Heikki Handroos is a Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering at LUT University, leading the Laboratory of Intelligent Machines since 1993. He holds a DSc (Technology) from Tampere University of Technology and has served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Technology (2007-2009) and currently chairs the Collegiate Body of LUT University. His research focuses on mechatronics, robotics, control systems, and fluid power, with over 300 publications and 2,400+ citations. He has supervised 34 doctoral theses and 150+ MSc projects, managed R&D projects exceeding €20M, and co-founded four tech startups. His work spans industrial collaborations, digital twin applications, and innovative robotics for nuclear energy (e.g., DEMO reactor maintenance systems). He has held visiting professorships in the U.S., Japan, and Russia, and actively contributes to academic editorial roles and professional societies like ASME and IEEE.
Lars Hanson is a Professor of Product Design Engineering at the University of Skövde's School of Engineering Science. His research focuses on ergonomics, digital human modeling, and optimizing manufacturing systems with a strong emphasis on human well-being and sustainable production. He leads projects like LITMUS (Industry 4.0 to 5.0 transition) and has contributed to developing tools such as IPS IMMA for ergonomic simulations. Active in virtual verification of human-robot collaboration and smart textile systems for workplace safety Published extensively in journals like International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation and IEEE Access Editor of conference proceedings and contributor to industry standards in automotive and healthcare sectors Research interests include multi-objective optimization of factory layouts, musculoskeletal risk assessment, and integrating ergonomic evaluations into product design processes. Current projects address Industry 5.0 sustainability challenges through digital twin technologies and smart manufacturing solutions.
Prof. Felix Motzoi is an Associate Professor at the University of Cologne and Division Leader & Head of the 'Automatic Optimization, Control and Design' group at the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-8) in Jülich. His research focuses on advancing quantum technologies, including superconducting and semiconducting architectures, trapped cold atoms/ions, Rydberg qubits, and long-range entanglement. He leads theoretical efforts in quantum control theory, machine learning applications, hardware co-design, and error mitigation strategies. Key research areas include developing optimal control methodologies (e.g., DRAG, STA), numerical optimization, and dynamics modeling for quantum systems. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with experimental implementations, emphasizing practical solutions for scalable quantum computing. Recent publications highlight innovations in quantum gate design, error suppression via pulse shaping, and hybrid optimization techniques combining machine learning with physics-driven approaches. His team collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in qubit coherence, entanglement stabilization, and robust quantum processing.
Markus Hennrich is a Professor at the Department of Physics, Stockholm University, where he leads the Trapped Ion Quantum Technologies Group. His research focuses on developing quantum technologies using trapped ions with particular expertise in Rydberg ion systems, quantum computation architectures, and quantum simulation platforms. Education includes: Habilitation in Experimental Physics from University of Innsbruck (2012) Dr. rer. nat. summa cum laude from TU Munich and Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (2004) Diploma in Physics from University of Stuttgart (1998) Research interests center on quantum manipulation of trapped ions with three primary focus areas: Developing scalable quantum processors using Rydberg ion interactions Engineering quantum simulations of condensed matter systems Precision control of light-matter interactions in cavity QED systems Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on overcoming technical challenges in trapped-ion quantum computing, particularly regarding micromotion control, Rydberg excitation stability, and multi-body interactions. Major scientific awards: ERC Synergy Grant for Open 2D Quantum Simulator (2024) ERC Starting Grant for Quantum Simulations with Trapped Rydberg Ions (2011) Marie-Curie Intra-European Fellowship (2005-2007) Leads multiple research initiatives including: EU-funded project on Rydberg ions for scalable quantum processors ERC Synergy project: Open 2D Quantum Simulator Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology (national consortium) Directs the Trapped Ion Quantum Technologies Laboratory at Stockholm University, developing next-generation ion trap systems.
