Ruth Kanfer is a Professor of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Psychology, specializing in adult learning, motivation, and career development. Her research addresses the impacts of technological advancements, demographic shifts, and global economic changes on work and career trajectories. She co-directs the PARK Lab, focusing on topics such as self-regulation in job search, motivational dynamics, and the psychology of workplace environments. Dr. Kanfer holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Arizona State University and has contributed to seminal works on aging and workforce diversity. She is a Fellow of prominent organizations including the Academy of Management and the American Psychological Association, and has received prestigious awards such as the SIOP's William R. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award. Her research employs mixed-methods approaches, including experimental studies and large-scale field research. Key themes include adult learning efficacy, team-based motivation, and the design of workspaces to enhance employee well-being. Dr. Kanfer has led projects funded by the Sloan Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable contributions include studies on the future of work, the role of future time perspective in career decisions, and the application of a 'whole-person' framework to adult learning. Her work has been published in journals like Journal of Applied Psychology and American Psychologist . She actively participates in professional committees, including the Sloan Research Network on Aging and Work and the National Academy of Sciences' How People Learn II initiative.
Professor David Nichols is a faculty member in the Melbourne School of Design at The University of Melbourne, holding the position of Professor in Urban Planning. His research focuses on urban planning history, theory, and socio-cultural planning with particular attention to 20th century Australian contexts. He has authored/co-authored significant works including Urban Australia and Post-Punk: Exploring Dogs in Space and The Alert Grey Twinkling Eyes of C. J. DeGaris . His research interests span urban and cultural heritage, architectural history, and the socio-cultural dimensions of urban development. Notable projects include the 'PastPort' mobile app for citizen heritage engagement and studies on community activism in public space conservation. Nichols teaches courses on urban planning history and has contributed to debates on postwar planning education and regional development strategies. His academic output reflects interdisciplinary engagement with topics ranging from suburban morphology to audiovisual technology in education. Current work includes exploring the legacy of Walter Burley Griffin’s urban designs and reinterpreting Australian country town dynamics. He maintains active collaborations in cultural heritage preservation and community-driven urban initiatives.
Briana Last is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (2022) and focuses on improving mental health service accessibility and quality through interdisciplinary research. Her research emphasizes three core domains: social determinants of mental health, implementation strategies for service improvement, and structural factors influencing clinician decision-making. She employs mixed methods and community-based participatory approaches, prioritizing marginalized populations affected by systemic inequities. Key interests include behavioral health workforce development, policy analysis, and dismantling barriers to equitable mental healthcare. Her lab, the Mental Healthcare for All Lab, collaborates with governments, agencies, and clinicians to translate research into actionable policies. Notable projects address clinician burnout interventions, public mental health system gaps, and anti-transgender policy impacts. Recent work critiques scientifically unfounded bans on gender-affirming care and evaluates federal loan repayment programs for mental health workforce retention. Publications span topics like AI chatbots in mental health, state policy effects on LGBTQ+ populations, and trauma therapy implementation. Her work highlights how clinician work conditions directly shape patient care quality, advocating for systemic changes to enhance both provider well-being and patient outcomes.
Dr. Amy Damashek serves as Professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses while mentoring Clinical Psychology doctoral students. She chairs the department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and maintains an active research program focused on vulnerable populations. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia (2007) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2009) Research Focus: Her work centers on preventing child maltreatment and unintentional injuries among at-risk youth, with specialized expertise in infant sleep-related deaths and health disparities . She develops culturally responsive parenting interventions for low-income and Spanish-speaking families, emphasizing community-based solutions through home visiting programs. Publication Trends: Recent work (2020-2023) demonstrates consistent focus on pandemic adaptation of family services, safe sleep practices in marginalized communities, and digital intervention strategies. Her mixed-methods approach bridges clinical psychology with public health, prioritizing implementation in real-world settings. Scientific Recognition: Fellow of the American Psychological Association Former President of APA Division 37 (Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice) Grants & Mentoring: Secured federal funding for child injury prevention in underserved communities. Mentors Clinical Psychology doctoral students with emphasis on culturally competent practice, accepting new graduate students for Fall 2025. Her federally funded work directly informs evidence-based home visiting protocols. Research Ecosystem: Collaborates extensively with community health workers, home visiting agencies, and pediatric care providers to implement and evaluate interventions addressing structural barriers in family support systems.
