Ronja Sczepanski is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics (CEE) at Sciences Po. Her research explores the intersection of national and European identities, focusing on how political perceptions, social sorting, and behavioral processes drive identity change. Specializes in identity formation through political events like referenda Analyzes neighborhood effects and ethnic diversity on identity dynamics Investigates political party framing of social groups Her recent work examines how differentiated integration impacts EU policy compliance and validates open-source machine translation for text analysis. She teaches courses on European integration at institutions including ETH Zurich and the University of Cologne. Recipient of the PolMeth Europe Best Poster Award (2023) Published in journals like Comparative Political Studies and European Union Politics
Danielle Butler is a Visiting Fellow at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, and a part-time General Practitioner/Researcher at the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health. With 20+ years clinical experience and a PhD (2018), her work focuses on healthcare access equity for underserved populations through linked data analysis, mixed-methods research, and telehealth evaluation. Current projects: Enhancing Safe Telehealth , Patient-Centered Medical Homes , Primary Care Data Linkage Key collaborations: ANU, IUIH, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Her research combines multilevel modeling of administrative data with participatory action research to evaluate primary care innovations. Recent work examines telehealth impacts , out-of-pocket costs , and Aboriginal health service models . Publications span BMJ Open , BMC Health Services Research , and Health Policy , with emphasis on systematic reviews , linked data methodology , and health equity metrics . Research fingerprint shows dominant themes: Primary Health Care (100%), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (66%), Health Services Research (49%), and Telehealth (100%).
Prof. Tammo H.A. Bijmolt is a Full Professor of Marketing Research and Chairman of the Department of Marketing at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Economics and Business. He holds additional roles such as Director of the Groningen Digital Business Center and former Director of the SOM Research Institute. His expertise spans consumer decision making, e-commerce, advertising, retailing, loyalty programs, and meta-analysis. Education: PhD in Marketing (cum laude, 1996) and MSc in Quantitative Business Economics (cum laude, 1991), both from the University of Groningen. Research focuses on marketing methodology, consumer behavior in digital contexts, and loyalty programs. Notable awards include the 2022 Best Paper Award (Journal of Interactive Marketing) and the 2017 Emerald Literati Award. Advising over 20 PhD students and overseeing grants such as NPG funding for digitalization projects. Active in leadership roles with EMAC and EIASM, and consulting with firms like DVJ Insights and Unilever. Labs/Teams: Leads the Groningen Digital Business Center and collaborates with the SOM Research Institute.
Dr. Serena Ding is a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, where she heads the Genes and Behavior department. She leads an interdisciplinary team studying the mechanisms and evolution of collective behaviors in nematodes through genetic, neuronal, and behavioral approaches. Education: PhD in C. elegans Developmental Cell Biology, University of Oxford (2011-2016) Postdoc in C. elegans Quantitative Behavior, Imperial College London (2016-2021) B.Sc. in Biology, University of Richmond (2007-2011) Research Focus: Dr. Ding investigates fascinating collective phenomena in nematodes including towering (collective dispersal), wurmuration (density-dependent swarming), and strain-specific aggregation behaviors. Her lab combines molecular biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and complex systems modeling to understand both proximate mechanisms and ultimate evolutionary drivers of these behaviors across wild nematode strains. Publication Trends: Her research emphasizes quantitative behavioral analysis and innovative imaging methodologies, as exemplified by her 2020 work developing bioluminescence-based tracking of C. elegans foraging patterns. This aligns with her group's focus on high-throughput phenotyping of natural genetic variations in behavior. Team Leadership: Dr. Ding mentors a diverse research team including: 2 postdoctoral researchers (Daniela Perez, Assaf Pertzelan) 3 doctoral students (Narcís Font Massot, Youn Jae Kang, Gopika Ranjith) 1 master's student (Iris Bernstein) 1 technical assistant (Ryan Greenway)
Kunihiko Kaneko is a Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, with a distinguished career in theoretical biophysics and complex systems. He received his PhD and MSc in Physics from the University of Tokyo, and has held leadership roles at the Universal Biology Institute and Center for Complex Systems Biology. PhD Physics, 1984 - University of Tokyo MSc Physics, 1981 - University of Tokyo His research spans five primary areas: Universal Biology, Evolutionary Constraints, Ecosystem Dynamics, Neural Cognition, and Universal Anthropology. He has published extensively on multi-level consistency principles, dimensional reduction in biological systems, and reciprocity between robustness and plasticity across scales. Recent publications show strong focus on microbial ecosystems (2025), evolutionary game theory (2025), neural modular architectures (2024), and dimensional reduction in cellular systems (2024). His work bridges physics and biology through dynamical systems theory applied to diverse phenomena from protocells to human societies.
