Thorsten Borring Olesen is a Professor at the Department of Culture and Society - History, Aarhus University. His research focuses on European integration, political history, and the Cold War, with emphasis on Denmark's foreign policy and Nordic cooperation. He has been a principal investigator in multiple projects, including studies on Danish involvement in Afghanistan and the historical context of European referendums. Key academic achievements include receiving the Årets Historiske Forskningsresultat 2019 and publishing extensively in journals like Journal of Cold War Studies . His work often bridges historical analysis with contemporary policy debates, as seen in his 2025 publications on EU dynamics and Thule Base history. He has advised on projects such as Reimagining Norden (2018–2023) and contributed to courses like Scandinavia in the World: The Nordic Model . His media engagements include commentaries on Danish foreign policy and EU relations in outlets like Politiken and DR P1 .
Dr Rebecca Phythian is a Reader in Policing at Edge Hill University's School of Law & Criminal Justice, holding a UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship focusing on international law enforcement information exchange. She completed her PhD in Applied Psychology (University of Liverpool) examining serious violent offenders' criminal histories. Previously, she worked at Lancashire Constabulary’s Evidence Based Policing Research Hub and held teaching roles at multiple universities. Her research focuses on policing strategies, information sharing, and officer wellbeing. She collaborates with police forces and organizations like RUSI's Strategic Hub for Organised Crime Research. Education: PhD in Applied Psychology (University of Liverpool, 2016) MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology (University of Liverpool, 2011) BSc Psychology (University of Liverpool, 2010) Primary Research Areas: Law enforcement information exchange Evidence-based policing Police wellbeing frameworks Organized crime dynamics Awards: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2021–2025) Sir Joseph Rotblat Scholarship (PhD funding) Key Contributions: Lead researcher on Police National Database information-sharing studies Co-developed wellbeing programs for police forces Active in multi-agency event security coordination (e.g., Eurovision 2023) Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Edge Hill's Centre for Social Responsibility and collaborates with RUSI's Organised Crime Research team.
Heba Gowayed is an Associate Professor of Sociology at CUNY Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center. Her research focuses on migration, borders, and the intersection of race and legal status, emphasizing how states shape refugees' potential through institutional frameworks. She is the author of the award-winning book Refuge (Princeton University Press, 2022), analyzing refugee experiences in the U.S., Canada, and Germany. Her current project, The Cost of Borders , examines borders as costly and deadly transactions driven by security agendas. Gowayed is a 2025-2027 Carnegie Fellow. Her work bridges academia and public discourse, appearing in outlets like The Guardian , Al Jazeera , and Teen Vogue . She investigates global migration systems, exploring topics such as refugee resettlement policies, racialized labor markets, and economic disparities. Her research highlights the human costs of border enforcement and systemic exclusion. Key Affiliations: CUNY Hunter College, CUNY Graduate Center Key Awards: Carnegie Fellowship (2025-2027) Her scholarship extends to public engagement, emphasizing the need for equitable policies that address displacement and inequality. She critiques how institutions perpetuate marginalization through policies that fail to recognize refugees' potential, advocating for systemic reforms.
Peter Schwabe is a scientific director at the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (MPI-SP) and a part-time professor in the Digital Security Group at Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. His primary research focuses on cryptographic engineering, particularly post-quantum cryptography, secure cryptographic implementations, and high-assurance systems. He holds a PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology (2011) and a Diplom in Computer Science from RWTH Aachen University (2006). His work includes leading projects like the ERC-funded EPOQUE project, which engineered post-quantum cryptographic standards. He contributed to NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standardization efforts, notably as a core developer of CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium. His research spans lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, and formal verification of cryptographic software. Publications highlight advancements in secure implementations against side-channel and speculative execution attacks, high-assurance cryptographic libraries (e.g., EasyCrypt), and practical post-quantum TLS protocols. Key contributions include optimizing cryptographic algorithms for embedded systems (ARM Cortex-M) and formal verification of KEMs like ML-KEM. Scientific awards include an ERC Starting Grant (2018). He advises numerous PhD students and collaborates with industry and academia on cryptographic standards and security. His labs focus on cryptographic engineering, with teams advancing both theoretical and applied aspects of post-quantum security.