Leah Schubert, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Medical Physics Residency Program, leading educational initiatives in medical physics training. Her professional focus centers on improving safety, quality, and educational standards in radiation oncology physics. Dr. Schubert earned her PhD from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2009 and completed her undergraduate studies with a BS from the University of California–San Diego in 2003. She is board certified in Therapeutic Medical Physics by the American Board of Radiology (2012). Her research spans medical physics education, radiation safety, quality assurance, and functional imaging applications in radiation therapy. She has pioneered work in physics plan review training, safety checklist implementation, and 4DCT-ventilation imaging for functional avoidance radiation therapy. Her educational research focuses on concept inventories, virtual interviewing for residency matches, and cross-institutional residency training frameworks. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on improving safety culture in radiation oncology through systematic approaches including failure modes and effects analysis, simulated error training, and safety checklist development. Her work increasingly incorporates cross-institutional collaboration and educational innovation in medical physics training. ABR Volunteer Services Award, American Board of Radiology (2023) Board Member at Large, Society of Directors of Academic Medical Physics Programs (2022) AAPM Fellow, American Association of Physicists in Medicine (2022) Excellent Patient Safety Role Model, University of Colorado Hospital (2021) ABR Volunteer Services Award, American Board of Radiology (2020) IAEA Competition Towards a Strong Safety Culture in Radiation Medicine, International Atomic Energy Agency (2019) As Director of the Medical Physics Residency Program, Dr. Schubert oversees comprehensive training for future medical physicists, implementing innovative approaches to curriculum development and assessment. Her leadership extends to national committees including the AAPM Work Group on Periodic Review of Medical Physics Residency Training and various SDAMPP committees. She has secured funding for educational initiatives focused on improving residency training standards and safety culture development. Dr. Schubert collaborates extensively with multi-institutional research teams, particularly in the area of 4DCT-ventilation imaging and its clinical applications for functional avoidance radiation therapy. Her work bridges clinical practice, safety initiatives, and educational innovation in medical physics.
Professor Mahroo Eftekhari is a Professor in Building Services Engineering at Loughborough University, leading the Low Energy Building Services Engineering MSc programme. Her research focuses on energy-efficient building systems, thermal comfort, HVAC optimization, and renewable integration. She has pioneered control systems for airports and buildings, including MPC-based strategies to reduce energy use while enhancing occupant well-being. Notable contributions include the development of BISPA (Building & Industrial Services Pipework Academy), a national center for BIM and pipework training. Education: Holds qualifications including CEng (Chartered Engineer), DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy), FCIBSE (Fellow of Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers), and SFHEA (Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy). Her academic career is marked by collaborations with Tata Steel, Mitsubishi R&D, and Vexo, yielding applied research in sustainable building technologies. Research Interests: Indoor Air Quality, Thermal Comfort Modeling, Zero Energy Buildings, Digital Twins, and Advanced Control Systems. She has developed innovative solutions like AI-driven thermal management for Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and interfaces to synchronize airport operations with energy systems. Awards & Grants: Secured funding from diverse bodies for projects such as adaptive thermal comfort models, BISPA infrastructure, and energy-efficient HVAC strategies. Her work emphasizes practical applications, including reducing CO₂ emissions via airport terminal optimization and improving renewable energy use in buildings. Lab & Teams: Leads the Building Energy Research Group, managing projects in closed-loop heating systems, IEQ monitoring, and hydronic system efficiency. The Civil Engineering labs house interactive BIM rigs launched with institutional and industry support.
