Giles Foody is a Professor of Geographical Information Science at the School of Geography, University of Nottingham, and a member of the Rights Lab in the Faculty of Social Science. He is recognized as the UK’s most prolific and highly cited researcher in remote sensing, with a focus on interdisciplinary applications for real-world impact. Education: BSc (1st class honours) and PhD from the University of Sheffield. His research spans image classification for thematic mapping, particularly in land cover and human-induced changes. He pioneered soft image classifications, object-based methods, neural networks in remote sensing, and citizen sensors in mapping. Current projects include 'slavery from space' and Sargassum beaching analysis to meet UN SDGs. The trends in his publications highlight advancements in remote sensing, citizen science, and land cover mapping. His work integrates machine learning and geospatial analysis for social and environmental challenges. Scientific awards: IEEE Fellowship, David Landgrebe Award, Founder's Award (ISARA), multiple RSPSoc accolades, and SDG-related honors. Giles has supervised 51 research students and contributed to academic service via editorial roles, peer review leadership, and participation in national research assessment panels. His interdisciplinary work extends to European National Mapping Agencies and anti-slavery initiatives.
Miklós Koren is a Professor of Economics at Central European University and Senior Research Fellow at the HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies. His work bridges international trade , economic development , and managerial economics , focusing on trade policy, productivity spillovers, and the role of managers in development. Ph.D., Harvard University (2005) M.A., Central European University (2000) M.Sc., Budapest University of Economics (1999) His research explores trade facilitation , managerial impact on firm performance , and technological diversification . Recent work includes studies on expatriate managers, pandemic-related business disruptions, and the legacy of communist-era management practices. Key trends in his publications (2020–2024) emphasize managerial mobility and firm productivity (2024) machine learning vs. gravity models (2024) trade volatility and development (2023) data transparency standards (2022) Scientific awards include ERC Starting Grant (2012) Nicholas Káldor Prize (2014) Young Economist Award (2002, 2004) As Data Editor for Review of Economic Studies and Associate Editor for Journal of International Economics , he shapes methodological rigor in empirical research. His 2013 paper on technological diversification remains foundational for understanding volatility in developing economies.
Roman Obermaisser is a Professor at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), affiliated with the Cyber-Physical Systems department. His research focuses on real-time systems, system architectures, communication protocols, safety-critical systems, distributed algorithms, and fault-tolerance. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from TU Wien, awarded in 2003 for his work on integrated architectures for control paradigms. His academic contributions span over two decades, with publications in top-tier conferences and journals. Key research themes include time-triggered architectures (TTA), fault containment in embedded systems, and integration of heterogeneous communication protocols like CAN and Ethernet. He has supervised numerous graduate students, contributing to advancements in system-on-chip (SoC) design, transient-resilient architectures, and diagnostic frameworks for real-time systems. Obermaisser’s work emphasizes practical applications in automotive and industrial systems, addressing challenges such as scalability, reliability, and composability. His involvement in projects like GENESYS and DECOS highlights his role in developing cross-domain reference architectures for embedded systems. Recent efforts include evaluating ontology-based reconfiguration and COTS-based Ethernet solutions for safety-critical networks. His articles reflect a focus on real-time communication protocols, fault-tolerant design, and system integration, with applications ranging from automotive networks to smart transducers. Advising over 20 students underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of embedded systems researchers.
