Magdalena Fuentes is an Assistant Professor of Music Technology and Integrated Design & Media at New York University (NYU), affiliated with the Music and Audio Research Lab (MARL) and the Integrated Design & Media (IDM) programs. She holds a Ph.D. from Université Paris Saclay (France) and a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from Universidad de la República (Uruguay). Her research focuses on Machine Listening, Human-Centered Machine Learning, and Multimodal Representation Learning, with applications to Music Information Retrieval and Environmental Sound Analysis. Previously, she served as a Postdoctoral Faculty Fellow at NYU’s MARL and Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP). Her work bridges technical innovation with cultural and societal contexts, particularly in underrepresented music traditions like Brazilian percussion and Candomblé rituals. She has developed open-source tools such as Soundata to ensure reproducible audio dataset usage. Her research outputs span audio-visual synchronization (e.g., SONIQUE), environmental sound monitoring (e.g., SONYC projects), and rhythm analysis frameworks (e.g., Carat toolbox). These contributions highlight her dual focus on advancing machine learning techniques while maintaining human-centric and culturally sensitive applications.
Emily J. Silver is an Associate Professor, Associate Chairperson, and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU), housed within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. She leads the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Laboratory, focusing on understanding human behavior's impact on natural resource management outcomes. Her work spans rural and urban forestry systems, integrating social science methodologies with ecological and policy frameworks. Dr. Silver holds a PhD in Forestry (University of Maine, 2015), an MS in Natural Resources Science (University of Minnesota, 2012), and a BA in Environmental Studies & Music Composition (Brandeis University, 2008). She has secured grants including a $160K USDA award to expand forestry career opportunities. Her research employs agent-based modeling, observational data, and stakeholder engagement to address challenges in forest stewardship, bioenergy systems, and urban resilience. Key collaborators span ecology, psychology, and policy disciplines. Current projects include agroforestry market innovation and wood pellet technology diffusion studies. Dr. Silver advises the Forest Carbon and Climate Program and contributes to initiatives like MassTimber@MSU. She teaches graduate courses in human dimensions methodologies and supervises students in the Human Dimensions Lab.
Sarah Bruno is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Michigan State University. Her roles include the Diasporas Solidarity Lab Postdoctoral Fellow (2023) and prior fellowships at Rice University, Duke University, and the Franklin Humanities Institute. She specializes in ethnography, performance, and diaspora studies with a focus on Afro-Puerto Rican cultural forms like bomba. Her research bridges digitality, public anthropology, and Black Puerto Rican femme experiences. Her work emphasizes writing about resilience and healing in Puerto Rican diasporic contexts. She co-leads Taller Entre Aguas, a lab exploring Black Puerto Rican digital archives. Awards include the Vera Green Prize and ACLS fellowships. Key projects include Black Rican Dexterity , a manuscript analyzing bomba as both genre and methodology. Media contributions include a 2024 Washington Post article on reggaeton's global rise. Grants and fellowships highlight her interdisciplinary impact across cultural anthropology and humanities research.
Ansuman Biswas is a Lecturer in Live Art and Contemporary Performance at Queen Mary University of London’s School of English and Drama. He holds a BA (Hons) in Drama from Dartington College of Arts and has a multifaceted career spanning music, theatre, visual art, and interdisciplinary collaborations. His work bridges science, art, and spirituality, emphasizing improvisation, consciousness, and Indian philosophical traditions. Notable roles include serving as External Examiner at Westminster University, Co-Chair of the Live Art Development Agency, and Trustee of Longplayer. His research explores vipassana meditation’s impact on artistic practice, with projects like the Horniman Museum’s Time Sculptor examining time manipulation through performance, installations, and poetry. Biswas has held residencies globally, collaborating with institutions like the European Space Agency, Schumacher College, and the National Institute of Medical Research. His creative practice includes composing for major theaters (e.g., Shakespeare’s Globe, Royal National Theatre) and touring with artists like Björk and Oasis. Biswas’s work often challenges boundaries between disciplines and cultures, fostering innovative intersections between art, technology, and ecology. Education: BA Hons in Drama from Manchester University and Music at Dartington College of Arts. Previous academic roles include Senior Lecturer at Dartington College of Arts (developing an MA in Arts & Ecology), Creative Director of the Tagore Centre UK (2013–2016), and Lecturer at Guildhall School of Music and Drama (2017–2020). He has pioneered interdisciplinary projects at Hewlett-Packard’s Bangalore lab and been an artist-in-residence at NASA-related initiatives. His artistic collaborations span diverse fields, from neuroscientists in Arizona to nomadic shamans in the Gobi Desert. Research focuses on listening as a transformative practice, improvisation’s role in uncovering unconscious creativity, and the application of meditation principles in art. Recent work includes the pandemic-era Infectious Air series exploring Zoom-based improvisation and the Social Intimacy project with Theatre of Research. His projects often involve experimental venues (e.g., Gothic towers, underwater sculptures) and emphasize ethical engagement with communities and environments. Publications span performance theory, musicology, and interdisciplinary art criticism, with notable contributions to Posthuman Spiritualities in Contemporary Performance and Music & Consciousness . His artistic works have been exhibited at Tate Modern, the Whitechapel Gallery, and festivals worldwide. Biswas’s pedagogical approach integrates experiential learning, mentorship, and cross-cultural dialogue, reflecting his commitment to fluid identity and collaborative innovation.
