Prof. Dr. Stefanie Hellweg serves as a Full Professor for Ecological Systems Design at the ETH Zürich , Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. She is Deputy Head of the Institute of Environmental Engineering and leads groundbreaking research at the intersection of industrial ecology, life cycle assessment, and circular economy systems. PhD in Environmental Engineering (ETH Zürich, 2000) Industrial Engineering Degree (Karlsruhe University, 1996) Her research develops advanced methodologies for environmental impact assessment of products and technologies, focusing on: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with correlated uncertainty modeling Circular economy implementation in chemical and energy sectors Industrial symbiosis optimization for heat and nutrient flows Urban wastewater systems redesign for resource recovery Chemical pollution analysis in plastic materials Key publication trends reveal expertise in: Hybrid wastewater treatment systems Energy-efficient greenhouse cultivation Exergy analysis for sustainability metrics Machine learning applications in environmental modeling Policy-relevant industrial ecology studies She actively participates in global sustainability initiatives as: President of the International Society of Industrial Ecology (ISIE) Member of UN Environment's International Resource Panel Editorial board member for leading environmental journals
Wei Sun is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Central Florida, where he also serves as the Director of the Siemens Digital Grid Lab. His research focuses on power system restoration, self-healing smart grids, cyber-physical security, and renewable energy integration. Dr. Sun received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2011, and his M.S. and B.S. from Tianjin University in 2007 and 2004, respectively. Prior to joining UCF, he was an Assistant Professor at South Dakota State University (2013-2015), a power system engineer at Alstom Grid (2011-2012), a visiting scholar at the University of Hong Kong (2011), and an intern at California Independent System Operator (2010). His research interests include: Power System Restoration and Self-healing Smart Grid Resilient and Secure Critical Infrastructure Cyber-Physical Systems Renewable Energy and Microgrid Distributed Energy Resources Integration Dr. Sun's recent publications demonstrate strong focus on cyber-physical security in power systems, distributed energy resource integration, and resilient grid operations. His work shows increasing emphasis on AI and machine learning applications for grid security and resilience, particularly in the context of high renewable penetration. His notable scientific awards include: Microsoft Software Engineering Innovation Foundation Award (2014) Best Paper Award, 2019 IEEE PES ISGT Asia Mentor of the Year, UCF Graduate Student Association (2019) Dr. Sun has successfully secured multiple research grants totaling millions of dollars from agencies including the US Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Florida Center for Cybersecurity, and Microsoft. He currently serves as PI or Co-PI on several major projects including "Secure and Resilient Operations Using Open-Source Distributed Systems Platform (OpenDSP)" funded by the Department of Energy. He leads the Siemens Digital Grid Laboratory at UCF, which is equipped with utility-grade software and hardware including Spectrum Power Microgrid Management System, Power System Simulator for Engineering, and Siemens Distribution Feeder Automation. The lab provides capabilities for both software modeling and hardware-in-the-loop testing of power systems.
Jim Hall is a Professor of Climate and Environmental Risk at the University of Oxford's School of Geography and the Environment, and serves as Director of Research there. He is also a Visiting Fellow at Linacre College and holds leadership roles including Chair of the Science Advisory Committee at IIASA, and Expert Advisor to the UK's National Infrastructure Commission. His work focuses on systemic risk analysis, infrastructure resilience, and policy implications of climate change adaptation. Prof Hall has pioneered methodologies like the National Infrastructure Systems Model (NISMOD) and chairs the Data and Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure (DAFNI). His research spans flood risk management, energy systems decarbonization, and transboundary water resource conflicts in regions such as the Eastern Nile Basin and the Caribbean. Key research areas include robust decision making under uncertainty, info-gap theory applications, and integrated assessments of human-environmental systems. He has contributed to major international assessments, including the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report, and developed frameworks for multi-hazard stress testing of infrastructure networks. Scientific Awards: George Stephenson Medal (2001), Prince Sultan Prize for Water (2018), Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2010) His advising and grants work includes mentoring a DPhil student Erin Canning and leading projects like MARIUS and ENHANCE. He has also developed innovative modeling tools for coastal erosion prediction and probabilistic assessments of global shipping fuel transitions. Prof Hall’s research groups actively engage in interdisciplinary projects, including the Oxford Martin Programme on Resource Stewardship and the UK Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium. His work emphasizes bridging scientific analysis with actionable policy solutions for climate adaptation.
