. His research often bridges categorical frameworks with representation-theoretic methods. Professional activities include participation in workshops like the BIRS event on Tilting Theory (2019), where he presented work on generalizing the Nakayama functor. His academic contributions extend to editorial roles in journals like the Annals of Representation Theory, a diamond open-access journal he co-founded.
Dr. Sourish Banerjee is a Senior Lecturer in Structural Design at the School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland. He holds a BEng from Jadavpur University, MEng from Bengal Engineering College, and a PhD from the University of Southampton. His research focuses on structural engineering, materials science, and composite materials, with particular emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and advanced material applications. Dr. Banerjee's expertise includes structural rehabilitation, photovoltaic recycling, carbon nanotube dynamics, and composite materials for railway and civil infrastructure. He has supervised multiple doctoral projects, including studies on ultralight lattices, photovoltaic module recycling, and acoustic impacts of launch vehicles. His work bridges theoretical mechanics with practical engineering solutions, addressing challenges in material durability, sensor integration, and environmental sustainability. Key contributions include innovative designs for composite railway sleepers using waste-based panels and advancements in FRP repair systems for corroded pipelines. His research also explores ultrasonic and fiber optic sensing technologies for structural health monitoring. With over 2157 downloads of his outputs and active contributions to global conferences, he maintains a strong academic and applied research profile.
Dr. Jean King is an Adjunct Professor at UMass Chan Medical School's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. She holds dual roles in the Radiology department as part of her other academic positions. Her educational background includes a BS in Biology from Saint Francis College, an MS in Cell Biology from City University of New York, and a PhD in Biology/Neurophysiology from New York University. Her research focuses on translational neuroimaging to study brain alterations linked to stress-related conditions such as addiction, ADHD, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent work extends to co-morbid mental health disorders and stress mitigation strategies like mindfulness. Her lab employs both preclinical models and clinical populations to explore neural mechanisms of emotional/cognitive processing under stress. Key publications (2014–2020) investigate neural connectivity in ADHD, nicotine dependence pathways, concussion bioenergetics, and mindfulness-based interventions. Dr. King has received over 20 awards including the NIH-funded NCCIH grant (2017–2020), multiple mentorship accolades, and the University of Massachusetts President’s Public Service Award. Her work bridges neuroscience, psychiatry, and clinical applications, with a focus on translational research. Lab activities include multi-modal imaging studies (fMRI, MRS) and behavioral assessments in both human and animal models. Current projects explore the neurobiological basis of stress resilience and cognitive recovery post-TBI. Collaborations span addiction medicine, mental health, and neurodegenerative disease research.
Miriam Bak McKenna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Business at Roskilde University, Denmark. She is affiliated with the Global Political Sociology Centre , the Centre for Gender, Power and Diversity , and the Centre for Statecraft and International Order . Her work bridges socio-legal studies, decolonial theory, and feminist political economy. Education: PhD in International Law, University of Copenhagen (2015) Masters of Law (cand.jur), University of Copenhagen BA in Art History and LLB in Law, University of Western Australia Research Interests: History and theory of international law, with a focus on decolonization and self-determination Gender inequality, feminist materialism, and social reproduction theory Legal architecture and spatial politics of international institutions Global political economy and postcolonial critique Her monograph Reckoning with Empire: Self-Determination in International Law (2023) examines how self-determination concepts shape global transformations. Current projects include Legal Sightseeing , exploring architectural spaces of international law. Teaching: Courses include International Law for Social Sciences, Legal Methods, and Gender Studies modules. Professional Experience: Former lecturer/postdoc at Lund University Visiting fellowships at Cambridge University and University of Toronto Consultant for UNODC, Danish Institute of Human Rights, and others Research Contributions: Over 36 publications across law journals, edited volumes, and media commentary. Recent work addresses UNESCO’s architectural symbolism, Nordic legal internationalism, and gendered labor in transnational contexts. Advising & Grants: Four parental leave periods since 2015/16; no explicit grants mentioned. Active editorial roles for Feminist Legal Studies . Labs/Teams: Co-leads Legal Sightseeing , a transnational research project on legal architecture and spatial politics.
Paolo Ruffino is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Curation and Computational Creativity at the Department of Digital Humanities, King's College London, and currently serves as Postgraduate Research Lead. His work bridges academia and artistic practice through collaborations with the artist group IOCOSE, which explores future narratives in technology and society. He previously held positions at the University of Liverpool, University of Lincoln, and others. Education background includes prior academic roles rather than explicit degree details Research focuses on videogames’ role in the Anthropocene, posthumanism, media philosophy, and labor dynamics in the games industry. Current projects include a monograph on post-Anthropocene imaginaries in games and studies on game engines’ impact on visual culture. His work intersects cultural studies, semiotics, and media theory. Publications span critical analyses of game mechanics, labor practices, and independent game development. He contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives like the Digital Humanities Game Lab and the Centre for Digital Culture at King’s. Teaching includes modules on digital culture, media studies, and game studies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Active in fostering collaborative research between academics and game developers.
Christopher Kirkland is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at York St John University's School of Humanities, specializing in British political economy, crisis theory, and electoral studies. His research examines how crises shape political institutions and party ideologies, with recent work analyzing constitutional aspects of Brexit. He holds a BA in Politics and Modern History from University of Manchester, MA in Politics Research Track from University of Nottingham, and PhD from University of Sheffield (2015). Kirkland has authored monographs on Labour's economic ideology and election classification in Britain. Research focuses on party responses to economic crises, electoral behavior, and UK constitutional development. His mixed-methods approach combines historical institutionalism with contemporary political analysis. Recent publications address tactical voting, electoral system reform, and post-Brexit governance. Kirkland teaches British politics, comparative politics, and political analysis modules. His public engagement includes frequent contributions to The Conversation on UK elections and constitutional issues.
