Pedro Valero Mora is a Professor at the University of Valencia , affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy and the Department of Behavioural Science Methodology . He leads research at the Universitat de València Research Institute of Transit and Road Safety (INTRAS) and contributes to the GIDOP Optimal Development Research Group . PhD in Psychology (Universitat de València, 1996) Specializes in Human-Computer Interaction , Driving Simulation , and Data Visualization Develops tools for Statistical Analysis and Educational Technology Focuses on Transportation Safety , Behavioral Science , and GIS Applications His recent work analyzes driving performance through GIS mapping , fatigue studies , and mindfulness impacts . Publications emphasize automated data visualization and road safety in university campuses. Research spans 26 years, including collaborations on EU COST Action TU1101 and ViSta software development.
Sarah Schlosser serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Colorado Boulder, teaching core GIS courses including GEOG 3053 (GIS: Mapping), GEOG 4503/5503 (GIS: Project Management), and GEOG 2053 (Mapping a Changing World) across multiple semesters through Summer 2025. Educational Background M.A. in Geography, University of South Florida, 2008 Research Focus Her work centers on GIScience, spatial statistics, and cartographic visualization with applied interests in wetland science and ecological restoration. Schlosser emphasizes practical methodologies for effective map creation and spatial analysis in environmental contexts, advancing both academic scholarship and professional GIS practice. Scholarly Contributions Her publication record, led by the 2024 open-access textbook Making Effective Maps: Cartographic Visualization for GIS , demonstrates sustained commitment to GIS education. Collectively addressing cartographic theory, pedagogy, and critical literature reviews, her work positions her as a key contributor to geospatial knowledge dissemination and teaching innovation. Professional Role Schlosser focuses exclusively on undergraduate instruction and curriculum development, explicitly noting she does not advise graduate students. Her teaching portfolio shows consistent dedication to enhancing GIS education through structured course design and practical resource creation.
Jan Huisken is a Humboldt Professor for Multiscale Biology at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, affiliated with the Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology. His research focuses on advanced light sheet microscopy techniques for biomedical and developmental biology applications. Role: Humboldt Professor University: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Department: Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology Research interests include light sheet microscopy , biomedical imaging , and developmental biology with a strong emphasis on zebrafish models. He develops tools for tissue clearing , image processing , and 3D microscopy . The 15 most recent publications analyze innovations in light sheet microscopy, tissue clearing protocols, and computational methods for image restoration. These works span fields such as optical imaging , developmental cardiology , computational biology , and biomedical instrumentation . Huisken contributes to open-source microscopy systems like 'Flamingo' and 'BigFUSE,' aiming to democratize access to advanced imaging technologies. His work integrates engineering, computer science, and biology to solve complex imaging challenges.
Naomi Zimmerman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and holds the Canada Research Chair in Real-World Air Quality Sensing. She leads the iREACH (Integrated Research in Energy, Air, Climate & Health) laboratory, focusing on technology and policy interventions for air quality and climate outcomes. Her work bridges atmospheric science, environmental engineering, and public health. B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from University of Waterloo Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry from University of Toronto Postdoctoral Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies Her research addresses real-world air pollutant behavior through low-cost sensor networks, machine learning models, and interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions like UBC’s Liu Institute and IRES. Key areas include transportation emissions (e.g., LNG vehicles, autonomous vehicles), wildfire smoke impacts, and environmental justice. The 15 most recent publications highlight her expertise in PM2.5 calibration, spatial modeling, and emissions from gasoline direct injection engines. Keywords span environmental science, atmospheric chemistry, and machine learning, with sub-fields covering wildfire smoke, urban monitoring, and climate policy. Canada Research Chair (2024–present) Zimmerman collaborates with regulatory agencies and non-profits, emphasizing stakeholder engagement. Her lab develops tools for rapid environmental policy evaluation. No active student recruitment is currently ongoing, though she welcomes exceptional fellowship applicants.