Professor Julian Richards is a leading academic in security and intelligence studies at the University of Buckingham, where he serves as Director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS). He holds a PhD in Political Violence from the University of Cambridge (1993) and spent nearly two decades in British Government intelligence roles before transitioning to academia in 2006. His roles include Programme Director for three MA programmes and supervising BUCSIS’s MPhil/DPhil research students. Education: PhD in Political Violence (Cambridge University, 1993). Prior to academia, he held senior intelligence positions with the UK Government. Research focuses on global security, extremism/radicalization, intelligence analysis techniques, and cyber threats. He has authored four books and numerous articles, including works on counter-terrorism, cyber-warfare, and Far-Right extremism in Europe. His media commentary spans BBC, Sky News, and international outlets. His articles explore contemporary security challenges such as post-Brexit intelligence dynamics, cyber resilience, and extremist propaganda in digital spaces. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining political science, technology, and ethical considerations in intelligence practices. Awards: None explicitly listed, though his contributions to security discourse are widely recognized. He advises on policy and has testified in government inquiries on privacy-security balances. Advising & Grants: Supervises doctoral researchers in security studies and leads BUCSIS’s research initiatives. His work intersects academia and policy, addressing real-world security challenges through rigorous analysis. Labs/Teams: Directs BUCSIS, fostering collaborative research on global security threats. The Centre hosts interdisciplinary projects on intelligence analysis, cyber security, and counter-extremism strategies.
Marina Romeo Delgado is a Full Professor at the Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona. She directs the UB-ADECCO Chair for Labour Integration of People with Disabilities and leads the Consolidated Teaching Innovation Group GIDC-CAV. As Internal Coordinator of the Erasmus Mundus Work, Organizational and Personal Psychology (WOP-P) Master's program, she collaborates with universities in Bologna, Coimbra, and Valencia. She also coordinates the Interuniversity Doctorate in Psychology of Communication and Change. Her research focuses on psychosocial risks, organizational communication, and employee well-being with emphasis on disability inclusion in workplaces. She has led projects like 'Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Psychology and Education Programs' (2022-2024) and 'Realizing Potential of EU Staff Mobility' (2016-2019). Awarded EuroPsy Specialist certification in Work and Organisational Psychology, she has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles on telework motivation, job crafting effects, and disability employment policies. Her work bridges academic research with practical interventions through international collaborations and institutional initiatives.
Professor Nir Oren is a faculty member at the School of Natural and Computing Sciences , University of Aberdeen. His research focuses on multi-agent systems , formal argumentation , computational trust theory , and norm-based reasoning . He currently supervises PhD students in Computing Science and serves as Dean for Research Performance. Research Specialisms: Artificial Intelligence, Operational Research Contact: n.oren@abdn.ac.uk Research Trends (2022–2025): Nir Oren's publications span argumentation theory , BDI agent modeling , resilience in autonomous systems , and human-machine collaboration . His recent work addresses responsibility-aware AI , medical explainability , and environmental sensor networks . Key methods include probabilistic reasoning , game theory , and logical formalisms .
Dale Copeland is a Professor of International Affairs at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and is a leading scholar in international relations, specializing in security studies and international political economy. His research explores the interplay between economic interdependence, reputation, and state behavior, particularly in great power relations. Ph.D., University of Chicago His research focuses on security studies , international political economy , and IR theory , with particular emphasis on the causes of war, economic interdependence, bargaining and coercion, and the impact of rising and declining power. He investigates how trade, finance, and military behavior are interconnected and how states build reputations in international politics. His recent and past publications reveal a consistent focus on the conditions under which economic interdependence leads to peace or conflict. His work combines historical case studies with theoretical rigor, often engaging with realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Key themes include preventive war, reputation dynamics, trade expectations, and the strategic use of economic tools in foreign policy. His scientific awards include: International Studies Association Best Book Award (2017) MacArthur Fellowship Mellon Fellowship Post-doctoral Fellowship at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University Professor Copeland has advised numerous students and contributed to major scholarly debates through symposia on his work in International Security Studies Forum and Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research . He has received significant research support through prestigious fellowships and grants, enabling his influential publications. He is currently working on a book about commerce and American foreign policy and a new project on coercion without war. He is affiliated with the Frank Batten School and contributes to its mission of training future leaders in public policy and international affairs. His research informs both academic discourse and policy-relevant understanding of international conflict and cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Lisa Schipper is Professor of Development Geography at the University of Bonn since 2023. Her research focuses on understanding vulnerability to climate change in the Global South and the barriers and enablers for adaptation. She has extensive experience working across Central and South America, East Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. Her educational background includes: BSc in Environmental Science (1997) from Brown University MSc in Environment and Development (2000) from the University of East Anglia PhD in Development Studies (2004) from the University of East Anglia Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the