Vicki Knight is an Assistant Professor in Special Education at the University of British Columbia , with over 20 years of experience in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) education. She serves as Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA) and works closely with students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Research Focus: Promoting STEM learning for students with ASD and developmental disabilities Key Methods: Single-case research, applied behavior analysis, technology-based interventions With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Knight’s work evaluates inclusion strategies in STEM and disseminates evidence-based practices. She contributes to editorial boards of journals including the Journal of Special Education and Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities . Selected Scientific Contributions: 2019 Research Award, Council for Exceptional Children Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential Her publications highlight video prompting, coding education, and general curriculum access. She trains educators internationally and explores collateral benefits of inclusive education environments.
Prof. Dr. Katja Dörschner Boyaci is a Professor at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen , Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, leading the Perception & Active Exploration Group . Her research focuses on understanding how the human brain constructs rich perceptual experiences from sensory input, particularly in the perception of material properties like softness, glossiness, and roughness. Research Interests: Computational and neural mechanisms of material perception Integration of visual and haptic information Expectation-driven modulation of perception Neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG) and psychophysical approaches Virtual reality and computational modeling Her work combines psychophysics , neuroimaging , and computational modeling to explore how humans judge material properties from static and dynamic images, and how prior experiences shape these perceptions. Scientific Contributions: Published extensively on material perception, with recent papers in Nature Human Behaviour , Journal of Neuroscience , and Vision Research . Leads the collaborative B8 project on integrating experience and sensory information in material perception. Collaborations & Funding: Co-leads the B8 project with Prof. Hüseyin Boyaci, funded to investigate neural mechanisms of expectation-based perception. Employs interdisciplinary methods including EEG, fMRI, VR, and behavioral experiments. Laboratory & Team: The Perception & Active Exploration Group at Giessen University studies how humans perceive intrinsic object qualities through active exploration and sensory integration, with implications for product design, computer graphics, and robotics.
Kate Daunt is Professor of Marketing at Cardiff Business School and Co-Director of Cardiff University's Security, Crime and Intelligence Innovation Institute. She holds a PhD from Cardiff University (2008) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Her professional affiliations include the Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM) and Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honour Society. Her research focuses on: Audience reception of disinformation in digital environments Dynamics of social media influencers and parasocial relationships Consumer misbehaviour and deviant service interactions Behavioural change through service design interventions Servicescape impacts on consumer experiences Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on consumer psychology in technology-mediated environments, with recent work exploring disinformation propagation, influencer marketing ethics, and robotic service interventions. Research frequently employs mixed-methods approaches across hospitality, retail, healthcare and digital contexts. Honors & Awards: Emerald Literati Award (2024) Martin Evans Teaching Excellence Award (2019) Cardiff University Research Fellowship (2016-2017) Multiple 'Best Paper' awards in service marketing She currently supervises doctoral candidate Katie Lloyd and previously served as Deputy Director of Doctoral Studies. As Co-Director of the Security, Crime & Intelligence Innovation Institute, she leads interdisciplinary research teams examining behavioral aspects of security and disinformation.
Anna Lombardi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Science and Technology (ITN) of Linköping University, Sweden. She is responsible for courses in control systems across engineering programs at Campus Norrköping. She holds a Master's (1992) and PhD (1996) in Control Systems from Università di Firenze, Italy, with prior research at the Neural Network Group at Università di Firenze and Università di Siena. Her research focuses on predictive control, neural networks, and modeling biological systems. Key contributions include controllability analysis of networks and community structures in complex systems. She collaborates internationally, as seen in co-authored works with institutions like DII of Università di Siena and the ISMIS conference. Her academic affiliations include Physics, Electronics, and Mathematics at Linköping University. No specific grants or awards are listed in the provided texts, though her work reflects sustained engagement in interdisciplinary technical research.
