Alexander Lerch is an Associate Dean of Research and Creative Practice and Associate Professor at the School of Music, Georgia Institute of Technology. He joined Georgia Tech in 2013 and teaches courses in music signal processing, computational music analysis, audio technology, and software engineering. Previously, he was Head of Research at zplane.development, a music technology licensing company. His research focuses on Music Information Retrieval (MIR), blending signal processing, machine learning, music psychology, and systematic musicology. He leads the Music Informatics Group, developing AI-driven tools for music generation, production, and consumption. Lerch authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers and the textbook An Introduction to Audio Content Analysis , accompanied by open-source libraries like libACA and pyACA. Recent work emphasizes generative models, source separation, and audio quality assessment. He actively contributes to conferences such as ISMIR and presents keynote lectures on AI in music and creative expression.
Anna Nacher is a Professor at Jagiellonian University’s Institute of Audiovisual Arts, Department of Audiovisual Media, and serves as the Head of her department. Her research spans media theory through cultural studies, sound studies, e-literature, and video games as artistic strategies, with a focus on post-digital imaging, platformed internet dynamics, and non-representational media frameworks. Education : Not explicitly detailed in the text. Research Interests : She investigates the intersections of transmedia storytelling, data visualization, and socio-political narratives, particularly in migration studies and climate crisis contexts. Her work bridges physical and digital spaces, emphasizing "code/space" relationships and the aesthetics of networked media. Article Trends : Recent publications explore pandemic-era digital literature, hashtag movements, and eco-critical practices. Themes include digital humanities, interactive media, and the use of computational tools to analyze migration, environmental change, and social activism. Scientific Awards : Fulbright Scholar (2019/2020) Laureate of Granty na Granty II competition (2021) Advising & Grants : She supervises PhD students (e.g., Marta Snoch on scent in audiovisual media) and collaborates internationally, including with UCLA Art|Sci Center on the Breath Library project. Her grants include participation in the "elit and COVID-19" project and leadership in "Post-Digital Imaging" (2017-2019). Labs & Teams : She works with Victoria Vesna’s UCLA Art|Sci Center, contributes to the Electronic Literature Organization, and engages in interdisciplinary teams for projects like Breath Library and Electronic Literature Organization conferences.
Marcel Aach is a researcher at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) within Research Centre Jülich, focusing on high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) integration. His work spans hyperparameter optimization, quantum-classical hybrid systems, and scalable deep learning architectures. Research Focus: AI-driven CFD simulations, medical imaging analysis, and edge AI optimization Infrastructure: Leverages JSC's HPC systems for large-scale computational tasks Recent publications highlight his contributions to resource-adaptive AI training, turbulent flow prediction using GRU models, and enhancing CT data accuracy for respiratory simulations. His work intersects HPC scalability, machine learning efficiency, and interdisciplinary applications. While no scientific awards are explicitly documented in the provided texts, his research demonstrates technical leadership in merging classical and quantum computing paradigms for AI optimization.
Edward J F Allen is an Associate Professor in Modern British and Irish Literature at the University of Cambridge, where he is also a Fellow of Christ's College. His work bridges literary studies with sound and media culture, focusing on the intersection of technology (radio, phonography, telephony) and 20th-century literature. He has held research fellowships at the Library of Congress, the Huntington Library, and the University of Padua. His research spans 1870-1980 British, North American, and European literatures, with a particular interest in sound media and modernism book history and editorial practice magazine culture radio's role in post-war Europe From 2022-2024, he led the Radio Waves: Network Building and the Making of Modern Europe project at the University of Padua, examining BBC's influence on Italian and Greek broadcasting post-WWII. His recent book Modernist Invention: Media Technology and American Poetry (2020) explores works by Frost, Hughes, Moore, and Stevens. Scientific awards include Marianne Moore Society Annual Essay Prize (2018) He supervises graduate research in areas such as Modernist radio culture Poetry, theology, and incantation Sound and American Civil War poetry Decolonization narratives in short fiction and collaborates with institutions like the Royal College of Music and Handel House on interdisciplinary projects.