Ingrid M. Werner is the Martin and Andrew Murrer Professor of Finance at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Rochester and an honorary doctorate from Stockholm School of Economics. Her roles include Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Swedish House of Finance, Director of the American Finance Association, and member of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences committee. Education: PhD (Economics, Rochester), Honorary Doctorate (Stockholm School of Economics), MBA/Ekon. Lic. (Stockholm School of Economics). Research Interests : International Finance: Home bias, cross-border securities, and market integration Market Microstructure: Dark pools, institutional trading, tick size regulation, and liquidity Financial Regulation: OTC markets, short-sale policies, and regulatory design Awards & Affiliations : Foreign Member, Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences CEPR Research Fellow Editorial boards of Journal of Finance and Journal of Financial Markets Teaching & Outreach : Teaches Trading & Markets at Fisher College Former visiting professor at Stanford, University of Michigan, and Bocconi University Key Projects : Current research includes retail execution quality, trading fees, and the politics of academic research.
Simon Payne is a Lecturer in Psychology and Behaviour Change at the Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University. He is a Chartered Psychologist (BPS) and an expert in performance psychology, behaviour change, and implementation science. He co-designed and coordinates the MSc Behaviour Change program and contributes to university-wide initiatives on mental health and assessment. BA(Hons) Sports Studies (2004) MSc Sport & Exercise Psychology (2005) PhD Sport Psychology (2011) BPS Chartered Psychologist (2014–present) Simon's research focuses on evidence-based interventions to improve health, productivity, and well-being across diverse populations. His work spans health promotion, mental health, sport psychology, agricultural resilience, and public policy. He frequently employs frameworks such as COM-B, Self-Determination Theory, and participatory action research to design and evaluate behavioural interventions. The recent publications highlight a shift from sport psychology toward broader applications in health and sustainability. Key themes include physical activity for autistic individuals, obesity prevention through co-design, mental health in Nigeria, and applying psychological principles to agricultural development. This reflects an interdisciplinary, impact-driven research agenda. British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Psychologist (2014–present) Simon has supervised five postgraduate students to completion (3 MPhil, 2 PhD) and currently supervises three postgraduate researchers. He has secured substantial research funding from UKRI, ESRC, Horizon2020, Tenovus Cancer Care, and the Welsh Government, including a €7M Horizon2020 project (MIXED) where he leads on methodology and knowledge co-creation. He is active in the Aberystwyth Behavioural Insights (ABi) and the Centre for International Development Research. He contributes to continuing professional development for farm advisors and is a STEM Ambassador, engaging with schools and the public. His work aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, well-being, and sustainable agriculture.
Muhammad Fermi Pasha is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Information Technology, Monash University, Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Brain-inspired Computing from Universiti Sains Malaysia and has been actively contributing to research and teaching since joining Monash. His academic roles include lecturing and serving as Chief Examiner for courses such as FIT1008, FIT2085, FIT9123, FIT5152, and FIT3175, focusing on computer science, business information systems, and usability. PhD in Brain-inspired Computing, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2010) MSc in Computer Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2006) BCompSc (Hons) in Software Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2003) Dr. Pasha's research spans computational neuroimaging, intelligent network security, digital health, and big data analytics. His work integrates artificial intelligence with healthcare applications, including Alzheimer's diagnosis, mHealth platforms, and secure medical data systems. He emphasizes evolving systems, machine intelligence, and neocortex memory modeling. His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in AI-driven healthcare solutions, secure data systems, and behavioral analysis using deep learning. His work combines computer vision, natural language processing, and cybersecurity to address real-world challenges in medicine and public health. Themes such as microexpression recognition, EHR clustering, blockchain for IIoT, and flood modeling using CNNs reflect his diverse yet cohesive research vision. Awards for software solutions and research projects as team lead or member (specific names not provided) Dr. Pasha supervises multiple PhD students and leads significant research grants, including projects on microexpression recognition, Alzheimer's prediction, and flood modeling. He collaborates with national and international researchers and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and education. His lab work involves developing intelligent systems for medical and environmental applications. He leads or participates in key research labs and teams focused on AI in healthcare, network security, and sustainable computing. These teams develop frameworks for early disease detection, secure data sharing, and environmental resilience using advanced machine learning and blockchain technologies.
