Professor Shaomin Wu is a faculty member at the University of Kent's Kent Business School, where he holds the academic rank of Professor of Business/Applied Statistics. He earned an MSc and PhD in applied statistics and has extensive industry experience, including a five-and-a-half-year stint at a global manufacturer in Shanghai before moving to the UK in 2001. He has held roles as a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer before joining Cranfield University and later the University of Kent. His research focuses on recurrent event data analysis, machine learning, and reliability mathematics, with funding from the EPSRC and ESRC. His research projects include managing risk in warranty servicing policies, smart data analytics for local government, and sustainable supply chain demand forecasting. He teaches modules such as risk analysis, reliability engineering, and machine learning. Currently supervising PhD students in time series forecasting, explainable AI, and recurrent event data analysis, he also serves as a co-chair of international conferences, editorial board member, and external examiner for doctoral degrees. Notably, he ranks among the top 2% of global scientists by Stanford University. His work integrates machine learning with business analytics, resilience engineering, and environmental sustainability. Key contributions include IoT-driven resilience methodologies for smart grids and unmanned systems, as well as frameworks for corporate carbon disclosure and maintenance optimization under uncertainty.
Dr Anandadeep Mandal is an Associate Professor in Finance and the Scotcoin Distinguished Chair of Digital Finance at the University of Birmingham , within the Birmingham Business School and the Department of Finance . He is the founding director of the MSc Financial Technology programme and the Programme Director for the MBA (Distance Learning), demonstrating significant leadership in academic program development. Education: PhD in Probability Distribution Fitting, Cranfield University (2016) MRes in Management Science, Cranfield University (2012) MSc in Finance and Investments, Durham University (2008) Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering Research Interests: Dr Mandal’s interdisciplinary research lies at the intersection of mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence, finance, and digital innovation . His work focuses on AI-enabled investment strategies , blockchain for financial transparency , ESG performance measurement , and the development of the Sustainable Efficiency Index (SEI) . He also pioneers AI applications in digital education , including a patent-pending platform for automated grading of multi-modal student submissions using ensemble AI methods. Publication Trends: His recent scholarly output spans high-impact journals and conferences, reflecting a strong focus on digital finance , climate and social media analytics , cryptocurrency regulation , and AI in financial forecasting . His work combines advanced data science techniques with real-world policy and financial applications, particularly in sustainability and public health. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr Mandal has secured over £2 million in research funding from sources including UKRI, UoB QR Funding, and industry partners. While specific students are not listed, his role as programme director and research leader suggests active mentorship. His research has direct policy impact through collaborations with the NHS Trusts , NIHR , and the UK Government . Labs, Teams, and Impact: Dr Mandal leads a research agenda that bridges academia and public policy. His work extends beyond the university through public engagement at science festivals, outreach for young learners, and expert contributions to UK Parliamentary consultations on AI, sustainability, and financial innovation. He is a key figure in advancing digital finance education and research at the University of Birmingham.
