Annette Stahl is a Professor at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics, NTNU, and an Onsager Fellow. She leads the Robot Vision Group and oversees the AILARON project, funded by the Research Council of Norway. Her expertise spans robotic vision, control theory, and autonomous systems. She holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics (Computer Vision) from Heidelberg University. Her research focuses on underwater robotics, autonomous vehicles, and aquaculture monitoring, with applications in fish health analysis and marine environmental sensing. Stahl has supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, including projects on autonomous ships (SFI AutoShip), underwater SLAM (AROS), and plankton identification. She collaborates with industry partners like Zebop AS and SINTEF Ocean. Notable projects include the robotic microplankton sniffer-dog and AI-driven fish welfare monitoring. Her work is published in top journals/conferences like IEEE Access and MIC Journal. She actively contributes to datasets like the VAROS Synthetic Underwater Data Set.
Maggie Ellis Curry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at NC State University. She specializes in tectonics systems geology, focusing on ancient large-scale tectonic systems and their interactions with surface processes and basins. Her research combines numerical models with diverse datasets including thermochronology, geochronology, and geomorphic observations. Education: Ph.D. in Geosciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2015) M.S. in Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin (2009) B.A. in Geology, Ohio Wesleyan University (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Curry explores the feedbacks between tectonics, surface processes, and basins. Her work emphasizes thermochronology, numerical modeling (e.g., landscape evolution, thermo-kinematic models), and subsurface data integration. She utilizes high-performance computing (HPC) at NC State to develop and run large-scale simulations. Teaching: She instructs undergraduate and graduate courses in structural geology, geologic field methods, and tectonic systems. Her research spans global mountain ranges and basins, including studies in Alaska and North Carolina. Labs & Resources: Active in developing combined flexural and thermal subsidence models for tectonic basins, leveraging HPC infrastructure at NC State.
Jesper Ellerbæk Nielsen is an Associate Professor in the Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University, Faculty of Engineering and Science. He is affiliated with the Division of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Urban Hydrology Research Group, focusing on urban stormwater systems, weather radar applications, and sustainable urban drainage. His research interests include urban hydrology, stormwater management, weather radar rainfall estimation, remote sensing, flood prediction, and real-time hydrological modeling. His work integrates engineering, environmental science, and data-driven approaches to improve urban resilience to extreme weather events. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in utilizing weather radar data, remote sensing, and opportunistic sensor networks to enhance rainfall estimation, stormwater modeling, and flood forecasting in urban environments. His interdisciplinary research spans civil engineering, atmospheric science, and urban planning, with a focus on practical applications for sustainable infrastructure. Prize (2 mentioned, specific names not provided) Nielsen collaborates widely with researchers in hydrology and environmental engineering, particularly with S. Thorndahl and M. R. Rasmussen. His work has been applied in projects involving real-time monitoring, software sensors, and validation of remote sensing technologies. While no specific grants are listed, his involvement in multiple research outputs suggests active project funding. He is involved in the Urban Hydrology Research Group, where his team works on advancing methods for urban stormwater monitoring, modeling, and control, contributing to smarter and more resilient urban water systems.
Michael Shelley is the Lilian and George Lyttle Professor of Applied Mathematics at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. He holds additional roles as Professor of Mathematics, Neural Science, and Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, active matter, and biophysical systems, with notable contributions to microswimmer dynamics, cytoplasmic flows, and fluid-structure interactions. Shelley leads the Applied Mathematics Laboratory at Courant and directs the Center for Computational Biology at the Flatiron Institute. His work bridges theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to understand complex biological and physical phenomena. Research interests include nonlinear dynamics of fluids, collective behavior in active matter systems, and biomechanical processes such as mitosis and cellular transport. Recent studies involve modeling microtubule networks, cytoplasmic stirring, and spindle positioning in cells. His publications span topics like fluid-structure interactions, viscoelastic flows, and the mechanics of swimming organisms. Key projects include the dynamics of erodible bodies in fluid flows, optimization of microswimmer designs, and the rheology of active suspensions. Shelley collaborates across disciplines, integrating applied mathematics with biology, physics, and engineering. His work has advanced understanding of self-organization in living systems and fluid-driven morphological changes.
