Fabio Palomba is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science , University of Salerno, Italy. He earned a European PhD in Management & Information Technology (2017), funded by University of Salerno and University of Molise, under advisor Prof. Andrea De Lucia. His research spans software maintenance and evolution , empirical software engineering , and ML systems quality . Recipient of IEEE Computer Society Best PhD Thesis Award (2017) Multiple Distinguished Paper Awards from ACM/SIGSOFT and IEEE/TCSE Recipient of prestigious SNSF Ambizione grant (2019) and IEEE Rising Star Award (2023) His work investigates fairness-aware practices in ML , technical debt in AI systems , and LLM applications in software engineering . Recent studies focus on automated requirements generation via RECOVER, quantum software engineering , and socio-technical community smells in ML-enabled systems, with empirical analyses across large datasets. Key editorial roles include Elsevier's Information and Software Technology Journal (2022-), Springer's Empirical Software Engineering Journal (2021-), and IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering (2020-). He has served as program co-chair for SANER 2024 , ICPC 2021 , and multiple conference tracks. 16 Distinguished Reviewer Awards for his refereeing work Co-authored 80+ journal papers , 100+ conference papers , and advised 300+ theses
Morten Aagaard is a Part-Time Lecturer at the Department of Communication and Psychology within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Aalborg University. His work focuses on innovative applications of technology in education and healthcare, particularly in autism support systems and persuasive technology. He has been actively involved in interdisciplinary research projects addressing societal challenges such as youth inclusion and cognitive support for individuals with special needs. Key research interests include content analysis, audience segmentation, and the development of human-centered digital tools. Aagaard has contributed to influential EU-funded initiatives like the HANDS Project , which aimed to create mobile cognitive support systems for teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His work bridges academic research with real-world applications, emphasizing user-centric design and evidence-based methodologies. He has authored over 20 publications across peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports, with notable contributions in venues like Persuasive Technology Conferences. Aagaard’s activities include organizing academic events, serving on project steering committees, and collaborating with media outlets to disseminate research findings. His projects often involve collaboration with international partners across Europe and focus on translating technological innovations into practical solutions for marginalized groups. Notable achievements include the development of mobile applications for ASD support, the creation of mixed-methodological frameworks for audience analysis, and contributions to policy briefs on ICT for youth inclusion. He maintains an active role in academic communities through conference participation and committee memberships, reflecting his commitment to advancing both theoretical and applied research in human-centered technology.
Andreas Brannstrom is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Computing Science, Umeå University, Sweden, conducting research on formal and neuro-symbolic methods for trustworthy, human-centered artificial intelligence. His work spans theoretical foundations in knowledge representation to applied verification of interactive systems and intelligent decision support. His research focuses on formal verification of human-agent interaction, neuro-symbolic AI integration, and ethical AI development. Key methodologies include Answer Set Programming (ASP), formal argumentation, and Description Logic (DL), targeting applications in deception detection, computational empathy, and behavior-change systems. Recent work emphasizes security in information-seeking dialogues and socio-technical aspects of AI deployment. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a dominant trend in verifying social engineering vulnerabilities through formal methods, with significant contributions to machine ethics ontologies and multicultural affective computing. His research consistently bridges theoretical AI frameworks with real-world applications in healthcare, industrial logistics, and public safety. Brannstrom is affiliated with Umeå University's Agents and Reasoning Group, Formal Methods for Trustworthy Hybrid Intelligence, and Responsible Artificial Intelligence research groups. His active projects include "Strategic Argumentation to deal with interactions between intelligent systems and humans" (2020-2024) and "Collaborative mixed-reality aid for children with autism" (2019-2020), demonstrating commitment to socially impactful AI research.
Tanjila Kanij is a Lecturer at the School of Science, Computing and Emerging Technologies , Swinburne University of Technology, with an ORCID identifier 0000-0002-5293-1718 . Her research focuses on gender inclusion in software engineering, user-centred design , and human-computer interaction . Research Themes : Software Engineering, Human-Centred Computing, Information Systems Teaching : Final-year Capstone project units Her recent publications address ethical challenges in Generative AI , gender bias in IT/SE job ads , and privacy-awareness applications . She explores persona development for diverse user groups like children and the elderly, and knowledge graph construction for fisherfolk communities. She is funded by the Digital Shores grant (2024-2025) from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Cwlth), focusing on empowering coastal communities through technology.