Anna-Greta Nyström is a Professor at the Åbo Akademi University , affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Law and the School of Business (Sea and shipping unit) . Her work focuses on social entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and sustainable development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Climate Action and Responsible Consumption. Research Interests: Social Entrepreneurship Cooperatives in Nordic Agriculture Machine Learning applications in sustainability Open Innovation and Living Labs Stakeholder contributions to circular economy Scientific Awards: Emerald Literati Award 2020 for Highly Commended Paper Teacher of the Year 2017 Finnish Business School Graduates Teaching Prize, honorary mention 2016 Årets pedagogiska visionär 2023 Email: anna-greta.nystrom@abo.fi
Joshua Speagle is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Department of Statistical Sciences and the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. He is also an Associate Member of the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics and a Member of the Data Sciences Institute. His research lies at the intersection of statistics, astronomy, and computer science, focusing on astrostatistics and data-intensive astrophysics. His research interests include astrostatistics, data science, machine learning, statistical inference, and Bayesian methods. He develops novel statistical learning techniques to extract insights from large, complex datasets, particularly from astronomical surveys. His work emphasizes interpretability, robust inference, and computational efficiency, with applications to galaxy formation, stellar photometry, and 3D dust mapping. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong focus on interdisciplinary methodologies, particularly in Bayesian inference, nested sampling, and machine learning applied to astrophysical problems. His work consistently bridges theoretical statistics with practical applications in astronomy, emphasizing open-source software and reproducible research. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Dunlap Fellowship Joshua Speagle is deeply committed to mentorship and collaboration. He co-leads the Astrostatistics Research Team (ART) with Gwen Eadie, mentoring students and postdocs across disciplines. He is involved in graduate and undergraduate research programs, including the Astronomy & Astrophysics Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). He teaches courses in statistics and astronomy and serves on committees within the University of Toronto and professional societies such as the AAS, ASA-AIG, and SSC-DSA. He co-leads the interdisciplinary Astrostatistics Research Team (ART), which fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment focused on cutting-edge research at the intersection of statistics and AI. The team emphasizes open and accessible science, releasing open-source tools like dynesty and brutus , and mentoring the next generation of data scientists.
Dieter A. Fensel is a Full Professor at the Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Innsbruck, Austria . He has held academic positions at the University of Karlsruhe, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the University of Amsterdam. He founded the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) in Galway and Innsbruck and co-founded the Semantic Technology Institute International (STI2). His work spans semantic technologies, knowledge engineering, and intelligent systems. PhD in Political Science, University of Karlsruhe (1993) Habilitation in Applied Computer Science, University of Karlsruhe (1998) Masters in Computer Science (TU Berlin) and Social Science (FU Berlin) His research interests focus on the Semantic Web, ontologies, knowledge representation, web services, and intelligent systems. He investigates how semantics can enhance data interoperability, service composition, and knowledge sharing in distributed environments. His work bridges formal methods with practical applications in e-commerce, tourism, and digital enterprises. He emphasizes the role of semantics in enabling machine-understandable content and automated reasoning across domains. The research trends in his publications and projects reveal a consistent focus on semantic technologies, from foundational work on knowledge representation (e.g., KARL language) to large-scale EU projects on data ecosystems (PlanetData, BYTE), travel (EuTravel), and energy (ENTROPY). His work evolved from theoretical AI and knowledge engineering to applied semantic web services, linked data, and digital innovation in societal domains. His scientific awards include: Carl-Adam-Petri-Award of the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Karlsruhe (2000) As an academic advisor, Dieter Fensel has supervised over 25 PhD students and served on numerous Master’s and PhD committees. He has led more than 100 national and international research projects with total funding in the hundreds of millions of euros, including major grants from the EU’s 7th Framework Program, Horizon 2020, and Science Foundation Ireland. These projects span domains such as big data, ambient assisted living, transportation, and digital services. He co-founded and led several research labs and teams , including: Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), Galway and Innsbruck Semantic Technology Institute (STI) Innsbruck Semantic Technology Institute International (STI2) Co-founder of the European Semantic Web Conference (ESWC) and International Semantic Web Conference (ISWC) These organizations foster global collaboration in semantic technologies and have become central hubs for research, innovation, and community building in the field.
Nanette S. Levinson is a Professor at American University's School of International Service (SIS), serving as Academic Director of the SIS/Sciences-Po Exchange and co-Director of the Internet Governance Lab since 2016. She previously held leadership roles including President of the Information Technology and Politics Section (American Political Science Association, 2010-2011) and Chair of the International Communication Section (International Studies Association, 2007-2008). Her educational credentials include: EdD in Social Policy Analysis from Harvard University EdM in Sociology of Education from Harvard University BA in Social Relations from Harvard University Levinson's research examines knowledge transfer in development contexts, internet governance institutionalization, and social entrepreneurship as tools for positive change. She investigates how new media shapes cultural dynamics and policy in the developing world, with work spanning communication studies, international relations, and technology policy. Her approach integrates practical training program design for public and private sectors with scholarly analysis of global governance ecosystems. Recent publications reveal a pivot toward infrastructure-focused internet governance , analyzing geopolitical tensions in technical protocols (2025), multistakeholder representation (2023), and UN cybersecurity diplomacy through the lens of 'idea entrepreneurs' (2021). She consistently bridges cultural theory with practical governance challenges, emphasizing inclusion and anticipatory policy design. Award highlights: Distinguished Scholar Award (International Studies Association, 2021) Ashoka Foundation Award for Social Entrepreneurship Education (2011) F. Gunther Eyck Teaching Award (SIS, 2015) Darrell Randall University Service Award (SIS, 2013) As Faculty Director of the Internet Governance Lab, she oversees research on digital policy architectures and co-processes. Her program development expertise includes designing AU's co-curricular initiatives and cross-national training programs, though specific grant details or advisees aren't documented in the provided texts. Current teaching includes the SISU-419 Senior Capstone on Social Innovation (Spring 2025).