Liz Ritchie-Tyo is a Professor in the School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment and the Department of Civil Engineering at Monash University, where she conducts cutting-edge research on tropical cyclones, extreme weather, and climate impacts. She is actively involved in interdisciplinary research, supervision of PhD students, and leadership in national and international scientific organizations. Education: PhD in Atmospheric Science, Monash University (awarded 1 October 1995), focusing on mesoscale aspects of tropical cyclone genesis. Her research spans both fundamental and applied domains, including the physical understanding of tropical cyclogenesis, intensity change, extratropical transition, and landfall impacts. She also investigates the remote sensing of tropical cyclones and their societal and environmental consequences. Her recent publications reflect strong trends in integrating satellite remote sensing, climate modeling, and public health outcomes, particularly in assessing post-cyclone disease risks and radiative effects of storm clouds. This interdisciplinary approach underscores her contributions to climate science and disaster resilience. Scientific Awards and Honors: Fellow of the American Meteorological Society Prof. Ritchie-Tyo has secured significant research funding from prestigious bodies including the Australian Research Council (ARC), the US Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, NOAA, NASA, and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. She currently leads multiple projects, such as the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century and a project on the contribution of tropical cyclones to Earth's energy budget. She has supervised numerous students and contributes extensively through editorial roles, including as editor of Weather and Forecasting and former editor of Monthly Weather Review . Research Labs and Teams: She is a key member of collaborative research teams working on tropical cyclone dynamics and climate impacts, including international networks under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and partnerships with institutions in the US and Australia. Her work is highly collaborative, involving experts in meteorology, oceanography, public health, and remote sensing.
Dr. Sascha Dov Bachmann is an Associate Professor in International Law at Bournemouth University (BU) and an extraordinary Docent (equivalent to Associate Professor) in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University (FHS). He serves as Director of BU’s Centre for Conflict, Rule of Law and Society (CROLS) and has held visiting researcher roles at Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Military Studies (CEMIS) since 2014. His research focuses on Hybrid Warfare, Lawfare, Cyber Warfare, and Information Operations, with applications to Southern African security threats such as human trafficking, poaching, and terrorism. His work has been recognized in the UK House of Commons Defence Committee Report (2018) and cited on NATO’s legal virtual desktop. He frequently engages with military institutions, including keynotes at the International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS) and seminars with the Australian Defence College. Collaborative efforts span BU, Stellenbosch University, and the Swedish Defence University to advance joint research bids and personnel exchanges. Scientific Recognition: 3* plus impact rating at BU. Key Collaborations: NATO SHAPE, Stellenbosch University’s CEMIS, South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Pietro Saggese is an Assistant Professor at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy, where he is affiliated with the Department of Economics and Data Science within the School of Economics, Management, and Data Science. He is also associated with the Complexity Science Hub (CSH) in Vienna, contributing to the Digital Currency Ecosystems research group. Prior to his current role, he was a postdoctoral researcher at CSH and the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology from 2021 to 2023. Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics, University of Turin PhD in Economics and Data Science, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca (2021) Pietro Saggese's research centers on cryptofinance and cryptoasset analytics, with a particular focus on decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems. He investigates the interplay between DeFi protocols on Ethereum to assess risks and opportunities, analyzes arbitrage behavior in Bitcoin, detects financial bots on blockchains, and evaluates the governance structures of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). His work combines data science, complex systems theory, and economic modeling to provide empirical insights into digital currency markets. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward understanding systemic structures in DeFi, including composability, governance centralization, and solvency risks. The works span technical blockchain analysis, economic modeling, and regulatory implications, highlighting an interdisciplinary approach to cryptoeconomic systems. Scientific Awards and Recognition: No specific awards listed in the text, though his collaborator Stefan Kitzler won a research prize for a DeFi-related paper. Pietro actively collaborates with researchers at CSH, AIT, and IMT Lucca on grants and projects related to digital currency ecosystems. His advising roles are not explicitly mentioned, but his publications suggest mentorship and collaboration with early-career researchers. He is involved in high-impact research projects on blockchain transparency, DAO governance, and financial stability in crypto markets. He is a key contributor to the Digital Currency Ecosystems research initiative at the Complexity Science Hub, where he continues to publish and present on pressing issues in decentralized finance, including power concentration in DAOs and the solvency of crypto exchanges.