Maria Monica Wihardja serves as a Visiting Fellow and Co-coordinator of the Media, Technology and Society Programme at ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute while holding an Adjunct Assistant Professor position at the National University of Singapore. Her career bridges academic research and high-impact policy engagement, including former roles as World Bank Economist in the Poverty and Equity Global Practice and senior advisor to Indonesia's Presidential Executive Office on strategic economic reforms. Her educational background features: PhD in Regional Science, Cornell University MPhil in Economics, Cambridge University BA in Applied Mathematics-Economics, Brown University Wihardja's research integrates economic analysis with sociotechnical systems, focusing on digital transformation's impact on labor markets, food security, and democratic processes. She examines how technological disruption creates both opportunities for inclusion and risks of inequality, particularly through studies of platform economies, electoral disinformation, and sustainable agro-food systems. Her methodology combines quantitative econometrics with policy-oriented field research, often leveraging large-scale datasets from government and private sector partnerships. Analysis of her recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Digital economy effects on labor market polarization and inclusion, (2) Food system resilience through agricultural modernization, and (3) Geopolitical dimensions of supply chain reconfiguration. These intersect with her policy engagement in ASEAN economic integration frameworks and Indonesia's G20 presidency initiatives. Her scientific recognition includes: Nikkei Asian Scholar 2023 award Wihardja actively shapes regional discourse through editorial roles at East Asia Forum and Center for Indonesian Policy Studies. Her grant-funded work frequently involves World Bank partnerships and Indonesian government collaborations, particularly on stunting prevention and food policy reforms. Current projects examine deepfake impacts on electoral integrity and sustainable financing mechanisms for green transitions. She leads the Media, Technology and Society Programme at ISEAS, coordinating interdisciplinary research on digital governance and Southeast Asian technology policy. The programme partners with regional think tanks, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders to develop evidence-based policy responses to technological disruption.
JuHyun Lee is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Computational Design in the School of Built Environment at the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture (ADA), University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, where they also hold the prestigious title of Scientia Academic. With a professional background in architecture and construction (1998-2002), they have held academic positions across Australia including a five-year post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Newcastle (2012-2017) and a senior research fellowship at the University of South Australia (2018), following earlier research and teaching roles in South Korea (2003-2011). Lee specializes in architectural design computing, design cognition, and urban complexity, integrating computational methods, cognitive science, and architectural theory to advance architectural intelligence and human-centered design. Their research spans architectural visualization, analysis and design methods, algorithm/protocol design, and data visualization with computational approaches. They have established a strong research program examining the intersection of language, culture, and design cognition, particularly focusing on cross-cultural design communication between Australia and Korea. Lee's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated integration of computational methods with architectural design theory, particularly in the areas of shape grammar, space syntax, and machine learning applications. Their work shows consistent focus on practical applications of computational design methods to real-world architectural problems, with growing emphasis on cross-cultural collaboration and intelligent design systems. The research portfolio reveals a deepening engagement with AI and machine learning techniques applied to architectural design assessment and generation. Scientia Academic at UNSW Sydney Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA, 2020) As an educator, Lee develops cutting-edge courses in computational design and Building Information Modeling (BIM), integrating experiential learning and industry engagement. They have secured over $11 million in research funding, including multiple ARC Discovery Projects and an Australia-Korea Foundation grant. Lee co-directs the Advanced Architectural Analytics Laboratory (A 3 LAB), leading interdisciplinary research on design automation, spatial analysis, and machine learning applications in architecture, while also leading cross-cultural initiatives like the Australia-Korea Architects' Network (AKAN). Lee supervises multiple HDR students working on culturally sustainable urban design, socio-spatial patterns in public housing, and computational layout generation. Their research has significant implications for improving design communication across cultural boundaries and developing more coherent, clear, and accessible built environments through computational design approaches.
