Kirsty Kitto is an Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney in the Learning Design and Technology Unit. With a background in theoretical physics and computer science, her research focuses on developing quantum-inspired models of contextuality to understand complex human behavior in educational systems. She explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) , Learning Analytics , and Educational Theory , seeking to bridge the divide between big data and pedagogical frameworks. Current Appointments : Associate Professor (2020-present), Senior Lecturer (2017-2020) Past Academic Roles : Senior Research Fellow (QUT), Senior Lecturer (QUT), Associate Lecturer (Flinders University) Her funded research includes projects on: Quantum models in cognitive systems (ARC Fellowship DP1094974) AI literacy in digital workplaces (IEEE Transactions study) Contextual learning analytics (DVC Education and Students Division) Skills passports for lifelong learning (UMAP 2024 paper) Kitto's recent work examines human-AI interaction in writing assessment, data storytelling for teacher-centered analytics, and causal modeling to strengthen educational theory-data connections. She actively supervises Masters and PhD students and contributes to policy debates through government submissions on generative AI in education. Her methodology combines mathematical formalism with sociotechnical analysis to address educational complexity.
George M. Church is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and affiliated with MIT, where he directs PersonalGenomes.org, providing open-access genomic, environmental and trait data. His laboratory focuses on transformative technologies for reading and writing 3D/4D biological structures with attention to ethics, safety, and equitable access. Church has co-initiated major scientific initiatives including the BRAIN Initiative (2011) and multiple Genome Projects (GP-Read-1984, GP-Write-2016, PGP-2005). Church's research spans multiple cutting-edge domains including genome engineering, synthetic biology, aging reversal, and space genetics. His lab pioneered foundational methods for direct genome sequencing, molecular multiplexing and barcoding in 1984, leading to the first genome sequence in 1994. His innovations contributed to nearly all next-generation DNA sequencing methods and companies. Current research directions include machine learning for protein engineering, tissue reprogramming, organoids, gene therapy, and in situ 3D DNA/RNA/protein imaging. His work bridges fundamental biology with therapeutic applications across diverse fields from Alzheimer's disease to de-extinction biology. Church's recent publications reveal a remarkable breadth of scientific inquiry, spanning from fundamental genome editing techniques to applications in aging research, neuroscience, and space biology. His work increasingly integrates artificial intelligence with biological systems, as seen in papers on machine-guided cell-fate engineering and automation of systematic reviews with large language models. His research maintains a strong translational focus, with numerous papers addressing therapeutic applications in cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy, and diagnostics. The consistent theme across his diverse publications is the development and application of transformative technologies to address fundamental biological questions and medical challenges. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) membership National Academy of Engineering (NAE) membership Franklin Bower Laureate for Achievement in Science Co-initiator of the BRAIN Initiative (2011) Director of multiple NIH Centers for Excellence in Genomic Science (2004-2020) Church directs numerous research centers including the NIH-CEGS, Personal Genome Project (PGP), Lipper Center for Computational Genetics, and Wyss Institute Synthetic Biology center. His laboratory has trained PhD students across multiple Harvard and MIT programs including Biophysics, BBS, Biomedical Informatics, ChemBio, Chemistry, SSQB, MCO, Virology, HST, EE/CS, Physics and Applied Math. His commercial impact is extensive through companies spanning medical diagnostics (Knome/PierianDx, Alacris, Nebula, Veritas) and synthetic biology/therapeutics (AbVitro/Juno, Gen9/enEvolv/Zymergen/Warpdrive/Gingko, Editas, Egenesis). Church also pioneered new privacy, biosafety, ELSI, environmental and biosecurity policies. The Church Lab operates across multiple research domains including molecular multiplexing, next-generation sequencing, nanopore technology, and genome engineering. The lab maintains strong connections with the Personal Genome Project, Wyss Institute, and multiple commercial ventures. Current research directions include the Spatial Atlas of Human Anatomy (SAHA), human skin rejuvenation via mRNA, and space genetics research through the Consortium for Space Genetics and BioAstra. The lab's mission focuses on transformative technologies for reading and writing 3D/4D structures at any scale, inspired by but not limited by biology.