International Water Management Institute in Colombo, Sri Lanka (2005-2007) Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Oxford, 2021) Prof. Schipper's research centers on socio-cultural dimensions of vulnerability to climate change, including gender, culture, and religion, as well as structural issues related to power, justice, and equity. Her work has demonstrated how understanding underlying development factors driving vulnerability is vital for identifying effective adaptation strategies, yet this knowledge is often absent in adaptation planning. She has made significant contributions to understanding maladaptation - when adaptation efforts inadvertently increase vulnerability rather than reduce it. Her research also explores how religious beliefs influence hazard perceptions and adaptation actions. As Co-ordinating Lead Author of Chapter 18 ("Climate Resilient Development Pathways") for the IPCC Working Group II Sixth Assessment Report, she has helped shape global understanding of how adaptation and mitigation must be integrated with sustainable development efforts. Prof. Schipper's scientific contributions have been recognized with several honors, including: Winner of Emerald Literati Network Award for Outstanding Paper (2017) Selected as one of Climate Policy's "Top 20 Papers" Ida Pfeiffer Visiting Professor appointment (2022/23, declined) She is actively engaged in mentoring and welcomes students interested in supervision, particularly those with research questions related to climate change adaptation and development. Prof. Schipper serves on the editorial boards of Climate and Development (where she is Co-Editor), World Development Perspectives, and Global Transitions - Health. She also participates in several advisory roles including the Science Committee of the Adaptation Futures Conference 2023 and the CLARE Advisors Group. Prof. Schipper leads the AG Schipper research group at the University of Bonn, which focuses on three main areas: Adaptation and Development (examining how development projects can best promote transformative climate change adaptation), Equity and the Politics of Knowledge (understanding how knowledge informs climate resilient development decisions), and Culture and Risk (exploring how clashing worldviews create barriers for policy making and knowledge sharing).
Professor David Taubman is a distinguished academic serving as Professor and Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications (EE&T) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. He is also co-director of Kakadu Software Pty. Ltd. and its affiliates Kakadu R&D and Kakadu GPU. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Taubman has made significant contributions to the field of image and video compression, most notably as the author of the EBCOT coding algorithm adopted in the JPEG2000 international standard. Professor Taubman earned his B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science (1986) and B.E. (Medal) in Electrical Engineering (1988) from the University of Sydney, followed by an M.Sc. (1992) and Ph.D. (1994) in Electrical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. His professional journey includes engineering work at the Electricity Commission of N.S.W. (1988-1990), research positions at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories in Palo Alto (1994-1998), and an academic career at UNSW where he progressed from Senior Lecturer (1998-2003) to Associate Professor (2004-2009) and finally to Professor (2009-present). He has held various leadership roles including Head of the EE&T Telecommunications Research Group (2003-2014), Head of the EE&T Signal Processing Research Group (2014-present), Director of Research for the School of EE&T (2011-2016), and Deputy Head of School (Research) since 2017. Professor Taubman's research interests center on image and video compression, with particular expertise in JPEG2000 standards and implementations. His work spans signal processing, wavelet transforms, scalable video coding, motion modeling, and multimedia systems. He has pioneered numerous compression algorithms and frameworks, including the EBCOT coding algorithm that became central to the JPEG2000 standard. His recent research focuses on efficient motion modeling with cuboidal partitioning, learned lifting-based transform structures, and high-throughput implementations of JPEG2000 for video applications. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations, as evidenced by the commercially successful Kakadu Software tools that have garnered around 500 commercial licensees. Analysis of Professor Taubman's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on advancing compression technologies with particular emphasis on scalability, efficiency, and adaptability. His work spans traditional image compression (JPEG2000 extensions), video coding (cuboid-based partitioning for UHD/360-degree video), and emerging applications (nanopore sequencing data compression). A notable trend is the integration of machine learning techniques with traditional compression frameworks, as seen in his work on learned lifting-based transform structures. His research maintains strong connections to real-world applications across diverse domains including medical imaging, astronomical data processing, and genomic sequencing. IEEE Fellow Engineers Australia Fellow (by invitation) Professor Taubman has served as Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Image Processing for two four-year appointments (2003-2005 and 2010-2013). He has been actively involved in numerous research grants focused on image and video compression technologies, particularly those related to the JPEG2000 standard and its extensions. His work has received significant industry support, reflected in his consultancy with various U.S., Japanese, and Australian corporations. He has also contributed to international standards development as a member of Standards Australia Technical Committee MS-065 (mirroring ISO TC42 on Digital Photography) and as a constitutional member of Standards Australia Technical Committee IT-029 (Coded Representation of Picture, Audio and Multimedia/Hypermedia Information). Professor Taubman co-directs Kakadu Software Pty. Ltd. and its research affiliates Kakadu R&D and Kakadu GPU, which have developed the commercially successful Kakadu Software tools for JPEG2000. His research group at UNSW focuses on advanced image and video compression techniques, with particular expertise in wavelet-based methods, scalable coding, and motion modeling. The group maintains strong industry connections and has contributed significantly to the development and standardization of image compression technologies worldwide.