Professor Rob Dwyer-Joyce is a leading academic in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering at the University of Sheffield , School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. He serves as Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Integrated Tribology and manages the Leonardo Centre for Tribology. A Fellow of both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, his work focuses on developing ultrasonic sensors for real-time lubrication and wear monitoring in industrial systems. Academic Affiliation: University of Sheffield (since 1994) Education: BEng Mechanical Engineering (Imperial College), PhD Tribology Industry Experience: Former British Gas engineer (Rough gas field) His research interests center on industrial wear problems , lubrication metrology , and acoustic sensor development . Key applications include wind turbine bearings, marine diesel engines, and automotive systems. His team’s innovations in tribo-acoustic sensors have enabled non-invasive oil film thickness and viscosity measurements in challenging environments. Recent scientific contributions span lithium-ion battery monitoring, wind turbine bearing dynamics, and marine engine lubrication, with over 30 publications since 2020. Awards include the EPSRC Advanced Career Fellowship in Tribo-Acoustic Sensors and recognition as a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow . Contact: r.dwyer-joyce@sheffield.ac.uk
Professor Stuart Phinn is a distinguished academic at the University of Queensland, serving as Professor in the School of the Environment and Centre Director of the Remote Sensing Research Centre (Earth Observation Research Centre). He also maintains affiliations with the Centre for Marine Science. With a career spanning over two decades, Professor Phinn has established himself as a leading expert in earth observation and environmental monitoring, with over 559 publications including 295 journal articles. His educational background includes a Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced) from The University of Queensland and a Doctor of Philosophy from San Diego State University. Professor Phinn's leadership extends to founding directorships of Australia's national earth observation coordination body (www.eoa.org.au) and collaborative research infrastructure (www.tern.org.au), as well as a world-leading research-to-operational program supporting government environmental monitoring (www.jrsrp.org.au). He also leads the Earth Observation for Government Network. Professor Phinn's research focuses on monitoring environmental change using earth observation and field data. His work primarily involves using images collected from satellites and aircraft, combined with field measurements, to map and monitor Earth's environments and how they change over time. This research is conducted in collaboration with environmental scientists, government agencies, NGOs, and private companies. A growing aspect of his work focuses on national coordination of earth observation activities and the collection, publishing, and sharing of ecosystem data. His work provides solutions to support sustainable development and resource use for governments, industries, and communities. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying earth observation technologies to solve environmental challenges across multiple domains. The 15 most recent articles reveal strong themes in coral reef mapping and monitoring, land cover change detection, fire resilience analysis, and advanced remote sensing techniques including multi-sensor fusion and machine learning applications. His work spans terrestrial, coastal, and marine environments, with significant contributions to understanding environmental change in Australia and internationally, particularly in Indonesia. Professor Phinn has secured substantial research funding from diverse sources including government agencies (Queensland Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority), industry partners (SmartSat CRC, Blue Economy CRC), and international organizations (Google Inc, Vulcan Inc). Current projects include evaluating impacts of threats to endangered reptiles, automating tree-scale vegetation structure monitoring, and continuing the Joint Remote Sensing Research Program. As an academic supervisor, Professor Phinn has mentored numerous PhD and Master's students, with current supervision spanning topics from forest disturbance analysis to kelp forest mapping and fire resilience of mine site rehabilitation. His extensive supervision history demonstrates his commitment to training the next generation of earth observation scientists. The Earth Observation Research Centre he directs fosters a collaborative research environment focused on transforming satellite and airborne images with field survey data into meaningful environmental information for decision-making.
Peter Homolka is an Associate Professor at the Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna. His work focuses on medical imaging optimization, radiation dosimetry, and the application of additive manufacturing in developing advanced phantoms for radiology and ultrasound. He has contributed extensively to CT imaging, mammography, and pediatric radiology. University: Medical University of Vienna Department: Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Homolka's research spans X-ray attenuation analysis, image quality assessment, and the development of tissue-mimicking materials for phantoms. He has explored dual-energy mammography, ultra-low-dose CT applications, and techniques for enhancing diagnostic accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure. His recent publications highlight trends in 3D printing for anthropomorphic phantoms, dose optimization in CT and mammography, and comparative studies in emergency radiology. These works emphasize radiation safety, material science, and clinical imaging protocols. Homolka's projects include collaborations with international bodies like the IAEA, focusing on pediatric imaging standards and multi-center studies. His contributions to phantom design and dosimetry metrics have advanced quality assurance in radiology.
