Dr. Keyron Hickman-Lewis is a Lecturer in Planetary Exploration at Birkbeck, University of London, with academic positions spanning institutions like the Natural History Museum and Imperial College London. He holds a M.EarthSci from the University of Oxford (2015) and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from CNRS Orléans and Università di Bologna (2019). His research focuses on the co-evolution of Earth and early life, planetary exploration (including Mars 2020 Perseverance rover missions), and technique development for analyzing ancient microbial biosignatures. Key interests include microbial mats, Archaean geology, and astrobiological field analogs like Lake Abhe (Djibouti) and Martian environments. Notable achievements include identifying Earth's oldest microbial traces (3.5 Ga) and studying Mars sample return strategies. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS) and serves on the European Astrobiology Network Association Council. Teaching includes modules on planetary science, geology, and remote sensing. Supervision focuses on astrobiology and planetary exploration topics. Key publications highlight breakthroughs in microbial mat preservation, Mars sample analysis, and Early Archaean stromatolite interpretation. Collaborations span international institutions including NASA, CNRS, and the University of Bologna.
Theodora Varvarigou is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). She holds a B.Eng. from NTUA and M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. Her career includes research at AT&T Bell Labs and roles at the Technical University of Crete. From 2008-2012, she served as director of NTUA's 'Technoeconomic Systems' postgraduate program. Her research focuses on Cloud Computing, Multimedia Content Processing, Social Networking Technologies, and emerging areas like blockchain, edge computing, and cybersecurity. She has published over 200 papers and led numerous European research projects, emphasizing scalable systems, data management, and smart infrastructure applications. Her work spans technical innovations such as intrusion detection systems, edge resource optimization, and blockchain-based solutions for IoT, healthcare, and smart cities. Recent publications highlight advancements in AI-driven resource allocation, privacy-preserving blockchain designs, and predictive analytics for edge computing environments. Professor Varvarigou has contributed to interdisciplinary initiatives, including cohort data harmonization in biomedical research and social media analytics for urban planning. Her teaching includes courses on digital systems, network programming, and fault-tolerant systems.
Prof. Dr. Viktor Leis is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair for Decentralized Information Systems and Data Management. His research focuses on cost-efficient data systems, particularly in cloud environments, with expertise in core database topics like query processing, transaction management, and storage optimization. He earned his PhD from TUM in 2016 and previously held professorships at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg before returning to TUM in 2022. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ACM SIGMOD Dissertation Award, VLDB Early Career Research Contribution Award, and an ERC Starting Grant. Research Interests: Cloud computing, database systems, query optimization, storage engines, transaction processing, and NVMe-optimized systems. Key Projects: Developed the LeanStore storage engine and contributed to the Hyper database system. His recent publications emphasize cloud-native architectures, high-performance storage solutions, and hybrid transactional/analytical processing. He actively teaches courses on distributed systems, cloud databases, and blockchain technologies.
Rehan Syed is a Professor at Queensland University of Technology's School of Information Systems within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on Business Process Management (BPM), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Process Mining, with significant contributions to understanding digital transformation challenges in public and healthcare sectors. He has authored/co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications in top journals and conferences like BPM, HICSS, and ECIS. Key areas of expertise include leadership in IT initiatives, healthcare data quality, and low-code adoption strategies. Recent work emphasizes RPA's impact on organizational processes and knowledge retention. His research bridges academic theory with practical implementation, often collaborating with institutions like UN agencies and healthcare organizations. Publications span case studies in developing countries, systematic reviews, and curriculum development frameworks for BPM education. His work is cited across disciplines, reflecting its relevance to both academia and industry.
