Hartmut Rosa holds the Professorship of General and Theoretical Sociology at Friedrich Schiller University Jena since 2005. He serves as Director of the Max Weber College in Erfurt and leads multiple DFG-funded research groups including the Collaborative Research Center TRR 294 'Structural Change in Property'. A leading theorist in social acceleration and resonance theory , he combines temporal analysis with democratic theory and critical sociology. Born: August 1965 Current: Director of Max Weber College Key Positions: New School for Social Research affiliation His research spans : Social acceleration across technological, cultural, and experiential dimensions Resonance as alternative to alienation Democratic theory under time pressure Modernity diagnostics Critical theory foundations Recent article themes include: Digital self-tracking motivations (2021) - intersection of big data and temporal ethics Corona crisis as temporal disruption (2020) - rethinking economic priorities Acceleration's impact on democracy (2005-2023) - temporal overload analysis World relations theory (2011-2022) - new materialist approaches Major scientific awards : 2023 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (Germany's highest research honor) 2018 Erich Fromm Prize for Social Psychology 2018 Paul Watzlawick Ring of Honor 2016 Tractatus Prize for Philosophical Essays He leads multiple research projects : SFB TRR 294 Subproject C06 'Making Things Available' DFG Priority Programme on Aesthetic Eigenzeiten Research Group 'Land Grabbing, Acceleration, Activation' VW Foundation project on 'Aporias of Perfection' in acceleration
Dr. Tyler H. Summers is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), with an affiliate appointment in Electrical Engineering. He holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin (2010) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at ETH Zurich (2011–2015). His research focuses on feedback control and optimization in complex dynamical networks, including electric power grids and distributed robotics. Key contributions include stochastic optimal power flow methods, distributed formation control algorithms, and robust control design under uncertainty. Education: PhD in Aerospace Engineering (University of Texas at Austin, 2010) M.S. in Aerospace Engineering (University of Texas at Austin, 2007) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Texas Christian University, 2004) His research interests emphasize theoretical and computational tools for cyber-physical systems, including power networks and robotic teams. Notable achievements include a NSF CAREER Award ($500K) and an Army YIP grant ($350K). He leads the Control, Optimization, and Networks (COIN) Lab, which develops algorithms for robust control and distributed optimization. Recent work addresses challenges in integrating renewable energy into power systems and enabling safe autonomous robotics in uncertain environments. Grants and projects involve collaborations with institutions like the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University. Grants & Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2021) Army Research Office YIP (2017) Air Force Office of Scientific Research (2019) Lab & Team: The COIN Lab focuses on interdisciplinary projects involving students and postdocs in control theory, robotics, and optimization.
Amanda Giang serves as Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science, Department of Mechanical Engineering, holding a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Modelling for Policy. She maintains a joint appointment with the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES). Her educational background includes a B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT, with postdoctoral training at MIT and Harvard. Dr. Giang's research employs interdisciplinary approaches to develop modeling tools for environmental policy analysis, focusing on pollution assessment, environmental injustice, and the intersection of air quality, decarbonization, and equity. Her work emphasizes action-oriented partnerships with community organizations and government health/environment agencies. Current projects address freight transport decarbonization equity, cumulative impact assessment methodologies for overburdened communities, and holistic environmental impact evaluation in technology design. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise across environmental modeling, policy analysis, and justice frameworks, with significant contributions to understanding spatial inequities in environmental risk distribution and developing community-engaged research methodologies. UBC Killam Research Prize, 2023 Dr. Giang actively collaborates with community groups and government authorities through her LEAP (Learning, Environmental Assessment, and Policy) research group. Her work integrates technical modeling with real-world policy applications, particularly in urban environmental planning contexts where equity considerations are paramount. She has developed innovative frameworks for cumulative impact assessment and environmental justice analysis that directly inform regulatory decision-making processes. Her research laboratory focuses on developing open-source modeling tools for environmental policy analysis while maintaining strong community partnerships that ensure research addresses pressing local environmental justice concerns.