Thomas J Benson serves as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, with a concurrent appointment as Principal Research Scientist at the Illinois Natural History Survey. His academic career focuses on wildlife ecology, particularly avian population dynamics, habitat requirements, and conservation biology across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Dr. Benson's research interests center on ornithology with emphasis on nesting ecology, predation risk, and responses to environmental change. His work examines how landscape composition, habitat fragmentation, and climate variables influence bird distribution, abundance, and reproductive success. He specializes in studying nightjars (including Eastern Whip-poor-wills and Chuck-will's-widows), cuckoos, and other species of conservation concern, employing both field studies and sophisticated modeling approaches to understand ecological patterns. Analysis of Dr. Benson's recent publications reveals consistent research themes examining predator-prey interactions, particularly how predation risk affects nesting behavior and fledgling survival. His work spans multiple ecosystems from coastal areas to agricultural landscapes, with significant contributions to understanding climate change impacts on bird populations. He frequently collaborates with researchers across institutions to address complex ecological questions using integrated methodological approaches. Dr. Benson has established long-term monitoring programs for several bird species and has been instrumental in developing conservation strategies for species facing population declines. His research bridges fundamental ecological understanding with practical conservation applications, providing valuable insights for natural resource management and policy development.
Prof. Thomas Weiland is a Full Professor of Computational Electromagnetics at the Technische Universität Darmstadt since 1989. His research focuses on numerical methods, computational engineering, and multiphysics simulation techniques, particularly in accelerator physics and beam dynamics. He holds a Dr.-Ing. from TU Darmstadt and has held postdoctoral and research positions at CERN and TU Darmstadt. His work includes pioneering contributions to electromagnetic field simulations, including advanced finite element methods, discontinuous Galerkin techniques, and boundary element approaches. Education highlights include his Diplom in Electrical Engineering from TU Darmstadt (1975) and a Habilitation in Experimental Physics from the University of Hamburg (1984). His research spans computational electromagnetics, accelerator physics, and numerical methods for electromagnetic field problems. Notable areas of innovation include transparent boundary conditions, eigenmode calculations, and high-performance simulation frameworks for rotating systems and particle accelerators. His publications emphasize advancements in electromagnetic simulation tools, such as the MagPEEC method and Trefftz-discontinuous Galerkin approaches. Collaborative projects include modeling RF photoinjectors for light sources and electrohydrodynamic droplet dynamics. Technical contributions also extend to wake field analysis in particle accelerators and SAR distribution studies in bioelectromagnetics. Research interests further include multiphysics coupling (thermal-electromagnetic effects in surge arresters), stochastic modeling of electromagnetic systems, and field-circuit co-simulation techniques. His work addresses challenges in large-scale eigenvalue problems, adaptive mesh optimization, and high-precision numerical methods for complex geometries.
H.S. Udaykumar is the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty and Roy J. Carver Professor of Engineering in the University of Iowa's College of Engineering, with a primary appointment in Mechanical Engineering. He also serves as a Faculty Research Engineer at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering. He joined the university in 1999 and holds leadership roles in research administration and academic governance. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, 1994 MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, 1990 Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 1988 Research Focus: Dr. Udaykumar specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), biofluid mechanics, and multi-scale modeling of energetic materials. His work emphasizes developing numerical methods for simulating shock-induced phenomena in complex materials, including pore collapse dynamics, shear band formation, and hotspot ignition. He integrates machine learning and AI to bridge atomistic, meso-scale, and continuum models for predictive material behavior analysis. Key Contributions: His recent work explores AI-driven frameworks for synthetic microstructure design, physics-aware neural networks for multiphase flows, and high-fidelity simulations of shock initiation in materials like HMX and RDX. He also investigates the application of heat pumps in decarbonization strategies for building thermal control. Awards & Memberships: Active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and Biomedical Engineering Society. His research has been published in over 200 peer-reviewed articles, with an h-index of 42 and 10,000+ citations (Google Scholar). Grants & Labs: Leads multi-million-dollar research projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and Office of Naval Research. His lab focuses on computational methods, experimental validation, and AI integration in materials science and engineering.
