Dr. Nathanael L. Baisa is a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at De Montfort University (DMU), part of the Computing, Engineering and Media faculty within the School of Computer Science and Informatics. His academic career includes roles as a senior research associate at Lancaster University, researcher at AnyVision, and research fellow at the University of Lincoln, focusing on computer vision and machine learning projects funded by ERC, EPSRC, and Innovate UK. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering (Computer Vision/ML - Heriot-Watt University, 2018) MSc in Computer Vision and Robotics (Erasmus Mundus program, 2013) Research focuses on computer vision applications including object detection, scene understanding, autonomous systems, and biometrics. He leads work on deep learning for visual tracking, hand-based person identification, and robotic perception. He teaches courses like Introduction to Computer Vision and Deep Learning frameworks. His recent publications emphasize vision-language models, multi-object tracking algorithms, and geoscience machine learning applications. He collaborates with the Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IAI) and contributes to interdisciplinary projects in robotics and energy exploration.
Dr. Eduardo Benitez Sandoval is a social robotics researcher at UNSW Sydney, affiliated with the School of Arts, Design & Architecture. His work focuses on reciprocity in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), robots in education and healthcare, and ethical implications of social robotics. He holds a PhD in Human Interface Technology from the University of Canterbury (2016) and a Master's in Industrial Design from UNAM (2012). He has received notable awards including the 1st Place Video HRI Award (2016) and recognition as one of Mexico's 30 Promising Young Mexicans (2015). His research explores decision-making in HRI, robot design principles, and the societal impact of AI. He emphasizes 'robot ergonomics' and 'human-centric design' in creating socially meaningful machines. Current supervision includes two master’s students at UNSW's School of Computer Science and availability to mentor PhD candidates in HRI, social robotics, and interaction design. Teaching includes 'Research Foundations' and 'Human Centred Design' courses. Key research themes include addiction to robots, conflict mediation via robots, and cultural preservation through robotic agents (e.g., Robot Maori Haka project). He advocates for robots 'in the wild' testing, combining quantitative and qualitative HRI evaluation. Collaboration opportunities exist in multidisciplinary projects blending robotics, psychology, and design. His work has led to over 50 publications including designs/architecture works like the 3D-printed social robot prototype (2020). Awards reflect both academic excellence (e.g., Alfonso Caso Medal) and innovation (e.g., Startup Weekend recognition). He actively engages in public discourse via media appearances and maintains professional profiles on LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar.
Nikolaos Tsiogkas is an Assistant Professor in the Declarative Languages and Artificial Intelligence (DTAI) group at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Computer Science. His research focuses on robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, with particular emphasis on cognitive reasoning, knowledge representation, and sensor fusion for robotic navigation. Projects: Promotor of initiatives like 'Harnessing Robotics for Safe Agriculture' (2024-2028) and 'ROSANA: Robust Semantic Navigation in Orchards' (2022-2027); co-promotor in demining robotics and multi-arm manipulation research. Research: Combines symbolic AI with robotics, exploring knowledge graphs for explainable navigation, reinforcement learning frameworks, and computationally efficient free-space detection algorithms.
Thierry Duval is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science (INFO) at IMT Atlantique , Brest campus. His work focuses on Virtual Reality (VR) , Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , and 3D Interaction in collaborative environments.