Colm McLaughlin is a Professor of Employment Relations at the UCD School of Business. He serves as Vice-Principal for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Business, Co-Director of the UCD Centre for Business and Society (CeBaS), and UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Coordinator. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and has held academic roles at the University of Auckland and postdoctoral positions at Cambridge, alongside industry experience in local government and hospitality. Education : BA and MComm (University of Auckland), PhD (University of Cambridge). Research Interests : Comparative employment relations, institutional regulation, gender equality, training systems, and low-paid work. Professional Appointments : Research Associate at Cambridge’s Centre for Business Research, Visiting Fellow at the University of Sydney and Victoria University Wellington. His recent research focuses on immigration policy as a skills supply mechanism in liberal market economies, trade union legitimation politics, and reflexive regulation frameworks. He has examined how ideational power resources shape labour relations and contributed to debates on corporate social responsibility and sustainable HRM practices. His work bridges theory and practice, particularly in case method pedagogy reform. Colm has received multiple awards, including the AMLE Best Article Winner (2017), Academy of Management Dark Side Case Competition Winner (2013), and University Teaching Excellence Awards (2020). His publications appear in prestigious journals such as Industrial Relations , Journal of Industrial Relations , and Academy of Management Learning and Education . He has served on editorial boards for Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society and Journal of Industrial Relations , and held leadership roles in committees like BITCI Leadership for Sustainability and the SDG Engagement Working Group.
Aideen Quilty is Associate Professor of Gender Studies and Social Justice at University College Dublin (UCD), where she also serves as Head of School for the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice and as Associate Dean of Social Sciences. With academic responsibility for all social science undergraduate degrees and programs at UCD, she plays a significant leadership role in one of the university's largest academic units. Her educational background includes a BEd, M Equality Studies, and PhD from Maynooth University, along with a Diploma in Public Relations from the Public Relations Institute of Ireland. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to social justice, equality, and community engagement. Professor Quilty's research is profoundly interdisciplinary, weaving together gender studies, queer theory, human geography, and adult education. Her work centers on two major strands: LGBTQI+ experiences in higher education and society, and widening participation in higher education through spatial theory and critical pedagogies. She approaches her scholarship as a form of critical civic practice, seeking to challenge normative structures and promote social change through education. Her research consistently addresses issues of intersectionality, particularly how gender, sexuality, and spatial positioning affect educational access and outcomes. Her publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on LGBTQI+ issues, particularly youth homelessness and educational inclusion. The most recent articles show an increasing emphasis on spatial justice and the intersections of gender, sexuality, and place. Her work consistently applies queer and feminist theoretical frameworks to practical educational and social contexts, with a strong focus on Irish society while maintaining a European perspective through transnational collaborations. Professor Quilty has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her excellence in teaching and commitment to student learning: University teaching excellence award (2022) Research Fellowship in teaching and learning from UCD (2019-2021) University Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2017) College Teaching and Learning excellence award (2017) UCD Values in Action (VIA) award for her work on the Active Bystander Programme As an advisor, Professor Quilty supervises PhD students working in LGBQI+ and transgender scholarship and EDI in higher education. Her grant activity includes significant projects such as the first nationally funded qualitative research investigation into LGBTQI+ Youth Homelessness in Ireland (2018-2020) and a transnational ERASMUS+ research project developing an LGBTQI+ Inclusion Index for Higher Education Institutions in Europe (2020-2023), which she leads as Principal Investigator. She was also Co-PI on the EU-funded DAPHNE programme (2013-15) exploring LGBTQ youth empowerment. Professor Quilty co-directs the innovative research centre for Gender, Feminisms and Sexualities (CGFS) and works closely with community outreach partners, particularly the Women's Collective Ireland (WCI), as a trusted 'critical friend.' Her work bridges academic research with practical community engagement, creating meaningful connections between university resources and social justice initiatives. She is currently conducting a cross-university impact evaluation research project on the Bystander Programme (2021-22) and serves on the Royal Irish Academy's interdisciplinary committee of social sciences.