Qingguo Li is a Professor and Associate Head at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , Queen's University , and a member of the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute . He specializes in biomechanical system design, energy harvesting, wearable sensors, gait analysis, and load carriage systems. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and sensor technology to develop human-centric devices and mobility aids. Current Roles : Professor, Associate Head, Queen's University Research Institute : Ingenuity Labs Research Institute Lab : Bio-Mechatronics and Robotics Laboratory His work focuses on biomechanical energy harvesting , IMU-based motion analysis , and assistive device development . Key applications include stroke rehabilitation, gait monitoring, and wearable power generation systems. Articles span cable-driven robots , smart walkers , and 3D printing mechanisms , emphasizing human-robot interaction and dynamic modeling . The lab explores sensor calibration , adaptive control algorithms , and human movement optimization . Areas of impact include rehabilitation engineering , load carriage stability , wearable sensor accuracy , and assistive robotics . His team develops solutions for gait asymmetry detection , post-stroke mobility , and low-cost energy systems , leveraging machine learning and kinetic modeling .
Geert Deconinck is a full professor at KU Leuven , leading the Electrical Energy Systems and Applications (ELECTA) research group within the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT). He also serves as scientific leader of the EnergyVille research center's algorithms domain, focusing on smart electrical networks and thermal systems. M.Sc. and Ph.D. from KU Leuven Head of ELECTA since 2012 (10 professors, 8 postdocs, 70+ PhDs) Over 8 million EUR research budget in last 5 years 44 completed PhDs and 10 current advisees IEEE Transactions editorial board member His research spans smart grid architectures , distributed control , and cyber-physical security , with recent focus on EV-grid integration , renewable energy democratization , and multi-carrier energy systems . Current projects include: Smart Charging - E-Mobility meets Renewable Energy Early Detection and Defense Systems for Smart Grids Open-source P2P energy sharing platforms Microgrid control strategies for PV-battery systems Awarded IET Fellow and IEEE Senior Member status, his work combines machine learning with power systems engineering through both theoretical modeling and experimental validation . He has contributed over 575 publications with 9800+ Google Scholar citations.
Soheil Salehi is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona, with a joint appointment in Systems and Industrial Engineering. He is the Director of the Privacy-preserving, Intelligent, and Secure Computing (PRISM) Lab, established in August 2022. Prior to this, he was an NSF-Sponsored Computing Innovation Fellow and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of California, Davis. Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2020 M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2016 B.S., Isfahan University of Technology, Iran, 2014 Dr. Salehi's research focuses on the intersection of hardware, AI, and security. His work spans hardware and AI-enabled security in IoT , Generative AI for hardware design and security , neuromorphic and biologically-inspired AI hardware , emerging spin-based devices , reconfigurable architectures , low-power VLSI circuits , and digital twins and mixed reality for semiconductor workforce development . He also explores the application of Generative AI in personalized education . His recent publications, spanning 2023–2025, reveal a strong trend toward integrating AI and machine learning into hardware security and design. Key themes include automated secure IC design flows , AI-driven hardware obfuscation , firmware and side-channel attack analysis , security in neuromorphic and spiking neural networks , and educational frameworks using digital twins and generative models . His work appears in top venues like DAC, ICCAD, USENIX Security, IEEE TCAS-I, and ISCAS. Outstanding Reviewer Award, IEEE/ACM Design Automation Conference (DAC), 2023 Best Presentation of the Symposium Award, UC Davis Postdoctoral Research Symposium, 2021 UCF Excellence by a Graduate Teaching Assistant (University-Level), 2016 Nominated for 30-under-30 Award, UCF, 2020 Nominated for Postdoctoral Research Excellence Award, UC Davis, 2022 Dr. Salehi has secured significant research funding as PI and Co-PI, including a $300K NSF SaTC EAGER grant on Generative AI-based Personalized Cybersecurity Tutor, a $174,000 University of Arizona PIF Award, and multiple RII grants totaling over $198K. He has also received industry funding from CHEST. He actively mentors students and leads the PRISM Lab, which focuses on privacy-preserving and intelligent secure computing. His service includes roles as Technical Program Committee (TPC) Member and Session Chair at premier conferences such as DAC, ICCAD, CCS, NDSS, and GLSVLSI. The PRISM Lab, under his direction, conducts cutting-edge research in secure and intelligent hardware systems, with applications in IoT, edge computing, and workforce development. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in both research and education.