Sanem Sarıel Uzer is a Professor at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, part of the College of Computer and Informatics. She has been a faculty member at ITU since 2007, progressing from Instructor to Associate Professor in 2016 and achieving full Professor status in 2024. She is the founder and coordinator of the ITU Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory and leads multiple research initiatives in cognitive robotics, planning, and machine learning. Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2002–2007) M.Sc. in Computer Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (1999–2002) B.Sc. in Control and Computer Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (1995–1999) Her research focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning, particularly in enabling cognitive systems and robots to reason, plan, and learn in complex environments. She investigates lifelong learning methods, multi-robot team strategies, and safe robot manipulation using deep reinforcement learning. Her recent work emphasizes failure anticipation, multimodal detection, and knowledge distillation to improve robot safety and autonomy. The trend in her recent publications (2023–2024) shows a strong focus on enhancing the safety and reliability of robotic manipulation through AI techniques such as deep reinforcement learning, adversarial learning, and multimodal perception. Her work spans both theoretical algorithm development and practical applications in service and industrial robotics. Scientific Awards: Siemens Turkey Excellence Award (2004) TÜBİTAK 13th Technology Award – Best Product (2018) TÜBİTAK 13th Technology Award – University-Industry Collaboration Mention (2018) Best Visual Presentation Award, IEEE SIU (2016) ITU Project Performance Award (2020) TÜBİTAK Ufuk 2020 (2019) Necdet Eraslan Project Competition Mention (2007) She has supervised numerous students in RoboCup competitions and led multiple funded research projects, including two TÜBİTAK projects on lifelong learning for cognitive robots and the development of the open-source Violet system for robot vision. She has also served as a consultant on AI projects with companies like Triodor, Artı Teknoloji, and Analitik Bilişim. Her grants include funding from TÜBİTAK, ITU Scientific Research Projects, and the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology. She leads the ITU Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory and is actively involved in national and international collaborations, including with Georgia Tech, University of Pennsylvania, and University of South Florida. She also contributes to professional communities such as IEEE, AAAI, RoboCup, and EUCog.
Claire Dune is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toulon, affiliated with the COSMER Laboratory (Mechanical and Robotic Systems Design Laboratory). Her research focuses on robotics, computer vision, and underwater systems, with applications in environmental monitoring and human-robot interaction. She teaches computer science, numerical methods, image processing, and visual servoing. Institution: University of Toulon Laboratory: COSMER (Mechanical and Robotic Systems Design Laboratory) Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Email: claire.dune@univ-tln.fr Her research centers on perception for robot control, particularly in underwater robotics and computer vision. Key interests include visual servoing, SLAM, gesture recognition for diver-robot interaction, and autonomous capabilities in real-world marine environments. She applies deep learning and sensor fusion techniques to enhance underwater visual perception and navigation. The recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in underwater robotics, with focus areas including tether dynamics (catenary modeling), ROV localization using umbilicals and IMUs, long-term visual localization in deep-sea environments, and color restoration in underwater imagery. Her work bridges theory and real-world application, contributing datasets like 'Eiffel Tower' for benchmarking and advancing multi-agent SLAM systems. Claire Dune has contributed to leading journals such as IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, Ocean Engineering, and The International Journal of Robotics Research. Her editorial and survey work highlights her leadership in the domain of deformable object manipulation. Retrieval of benthic habitat abundance and bathymetry from hyperspectral data (DESIS) in shallow waters ROV localization using ballasted umbilical equipped with IMUs MAM3SLAM: Towards underwater robust multi-agent visual SLAM Eiffel Tower: A Deep-Sea Underwater Dataset for Long-Term Visual Localization Challenges and Outlook in Robotic Manipulation of Deformable Objects Claire Dune actively collaborates with researchers such as Vincent Hugel, Juliette Drupt, and Andrew Comport. She has supervised or co-supervised numerous research projects and publications, particularly in underwater robotics and assistive technologies. Her work involves experimental robotics and system integration, often validated in real marine environments. She leads research in the COSMER laboratory focused on underwater robotics, including projects on tethered ROVs, diver-robot communication via gesture recognition, and environmental monitoring using visual and hyperspectral data. Her team develops practical solutions for marine science and offshore operations, emphasizing robustness and autonomy.
