Lister Staveley-Smith is a Professor and Interim Executive Director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) at The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on frontline radio astronomy observations, including projects with the ASKAP telescope and preparations for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). He leads the WALLABY HI survey, exploring galaxy properties and large-scale structure. His expertise spans cosmology, galaxy evolution, and instrumentation for next-generation telescopes. He has supervised 9 students and holds grants totaling $ millions, including ACAMAR Visiting Fellowship and ICRAR operational funding. Research interests include HI surveys, galaxy interactions, star formation, and instrumentation development for facilities like SKA, ASKAP, and FAST. His work contributes to UN SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international collaborations. Key projects involve analyzing HI gas in interacting galaxies (FEASTS), ultra-deep surveys (FUDS), and radio continuum studies (STAPS). He chairs the Australia-China Consortium for Astrophysical Research (ACAMAR), fostering global partnerships. Publications emphasize HI distribution, star formation in galaxy pairs, and interferometry techniques. Datasets include the HIPASS survey and ASKAP observations. His leadership roles include past Science Director at ICRAR and Head of Astrophysics at CSIRO. Current activities include guiding ICRAR’s strategic direction and advancing SKA readiness through cutting-edge observational programs.
Sebastián Uchitel is a Professor at the Department of Computing, Imperial College London, specializing in Software Engineering. His research spans foundational modeling and analysis techniques for requirements, design, and code artifacts, with a focus on automated reasoning, partial behavior models, scenario-based specifications, verification of probabilistic systems, controller synthesis, machine learning for diagnosis, and adaptive systems. His work includes contributions to controller synthesis for discrete event systems, runtime verification, and automated adaptation in unpredictable environments. He has led major grants such as the Technology Platform in Software Engineering (ANPCYT, 2013–2016), Partial Behaviour Modelling (ERC, 2009–2014), and SENSORIA (FP6, 2005–2008). He has published extensively in venues like ICSE, FSE, CAV, and IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering. His collaborations include institutions across the UK, Argentina, Canada, and Japan. He has advised numerous PhD students and served on editorial boards and program committees of leading conferences. Scientific Awards: Houssay Prize, Argentina (2015) Konex Foundation Awards (2013) Software Engineering Foundation Award, Microsoft (2010) Argentine National Academy of Exact Sciences (2008) IBM Faculty Award (2006) Philip Leverhulme Prize (2005) Newly Appointed Lecturers Award, Nuffield (2004)
Michael Pajkos is a Researcher in Theoretical Astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy. His work focuses on gravitational wave astrophysics, core-collapse supernovae, and relativistic multiphysics simulations. He contributes to projects like Flash-X and SpECTRE, advancing computational tools for modeling stellar explosions and neutron star mergers. His research explores the interplay between nuclear physics, magnetic fields, and relativistic dynamics in extreme astrophysical environments. Pajkos collaborates on developing methods to interpret gravitational wave signals from stellar events, with particular attention to core-collapse mechanisms and rotational effects.
Dr. Gethin Norman is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, where he serves as Deputy Head of School and Senior Adviser. He holds a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on formal verification, quantitative methods, and probabilistic systems, with applications in software security, systems biology, and game theory. A key contribution is his work on the PRISM probabilistic model checker, which received the 2016 HVC Award for its impact in formal verification. He also leads the Formal Methods research group under the Formal Analysis, Theory and Algorithms section. Education: BSc Mathematics, University of Oxford PhD Computer Science, University of Birmingham Research Interests: Formal verification of real-time and probabilistic systems Algorithmic game theory and equilibrium analysis Development of tools like PRISM and PRISM-games Applications in security protocols, robotics, and biological systems Teaching: Coordinates undergraduate courses: Algorithmic Foundations 2 (COMPSCI2003) and Algorithmics I (H) (COMPSCI4009) Awards: 2016 HVC Award for PRISM probabilistic model checker. Labs/Teams: Core contributor to the PRISM model checking tool, leading research in formal methods and stochastic game verification.