Michael Hagan is a Professor of Physics at Brandeis University, affiliated with the Martin A. Fisher School of Physics. His research focuses on understanding the physical principles governing assembly and dynamic organization in biological and biomimetic systems. He employs computational and theoretical methods, including machine learning, to study viral capsid assembly, bacterial microcompartments, and active matter systems. His work bridges length and time scales to elucidate emergent behaviors in nonequilibrium systems. Education: PhD in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley (2003). His group, the Hagan Lab, collaborates with experimentalists and has received funding from the DOE, NSF, Keck Foundation, and NIH. Key areas include viral genome assembly optimization, bacterial microcompartment formation, and the dynamics of active nematics. Recent studies explore defect-ordered phases, phase separation in active colloids, and programmable self-assembly of geometric structures. Research interests span biophysics, soft condensed matter, and computational modeling. His lab's work has implications for synthetic biology, drug design, and material science. Collaborations with experimental groups (e.g., Z. Dogic's lab) have led to discoveries in active matter dynamics and biomimetic systems.
Dr Ting Sun is an Associate Professor in Climate & Meteorological Hazard Risks at University College London , Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction. He earned his BEng (2009) and PhD in Hydrology (2013) from Tsinghua University , followed by a visiting period at Princeton University (2011–2012). After postdoctoral appointments at Tsinghua and the University of Reading , he held a NERC Independent Research Fellowship at Reading (2017–2022) before joining UCL in May 2022. Education PhD in Hydrology, Tsinghua University, 2013 BEng in Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, 2009 Visiting PhD Student, Princeton University, 2011–2012 Research Interests Dr Sun’s work converges on urban climate modelling across scales —from neighbourhood blocks to global grids—focusing on the impacts of weather and climate extremes such as heat waves and extreme rainfall in cities. He is the lead developer of the Surface Urban Energy and Water balance Scheme (SUEWS) and its Python wrapper SuPy , developed in collaboration with Prof Sue Grimmond’s micromet group. He also contributes as a core member of the Urban Multi-scale Environmental Predictor (UMEP) development team. His multidisciplinary expertise integrates hydro-climate dynamics, computational modelling, machine learning, built-environment processes, and public-health linkages . Research Trends from Recent Publications Across the 15 most recent articles, a clear trajectory emerges from high-resolution urban-process modelling toward integrated socio-environmental assessments . Studies published in 2024–2025 couple atmospheric models (WRF-SUEWS) with global building-morphology datasets (GLAMOUR) to quantify how cities alter rainfall patterns, temperature sensitivity, and heat-related mortality. Earlier works progressively refined SUEWS’s physical parameterisations and Python accessibility, while recent outputs leverage deep-learning remote-sensing tools (SHAFTS) and hybrid hydrological-neural architectures to deliver actionable insights for urban planning and climate adaptation. Scientific Awards & Fellowships NERC Independent Research Fellowship , University of Reading, 2017–2022 HEA Fellowship , University College London, 2023 Professional Service & Editorial Roles Topic Editor , Geoscientific Model Development (from 2025) Editorial Board Member , Scientific Data (from 2024) Peer review and consultancy for journals, conferences, and policy bodies Supervision of taught-course projects and research degrees External examining and mentoring Labs, Teams & Collaborations Dr Sun leads and collaborates within the UCL Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction , working closely with the micromet group at the University of Reading (Prof Sue Grimmond) on SUEWS/SuPy development. He is an active member of the UMEP consortium and maintains extensive international collaborations spanning Tsinghua University, Princeton, and numerous European research centres, underpinning a vibrant, interdisciplinary research network focused on urban climate resilience.