Stephen Marshall is Professor of Urban Morphology and Urban Design at The Bartlett School of Planning, University College London. He also served as Visiting Professor at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, Italy from 2019 to 2021. With over twenty-five years of experience in the built environment fields, initially in consultancy and subsequently in academia, Professor Marshall has established himself as a leading expert in urban morphology and design. His educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from University College London (2001), a Postgraduate Diploma from Edinburgh College of Art (1995), a Master of Science from the University of Leeds (1989), and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Glasgow (1988). Professor Marshall's principal research focuses on urban morphology and street layout, examining their relationships with urban formative processes including urban design, coding and planning. His work bridges urban design theory with practical applications, exploring how cities evolve through complex interactions of physical form, social processes, and planning interventions. He has written or edited several influential books including 'Streets and Patterns' (2005), 'Cities, Design and Evolution' (2009), and 'Urban Coding and Planning' (2011). His recent publications reveal a growing interest in applying complexity science to urban morphology, with particular attention to biological analogies for understanding self-organizing cities. He has pioneered research on digital participation methods in urban planning, exploring how online platforms can enhance public engagement in urban space design. His work consistently bridges theoretical urban morphology with practical applications for contemporary urban challenges like pandemic adaptation and sustainable transport. Professor Marshall has served as Chair of the Editorial Board of Urban Design and Planning from its launch to 2012, and is now co-editor of Built Environment journal. His editorial work has significantly shaped scholarly discourse in urban planning and design. He leads several significant research initiatives including the Incubators of Public Spaces project, which explores digital platforms for co-creating urban spaces, and the Self-Organising Built Environment project, which investigates biological analogies in urbanism. These projects reflect his interdisciplinary approach to understanding and shaping urban environments, connecting with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Dr. Jiahong Chen is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Sheffield School of Law . His research focuses on the intersection of law and technology, particularly Data Protection Law , Cybersecurity Law , Law and AI , and Internet Regulation . He serves as Departmental EDI Director and Deputy LLM Programme Director. PhD, University of Edinburgh LLM, China University of Political Science and Law LLB, China University of Political Science and Law His research examines regulatory challenges in smart homes , large language models , and data ethics . Current projects include the ESRC-funded "The Internet of Tactical Engagement (IoTE)" and RAI UK's "Addressing Socio-technical Limitations of Large Language Models" . Publications span GDPR interpretation, health data regulation, and smart device accountability. He teaches modules on Information Technology Law , Data Privacy and Governance , and Consumer Law .
Michele Acuto serves as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at the University of Bristol. His research addresses global urban governance challenges through interdisciplinary approaches focused on city diplomacy, climate resilience, and nighttime economies. Research interests include the geopolitics of urban data, transnational municipal networks, and the integration of nighttime studies into climate adaptation frameworks. His work emphasizes practical applications for urban policy innovation. Key contributions examine how cities learn through knowledge exchange institutions, benchmarking practices in global urbanism, and the role of city rankings in shaping diplomatic agendas during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sankar Sivarajah is the Head of Kingston Business School and Professor of Technology Management and Circular Economy at Kingston University London. He joined the university in September 2024 after serving as Dean of the School of Management at the University of Bradford (2017-2024). His academic career began at Brunel University London in 2014 as a post-doctoral researcher. Qualifications: PhD in Management and Information Systems Studies, Brunel University London MSc in Management (Entrepreneurship), Bayes Business School BSc in Business and Management (Computing), Brunel University London His research focuses on leveraging digital technologies for societal benefit, particularly in Technology Management , Circular Economy , and Operations/Supply Chain Management . Recent work analyzes AI-driven decision-making in public sectors, blockchain integration for sustainable supply chains, and smart technology applications in green HRM. His publications span journals like Government Information Quarterly , Annals of Operations Research , and Information Systems Frontiers , covering topics from drone-based food security to ethical AI frameworks. Trends show increasing emphasis on Industry 5.0, 6G impact evaluation, and cross-country sustainability practices. Scientific Recognition: Included in World’s Top 2% Scientists (2023, 2024) Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (FHEA) He serves as Deputy Editor for the Journal of Enterprise Information Management , peer reviewer for EFMD and AACSB accreditations, and governing council member of Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS). His £3M+ funded projects address 6G evaluation, AI strategy, and Smart Cities.
Professor Irem Dikmen is a leading academic in Construction Engineering and Management at the University of Reading, where she serves as School Director of Internationalisation in the Chancellor's Building. Her research integrates engineering, management, and information sciences to advance construction project risk management, particularly focusing on climate resilience, digital technologies, and social value in infrastructure systems. PhD, MSc, and BSc in Civil Engineering from Middle East Technical University Her work leverages systems thinking, artificial intelligence, and digital tools to develop decision-support frameworks for megaprojects and climate adaptation. Recent publications highlight innovations in NLP contract analysis, energy performance ontologies, and risk visualization techniques. She supervises students on topics spanning IoT lifecycle management, ESG risks, and NLP defect detection. Key collaborations include the Climate and Finance Research Cluster and Walker Institute , with contributions to digital construction technologies and sustainability risk assessment. Teaching modules include Construction Risk Management, Economics, and Business Organisation.