Andreas Weber is an Associate Professor at the University of Twente's Digital Society Institute , specializing in the Knowledge, Transformation & Society (KiTeS) research group . His work examines the long-term historical and global relationship between Science, Technology, and Society , with particular focus on colonial histories of natural history, chemistry, and sustainability , as well as computational technologies for contextualizing digitized archives . He leads the HAICu project (2023–2029) on digital cultural heritage and coordinates STS PhD training for the Netherlands Graduate Research School (2019–2024). MA & PhD in History (2005 & 2012), Leiden University Assistant Professor (2017–2023), University of Twente Andreas' research integrates digital humanities with colonial science history , emphasizing global histories of minerals , digital humanism , and AI's societal context . His 15 most recent publications (2016–2025) explore topics like colonial bias in natural history collections , FAIR data implementation , and semantic annotation of handwritten archives , spanning disciplines from history of science to computer science and museum studies . He has received 7 scientific awards , including multiple Best Teacher Awards (2020–2023) and the IEEE eScience Best Poster Award (2018). Andreas supervises PhD and postdoctoral projects while engaging in media commentary on colonial heritage issues and co-organizing international conferences like Hydrogen Pasts and Futures (2024).
Dr. Julia Carina Böttcher is a research associate in the field of scientific reflection at ZIWIS (Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Wissenschaftsforschung) at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. She holds a habilitation from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (2025) and is a member of the Leopoldina Center for Science Studies project group. Her work bridges the history of science, early modern history, and the interplay between natural science and politics. PhD in History of Science (University of Regensburg, 2017) Habilitation in History of Science (LMU Munich, 2025) Researcher at University of Regensburg and LMU Munich post-2017 Her research focuses on observation practices during 18th-century exploration trips, academic communities (e.g., Leopoldina Academy), and the political behavior of scholars . Key themes include elite identity formation, bodily practices, and the institutional dynamics of scientific networking. She is currently concluding her DFG-funded project on The Politics of Networking (2020–2023) and will serve as interim professor for History of Science at LMU Munich in 2025. Her 15 most recent publications (2024–2019) analyze collection practices, scientific communities, and the cultural history of expeditions. Articles span topics from 18th-century anatomical research to Enlightenment botanical enthusiasm, often emphasizing methodological innovation and institutional interplay. She is an alumna of the Young Research Fellows program at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities and maintains active collaborations in international research networks. Her work has contributed to re-evaluating the Leopoldina Academy's role as a strategic scholarly collective in early modern Europe.
Meike Levin-Keitel is a Professor of Spatial Research and Spatial Planning at the University of Vienna , leading the research group on Spatial Research and Spatial Planning within the Institute of Geography and Regional Research. Her work bridges planning theory and practical approaches to sustainability transformations in urban and regional contexts. She completed her studies in Landscape and Open Space Planning at Leibniz University Hannover (2000–2007) and earned her PhD in 2010–2019 at the same institution. From 2019 to 2023, she served as a Junior Professor and headed the research group on Spatial Transformation in the Digital Age at TU Dortmund. Her research focuses on spatial development linked to sustainability transformations, particularly at the intersection of theoretical planning approaches and action-oriented instruments. She emphasizes transdisciplinary research, co-creation, and socio-spatial dynamics to address urban and regional challenges. Her recent publications explore topics such as co-creation practices , multi-level governance , and integrating land-use and transport planning , reflecting her commitment to bridging theory and practice. She leads thematic groups in international networks like AESOP and ARL, contributing to global dialogues on planning theories and their substantial foundations. Her work also examines the impacts of digitalization on mobility, remote work, and urban resilience, positioning her at the forefront of contemporary spatial planning discourse.