Robert Fletcher is a Researcher at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Department of Zoology and the C-CLEAR Doctoral Training Partnership . His work focuses on applied ecology and conservation science, utilizing landscape and population ecology to address biodiversity challenges globally. Research Areas : Conservation biology, population ecology, landscape ecology, environmental informatics Collaborations : Partners in North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia Key Themes : Species extinction prevention, landscape conservation prioritization, and rapid biodiversity data delivery Email : rf497@cam.ac.uk Fletcher's interdisciplinary approach integrates fieldwork (e.g., Everglades endangered species, African elephants) with advanced modeling of habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change impacts. His recent work emphasizes: Drivers of species decline and recovery strategies Landscape management and restoration techniques Interdisciplinary collaborations with engineers, social scientists, and computer scientists His publications span topics like savanna ecosystem dynamics, community science applications, and conservation forecasting, reflecting a commitment to actionable science for global biodiversity preservation.
Alin Coman is a Professor at Princeton University 's School of Public and International Affairs, leading the Cognition in Collectives Lab . His research explores how cognition emerges and evolves within social contexts, focusing on collective memory, belief dynamics, and emotion regulation through interactions. Education: Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research Research Focus: Integrating laboratory experiments, field studies, social network analysis, and agent-based simulations, his work demonstrates how macro-level phenomena like collective memories and synchronized beliefs arise from micro-level cognitive processes. Key themes include memory convergence, belief propagation in networks, and socially triggered prediction errors. Article Trends: His recent publications address vicarious memory frameworks, emotion regulation contagion, moral narratives, political belief change, pandemic-related belief dynamics, and the role of social norms in cognitive processes. Methodologies often involve network science and experimental paradigms. Advising: Mentors graduate researchers including Ari Dyckovsky, Gracielle Li, and Naomi Vaida. Lab: The Cognition in Collectives Lab employs a social-interactionist approach to study emergent psychological phenomena across groups and networks.
Tariq Iqbal is an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia , with joint appointments in the Department of Systems and Information Engineering and Department of Computer Science . He leads the Collaborative Robotics Lab (CRL) , specializing in human-robot teams and embodied AI . Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Associate at MIT's CSAIL , advised by Prof. Julie Shah , and earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from University of California San Diego (UCSD) under Prof. Laurel Riek . Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of California San Diego (2017) M.S. in Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso (2012) B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (2007) His research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics , focusing on human-robot collaboration in dynamic environments. Key areas include motion prediction , multimodal fusion , trust modeling , and collaborative learning . His work integrates cognitive science and deep learning to enhance robotic fluency in naturalistic settings. Recent publications (2023–2025) highlight advancements in human-robot team dynamics , multimodal dataset creation , and motion prediction algorithms . Notable works include Energy-Based Transformers for scalable AI, PoseTron for motion prediction, and Accessible Navigation Mapping for assistive robotics. These contributions span trust modeling , cloud robotic infrastructure , and safety in close-proximity collaboration . National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) Innovation Award As faculty, he has secured grants from NSF and AFOSR , mentored research students, and taught courses like Stochastic Modeling I (SYS 6005) and Robots and Humans (SYS 4582/6465, ECE 4502/6465, CS 6465) . His prior industry roles at IBM Watson Lab and Grameenphone Ltd. inform his applied research in telecom infrastructure and cognitive robotics . He leads the Collaborative Robotics Lab (CRL) at UVA, which develops multimodal datasets , real-time coordination algorithms , and adaptive pathfinding systems . Current projects explore human motion prediction , team synchrony , and embodied question-answering , reflecting his commitment to advancing human-robot fluency and contextual AI .