Anders Henry Nielsen is a Senior Scientist in the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy. He is based at DTU’s Fysikvej campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark, and maintains an active research profile with over 350 publications. His work is central to advancing understanding in magnetic confinement fusion, particularly through computational modeling and experimental collaboration with major tokamak facilities worldwide. His research interests lie at the intersection of plasma turbulence, edge physics, and fusion energy. He investigates phenomena such as zonal flows, coherent structures, and transport scaling in tokamak plasmas. His work often involves developing and applying advanced numerical models, including coupling Monte Carlo methods with 2D fluid models like HESEL, to simulate neutral particle behavior and turbulence in the plasma edge. He has contributed to major experimental campaigns on devices such as TCV, ASDEX Upgrade, and EAST, focusing on heating, fueling, and stability. His recent publications highlight trends in computational plasma physics, parametric instabilities, and cross-field transport. These works span disciplines including plasma turbulence, magnetic confinement, and fusion reactor engineering, with subfields like Monte Carlo simulations, electron cyclotron resonance heating, and synthetic diagnostics. His research consistently addresses key challenges for ITER and DEMO, such as power threshold scaling and heat flux management. Anders Henry Nielsen has supervised multiple PhD students, including R. Gerru Miguelañez, G. Avdeeva, J. M. B. Olsen, and J. Madsen, on projects related to zonal flow dynamics, neutral injection, and turbulence modeling. He has received research funding from various sources, including national and international fusion programs, and has been involved in projects funded by research councils and institutional grants. He is affiliated with the Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy section at DTU, where he collaborates closely with leading researchers such as V. Naulin, J. J. Rasmussen, and S. Kragh Nielsen. His team contributes to both theoretical and experimental aspects of fusion science, participating in international collaborations and presenting findings at major conferences. He has organized academic events, such as the Ninth Sino-Danish Autumn School on Fusion Plasma Physics and Technology.
Giuseppe Giorgi is a fixed-term researcher at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino. He serves as Scientific Coordinator for multiple EU-funded projects including MERMAIDS, BLUE-X, and AIMS, and leads commercial research contracts for offshore wind microclimate studies. Research focuses on hybrid offshore platforms integrating Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) with Wave Energy Converters (WECs) Expertise in nonlinear hydrodynamics , fluid-structure interaction , and experimental validation through lab tests and sea trials Research Interests : Marine Renewable Energy Systems Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling Mechanical and Techno-Economic Optimization Hybrid Wind-Wave Energy Platforms Parametric Resonance Energy Harvesters Scientific Achievements : 2022: IFAC CAMS Best Paper Award 2022: Institution of Civil Engineers - Baker Medal 2022: AIMETA Junior Mechanics of Machines Award 2023: IFToMM Bronze Best Student Paper Award Academic Leadership includes supervising 6 PhD students and teaching Numerical Modeling of Marine Energy Converters (PhD level). His 15 most recent publications focus on wave energy converter optimization, floating wind turbine dynamics, and hybrid offshore energy systems with applications in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea.
Yoram Alhassid is the Frederick Phineas Rose Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics at Yale University, where he leads a research group focused on theoretical nuclear and many-body physics. His work bridges nuclear physics, mesoscopic systems, and ultracold atomic gases, using advanced computational methods such as quantum Monte Carlo and the configuration-interaction shell model. His research interests include the nuclear many-body problem, femtoscience and nanoscience (nuclei, quantum dots, nanoparticles), and cold atomic Fermi gases. He has developed and applied the shell model Monte Carlo (SMMC) method to study statistical and collective properties of nuclei, such as level densities, deformation, and pairing correlations. He has extended these methods to study cold Fermi gases, particularly in the unitary regime, where he has investigated pseudogap phenomena, heat capacity, and pairing gaps. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on nuclear level densities, γ-ray strength functions, deformation effects, and quantum Monte Carlo methodologies. There is a clear trend toward microscopic, ab initio calculations of nuclear and many-body properties, with increasing attention to odd-mass and deformed nuclei, as well as the interplay between pairing and collective phenomena. Scientific Awards: Frederick Phineas Rose Professor of Physics Alhassid advises students and postdoctoral researchers, as evidenced by numerous co-authored publications. His group has developed advanced computational tools and codes (e.g., HF-SHELL) for finite-temperature mean-field and shell model calculations. The research is supported by high-performance computing and has implications for nuclear astrophysics, radioactive beam facilities, and quantum simulation with cold atoms. His lab focuses on theoretical and computational modeling of finite-size quantum many-body systems, with close collaborations across nuclear theory, condensed matter, and atomic physics. The group emphasizes method development, benchmarking against mean-field theories, and extracting model-independent signatures of physical phenomena such as deformation and pairing.