Inigo Flores Ituarte is a Research Professor at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, affiliated with the Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering department. He leads the Digital Design and Manufacturing (D2M) research lab, focusing on sustainable manufacturing and twin-transition strategies integrating digital and green technologies. His work emphasizes optimization-driven design, additive manufacturing innovations, and AI-driven expert systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Key research pillars include: Pillar 1: Twin-transition in Engineering Design and Manufacturing Processes, addressing sustainable manufacturing and intelligent systems Pillar 2: Development of open D2M systems and Process-Structure-Property-Performance (PSPP) linkages in advanced materials His research explores multi-disciplinary optimization combining model-based simulations and data-driven techniques. Notable contributions include generative AI integration in CAD systems, cognitive manufacturing systems, and cost-effective process monitoring using CNN-based methods. Inigo's work emphasizes environmental sustainability, with a focus on reducing manufacturing's energy consumption (54% of global use) and CO2 emissions. He advocates for interconnected material systems, smart manufacturing processes, and AI-assisted decision-making to achieve cognitive intelligence in industrial operations. His D2M lab's overarching goal is to maximize product/process performance while improving cost-effectiveness and minimizing environmental footprints. Recent projects include railway bogie demonstrators via multi-material deposition and sensor systems leveraging IoT and ChatGPT integration.
Professor Chee Yew Wong is a leading academic in supply chain management at Leeds University Business School (LUBS), where he holds the position of Professor and serves as Director for Research & Innovation in the Analytics, Technology and Operations department. He previously held a Chair in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Hull University Business School and has served as a visiting professor in Thailand and China. His work bridges academia and industry, with over nine years of professional experience in operations and supply chain roles across multinational corporations and SMEs. His educational background includes a PhD in Supply Chain Management from Aalborg University, Denmark; an MSc in Manufacturing Management from Linköping University, Sweden; a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Technology, Malaysia; and a PG Certificate in Higher Education from Hull University, UK. Professor Wong's research centers on intelligent, responsible, and sustainable solutions for global supply chains. Key interests include digital supply chains, supply chain analytics, green logistics, human rights in supply chains, resilience, and circular economy models. He leverages technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, and IoT to enhance transparency, integration, and performance in complex supply networks. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward digital transformation, sustainability, and ethical governance in supply chains. His work increasingly emphasizes data-driven decision-making, environmental and social risk assessment, and the role of technology in enabling responsible global sourcing. Many projects focus on real-world applications in industries such as healthcare, fashion, retail, and manufacturing, often through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with industry leaders. Best Reviewer Award, Operations and Supply Chain Management Division, Academy of Management Conference, Chicago, USA (2018) Prof. Xiande Zhao's Best Paper Award, International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management, Kaifeng, China (2017) Finalist for the Jack Meredith Best Paper Award, Academy of Management Conference, Anaheim, USA (2016) Emerald Best Paper Award, Supply Chain Management: an International Journal (2006) Professor Wong has successfully supervised 10 PhD students and 4 post-doctoral researchers, and has examined over 15 PhD dissertations internationally. He leads multiple research grants, including projects funded by Innovate UK, UKRI, ESRC, and the British Council, focusing on digital transformation, human rights, and green supply chain innovation. His collaborations span academia, government, and industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful, applied research. He is actively involved in the Centre for Operations and Supply Chain Research, the Adaptation Information Management and Technology group, and the Centre for Decision Research at LUBS. These research groups support interdisciplinary work in analytics, digital technologies, and sustainable operations, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange across sectors.
Andrew Rau-Chaplin is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, where he leads the Risk Analytics Lab and contributes significantly to research in high performance computing, parallel algorithms, and risk analytics. He is affiliated with the Institute for Big Data Analytics and has a strong academic and administrative presence. Education: Postdoc - DIMCS (Princeton, Rutgers, Bell Labs) PhD - Carleton University (1993) MCS - Carleton University (1990) BCS - York University (1986) His research focuses on applying parallel and high performance computing to data-intensive domains such as data warehousing, OLAP, catastrophe modeling, and risk analytics. He emphasizes both algorithmic design and practical system implementation, with a strong grounding in experimental evaluation. His work spans theoretical studies and real-world applications in finance, bioinformatics, and geospatial systems. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on parallel data processing, OLAP optimization, indexing techniques (e.g., Hilbert curves), and risk modeling. Key themes include scalable data cube computation, view selection, adaptive coding, and spatial analytics, demonstrating expertise in both algorithmic innovation and systems-level performance. He has served on numerous scientific committees and grant panels, including NSERC and Compute Canada, and has been a journal editor for JPDC and DMTCS. Dr. Rau-Chaplin has supervised a wide range of graduate students in areas including risk analytics, GPU computing, text analytics, and parallel algorithms. His lab has received funding for postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate research positions. He teaches courses such as Parallel Computing, Software Engineering, Data Structures, and Risk Analytics, and has developed software tools like LaHave, Clustal XP, and Digital Coliseum. His lab, the Risk Analytics Lab, focuses on integrating analytics, risk management, and HPC for challenges in catastrophe modeling and financial risk. The lab leverages technologies such as stochastic simulation, optimization, and spatial OLAP.