Professor Johan Lilius is a Full Professor of Embedded Systems at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Information Technology. He has held this position since 2001 and currently serves as Head of Research. Prof. Lilius has demonstrated extensive leadership throughout his career, having served as director of the Turku Center for Computer Science (TUCS) and multiple terms as Head of the Department of Information Technology, where he led significant departmental restructuring and educational reform efforts through two major university reorganizations. He is currently a member of the steering group for Digivisio2030, a national initiative involving all Finnish higher education institutions aimed at building a new educational ecosystem. Prof. Lilius's research focuses on energy-efficient software, safety in autonomous systems, and neuro-symbolic computing. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in technology and environmental sustainability. His research interests span autonomous navigation, data-parallel computing, energy-aware systems, and maritime technology. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in embedded systems, particularly in maritime contexts. Analysis of his recent publications shows a strong trend toward autonomous systems, particularly in maritime applications, with significant work on energy efficiency in embedded architectures. His research increasingly integrates AI and machine learning approaches with traditional software engineering, focusing on safety-critical systems where reliability is paramount. The fingerprint analysis of his work reveals strong connections to convolutional neural networks, autonomous navigation algorithms, and scenario-based testing for complex systems. Ten-Year Most Influential Paper Award at the ACM/IEEE Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems Several Best Paper Awards 2015 Gadd Prize for Research Excellence at Åbo Akademi Prof. Lilius has demonstrated exceptional commitment to doctoral education, having supervised over 10 completed doctoral theses and currently mentoring several PhD students. He leads the TUCS Graduate program and has co-organized numerous academic workshops, summer schools, and conferences. His research is supported by significant projects including EDISS (Engineering of Data-intensive Intelligent Software Systems), IoT Reboot Factory, DECATRIP (Decarbonizing Transport Corridors), SMARTER (Sea4Value Smart Terminals), and AutoMare EduNet (Autonomous Maritime Education Network), funded by the European Commission, Business Finland, and other organizations. Prof. Lilius collaborates extensively through the Turku Center for Computer Science (TUCS) and participates in national initiatives like Digivisio2030. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams focusing on the intersection of software engineering, AI, and practical maritime applications, with strong industry partnerships that ensure real-world impact of his research.
Dionysios Politis is an Assistant Professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the Department of Informatics. He holds multiple degrees including a PhD in Informatics from Aristotle University (1998), a Master's in Computer Science from RMIT Australia (1991), and a Master's in Electronic Physics from Aristotle University (1990). His professional experience spans roles as Lecturer (2002), Special Educational Staff (1993-2002), and EU Expert in Legal Informatics. Research Interests: Politis leads research in interdisciplinary domains including Music Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Mobile Device Interfaces, Legal Informatics, and E-Learning Methodologies. His work integrates computational approaches with cultural heritage preservation and accessibility technologies. Publications: Recent articles focus on computational musicology, biomedical interfaces, digital forensics in media distribution, and cross-cultural music analysis. Key themes include chromaticism modeling, ancient music reconstruction, cochlear implant technologies, and e-justice systems. Laboratory: Affiliated with the Multimedia & Human-Computer Interaction Computer Music Lab, where he explores audio-visual interfaces and digital sound applications.
Travis L. Wagner is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's School of Information Sciences, holding a PhD in Information Science from the University of South Carolina. Their research critically examines how LGBTQIA+ communities navigate digital identity preservation against sociotechnical systems that constrain queer identities. Wagner serves as Chair of the Gender Issues Special Interest Group for ALISE and the Visualization, Images, and Sound SIG for ASIS&T. Research focuses on critical information studies, queer archives, and sociotechnical systems with emphasis on embodied knowledge, archival accountability, and obsolete media formats. Their work bridges community-based archiving with theoretical frameworks from queer theory and critical race studies, particularly examining how transgender and nonbinary individuals navigate exclusionary healthcare systems through ICT. Notable publications span Journal of Documentation , Archivaria , and Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association , revealing trends in digital curation pedagogy, retroconversion practices, and trans historiography. Recent work explores retro media formats as sites of queer resistance and community accountability in archival sustainability. ALISE Community conn@ct Mini-Grant (2021) ALISE/Bohdan S. Wynar Research Paper Competition Winner 2020 ALISE ProQuest Methodology Paper Award 2025 LGBTQ Collections Fellowship (Stuart A. Rose Library) Wagner directs community projects like the Queer Cola Oral History Archive and collaborates with organizations including RRAD Lab at UMD. Current grants include Emory University's LGBTQ Collections Fellowship for Network Q public access show research and a Public Voices Fellowship exploring queer data erasure. They supervise student projects on retroconversion and health informatics while teaching courses on Race, Gender, and Info Tech. Active in labs and initiatives including Recovery and Reuse of Archival Data Lab (RRAD), Wagner develops community-centered archiving frameworks through partnerships with ALISE and ASIS&T special interest groups, emphasizing embodied knowledge transfer in archival practices.
