Prof. Şule Itır Satoğlu is a faculty member in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, holding the rank of Professor since 2019. She has held multiple administrative roles, including Head of Department (2025–present), Vice Rector (2020–2024), and Vice Dean (2018–2020). Her research focuses on supply chain management, optimization, sustainable operations, and disaster response systems. She has a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (2008), an MSc in Engineering Management (2002), and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (2000). Her work emphasizes practical applications of optimization techniques in logistics, healthcare, and disaster management. Notable contributions include developing models for blood supply chains under uncertainty, UAV-based waste detection, and sustainable urban transport fleet electrification. She has collaborated on projects funded by public and private sectors, addressing issues like lean manufacturing integration with Industry 4.0 and RFID-enabled maintenance systems. Her publications span over two decades, with recent focus on multi-objective optimization in humanitarian logistics, smart waste collection systems, and energy-efficient drone surveillance. She is a member of the TMMOB Chamber of Mechanical Engineers and actively contributes to national technology initiatives through academic leadership roles.
Prof. Rocco OLIVETO is a Full Professor at the University of Molise, affiliated with the School of Biosciences and Territory. His research spans software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and healthcare technology. He focuses on empirical studies of developer practices, AI-driven code analysis, vulnerability detection in smart contracts, and human-centric computing. His work also addresses challenges in game development, mobile app optimization, and wearable health monitoring systems. Notable research areas include code readability assessment, machine learning applications in healthcare diagnostics, and the effectiveness of AI tools like GitHub Copilot. He has contributed to projects like QualAI (continuous quality improvement for AI systems) and 2Vita-B (cognitive and physical rehabilitation systems). His empirical studies often bridge academic research with real-world developer workflows, emphasizing practical applicability. Prof. Oliveto's recent work explores topics such as automated gameplay analysis for game debugging, detection of engagement issues in video games, and robust methods for identifying security vulnerabilities. He has also investigated Dockerfile quality, developer frustration metrics, and the ethical implications of AI in administrative document simplification.
Cagatay Catal is a Lecturer at the Information Technology Department of Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. Previously, he served as Associate Professor at Istanbul Kultur University's Department of Computer Engineering (2012–2017), including three years as Department Head (2014–2017). Prior to academia, he worked for 8 years at TÜBİTAK's Information Technologies Institute as Senior Researcher & Project Manager (2002–2012), contributing to large-scale software systems. He holds a BSc/MSc from Istanbul Technical University and a PhD from Yildiz Technical University, all in Computer Engineering. His research focuses on machine learning applications in software engineering, software quality assurance, testing methodologies, and architecture design. He actively reviews for funding bodies like the European Union's EUROSTARS program, Canada's Research Council, and Turkey's Research Council. Catal leads projects such as INREF Smart-In-Ag (SMART farming in Indonesia), VIRAL (ICT in agricultural education), and malware detection in software systems. His work bridges academic research with practical software development challenges in diverse sectors like healthcare and education.
Karim ZKIK is an Associate Professor of Cyber Security and Information Systems at ESAIP Graduate School of Engineering, Angers, France. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the International University of Rabat (UIR), Morocco. His roles include Educational Manager of the Cyber Security track, Head of the Cybersecurity Innovation Hub, and committee member for ABET certification and curriculum design. He actively contributes to academic service, organizing conferences such as the International Conference on Cryptology, Coding Theory, and Cyber Security (I4CS 2022), and serves as a Guest Editor for Computers and Industrial Engineering . His research focuses on cybersecurity for connected systems, blockchain technologies, AI-driven security solutions, and cyber resilience in industrial control systems. Recent work explores integrating blockchain and machine learning for threat detection, secure IoT networks, and supply chain resilience. Key contributions include frameworks for cyber resilience in retail and airlines, blockchain-based crowdfunding security, and SDN-based attack mitigation. ZKIK holds a Habilitation (2024) and PhD in Cyber Security from Université d’Angers and Mohamed V University, Rabat. He holds over 20 certifications from EC-Council, IBM, and Cisco. His work bridges theoretical research and industry applications, addressing challenges in smart environments, industrial systems, and sustainable supply chains.