Dr. Qin Li is an Assistant Professor of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, affiliated with the Penn Institute for Immunology & Immune Health (I3H), the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, and the Penn Center for Genomic Integrity. He earned his BS and PhD in Biological Science and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Peking University, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Education : BS (Peking University, 2009), PhD (Peking University, 2014) Dr. Li’s research focuses on the ADAR1-dsRNA-MDA5 axis, exploring how RNA editing mediates self/non-self discrimination in the immune system. His work connects RNA editing quantitative trait loci (edQTLs) to inflammatory disease heritability and develops computational/experimental tools for RNA editing and sensing. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding RNA editing’s role in autoimmune diseases, CRISPR-based regulatory principles, and novel RNA ligand engineering. He mentors PhD and Master’s students in Bioengineering, Cell and Molecular Biology, and related programs.
Başar Öztayşi is a Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering , Istanbul Technical University , with expertise in fuzzy logic, multi-criteria decision making, and decision science. He has held administrative roles including Associate Professor (2017–present), Deputy Director of the Institute (2016–2017), and Assistant Professor (2013–2017). Fields of Study : Fuzzy Logic, Multi-criteria Decision Making, Decision Science Contact : oztaysib@itu.edu.tr , +90 212 293 1300 Research Interests focus on applying fuzzy set theory to complex decision problems, including financial management, risk assessment, and smart city energy systems. His work extends to industry 4.0 applications and process mining in e-commerce. Recent Publications (2024) analyze fuzzy approaches in financial management, risk assessment, and Industry 4.0, with subfields spanning bibliometric trends, allocation optimization, and sustainable energy planning. Earlier works explore AHP matrix consistency, file distribution models, and customer segmentation. Awards : Best Paper Award, FLINS 2018 Science - Art Awards
Erwin Schoof is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine , Technical University of Denmark. He leads the Cell Diversity Lab and focuses on advancing proteomics and mass spectrometry technologies. Expertise in single-cell proteomics , stem cell niches , and bioinformatics . Active in myelofibrosis and leukemia research , with applications in UN Sustainable Development Goals . Research Trends from 2025–2024 include: Machine learning-driven peptide sequencing (InstaNovo, InstaNexus). Single-cell resolution tools for mapping hematopoietic stem cells and tumor microenvironments . Biomarker discovery in chronic diseases and respiratory conditions . Supervision : Mentors multiple PhD students on single-cell proteomics , omics data analysis , and biotherapeutic production . Labs & Collaborations : Collaborates with international teams on plasma proteomics , 3D bioengineering , and advanced mass spectrometry workflows .
Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement
David M. Higdon is a Professor and Department Head of the Department of Statistics at Virginia Tech within the College of Science. He specializes in Bayesian statistical modeling of environmental and physical systems, focusing on integrating physical observations with computer simulations for prediction and inference. Previously, he spent 14 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a scientist and group leader in the Statistical Sciences Group. Education: Ph.D. in Statistics, University of Washington, 1994 M.A. in Mathematics, University of California San Diego, 1989 B.A. in Mathematics, University of California San Diego, 1987 Research Interests: Higdon’s work spans space-time modeling , inverse problems in hydrology and imaging , statistical modeling in ecology and environmental science , and multiscale models . He develops methods for parallel processing in posterior exploration , statistical computing , and Monte Carlo simulations . His research addresses critical challenges in uncertainty quantification (UQ), including climate modeling, nuclear density functional theory, and geophysical imaging. Publications Trends: His recent articles emphasize Bayesian methodologies applied to complex systems, such as climate forecasting, materials science, and cosmology. A recurring theme is the development of emulators and surrogate models to handle computationally intensive simulations. Awards: Fellow of the American Statistical Association Advising & Grants: While no specific advisees are listed, Higdon has contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations in UQ and statistical modeling. His work has been supported by grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Labs/Teams: He leads the Statistics Department’s efforts in UQ and computational statistics, fostering collaborations across engineering, environmental science, and physics.