Dr. Pasi Sihvonen serves as Docent in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Helsinki, where he also holds the position of Director of the Zoology Unit at the Finnish Museum of Natural History. He supervises doctoral students in the Wildlife Biology Doctoral Programme and has directed numerous international research projects focused on geometrid moth systematics. His work combines molecular and morphological approaches to study one of the most diverse insect groups globally. Dr. Sihvonen's research focuses on the systematics and biodiversity of geometrid moths (Geometridae), a megadiverse insect radiation comprising approximately 24,000 species worldwide. His work emphasizes large-scale international collaborations that integrate molecular data with morphological analysis to understand evolutionary patterns. He is particularly known for his contributions to the landmark monograph series "Geometrid Moths of Europe" and advocates for digitization of natural history collections to provide open access to biodiversity data. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on geometrid moth taxonomy, phylogenetics, and biogeography, with increasing incorporation of advanced technologies like micro-CT scanning for integrative taxonomy. His research spans diverse geographical regions including Europe, Africa, and South America, revealing patterns of diversification and adaptation across this globally distributed moth family. Dr. Sihvonen has received several prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to lepidopterology and taxonomy: Publication of the Year from the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa (2014) Lepidopterist of the Year in Finland from the Lepidopterological Society of Finland (2004, 2015) Risto Tuomikoski Prize for Taxonomist of the Year in Finland (2007) As a supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology, Dr. Sihvonen guides the next generation of taxonomists and evolutionary biologists. His grant portfolio includes significant international projects such as SYNTHESYS+ (2019-2023), BioMonitor4CAP (2022-2026), and BGE Europe (2024-2025), demonstrating his leadership in biodiversity research and monitoring initiatives across Europe. Dr. Sihvonen leads research teams at the Finnish Museum of Natural History's Zoology Unit, which maintains extensive insect collections that serve as critical resources for biodiversity research. His current projects focus on advanced biodiversity monitoring, pollinator conservation, and developing genomic resources for Finnish arthropods, positioning his work at the intersection of traditional taxonomy and modern conservation science.
Mihaela Girtan is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Angers, heading the Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications research group. Her work spans thin-film technologies, solar cells, and optoelectronic devices, with expertise in physical/chemical deposition methods and nanomaterials. Education: PhD in Physics, University of Stuttgart (1995) Her research investigates charge transport in oxides, organic/perovskite solar cells, transparent conducting films, plasmonics, and fluid dynamics in CVD reactors. She develops innovative materials for energy conversion, including oxide/metal/oxide electrodes and polymer-based photovoltaics. Recent publications focus on climate-agriculture interactions, including drought risk modeling, irrigation dynamics, and crop yield sustainability. Her work integrates remote sensing, machine learning, and climate modeling to address food security challenges. Scientific Awards: Consistently ranked in top 2% of researchers worldwide since 2020 She leads international collaborations and advises PhD students in materials science. Her group maintains advanced thin-film deposition and characterization facilities at Angers Photonics Laboratory.
Daniel Kerr is a Research Fellow at the School of Engineering and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University (DMU), affiliated with the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD). He leads the governance work package for the Leicestershire Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero (LCAN) project and brings over 10 years of sustainability academia experience from UCL-Energy Institute and the University of Surrey's Centre for Environment and Sustainability. His educational qualifications include: PhD in Agent-based Modelling of Electricity Access in Sub-Saharan African Informal Settlements from De Montfort University (2018-2023) MSc in Energy and Sustainable Development from De Montfort University (2017-2018) BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Warwick (2006-2009) Kerr's research centers on sustainable development with emphasis on local governance frameworks, sustainable energy business models, and Sub-Saharan African informal settlement electrification. His expertise spans South African electricity regulation, mini-grid deployment, clean cooking solutions, and agent-based modeling of complex adaptive systems, particularly examining municipal roles in sustainability transitions and equitable decarbonization pathways. His 2022-2023 publications demonstrate a cohesive research trajectory applying computational methods to Global South energy challenges, with strong thematic links between Indian transportation decarbonization, South African electricity access modeling, and cross-cutting governance analysis. These works bridge human geography, energy policy, and sustainability science through corpus linguistics and agent-based simulation approaches. Scientific Awards No awards mentioned in source text Advising and Grants No formal advisees listed. Grant leadership includes: Principal governance lead for LCAN (Leicestershire Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero) Research Fellow on SIGMA (Sustainability, Inclusiveness & Governance of Mini-Grids in Africa) Multiple UKRI-funded projects at UCL and University of Surrey Open University consultancy on Sub-Saharan African mini-grid regulation (currently unavailable for new projects) Labs and Teams Core member of DMU's Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), collaborating with principal investigator Andrew Reeves and research fellow John Rowlatt on net-zero transition projects.