Edward Nieh, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia, leading the Nieh Lab. His research focuses on systems neuroscience, particularly motivated behaviors such as feeding, social interaction, and novelty-seeking, and their disruption in disorders like drug addiction and eating disorders. The lab employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, virtual reality for rodents, and cellular-resolution imaging, emphasizing cutting-edge neuroscience methodologies. Research interests span biotechnology, computational biology, molecular pharmacology, and neuroscience. The lab investigates how behaviors are encoded by large neuronal populations and studies sex differences in these contexts. Recent work explores neural circuits underlying reward-seeking behaviors, dopamine signaling pathways, and the interplay between homeostasis and motivation. Key technical innovations include the development of open-source microscopy tools like TWINKLE and methodologies to correct calcium imaging artifacts. Collaborations span computational modeling and experimental neurophysiology. Scientific contributions include studies on thalamo-amygdala circuits, dopamine’s role in aversive signaling, and the neural basis of observational learning. The lab’s findings bridge basic neuroscience with translational applications in neuropsychiatric disorders. Edward Nieh’s work is supported by grants focusing on neuroimaging, drug addiction mechanisms, and novel behavioral paradigms. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular, circuit, and behavioral levels of analysis to understand complex brain functions.
Francesco Laio is a Full Professor at the Department of Environmental, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI), Politecnico di Torino, where he also serves as Department Director and holds key roles in university governance, including membership in the Academic Senate and the University Committee for Research, Technology Transfer and Services to the Territory. Full Professor (since 2011) Director, Department of Environmental, Land and Infrastructure Engineering Member, Academic Senate, Politecnico di Torino Member, Employers' Delegation Member, Commission for Interdepartmental Centers and Platforms His research focuses on hydrology, climate change, extreme events, and the water-food-energy nexus. He has led major research projects funded by the European Research Council (ERC), FIRB, PRIN, and Interreg, with a total funding of over €1.1 million. His work bridges engineering, climatology, and environmental sustainability, with applications in flood risk, water resource management, and socio-hydrological systems. His recent publications highlight a strong trend in hydrological modeling, climate change impacts on flood frequency, atmospheric moisture tracking, and innovative citizen science initiatives such as the SIREN project for recovering historical hydrological data. These works are published in top journals like Water Resources Research , Scientific Data , and Communications Earth & Environment , reflecting interdisciplinary collaboration and methodological innovation. Torricelli Prize (2006) – Best Young Researcher in Hydraulic Disciplines (2004–2006) He has supervised 11 PhD students and currently mentors several doctoral candidates in areas such as water footprint analysis, climate resilience, and hydrological modeling. He has also secured multiple national and international research grants, demonstrating sustained leadership in research funding acquisition and project management. He is actively involved in editorial roles for leading journals including Water Resources Research , Hydrology and Earth System Sciences , and Advances in Water Resources . Francesco Laio leads the WATERVIEW laboratory at DIATI, which focuses on hydrological and environmental systems. He is also the principal investigator of several ongoing projects, including NODES (Digital Innovation Toward Sustainable Mountain) under the PNRR Mission 4, and previously led the ERC-funded CWASI project. His team integrates field data, modeling, and citizen science to advance understanding of water systems under global change.
