Bernhard Knoll-Tudor, PhD , serves as Director of Executive Education and Adjunct Faculty at the Hertie School. As a member of the senior management team, he oversees strategic planning for executive programs, manages a €3m+ annual revenue stream, and leads a 12-person team in building partnerships with governments, international organizations, and NGOs. University: Hertie School Academic Rank: Adjunct Faculty Education includes a law degree from the University of Vienna, an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS, and a PhD from the European University Institute. His research focuses on: International law and territorial administration Conflict resolution in post-Soviet regions EU governance and human rights Strategic communications in public policy Peacebuilding through economic connectivity Recent publications (2008-2023) examine territorial sovereignty in international interventions, EU-OSCE dynamics, and legal frameworks for conflict resolution in Nagorno-Karabakh. His co-authored 2023 article Cartel of Silence critiques EU institutional barriers to human rights advocacy. Scientific awards : Highest prize in Austrian radio journalism (1992) Professional impact includes: Designing the Hertie PolAd certificate for government advisers Leading STARLIGHT project on EU Fundamental Rights Charter litigation Chaired Recharging Advocacy for Rights in Europe and Economic Connectivity Dialogues (Armenia-Azerbaijan) Collaborations with International IDEA, EU Fundamental Rights Agency, LKY School of Public Policy, and others Securing funding from USAID, World Bank, European Commission, and Open Society Foundations
Andrés González García is a Visiting Research Professor at the Instituto de Investigación Tecnológica (IIT) of Universidad Pontificia Comillas, where he has been actively contributing since 2018. He is also an Affiliate Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the MIT Energy Initiative and the Universal Energy Access Lab. His work bridges academic research and global policy, focusing on sustainable energy access in developing countries. Universidad Pontificia Comillas – Visiting Professor, IIT (2018–Present) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Affiliate Researcher (2012–Present) Waya Energy – Co-CEO and Co-Founder Andrés holds a PhD from Universidad Pontificia Comillas (2024), Cum Laude and awarded the International Doctorate Prize for collaboration with MIT. His educational background includes an Industrial Engineering degree (ICAI, 1995), a Master in International Cooperation, an Executive MBA, and specialized training from Harvard Kennedy School and IESE Business School. PhD, Universidad Pontificia Comillas (2024) Industrial Engineer, ICAI-Comillas (1995) Executive MBA, ICADE Business School (2000) Master in International Cooperation, IUDC-UCM (1997) Master in Electrical Systems, ICAI-Comillas (2013) Specialist in Driving Government Performance, Harvard & IESE (2012) His research centers on universal access to sustainable energy (SDG7), with a focus on techno-economic and geospatial planning, regulatory frameworks, and decentralized energy systems such as mini-grids. He has pioneered the development of the Reference Electrification Model (REM), a state-of-the-art tool for least-cost electrification planning. His work integrates optimization, digitalization, and innovative business models to enhance energy equity and resilience in low-income regions. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on integrated energy planning, combining grid and off-grid solutions, with strong applications in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. His research leverages geospatial modeling, optimization algorithms, and policy analysis to support decision-making for governments and multilateral agencies. The interdisciplinary nature of his work spans engineering, economics, and public policy. Notable scientific contributions and recognitions include: Co-author of the Reference Electrification Model (REM) Director of multiple award-winning Master’s theses at Comillas International Doctorate Prize from MIT collaboration Extensive publication record in journals like Proceedings of the IEEE , Energies , and Sustainability Andrés has advised PhD candidates and directed numerous Master’s and Final Degree Projects, many of which have received institutional awards. He has secured and led over 26 international research and consultancy projects funded by the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, IFC, European Commission, and private foundations like Shell and Endesa. His work has directly influenced national electrification strategies in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, India, and Bolivia. He leads the Universal Energy Access Lab initiatives at IIT-Comillas and MIT, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design scalable energy access solutions. He is also a co-founder of Waya Energy, a spin-off company translating research into real-world impact. His leadership extends to advisory roles in public and private sectors, including the Rockefeller Foundation and TATA Power.