Sander Bakkes is an Assistant Professor and Game Researcher at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University. He specializes in developing personalized games and interventions for healthcare and education, leveraging adaptive AI and game design principles. His work focuses on improving user engagement and intervention effectiveness through tailored game mechanics. Research Themes: Dynamics of Youth, Human-Centered AI, Serious Games Key Projects: HUB 'Playing = Growing Up Healthy', games for children with chronic illnesses, crisis management training tools Research Interests: Game-based learning, AI-driven game adaptation, and the psychological impact of games on health and behavior. His studies explore how play can enhance coping mechanisms for youth with chronic conditions and improve social integration. Publications span gamification, player experience modeling, and serious games, with contributions to conferences like FDG and GALA. He teaches courses on Game Design and Gamification, and actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in healthcare and AI.
Riccardo Simionato is a Research Fellow in the Department of Musicology at the University of Oslo (UiO), affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities. He holds a MSc and BSc in Computer Science and Information Engineering from the University of Padova, Italy, and conducted research at Aalto University, Finland (2017–2018). His research focuses on nonlinear audio modeling using deep learning, particularly addressing low-latency interactive solutions for acoustic and electronic musical instruments/devices. Education: 2018: MSc in Computer Science Engineering, University of Padova 2015: BSc in Information Engineering, University of Padova Research Interests: Deep Learning , Audio Modeling , and Sound Synthesis . He explores how deep learning can approximate complex nonlinear phenomena in audio systems, balancing computational efficiency with interpretability. Recent work emphasizes hybrid neural-audio effects, time-variant systems, and physics-informed methods for piano modeling. Publications highlight advancements in optical compressor modeling, piano analysis, and tools for generating audio effect datasets. His work bridges machine learning and music technology, aiming for practical applications in real-time audio processing and electronic instrument emulation. Grants and advising: No specific grants or student advisees listed in the provided text. Collaborations include projects with Prof. Stefano Fasciani and teams at UiO’s Department of Musicology. Labs/Teams: Active within UiO’s Sound and Music Computing research group, focusing on interdisciplinary projects combining computer science and music technology.
Andrew McPherson is a Professor of Musical Interaction at Queen Mary University of London, affiliated with the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and the Centre for Multimodal AI. He leads the Augmented Instruments Laboratory, a research team focused on music technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. His work bridges electrical engineering, composition, and human-computer interaction, emphasizing the creation of new tools for musicians through hardware/software interfaces and expressive performance modeling. McPherson's research interests include augmented instruments, digital signal processing, and the design of intuitive musical interfaces. He has pioneered projects like the Bela embedded platform and the Magnetic Resonator Piano, emphasizing practical applications in traditional and experimental music venues. Collaborations with artists and industry inform his approach, ensuring research outputs are artistically relevant and accessible. Education & Expertise: Trained in electrical engineering and composition, McPherson combines technical proficiency with artistic sensibility. His lab’s projects, such as the TouchKeys and hackable instruments, highlight his focus on democratizing music technology. Grants & Awards: He holds a Royal Academy of Engineering Senior Research Fellowship (2021–2026) and an ERC Consolidator Grant (2023–2027). He co-leads the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence and Music, fostering future researchers in AI-driven music innovation. Labs/Teams: The Augmented Instruments Lab collaborates across disciplines, with dual affiliation at Queen Mary and Imperial College London’s Dyson School of Design Engineering. The lab’s work spans from foundational research to industry partnerships, including spinout company Augmented Instruments Ltd, which supports maker communities and industry consultancy.
Josh Reiss is a Professor of Audio Engineering at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), part of the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science . He holds additional roles including President-Elect and Fellow of the Audio Engineering Society (AES), and Visiting Professor at Birmingham City University. His research focuses on audio signal processing, procedural audio, and intelligent music production. He earned degrees including BSc in Physics, BSc in Mathematics, and a PhD. Research & Awards : Reiss has published over 200 papers, authored books like Intelligent Music Production , and received awards such as the AES Board of Governors Award (2009, 2010) and Best JAES Paper 2016. His work spans sound synthesis, dynamic range compression, and live audio systems. Teaching & Industry : Teaches modules like Artificial Intelligence and Sound Design. Co-founded startups LandR (AI mixing), Tonz, and Nemisindo. Leads the Centre for Digital Music at QMUL, advancing research in audio technology. Labs & Teams : Active in the Centre for Digital Music, collaborating on projects like the Open Multitrack Testbed and semantic audio evaluation tools.