Dr. Yasin Koc is an Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Department of Psychology within the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. His research focuses on identity dynamics, intergroup relations, and the psychological experiences of disadvantaged groups. He holds a PhD from the University of Sussex and dual BA degrees in Psychology and Comparative Literature from Istanbul Bilgi University. Education: 2014–2018: PhD in Social Psychology, University of Sussex 2006–2011: BA in Psychology (High Honours), Istanbul Bilgi University 2006–2010: BA in Comparative Literature (High Honours), Istanbul Bilgi University Research Interests: Dr. Koc investigates how disadvantaged groups navigate identity conflicts within privileged systems, majority perceptions of marginalized groups, and new masculinities. His five core research lines include multiple conflicting identities, experiences of disadvantaged groups, majority perceptions, responses to privilege, and evolving masculinities. He employs mixed-methods approaches, combining experimental and qualitative studies. Key Achievements: Recipient of the APS Rising Star Award (2022) Principal Investigator of the Koc Social Identities Lab Editorial board member for British Journal of Social Psychology and Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling Awards & Grants: APS Rising Star Award (2022) Netherlands Research Council (NWO) grants for intergroup psychology projects Lab & Collaboration: He leads the Koc Social Identities Lab , exploring identity integration, prejudice, and systemic inequality. Collaborations include global projects like the PsyCorona consortium analyzing pandemic-related behavioral responses.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Zick is a leading scholar at Bielefeld University, serving as Scientific Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Conflict and Violence Research (IKG) and Professor for Socialization and Conflict Research at the Faculty of Education. He also co-leads the ConflictA initiative since 2023 and contributes to migration education through the Faculty of Education. 2008: Professor for Socialization and Conflict Research, Bielefeld University 2013: Director of IKG 2023: Scientific Head of ConflictA His research focuses on intergroup conflicts , group-based antipathy , right-wing extremism , radicalization , and socialization processes . He investigates spatial dimensions of radicalization, societal integration challenges, and prejudice dynamics through comparative studies. Recent publications analyze radicalization spaces (2024-2025) using spatial sociology, democratic conflict perceptions (2025), and cross-cultural prosocial behavior during pandemics. Key methods include ethnography, longitudinal surveys, and multi-perspective comparative analysis. Scientific contributions recognized by: Communicator Award (2016) Nevitt Sanford Lifetime Award (2022) Active in public policy as member of the Federal Agency for Civic Education's advisory board and Federal Commissioner's Antiracism Expert Council. Leads major projects on radicalization prevention and spatial conflict dynamics with national/international partners.
Dr Vera Axyonova is an Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham's Department of Political Science and International Studies within the School of Government. Holding a PhD from the University of Bremen and Jacobs University Bremen, she has held prestigious positions including Marie Skłodowska-Curie REWIRE Fellow at the University of Vienna and Hurford Next Generation Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment. PhD: University of Bremen & Jacobs University Bremen (2013) MA: Fulda University of Applied Sciences (2008) Diploma: East Kazakhstan State University (2006) Her research focuses on international crisis management, cross-border norm transfer, and knowledge production in conflict environments. Recent projects examine European normative engagements in Eastern Europe and academic freedom challenges during forced migration. Her publications appear in top-tier journals like Peacebuilding and European Security . Notable awards include the Marie Skłodowska-Curie REWIRE Fellowship and Carnegie Endowment's Hurford Next Generation Fellowship. She co-chairs the ECPR Research Network on Statehood and Sovereignty and has held visiting positions at European University Institute, Freie Universität Berlin, and George Washington University.