Dr. Antonio Andriella is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial (IRII), a joint research center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). He is an incoming Tenured Scientist at IRII expected to start by the beginning of 2026. Previously, he was a Research Scientist at Pal Robotics awarded with a Marie Skłodowska-Curie cofund fellowship in the H2020 project PRO-CARED (no.801342), and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (IIIA) working on the Value-Aware Artificial Intelligence (VALAWAI) project. His educational background includes: PhD in Control, Robotics and Vision (2022) from Institut de Robotica i Informatica Industrial, CSIC-UPC MEng in Artificial Intelligence (2009) from Sapienza, University of Rome BSc in Computer Engineering (2006) from Sapienza, University of Rome Dr. Andriella's research focuses on creating proactive, personalized robots that can tailor their behavior to individual needs and preferences. His work spans Human-Centered Robotics , Socially Assistive Robotics , Robot Personalisation , Proactive Behaviour , and Explainable Robotics . He investigates how robots can explain their decisions to help users build clearer mental models of these systems, ultimately making robots more transparent and understandable. His research has significant applications in healthcare, particularly for elderly care and cognitive training. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying robotics to healthcare challenges, particularly in cognitive training for elderly patients with cognitive impairments. His work bridges theoretical AI approaches with practical applications in real-world environments, emphasizing user experience, personalization, and explainability across various contexts including frailty assessment, customer service interactions, and therapeutic applications. His scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards: Georges Giralt award for the best European PhD thesis from euRobotics AIHUB.CSIC prize for the best AI PhD Thesis from the AI Hub of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) Dr. Andriella has been actively involved in multiple research projects including SWEET (Social aWareness for sErvicE roboTs), ROSPIA, FRAILWATCH, and DEMETER 5.0. He has organized workshops on trust, AI, ethics and personalization at major conferences including HRI, RO-MAN and ICSR, and has served as guest editor for journals such as International Journal of Social Robotics, Frontiers in Robotics and AI, and Paladyn Journal of Behaviour and Interaction Studies. His research group focuses on developing the CARESSER framework (aCtive leARning agEnt aSsiStive bEhaviouR) for in situ learning of robot social assistance, with applications in cognitive training therapy and elderly care. Current projects are exploring robot-assisted frailty assessment systems, dataset reliability for HRI research, and multilingual intent recognition on social robots, demonstrating his commitment to both theoretical advancements and practical implementations in the field.
Annika Norell is a Senior Lecturer at Örebro University within the School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences, Department of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences. She is a licensed psychologist and holds a doctoral degree in sleep research. Her work focuses on children’s and adolescents’ sleep habits, non-pharmacological insomnia treatments, and cognitive processes influencing mental health. She has contributed to projects like understanding insomnia development, promoting teen sleep health, and evaluating metacognitive therapy approaches. Research interests include insomnia mechanisms, CBT-I efficacy, sleep-related cognitive processes, and the interplay between sleep disorders and mental health conditions. Her work spans observational studies, randomized controlled trials (e.g., paradoxical intention therapy, sleep robots), and interventions targeting marginalized groups like transgender youth. Key contributions include developing sleep assessment tools (e.g., Sleep Worry 7 questionnaire) and investigating digital media’s impact on adolescent sleep. Publications emphasize insomnia treatment protocols, sleep-related comorbidities, and behavioral interventions. She collaborates with the Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP) and serves on editorial boards for sleep-focused publications. Ongoing projects explore insomnia development trajectories and sleep interventions for ADHD-affected adults.
Clay Beckner is an Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick. His research focuses on experimental psycholinguistics, morphosyntax, mechanisms of language change, iterated learning, and complex systems from a usage-based perspective. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico (2013), where his thesis explored dynamic mental lexicon through experiments on multi-word 'prefabs'. From 2013-2018, he worked at the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain & Behaviour, studying interspeaker alignment, iterated learning, and human-machine interaction. Recent work examines non-Māori speakers' implicit knowledge of Māori sound patterns through experimental studies in New Zealand. His research interests include the interplay between language usage and structure across lifespans, diachronic processes, and social influences on linguistic systems. Key contributions address lexical representation, morphological variation, and the role of ambient exposure in language knowledge. He has collaborated extensively on projects involving iterated learning tasks, human-robot interaction, and cross-linguistic attractor dynamics. Award details: No specific awards mentioned in the text. Grants and advising: No explicit grant details provided. No listed advisees/students. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams, including studies with robots and cross-cultural language experiments. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the University of Warwick's Applied Linguistics program and previously the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain & Behaviour.