Dr. Tony Stockman is a Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London's School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. His teaching focuses on Database Systems, Interaction Design, and Semi-structured Data Modelling across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. His research interests include Human-Computer Interaction, Auditory Displays, and Data Sonification, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and cross-modal interfaces. Dr. Stockman has contributed to over 100 publications, exploring topics such as biofeedback systems, assistive technologies for visually impaired individuals, and collaborative design methodologies. His work frequently bridges technical innovation with user-centric design principles. Notable projects include the development of non-visual navigation tools like the Audiom web-based map viewer and co-designed haptic wearables for music synchronization. His research also addresses challenges in education technology, such as dyslexia screening through serious games.
Dr. Jack Talty is a Lecturer in Irish Traditional Music and Joint Head of the Department of Music at University College Cork (UCC), where he also directs the MA in Irish Traditional Music. He holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick, focusing on traditional music pedagogy in higher education. Talty is an acclaimed musician, composer, and producer, with over 100 albums to his name as a performer, arranger, and engineer. He founded Raelach Records in 2011 and has collaborated with major ensembles like Ensemble Ériu and Dave Flynn’s Irish Memory Orchestra. His research explores the intersection of tradition and innovation in music education and policy, with publications in Oxford University Press and contributions to national arts strategies. Talty has received prestigious awards, including the Liam O'Flynn Award (2021) and a Government of Ireland Scholarship (2013). He actively advises the Arts Council on artist remuneration and mentorship, and has curated residencies at UCC and the Irish Traditional Music Archive. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music and Irish (UCC, 2007) Bachelor of Music (UCC, 2008) MA in Music Technology (University of Limerick, 2009) PhD in Ethnomusicology (University of Limerick, 2019) Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (UCC, 2022) Research & Performance: Talty’s work bridges traditional and experimental music, evident in his solo concertina album In Flow (2016) and collaborations with composers like Úna Monaghan and Ailís Ní Ríain. He leads workshops worldwide, teaches courses on traditional music theory and industry practices at UCC, and mentors doctoral students. His performances span prestigious venues like the National Concert Hall and international festivals. Awards & Recognition: 2021 Liam O'Flynn Award 2015 TG4 Gradam Comharcheol 2013 Irish Research Council Scholarship Multiple Deis Recording Awards Grants & Leadership: Talty chairs UCC’s Music Concerts Committee and co-authored the Trad Ireland report on the traditional arts sector. He assesses funding applications for Culture Ireland and advises on national arts policies. His leadership extends to roles on boards of Glór Theatre and the National Association of Record Labels in Ireland. Labs & Collaborations: As Programme Director of UCC’s MA in Irish Traditional Music, he oversees interdisciplinary research and performance initiatives. His projects include Duala (a film-residency with Maurice Gunning) and Visioning (a 2024 film-music collaboration with Dan O’Connell).
Professor Lucia Nagib holds the role of Professor in Film at the University of Reading, affiliated with the Department of Film, Theatre & Television within the School of Arts & Communication Design. Her research focuses on world cinema, realism, intermediality, and national cinemas of Brazil, Japan, and Germany. She has led major research projects in Brazil and the UK, organizing dozens of academic events. Notable roles include Leverhulme Visiting Professor at Birkbeck College, Distinguished Visitor at the University of Alberta, and Ministry of Culture Research Fellow at Oxford's Centre for Brazilian Studies. Her expertise is showcased through monographs like Realist Cinema as World Cinema and edited volumes in the World Cinema and Film Thinks series. Collaborations include co-directing the award-winning documentary Passages (2019). Her work bridges interdisciplinary approaches, emphasizing intermediality as a historiographic method and exploring cinematic realism’s ethical dimensions across global contexts. Research interests span intermedial analysis of classical and contemporary films, Brazilian cinema’s utopian themes, and cultural intersections in film aesthetics. Articles from 2024 highlight explorations of utopia in Brazilian cinema and East-West humanities dialogues, reflecting her commitment to expanding world cinema discourse. Prof Nagib’s accolades include fellowships and visiting professorships, underscoring her international scholarly impact. She actively contributes to academic publishing through editorial leadership and conference organization, fostering dialogue across cinematic disciplines and cultures.