Professor Daniel Eyers is a Professor of Manufacturing Systems Management at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University , where he also serves as Director of Quality Assurance & Enhancement. He is co-director of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMSAC) and Cardiff University RemakerSpace , highlighting his leadership in sustainable and advanced manufacturing innovation. Professor of Manufacturing Systems Management, Cardiff University (2024–present) Co-Director, Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMSAC) (2024–present) Co-Director, Cardiff University RemakerSpace (2020–present) External Advisor, Open University (2022–present) His research focuses on the strategic management of advanced manufacturing technologies , particularly Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) , within operations and supply chain contexts. He explores how digital technologies enhance supply chain flexibility, sustainability, and performance. His work spans flexible manufacturing systems, servitization, and change management in industrial settings. His recent publications (2020–2025) reveal a strong trajectory in AI-human collaboration in decision-making , sustainable manufacturing , urban logistics , and the integration of 3D printing in circular economies. Themes include risk management, digital transformation, and the strategic impact of emerging technologies on operations. He frequently publishes in top-tier journals such as International Journal of Operations and Production Management , Production Planning and Control , and Omega . CEng, Engineering Council (UK) FHEA, Higher Education Academy ESRC Early Career Impact Acceleration Fellowship Daniel Eyers actively supervises PhD, MSc, and MBA students and has attracted over £2.5 million in research funding from research councils, the Welsh Government, and industry. He contributes to academic program design and quality assurance, serving on university committees and as an external examiner for other institutions. He is deeply engaged in applied research with industrial partners, reflecting his background in commercial manufacturing. His leadership in research centers and commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and education underscore his role as a key figure in modern operations management scholarship.
Prof Nigel Mehdi is the Director of the DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Oxford's Department for Continuing Education, where he also serves as a Departmental Lecturer. He is a Fellow of Kellogg College, Oxford, and holds an Honorary Professorship in the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham. Additionally, he serves as Programme Director for the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Programme. Education: PhD in Real Estate Economics from London School of Economics Postgraduate qualifications in Software Engineering, Politics, Development and Democratic Education, Sustainable Development, Digital Education, and Professional Education and Training Research Interests: Prof Mehdi's research sits at the intersection of urban economics , digital technologies , and sustainable development . His work focuses on applying advanced technologies like AI and big data analytics to urban challenges. Key areas include: Real estate sustainability and economics Smart cities and intelligent buildings Spatial big data applications in urban planning Digital education for sustainability Urban resilience and governance Property technology (PropTech) innovations Research Trends: His recent publications demonstrate a clear focus on future-oriented urban governance , with multiple 'Executive Outlook' reports examining privacy, governance, money, ESG, and work in 2030+ scenarios. These works bridge academic research with practical policy implications for urban development. His earlier works focus on technological applications in surveying and urban development, showing an evolution from technical implementation to strategic foresight. Awards and Recognition: OUSU Outstanding Tutor (2017) Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Fellow of the British Computer Society Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Teaching and Supervision: Prof Mehdi leads the DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development programme and teaches on the Master's in Sustainable Urban Development. He welcomes doctoral applications in areas including: Real estate sustainability Spatial big data and smart cities Digital economies and urban analytics AI applications in urban contexts Urban resilience and governance Professional Roles: He serves as Chair of the UK Education Standards Board for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and as an Accreditation Team member for the Institution of Engineering and Technology. His consultancy work spans public and private sectors, including governments, NGOs, and global corporations.
Dr Shu-Ling Lu is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading , serving as Director of the MSc Project Management Programme and a Member of Senate . Her research spans Innovation Management , Quality Control , and Net Zero Transitions in construction, alongside Heritage Building Integration and Gender Dynamics in built environment sectors. Her academic journey includes a PhD , MSc in Construction Engineering , and a Diploma in Architectural Engineering , all from institutions in Taiwan and the UK, complemented by a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice from the University of Salford. Research Interests : Innovation in construction, quality management, heritage conservation, net-zero transitions, gender equity, and system dynamics applications. Article Trends : Focus on defects analysis , heritage integration , gender dynamics , system dynamics , and net-zero strategies across 15 recent publications. Scientific Awards : Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Full member, Association for Project Management (MAPM) BSI Committee Participation (Quality Management Standards) Supervision & Grants : Mentored 7 PhD students and led/co-led projects funded by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) , EPSRC , and COST , with total grants exceeding £500,000.
