Jakob Eg Larsen is an Associate Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), affiliated with the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (DTU Compute) within the Cognitive Systems Section. He leads the Mobile Informatics and Personal Data Laboratory (MILAB). His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Personal Informatics, Quantified Self, and Information Visualization, with applications in wearable technology, mental health, and healthcare. He teaches courses in Digital Media Engineering, including user experience, mobile application prototyping, and personal informatics. Education: PhD (2005) and MSc in Computer Science (1999) from the University of Copenhagen, with additional studies in cognitive psychology. Research emphasizes wearable devices for mental health interventions (e.g., PTSD treatment), physical activity tracking in pregnancy, and personalized hearing aid systems. Over 98 publications and 12 supervised PhD projects highlight his contributions to HCI, mHealth, and data-driven healthcare solutions. Labs/Teams: MILAB focuses on mobile informatics and personal data interaction. Collaborations span interdisciplinary fields like audiology, clinical psychology, and public health.
Dr. Deborah Goode is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing at Ulster University and serves as the Associate Head of School of Nursing within the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Faculty of Life & Health Sciences. She is an intensive & critical care nurse with extensive experience in both clinical practice and academic leadership. Ulster University, Belfast campus (Room BC-04-174, 2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP) Magee Campus, Northlands Road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL Her research interests focus on older people with mental health needs, prehospital and emergency care, critical care nursing, nurse education, social media and digital learning applications in healthcare education, person centredness, and end of life care. Dr. Goode has developed expertise in digital health interventions, particularly in dementia care through projects like the InspireD reminiscence app. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on emergency care for older adults with mental health needs, digital health interventions for dementia care, and innovative approaches to nursing education. She has made significant contributions to understanding how social media can be leveraged as a learning tool in healthcare education. Highly Commended, Mobile App of the Year for Inspired Dementia Reminiscence App (2021) Marcia Mackie Scholarship (2016) Marthan McMenamin Scholarship (2016) Ulster Institute of Nursing Research Fellowship (2009) Dr. Goode serves as Academic Lead for post registration business and is the Athena Swan Chair for Nursing. She has supervised numerous PhD students including Olivia Briggs, Mary Dunnion, Diane Lyttle, Lorraine McAteer, and Joanne McConville. She is actively involved in multiple research projects, most notably the 6-year project 'Developing and testing the InspireD reminiscence app as a stand-alone support for people living with dementia and their families' (2019-2025) where she serves as a Co-Investigator. Her external roles include serving as an External Examiner for the Universities of Manchester and Swansea, and participation in various steering groups including the Critical Care Nursing Career Pathway Steering Group and the Nursing and Midwifery Task Group. Dr. Goode holds a PhD from Ulster University on 'a study of attendance trends and care experiences of older people with mental health needs in Emergency Medical Service settings' (awarded July 2019), an MSc in Nursing from Queen's University Belfast, and additional qualifications including a Post Graduate Specialist Certificate in ICU and PGDip in Nurse Education from Ulster University. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, CHERP Fellow, and Associate member of the Association for Learning Technology.
Aaron Weiskittel is a Professor of Forest Biometrics and Modeling and the Irving Chair of Forest Ecosystem Management at the University of Maine’s School of Forest Resources. He directs the Center for Advanced Forestry Systems and the Center for Research on Sustainable Forests . His research focuses on developing quantitative tools for forest management, including growth and yield modeling, climate change impacts, and sustainable forestry practices. He holds a PhD (2007), MS (2003), and BS (2001) in forest resources from Oregon State University and The Ohio State University, respectively. Research interests include: Forest biometrics and modeling Climate change effects on forest productivity Stem taper equations and volume estimation Old-growth forest structure analysis Commercial thinning impacts on stand dynamics Key contributions include: Development of growth models for the Acadian Region Evaluation of climate change on forest productivity and species distribution Advancements in forest biomass and carbon estimation Collaborative studies on northern white-cedar silviculture His work integrates field data, remote sensing, and computational modeling to address complex forest management challenges. Ongoing projects focus on carbon MRV frameworks, forest carbon markets, and stakeholder-driven climate adaptation strategies.
Dr. Kate Langley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at Cardiff University. Her research focuses on the genetic and environmental risk factors influencing neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Conduct Disorder. She explores how these conditions manifest across developmental stages and their societal impacts. Dr. Langley teaches Developmental Psychology at the undergraduate level and leads the Neurodevelopmental Disorders 1: Neurobiology module in the MSc Children's Psychological Disorders program. Her work integrates clinical and epidemiological approaches, leveraging large datasets like Welsh healthcare records to study ADHD diagnosis disparities and cohort dynamics. Collaborations include projects on genomic data integration (DRAGON-Data) and the neurocognitive correlates of ADHD in young adults. Dr. Langley’s research highlights the importance of early intervention and understanding developmental trajectories in mental health.