Dr. Radu Jianu is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at City, University of London , where he has been a faculty member since 2016. He is affiliated with the giCentre , a leading research group in information visualization. He earned his PhD and MSc in Computer Science from Brown University, USA, and a Diploma in Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Timisoara, Romania. His academic career includes a previous role as Assistant Professor at Florida International University (2012–2016). His research focuses on Data Visualisation, Visual Analytics, and Human-Computer Interaction . He conducts interdisciplinary collaborations with domains such as biology, food policy, and energy decarbonisation, aiming to develop interactive visual tools that enhance data understanding and decision-making. His methodological approach includes user studies, eye-tracking, and the design of novel visualization techniques. Dr. Jianu teaches Programming in Java and Cognition and Technologies , and he coordinates the Programming Bootcamp. He also holds administrative responsibilities as the Progression and Support Director in the Computer Science Department and is a member of its Executive Committee (ExCo). His recent publications reflect a growing interest in LLM-assisted visual analytics, gaze-aware systems, and collaborative human-AI analytical frameworks . He has published in top venues such as IEEE TVCG, CHI, EuroVis, and Nature Immunology, with several best paper awards. His work on the RAMPVIS project highlights his contributions to visualization in public health emergencies. Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award, Symposium on Graph Drawing (2018) Best Short Paper Award, EuroVis (2020) Advising and Grants: Dr. Jianu supervises multiple PhD and MSc students, including Dany Laksono (Energy Decarbonisation) and Maeve Hutchinson (NLP-mediated Visualization). His students have co-authored high-impact, award-winning papers. He has been involved in funded research initiatives such as RAMPVIS, which received support from UKRI/EPSRC for developing visual analytics infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Labs and Teams: He is an active member of the giCentre at City, University of London, a hub for visualization research. He also collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in epidemiology, immunology, and computer science, contributing to large-scale projects like the Immunological Genome Project and RAMPVIS.
Karin Jacobs is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Saarland University, where she leads the research group for soft matter physics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology. Her work bridges experimental physics and applied materials science, focusing on interfacial phenomena, thin films, and functional materials. Research Interests: Her group investigates the stability of coatings, properties of simple and complex fluids, and the adhesion of biomolecules on surfaces. Using advanced experimental techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), ellipsometry, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) methods like photoelectron spectroscopy, her team probes nanoscale and microscale interactions at solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces. The research spans fundamental and applied domains, including the synthesis and characterization of graphene and boronitrene, production of water-in-water vesicles using hydrophobins, and bacterial adhesion studies. These investigations are often linked to industrial applications in the paint, semiconductor, and biomedical sectors. Publication Trends: Over the past 15 years, her publications reflect a consistent focus on surface physics and soft matter. Key themes include graphene synthesis via liquid precursor deposition (including unconventional sources like fingerprints), interfacial rheology, biopolymer adsorption, and quantitative imaging analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in the combination of physics, chemistry, and biological interfaces. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: As head of an active research group, Prof. Jacobs supervises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed. Her collaborations with theoretical groups and external institutions (e.g., University of Augsburg) suggest participation in joint grants and funded projects, particularly in nanomaterials and surface science. The applied orientation of her research indicates engagement with industry partners in coatings and semiconductor technologies. Labs and Teams: The Jacobs Group operates a well-equipped experimental laboratory at Campus E2 9, Saarland University, specializing in surface analysis and soft matter characterization. The team includes researchers working on biofilms, microfluidics, and functional materials, supported by technical and administrative staff.