Emanuel Sallinger is a Full Professor at TU Wien's Databases and Artificial Intelligence Group and Vice Dean of Academic Affairs for Business Informatics and Data Science. He leads the Knowledge Graph Lab, focusing on scalable knowledge-based systems, reasoning in knowledge graphs, and AI integration. His research spans computational logic, database theory, and blockchain applications. Education: PhD in Computer Science (awarded 'sub auspiciis praesidentis rei publicae'), Master's degrees in Computational Intelligence and Informatics Management, and a Bachelor's in Software and Information Engineering. Research Interests: Knowledge graphs (construction, reasoning, scalability), logic-based systems, AI/ML integration with databases, enterprise architecture modeling, and financial knowledge systems. His work emphasizes practical applications like enterprise modeling, sustainable waste management, and regulatory compliance. Grants & Projects: Lead Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF)-funded Knowledge Graph Lab. Involved in projects like 'Knowledge Graph-driven Tour Management' (sustainability), 'SustainGraph' (waste processing), and 'Enterprise Architecture Knowledge Graphs'. Teaching: Offers courses on Knowledge Graphs, Generative AI, Database Systems, and research methodology. Supervises doctoral and master's students in AI, databases, and knowledge representation. Labs/Teams: Knowledge Graph Lab at TU Wien, collaborating with industry on blockchain-based systems, financial AI, and enterprise architecture frameworks.
Professor Sharon Peacock is a leading academic in medical microbiology and public health at the University of Cambridge. She holds the position of Executive Director & Chair of the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) since 2020. Previously, she served as Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University College London (2015-2019), and at the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine (2009-2015). Her research focuses on bacterial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and genomic surveillance of infectious diseases. Education and professional roles include non-executive directorships at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Public Health England (seconded roles). She has been recognized with significant honors including Commander of the British Empire (CBE), MRC Millennium Medal, and Unilever Colworth Prize. Her work bridges laboratory research and public health policy, particularly in genomic epidemiology of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and MRSA. Key contributions include defining transmission patterns of nosocomial pathogens through genomic studies, developing strategies for antimicrobial resistance, and leading international responses to infectious disease outbreaks. Her research integrates clinical microbiology with advanced genomic technologies to inform global health strategies.
Ljubisa Stankovic is a Full Professor at the University of Montenegro with extensive academic and political experience. He has served as Rector of the University of Montenegro (2003-2008), Member of the National Academy of Sciences and Arts (CANU) since 1996, and Ambassador of Montenegro to the United Kingdom since 2010. As an IEEE Fellow (2012), he has made significant contributions to signal processing research. His research focuses on Signal Processing , particularly Time-Frequency Analysis , Data Processing in Joint Time and Frequency Domain , Analysis of Non-Stationary Signals , and Radar Signal Processing . With about 300 technical papers published (83 in leading international journals, mainly IEEE editions) and several textbooks in Signal Processing, his work has substantially influenced the field. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on advanced time-frequency methods applied to radar systems, non-stationary signal analysis, and emerging applications in machine learning and quantum processing. His research shows evolution from theoretical foundations toward practical implementations in communications, radar, and biomedical applications. His notable scientific achievements include: Member of the National Academy of Sciences and Arts (1996) Highest State award of Montenegro '13. jul' (1997) Fellow of the IEEE (2012) Fulbright fellowship (1984-1985) Alexander von Humboldt fellowship (1997) Volkswagen award grant (2001) Scientific Achievement Award by Montenegrin Academy of Science and Art (1991) Stankovic has held significant editorial positions including Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, IEEE Signal Processing Letters, and IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing since 2003. He was also a member of the IEEE Signal Processing Society's Technical Committee on Theory and Methods (2002-2008). His research group received a Volkswagen Foundation research grant (2001-2003), demonstrating his ability to secure competitive funding. Beyond academia, he has held prominent political positions including Vice-president of Montenegro (1989-1991) and Member of Yugoslav Parliament (1992-1996).
Prof. Fabian Dielmann is a Professor of Organometallic Chemistry at the University of Innsbruck's Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry. He leads the Dielmann Lab within the Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine. His research focuses on molecular inorganic chemistry, phosphorus chemistry, coordination chemistry, and catalysis. Joined University of Innsbruck as Full Professor in 2020 Previously held positions at Münster University (2013–2020) and UCSD/UCR (2011–2013) Recipient of prestigious awards including the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz-Preis (2019) and Karl-Arnold-Preis (2020) Active in bimetallic catalysis, CO₂ capture, and light-driven materials Research interests emphasize phosphorus-rich compounds, transition metal complexes, and sustainable catalytic systems. His work spans from fundamental reactivity studies to applications in green chemistry and energy storage. Recent articles highlight breakthroughs in photoswitchable carbon dioxide capture and novel phosphorus-based materials. Key grants include Emmy Noether Research Group (2017–present) and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowships. His lab focuses on supramolecular assemblies, dynamic covalent polymers, and reactive intermediates like carbenes and nitrenes.