Martin Kristjansen is a Researcher in the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University's Technical Faculty of IT and Design. He is part of the Distributed, Embedded and Intelligent Systems research group, focusing on real-time systems, model checking, and distributed computing. His research interests span multiple areas of computer science with a focus on: Real-Time Systems and Schedulability Analysis Model Checking and Formal Verification using UPPAAL Distributed Systems and Multi-core Architectures Reinforcement Learning applications in battery management Fleet management in noisy environments Automata theory and symbolic model learning Dr. Kristjansen's publication record shows a consistent research trajectory from avionics systems in 2019 to more recent work on stochastic digraph real-time task models in 2024. His work demonstrates a strong focus on applying formal methods to practical engineering problems, particularly in safety-critical systems, with research areas spanning automaton theory (100%), mobile robotics (85%), multicore systems (85%), and performance analysis (85%). He has been actively involved in significant research projects including: STORM_SAFE: Software reliability for critical infrastructures (2024-2027) as a Project Participant Digital technologies for Industry 4.0 (2019-2021) as a Project Participant Dr. Kristjansen collaborates extensively with Professor Kim G. Larsen and other researchers at Aalborg University, contributing to the institution's strong reputation in formal methods and real-time systems research. His work includes two significant datasets related to symbolic timed models and distributed fleet management, demonstrating commitment to research reproducibility.
Dr Hazel Nichols is an Associate Professor in Biosciences at Swansea University. Her research focuses on understanding how animal societies evolve, combining observational, genetic, and biochemical data. Key areas include cooperative breeding, inbreeding dynamics, scent communication, and genetic structure of mammalian societies. She collaborates with institutions like the University of Bielefeld, Exeter University, and conservation organizations such as the Vincent Wildlife Trust. Her work integrates behavioral ecology with conservation genetics, addressing topics like climate change impacts on equatorial species, genetic diversity in reintroduced populations, and landscape use by mammals. She has conducted field studies on striped mongooses in Uganda, hedgehogs in the UK, and wild donkeys in Israel. Current projects aim to enhance conservation strategies through genetic insights and strengthen partnerships with practical conservation groups. Dr Nichols has supervised multiple postgraduate students on topics ranging from hedgehog gene flow to northern pool frog reintroductions. Her research has been supported by fellowships from the Leverhulme Trust and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. She also contributes to interdisciplinary efforts, including human-wildlife conflict studies in Uganda and the application of genetics to improve species reintroduction programs.
Tassis Konstantinos is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Crete. His research focuses on astrophysics, particularly star formation, interstellar matter dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, and cosmic magnetic fields. He leads the PASIPHAE project (Polar-Areas Stellar-Imaging in Polarization High-Accuracy Experiment), funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant, and contributes to major international collaborations including LiteBIRD and SOFIA. Education: He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2005) and a B.Sc. from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1999). Research Interests: His work integrates theoretical modeling, simulations, and observational instrumentation. Key areas include: Magnetic field evolution in star-forming regions Interstellar medium chemistry and turbulence Development of wide-field polarimeters (e.g., WALOP) Cosmic microwave background polarization Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) emphasize magnetic fields in interstellar clouds, blazar variability, and cosmic polarization experiments. Over 80% involve observational techniques or simulations of magnetized astrophysical systems. Infrastructure: Heads the PASIPHAE research group, developing instrumentation for optical polarimetry and collaborating on space missions like LiteBIRD to study cosmic inflation.