M. Hadi Amini is an Assistant Professor at Florida International University's Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences. He founded and directs the Sustainability, Optimization, and Learning for InterDependent networks (SOLID) laboratory, focusing on cyber-physical-social systems and distributed AI applications. Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering (2019), Carnegie Mellon University M.Sc., Electrical and Computer Engineering (2015), Carnegie Mellon University M.Sc. (2013), Tarbiat Modares University B.Sc. (2011), Sharif University of Technology His research spans federated learning, interdependent network optimization, and AI applications in smart cities , energy systems , and healthcare . Recent work emphasizes privacy-preserving techniques, quantum encryption, and blockchain integration for secure distributed learning. The 15 most recent publications highlight trends in large language models , edge computing , medical imaging security , and infrastructure resilience , with interdisciplinary emphasis across computer science, systems engineering, and urban planning. Best Paper Award, IEEE Conference on Computational Science & Computational Intelligence (2019) Best Journal Paper Award, Springer Nature Operations Research Forum (2021) Excellence in Teaching Award, FIU (2020) Multiple Best Reviewer Awards, IEEE Transactions NSF Travel Awards (2019) As Associate Editor for Frontiers in Communications and Networks and book series editor for Sustainable Interdependent Networks , he actively shapes research discourse. His lab has secured $3.6M in federal/state funding for AI-driven infrastructure projects.
Bruno Fruchard is a Researcher at Inria in the Loki team in Lille, France. He previously held a postdoctoral position at the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab at Saarland University, Germany, and completed his PhD in Computer Science focused on HCI at Télécom Paris (formerly Télécom ParisTech). His research centers on adaptable interaction techniques, novel interfaces, and haptic systems, with a focus on embodied interaction and wearable technologies. Key areas of interest include designing haptic feedback systems (e.g., TactJam, Weirding Haptics), exploring microgestures for wearables (e.g., MicroPress, SoloFinger), and applying user-centered design to sports analytics (e.g., lead climbing performance tools with the French Federation of Climbing). His projects span prototyping tools for on-body interfaces (BodyStylus, Polysense), evaluating recall-based interaction techniques, and critical design explorations like Eyecam, which examines sensing device ethics. Collaborative haptic design frameworks (CollabJam) and empirical studies on user memorization and interaction efficiency are also central to his work.
Albert Treytl is a Senior Researcher at the Danube University Krems , serving as Head of the Center for Distributed Systems and Sensor Networks and Deputy Head of the Department for Integrated Sensor Systems. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Vienna University of Technology (2001) and has over two decades of experience in communication technologies and security. Current roles: Head of Center, Deputy Head of Department Research focus: Security for embedded systems, IoT, digital twins, AI in energy optimization Involvement: IEEE, CEN TC 247 WG4, IEEE1588 standardization His work addresses distributed data management, smart grid security, and model predictive control strategies for energy efficiency in buildings and traffic systems. He leads multiple national and international projects funded by FFG and EU programs. Recent research projects include KI4HVACS (AI-driven HVAC optimization), Factories4Renewables (industrial renewable energy integration), and Dataskop (sensor-based data economy). He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and serves as co-lecturer at the Vienna University of Technology.
Vahid Behzadan is an Assistant Professor in Data Science and Computer Science at the University of New Haven's Tagliatela College of Engineering. He leads the SAIL Lab, focusing on AI safety and security, particularly in autonomous systems like driverless cars and smart cities. His work addresses adversarial attacks on machine learning and reinforcement learning, with applications in cybersecurity and healthcare. Behzadan has held prior positions at Kansas State University, University of Nevada Reno, and University of Birmingham, UK. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and an M.S. from the University of Nevada Reno, and a B.Eng. from the University of Birmingham. His research spans AI ethics, cybersecurity, and complex systems. Behzadan advises the UNH hacking team and actively participates in policy initiatives, including Connecticut's AI Working Group and the Connecticut AI Alliance. He has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed articles and frequently engages in media discussions on topics like AI safety, facial recognition, and cybersecurity threats. Key research areas include adversarial machine learning, AI forensics, and ethical AI design. His work bridges theoretical advancements with real-world applications in transportation, healthcare, and national security. Behzadan collaborates with organizations such as the Transportation Research Laboratory (TRL) and Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP).
Talal Shaikh is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences in Dubai. He serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Programme Director for BSc Computer Science, BSc CS (AI), and MSc Software Engineering. With a decade of industry experience as a Chief Information Officer and Software Engineer, he bridges practical insights with academic research. Research Interests: Pervasive Computing, IoT/M2M, AI/ML, WiFi Sensing for Healthcare, Financial Machine Learning, Educational Technology Awards: Teaching Excellence Awards (2017/18), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), multiple Learning and Teaching Oscars (2016, 2017, 2018) His work spans Ubiquitous Computing and IoT , focusing on sensor networks and WiFi-based sensing for healthcare. In Artificial Intelligence , he applies ML to robotics, financial analytics, and educational innovation. Recent articles analyze Reinforcement Learning , Emotion Recognition , and WiFi Sensing applications. His teaching emphasizes student-centric learning, with over 100 supervised dissertations achieving distinctions. Collaborations include international conferences and interdisciplinary research in smart environments and adaptive systems.