Melvyn L. Smith serves as Professor of Machine Vision and Director of the Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) at the University of the West of England (UWE), where he has held academic positions since completing his Ph.D. in 1997. His leadership extends to editorial roles for four international journals including Computers in Industry , and he contributes to national research strategy as a member of the EPSRC Peer Review College (since 2003) and NERC College (since 2020). His educational qualifications include: B.Eng. (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from University of Bath (1987) M.Sc. in Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Systems from Cranfield Institute of Technology (1988) Ph.D. from University of the West of England (1997) Professor Smith's research centers on machine vision and deep learning applications across diverse domains. He pioneers computer vision solutions for agricultural challenges including crop monitoring, plant phenotyping, and insect welfare assessment, while simultaneously advancing medical diagnostics through neuroimaging analysis for multiple sclerosis, diabetes prediction frameworks, and cardiac health studies. His work consistently bridges theoretical innovation with real-world deployment, evidenced by patents in photometric stereo imaging and optical devices for industrial applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strategic expansion into interdisciplinary problem-solving, with 60% focused on agricultural robotics and 30% on medical applications. Key methodological trends include convolutional neural networks for low-resolution image analysis, 3D reconstruction techniques for plant phenotyping, and machine learning frameworks for clinical diagnostics – all emphasizing robustness in uncontrolled environments. His scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FEIT) As Director of CMV, Professor Smith mentors early-career researchers and leads collaborations with InnovateUK and industry partners. His grant portfolio includes EPSRC-funded projects in machine vision for outdoor environments and NERC-supported environmental monitoring systems, with recent work securing patent protection for crop monitoring apparatus. He actively assesses research proposals for UKRI councils and advises government bodies on agricultural robotics strategy. The Centre for Machine Vision operates as a hub for cross-sector innovation, partnering with agri-tech firms on precision farming systems and healthcare providers on diagnostic imaging tools. Current initiatives include the EU-funded 'Agricultural Robotics' white paper implementation and development of contactless 3D biometric identification systems for transportation infrastructure.
Gerardo Aragon Camarasa is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, where he leads research in the Computer Vision and Autonomous Systems group. His work focuses on solving real-world challenges in robotic perception, manipulation, and grasping using advanced AI techniques. Research Interests: Robotics and AI for advanced manufacturing systems Perception and manipulation of deformable objects Autonomous robotic systems for chemical and domestic applications Robot behavior modeling and self-awareness His publications demonstrate strong emphasis on robotic vision (garment perception, hand-eye calibration), AI integration (multimodal LLMs, reinforcement learning), and industrial applications (chemical robotics, Industry 5.0 ethics). Recent work shows growing focus on foundation models for robotics and simulation frameworks. Research Leadership: He leads multiple grants including an EPSRC programme grant for chemical robotics and a Royal Society project on robotic teleoperation. Actively supervises 7+ PhD students and has graduated 8+ doctoral researchers in robotics and computer vision. Infrastructure: Leads research using dual-arm robots and maintains active GitHub repositories and YouTube channels demonstrating robotic manipulation systems. Regular contributor to top robotics conferences (ICRA, IROS) and journals.
Peter Hagoort is a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Radboud University Nijmegen. He serves as Director Emeritus of the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and Founding Director of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. His research focuses on the neural basis of language, employing techniques like ERP, MEG, PET, and fMRI to study language processing in health and disorders such as aphasia, dyslexia, and autism. He holds multiple prestigious awards, including the NWO-Spinoza Prize (2005), the Yuen Ren Chao Prize (2024), and the Silver University Medal from Radboud University (2023/2024). He is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and the National Academy of Sciences (USA). Current research interests include the neurobiological mechanisms of language comprehension and production, inter-brain synchrony in communication, and the cognitive neuroscience of spoken language using animal models like bats. He supervises PhD students exploring topics such as vocal learning in bats and neural dynamics of communication in autism spectrum conditions. Awards: Over 10 major prizes, including the Spinoza Prize and Yuen Ren Chao Prize. Grants & Leadership: Programme director of the Gravitation program Language in Interaction; steering roles in national and international initiatives. Labs/Teams: Donders Institute Neurobiology of Language group; Max Planck Psycholinguistics Institute.
Dr. Andrew King is an Associate Professor in Biosciences at Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, leading the SHOALgroup. His research focuses on animal social behavior, collective decision-making, and socioecology, with applied themes in conservation and human-wildlife interactions. He has held fellowships and visiting roles globally and is an experienced journal editor. Recognized for teaching excellence, he has developed acclaimed postgraduate programs and leads the Faculty's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives. His work bridges ecology, robotics, and leadership, with a strong presence in media and corporate workshops. Research interests include primate behavior, collective animal movement, and the application of technology in ecology. Key projects involve studying baboon urban adaptation, dairy calf behavior, and biohybrid robotics. Over 150 scientific publications span topics like group coordination, stress physiology, and conservation strategies. Notable awards include the University Excellence in Teaching Award and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Supervised PhD topics include collective behavior, cortisol coregulation in animals, and primate natal coat function. Active in public engagement, he contributes to science festivals, media outlets, and corporate leadership workshops.