Daniel Calvete Manrique is an Associate Professor at the School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering (EETAC) of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), where he holds a position in the Department of Physics. His academic journey includes a Degree in Physics from the University of Barcelona (1995) and a PhD in Physics from UPC (1999), focusing on morphological stability models. He conducted postdoctoral research at Utrecht University’s Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (1999–2002) and joined UPC’s Ramón y Cajal Program (2003–2008) before becoming an Associate Professor in 2008. His research interests center on coastal morphodynamics, including sedimentary patterns on continental shelves, linear stability analysis, and dynamics of shoreface-connected ridges, crescentic bars, and beach cusps. He leads the DF-GeoTech group, which explores fluid dynamics and geophysical applications. Key contributions include numerical models for coastal evolution, bathymetric inversion techniques (e.g., UBathy), and studies on sediment transport mechanisms under wave and tidal influences. His work integrates field data and numerical simulations to address coastal resilience, climate adaptation, and anthropogenic impacts. Collaborations span institutions like Utrecht University and the Catalan Institute of Water Research. He has authored over 200 publications, focusing on coastal processes, sediment dynamics, and geophysical fluid modeling.
Volkan Özbey is a Lecturer at the Department of Geomatics Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. He holds a PhD in Geomatics Engineering from the same institution. His research focuses on Geodesy, Remote Sensing, and Measurement Techniques, with specific interests in GNSS data analysis, tectonic deformation, and seismic hazard assessment. His work contributes to understanding fault kinematics in regions like Anatolia, the North Anatolian Fault, and the Eastern Mediterranean. He has developed the open-source GNSSPY toolkit for GNSS data processing. Education: PhD in Geomatics Engineering (Istanbul Technical University), MSc in Geomatics Engineering (Istanbul Technical University), BSc in Geomatics Engineering (Istanbul Technical University). Research highlights include studies on triple junction dynamics in Kahramanmaraş, post-seismic deformation analysis, and strain accumulation along major fault systems. He collaborates internationally on projects involving block modeling, continuum mechanics, and geodetic data fusion. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Geodesy II and Projections and Geomatics Project . His work has been published in journals like Remote Sensing , Tectonophysics , and Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk .
Dr. Henry Pernicka is a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He leads the Space Systems Engineering Laboratory and advises the Missouri S&T Satellite research team (M-SAT) and the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) team. Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (1990) M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (1986) B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (1984) His research focuses on astrodynamics , libration point orbits , spacecraft formation control , and small satellite systems . He has pioneered the use of neural networks and genetic algorithms for spacecraft attitude control and trajectory optimization, advancing applications in swarm missions and precision formation flying . Recent publications highlight trends in spacecraft propulsion , vision-based navigation , and machine learning for formation missions. Key areas include plasmonic force propulsion , genetic algorithm trajectory design , and GPS/star tracker integration . Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor Managing Editor of The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences (1999-2011) As an advisor, Dr. Pernicka has mentored 8 Ph.D. and 34 master’s students. His work bridges spacecraft design , dynamics and control , and educational outreach through initiatives like the M-SAT program and high-altitude ballooning projects.
Dr. Nico Franz is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas and serves as the Krishtalka Director of the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum. He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Entomology from Cornell University (2005), an M.Sc. from the University of Costa Rica (1999), and a Prediploma in Biology from the University of Hamburg (1996). His research focuses on biocollections infrastructure, biodiversity data science, insect systematics (particularly weevils), and societal engagement in science. Dr. Franz leads the development of Symbiota, an open-source software platform managing biodiversity data across over 1,900 collections. His work emphasizes equitable data access, FAIR principles, and global collaboration. Key projects include digitizing natural history collections in Guatemala and advancing taxonomy through molecular phylogenetics. He has secured NSF funding for initiatives like the Lepidoptera of North America Network (LepNet) and collaborates internationally on biorepository networks. Publications highlight his contributions to specimen management standards, taxonomic interoperability, and mosquito biodiversity. He advocates for early-career scientist involvement in data science and promotes ethical use of biodiversity data. His lab oversees the NEON Biorepository and integrates ecological observations with museum specimens to study global environmental change.