Dr. Lianne Bakkum is an Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam within the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, holding affiliations in Clinical Child and Family Studies, APH - Mental Health, and LEARN! - Child rearing. She earned her PhD in Public Health and Primary Care from the University of Cambridge (2017–2021), focusing on attachment and trauma in the Adult Attachment Interview. Her research explores intellectual disability, child protection systems, mental health interventions, and the impact of digital social contact during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education, good health, and reduced inequalities. Key projects include reducing involuntary care in intellectual disability settings and analyzing the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for PTSD in adults with intellectual disabilities. She teaches courses on family studies, child-rearing practices, and scientific reasoning rooted in attachment theory. Bakkum’s publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to disability care, trauma resolution, and policy evaluation. She leads and collaborates on projects funded by academic institutions, focusing on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations through evidence-based strategies.
Lars I Eriksson is a Professor and head of the section of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet. His research focuses on the neuroinflammatory and cognitive consequences of surgical trauma and critical illness, with particular emphasis on mechanisms linking systemic inflammation to long-term brain dysfunction. He leads the research group "The brain after surgery and trauma - neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment and dementia" , which investigates postoperative neurocognitive decline, dementia risk, and immune-brain interactions. Key funding sources include the Swedish Research Council (VR Medicine), The Brain Foundation, and the Alzheimer Foundation. Research Interests : Neuroinflammation following surgery/trauma Cognitive decline mechanisms in postoperative patients Immune-brain communication in critical illness Pharmacological prevention of postoperative dementia Clinical translation of experimental immunology findings Recent Work Trends focus on: Immune profiling in critical care survivors (e.g., NeuroCOVID studies) Biomarker development for cognitive outcomes Extracellular vesicle roles in postoperative brain injury Grants & Collaborations**: Active projects include: VR Medicine grant exploring surgery-induced neuroinflammation ALF Region Stockholm funding for translational studies European Society for Anesthesiology support for clinical trials Labs/Teams**: Directly supervises a multidisciplinary team including research engineers (Anette Ebberyd) and senior specialists (e.g., Marta Gómez Galán, Souren Mkrtchian). Collaborates extensively across departments at Karolinska Institutet and internationally.
Lars Lund is a Professor/Senior Physician at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Medicine, Solna, leading research on heart failure mechanisms and clinical management. He specializes in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFpEF), focusing on translational research, clinical trials, and registry-based studies. His work bridges molecular biology, epidemiology, and clinical practice, aiming to improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes. Key affiliations include the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF) and leadership of the Heart Failure Research Group. Education: Economics (College of Charleston, USA), Medicine (Duke University), Molecular Biology PhD (Karolinska Institutet, 2005). Roles: Professor of Cardiology since 2018, Associate Professor (2011–2018), and clinical training at Columbia University and Karolinska University Hospital. Research interests include new treatments for HFrEF, mechanisms of HFpEF, and optimization of guideline-directed therapy. His team investigates drug repurposing, biomarkers, and quality of life in heart failure patients. Notable grants include the Swedish Research Council-funded SPIRRIT-HFpEF trial and studies on inotropic therapies. Recent publications emphasize clinical trial design, registry analyses, and therapeutic gaps in heart failure subtypes. He was recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in 2024 for impactful contributions to cardiology. Advises over 10 PhD students and leads multi-institutional collaborations in Europe and globally. His lab focuses on translational research, bridging basic science and clinical application in heart failure management.
Daniela Ghio is Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Manchester's Division of Psychology and Mental Health. A chartered psychologist with PhD in Clinical and Health Psychology, her research develops digital interventions for chronic conditions across the lifespan, with special focus on paediatric psychology. Research spans: Digital health interventions for chronic illness Self-management of long-term conditions Paediatric pain perception Behaviour change methodologies Co-production of healthcare research Publication analysis reveals three core themes: Paediatric chronic pain mechanisms and management Parental experiences of childhood illness Digital intervention development for dermatological conditions Awards: None reported Research involvement includes the Manchester Centre for Health Psychology and national NIHR projects. Activities demonstrate commitment to knowledge translation and public engagement.