Dr. Bastian Rake is an Assistant Professor in the School of Business at Maynooth University, Ireland. His academic background includes a PhD from Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (Germany), where he was part of the DFG Graduate College on 'The Economics of Innovative Change.' Previously, he held a Professorship at the University of Passau's Chair of Organisation, Technology Management, and Entrepreneurship. His research focuses on collaboration networks, innovation dynamics in knowledge-intensive industries (e.g., biopharmaceuticals), and the internationalization of science and R&D. Key interests include repurposing strategies in drug development, the impact of clinical trial regulations, and the role of geographic factors in scientific collaboration. Dr. Rake has published extensively in journals like Research Policy , Drug Discovery Today , and Journal of Evolutionary Economics , addressing topics such as global research team dynamics, university-industry partnerships, and crisis-driven innovation. He serves on editorial boards, including PLoS ONE , and holds roles in professional associations like the International Joseph A. Schumpeter Society. Notable honors include multiple 'Best Reviewer' and 'Outstanding Reviewer' awards from the Academy of Management divisions. His work bridges strategic management, innovation economics, and global health policy, emphasizing practical insights for managing collaborative innovation ecosystems.
Faye Harwell serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Boston University, specializing in biological anthropology and primatology with a focus on orangutan biology and life history evolution. Her research bridges fieldwork in Indonesia with comparative analyses of captive and wild great ape populations. Dr. Harwell's academic background includes: Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from Boston University (2023) M.A. in Biology from Clark University B.A. in Biology from Clark University Her research program centers on sexual dimorphism in orangutan body composition, life history parameters (including age at first birth and longevity), and evolutionary endocrinology. She employs innovative field methodologies like laser photogrammetry to study wild Bornean orangutans in Gunung Palung National Park, examining morphological development, hormonal cycles, and ecological adaptations. Her work connects primate biology to broader questions in human evolution and fossil hominin analysis. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals consistent thematic focus on orangutan biology, with dominant threads in sexual dimorphism (particularly male bimaturism and flanging processes), life history theory, and methodological innovation in non-invasive measurement techniques. Her scholarship integrates biological anthropology, conservation science, and evolutionary biology to address questions about great ape evolution and implications for understanding hominin fossil records. No documented scientific awards or fellowships were identified in available sources. Dr. Harwell teaches specialized courses including AN 558: Human Sex Differences and AN 559: Evolutionary Endocrinology. While specific grant details and graduate student mentorship records aren't publicly documented, her active publication record and fieldwork involvement suggest ongoing research collaborations. She participates in professional communities such as the Northeastern Evolutionary Primatologists (NEEP) network. She is actively involved with the Gunung Palung Orangutan Project, a 25-year interdisciplinary initiative combining long-term primate research with community-based conservation efforts in Indonesian Borneo. This project represents a critical nexus of field biology, habitat protection, and sustainable conservation practices focused on endangered Bornean orangutans.
David Kurz is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies at Boston College. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from UC Berkeley, an MPhil in Zoology from the University of Cambridge, and an AB in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. His interdisciplinary research focuses on the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, climate policy, and socio-ecological systems. Dr. Kurz explores how climate change, urbanization, and land-use shifts impact ecosystems and human communities. Key research projects include studying bearded pig distributions in Borneo, cultural implications of lobster die-offs in the Long Island Sound, and equity in urban green space access. His work bridges natural and social sciences to address challenges in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Recent publications highlight topics like wildfire biodiversity overlaps in California, socio-ecological dynamics in Malaysian Borneo, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on wildlife. He emphasizes mentorship, guiding students toward real-world problem-solving and engaged scholarship. Dr. Kurz’s teaching and research align with Boston College’s commitment to environmental justice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Elias Willberg is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki. He is affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (Urbaria), the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), and the Digital Geography Lab. His work focuses on urban sustainability, transportation planning, and environmental exposure during active mobility.