Cristina De Benetti is an Associate Professor of Administrative and Public Law at the Department of Economics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice . She serves as the Director of the Master's Degree in Environmental and Land Law and holds a Ph.D. in Administrative Law . Her work bridges academia and legal practice, with certified expertise as a lawyer and advisory roles in public and private institutions . Education : High school diploma (1985); Degree in Economics and Business (University of Venice, 1990); Degree in Law (University of Trieste, 1993); Ph.D. in Administrative Law (1997) Her research focuses on Administrative and Public Law , emphasizing environmental protection , EU law integration , regional governance , and corporate sustainability . Recent publications analyze the constitutional foundations of environmental rights , tourism legislation , and EU directive implementation . Key trends in her 20+ years of publications include exploring the interplay between Italian and EU legal systems , reforms of local governments , and administrative procedures spanning environmental regulation to public procurement. She contributes to academic editorial boards , including the journals www.dirittoambiente.com , Ricerche giuridiche , and Il diritto della Regione . Her managerial roles include serving on boards of corporations like Unipol Investimenti SGR Spa and Fondazione Coin . Labs and teams : Collaborates with the Interdepartmental School of Economics, Languages and Entrepreneurship for International Exchanges (Treviso campus) and contributes to Deloitte-certified 1000 Excellent CVs initiative.
Michael E Cummings serves as a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Venture Inn department at the University of Arkansas's Walton College of Business, where he joined the faculty in 2017 after teaching positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Minnesota. His research bridges entrepreneurship with social impact, environmental sustainability, and global migration dynamics through rigorous empirical analysis. Education: PhD in Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship, University of Minnesota JD, Brigham Young University MPA in Public Management, Brigham Young University Research Focus: Cummings investigates how crowdfunding platforms empower marginalized entrepreneurs, the governance implications of migrant remittances in developing economies, and creative synergies between artists and business innovators . His work uniquely integrates legal expertise (as a licensed Arkansas/Minnesota attorney) with entrepreneurial scholarship, revealing how diaspora communities shape venture investment landscapes and how artistic perspectives foster organizational innovation. Current projects examine carbon market effectiveness and gender dynamics in education crowdfunding. Publication Trends: His 2020-2022 publications show three dominant threads: (1) diaspora engagement's role in venture capital formation across 40+ developing nations, (2) methodological innovations in social impact measurement for entrepreneurs, and (3) boundary-spanning collaborations between artists and business creators. Appearing in Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice , this work consistently links micro-level entrepreneurial behavior to macro-level institutional change. Scientific Recognition: Responsible Research in Management Award, Academy of Management Fellows (2022) Best Paper Award, Southern Management Association Entrepreneurship Track (2022) Schulze Research Awards for both Research Insight and Education/Teaching (2021-2022) Multiple Academy of Management division runner-up awards (2016-2020) Professional Engagement: Cummings serves as Associate Editor for Business and Society and on editorial boards of Small Business Economics and Journal of International Business Policy . His legal practice includes consulting for Arkansas's Entrepreneurial Law Project, while media contributions address contemporary issues like remote nursing regulations and youth data privacy. He teaches Business Foundations courses and mentors students through Walton College's entrepreneurship initiatives.
Carolyn McAskie is a Senior Fellow and Professional in Residence at the University of Ottawa's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She previously held high-ranking positions at the United Nations, including Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support (2006-2008) and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (1999-2004). Her career also spans roles in the Canadian Federal Government with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and multilateral negotiations in international financial institutions. Senior Fellow, University of Ottawa Former UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Specialist in international affairs and peacebuilding McAskie's research and professional work focus on global governance, multilateral diplomacy, and crisis management. She has participated in key peace processes, including the Burundi Peace Process in Arusha (1999) and served as UN Humanitarian Envoy for Côte d'Ivoire (2003). Her expertise extends to international financial institutions like the African Development Bank and Global Environment Facility. She has played a pivotal role in shaping humanitarian policies and peacebuilding frameworks, with a career spanning decades in both governmental and intergovernmental organizations. Her work bridges academic analysis with practical policy implementation in conflict zones and development contexts. Officer of the Order of Canada Director, Canadem Director, Pearson Peacekeeping Centre
Günther Handl holds The Eberhard Deutsch Chair in Public International Law at Tulane University Law School, where he has been a faculty member since January 1996. Globally recognized for his expertise, he has taught at law schools across Canada, Europe, Japan, and the United States, contributing significantly to international legal scholarship and practice. His academic foundation includes a Drjur and Dipl Dolm from the University of Graz, Austria (1968, 1969), an LLB from Cambridge University (1973), and a JSD from Yale University (1978). Handl's research centers on public international law, international environmental law, and the law of the sea, with deep engagement in nuclear law, marine environmental damage, and human rights-environment intersections. His work critically examines multilateral development banks' roles in sustainable development and climate change mitigation strategies, particularly in maritime contexts. Recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on decarbonizing shipping, historical reparations (e.g., Haiti-France claims), nuclear emergency frameworks, and rights-of-nature jurisprudence, reflecting his dual commitment to theoretical rigor and real-world policy impact across leading journals and edited volumes. His distinguished recognition includes the 1997 Elisabeth Haub Prize for exceptional accomplishments in international environmental law. Handl founded and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook of International Environmental Law (1990-1997), establishing a pivotal resource in the field. Professionally, he has consulted for the United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank, advised the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1998), and taught at The Hague Academy of International Law (2012) and UN Regional Courses (2013). These engagements underscore his influence in shaping international legal frameworks through both academic and institutional channels. While specific laboratories aren't detailed, his editorial leadership and collaborative projects reveal extensive involvement in global legal networks, including co-editing seminal works like 'Beyond Territoriality: Transnational Legal Authority in an Age of Globalization' (2012).