Dr Thomas D Akoensi is a Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Kent's School of Social Sciences. He holds a PhD and MPhil in Criminology from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Psychology from the University of Ghana. His research focuses on penology, organisational behaviour in criminal justice systems, and legitimacy in corrections, with a regional emphasis on Ghanaian institutions. He currently collaborates with Dr Amy Nivette (Nuffield College, Oxford) on a project examining legitimacy and informal social control in Accra communities. Dr Akoensi teaches on the BA Criminal Justice and Criminology programme, covering modules related to policy, penology, and criminal justice systems. He is a member of the American Society of Criminology and the Global Prisons Research Network. His work explores prison officer well-being, including studies on work-family conflict, job satisfaction, and perceptions of self-legitimacy. He has conducted systematic reviews on drug treatment programmes and juvenile justice interventions across Europe, contributing to evidence-based policy frameworks. Recent research addresses the impact of the pandemic on Ghanaian prisons and the barriers faced by individuals with criminal records in employment. Notable collaborations include studies on Ghanaian correctional systems, police legitimacy in developing nations, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. Dr Akoensi’s interdisciplinary approach combines qualitative and quantitative methods, addressing both theoretical and applied dimensions of criminal justice challenges.
Professor Dawn Lyon is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent's School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research. She joined the university in 2006, previously working at the University of Essex, European University Institute, Paris V, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Her PhD in Sociology was completed at the European University Institute in 2003. She has held visiting roles at institutions including the Australian National University and Goldsmiths, University of London. Her research focuses on the sociology of work, time, and everyday life, with a particular emphasis on rhythmanalysis. She has pioneered audio-visual ethnography in studies like Billingsgate Fish Market and led projects on pandemic time during the COVID-19 crisis. Her work explores how work rhythms intersect with temporal and spatial organization, using innovative methods such as 'feel tanks' and creative participatory approaches. Lyon is a Leverhulme Research Fellow and has taught modules on qualitative research, visual sociology, and the sociology of time. She supervises doctoral students in areas ranging from labor markets to digital technologies and voluntary action. Her research has been supported by grants from the British Academy and others. Publications span over 50 entries in journals like Sociological Review and Time & Society , books including What is Rhythmanalysis? (2019), and edited collections. She serves on the editorial boards of Qualitative Research and Time & Society . Lyon’s work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding time, space, and social change. Collaborative projects like Imagine Sheppey and A Day at a Time highlight her commitment to community engagement and methodological innovation.
Rui Ponte Costa is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG). He leads the Neural & Machine Learning group, focusing on computational models of learning in the brain by integrating AI principles. His research emphasizes cortical circuits, neuromodulation, and subcortical regions to understand credit assignment mechanisms. He holds a PhD in Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning from the University of Edinburgh and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Oxford, University of Bern, and McGill University. His group's work bridges theoretical and experimental neuroscience, collaborating with institutions like MILA and Google DeepMind. Education: Bachelor's in Computer Science, University of Coimbra (Portugal) PhD in Computational Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh (UK) Research Interests: Neural mechanisms of learning and plasticity Machine learning inspired by biological systems Cerebro-cerebellar interactions Neuromodulatory systems' role in reinforcement learning Collaborators include Christopher Summerfield, Timothy Behrens, and Yarin Gal. His lab's work has been published in Nature Communications , Cell Reports , and top machine learning venues. He co-organizes the Oxford NeuroTheory Forum and has pioneered models explaining cortical dynamics in task acquisition and consolidation. Advising and Grants: No specific grants listed, but active in collaborative research networks. Advising focuses on PhD students in computational neuroscience and AI. Labs/Teams: Neural & Machine Learning Group at DPAG, part of Oxford's broader neuroscience and AI ecosystem.
Lily Ge is currently a final-year Computer Science PhD candidate at Northwestern University, advised by Matthew Kay. She holds the academic rank of Lecturer at Northwestern and has previously served as a Research Fellow at Tohoku University, Japan. B.Sc. in Computer Science , University of Michigan PhD in Computer Science (in progress), Northwestern University Her research explores how people interact with visualizations, focusing on improving visualization literacy through assessment tools like AVEC and CALVI , frameworks such as V-FRAMER , and adaptive testing methods. Her work intersects human-computer interaction , information visualization , cognitive psychology , and learning sciences . Publications reflect trends in AI-driven visualization generation, literacy measurement, and critical reasoning about data. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2023) She has contributed to teaching roles, including courses on Computing, Ethics, and Society and Data Visualization at Northwestern, and instructional roles at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering and School of Information.
Professor Lauge Poulsen is the Deputy Head of the Department of Political Science at University College London (UCL), specializing in the politics and law of international economic relations. He holds a professorial role and has served as Chair of the OECD’s climate change and investment law programme since 2021. Previously, he advised the UK House of Commons International Trade Committee (2017–2020) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for contributions to UK trade policy. His academic background includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, and visiting roles at the Brookings Institution and Melbourne Law School. He edits three major journals: Journal of International Economic Law , Journal of International Dispute Settlement , and World Trade Review . Research focuses on international investment treaties, climate change law, and political economy. Notable works include The Political Economy of the Investment Treaty Regime (OUP, 2017) and Bounded Rationality and Economic Diplomacy (CUP, 2015), the latter winning the ISA Best Book Award in International Political Economy. His recent articles address treaty compliance, climate change governance, and investment dispute resolution frameworks. Teaching modules include Trade Policy and Climate Change, and International Political Economy. He supervises PhD students in international economic relations and law. Awards include OBE (2022) and the ISA Best Book Award (2015). His advisory work bridges academia and policy, shaping UK trade strategy and global investment frameworks.