Peter Van Puyvelde is a Full Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences, where he leads research at the Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) unit within the Department of Chemical Engineering. He is an active member of the Applied Rheology and Plastics Processing Division and the Leuven.AM Institute for Additive Manufacturing. His academic responsibilities include membership in the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and departmental committees. His core research focuses on: Polymer processing and complex fluid dynamics In-situ characterization of flow-microstructure relationships Flow-induced crystallization phenomena Development of sustainable polymer materials Additive manufacturing technologies Professor Van Puyvelde's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on sustainable polymer systems including lignin-based materials, humins valorization, bioplastics, and green additives. His work frequently employs advanced characterization techniques like fast-scanning calorimetry and synchrotron X-ray scattering to study crystallization kinetics and microstructure development in complex polymer systems. He currently supervises PhD students working on nanofiltration membranes and reinforced polymer parts. His extensive research portfolio includes leadership roles in multiple ongoing projects: Polylactic acid bioplastics development (Co-promoter) Lignin-based flame retardants (Co-promoter) Humins valorization for functional polymers (Co-promoter) Ionic liquids for enhanced oil recovery (Promoter) Competition between crystallization and crosslinking (Promoter) Additive manufacturing of polymer composites (Co-promoter)
Dr. Julie N.L. Albert is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Tulane University, holding the Robert and Gayle Longmire Early Career Professorship. She is affiliated with the School of Science and Engineering and serves as co-director of the SMART REU NSF-funded program. Her research focuses on engineering nano- and micro-structured polymeric materials for energy, health, and environmental applications, emphasizing self-assembly processes in block copolymers and polymer blends. Key areas include nanoporous membranes, biocompatible surfaces, and stimuli-responsive materials. Dr. Albert earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida (2005) and her Ph.D. from the University of Delaware (2012). She conducted postdoctoral research at North Carolina State University. Her work has been supported by prestigious grants, including the NSF CAREER Award and a Gulf Research Program Fellowship. Her research group explores topics like polymer crystallization, polyorganosiloxanes, and block copolymer architectures. Notable achievements include developing methods for controlling polymer morphology via solvent vapor annealing and surface chemistry gradients. She advises numerous graduate and undergraduate students and mentors organizations like the Society of Women Engineers. Education: B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 2005 Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, 2012 Research Interests: Self-assembly of block copolymers, nanoporous membranes, biocompatible materials, and energy applications. Awards: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Gulf Research Program Early-Career Fellowship, AIChE Travel Award. Dr. Albert’s lab houses advanced facilities such as AFM, spectral reflectometry, and GPC, enabling cutting-edge polymer characterization. Her contributions bridge polymer science, materials engineering, and environmental sustainability, addressing challenges in energy recovery and biomedical technologies.
Xavier Brusset is a Professor in Supply Chain at SKEMA Business School since 2016, where he also serves as Director of the PRISM Research Center since 2017. Previously, he held professorial positions at Toulouse Business School (2015-2016) and ESSCA School of Management (2009-2015), where he was responsible for the Master 2 in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management program. His academic journey includes a PhD in Management Sciences from Université Catholique de Louvain (2010) and a Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches from Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense (2016). His research spans multiple critical areas in supply chain management, with particular focus on supply chain resilience, blockchain applications, weather risk management, and pandemic impacts on supply chains. Brusset has developed innovative approaches to understanding how supply chain partners interact, how information affects their behavior, and how external disruptions like weather anomalies and pandemics impact operational efficiency. His work bridges theoretical models with practical applications, often developing decision-support tools for managers facing complex supply chain challenges. Brusset's publication record shows a clear evolution of research interests, beginning with foundational work on supply chain contracts and information sharing, then expanding to weather risk management, and most recently focusing on pandemic disruptions and blockchain applications. His 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) demonstrate increasing sophistication in modeling complex supply chain phenomena, with particular emphasis on network effects, ripple effects, and multi-echelon optimization under disruption scenarios. Editorial board member of Logistics Research Editor of International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management (2022-2023) Recognized EU expert for CINEA research projects evaluation Organizer of the Colloquium on European Research in Retailing (CERR) Reviewer for multiple top journals including International Journal of Production Economics As an advisor, Brusset has supervised doctoral students including R. Alkhudary (co-director, Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas) and V. Capocasale (rapporteur). His professional experience extends beyond academia to include industry roles in financial markets and logistics technology, having co-founded WebLogistix, a platform for sharing logistics information in Argentina. His research has practical applications across multiple sectors, particularly in retail, food supply chains, and manufacturing, where he develops tools to help managers mitigate risks and optimize operations under uncertainty.