Josh Pasek is a Professor of Communication & Media and Political Science at the University of Michigan, with additional affiliations as a Research Professor at the Center for Political Studies (Institute for Social Research) and Core Faculty at the Michigan Institute for Data Science. His research focuses on the intersection of political communication, survey methodology, and data science, particularly examining how new media and psychological processes shape political attitudes, public opinion, and measurement accuracy. Co-author of Words That Matter and Democracy Amid Crises Maintainer of R packages anesrake and weights Key research areas include: Political Communication Survey Methodology Media Psychology Social Media Data Electoral Behavior Ballot Design His recent publications address topics such as: Vaccine hesitancy and information environments Phubbing and trust dynamics Supreme Court legitimacy post-Dobbs Partisan polarization during the pandemic Climate change perception and partisanship Measurement error in surveys He has collaborated with institutions like the Annenberg Public Policy Center, Georgetown University, and the Pew Research Center, and serves on the AAPOR Task Force for 2024 Pre-Election Polls.
Professor Daniel Catchpoole serves as Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Computer Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), holding dual appointments at UTS and The Children's Hospital at Westmead. With over 20 years of research experience, he bridges computational sciences and pediatric cancer research through the Biomedical Data Science Lab in the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute. His work integrates data analytics, artificial intelligence, and software development with molecular cancer biology to transform pediatric cancer treatment pathways. PhD in Cancer Cell Biology, University of New South Wales (1991-1995) Founding Fellow, Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (2010-present) Head, Children's Hospital at Westmead Tumour Bank (2001-present) Professor Catchpoole's research focuses on translational applications of genomics in childhood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neuroblastoma. His work combines high-throughput genomic technologies with advanced computational analysis to develop systems biology approaches for cancer patient assessment. Recent projects explore virtual reality applications for complex genomic data visualization and copper chelation therapies to enhance neuroblastoma immunotherapy. His research has received significant funding from Cancer Institute NSW, Sony Foundation, ARC, and NHMRC. His publication record spans biomedical data science, cancer genomics, and virtual reality applications in oncology. Recent work demonstrates leadership in 3D latent diffusion models for tumor segmentation, biobank economics, and innovative immunotherapies. His research consistently addresses the critical need for actionable knowledge from complex multidimensional biomedical data. Editorial Board Member, Cancers (2023) Associate Editor, Innovations in Digital Health, Diagnostics and Biomarkers (2019) Founding member and first President, Australasian Biospecimens Network Association Professor Catchpoole has supervised 17 Honours students (including 6 First Class Honours), 3 MSc students, and 12 PhD candidates across multiple institutions, with 6 current PhD students. His collaborative research bridges UTS's Faculty of Engineering and IT with The Children's Cancer Research Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Significant research funding includes Cancer Institute NSW grants, Sony Foundation VR projects, and ARC Discovery Projects focused on genomic data analysis and clinical decision support systems. His leadership extends to building frameworks for translational research, managing biobanks and clinical data linkages, and navigating governance requirements for cancer research. The Tumour Bank at Kids Research, CCRU, represents his long-standing commitment to pediatric cancer infrastructure development.
Dr. Sam Ferguson is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a multidisciplinary background in music performance, cognitive science, and psycho-acoustics. His research explores the intersection of sound, music, and human experience through creative coding, machine learning, and interactive systems. Key Research Areas: Sound and Music Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, Creative Coding, Cognitive Science, Installation Art, and Acoustics. Current Projects: ARC Linkage project on creative coding and multiplicitous media; industry collaborations on IoT-based audiovisual systems. Recent Publications: Focus on spatial audio complexity, gestural interaction with networked sound, music emotion recognition frameworks, and robotic performance through genre-based cultural platforms. Leadership Roles: Director of Teaching & Learning Engagement; former Deputy Head of School (Teaching and Learning); active in ACM Creativity and Cognition Steering Committee. Teaching: Courses like Digital Media Studio , Prototyping Physical Interaction , and Data Processing using R within UTS's interdisciplinary Software Development Studio.