Huan Lei is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, holding a joint appointment in the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering and the Department of Statistics and Probability. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Brown University in 2012 under George Karniadakis and a B.S. in Special Class for the Gifted Young from the University of Science & Technology of China in 2005. His research integrates scientific machine learning with numerical analysis to develop structure-preserving algorithms for partial and stochastic differential equations arising in multi-scale systems. His work spans multi-scale modeling , non-Markovian dynamics , coarse-grained molecular simulations , and data-driven parameterization . Recent publications focus on learning generalized Langevin equations with state-dependent memory, consensus-based free energy surfaces, and non-equilibrium coarse-grained models. His team applies these methods to fluid dynamics, biomolecular solvation, and climate systems. NSF CAREER Award (2021) Brown University Dissertation Fellowship (2012) He advises graduate and undergraduate researchers and seeks Ph.D. candidates with expertise in numerical analysis or scientific computing. His group receives funding from NSF, DOE, Ford, and MSU Foundation.
Dr. Boyin Ding is an Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide , serving as Academic Director at Haide College and researcher in the Mechanical Engineering department within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. He leads the Wave Energy Research initiative established in 2014, while also contributing to Robotics and Biomechanics through his work with the Flinders Medical Device Research Institute. Research Areas: Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting Control Systems for Renewable Energy 6DOF Robotic Testing Spine Biomechanics Transnational Education Programs Key Collaborations: Australia-China Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind & Wave Energy Acoustics, Vibration and Control Research Group Scientific Awards: Australian Endeavour Fellowship Malcolm Kinnaird Engineering Excellence Award (2012) His recent publications focus on hybrid offshore energy systems, nonlinear hydrodynamics in wave energy converters, and biomechanical testing technologies. He has developed control algorithms for floating offshore wind-wave systems and pioneered 6DOF robotic platforms for medical applications. As an eligible PhD supervisor, he actively collaborates with global industries and academic institutions.
Colin Britcher is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University (ODU), affiliated with NASA Langley and the National Institute of Aerospace. He has held roles including Deputy Director for Education at AIAA Region I and led the Center for Experimental Aeronautics. His research focuses on wind tunnel test techniques, magnetic suspension systems, and experimental aerodynamics, with applications to planetary entry capsules and drone stability. Education: Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Southampton University (1983) B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, University of Southampton (1978) Research Interests: Wind tunnel design and dynamic stability testing Magnetic suspension systems for aerodynamic measurements Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and propeller aerodynamics Boundary layer effects and flowfield analysis His recent work includes developing wind tunnel techniques for multi-rotor drones and planetary entry vehicles, as well as textbook authorship on wind tunnel design. Grants & Awards: $1.04M Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering grant (2023) Leadership in $355K NIA Director of Graduate Programs role (2014–2017) 2004 NASA Honorary Superior Accomplishment Award 1995 NASA Turning Goals into Reality (TIGR) Award Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with NASA Langley on magnetic suspension systems Developed the NASA/ODU 6-inch Magnetic Suspension and Balance System (MSBS)
Shahin Sirouspour is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McMaster University. His research focuses on robotics, autonomous systems, control systems, and optimization, with applications in aerial robotics, teleoperation, haptics, medical robotics, and smart energy grids. He is affiliated with the Telerobotics, Haptics and Computational Vision Laboratory and teaches courses such as Non-linear Control Systems and Electrical Systems Integration Project. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia and has supervised numerous graduate students. His lab includes advanced equipment like multi-axis robotic manipulators, haptic interfaces, and real-time computing systems. Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Sharif University of Technology (Iran), Ph.D. from University of British Columbia (Canada). Current roles include accepting graduate students and leading research clusters in Digital & Smart Systems, Energy, and Transportation. Awards include the McMaster President's Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical applications in healthcare, energy, and autonomous systems. Research highlights include developing control strategies for multi-agent robotic systems, smart grid optimization, and medical robotics. Collaborations with institutions like MacAUTO and industry partners (e.g., MDA Space Missions) enhance translational impact. His lab supports projects on asymmetric teleoperation, deformable tissue simulation, and microgrid energy management.