Mehdi Abdollahi is an Associate Professor at Chalmers University of Technology's Department of Food and Nutrition Science. His research focuses on alternative proteins, food biotechnology, and plant-based hybrid foods, with emphasis on sustainable utilization of food side streams, legumes, cereals, and microalgae as future protein sources. Develops pH-shift technology and ultrasound-assisted methods for protein extraction Specializes in hybrid food engineering via fermentation and biorefinery Works on 3D food printing and high-moisture extrusion for food analogs Researches collagen and biobased food packaging materials His work includes >100 peer-reviewed publications, 4 book chapters, and 3 patents. Current projects involve collaborations with Arla Foods, Lantmännen, and Nordic Seafarm, addressing sustainable seafood systems and plant-protein hybridization. 2024 Bertebos Prize recipient 2025: Recognized among Sweden's Top 101 Sustainability Figures Mentors 7 PhD students and 3 postdocs while collaborating with European institutions like Kristianstad University and Ankara University. His group explores biorefinery strategies, hybrid food functionality, and innovative packaging solutions.
Dr Maria Bada is a Lecturer in Cyberpsychology at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London. She is an active researcher in the field of cyberpsychology with a specific focus on the human element of cybersecurity. Dr Bada is also a member of the committee of the Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Society Group at QMUL. Dr Bada's research spans multiple critical areas in cyberpsychology and cybersecurity. Her primary research interests include: The effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness campaigns and factors leading to their success or failure in changing information security behavior Development of prevention activities to enhance the resilience of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against cybercrime Cybersecurity awareness initiatives for school learners in South Africa and the UK Youth delinquency and interventions to prevent cybercrime, in collaboration with the National Crime Agency and Home Office Social and psychological impacts of cyber-attacks on vulnerable groups Exploration of the cybercrime ecosystem, including cybercriminal profiles, pathways, and risk perceptions Dr Bada's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of psychology and cybersecurity. Her recent work shows increasing specialization in SME cybersecurity challenges, ethical considerations in security behavior change, and the psychological impacts of cybercrime on individuals and organizations. She frequently collaborates with researchers from diverse disciplines including computer science, criminology, and healthcare, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work. Dr Bada has secured significant research funding for her work, including: "Enhancing national cyber resilience via SME cyber security and digital responsibility" (£328,119 from EPSRC, 2023-2026) "REPHRAIN: Supporting organisations in making effective privacy related decisions" (£50,801 from EPSRC, 2022-2023) "Assessing Organisational DSbD Awareness and Readiness" (£15,554 from ESRC, 2022-2024) She works closely with research staff including Dr Matthew Rand and collaborates with various UK government agencies including the National Crime Agency and Home Office on cybercrime prevention initiatives.
Dr. Li Wan is an Associate Professor in Urban Planning and Development at the Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College. He serves as Director for the MPhil in Planning, Growth and Regeneration and is a co-investigator of the Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction. Dr. Wan is also a Trustee of the IJURR Foundation and leads a research group focused on understanding urban land and transport development through applied modeling and data analytics. Dr. Wan holds a BArch, MPhil, and PhD from the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Land Economy, he worked in Architecture and Engineering Departments, giving him a highly interdisciplinary perspective. His research focuses on spatial economic modeling of urban land use and transport systems, with recent interests including strategic planning at city/regional levels, impact studies of flexible working, micromobility, and electric vehicles. Dr. Wan's research group has produced significant work in city digital twins, as evidenced by his 2023 book Digital Twins for Smart Cities: Conceptualisation, challenges and practices . His publications span urban analytics, transport emissions, spatial equilibrium modeling, and economic geography, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his work. Recent research trends show increasing focus on post-pandemic urban dynamics, digital governance, and sustainable mobility solutions. His research group has secured funding from initiatives like AI@Cam for projects examining how local authorities use AI for urban decision-making. Dr. Wan actively supervises PhD and MPhil students, with his group comprising researchers working on diverse urban topics from land-use efficiency to micromobility impacts. As an educator, Dr. Wan teaches courses including Tripos Paper 10 - The Built Environment, PGR01 - Urban and Environmental Planning, PGR02 - Urban and Housing Policy, PGR05 - Place-based Policy, and RM03 – Spatial Analysis and Modelling. His group has presented at major international conferences including CUPUM and ICML, reflecting his active engagement in the academic community.