Jessica Roberts is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, affiliated with the Faculty of Human Sciences and the Research Centre for Communication and Culture (CECC). She is an active researcher and author, focusing on journalism, fake news, media ethics, and the role of non-traditional actors in public information. Ph.D. in Journalism Studies, University of Maryland M.A. in Journalism, University of Southern California Her research explores the ethical dimensions of citizen journalism, social media, and participatory media practices such as selfies as forms of witnessing. She investigates how disinformation spreads and how journalists can respond effectively, with a strong emphasis on empathy, public trust, and the integrity of the information ecosystem. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical implications for modern journalism. The trend in her publications shows a consistent focus on the evolving media landscape, particularly the intersection of technology, ethics, and public discourse. From analyzing the 'Humans of New York' phenomenon to reimagining selfies as journalistic acts, her work highlights how everyday individuals contribute to public knowledge. Recent articles and books reflect growing concern about disinformation, media fear, and the future of trustworthy journalism. Literati Award Outstanding Paper (2021) Second Place Best Faculty Research Paper (2023) Jessica Roberts has supervised 16 academic works at UCP and leads the 'Humans of New York' research project (2020–2026), which examines empathy and storytelling in public service journalism. She is actively involved in organizing key academic events, including the Lisbon Winter School and research symposia on journalism studies, demonstrating leadership in the scholarly community. She is a principal investigator on externally funded research and regularly presents at conferences and invited talks, contributing to both academic and public discourse on media and communication. Her engagement with press and media further underscores her role as a public intellectual. Her lab or research team is embedded within the Research Centre for Communication and Culture (CECC), where she collaborates with scholars on interdisciplinary projects exploring media, emotion, and ethics. The CECC serves as a hub for innovative communication research in Portugal and beyond.
Bruce H. Thomas is a Professor at the University of South Australia, specializing in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and immersive systems. His research focuses on spatial computing, human-computer interaction, and the application of mixed reality in domains like collaborative analytics, architectural design, and healthcare. Key contributions include foundational work on ARQuake (the first outdoor AR game), spatial interaction techniques, and immersive analytics frameworks. He has authored over 280 publications across venues like IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (TVCG), ISMAR, and CHI. His work spans theoretical studies on cognitive load and EEG responses to AR, as well as applied systems like GeoGate for geo-temporal data visualization. Dr. Thomas collaborates extensively with industry partners (e.g., automotive, energy sectors) and academic institutions globally. His projects emphasize real-world applications, including crime scene reconstruction for legal evidence presentation, VR-based architectural reviews, and haptic interfaces for surgical training. He co-edited the seminal book Emerging Technologies of Augmented Reality (2007) and serves on editorial boards for top journals. His lab's innovations include adaptive portals in VR, proxy-based situated visualizations, and systems for collaborative decision-making in high-stakes environments. Current research explores AI integration with immersive systems and AR-driven solutions for complex data analysis tasks.
Cihan BECAN , Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Communication, Department of Advertising since 2023. Previously served as Assistant Professor at Istanbul Aydin University's Public Relations and Advertising Department (2010-2023). Holds a B.Sc. in Communication Management (Istanbul Bilgi University, 2005), M.Sc. in Marketing Communication and Public Relations (Bahcesehir University, 2007), and Ph.D. in Public Relations and Advertising (Istanbul University, 2014). Current administrative roles: Science Communication Coordinator, Faculty Board Member, Advertising Research Group Coordinator Active in international conferences (MEDCOM 2024, Communication in Digital Age Symposiums) Research focuses on neuromarketing , digital advertising , and consumer behavior . Key areas include emotional appeals in advertising, gamification strategies, and sustainable communication. Supervised 11 graduate theses on topics like brand activism, environmental awareness, and gender equality in ads. Scientific contributions: 23 publications including 8 book chapters. Notable awards include the 2018 Crystal Apple Award for advertising analysis. Collaborated on text mining and sentiment analysis projects, particularly in environmental sustainability advertising. Administrative roles include founding the Advertising and Consumer Research Group, coordinating science communication initiatives, and serving on multiple university committees (Disciplinary, Assessment, Student Clubs). Currently teaches courses in advertising theory, brand communication, and media planning to 250+ students annually.