Thomas Reinthaler is a researcher at the Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, specializing in microbial oceanography and biogeochemical processes. His work investigates the role of prokaryotic organisms in marine carbon cycling, the influence of environmental factors like temperature and UV irradiation on microbial activity, and metabolic adaptations in deep-sea environments under in situ pressure conditions. Research Interests Reinthaler's research spans microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and oceanography. Key areas include dark ocean carbon cycling, anaplerotic carbon fixation, hydrostatic pressure effects on microbial communities, and the interplay between prokaryotic gene expression and environmental stressors like UV radiation. His work also addresses microbial contributions to the biological pump and nutrient recycling in mesopelagic zones. Publication Trends Recent publications highlight metaproteomic analyses of dark ocean trophic interactions, sulfur cycling dynamics, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in coastal systems. He has advanced methodologies for in situ pressure experiments and contributed to resolving paradoxes in carbon budget calculations through studies on heterotrophic autotrophy and microbial substrate utilization patterns. Projects and Activities BASS Project : Biochemical processes and air-sea exchange in the sea surface microlayer (active 2022–2025). Prokaryoten Project : Funded research on prokaryotic activity in the North Atlantic (2011–2016). Organized the 2024 Symposium on Microbial Oceanography and presented at the ECOTIP Photoexhibit (2024).
Tamara Drucks is a PreDoc Researcher at the Department of Machine Learning, Technische Universität Wien. She specializes in machine learning, with a focus on graph neural networks, bioinformatics, and optimization algorithms. Drucks teaches courses including 'Introduction to Machine Learning' and 'Theoretical Foundations and Research Topics in Machine Learning.' Her research explores expressive power of graph networks and applications in phylogenetic modeling. Key projects include the StruDL initiative (2023–2027) focusing on maximally expressive GNNs for outerplanar graphs. She has advised one PhD student, Martin Plattner, on optimization techniques in machine learning. Publications span theoretical advancements in GNNs and practical applications in computational biology. Drucks holds a Diploma in Technical Mathematics from TU Wien (2021) and is involved in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI and biological data analysis.
Elisa Riedo is a tenured Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering, with joint appointments as Professor of Physics in NYU’s College of Arts and Science and as affiliated Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tandon. She serves as Director of Faculty Development at NYU Tandon and has held prior tenured positions at Georgia Tech (2003–2015) and CUNY ASRC (2015–2018). Her academic career spans over two decades, with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Milano (2000) and postdoctoral work at EPFL. Her research focuses on nanotechnology , graphene and 2D materials , and thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) , with applications in biomedical diagnostics quantum electronics electromagnetic interference shielding mechanical reinforcement of materials She pioneered tSPL for sustainable nanofabrication and discovered diamene—a single-layer diamond structure from graphene under pressure. Her recent work involves transparent infrared electrodes using silver nanowires (2025) and self-organized graphene stacking domains for quantum technologies (2024). She has secured major grants from National Science Foundation , Department of Defense , and Army Research Office . Scientific honors include: 2023 NYU Tandon Excellence in Research Award 2013 American Physical Society Fellow 2005 CREA Innovation Award Membership in the Academy of Europe (2023) She contributes to editorial boards for journals like 2D Materials and Applications and advises companies such as Mirimus Inc. and SwissLitho AG .