Florian Martin is a Research Assistant & PhD Student at the University of Bielefeld’s Faculty of Engineering , affiliated with the Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Group. His research focuses on processing high-burstness time series data for social interaction pattern detection, aligning with the university’s strategic Socio-Technical World research area. Education: Master in Computer Science (2018–2021) from Eberhard Karls University Tübingen Bachelor in Media Informatics (2014–2018) from Eberhard Karls University Tübingen Prior Roles: Research Assistant & PhD Student at Hasso Plattner Institute’s Chair of Digital Health - Personalized Medicine (2022–2023) Software Developer at AIRAmed GmbH (2021)
Michael Skirpan is an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science, Software and Societal Systems Department, with additional roles as executive director of Community Forge and co-founder of Probable Models . His work bridges technology, ethics, and education through innovative pedagogy and public engagement. PhD in Computer Science (socio-technical narratives) – University of Colorado Boulder His research focuses on ethics in computing , particularly in AI and machine learning, with interests spanning: Ethics of AI and data systems Design fiction for technology speculation Risk analysis frameworks Immersive education techniques Public engagement with algorithms Equity in classroom technology The 15 most recent publications reveal trends in machine learning ethics , design fiction , and public technology education , with a strong emphasis on contextualizing fairness in algorithms, participatory approaches to AI, and using creative methods like immersive theater for ethical discussions. Notable scientific achievement: Produced award-winning immersive play Project Amelia (2019-present), which explores AI ethics through interactive theater He advises initiatives around public use of algorithms and provides training to private/public sector entities. His community work includes rehabilitating an abandoned elementary school into a community center focused on education, arts, and local economy development.
Ashutosh Trivedi is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, currently on leave from his position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He is affiliated with multiple research initiatives including the Centre for Formal Design and Verification of Software (CFDVS) at IIT Bombay, Free and Open Source Software for Education (FOSSEE), and the Indo-French project on Algorithmic Verification of Real-Time Systems (AVeRTS). At CU Boulder, he leads the Programming Languages and Verification (CUPLV) research group focusing on trustworthy AI systems. Trivedi's research centers on bridging formal methods with artificial intelligence to create more trustworthy systems. His work spans formal verification of cyber-physical systems, reinforcement learning with formal guarantees, and developing techniques for ensuring software fairness and accountability. He specializes in using formal languages, automata, and logic to transform vague natural-language instructions into precise specifications for AI systems. His recent projects include developing reinforcement learning algorithms for cardiac pacemaker design based on formal safety requirements, using SAT solvers to ground large language model outputs in logical reasoning, and encoding state representations in reinforcement learning using formal languages. His publication trends reveal a strong focus on neurosymbolic approaches that combine neural networks with symbolic reasoning, particularly for safety-critical applications. Recent work demonstrates increasing integration of formal methods with reinforcement learning, with applications spanning medical devices, tax preparation software, and puzzle-solving AI. His research shows a clear trajectory toward making AI systems more explainable, accountable, and verifiable through principled mathematical frameworks. Distinguished Paper Award at CAV for Regular Reinforcement Learning (2024) NeuS 2025 Disruptive Idea Award for Stochastic Neural Simulation Relations for Transferring Control under Uncertainty ACM Senior Member recognition (2024) Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship (2024) Trivedi has successfully advised multiple PhD students to completion, including Shadi Tasdighi Kalat (2025), Mateo Perez (2025), John Komp (2024), Vishnu Murali (2024), and Taylor Dohmen (2024). His teaching portfolio includes foundational courses in automata theory, digital logic design, and cyber-physical systems at both IIT Bombay and CU Boulder. He has served on program committees for major conferences including FSTTCS, HSCC, and FORMATS, and organized workshops such as ICLA 2015 and ALC 2015. As leader of the CUPLV research group, Trivedi directs projects focused on formal verification of AI systems, reinforcement learning with safety guarantees, and software fairness. His group collaborates with medical researchers on cardiac device verification and with legal scholars on tax software accountability, reflecting his commitment to applying formal methods to real-world problems with significant societal impact.