Hannah Long is a Researcher at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work within the Healthier Futures Research Platform. Her primary role involves investigating health inequalities and public health policy impacts through evidence synthesis methods, with a focus on cancer screening outcomes and healthcare interventions. She currently holds an Open Research Fellowship developing data reporting guidelines for qualitative health datasets (DeNOTE study). Education: Hannah completed her BSc (Hons) Psychology (with International Study), MSc Health Psychology, and PhD in Health Psychology at the University of Manchester. Her PhD explored the psychological effects of false positive breast screening results, funded by NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the University of Manchester. Research Interests: Her work addresses health inequalities, qualitative research methodologies, open science practices, and the psychological impacts of medical screening. She has conducted systematic reviews on shift worker health behaviors, false positive screening outcomes, and end-of-life carer support systems. Key Awards: She received the MSc Health Psychology Award for Outstanding Performance (2016) and was a runner-up for the British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology Award (2017). Advising & Grants: Hannah has been funded by NIHR, Cancer Research UK, and the University of Manchester. Her collaborative projects include work on diabetes management systems (SuMMiT-D project) and cancer symptom help-seeking behaviors at the International Hub for Quality of Life Research. Labs/Teams: She is affiliated with the Manchester Centre for Health Psychology and contributes to interdisciplinary teams advancing open science practices and healthcare equity initiatives.
Sarah Tracy is an Associate Professor of the History of Medicine and Food Studies at the University of Oklahoma, affiliated with the Honors College and collaborating with the College of Medicine through the Medical Humanities Program. She holds a A.B. from Harvard/Radcliffe and Ph.D./M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research explores the intersection of nutrition, substance use, and health in American history, emphasizing chronic disease from 1800 to present. Tracy directs the OU Medical Humanities Program, a 23-year-old initiative promoting interdisciplinary education in science, medicine, and the humanities. Her research interests include the history of medicine, alcohol/drug use, public health, food studies, and biography. She teaches courses on food culture, psychoactive substances, scientific biography, and medical humanities. Tracy’s current projects include a biography of Ancel Keys, a pivotal figure in dietary science whose work influenced WWII rations, postwar nutrition policies, and global heart disease research. Her courses emphasize science’s societal influences and impacts, encouraging students to analyze health and healing through historical, cultural, and ethical lenses. The Medical Humanities Program she directs fosters collaboration between arts/humanities and biomedical fields, hosting interdisciplinary initiatives like music-and-medicine courses. Tracy’s publications span monographs like *Alcoholism from Reconstruction to Prohibition* (2005) and *Conversations With Food* (2020), as well as articles analyzing Keys’ legacy, fermentation science in Japan, and transnational heart disease epidemiology. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary issues in public health and food policy.
Thomas Heldt is Associate Professor of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT, and a Principal Investigator at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics. He leads the Integrative Neuromonitoring and Critical Care Informatics Group and serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science. Research focuses on: Noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring Computational models of cerebrovascular dynamics Sepsis detection algorithms Wearable physiological monitoring Clinical decision support systems Recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate advances in hemodynamic modeling, diagnostic algorithms for critical care, and AI applications for physiological monitoring. Key innovations include open cranium models for intracranial hypertension studies, deep learning frameworks for fatigue assessment, and mobile-based neurocognitive tracking. Professor Heldt collaborates with Boston Children's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Medical Center to translate research into clinical practice. His work has been recognized through the W.M. Keck Career Development Professorship and IEEE EMBS Distinguished Lectureship.
William Newman is a Clinical Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at the University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. He serves as President of the European Society of Human Genetics (2024-25) and Clinical Director of the NW Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. His roles include co-leading the BRC Theme on Rare Conditions and leading the NHSE Network of Excellence in Pharmacogenetics and Medicines Optimisation. Education: BSc (hons) Experimental Immunology and Oncology MB ChB (hons) from the University of Manchester PhD in genetics from the Wellcome Trust Cell Matrix Centre MA in Healthcare Ethics and Law Research Interests: Rare Conditions : Discovery of genetic causes using next-generation sequencing, focusing on Perrault syndrome, lower urinary tract disorders, and infection-triggered neuropathies. Pharmacogenetics : Clinical implementation of genetic testing to optimize medication responses, including the PALOH study for gentamicin-induced hearing loss prevention. Lower Urinary Tract Malformations : Studies on HPSE2 and LRIG2 genes in urofacial syndrome and bladder exstrophy, supported by the MRC-NIHR Rare Disease Node (REOLUT). Genetics of Perrault Syndrome : Identification of CLPP, MRPL49, PRORP, and DAP3 genes, exploring mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms. Spliceosomal Disorders : Investigating craniofacial syndromes like Burn McKeown syndrome using mouse and stem cell models. Key Awards: New Statesman Healthcare Positive Impact Award 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) Research Project of the Year: STEM Award 2024 Teaching and Collaborations: Established MSc in Genomic Medicine and PGCert in Clinical Genetics with international partners. Collaborates with institutions like Newcastle University, UCL, and Cambridge on rare disease projects. Leadership in European Society of Human Genetics training programs for cardiac genetics professionals. Labs and Platforms: Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network, and the Lydia Becker Institute.