Dr Kirsty Fife is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Information and Curatorial Practice at Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Languages, Information and Communications. She holds a PhD in Information Studies from University College London (2022) and has over a decade of experience in UK heritage sector archiving roles, including work with the National Science and Media Museum and UK Parliamentary Archives. Her research focuses on intersections of information practices with DIY cultures, queer histories, and community-led archival initiatives. She teaches Digital Rights modules across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, emphasizing creativity and care in education. Her expertise spans participatory archival methods, workforce diversity in heritage sectors, and representation of marginalized groups in archives. She currently supervises PhD projects on LGBTQ+ archive creation and neurodivergent student support in academic libraries. Dr Fife actively contributes to peer review for journals like Archives and Records and ZINES , and maintains involvement in DIY music communities and grassroots activism through zine-making and community organizing. She has held prior academic positions at Leeds Conservatoire, University College London, and University of Dundee. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges information science with cultural studies, advocating for equitable preservation practices and challenging structural barriers in archival work.
Prof. Dr. Papatya Nur DÖKMECİ YÖRÜKOĞLU is an Associate Professor at Çankaya University's Faculty of Architecture, Department of Interior Architecture. She holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2014) and a Master's from Bilkent University (2009). Her academic journey includes roles as Department Chair, Research Center Director, and Erasmus Coordinator. She is actively involved in international organizations like the European Acoustics Association and the Institute of Acoustics UK. Education: PhD: University of Sheffield, Architecture (2009-2014) MSc: Bilkent University, Interior Architecture (2007-2009) BSc: Bilkent University, Interior Architecture (2003-2007) Research Interests: Focused on architectural acoustics, soundscape perception, and sustainable design. Her work integrates sound as a core design element, emphasizing cross-cultural comparisons and policy integration. Key areas include indoor environmental quality, urban soundscapes, and post-occupancy evaluation methodologies. Article Trends: Her recent work explores soundscape translation, Turkish circumplex models, and cross-cultural residential acoustics. She leads international collaborations on soundscape descriptors in multiple languages and validation frameworks. Awards: Arman Talay Award (1999) PhD Education Grant (University of Sheffield) COST Education Grants (2010-2011) Advising & Leadership: Supervised 6 graduate theses. Leads the Acoustic Application and Research Center, coordinates the Environmental Quality Lab, and chairs academic committees. Active in organizing international conferences and thematic sessions on soundscapes. Labs/Teams: Director of Çankaya University's Acoustic Application and Research Center, focusing on interdisciplinary acoustic solutions for architectural spaces.
Professor Lorenzo Picinali is a faculty member at Imperial College London's Dyson School of Design Engineering, specializing in Spatial Acoustics and Immersive Audio. He leads the Audio Experience Design research group, focusing on perceptual and computational aspects of spatial audio, ecoacoustic monitoring, and clinical hearing applications. His academic journey includes roles at Imperial College London since 2015, previously at De Montfort University (2009–2015). He holds a PhD in Music Technology (2010) and degrees in Auditory Science and Music Communication. Research interests span spatial audio rendering, binaural technologies, hearing science, and ecoacoustic monitoring. His work explores applications like VR-based auditory training for cochlear implant users (BEARS project), the SONICOM HRTF dataset for personalized audio, and MAARU devices for ecological soundscapes. Collaborations span industries and universities, with funding from EU and UK research initiatives. Key publications include advancements in HRTF upsampling via GANs, spatial hearing training, and ecoacoustic recording systems. He advises numerous students and oversees projects like PLUGGY for cultural heritage and HELIX for auditory-cognitive training. His labs develop tools like the 3D Tune-In Toolkit and MAARU units, emphasizing practical applications of audio research.
Dr. Debbie Meharg is an Associate Professor at the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment of Edinburgh Napier University. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, management, and research, she serves as Head of Applied Informatics, co-directs the Centre for Creative and Social Informatics , and leads Edinburgh Napier’s iSchools initiatives. Her work focuses on student transitions, digital literacy, and participatory research methods. Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) SICSA Education Director Research interests include information science , inclusive education , and digital technology , with a focus on marginalized student populations and graphical methods like photovoice. Her recent publications examine: Transitional barriers for direct-entry students Transactional distance in online learning STEM engagement through co-designed educational tools Key projects include: Library of Inspiration (PI, Royal Academy of Engineering, 2024–2025): A £99,711 initiative providing technology kits to underrepresented 12–13-year-olds Associate Student Project (Scottish Funding Council, 2014–2023): Building FE-HE partnerships for advanced entry computing students Advising : Supervises doctoral research on topics like social robots for well-being and adaptive sound design in video games .