Jana Hofmann is a tenure-track faculty member at the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (MPI-SP) in Bochum, Germany, starting October 2024. Previously, she was a postdoctoral researcher at Microsoft Research (Azure Research), and completed her Ph.D. at Saarland University in collaboration with CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security. She holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Edinburgh and a B.Sc. from Saarland University. B.Sc. in Computer Science, Saarland University (2013–2016) M.Sc. in Computer Science, University of Edinburgh (2016–2017) Ph.D. in Computer Science, Saarland University / CISPA (2018–2022) Her research lies at the intersection of formal methods, computer security, and logic. She develops principled techniques to detect, specify, and prevent information leakage in software and hardware systems. Her work focuses on hyperproperties—advanced formal specifications that capture security policies like non-interference and observational determinism—and their application to smart contracts and microarchitectural side-channels. She designs specification languages, verification and synthesis algorithms, and testing methodologies for black-box systems. Her recent publications span top venues in security (CCS, USENIX Security), formal methods (CAV, CSF, LICS), and verification (ATVA, NFM). Key themes include smart contract synthesis, automata-based model checking, microarchitectural isolation, and logical foundations of hyperlogics. Her work has received multiple distinguished paper awards, including at CSF’23 and CCS’24. She has been recognized with several scientific awards, including the Dr.-Eduard-Martin prize for the best computer science Ph.D. thesis at Saarland University (2022), the CSF and CCS Distinguished Paper Awards, the Claire Jones Prize for her M.Sc. at Edinburgh, and teaching awards such as the Busy Beaver and BeStE awards. Jana has advised multiple bachelor’s students on topics related to hyperproperties and smart contracts. She has contributed to teaching at Saarland University and the University of Edinburgh, covering programming, verification, and logic. She has also been actively involved in academic service, serving on program committees for CAV, CSF, LICS, and others, and participating in artifact evaluation. She leads research in the Confidential Computing Group at Microsoft Research and will establish her independent research group at MPI-SP, focusing on principled reasoning for relational security properties in hardware and software systems.
Fulvio Giovanni Ottavio Risso is a Full Professor in the Department of Control and Computer Engineering (DAUIN) at Politecnico di Torino, where he is a member of the NETGROUP Computer Networks Research Group and leads research in cloud, edge, and software-defined networking. He is the Scientific Advisor of the European EIT Digital Partnership and serves as a representative for Politecnico di Torino in EIT Digital. He teaches core courses in Computer Engineering, including Cloud Computing Technologies, Enterprise Network Technologies, and Software Networking, and supervises several PhD students in advanced distributed systems. His research focuses on cloud computing, edge computing, network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN), and high-speed packet processing. He has pioneered work in eBPF-based network functions through the Polycube framework and in computing continuum orchestration via the Liqo project. His interests extend to Kubernetes networking, real-time data plane optimization, and privacy-preserving infrastructure. He has led numerous EU, national, and industry-funded projects, including FLUIDOS (PNRR), NEWTON, RESTART, TOSHI, ASTRID, and NFV@EDGE. His recent work emphasizes liquid computing, borderless data spaces, and secure, scalable network services for 5G/6G. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in edge-to-cloud orchestration, secure and efficient data plane processing, and real-time performance optimization. Key themes include the use of reinforcement learning for scheduling in the computing continuum, Kubernetes-based edge orchestration, eBPF for in-kernel networking, and energy-aware task distribution. Projects like Liqo and Polycube are central to his vision of a programmable, fluid infrastructure. The integration of machine learning, real-time monitoring, and open-source frameworks underscores a commitment to practical, scalable solutions in modern distributed systems. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: No explicit awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Fulvio Risso supervises multiple PhD students including Attilio Oliva, Daniele Cacciabue, Davide Miola, Jacopo Marino, Stefano Galantino, Carlos Mateo Risma Carletti, and Federico Parola, whose research spans cloud-edge continuum, vehicular micro-clouds, and Kubernetes networking. He has led over 30 competitive and commercial research projects, including EU-funded initiatives (H2020, EIT), national PRIN projects, PNRR missions, and industry contracts with Rakuten Mobile. These grants focus on network programmability, edge computing, 5G/6G observability, anomaly detection, and secure orchestration, reflecting strong industry-academia collaboration. Labs and Research Groups: He is a key member of the NETGROUP - Computer Networks Group (DAUIN) and leads research activities in LAB 9 - Research Laboratory (DAUIN). He is also associated with the Interdepartmental Center PIC4SeR - PoliTO Interdepartmental Center for Service Robotics. His work is deeply integrated with open-source development, particularly through Liqo and Polycube, which are actively used in both research and industrial deployments.