Professor Phil Purnell is a Professor of Materials and Structures at the School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds. His expertise spans materials science, infrastructure systems, circular economy, and interdisciplinary research. He leads projects addressing decarbonization, waste-to-resource systems, and sustainable construction materials. His roles include Deputy Head of School and advisor to UKRI, DEFRA, and the UK Government’s Circular Economy Taskforce. He holds visiting positions at the Royal College of Art and University of Cambridge. Education: PhD, BEng (Civil), and teaching qualifications (PCPCE, ACTLHE). His research focuses on circular economy applications in textiles, offshore wind, and foundational industries. Notable projects include the Textiles Circularity Centre, Yorkshire Circular Economy Living Lab, and Complex Value Optimisation for Resource Recovery (C-VORR). He advocates for systemic approaches to sustainability, integrating economic, technical, and environmental values. Research outputs emphasize decarbonization pathways, material lifecycle assessments, and robotics in infrastructure management. Collaborations with industry and policy bodies drive practical solutions for resource efficiency. His work bridges engineering, economics, and environmental science to address global challenges like waste management and climate change.
Professor Vania Sena is a Chair in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise at the Management School of the University of Sheffield. She is a leading scholar in innovation, entrepreneurship, big data analytics, and institutional economics, with a strong focus on productivity, SMEs, and collaborative innovation systems. Her work spans finance, public policy, and technology management, often employing advanced econometric and network analysis methods. Her research interests include big data and performance , open and collaborative innovation , institutional impacts on innovation , entrepreneurship and SMEs , circular economy , and peer-to-peer lending . She has extensively studied the role of human capital, governance, and intellectual property in firm performance and innovation outcomes. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent trajectory in data-driven innovation research, with increasing emphasis on AI, machine learning, resilience in supply chains (notably hydrogen), and the circular economy. Her publications appear in top journals such as Technological Forecasting and Social Change , British Journal of Management , Journal of Banking & Finance , and Journal of Economic Literature , showcasing interdisciplinary reach and methodological rigor. Her scientific contributions include influential reviews on appropriability mechanisms and innovation, empirical studies on R&D spillovers, and frameworks for evaluating resilience in emerging energy systems. While specific awards are not listed, her publication record indicates significant recognition in the field. She has supervised doctoral researchers, including recent completions on immigrant entrepreneurship and institutional effects on business survival. Her work is supported by extensive collaborations across Europe and beyond. She is actively involved in PhD supervision and research leadership within the Entrepreneurship, Strategy and International Business group. Professor Sena has contributed to major research themes such as the impact of big data on SMEs, stakeholder diversity in innovation, and the role of policy in enabling circular economy business models. She is also engaged in policy-relevant research on financial inclusion, data intelligence in local government, and the effects of labor market restructuring.
Mateja Durovic is a Professor of Law and Technology at King’s College London, holding roles as Deputy Director of the Centre for Technology, Ethics, Law and Society (TELOS) and Academic Director of the Executive programme on Consumer Law. He previously served as Assistant Professor at City University of Hong Kong (2015-2017). His academic credentials include a PhD and LLM from the European University Institute, an LLM from the University of Cambridge, and an LLB from the University of Belgrade, graduating as top of his class. Research focuses on consumer law, contract law, and the intersection of law with new technologies. He has published in leading journals such as the European Review of Private Law and collaborates with institutions globally. His work addresses digital vulnerabilities, smart contracts, EU consumer directives, and online commercial practices. He is a visiting professor at universities in Europe and Asia and advises international organizations like the European Commission and the United Nations. Professional affiliations include the European Law Institute and Society of Legal Scholars. His contributions have been cited by the Court of Justice of the European Union and UK Law Commission. He leads King’s Cybersecurity Centre and Centre for Data Futures, advancing interdisciplinary research in digital technologies, cybersecurity, and participatory data infrastructure.