Nicolas Christin is a Professor and Department Head in the Software and Societal Systems Department at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Engineering & Public Policy and is a core faculty member at CyLab, CMU’s university-wide security and privacy institute, with additional courtesy affiliations in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Christin earned a Diplôme d'Ingénieur from École Centrale Lille (1999), followed by an M.S. (2000) and Ph.D. (2003) in Computer Science from the University of Virginia. He was a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley’s School of Information (2003–2005) before joining CMU in 2005. He served in various roles including Associate Director of the Information Networking Institute (2008–2013), research faculty in ECE and S3D, and tenured Associate Professor (2019–2022) before becoming a full Professor and Department Head. His research spans cybersecurity, privacy, and societal computing, with a strong emphasis on empirical measurement and interdisciplinary approaches. Key areas include security analytics, blockchain and cryptocurrency systems, online crime modeling, censorship measurement, usable privacy and security, and security economics. His work combines systems, networking, economics, and human behavior to understand and improve real-world security outcomes. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on blockchain security (e.g., address poisoning, amplification attacks), censorship measurement (Great Firewall, probe generation), and human behavior in security (teen crypto users, copy-trading, statistical misuse in research). His group frequently publishes at top venues including USENIX Security, CCS, PETS, WWW, and CHI, often with empirical, data-driven methodologies. 2017 CSIS Fellow 2019 Carnegie IT Dean Early Career Fellow 2020 Allen Newell Award for Research Excellence 2023 IEEE S&P Test-of-Time Award Best Paper Awards at CHI 2017 and USENIX Security 2016 Best Student Paper at USENIX Security 2014 2024 Best Portuguese Internet Research Award Christin advises a vibrant research group of Ph.D. students and has mentored numerous graduates who now hold positions at Meta, AWS, NIST, Palo Alto Networks, and academia. He co-directs the Secure Blockchain Initiative and has directed the Societal Computing Ph.D. program. His research is supported by the NSF, DHS, Google, Ripple, CMU Portugal, and other public and private entities. He has served on program committees for top security conferences and testified before the U.S. Congress on data monetization and illicit finance.
Zane Diamond is a Professor at Monash University's School of Education Culture & Society , specializing in wisdom education, comparative education, and Indigenous pedagogies. His work bridges ancient traditions with modern educational needs, focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, Buddhist/Dharma education, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG4: Quality Education). PhD from Flinders University on "Universities and Wise Futures: An Investigation of Wisdom and the Exchange of University Knowledge between Australia and Thailand" Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Education from Flinders University Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honors) and Bachelor of Social Studies from University of Sydney and Flinders University His research explores: Wisdom pedagogies derived from Indigenous Australian and Indo-Asia-Oceania traditions Cross-cultural methodologies for integrating wisdom into globalized education systems Transforming teacher education through sociological theories (Bernstein, Sternberg, Maxwell) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to education and food security Community-engaged pedagogy for Asia-Australia engagement Recent publications examine Indigenous rights-based approaches in school psychology, comparative curriculum planning in Australia, and educator well-being models. He leads the GlobalWisdomLab and has collaborated internationally across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Key roles include: Board Member, Japan International Education Society Past President, Oceania Comparative and International Education Society External Research Lead, Daylesford Dharma School Inc. Academic Advisory Committee, Worawa Aboriginal College His teaching includes courses on Indigenous perspectives, research approaches, and contemporary education contexts (EDF1062, EDF3065, EDF5613, EDF5614, EDF5761). Projects funded by DFAT, AITSL, and NATSIHEC reflect his commitment to Indigenous partnerships and educational equity.