Dr. Weihua Zhuang is a University Professor and University Research Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. She holds prestigious fellowships from IEEE, Royal Society of Canada, and other organizations. Her research focuses on future communication networks, including 6G, network virtualization, autonomous vehicles, and smart grids. She has led groundbreaking work on MAC protocols like VeMAC for vehicular networks and has contributed extensively to AI-driven network management. Education : Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Canada (1993) M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, China Research Interests : Dr. Zhuang's work spans wireless networking, IoT, autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure. She explores solutions for network architecture evolution, machine learning applications in communication systems, and service customization for dynamic environments. Her recent projects include digital twin-driven networks, cross-modal transmission strategies, and AI-native slicing for 6G. Awards : Women's Distinguished Career Award (IEEE VTS, 2021) R.A. Fessenden Award (IEEE Canada, 2021) Fellowships from IEEE, RSC, CAE, EIC Grants & Professional Activities : She led the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Wireless Communication Networks (2010–2024) and has held roles such as IEEE VTS President (2023–2024). Her grants include the NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplements and PREA awards. She edits journals like IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology and co-chairs major conferences. Labs & Teams : Her research group focuses on network architecture, AI-driven protocols, and vehicular communication. Collaborations include projects on 6G, satellite-terrestrial integration, and edge computing for autonomous systems.
Liu Derong is a distinguished academic holding the position of Chair Professor at Southern University of Science and Technology (Shenzhen, China) since 2022. He is also a Full Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) since 2006. His academic journey includes roles as Professor at Guangdong University of Technology (2017–2022) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Automation (2008–2016). He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame (1994), M.S. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1987), and B.S. from Nanjing University of Science and Technology (1982). His research focuses on neural networks, reinforcement learning, intelligent control, and adaptive dynamic programming. He has authored 19 books and 260+ journal papers, contributing significantly to computational intelligence and control systems. Notable works include Adaptive Dynamic Programming with Applications in Optimal Control (2017) and co-editing volumes like Frontiers of Intelligent Control and Information Processing (2014). Liu Derong has held leadership roles in professional societies, including Editor-in-Chief of Artificial Intelligence Review , Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica , and President of the Asia Pacific Neural Network Society (2018). He has organized major conferences such as the IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (2014) and received prestigious awards like the Dennis Gabor Award (2018) and membership in Academia Europaea (2021). His contributions span theoretical advancements and practical applications in control systems, with a focus on optimization, robotics, and energy systems. He has also served on editorial boards of leading journals and as a keynote speaker at 30+ international conferences.
Sylvie Nadeau is a Full Professor in the School of Rehabilitation at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on locomotor activity assessment, rehabilitation interventions for neurological conditions, and biomechanical analysis of movement. She leads interdisciplinary projects addressing spinal cord injuries, stroke recovery, and mobility challenges in aging populations. Key affiliations include the INTER strategic research group and the REPAR provincial rehabilitation research network. She collaborates with institutions like the Institut de Réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal (IRGLM) and has secured funding from agencies such as FRQNT, MITACS, and the Rick Hansen Institute. Her work integrates technologies like smart stationary bikes and real-time avatars to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Research interests span gait analysis, dynamic balance, and sensorimotor rehabilitation. She has supervised over 30 graduate students, contributing to advancements in post-stroke mobility, incontinence management, and telerehabilitation. Recent projects include developing intelligent exercise systems and evaluating environmental impacts on mobility in museum settings. Directed the 2019 SOFPEL international congress Co-led the TRIVEL intelligent cycle prototype development Pioneered studies on bilateral upper limb coordination post-stroke Her teaching includes courses in physiotherapy and evidence-based practice, shaping future generations of rehabilitation professionals. She prioritizes translating research into clinical practice through innovative interventions and technology integration.
Joe Geunes is a Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Affairs in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the Mike and Sugar Barnes Professorship. His research focuses on production planning, supply chain management, logistics, and operations optimization. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration (Management Science & Operations Research) and M.B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University in 1999 and 1993, respectively. Dr. Geunes has received notable accolades including Fellow of the Institute of Industrial Engineers (2015), Marilyn and L. David Black Faculty Fellow (2022), and Best Reviewer Award from Omega (2022). His work spans infrastructure network restoration, supply chain resilience, and optimization algorithms for logistics systems. Recent projects address railcar operations, distribution network fortification, and disaster response strategies. Education: Ph.D., Business Administration (Management Science & Operations Research), The Pennsylvania State University – 1999 M.B.A., The Pennsylvania State University – 1993 Awards: Fellow, Institute of Industrial Engineers – 2015 Marilyn and L. David Black Faculty Fellow – 2022 Best Reviewer Award, Omega – 2022 Best Application Paper, IISE – 2018 His research integrates mathematical modeling and computational methods to address real-world challenges in supply chain design, inventory management, and infrastructure resilience. Recent publications emphasize multi-modal logistics, robust optimization under uncertainty, and post-disaster network recovery strategies.