Dr. Rachel Colls is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at Durham University and a Fellow of the Institute for Medical Humanities. Her research focuses on geographies of the body, feminist theories of embodiment, obesity critiques, consumption practices, and clothing. She has published extensively on bodily politics, fat activism, and public health discourses. PhD & MA in Geography (University of Sheffield) Her work interrogates the sociomaterialities of fat bodies, bodily governance through BMI metrics, and affective experiences in retail and educational spaces. Recent publications address air travel accessibility and feminist pedagogies. She supervises postgraduate students and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects concerning bodily rights and health policies. Key article trends include critical obesity studies, feminist interventions in human geography, and the politics of bodily representation across spatial contexts. She employs qualitative methodologies informed by Judith Butler, Elisabeth Grosz, and non-representational theory. Supervised: Rosie Haffenden (MRes)
Thomas Pepinsky holds the prestigious Walter F. LaFeber Professorship of Government and Public Policy at Cornell University, where he is a faculty member in the Department of Government within the College of Arts and Sciences. He additionally serves as a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, bridging academic research with policy engagement. His academic career, which began at Cornell in 2008 after earning his Ph.D. from Yale University, has established him as a leading scholar in comparative politics with deep regional expertise in Southeast Asia. Professor Pepinsky's research examines the complex interactions between political and economic systems globally, with particular attention to democratic backsliding in Southeast Asia and Europe, the evolution of social categories like ethnicity in the Malay world, and methodological approaches to social science explanation. His work consistently connects theoretical political science with empirical analysis of real-world political phenomena, often employing innovative methodological frameworks to understand complex political dynamics across different contexts. His scholarly output demonstrates a clear trajectory from foundational work on Southeast Asian politics to increasingly comparative analyses examining democratic erosion, electoral behavior during political transitions, historical persistence of political attitudes, and the intersection of social categories with political economy. Recent publications reveal growing attention to contemporary crises including refugee flows, pandemic politics, and the challenges to democratic institutions worldwide. Among his significant professional activities, Dr. Pepinsky serves as editor of the Journal of East Asian Studies and is a co-founder and Executive Board member of the Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG). He also contributes to the Association for Analytical Learning about Islam and Muslim Societies (AALIMS) and the International Political Economy Society (IPES), reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. At Cornell, he actively participates in the Southeast Asia Program (SEAP) and teaches courses including Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics, Southeast Asian Politics at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and independent study opportunities. His international scholarly engagement is evident through visiting appointments at institutions including Amsterdam, the Australian National University, Freiburg, Griffith University, the Hertie School, and the National University of Singapore.
Facundo M. Fernandez is a Regents' Professor and Vasser-Woolley Chair in Bioanalytical Chemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he leads the Fernandez Research Group within the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Sciences. His research spans multiple cutting-edge areas of analytical chemistry with significant applications in medicine, forensics, and basic science. Dr. Fernandez earned his M.Sc. in Chemistry (1996) and Ph.D. in Analytical Spectrometry/Metallomics (1999) from the Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales at Buenos Aires University, Argentina. His research program focuses on Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry with particular emphasis on Ambient Sampling/Ionization & Molecular Imaging, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Metabolomics, and Pharmaceutical Forensics. His work has pioneered new approaches in ambient ionization techniques that enable direct analysis of complex samples without extensive preparation. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward spatial metabolomics, particularly in traumatic brain injury and ovarian cancer research, with increasing integration of machine learning approaches for data analysis. His work also extends to pharmaceutical quality control, exercise physiology through the MoTrPAC consortium, and prebiotic chemistry investigations. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in collaborations across Georgia Tech's campus and with external institutions. NSF CAREER Award (2007) 3M Non-tenured Faculty Award (2008) CETL/BP Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2009) Ron A. Hites Award for Outstanding Research Publication (2010) Sigma Xi (GT Chapter) Best Faculty Paper Award (2010) Vasser-Wooley Faculty Fellow (2012) Dr. Fernandez has secured significant funding for his research, including NSF CAREER support, and leads projects related to metabolomics for ovarian cancer detection, pharmaceutical forensics through the CODFIN network, and participation in the large-scale Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC). His laboratory develops advanced instrumentation for mass spectrometry applications and maintains strong collaborations with the Integrated Cancer Research Center, the College of Computing, and the Center for Chemical Evolution at Georgia Tech.