Dr. Stefan Möllerherm serves as a Lecturer at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences in Bochum, Germany, teaching in the Master’s programs for Geoengineering and Post-Mining (since 2019) and Mineral Resource and Process Engineering (since 2018). He concurrently holds a research management position at the university’s Post-Mining Research Centre since 2016, focusing on methane emissions and structural transition in former mining regions. His academic credentials include a Doctorate in Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) from RWTH Aachen (1999), a Dipl.-Wirt.Ing. in business administration from FernUniversität Hagen (1995–1999), and a Dipl.-Ing. in Mining Engineering from RWTH Aachen (1989–1995), preceded by mining mechanic training at Preussag Anthrazit GmbH. Möllerherm’s research centers on methane utilization from abandoned mines, risk management in post-mining landscapes, and regional structural transformation. His work integrates environmental remediation with energy solutions, notably exploring mine water geothermal potential and satellite-based monitoring systems. Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary rigor spanning mining engineering, environmental science, and socio-economic transition, with emphasis on the Ruhr region’s coal-mining legacy. He actively contributes to international policy frameworks as a member of the EU DG Environment’s Technical Advisory Group on Risk Management in Extractive Sectors, the UN ECE Coal Mine Methane Experts Group, and the Euracoal Technical Research Group, driving innovation in sustainable post-mining practices.
Shadi Rezapour is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Science at Drexel University's College of Computing & Informatics. She serves as Principal Investigator of the SocialNLP Lab and co-director of the DONUTS Lab at Drexel University, focusing on bridging computational methods with social science theories to analyze human language in social contexts. Dr. Rezapour received her educational training at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: PhD in Information Sciences, School of Information Sciences MSc in Information Management, School of Information Sciences Her research lies at the intersection of computational social science and natural language processing (NLP), with a focus on developing "socially-aware" NLP models that incorporate cultural and social contexts to better understand human behavior, attitudes, and cultures through language analysis. She investigates how language shapes public opinion and conveys complex social and cultural information, particularly in online communities and social media platforms. Her work addresses important societal issues including substance use disorder narratives, podcast analysis, controversial topics and polarized viewpoints, and the impact of information products on socio-cultural environments. Dr. Rezapour's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying NLP techniques to social good, with particular emphasis on reducing stigma in substance use conversations, analyzing narratives in media coverage, and examining the societal impacts of AI technologies. Her research combines technical innovation with social relevance, often employing network analysis alongside linguistic approaches to gain deeper insights into human communication patterns. Among her professional recognitions: NCWIT/Bloomberg grant to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration (2020) Dr. Rezapour actively contributes to the academic community through service roles including ICWSM 2025 tutorial co-chair, IC2S2 2024 local co-chair, ACM FAccT proceeding co-chair, and CSCW area chair. She has successfully secured research funding for her work on computational social science and NLP applications, mentoring students and early-career researchers in her labs. As leader of the SocialNLP Lab and co-director of the DONUTS Lab, Dr. Rezapour fosters interdisciplinary research that brings together computer science, linguistics, and social sciences to address complex societal challenges through computational approaches.
René Rydhof Hansen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science , Aalborg University , affiliated with the Technical Faculty of IT and Design . His research focuses on cybersecurity , formal methods , and program analysis . Academic Rank: Associate Professor Institution: Aalborg University Department: Computer Science Research Interests: He specializes in security modeling , embedded systems security , and formal verification . His work includes analyzing side-channel vulnerabilities, secure resource sharing, and full-stack cybersecurity frameworks for defense. Recent Publications (2024): Focus on Datalog program verification , DTLS protocol attacks , bit-flip impacts , and security modeling using tools like Isabelle and formal methods. Scientific Awards: EuroSys Test of Time Award (2018) Projects: Leads initiatives like Foundations of Secure Resource Sharing and contributes to Full-Stack Cybersecurity for Defense and Security by Design in Digital Denmark .