Katja Biedenkopf is Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Social Sciences within the Leuven International and European Studies (LINES) unit. She serves as member of the KIEM – KU Leuven Institute for Energy and Society, Faculty Council of Social Sciences, and POC Political Science. Her research focuses on EU external environmental governance with emphasis on carbon pricing mechanisms and climate policy diffusion. Her research expertise centers on European Union climate leadership and environmental governance beyond borders. Key focus areas include greenhouse gas emissions trading systems, policy infusion in developing countries, and EU sustainability policy implementation. She examines how market-based instruments function under political constraints, particularly in electricity sectors of Korea and sub-Saharan Africa, while analyzing transnational policy diffusion dynamics. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward carbon pricing expansion in the Global South, with particular attention to political economy barriers in developing countries. Her work bridges academic research and policy implementation, frequently engaging with International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) and World Bank initiatives to translate findings into actionable climate governance frameworks. She actively supervises PhD candidates including C. Debeuf (carbon pricing in Africa), A. Barlaup (Korean electricity sector), and V. Zambianchi (UK climate policyscapes). Current research grants examine EU strategic autonomy, CBAM impacts on Turkey/South Africa, and Vietnam's low-carbon development strategy integration. As leader of multiple major research initiatives including "EU Open Strategic Autonomy" (2025-2027) and "CBAM and EUDR as drivers of international green alignment" (2025-2029), she directs interdisciplinary teams analyzing climate policy interactions across 15+ countries. Her work integrates socio-ecological approaches with political economy analysis to address complex sustainability challenges.
Erik Andersson is a Lecturer at the Department of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, where he has been employed since 2008. His academic work focuses on Global Political Economy from a post-structuralist theoretical perspective. He serves as the educational director for the Bachelor's Program in Global Studies and teaches courses in global studies, international relations, international political economy, and development economics. Andersson's research primarily operates within a post-structuralist theoretical landscape with a focus on Global Political Economy. His work explores the financialization of everyday life, discursive power in international financial institutions, and the relationship between globalization and sustainable development. His most recent book, Reconstructing the Global Political Economy - An Analytical Guide (2020), provides a comprehensive analytical framework for understanding contemporary global economic structures. His publications reveal a consistent engagement with the theoretical and practical dimensions of global economic governance, particularly examining how financial markets and institutions shape social realities. His research spans financialization processes, the role of institutions like the Bank for International Settlements, and the everyday implications of global economic structures. Andersson actively supervises both bachelor's and doctoral students in their research projects, contributing to the development of the next generation of scholars in global studies and related fields. His educational leadership in the Bachelor's Program in Global Studies demonstrates his commitment to shaping comprehensive educational experiences in this interdisciplinary field.
Francesca Casalini is a Lecturer in the Government, Health & Not for Profit Knowledge Group at SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University. She collaborates with the Strategy & Entrepreneurship Knowledge Group and serves as Teaching Assistant for the Master in Strategy and Entrepreneurship (MISA), while pursuing her PhD in Management at the University of St. Gallen. Her educational qualifications include: B.Sc. in Economics and Management (honors) from Università di Bologna M.Sc. in Management (honors) from Università Bocconi PhD in Management (in progress) at University of St. Gallen Her research centers on innovative business models driven by public-private collaborations and digital platforms, examining how these generate public value across for-profit and non-profit sectors. She specializes in strategic data crunching, impact investing, and scaling initiatives through PPP frameworks, with particular focus on healthcare infrastructure and policy-institutional dynamics. Her 2020-2022 publications reveal dominant themes in sustainable PPP contracts, public value generation, and healthcare infrastructure performance. Key trends show increasing emphasis on lightweight contractual models, pandemic-responsive governance, and cross-sectoral applications from healthcare to cultural economics, highlighting institutional contexts as critical success factors. Scientific recognition includes: Research Grant from European Investment Bank (2018) She has secured significant research engagements as Research Assistant for World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank, plus direct collaborations with startups, corporations, and public administrations on strategic business planning for public-private initiatives. Her grant portfolio demonstrates strong alignment with multilateral development bank priorities. As core faculty within SDA Bocconi's Government, Health & Not for Profit Knowledge Group, she contributes to research clusters focused on digital transformation in public services and impact investment frameworks, while actively developing executive education programs on public value generation.