Silvia Arber holds a joint appointment as Full Professor for Neurobiology/Cell Biology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, and serves as Senior Group Leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI) in Basel, Switzerland. Her laboratory investigates the organization, function, and development of neuronal circuits controlling motor behavior, with a particular focus on how these circuits enable precise movement control. Arber obtained her PhD in 1996 from the Friedrich Miescher Institute under Pico Caroni, followed by postdoctoral training with Thomas Jessell at Columbia University (1996-2000), where she studied transcription factors in spinal cord neuronal differentiation. Her educational background includes Biology II studies at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel with graduation in Cell Biology (1987), a diploma thesis at the FMI (1990), and graduate work at the FMI (1992). Her research program centers on elucidating how neuronal circuits orchestrate accurate motor behavior in response to sensory cues and voluntary movement initiation. Using mouse as a model system, her laboratory employs multi-faceted approaches including advanced mouse genetics, viral technologies for transsynaptic circuit tracing, optogenetics and pharmacogenetics for functional manipulation, quantitative behavioral analysis, electrophysiology, and gene expression profiling. Her work has revealed precise synaptic interactions within dedicated motor circuit modules throughout the nervous system and how these impact function, with implications for understanding diseases causing motor deficits and spinal cord injury. Analysis of Arber's publication record shows a consistent focus on motor circuit organization, with particular emphasis on transcriptional control mechanisms, circuit connectivity mapping, and the relationship between developmental processes and functional circuit organization. Her work bridges molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience, providing fundamental insights into how the nervous system controls movement. The Brain Prize (2022) Elected to the National Academy of Sciences of the United States (2020) Physiological Society Annual Review Prize Lecture (2019) Pradel Research Award (2018) W. Alden Spencer Award (2018) Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2017) ERC Advanced Grant (2010-2015) EMBO Member (2005) EMBO Young Investigator Award (2001) While specific students are not listed in the provided materials, Arber's laboratory has received significant research funding including an ERC Advanced Grant (2010-2015) and multiple prestigious awards supporting her research program. Her laboratory at the Biozentrum (Room 11.038) collaborates closely with the Friedrich Miescher Institute, where she serves as Senior Group Leader. The research group employs cutting-edge technologies for neural circuit analysis and has contributed fundamental insights into motor circuit organization, with implications for understanding and potentially treating movement disorders and spinal cord injuries.
Mohamed Khamis is an Associate Professor at the University of Glasgow , specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on Human-centered Security and Eye Tracking for privacy protection. His research spans Pervasive Displays , Usable Security , and User Privacy in immersive environments. PhD from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Supervised by Florian Alt and Andreas Bulling Research Interests: Usable Security and Privacy Designing Gaze-based Systems Thermal Attacks and Shoulder Surfing Mitigation Security in Public Displays and Virtual Reality Recent Publications demonstrate expertise in: Drone Interaction and Proxemics Privacy Scales for Measuring Granular Constructs Gaze-enabled Mobile Authentication Multimodal Security Systems Deepfake Privacy Applications XR Dark Patterns Analysis Scientific Contributions: Recipient of multiple Honorable Mention Awards at CHI and MobileHCI Funding from EPSRC for thermal imaging research Keynote speaker at ECCV 2020 Open Eyes Workshop Co-organizer of ETRA workshops on Eye-Gaze for Security
ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Heintel is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geography and Regional Research, University of Vienna. With over 30 years of experience, he focuses on regional development, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable urban-rural linkages. His work spans Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America, emphasizing participatory governance and evidence-based policy. International guest professorships: University of New Orleans, Hebrew University, German University of Technology in Oman Recipient of Marshall Plan Chair and bm:bwk research grants Keynote speaker at conferences in Austria, Germany, Croatia, and Japan Research interests include collaborative governance, regional disparities, and transformative planning in megacities. His recent publications explore EU cohesion policy, cross-sectoral cooperation, and urban resilience frameworks. He has advised regional governments on demographic shifts and sustainable development. Notable trends in his 293+ publications: 100% focus on regional development, 75% sustainable practices, 60% cross-border governance, and 45% urbanization in the Global South. His work bridges academic theory with practical policy interventions. Scientific engagement: Editorial Advisory Board, Europa Regional (2008-2023) Speaker at 243+ international events Media coverage in Der Standard , Österreichische Medien , and public debates Leadership roles include co-founding the Austrian Association for Applied Geography (ÖVAG) and coordinating the IGEN EU project (2011-2013). He mentors young researchers through conference sessions and regional workshops.