Véronique Perdereau is a Full Professor at Sorbonne Université's Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR) , specializing in robotics and dexterous manipulation. She leads the ASIMOV research team and serves as a principal investigator for multiple European projects, including SOFTMANBOT, INDEX, and CORSMAL, focusing on tactile feedback, multimodal control, and human-robot interaction. Role: Full Professor (2024) Email: veronique.perdereau@sorbonne-universite.fr Office: H13, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris Research Focus Perdereau's work centers on tactile-driven robotic control systems, human-inspired manipulation strategies, and multimodal fusion for industrial automation. Her research bridges theoretical modeling (e.g., Cosserat mechanics, dual quaternions) with practical applications in manufacturing sectors. Key Themes: Tactile Feedback Systems Dexterous In-Hand Manipulation Human Motion Data Integration Autonomous Grasp Stability Flexible Object Handling Reproducibility in Robotic Experiments Notable Projects She has spearheaded projects like: SOFTMANBOT (2019–2023): Advanced robotic technology for handling soft materials in manufacturing. INDEX (2019–2022): Developing motor action dictionaries for robotic hands. CORSMAL (2019–2022): Multimodal fusion for collaborative object recognition. Scientific Leadership Perdereau has led work packages in 10+ international collaborations with institutions across Europe, including Decathlon, IIT, and Queen Mary University. Her research emphasizes safety, ethics, and industry 4.0 applications.
Nils Köbis is a Professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen, leading the chair Human Understanding of Algorithms and Machines . He is also an affiliated researcher at the Center for Humans and Machines (Max Planck Institute for Human Development). His work bridges psychology , social sciences , and artificial intelligence , focusing on corruption, unethical behavior, and human-AI interaction. Education : Ph.D. in Social Psychology from VU Free University Amsterdam, Post-Doc at CREED, University of Amsterdam. Research interests span behavioral ethics , social norms , anti-corruption strategies , and the psychological implications of AI . His articles explore topics like the dual role of AI in corruption mitigation, synthetic relationships, and moral dynamics in human-machine interactions. Key projects include the Interdisciplinary Corruption Research Network and the KickBack - Global AntiCorruption Podcast . His work employs experimental methods to analyze how algorithms shape dishonesty, trust, and social behavior.
Cornelia Betsch serves as Director of the Institute for Planetary Health Behaviour (IPB) at the University of Erfurt, where she holds a professorship in Health Communication within the Faculty of Philosophy. She is responsible for the Master's program in Health Communication through the Department of Media and Communication Studies and leads the Health Communication Working Group at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg as an external position. Her interdisciplinary work bridges behavioral science, psychology, and public health to address critical global challenges. Habilitation (2006), University of Erfurt: 'The role of risk perception and risk communication in prevention decisions – the example of vaccination decisions' PhD (Dr. phil., summa cum laude, 2006), University of Heidelberg: 'Preference for intuition and deliberation– measurement and consequences of affect- and cognition based decision making' Diplom in Psychology (2002), University of Heidelberg Betsch's research focuses on understanding health and planetary health behaviors, particularly examining vaccination behavior, prudent antibiotic use, and climate-friendly actions. Her work extends globally, with investigations in various African countries on vaccination and antibiotic practices. She pioneered the influential COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) and subsequently developed the Planetary Health Action Survey (PACE), large-scale studies that regularly track public knowledge, risk perception, protective behaviors, and trust during crises. Her research emphasizes applying behavioral and cultural insights to design effective policy frameworks and explanatory communication that promotes positive health behaviors. The 15 most recent articles showcase Betsch's research evolution toward integrating behavioral science with planetary health, climate action, and vaccine communication. Her work increasingly examines the psychological foundations of climate behavior while maintaining her established expertise in vaccine hesitancy and antimicrobial resistance. Recent publications demonstrate methodological diversity, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, survey experiments, and large-scale monitoring datasets that bridge academic research with practical policy applications. German Psychology Prize (2021) Thuringian Research Prize (2022) Betsch has secured research funding from independent research organizations, ministries, and foundations to support her work on health communication and planetary health behavior. She serves as a scientific advisor to multiple organizations including the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioral and Cultural Insights, Science Media Center Germany, and Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. At the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, she established the WHO Collaborating Center for Behavioral Research in Global Health, demonstrating her commitment to translating research into global health practice. Her engagement extends to policy advising, having served on the Corona Expert Council of the Federal Chancellery during the pandemic. As Director of the Institute for Planetary Health Behaviour, Betsch leads an interdisciplinary team applying social and behavioral science perspectives to planetary health and the climate crisis. The institute serves as a hub for research, education, and science communication at the intersection of human health and environmental sustainability. Her work through the IPB emphasizes Open Science principles and aims to understand the comprehensive factors influencing climate-friendly behavior to identify effective intervention points for policy development.