Dr. Matteo Montecchi is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Marketing at King’s Business School, King’s College London, where he also serves as Theme Lead for Sustainable Consumption at the Centre for Sustainable Business and Programme Director for the Strategic Marketing (Open Executive) programme. He teaches core modules such as Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing, and Research Methods, and leads executive education initiatives. Previously, he was a Senior Lecturer at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and has held visiting positions at Milan Politecnico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and Università Federico II. Montecchi earned his PhD in Marketing from King’s College London, an MRes in Marketing from Birkbeck College, an Executive Master in Marketing and Sales from SDA Bocconi and ESADE, and a Bachelor’s in Business Economics from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He also holds a PgCert in Academic Practice and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His research focuses on the digital transformation of marketing, particularly the role of artificial intelligence and blockchain in enhancing transparency and trust. He investigates ethical engagement with diverse consumer groups, inclusion, and corporate responsibility, with a special interest in marginalized communities. His work integrates consumer behavior, digital interactions, and decision-making with technological innovation, offering actionable insights for sustainable and responsible business strategies. The most recent 15 publications reflect a strong trend in AI in retail, brand transparency, consumer trust, ethical data use, voice technologies, and social sustainability. His research spans journals in marketing, psychology, interactive marketing, and business ethics, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact. Scientific Awards: KingsCAT: Capture and Analysis Tool for Social Media Research at King’s College London (2024) – Recognized as part of a collaborative team for advancing digital research infrastructure and media analysis. Montecchi is actively involved in PhD supervision and is accepting new students. He has led research projects using social media analytics (KingsCAT) and has contributed to strategic debates on grand challenges in marketing. His work connects academic research with real-world managerial applications, particularly in digital strategy and ethical innovation. He is a key contributor to interdisciplinary research through tools like KingsCAT, which supports collaborative social media analysis, and his publications often involve co-authorship with experts in data science, psychology, and organizational behavior.
Professor Robert Eason is a leading academic at the University of Southampton, specializing in photonics and laser technology. His research spans interdisciplinary areas combining Machine Learning , Medical Diagnostics , and Microfluidics . Research Interests : Eason focuses on AI-driven laser applications, including deep learning for phototherapy , autonomous laser machining , and low-cost paper-based diagnostic devices . His work bridges photonics with biomedicine and advanced manufacturing. Recent Publications : His 2025 article in Scientific Reports explores AI simulations for psoriasis treatment, while 2024-2022 works address laser-controlled microfluidics, deep learning in microscopy, and reinforcement learning for laser machining. Supervision : He supervises PhD student Georgia Mourkioti in laser-based research projects. External Roles : Eason has served as a speaker at international conferences including the International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication (2018), LAISER (2019), and Deep Learning for Control of Light-Matter Interactions (2022).
Christof Lutteroth is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bath and Director of the REal and Virtual Environments Augmentation Labs (REVEAL). His work focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with emphasis on eye-gaze interaction and virtual reality (VR), particularly for health, exercise, and learning applications. He leads multiple research projects funded by organizations like EPSRC, The British Academy, and The Royal Society. Research Interests include developing gaze-controlled interfaces, immersive VR systems, and adaptive UI/UX for fitness and cognitive training. He explores affective design tools, emotion recognition in VR exergaming, and biometric data analysis for health applications. Recent Publications highlight advancements in gaze-based text entry, emotion measurement in VR, AI-driven UI development, and cross-European XR innovation networks. His work spans from foundational HCI methodologies to applied projects in rehabilitation and immersive learning. Grants include EPSRC IAA, British Academy, and Royal Society funding for projects like TapGazer, Hyper-immersive XR, and Affective Design Tools for VR. He collaborates with institutions across Europe through the EMIL project. Laboratory : REVEAL Lab at the University of Bath drives research in immersive technologies, motion analysis, and augmentation of human interaction with digital environments.