Sari Autio-Sarasmo is a Senior Lecturer at the Aleksanteri Institute - Finnish Centre for Russian and East European Studies within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Helsinki. She serves as Deputy Director of the Aleksanteri Institute and acts as supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Political, Societal and Regional Change. Research Focus: Cold War economic history, East-West technological transfer, Soviet modernization strategies, environmental history, and Nordic-Soviet interactions Key Projects: DigiREES, Finnish-Russian Network on Area studies and Methodologies (FRAME), and Building virtual exchange capacities in the Baltic Sea Region Academic Networks: Member of Finnish Historical Society, advisory board of Slavonic Library, editorial council of Baltic Worlds, and reviewer for multiple journals Her recent publications examine Soviet technological adaptation, Cold War neutrality models, and post-Soviet continuities. She has organized numerous international conferences including the Aleksanteri Conference and contributed to media analysis of Cold War historical narratives.
Prof. Dr. Astrid Fellner is a leading scholar in North American Literature and Cultural Studies at Saarland University (since 2009), specializing in border studies, gender/queer theory, and transnational cultural analysis . She leads the UniGR-Center for Border Studies and has held key administrative roles, including Dean of Studies (2020–2024) and former Vice President for European and International Relations (2014–2017). Education: Habilitation (2006) and Ph.D. (1999) from the University of Vienna, Fulbright Scholar (1990–91), Erasmus Student (1992–93) Her research focuses on border theories, affective encounters with popular culture, and intersections of gender, migration, and identity . Recent projects include BMBF-funded Linking Borderlands (comparing European and North American border dynamics) and DAAD collaborations with Ukrainian scholars. She co-edits the Borders in Perspective publication series and leads the Border Textures working group. Key contributions include 15 recent publications analyzing border poetics, queer migration, and pandemic-era spatial reconfigurations. Awards include the Siemens Prize (1999), Theodor Körner Fonds (2005), and Erwin-Schrödinger Fellowship . Her editorial work spans volumes on body politics, gender in popular culture, and anti-Americanism . She supervises academic theses and doctoral studies, with a focus on transnational identities and cultural resistance . Current affiliations include the Scientific Advisory Board for the AGPRO Research Prize and leadership in the European Cooperation Platform project with Prof. Stefanie Jensen.
Anna Fiodorova is an Associate Professor at the Department of Criminal Law, Procedural Law and History Law at Carlos III University of Madrid. She serves as Deputy Director of the University Master's Degree in Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. Research Focus: Victim rights, EU judicial cooperation, data protection in criminal proceedings, and sexual violence legal frameworks Key Projects: VISPRO (2024-2027), CHILD (2024-2026), RE-TREAT (2020-2022), FAIRCOM (2019-2021) Contact: anna.fiodorova@uc3m.es | afiodoro@der-pu.uc3m.es Her recent publications examine digital evidence exchange in EU criminal proceedings, child abuse prevention frameworks, and victim participation challenges in sexual violence cases. She contributes to the Alonso Martínez Institute for Justice and Litigation , working at the intersection of law, politics, and sociology. Her research explores transnational legal cooperation and modernization of criminal procedures , focusing on balancing human rights with effective law enforcement mechanisms across European jurisdictions.