Mr. Leonard Bohnenkämper, M.Sc., is a researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering at Bielefeld University . He is actively involved with the Genome Informatics Group and the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) , focusing on computational genomics and genome rearrangement analysis. His work spans algorithm development for genomic distance metrics and natural genome halving. His research interests include: Computational modeling of genome rearrangements Development of algorithms for natural genome analysis Genomic distance metrics and epidemiology applications Bioinformatics tool creation for large-scale genomic datasets Mr. Bohnenkämper contributes to academic infrastructure through his membership in the Institute for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (BIBI) board and management. His work aligns with Bielefeld University's strategic focus on socio-technical systems and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science, biology, and technology. He is involved in: IT support for research groups Academic infrastructure development Training and education in bioinformatics
James Ball is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Technology Sydney. With a career spanning academia, consulting, and government roles, his expertise focuses on catchment modeling , urban drainage systems , and climate change impacts on hydrology. He has held positions at UNSW Australia and contributed to foundational guidelines like Australian Rainfall and Runoff . Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Engineering, and Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Newcastle, Australia. Research Interests: Development of catchment modeling systems for urban environments, integration of deep learning in land use/land cover classification, hydrological software calibration with genetic algorithms, and stormwater-green infrastructure interactions such as green roofs. Recent Trends: His 2024–2021 publications emphasize agent-based groundwater-society interactions , deep learning for impervious surface estimation , and hybrid machine learning methods for dam reservoir evaporation under climate change scenarios. Articles also address flood modeling accuracy , scour mitigation structures for bridges, and socio-hydrology in resource conflicts. Leadership: Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of River Basin Management , editorial roles in Urban Water Journal , Hydrology , and Water Science and Technology . Past Vice-President of IAHR and technical editor for Australian Rainfall and Runoff . Supervision: Available for Masters and PhD student supervision . Funded Research: Projects include stormwater modeling , hydrological ensemble prediction , phosphorus release studies , and stochastic rainfall generation for flood estimation.
Cagri Toraman is an Assistant Professor at Middle East Technical University's Computer Engineering Department, leading the Applied NLP Group. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Bilkent University (2017) and has industry experience as Software Engineer (Havelsan 2017-2018), Postdoctoral Research Scientist (University of Central Florida 2018-2019), and NLP Team Lead (Aselsan 2020-2023). PhD in Computer Science (Bilkent University, 2017) Postdoctoral Research Scientist (University of Central Florida, 2018-2019) NLP Team Lead (Aselsan, 2020-2023) His research focuses on Natural Language Processing , Generative AI , and Social Computing , with particular emphasis on low-resource language adaptation, hate speech detection, multimodal analysis, and misinformation identification. Recent work examines dataset quality evaluation, transformer optimization with tweet-specific elements, and pejorative language disambiguation for misogyny detection. Notable achievements include receiving the Google Gemma Academic Research Award 2024 . He teaches core courses in Data Structures and Applied Natural Language Processing , emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical implementation. Research trends show expertise across: Multilingual dataset creation (MiDe22, JL-Hate) Transformer-based hate speech detection Generative AI adaptation for Turkish Ensemble learning in socio-political event extraction Contextual word embeddings analysis Conversational system robustness
Özgür Kafalı is a Lecturer at the School of Computing, University of Kent, and serves as the Ethics Officer. His research spans cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and requirements engineering, with a focus on socio-technical systems and formal logic-based approaches. Key Research Areas: Cybersecurity-Privacy Intersections, Multiagent Systems, Normative Specifications, and Human-Centric AI. Teaching: Cyber Law, Software Development, Object-Oriented Programming, and Web Programming. His recent publications emphasize socio-technical system specification (e.g., DESEN, 2019), crowdsourcing security requirements (Çorba, 2020), and agent-based privacy violation detection (Protoss, 2012). He explores tradeoffs in normative systems (Kont, 2017) and applies AI to healthcare privacy (Activity Recognition, 2016). Özgür leads the Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS) , collaborating with institutions like North Carolina State University and researchers such as Munindar P. Singh. His work integrates formal verification, machine learning, and empirical studies to address privacy in online social networks, e-commerce, and healthcare systems. Current projects include age-appropriate design assessments for digital platforms (2022) and value-based negotiation frameworks (2021).
Rajendra Akerkar is a Professor and coordinator of the Big Data and Emerging Technologies subgroup at the Western Norway Research Institute. With over 30 years in academia across Asia, Europe, and North America, he specializes in combining theoretical AI research with practical applications for societal benefit. Research Focus: Artificial Intelligence for crisis management (resilient communities, situational awareness) Social cybersecurity (hate speech prevention, misinformation) Urban transport systems optimization Energy analytics through data-driven approaches Semantic technologies and intelligent information systems Scientific Awards: DAAD Exchange Fellowship BOYSCASTS Young Scientist Award Leadership & Publications: Associate Editor for International Journal of Metadata, Semantics and Ontologies and Editor for Web Intelligence . Published 16 monographs, 154 scientific articles, and coordinated international networks like ISO15926 Semantic Web Technologies Network.