Xiliu Yang is a Research Associate at the Institute of Computational Design and Construction (ICD) , University of Stuttgart. Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, University of Hong Kong Master of Science (Distinction), ITECH programme, University of Stuttgart Her research explores the intersection of human–robot collaboration (HRC) , augmented reality (AR) systems , and timber prefabrication . She investigates how AR interfaces can enhance multi-user workflows with industrial robots, focusing on safety protocols, task allocation, and user agency in automated environments. Recent publications highlight her work on large-scale multi-human-robot systems , error-handling in AR-assisted construction , and asymmetric AR instruction methods . Her studies often involve industry partnerships and real-world fabrication demonstrators, such as the livMatS biomimetic shell and Spatial Lacing composite systems. Scientific Awards: IntCDC Thesis Grant Research Residency at Autodesk Technology Centre She previously co-founded 3DNA , a startup developing cloud-based platforms for eyewear manufacturing, and contributed to distributed robotic platforms for fibrous material fabrication.
Maarten Afschrift is an Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomechanics. He holds additional roles at IBBA and AMS - Rehabilitation & Development. His research focuses on biomechanical modeling of human movement, particularly in musculoskeletal systems and gait analysis. He specializes in predictive simulations of locomotion, exoskeleton assistance, and the biomechanical implications of aging on movement strategies. Research Interests: Biomechanics of human movement and gait Musculoskeletal modeling and simulation Exoskeleton and assistive technology design Effects of aging on motor control and balance Predictive control strategies in human locomotion Recent Research Trends: His work emphasizes optimizing exoskeleton assistance for lower limbs, understanding metabolic energetics during walking, and modeling foot mechanics to improve gait simulations. Recent studies explore trade-offs between accuracy, speed, and stability in stepping tasks across age groups, leveraging computational frameworks like PredSim for predictive analysis. Teaching & Grants: He teaches courses on biomechanics of locomotion and contributes to editorial work in biomechanical journals. No specific grants or awards are listed, but his research is supported through institutional and collaborative projects. Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary teams at IBBA and AMS, focusing on rehabilitation engineering and biomechanical innovations.
Georgios Mastorakis is a Lecturer in the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths, University of London, teaching core Computer Science modules including Introduction to Programming, Software Projects, and Designing Digital Interactions. He serves as Module Leader for the University of London Worldwide BSc Computer Science programme's Introduction to Programming part 1 via Coursera. His educational background includes: PhD in AI (2018) MPhil in Physics (2009) BSc in Computer Science (2006) Georgios' research spans computer vision , machine learning , and simulation modeling , with applications in autonomous vehicles, human behaviour understanding, visual surveillance, and deep learning architectures. His work involves analysis of 2D/3D/IR data and data synthesis for nuclear robotics and surveillance systems. Prior to Goldsmiths, he developed self-build robotics algorithms as a Research Associate at Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL). His teaching emphasizes personalized learning experiences while covering technical domains like programming fundamentals and digital interaction design.
Dr. Mohamed Elbadawi is a Lecturer in Computational Physiology/Biomedicine at Queen Mary University of London's School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences. His research focuses on leveraging digital technologies like AI, robotics, and 3D printing to advance healthcare. He has received recognition as a Stanford Top 2% Scientist (2022-2023). Elbadawi holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sheffield (2014-2017), an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Surrey (2012-2013), and a BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Bristol (2007-2010). His research interests include AI-driven drug discovery, 3D printing for precision medicine, bioelectronics for programmable drug delivery, and sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing. He leads modules like 'AI and Data Analytics in Physiology and Biomedicine' and 'Developing AI Solutions in the Biosciences.' Elbadawi has secured grants such as the £20,021 EPSRC-funded 'i-GREENPHARM' project and the £35,000 Innovate UK grant for 'Terpene enhancement of anxiolytic properties of cannabinoids.' He also collaborates with organizations like TSIP to develop community-focused AI solutions for medication management. His editorial roles include membership on the Frontiers in Industrial Microbiology editorial board. He actively publishes in journals like Materials Today Advances , ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering , and International Journal of Pharmaceutics .