Mostafa Ammar is a Regents' Professor and Interim Chair of the School of Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has held leadership roles including Associate Chair (2006–2012) and has been a faculty member since 1985. His research focuses on network architectures, protocols, and services, with contributions to mobile cloud computing, network virtualization, and disruption-tolerant networks. He has advised 39 Ph.D. students and secured funding from agencies like NSF, DARPA, and industry partners such as Cisco and IBM. Education : S.B. and S.M. from MIT, Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo. Research Interests : Network architectures, mobile cloud computing, overlay networks, video streaming, and network simulation. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical implementations, emphasizing scalable and efficient network solutions. Publications : Over 214 publications with a focus on network virtualization, mobile edge computing, and distributed systems. Recent work explores encrypted traffic analysis and femto-cloud resource sharing. Awards : ACM/IEEE Fellowships (2002–2003), Best Paper Awards (2012, 2018), and multiple teaching excellence recognitions. Service : Editor-in-Chief of IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking (1999–2003), conference co-chair roles, and steering committee memberships. Advising & Grants : Mentored 39 Ph.D. students and secured multi-million-dollar grants. His research has influenced industry standards and academic curricula. Labs/Teams : Active in Georgia Tech’s networking research groups, contributing to open-source network simulators and collaborative projects with global institutions.
Roberto Rojas-Cessa is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), affiliated with the School of Applied Engineering and Technology. His research focuses on networking, blockchain applications in smart cities, energy systems, wireless communications, and high-performance switching. He has led multiple National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded projects, including initiatives on controlled delivery power grids and next-generation network quality of service. Notably, his work explores blockchain for energy metering, sustainable environmental measures, and smart grid optimization. He is also a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2024). His research interests span network protocols, distributed systems, and IoT applications. Recent projects include AMI-Chain (a blockchain-based power metering system) and studies on indirect free-space optical communications for vehicular networks. He has contributed to advancements in medium access control for crowded networks and energy packet switches for digital microgrids. Rojas-Cessa’s work integrates machine learning for network management and flood impact analysis. He has developed tools for time-lapse analysis of urban data and agent-based models to evaluate electric vehicle adoption. His publications emphasize scalability, security, and efficiency in both traditional and emerging technologies. Grants: Collaborative Research on Power Grids (NSF, 2016–2018), NeTS-NR: Quality of Service Networks (NSF, 2004–2008) Awards: Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2024) His lab activities include experimental evaluations of digital microgrids and blockchain implementations for carbon footprint tracking. He actively collaborates on projects addressing emergency communications and resilient energy distribution systems.
Dr Preeti Raghunath is a Lecturer in Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield's School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations. She holds a PhD from the University of Hyderabad and has prior academic roles at Monash University. Her research focuses on global media policy, sustainable technology governance, and AI/ data policies in the Global South. She co-leads the STeMiS research theme and is a Fellow at the Institute for Global Sustainable Development. Her education includes a PhD in Communication (2019) and MPhil in International Relations (2011). Before academia, she worked in journalism, corporate communications, and research. Her work integrates critical policy ethnography and deliberative frameworks, with a focus on South Asia and Southeast Asia. Research highlights include the Deliberative Policy Ecology Approach for media governance, studies on AI policy gender dimensions, and analysis of digital state assemblages. She's contributed to UN-funded projects on AI and women's rights, and her work is part of Columbia University's Global Freedom of Expression curriculum. Teaching includes modules on digital society, research methods, and global data industries. She's secured grants from entities like UN Women, Ford Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. Awards include the 2018 IAMCR Best Paper Award. Professional roles include Co-Editor of Palgrave's Global Media Policy series and Editorial Board member of Journal of Digital Media & Policy . She collaborates internationally, including partnerships with UNU Macau and India's National Media Policy consultations.