Associate Professor Lasantha Meegahapola is a Deputy Head of Department (Teaching & Learning) at RMIT University's School of Engineering in Melbourne, Australia. He holds an IEEE Senior Membership and serves as an Associate Editor for several prestigious journals, including IEEE Transactions on Power Systems and IET Renewable Power Generation. His research focuses on Power System Stability with Renewable Integration, Microgrid Control, and Smart Grid Technologies, addressing challenges like voltage stability, inverter-based grid dynamics, and renewable energy penetration. He has supervised 16 PhD students to completion and published over 200 articles. Key contributions include identifying stability issues in microgrids and advancing grid-forming inverter control strategies. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Clean Energy), 9 (Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action). He is actively involved in IEEE committees, including the PSDP Task Force on Microgrid Stability. Teaching roles include Programme Manager for the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (HK) and Subject Coordinator for Power System Analysis and Control courses. Collaborations span industry and international research institutions, emphasizing real-world applications of his research in power systems and renewable energy integration.
Sibel Pamukcu is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University, affiliated with the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Her research focuses on electroremediation of soils and groundwater, advanced geo-materials, and sensor systems for subsurface monitoring. She has held leadership roles including interim Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering and co-director of Lehigh’s ADVANCE grant. Pamukcu teaches courses in geotechnical and environmental engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University M.S. in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University B.S. in Civil Engineering, Bogazici University, Turkey Research Interests: Her work spans electrochemical methods for environmental detoxification, development of polymer-enhanced sands, and distributed sensor networks for real-time subsurface monitoring. Key focus areas include: In-situ destruction of contaminants in clay-rich soils Enhanced oil recovery via electric fields Wireless and fiber-optic sensor systems for hazard mitigation Grants & Awards: Principal investigator on over 60 grants from NSF, DOE, DOD, and others. Notable awards include the Alfred Noble Robinson Award (Lehigh University) and the ASCE Civil Engineering Foundation Grant Award. Her lab holds multiple patents on soil remediation techniques and polymer-coated sands. Advising & Service: Supervised 9 Ph.D. and 25+ M.S. students Appointed to Martindale Center faculty and Sigma Xi leadership Contributed to 50+ peer-reviewed articles and 100+ technical publications Labs & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary initiatives in electrokinetic remediation and underground sensing, collaborating with industry partners like Electric Power Research Institute and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Prof. Jochen Hartmann holds the Digital Marketing professorship at the TUM School of Management (Munich). Previously, he was an assistant professor at the University of Groningen's School of Business and Economics and worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. He earned his doctorate from the University of Hamburg and coordinated the DFG research group FOR 1452 (2019-2022). His research focuses on digital marketing and machine learning, particularly analyzing unstructured data (computer vision, NLP) and generative AI. Key themes include social media, algorithmic fairness, diversity in advertising, and human-machine interactions. Education: Ph.D. in Business Administration (University of Hamburg), Management Consulting experience at McKinsey & Company. Research interests combine cutting-edge AI techniques with marketing challenges. Recent work explores generative AI's impact on advertising, algorithmic bias in finance, and visual search innovations. His text/image mining studies rank among top-cited articles in marketing journals like the International Journal of Research in Marketing and Journal of Marketing Research. Awards include the EMAC-Sheth Sustainability Award, Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings' Young Economist distinction, and multiple best dissertation awards. Grants: Led DFG-funded research group (2019-2022). Affiliated with Columbia Business School (visiting scholar) and Mannheim Business School (lecturer in machine learning). Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary research groups focusing on AI applications in marketing and business analytics.