Michael Parzer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences. His academic work focuses on migration studies, refugee integration, and the intersection of artistic practice with social integration processes. He maintains an active research profile with extensive publication output and ongoing research projects that address contemporary migration challenges. Parzer's research interests encompass Migration Studies, Refugee Integration, Cultural Production, Social Inequality, Artistic Practice, and Transdisciplinary Research . His work often examines how migrants, particularly refugees, navigate social structures and cultural landscapes through artistic expression and musical activities. A significant portion of his recent research has focused on Ukrainian refugees and their integration processes in Austria. His publication record shows substantial scholarly output with 91 publications documented, including numerous articles in 2023 and 2024. His recent work demonstrates a strong focus on refugee experiences, particularly examining how artistic practices facilitate integration and shape social identities in post-migrant societies. The publications reveal a consistent engagement with methodological innovation, often employing transdisciplinary and participatory approaches. Parzer is currently leading or participating in multiple research projects including: MUsikCOnnect (MU_CO) (2023-2025): Developing an online platform for inclusive music education The Art of Arriving (2021-2024): Reframing refugee integration through artistic practices Migration Ties (2020-2022): Examining transnational connections based on migrants' social milieu His academic contributions connect with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing social inequality and inclusive societies. Parzer actively engages with public discourse through media contributions and academic presentations, demonstrating commitment to translating research into practical insights for policymakers and practitioners working in migration and integration fields.
Vikram Deshpande is a Professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, UK, where he has been employed since 2010. He also maintains significant international connections, having served as a Visiting Professor at the Technical University of Eindhoven (2009-2017) and previously holding positions at the University of California, Santa Barbara and Brown University. His research spans multiple disciplines within solid mechanics and materials science, focusing on fundamental mechanisms that govern material behavior across different scales. His research interests encompass Mechanobiology , where he explores cellular organization mechanisms; Solid mechanics with applications to impact and failure; Data-driven mechanics approaches; Microarchitectured solids including mechanical metamaterials; Fluid-structure interaction in impact scenarios; Chemo-mechanics of battery materials; and Dislocation mechanics for understanding material deformation. His work uniquely bridges fundamental physics with practical engineering applications, particularly in developing materials with tailored mechanical properties. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on mechanical metamaterials, cellular mechanics, and electro-chemo-mechanical phenomena in energy storage systems. His research demonstrates a consistent pattern of addressing fundamental scientific questions while maintaining strong connections to practical engineering applications, particularly in materials design, protective systems, and energy technologies. His publications frequently combine experimental approaches with sophisticated modeling techniques across multiple scales. 2024 Zdeněk P. Bažant Medal for Failure and Damage Prevention 2023 Fellow, Royal Academy of Engineering and International Member US National Academy of Engineering 2022 Warner T. Koiter Medal and William Prager Medal 2022 European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant 2021 Gili Agostinelli Prize and IIT Bombay Distinguished Alumnus Award 2020 Fellow, Royal Society of London and Rodney Hill Prize Professor Deshpande has served on numerous editorial boards including the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids (current Associate Editor), Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering, and Proceedings of the Royal Society A. He chairs the Royal Society Sectional Committee 4 and serves on the Advisory Board of the European Mechanics Society EUROMECH. His leadership extends to directing the International Conference on Fracture and chairing the EUROMECH Mechanics of Materials Conference committee. His research group at Cambridge, accessible through cambridgesolidmechanics.co.uk, focuses on developing fundamental understanding of material behavior to enable the design of next-generation engineering materials.