Mustafa A. Mustafa is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the Department of Computer Science at The University of Manchester, where he leads the Trusted Digital Systems Cluster as part of the university-wide Centre for Digital Trust and Society. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions including The University of Manchester, where he completed his PhD, and KU Leuven in Belgium, where he served as a post-doctoral research fellow. Dr. Mustafa earned his educational qualifications through an impressive academic path: a B.Sc. in communications from the Technical University of Varna, Bulgaria (2007), an M.Sc. in communications and signal processing from Newcastle University, UK (2010), and a Ph.D. in computer science from The University of Manchester, UK (2015). His doctoral research focused on "Smart Grid Security: Protecting Users' Privacy in Smart Grid Applications," laying the foundation for his subsequent research career. Dr. Mustafa's research expertise centers on information security, data privacy, and applied cryptography with particular focus on smart grid systems, smart city applications, e-health, and IoT. His work addresses critical challenges in securing peer-to-peer electricity trading markets, smart metering infrastructure, electric vehicle charging systems, and health data management. He has developed innovative solutions for keyless car sharing systems, frictionless authentication mechanisms, and privacy-preserving protocols for data collection and distribution. His scholarly contributions demonstrate a consistent trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated privacy-preserving techniques applied across multiple domains. Recent work shows a growing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches with traditional cryptographic methods, particularly in federated learning systems and large language model verification. His research bridges theoretical cryptography with practical implementations in energy systems and healthcare applications. Dr. Mustafa's scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Winner of the Student Video Competition at IEEE SmartGridComm 2017 for "Secure and Privacy-friendly Local Electricity Trading" Best Paper Award at SECURWARE 2017 Distinguished Achievement Award as Postgraduate Research Student of the Year nominee by the School of Computer Science of The University of Manchester (2015) Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Research Fellowship (2018-2023) As an academic supervisor, Dr. Mustafa has mentored numerous graduate students through their PhD and Master's research, with a particular focus on privacy and security challenges in emerging technologies. His current supervision portfolio includes research on privacy-friendly multi-agent systems for smart grids, security for IoT in e-health, vulnerability detection in IoT cryptography, and bot detection systems. He has secured significant research funding through multiple competitive grants including EnnCore: End-to-End Conceptual Guarding of Neural Architectures (EPSRC, 2020-2024), SCorCH: Secure Code for Capability Hardware (EPSRC, 2019-2023), and SNIPPET: Secure and Privacy-friendly Peer-to-peer Electricity Trading (FWO-SBO project, 2019-2023). Dr. Mustafa leads the Trusted Digital Systems Cluster within the Centre for Digital Trust and Society at The University of Manchester. His research group comprises PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators working on cutting-edge security and privacy solutions. The team maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with KU Leuven in Belgium, and contributes to standards development as evidenced by Dr. Mustafa's role as an expert in the IEC/SYC/WG 3 "IEC Smart Energy Roadmap."
Dr. Chee Kiat Seow is an Associate Professor at the University of Glasgow's School of Computing Science. He holds a PhD from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and an MSc from the National University of Singapore (NUS). His research focuses on cyber-physical security, wireless communication localization, and IoT systems leveraging AI/ML. He has led projects valued in the millions, winning awards like the IEEE Best Student Paper and National Instruments Engineering Impact Awards. Education: PhD (NTU), MSc (NUS) Research: Specializes in UWB positioning, spoofing detection, and IoT integration with 5G/GNSS. Teaching: Courses include Big Data, Software Engineering, and Data Analytics. His recent work addresses NLOS mitigation in indoor localization and cyber-physical security threats. Over 63 publications span journals like IEEE Transactions and conferences such as IPIN and WF-IoT. Supervised 6+ PhD/MSc students on topics like autonomous robotics and AI-driven localization. Grants: Includes $853K for 5G-X Smart Building projects and $797K for GNSS signal authentication. Awards: IEEE PIERS Best Student Paper (2019), NI Engineering Impact Awards (2015-2016). He advises on IoT and cybersecurity for organizations like ARTC and National Instruments. Active in IEEE Signal Processing and Computer Society.