Luis Miguel Da Rocha De Matos is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Systems and Technologies at Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal. He is affiliated with the ALGORITMI Research & Development Center (IDS Group), where he contributes to cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in industrial and commercial domains. His research focuses on Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Anomaly Detection, Predictive Maintenance, and Data Preprocessing . He develops intelligent systems for industrial monitoring, worker safety, and marketing optimization, leveraging deep learning, time series analysis, and AutoML techniques. His work bridges theoretical innovation with practical deployment in real-world settings. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent trend toward applying advanced machine learning methods—particularly deep learning and unsupervised models—to solve industrial challenges such as production defect prediction, acoustic anomaly detection, and ergonomic risk prevention. His research spans multiple sectors including manufacturing, automotive, textiles, and digital marketing. His scientific contributions have been recognized with honors including: Best Paper Award at ICCSA 2021 Conference He actively contributes to the academic community as a peer reviewer for Q1 and Q2 journals and participates in scientific committees, session chairing, and workshops. His software contributions include the open-source Python module Cane , widely adopted for categorical data transformation. He also engages in public outreach through keynotes and media appearances. He is involved in major research initiatives such as Factory of the Future, TexBoost, and EasyRide , which focus on digitizing and optimizing industrial processes using AI-driven decision support systems.
Martin Scherzinger is Associate Professor in the Department of Media, Culture and Communication at New York University. His academic journey includes a PhD in music theory from Columbia University (2000) and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Princeton University Society of Fellows (2004-2007). Dr. Scherzinger's research focuses on sound, music, media, and politics of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with particular emphasis on: Global biographies of sound and ephemera circulating in geographically remote regions Poetics of intellectual property in diverse sociotechnical environments Relations between aesthetics and censorship Mathematical geometries of musical time History of sound in philosophy Links between political economy and digital sound technologies His scholarly work reveals significant interdisciplinary connections between musicology, philosophy, media studies, and political economy, demonstrating how sound functions as both cultural artifact and political instrument across diverse geographical contexts, particularly examining African musical traditions and their mathematical structures. Dr. Scherzinger has received prestigious fellowships including: AMS50 Fellowship ACLS Fellowship As an educator, Scherzinger has taught courses such as Introduction to Media, Culture and Communication; Sound Studies; Sounds In and Out of Africa; Rhythm and Repetition; Software, Labor, Affect; Media and Music; and Music, Networks, and Law. He serves on the editorial boards of various music journals and has presented at numerous institutions including Stanford University, University of Delaware, and the Library of Congress. Beyond academia, Scherzinger is a widely performed composer whose work 'African Math' was released by New Focus Recordings, and who created a composition for Nelson Mandela's Centennial performed in Cape Town in May 2018.
Alice Goff - Academic Overview Alice Goff is an Associate Professor of German History and the College at the University of Chicago, specializing in modern German cultural and intellectual history. Her research focuses on material culture, museum history, and the intersection of art with political power. Education PhD in History, University of California, Berkeley (2015) MSI in Archives and Records Management, University of Michigan BA, Bryn Mawr College Research Interests Dr. Goff explores how material objects—such as art, bells, and libraries—shape cultural identity and political discourse. Her work spans topics like: Vormärz Prussia and Napoleonic-era art politics Post-1945 restitution of cultural artifacts Baroque traditions in Cold War Germany Cultural diplomacy via museum exhibitions Awards & Grants Neubauer Collegium Research Grant CISSR Grant (2024-2025) for church bell restitution project American Academy in Berlin Fellowship Current Projects She is completing Postwar Premodern: A Baroque History of Germany after 1945 and a study of European church bells post-1945, examining how premodern artifacts became tools of Cold War identity.
Nick Thurston is an Associate Professor of Contemporary Art and Literature at the University of Leeds , affiliated with the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies. He co-founded the Artists' Writings & Publications Research Centre and is a Research Fellow of the Poetry Centre. Education: Part-time BA in Moral Philosophy (Open University, 2007), Part-time MA in Modern European Philosophy (Middlesex University, 2011) Professional Memberships: Higher Education Academy, International Association of Art Critics, Association of Art Historians His research bridges contemporary art and poetry, focusing on conceptualist practices, experimental publishing, and collectivist collaboration. He emphasizes para-scholarly criticism, material sensitivity in writing, and the social role of art. Recent publications and exhibitions explore speculative libraries, critical infrastructures, and the politics of language. Key trends in his work include: Interdisciplinary approaches to text-art relationships Alternative publishing models as artistic practice Conceptualist reading and critique Archival and library interventions Scientific awards include the Paul Mellon Centre Author Grant (2014) and University of Pennsylvania Visiting Research Fellowship (2016). He has supervised practice-led PhD candidates and participated in global workshops, exhibitions, and academic dialogues.