Dr. Tim Lau is a Program Director and Research Degree Supervisor at the University of South Australia's STEM College (UniSA STEM). He is available for media commentary and specializes in fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, and renewable energy systems. Research Interests : Dr. Lau's work focuses on particle-laden flows, turbulence modeling, vortex dynamics, and solar thermal technologies. His studies explore particle behavior under radiation, flow dispersion in confined environments, and energy efficiency in residential and industrial systems. Publication Trends : His recent articles emphasize experimental and computational analyses of fluid-particle interactions, with applications in hydrogen combustion, solar receivers, and heat exchangers. Key methodologies include laser diagnostics and numerical simulations.
Associate Professor Matthew Bourne is a leading researcher in sports medicine and exercise science at Griffith University's School of Health Sciences and Social Work. He leads the Precision Athlete research program at the Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology (PRECISE) and serves as a Visiting Fellow at the University of South Wales (2024-2027). His research is internationally recognized across health, sport, and biotechnology domains, with 75% of his publications appearing in the top 10% most-cited journals. He ranks among the top 0.3% of global experts in "Leg Injuries" and was named the world's leading expert in "Hamstring Muscles" by Expertscape in 2023. His research interests focus on precision training strategies for optimizing athlete health, enhancing performance, and preventing injury. He specializes in biomechanics, injury prevention (particularly ACL and hamstring injuries), muscle physiology, and the application of sports technology in athletic performance. His work bridges the gap between laboratory research and field applications, developing practical solutions for athletes and clinicians. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on lower limb biomechanics, injury risk factors, rehabilitation protocols, and the application of technology in sports performance assessment. His research spans systematic reviews, biomechanical modeling, clinical studies on injury prevention, and validation of assessment technologies, with a particular emphasis on female athletes and precision approaches to training. Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship (2023-2025) MTPConnect REDI Fellowship (2022-2023) Queensland Flying Scientist (2025) Professor Bourne actively supervises numerous doctoral and master's students, with current projects focusing on concussion prevention, ACL injury risk factors, and lower limb biomechanics. His research is supported by significant grants from the Queensland Academy of Sport, Department of Tourism and Sport, Australian Institute of Sport, and industry partners like VALD Performance. He leads the Precision Athlete research program at PRECISE, which develops cutting-edge precision training strategies through a multidisciplinary team of research fellows and higher degree students.
Janna Levin is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she has been a faculty member since January 2004. Her office is located in Pupin Hall, and she is deeply involved in both theoretical research and science communication. She holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.A. from Barnard College. B.A., Barnard College Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Her research lies at the intersection of cosmology, theoretical physics, and gravitation. Key interests include the early universe, black hole dynamics, chaos in gravitational systems, the topology of space, string cosmology, and extra dimensions. She has conducted research at the Center for Particle Astrophysics at UC Berkeley and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University. She also served as the first scientist-in-residence at the Ruskin School of Fine Art and Drawing at Oxford, supported by a NESTA award. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on black hole orbital dynamics, gravitational waves, cosmic topology, and chaos. Her work combines deep theoretical insight with computational and mathematical rigor, often exploring how fundamental physics manifests in observable phenomena. Trends include the classification of black hole orbits, the role of chaos in binary systems, and the observational implications of a finite or multiply connected universe. PEN/Bingham Fellowship for Writers Mary Shelley Award for Outstanding Fictional Work Runner-up for the PEN/Hemingway Award Levin is a dedicated mentor and science communicator. While specific advisees are not listed, her leadership at Pioneer Works as Director of Science indicates active engagement in guiding young scientists and interdisciplinary thinkers. She has not publicly listed grants, but her research has clearly been supported through institutional affiliations and fellowships. Her work bridges science and the humanities, emphasizing the human dimension of scientific discovery. She is the founder and director of the 'Scientific Controversies' series at Pioneer Works, a cultural center in Brooklyn where she serves as Director of Sciences. This initiative fosters public dialogue on open scientific questions, promoting a culture of curiosity, vulnerability, and collaborative inquiry. Her programming emphasizes the process of science over definitive answers, reflecting her belief in the value of uncertainty and intellectual struggle.