Daniel E. Koditschek is the Alfred Fitler Moore Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He also holds primary appointments in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering and a research affiliation with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. He is a leading figure in the GRASP Lab, where he leads the Kod*lab, a specialized group focused on physical interaction and locomotion in autonomous robots. His research lies at the intersection of dynamical systems theory and robotics, emphasizing legged locomotion, hybrid control systems, and bio-inspired design. Koditschek's work integrates formal mathematical modeling with empirical testing of physical robots that run, jump, climb, and manipulate objects. He actively explores how biological insights into animal mobility can inform robotic autonomy and control. His group maintains strong collaborations with biologists and emphasizes embodied intelligence in machine behavior. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in applying theoretical control frameworks—such as hybrid dynamical systems, averaging methods, and navigation functions—to practical robotic challenges in unstructured environments. Topics include terrain adaptation, energy-efficient locomotion, reactive planning, and affordance-based interaction. There is a clear focus on bridging abstract mathematical models with real-world robotic performance, particularly in legged and mobile manipulation systems. IEEE RAS Pioneer Award Heilmeier Research Award AFOSR MURI Award (2010) Daniel Koditschek has advised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold faculty positions or leadership roles in robotics companies like Ghost Robotics and Boston Dynamics. His research is supported by major grants from the NSF and AFOSR, including the MURI award and REU/RET programs that engage K-12 and undergraduate educators. He has also been involved in international outreach, including activities at the Penn Wharton China Center. Koditschek leads the Kod*lab within the GRASP Lab’s PERCH facility, which houses advanced legged robots such as the Ghost Minitaur, XRHhex, Inu, Delta Hopper, and Jerboa platforms. The lab emphasizes experimental validation of control theories using custom hardware and real-world terrain challenges.
Andrea Ruggeri is a Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Brasenose College and the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR). He previously served as Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam and earned his PhD from the University of Essex. His research focuses on civil wars, peacekeeping, and collective political violence, with a regional emphasis on Africa and the Middle East. Ruggeri has published in top journals like the British Journal of Political Science and International Security, and his book Composing Peace examines UN peacekeeping mission composition. His academic roles include directing the Centre for International Studies and serving on editorial boards of journals like the Journal of Peace Research. Ruggeri has advised on policy briefs for the UN and NATO, emphasizing data-driven approaches to peacekeeping effectiveness. He has supervised numerous students and contributed to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, integrating quantitative methods through initiatives like the Oxford Q-Step Centre. Ruggeri’s awards include the 2022 Teaching Excellence Award and recognition for Composing Peace being shortlisted for a top literary award. His work bridges quantitative and qualitative methods, exploring themes like conflict management, human rights, and the impact of ideology on political violence.
Steven M. LaValle is a Professor at the University of Oulu's Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering since 2018. Previously, he held tenured positions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and was a Principal Scientist at Oculus VR. His research spans robotics, motion planning (notably pioneering RRT algorithms), virtual reality, and sensor fusion. He has authored influential textbooks like Planning Algorithms and Virtual Reality . Education: PhD (1995), MS (1993), and BS (1990) in Electrical Engineering from UIUC. Research Interests: Focuses on minimal information requirements for robots, perception engineering, and foundational VR/AR systems. His work integrates control theory, computational geometry, and human perception. Achievements: Recipient of the IEEE ICRA Milestone Award (2019), University Scholar (UIUC, 2012), and XTIC Award 2024 for Innovation. Leads the Perception Engineering Group at Oulu, advancing VR/AR and telepresence technologies. Grants & Industry: ERC Advanced Grant (2021–2026), former VP of Huawei's VR/AR division, and collaborator with institutions like IIT Madras. Advises startups in robotics and virtual reality.