Thomas Blakeman is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research , University of Manchester . His clinical-academic roles include Principal Investigator for the ASTERAKI study on acute kidney injury (AKI) recovery and co-leadership of the NIHR Manchester Integrated Academic Training Programme (50 Fellows, 30 Lecturers) and the NIHR Manchester School for Primary Care Research . Educational Background : 1993: Bachelor of Medicine (University of Newcastle Upon Tyne) 1997: Diploma in Child Health (Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Glasgow) 1999: Certificate of Prescribed Experience (UK Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for General Practice) 2004: MSc in Health and Community Research (University of Manchester, Distinction) 2010: PhD in Medicine (University of Manchester) Research Interests focus on implementation science to enhance patient safety for vulnerable populations with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) . He addresses challenges in avoiding overtreatment while improving post-AKI care systems, with national influence on NICE guidelines and international KDIGO AKI Guideline Work Group membership. Article Trends : Recent work spans polypharmacy assessment tools , CKD diagnostic frameworks , AKI cardiovascular outcomes , and social determinants of kidney health , reflecting interdisciplinary applications of health informatics , qualitative methods , and systematic reviews . Scientific Awards : 2012 : International Primary Care Research Leadership Programme Cohort 7 2016 : Royal College of General Practitioners Research Paper of the Year Award Leadership in : NIHR Manchester IAT Programme (capacity building), GM Patient Safety Research Collaboration , and NHS England Renal Services Transformation (Post-AKI care group). He also contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (CKD as a global health priority).
David S. Byers is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) at Bryn Mawr College, affiliated with the International Studies and Gender and Sexuality programs. He holds a Ph.D. from Smith College School for Social Work and has completed postdoctoral work at Cornell University and psychoanalysis training at NYU. His research focuses on ethical theory in clinical practice, queer/trans theory, and international social work, with a particular emphasis on stigmatized care, bullying, and bystander intervention. Byers teaches clinical theory, research methods, and ethics, emphasizing interdisciplinary and translational approaches. Education: B.A., Sarah Lawrence College M.S.W., New York University Ph.D., Smith College School for Social Work Postdoctoral Associate, Cornell University Candidate, NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis Research Interests: Byers explores ethical tensions in mental health and social work, particularly in marginalized contexts. His work examines how clinicians navigate stigma, precarity, and ethical conflicts through "clinical activism." He also investigates bullying dynamics, bystander behavior, and queer/trans-affirmative care. Recent projects analyze Palestinian social work in occupied territories and the role of emotions in ethical decision-making. Publications & Talks: Byers has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and op-eds on topics like cyberbullying ethics, LGBTQ+ trauma, and global social work. He frequently presents at conferences such as the Council on Social Work Education and the Society for Social Work Research, discussing themes like anti-racist practice and international qualitative inquiry. Grants & Awards: While no specific awards are listed, his research has been supported by institutions such as the Institute for Advanced Study (2024 Visitor) and Cornell University’s Bronfenbrenner Center. He has also contributed to policy discussions via The New York Times and Time magazine. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving Palestinian social work education, bullying intervention strategies, and LGBTQ+ clinical advocacy. Affiliated with Bryn Mawr’s Gender and Sexuality Studies program and international social work initiatives.
Prof. Ralf Kriegel holds a part-time professorship (0.5 PE) for Sports Science at the German University of Health and Sport (DHGS) in Ismaning, Faculty of Sport and Training Sciences. He concurrently serves as COO and authorized signatory at functional training movement GmbH (FTM), Munich, and previously held leadership roles in fitness management including Management Board membership at ACISO/ELEMENTS and regional manager at Migros Freizeit Deutschland GmbH/ELEMENTS. Education includes a PhD (2004) from the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich on sports recommendations via internet applications, and a Diploma in Sports Science (1994) from the same institution. Research focuses on fitness facility management, human resources in sports sectors, and marketing strategies for fitness industries. His work bridges academic research (e.g., diabetes and exercise studies) with practical business applications in gym operations and client retention. Professional experience spans over 20 years in fitness industry leadership roles combined with academic teaching. Publications span strategic management in fitness, exercise physiology for chronic diseases, and innovative digital tools for sports recommendations.