Dr. Chathura Bandutunga is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics within the Research School of Physics at the Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on advanced optical techniques for precision measurement, with significant contributions to gravitational wave detection technology, molecular spectroscopy, and space exploration instrumentation. Dr. Bandutunga's research expertise spans digital interferometry, fiber optic sensors, and precision optical measurement systems. His work has pioneered digitally enhanced interferometric techniques that have enabled new capabilities in molecular dispersion spectroscopy, gravitational wave detection, and optical frequency referencing. He has developed innovative methods for phase noise suppression, common-mode noise rejection, and thermal-noise-limited optical measurements that operate at the boundaries of physical possibility. His publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in optical measurement technology, with recent work advancing fiber optic gyroscopes, frequency comb technology, and applications for interstellar propulsion systems like the Breakthrough Starshot program. His research bridges fundamental optical physics with practical applications in both terrestrial scientific instrumentation and space-based technologies. Dr. Bandutunga is actively involved in the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics at ANU, contributing to Australia's participation in international gravitational wave research collaborations. His technical leadership in precision optical measurement systems directly supports next-generation gravitational wave detectors and related technologies requiring unprecedented measurement stability.
Prof. Dr. Yavuz Yakut serves as full-time Professor and Head of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Hasan Kalyoncu University's Faculty of Health Sciences since 2016. Previously, he held academic positions at Hacettepe University from 1985 to 2016, progressing from Research Assistant to Professor, while concurrently serving on national committees including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance Budget Implementation Commissions (1997-2003) and YÖK Physiotherapy Sub-Commission (2013-2016). His educational foundation includes a Bachelor's (1984), Master's (1987), and PhD (1990) in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, all completed at Hacettepe University. Yakut's research demonstrates exceptional breadth across rehabilitation science, with concentrated expertise in biomechanics and scoliosis rehabilitation . His work significantly advances neurological rehabilitation for conditions like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, while pioneering applications in burn rehabilitation and orthotics/prosthetics . Recent publications reveal strategic integration of biopsychosocial models and telerehabilitation , particularly addressing pandemic-related challenges and chronic disease management across diverse populations. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications shows consistent interdisciplinary innovation: validating cross-cultural assessment tools (e.g., Turkish translations of scoliosis and ADL questionnaires), developing novel exercise protocols (dance therapy, cognitive exercise therapy), and investigating rehabilitation responses in complex cases including HIV, rheumatic diseases, and post-earthquake trauma. His methodology frequently combines biomechanical analysis with patient-centered outcomes, demonstrating particular rigor in controlled trials for spinal deformities and burn recovery. His leadership extends beyond direct research through committee roles shaping national rehabilitation policy and educational standards, including his current departmental leadership and recent systematic review on physiotherapy distance education during pandemic disruptions.
Gavin Schwarz is a Professor and Head of School at the School of Management and Governance within the UNSW Business School . He specializes in organizational change , organizational failure and inertia , and the dynamics of virtual teams , with a focus on how organizations fail during change processes and how to develop applied strategies for change management . His work spans diverse sectors including healthcare, technology, and education, with publications in leading journals such as Academy of Management Learning and Education and Administrative Science Quarterly . Education : PhD in Management (University of Queensland), MPhil (Hons) in Management (University of Auckland), BA in Management and English (University of Auckland). Grants : 2020 Brock University grant for "University communication in times of COVID-19" , 2020 UNSW Medicine grant for "Translation and change: Embedding effective change management in health" , and earlier Australian Research Council and Gordon J. Samuels Fellowship awards. His research explores the development of knowledge in organizational theories , with an emphasis on collective responses to change , HR management during crises , and technology strategy . He has contributed to understanding organizational communication , team innovation , and structural inertia . His 15 most recent publications cover topics from AI’s role in organizational change to pandemic-driven research adaptation, with keywords spanning management science , behavioral economics , and digital transformation . Scientific Awards 2021-2023 : Outstanding Reviewer Awards (Academy of Management Review) 2017-2020 : Best Reviewer Awards (Journal of Organizational Behavior) 2019, 2013, 2011 : Best Paper Finalist/Awardee (Academy of Management divisions) 2007, 2006 : Editorial Board Excellence (Academy of Management Journal) and Gordon J. Samuels Fellowship As an active supervisor in organizational change and HR development , his work supports healthcare innovation and digital transformation. He serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science and is on the editorial boards of Academy of Management Review , Journal of Management , and Journal of Organizational Behavior . Contact: g.schwarz@unsw.edu.au