Rikke Ørngreen is a Professor and Deputy Head of Research at the Department of Culture and Learning, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Aalborg University. She also serves as Section Head in Copenhagen and Head of the Research Center for Video. Her work is closely tied to the ILD-Lab (IT and Learning Design Lab) and the AI for the People initiative. She leads multiple national and international research projects focused on digital learning, organizational change, and educational innovation. Department: Department of Culture and Learning School: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences University: Aalborg University Research Centers: Research Center for Video, ILD-Lab, AI for the People Her research expertise lies in IT-supported learning, digital methods, and organizational development. She focuses on innovative approaches such as video-based learning, immersive technologies (XR, VR, AR), and digital inquiry methods. Her work promotes individual competence development, group collaboration, and knowledge sharing in educational and organizational contexts. She integrates AI technologies and digital tools to support problem-based and flexible learning environments. The recent publications and projects reflect a strong trend in digital education, particularly in music education, ESG reporting, and flexible learning frameworks. Her work increasingly incorporates artificial intelligence and stakeholder engagement in educational design. She has contributed extensively to pedagogical innovation through facilitation methods and digital transformation strategies in higher education. Rikke Ørngreen has been involved in impactful research with cultural, social, and quality-of-life benefits, particularly in Greenland and Danish educational institutions. Her projects have received attention in press and media, highlighting their relevance to contemporary educational challenges. She has supervised PhD students and collaborated with public and private partners on research management and development. Principal Investigator: 5+ major projects (2021–2028) PhD Supervision: Active involvement Grants: Funded by national and international foundations She leads the ILD-Lab: Research Lab for IT and Learning Design, which focuses on digital pedagogy, video in education, and immersive learning environments. She is also central to the Research Center for Video and the AI for the People initiative, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on ethical and inclusive technology use in education.
Prof. Dr. Tommaso Calarco is the Director of the Institute of Quantum Control at Forschungszentrum Jülich, a leading research center in Germany. He is a key figure in the European quantum technology landscape, having significantly contributed to the coordination of quantum research and the development of the EU Quantum Flagship initiative. His research is centered on quantum control and the technological realization of quantum computing systems. He explores the manipulation of quantum systems, including atoms and semiconductor-based qubits such as those using NV centers in diamond, with a vision towards building practical and scalable quantum computers. Prof. Calarco emphasizes the critical role of national and international collaboration in advancing quantum technology. He anticipates that error-corrected quantum computers will emerge within the next decade, enabling complex, industry-relevant applications. His work bridges fundamental quantum mechanics with future technological applications. He has been inspired by pioneers like Peter Zoller and values the ability to unite diverse scientific communities. Outside of his scientific endeavors, he maintains a deep connection to music, holding a bachelor's degree in classical music and performing Renaissance madrigals, which he credits with helping him maintain mental well-being.
Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyNorway
Anne Berit Emstad is a Professor of School Leadership at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), affiliated with the National Center for Mathematics in Education under the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences. She is also closely connected to university schools in Trondheim. Her research focuses on school leadership, cultural schools, teacher education, and professional development, emphasizing collaboration between schools and universities. Her work spans national and international research projects, including contributions to the USPiTE project on university-school partnerships in teacher education. She has extensive experience in teacher education, principal training, and educational policy analysis. Notable publications include studies on leadership roles in school improvement, sustainable collaboration between cultural and compulsory schools, and the implementation of decentralized educational policies. Emstad’s research often involves school leaders in practical development efforts, blending theory and practice. She has authored books such as Lærende ledelse (Learning Leadership) and Samskapt kunnskap (Collaborative Knowledge), exploring professional learning communities and interdisciplinary educational strategies. Her articles frequently address themes like formative assessment, teacher agency, and the integration of entrepreneurial skills in teacher training programs. Her work highlights the importance of creating inclusive school cultures and leveraging data-driven approaches for continuous improvement. Emstad actively participates in conferences, contributes to educational policy discussions, and collaborates with international colleagues to advance leadership practices in education.
Dr Will Schrimshaw is a Lecturer in Popular Music Technology and Composition at the University of Sheffield, directing the University of Sheffield Sound Studios. His work bridges creative practice and critical writing, focusing on electronic music, sound synthesis, and sound’s role in contemporary art. He holds a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Research Interests: Exploratory electronic music and ambient aesthetics Sound in contemporary art, including environmental and art-science collaborations Sound installations and spatial sound practices Philosophical inquiries into sound and its non-cochlear dimensions Key Themes in Publications: His articles and books explore sound’s immanence, immersion, and its relationship to space, affect, and philosophy. Recent works analyze Maryanne Amacher’s psychedelic soundscapes and critique sonic epistemology through Deleuzian frameworks. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2021) Professional Activities: Commissions and exhibitions with major institutions like FACT Liverpool, Tuned City, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Technical consultant for arts organizations and festivals. Previously taught at Newcastle University and Edge Hill University. Labs/Teams: Directs University of Sheffield Sound Studios, a hub for experimental music and sound art production.