Ivy Frenger is a Research Group Leader in the Research Unit Biogeochemical Modelling at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. She leads the ERC Starting Grant (ERCStG) OSTIA project, focusing on the ocean's role in mitigating climate change and understanding the legacy of anthropogenic heat and carbon under net-negative emissions. Her research integrates ocean dynamics, biogeochemistry, and climate modelling, with a particular emphasis on mesoscale eddies, carbon cycling, and upwelling systems. Ph.D., ETH Zurich, 2013 M.Sc., University of Hamburg & Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, 2009 B.Sc., University of Hamburg, 2005 Her research interests span ocean biogeochemistry, marine carbon cycling, mesoscale ocean eddies, climate system dynamics, Earth system modelling, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. She investigates how ocean processes such as eddies and upwelling influence carbon sequestration, ecosystem functioning, and climate feedbacks, particularly in eastern boundary upwelling systems like the Humboldt and Canary Currents. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on biogeochemical modelling, climate change impacts, and ocean dynamics. Key themes include the marine biological carbon pump, ocean deoxygenation, eddy-driven ecosystems, mixed layer processes, and Earth system model development. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Nature Geoscience , Global Change Biology , and Geophysical Research Letters . ERC Starting Grant (OSTIA, 2024–2029) DFG Project CHOICE (2024–2027) BMBF Project Humboldt-Tipping II (2023–2025) Dr. Frenger has contributed to teaching as a co-lecturer and teaching assistant in courses on marine biogeochemical modelling and climate systems. She has developed and shared open-source software for tracking ocean mesoscale eddies. Her collaborative research involves extensive work with Earth system models and observational data synthesis. She has not received individual scientific awards listed in the text but leads competitively funded projects, indicating strong recognition in her field. She leads a research group and collaborates widely within GEOMAR and internationally, contributing to large model intercomparison projects and interdisciplinary ocean research initiatives.
Johannes Karstensen is a Research Scientist at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel since 2002. His work spans Physical Oceanography , Climate Dynamics , and Marine Observing Systems . Since 2025, he leads the Seagoing Technology unit at GEOMAR. Education: Ph.D. (1999) and Diploma (1994) in Physical Oceanography from University of Hamburg International Roles: Chairperson of OceanPractices AISBL, German representative in G7 FSOI, and leadership in OceanGliders and OSNAP programs His research focuses on ocean circulation-climate interactions , including mesoscale eddy dynamics , air-sea fluxes , and oxygen export mechanisms . Recent work examines Greenland meltwater impacts on North Atlantic circulation and deep ocean variability off Chile. The 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expertise across Physical Oceanography (6 articles) Climate Dynamics (5 articles) Observational Systems (4 articles) Biogeochemical Coupling (3 articles) Key subfields: North Brazil Current Rings , Labrador Sea Convection , Baltic Sea Circulation , Barrier Layer Dynamics , Ocean Best Practices , Deep Western Boundary Currents . Editorial Roles: Chief Editor, Frontiers in Marine Science (2025–present) Editorial Board, Copernicus Ocean State Report (2022–present) Former Research Topic Editor on Ocean Ethics and Best Practices He coordinates OceanSITES time series stations and contributes to SWOT satellite calibration . Leadership extends to UN Ocean Decade initiatives and European Ocean Integration frameworks.