Tsuyoshi Arai is a Professor at the School of Commerce, Waseda University, specializing in Civil Law with a focus on Real Estate Law , Lease Law , and Environmental Law . His career spans multiple institutions, including Dokkyo University and Osaka Gakuin University. Doctoral Program in Civil Law, The University of Tokyo Master of Law, The University of Tokyo Waseda University School of Law alumni His research explores the intersection of Carbon Neutrality , Low-carbon Hydrogen , and legal frameworks, alongside Bank Transfer Fraud Relief Act compliance and Depositor Protection . Recent publications analyze Mortgage Enforcement , Rent Claims , and Climate Litigation dynamics. Key awards include the Waseda University Teaching Award President's Award (2025). Current projects examine Climate Change Governance and Personal Guarantees for Real Estate Tenants , while his teaching portfolio covers Civil Law and Business Law courses for diverse audiences. Real Estate Law Research (2024) : Textbook development for Overview of Real Estate Law Reexamination of Personal Guarantees (2022) : Advocating institutional guarantees over personal liability Climate Governance Projects (2023-2029) : Multilateral approaches to low-carbon energy systems
Dominik Kopiński is a Professor at the University of Wrocław , specializing in development economics with a focus on African development , natural resource policies , and China-Africa relations . His academic work critically examines the impacts of foreign aid, multilateral institutions like the World Bank, and the evolving dynamics of global economic engagement with Africa. Contact: dominik.kopinski@uwr.edu.pl Research Interests span the resource curse phenomenon, economic impacts of oil exploration in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the political economy of aid conditionality. His scholarship often adopts a comparative lens, analyzing Chinese investment versus Western development paradigms. Recent Publications include analyses of resource nationalism in Zambia, World Bank interventions in Chad-Cameroon pipeline projects, and South-South cooperation models. A recurring theme involves evaluating whether resource abundance leads to economic empowerment or enclavement in African states.
Mercedes Llop Pomares is an Associate Professor at Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) and Camilo José Cela University (UCJC) . She holds a Degree in Geography and History (1985, Autonomous University of Madrid) and a Master's Degree in City Intervention, Management, and Urban Development (1993, Polytechnic University of Madrid). Her academic and professional focus lies in transportation , logistics , urban planning , and environmental management . At URJC, she teaches Environmental Management Systems in the Department of Environmental Engineering under the School of Experimental and Technical Sciences (ESCET) . At UCJC, she instructs in Foreign Trade within the Department of Transportation and Logistics Sciences under the College of Engineering . She has extensive international consulting experience in transportation and logistics projects , including roles at SPIM, SL (1998-2012), ALG (2012-2015), and as a partner at Grupo de Estudios y Alternativas (GEA21) since 2015. Her work emphasizes fieldwork , stakeholder engagement , and sustainable urban mobility . Her professional career spans multilateral institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and African Development Bank , with contributions to studies such as Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) , Work-to-Work Plans for industrial areas , and industrial accessibility assessments .