Daniel Leidner is a Cooperation Professor at the University of Bremen and a researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) where he has been contributing to the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics since 2011. He earned his doctorate in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from the University of Bremen in 2017. Since 2017, he has led the Semantic Planning Group and the Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR, focusing on advanced task planning for autonomous robotic systems and enhancing the reliability of robotic operations in dynamic environments. Leidner's research interests span multiple areas in robotics and artificial intelligence. His work emphasizes developing robust and resilient robotic systems capable of autonomous operation in complex environments. He specializes in creating systems that can not only handle predictable scenarios but also flexibly respond to unforeseen events. His ERC Starting Grant project RECOVER.ME aims to equip robots with metacognitive abilities to autonomously manage hardware malfunctions by integrating formal reasoning with Vision-Language Models. This innovative approach enhances the resilience and efficiency of space robots, reducing the need for manual intervention during missions and leveraging insights from cognitive psychology for improved problem-solving capabilities. Leidner's research portfolio includes significant projects such as RECOVER.ME, FUTURO, EASE, OPERA, Smile2gether, Surface Avatar, and CoViPa. His publications demonstrate a strong focus on autonomous task planning, human-robot interaction, fault tolerance, and metacognitive capabilities in robotic systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in space teleoperation, assistive robotics, and cognitive reasoning for resilient robotic systems. ERC Starting Grant (2024) for project RECOVER.ME Georges Giralt PhD Award (Best European PhD Thesis in Robotics) Helmholtz Doctoral Prize MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35 Award Leidner has served as an advisor to the German Federal Government from October 2023 to July 2024, where he played a crucial role in developing a national strategy for AI-based robotics. His leadership in the Semantic Planning Group and Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR demonstrates his significant contributions to advancing robotic capabilities in challenging environments. His work bridges theoretical advances in cognitive robotics with practical applications in space exploration, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Phillip Maciak is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and the American Culture Studies program at Washington University in St. Louis. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA from the University of Virginia, and a BA from Amherst College. His academic work focuses on U.S. literature, visual media, and the cultural role of screens, with notable publications including The Disappearing Christ: Secularism in the Silent Era (2019) and the cultural critique Avidly Reads Screen Time (2023). He also serves as TV critic for The New Republic and is currently writing DAD: A POP HISTORY (Plume, 2027). Education: PhD, University of Pennsylvania; MA, University of Virginia; BA, Amherst College Roles: Senior Lecturer in English & AMCS; TV critic; author Affiliations: Washington University; New Republic ; Plume Publishing His research explores intersections between screens and modern identity, dad culture, and 20th/21st-century media. Courses taught include 'The Great American Novel,' 'American Visual Culture Studies,' and a new seminar on 'Dad Culture Studies.' He has also launched innovative courses like 'Adaptations: Literature/Film/TV' and 'The Writer, the Editor, and the Digital World.' Publications span scholarly monographs, cultural critiques, and over 50 articles analyzing contemporary TV and media trends. Current projects include a cultural history of fatherhood and ongoing critiques of streaming TV's evolving narrative strategies.
Dr. Pamela Carreno-Medrano is a Lecturer and Early Career Research Representative in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering at Monash University. Her research focuses on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), robot learning, and socially assistive robotics. She holds a PhD in Information & Communication Sciences (Université de Bretagne-Sud), Master's in Computer Science (École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Brest), and a Bachelor's in Computer Systems Engineering (Universidad EAFIT). Her work emphasizes human-centered design for intelligent systems, including adaptive navigation algorithms, human-robot collaboration models, and affective computing applications. She leads projects on long-term human-robot interaction and has contributed to interdisciplinary studies on robot ethics and public space integration. Dr. Carreno-Medrano also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Universidad EAFIT and collaborates internationally on sustainable aging technologies through the ARC Training Centre for Optimal Ageing. Current research themes include aligning task representations between humans and robots, modeling non-goal-driven human behaviors, and socially aware navigation strategies. She actively supervises postgraduate students in HRI, offering projects on interactive robot learning and embodied AI systems.