Simon Neill is a Professor in Physical Oceanography at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences, specializing in marine renewable energy, particularly tidal and wave energy resource characterization. He leads the MSc in Marine Renewable Energy and chairs IEC Technical Specification 62600-201 on tidal energy assessment. His research spans energy resource optimization, environmental impacts, and coastal management. He has secured £multi-million grants, including the £708k NERC-funded Southeast Asia Plastics project and the £7M European Regional Development Fund Smart Efficient Energy Centre. Education: PhD in Estuarine Physics (University of Strathclyde), BEng in Civil Engineering (University of Dundee), PGCertHE (Bangor University). Research Interests: Wave-tidal interactions, marine energy grid integration, sediment dynamics, microplastic dispersal, and climate change adaptation. He is lead sediment scientist at FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy) and contributes to the editorial board of Renewable Energy. Grants & Projects: NERC SEAmap: Marine Plastic Pollution Mitigation (2020-2023) European Regional Development Fund SEEC (£7M, 2019-2023) INTERREG ECOSTRUCTURE: Climate-Resilient Coastal Infrastructure (£3.5M, 2017-2020) Teaching: Module organizer for Marine Renewable Energy (MSc), Ocean Modelling (Undergraduate), and RV Prince Madog cruise. External examiner for Plymouth University’s MSc Marine Renewable Energy (2018-2022). Advising: Supervises PhD students researching underwater noise impacts, remote sensing for energy resources, microplastic dispersal, and estuarine energy modeling. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with FORCE, IEC, and industry partners like Repetitive Energy Ltd and Extra Mussel. Leads multi-institutional projects on estuarine dynamics and plastic pollution.
Mohamed-Slim Alouini is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Associate Dean of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. He also serves as the Associate Vice President for Research and holds the UNESCO Chair in Education to Connect the Unconnected. With over 500 journal publications and more than 46,000 citations, he is a world-renowned expert in wireless communications who was elected IEEE Fellow in 2009 at the age of 39. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), 1998 MS in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), 1995 Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies (DEA) in Electronics, Université Pierre & Marie Curie (Sorbonne University), 1993 Diplôme d'Ingénieur, École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications (Télécom Paris Tech), 1993 Habilitation, Université Pierre & Marie Curie (Sorbonne University), 2003 Dr. Alouini is a world-renowned expert in wireless communication and networking with research interests spanning diversity combining techniques, MIMO systems, multi-hop/cooperative communications, optical wireless systems, cognitive radio, UAV communications, and advanced modulation schemes. His current focus addresses the technical challenges of uneven information and communication technology distribution, particularly targeting rural, low-income, disaster-prone, and hard-to-reach areas through integrated ground-airborne-space networks. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations to solve real-world connectivity problems. His recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate a clear research trajectory toward integrated communication networks combining terrestrial, aerial, and space components. There's growing emphasis on UAV communications, satellite systems, optical wireless technologies, and rural connectivity solutions, with increasing integration of machine learning techniques for network optimization. His work shows consistent focus on addressing the digital divide, with several publications specifically targeting 6G challenges for connecting underserved populations and recycling existing infrastructure for enhanced rural connectivity. Scientific Awards: Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2019) Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (2018) IEEE Fellow (2009) Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers (2016) OIC Science & Technology Achievement Award (2017) Multiple recognitions as Highly Cited Researcher NSF CAREER Award (1999) Dr. Alouini has mentored numerous successful students and post-doctoral fellows who have secured positions at top institutions worldwide including Harvard, Caltech, Imperial College, and faculty positions at Korea University, Hanyang University, and universities across the Middle East. His December 2018 PhD graduate Qurrat-Ul-Ain Nadeem received the prestigious Marconi Society Paul Baran Young Scholars award, while post-doctoral fellows have won IEEE ComSoc Young Professionals Best Innovation Award and attended the Lindau Nobel Meeting. His Communication Theory Lab at KAUST drives significant research in wireless communications with funding supporting extensive publication output and innovative projects. Dr. Alouini leads the Communication Theory Lab at KAUST and holds the UNESCO Chair in Education to Connect the Unconnected, focusing specifically on technical solutions for connecting underserved communities. His lab works on integrated ground-airborne-space networks to bridge the digital divide, with particular emphasis on rural, low-income, and hard-to-reach areas. The team develops practical solutions using UAVs, satellite communications, and recycled infrastructure to provide cost-effective connectivity where traditional approaches fail.