Mauro Bonfanti is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS) at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. His academic work focuses on wave energy conversion systems, mechatronics, and applied mechanics within the field of industrial and information engineering. Dr. Bonfanti's primary research interests include wave energy conversion systems, system identification, optimal control, mechatronics, and renewable energy systems. His work centers on developing advanced control strategies for wave energy converters, with particular emphasis on improving energy extraction efficiency through innovative mechanical designs and control algorithms. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of wave-structure interactions, hydrodynamic modeling of floating bodies, and optimization of wave energy converter systems under various sea conditions. His research bridges theoretical modeling with practical implementation, often involving high-fidelity numerical simulations validated through experimental testing. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on advancing wave energy conversion technology, with particular emphasis on control systems, hydrodynamic modeling, and optimization techniques. The research shows progression from fundamental modeling approaches to increasingly sophisticated control strategies and system integration. Recent work has expanded to include hybrid renewable energy systems that combine wave and wind energy technologies. Dr. Bonfanti serves as a Scientific Responsible for several research projects including OCEANGLIDE, AQUALEV, and WISE, which focus on innovative wave energy conversion technologies. He holds multiple patents related to wave energy conversion systems, including the WISE (Water-air Injectable Swath Elevator) and AQUALEV magnetic support systems. He actively supervises PhD students including Alessandro Brusasco, Matteo Mastorakis, Francesco Balestrieri, and Domenico Edoardo Sfasciamuro, guiding research in sustainable materials, mechanical engineering, and wave energy conversion systems. His teaching responsibilities include courses on System Identification and Optimal Control of Wave Energy Conversion Systems, as well as Mechatronics across multiple academic years. Dr. Bonfanti is a member of the Mechatronics and Servosystems research group at DIMEAS, where he collaborates on projects related to marine renewable energy systems and advanced control technologies.
Andreas Max Kääb is a Professor in the Section of Physical Geography and Hydrology at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo. He has been a professor at the university since 2005 and served as Head of Section for Physical Geography, Hydrology, and Geomatics from 2022 to 2024. Prior to his position at the University of Oslo, he was a Senior Researcher at the University of Zurich (1997-2005) and completed his PhD at ETH Zurich (1993-1996). Dr. Kääb's main research interests focus on monitoring and understanding cold region processes, including glaciers, permafrost, and river flow, and their relationship to climate change impacts and natural hazards. He applies Earth observation methods across scales, ranging from mm-detail close-range measurements to global satellite coverage. His scientific career highlights include receiving an ERC Advanced Grant, serving as Lead Author for the IPCC Special Report on Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC), and being awarded the 2019 European Geosciences Union Medal. He teaches several courses related to remote sensing, including GEO3515 (Remote sensing of the Earth surface), GEO3512 (Remote sensing of the Atmosphere), GEO4520 (Advanced remote sensing and topographic analysis), GEO5540 (Special topics in remote sensing and terrain analysis), and GEO5550 (Seminar on remote sensing and numerical terrain analysis). Dr. Kääb's research spans multiple disciplines within cryospheric science, with a strong emphasis on remote sensing applications. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on innovative remote sensing techniques for monitoring cryospheric changes and associated geohazards, with particular attention to glacier surges, rock glacier dynamics, and the impacts of climate change on high mountain environments. His work often involves international collaborations and contributes significantly to climate science assessments. ERC Advanced Grant 2019 European Geosciences Union Medal Dr. Kääb has made significant contributions to climate science through his work on the IPCC Special Report on Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. His research has been supported by various grants, including the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant. He collaborates extensively with researchers worldwide and has contributed to numerous scientific publications in top journals across glaciology, remote sensing, and climate science fields. His research team focuses on advancing remote sensing techniques for cryospheric monitoring, with particular expertise in satellite imagery analysis, glacier velocity measurements, and permafrost change detection. Current research directions include improving methods for monitoring glacier surges, rock glacier dynamics, and the impacts of climate change on high mountain environments across the globe.