Maja Golf-Papez is an Associate Professor in Marketing at the University of Sussex Business School, where she also serves as Deputy Director of the MBA program. Her work integrates systems thinking and human-centered design to address complex challenges in technology, health, and consumer behavior. Her educational background includes a PhD in Marketing from the University of Canterbury (2018), an MSc in Marketing from the University of Bath (2010), a BSc in Marketing Communications from the University of Ljubljana (2009), and a BSc in Economics from the same institution (2013). She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Advance HE, 2020) and a certification in Human-Centred Systems Thinking from IDEO (2024). Maja's research focuses on responsible innovation, digital inclusion, health innovation, and consumer misbehaviors such as online trolling. She employs qualitative, context-rich methods and co-creates solutions with stakeholders, particularly in healthcare. Her recent work explores the metaverse, synthetic customer experiences, and platform governance in the sharing economy. Her publications span top journals including European Journal of Marketing , Journal of Interactive Marketing , Business Horizons , and Marketing Theory . The research trends reflect a strong focus on digital ethics, responsible technology, consumer well-being, and the social implications of emerging technologies. She frequently collaborates with scholars such as Veer, Bajde, Culiberg, and Keeling. Highly Commended in the 2024 Financial Times Responsible Business Education Awards for the Digital Inclusion Framework Journal of Marketing Management 2017 Best Paper Award – Highly Commended for 'Don’t feed the trolling' Maja is an active supervisor, having co-supervised research on digital fashion and brand purpose. She has secured funding from the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account and a Knowledge Exchange Fellowship. She teaches Design Thinking and Innovation at the postgraduate and MBA levels and has been nominated for the Sussex Teaching Award annually from 2020 to 2025. She also facilitates workshops for organizations and professionals. Her peer review activities include journals such as European Journal of Marketing , Journal of Business Research , and Consumption, Markets and Culture , and she has served on the ESRC IAA fast-track fund review panel.
Elena Denisova Schmidt serves as a Privatdozent (equivalent to Associate Professor) and Research Associate at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland, where she maintains an active research profile through the university's CRIS system. Her work focuses on corruption mechanisms across multiple domains in post-Soviet contexts, particularly examining electoral processes, academic institutions, and everyday informal practices in Russia and neighboring countries. Her primary research interests include Corruption Studies , Russian Politics , Higher Education Systems , Academic Integrity , and Informal Practices . Through extensive fieldwork and analysis, she investigates how administrative resources are deployed in Russian electoral processes, regional variations in corruption perception, and historical patterns of academic dishonesty. Her methodological approach frequently employs qualitative techniques including in-depth interviews with political strategists, officials, and students across multiple Russian regions. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a significant shift toward comparative international research, particularly examining academic integrity challenges across China, Russia, and Ukraine. Her 2023-2025 work demonstrates increasing attention to how geopolitical changes following February 2022 have impacted corruption research in Russia, with her noting that "after three decades of courage and innovation, the topic is now on hold" in the Russian context. This evolving research trajectory reflects both scholarly adaptation to changing political realities and expansion into new geographical contexts. Dr. Denisova Schmidt has led significant research projects including "Forming Values and Stereotypes in the Perception of Corruption by Students in Russia" (with 13 associated publications) and has collaborated extensively with researchers including Yaroslav Prytula, Elvira Leontyeva, and Stanislav Shekshnia. Her scholarly output is substantial, with 229 research items spanning from 2003 to 2025, including 70 journal articles, 42 book sections, and 17 books. Her work appears in journals such as Journal of Eurasian Studies, Demokratizatsiya, and Mir Rossii, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach across political science, education, and sociology.
Dr. Yunbo Zhang is an Assistant Professor at RIT's Industrial & Systems Engineering department with joint affiliation to the Golisano College of Computing. His research develops AR-human-robot collaboration systems for advanced manufacturing. He leads projects funded by NSF and New York State focusing on: AR-guided robotic assembly Human-centered robot programming Tacit knowledge capture in machining Recent work includes novel depth sensing techniques and cognitive load-aware interfaces for industrial robots. He serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Robotics and AI.