Maria Dolors Costal Costa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Service and Information Systems Engineering at the Facultat d'Informàtica de Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). She is a key member of the GESSI and inSSIDE research groups, focusing on software and service engineering. Her research interests include: Requirements Engineering Conceptual Modeling Model-Driven Development Non-Functional Requirements Open Source Software Ecosystems Goal-Oriented Requirements Engineering Her recent publications (2019–2024) reflect a strong focus on conceptual modeling, requirements engineering, and software quality, particularly in agile and ML-based systems. She frequently contributes to top-tier conferences like ER and CAiSE, and her work integrates empirical methods with modeling frameworks. She has received recognition for her research, including the Best Paper Award at CIbSE 2021. Her involvement in numerous competitive R&D+i projects demonstrates sustained research funding and leadership. She actively mentors and collaborates with researchers such as Javier Franch and Cristina Gómez. Her work is supported by participation in EU and national research initiatives like HORIZON 2020 and Plan Estatal de Investigación. She is involved in several research labs and teams, including: GESSI - Group of Software and Service Engineering inSSIDE - integrated Software, Services, Information and Data Engineering inLab FIB
Emily Talen is a Professor in the Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago, with affiliations to the Committee on Environment, Geography, and Urbanization. Her research focuses on urban design, urbanism, and the intersection of built environments with social equity. She critiques and proposes solutions for zoning policies, density distribution, and public space accessibility to foster inclusive urban development. Her work emphasizes form-based codes , walkability metrics , and the socio-economic impacts of urban design. Notable themes include zoning reform analysis, density optimization strategies, and the evaluation of urban policies through AI-driven methodologies. She has also explored informal settlements, neighborhood identity, and the ethical dimensions of urban planning. Recent studies include Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World (2025) and analyses of density, open space utilization, and AI applications in zoning reforms. Her research consistently bridges academic rigor with practical urban policy, advocating for equitable and sustainable urban futures. She leads initiatives at the Center for Spatial Data Science , leveraging spatial analytics to address urban challenges. Though no academic awards are explicitly listed, her prolific publications and policy engagement underscore her scholarly impact.
Philipp Mayr-Schlegel is a Professor at the University of Göttingen’s Institute of Computer Science, leading the team 'Information & Data Retrieval' at GESIS - Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences. His research focuses on interactive information retrieval systems, scholarly recommendation mechanisms, and the integration of bibliometric methods with digital library technologies. University of Göttingen - Institute of Computer Science GESIS - Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences His work spans information retrieval , digital libraries , and applied informetrics , with particular emphasis on: Interactive search systems Non-textual ranking algorithms Scholarly document processing Knowledge representation Semantic search technologies User behavior analysis Recent research outputs (2025) include studies on LLMs for scholarly search, bibliometric reproducibility tools, scientific uncertainty annotation, and preprint adoption disparities. He has published extensively in Scientometrics , International Journal on Digital Libraries , and top conference proceedings like ACL and ECIR . As organizer of the International Workshop on Bibliometric-enhanced Information Retrieval (BIR) and Scholarly Document Processing (SDP) series, he has shaped academic discourse through editorial roles at ISSI , JCDL , and SocInfo conferences. His projects have attracted significant national and European funding.
Dr Virginia Gori is a Lecturer in Buildings and Energy at the Bartlett School Env, Energy & Resources, University College London. She leads Subtask D of the IEA Annex 81 'Data-Driven Smart Buildings' programme, focusing on mapping technology landscapes and evaluating data-driven smart building policies. PhD in Energy and the Built Environment (UCL, 2017) MRes in Built Environment Energy Demand Studies (UCL, 2014) BSc in Architectural Engineering (Universita degli Studi di Firenze, 2010) Her research combines building physics , in-situ monitoring , and Bayesian statistics to advance energy demand reduction in the built environment, particularly for historic buildings . She has developed novel Bayesian frameworks for thermophysical property estimation and whole-building performance analysis. Data-driven smart buildings Thermophysical property modeling Risk management for energy-moisture balance Conservation-compatible retrofit Scientific recognition includes: EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (2018-2020) UCL BEAMS Overseas Doctoral Award (2013) DAAD/DLR Research Fellowship (2021) Teaching contributions: Module lead: Introduction to Smart Energy Data and Statistics (2023-) Module lead: Smart Energy Solutions in the Built Environment (2023-) Former module lead: Building Physics & Energy (2019-2023) Co-designed Fundamentals of Building Physics course (6 years) Professional roles: Associate Editor, Buildings & Cities journal Technical committee member, CEN TC89WG13 Visiting Scholar, UC Berkeley (2019) Active in IEA Annex 71, Task 59, and Annex 81
Max Dovey is a Lecturer in Brand Experience Design & Emerging Technology at the University of the Arts London, and a Visiting Lecturer at institutions such as Royal College of Art and Anglia Ruskin University. His practice explores computation through live, performative, and embodied art, informed by feminist techno-science and posthuman discourses. Lecturer in Brand Experience Design & Emerging Technology (UAL, 2019–2022) Pathway Leader - MAFA Computational Arts (UAL, 2021–present) Visiting Lecturer (Royal College of Art, 2019–2021) Visiting Lecturer (Anglia Ruskin University, 2018–2019) Researcher (Institute of Network Cultures, 2015–2016) His research investigates 'liveness' in human-computer interaction and the geological materiality of technology. Notable projects include The Treaty of Finsbury Park 2025 (2022) and Cologne, What is Your Mother's Maiden Name? (2019), which employ psychogeography, blockchain, and interspecies politics. Recent publications include State Machines (2019) and Flying Money (2018). He has co-edited symposiums on technology and finance, including MoneyLab, and presented at festivals like Ars Electronica.