Nikos Kalogeras is an Assistant Professor at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands, where he serves as co-director of the Commodity Risk Management Expertise Center (CORMEC) within the Department of Marketing & Consumer Behaviour. He additionally holds positions as Professor of Sustainable International Business at ZUYD University of Applied Sciences and Adjunct Professor of Agribusiness Marketing-Finance at MAICh/CIHEAM. His academic career spans multiple institutions including previous roles at Nyenrode Business University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Kalogeras's research primarily focuses on cooperative economics , marketing-finance intersections , and risk management within agricultural and food systems. His work examines organizational structures of cooperatives, member behavior dynamics, performance drivers, and sustainable business practices. He has made significant contributions to understanding side-selling behavior, unfair trading practices, and cooperative governance challenges within the European agri-food sector. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on contemporary cooperative challenges including circular economy applications, member opportunism, and regulatory impacts on cooperative performance. His research shows increasing attention to sustainability integration within cooperative business models and the practical implementation barriers cooperatives face in achieving environmental and social goals alongside economic viability. With 141 publications and over 1,300 citations, Dr. Kalogeras maintains an active research program examining the intersection of cooperative business models with market dynamics, risk management, and sustainability imperatives. His work bridges academic theory with practical applications for cooperative organizations navigating complex market environments. Dr. Kalogeras leads the Commodity Risk Management Expertise Center (CORMEC), which serves as a hub for research on financial risk management innovations specifically tailored to agricultural cooperatives. The center focuses on developing practical risk management tools and frameworks that enhance cooperative competitiveness while strengthening member relationships. Through CORMEC, he connects academic research with real-world cooperative challenges, creating actionable insights for cooperative organizations facing market volatility and other business risks.
Professor Charles Sampford is a distinguished academic serving as Director of the Institute for Government Ethics and Law at Griffith Law School, Griffith University. With over three decades at Griffith University since becoming Foundation Dean of Law in March 1991, he has established himself as a leading scholar in legal ethics, governance, and integrity systems. His career spans academic leadership, practical legal experience as a Barrister at the Queensland Supreme Court since 2005, and significant contributions to international governance frameworks. Professor Sampford's educational background includes a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours and Supreme Court Prize from the University of Melbourne (1979), a DPhil from Oxford University (1986), and a Bachelor of Arts with Double First Class Honours in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Melbourne (1976). Before joining Griffith, he served as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at Melbourne University and established the Centre for Philosophy and Public Issues in the Philosophy Department. Rule of Law: Extensive work dating back to 1988, including Retrospectivity and The Rule of Law (OUP, 2006) Integrity Systems: Pioneered the concept adopted by OECD ('ethics infrastructure') and Transparency International ('national integrity systems') Climate Change Governance: Argues for re-imagining 'the good life' in sustainable terms with institutional mechanisms Professional Ethics: Advised numerous professions on ethical frameworks including law, finance, and healthcare Legal Education: Developed the Griffith Curriculum hailed as a 'revolution in legal education' Professor Sampford's research output shows consistent high-impact publications across governance, ethics, and law. His most recent work focuses on social license to operate, integrity in renewable energy development, and national integrity systems. His publications demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach connecting legal theory with practical governance challenges across multiple sectors. Senior Fulbright Award to Harvard University (2000) Invitation to the Graeme Clarke Outcomes Forum at Parliament House Canberra (2008) Over 150 articles and chapters plus 32 books and edited collections Nearly twenty million dollars in research grants as Chief Investigator Leadership of the only ARC-funded center in law or governance in Australia Professor Sampford has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students throughout his career, with two current doctoral candidates working on energy transition ethics and construction integrity. His grant management expertise is exceptional among Australian legal academics, with 12 ARC Linkage grants, 7 ARC Discovery grants, 1 ARC Centre, 1 ARC Network, and 2 Special Research Initiatives as First Chief Investigator. His international collaborations include work with the UN University, World Bank, and governments across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Europe. The Institute for Government Ethics and Law, which Professor Sampford directs, represents the evolution of his pioneering work on integrity systems. Originating as the ARC Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance in 1998, it now serves as a hub for developing practical integrity frameworks applied across multiple sectors and countries, including recent work enhancing the Kenyan National Integrity System through an Australian Government-funded program.
LI Wei serves as Professor of Economics, Associate Dean for Asia and Oceania, Director of Case Center, and Director of Big Data Economic Research Center at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). Previously holding tenured positions at University of Virginia's Darden School and Duke University's Fuqua School, he maintains extensive global academic connections including visiting professorships at Peking University. His research spans Corruption, Financial Markets, Macroeconomics, Managerial Incentives, Real Estate, Taxation, and Telecommunications Privatization with focus on China's economic transformation. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in currency internationalization , EV industry disruption , cultural globalization , and regional trade dynamics , reflecting China's evolving position in global economic systems. Journal of Political Economy American Economic Review World Economy Journal of Public Economics Emerging Markets Review Professor Li has consulted for multinational firms, Chinese enterprises, and the World Bank while teaching Macroeconomics and Emerging Markets Finance across executive programs. His research center develops the CKGSB Business Conditions Index tracking China's economic trajectory through 13 years of data.
