Dr. Andrew Hines is a Researcher at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, specializing in machine learning applications for signal processing in speech, audio, and video domains. His work focuses on Quality of Experience (QoE) modeling, speech quality assessment, and immersive media analysis. He has held leadership roles in European COST Actions like Qualinet and CryptoAction, and previously worked in industry as a Director of Engineering. University: University College Dublin Role: Director of Research, Innovation and Impact Key Collaborations: IEEE (Senior Member), Audio Engineering Society (Ireland) Research interests center on machine learning for QoE optimization, audio-visual integration, and healthcare applications like heart sound classification and stroke rehabilitation. His recent publications explore self-supervised learning, neural speech codecs, and contextual factors in speech/audio quality assessment. Scientific contributions include awards like IEEE Senior Membership, and his work spans both academic research and industrial engineering in finance and aviation sectors. He leads the QxLab research team at UCD and develops open-source platforms such as WARP-Q and AQP for quality metrics.
David Lillis is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD). His research focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and their applications in legal and forensic contexts. He leads projects like CeADAR (Ireland’s Applied AI Center) and the Transpire project, collaborating with organizations such as Corlytics and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. He holds adjunct roles as a Guest Professor at Beijing University of Technology’s Data Mining and Security Lab and has been a Fulbright Scholar at the University of New Haven’s Cyber Forensics Research and Education Group. Education: B.A. (Hons) in Law and Accounting, University of Limerick Higher Diploma in Computer Science, UCD M.Sc., Ph.D. in Computer Science, UCD Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning, UCD Research Interests: Legal AI, digital forensics, machine learning, multi-agent systems, and information retrieval. Recent work includes NLP for regulatory analysis, crop yield prediction via neural networks, and AR-driven decision support systems. Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator: Transpire (AI Platform for Regulation) SFI Funded Investigator: CONSUS (Crop Optimization) PI: CeADAR Technology Centre Teaching roles include Deputy Programme Director for Software Engineering at Beijing-Dublin International College (BDIC) since 2014. Labs & Groups: UCD Forensics and Security Research Group, ML-Labs (SFI Centre for ML Training), and the Data Mining and Security Lab (BJUT).
Michela Bertolotto is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD). Her research focuses on spatio-temporal data modeling, GIScience, and applications of geospatial technologies in fields like urban planning and health informatics. She leads a research group and has supervised 19 PhD and 8 MSc students. Her work includes innovations in LiDAR-based flood risk visualization, semantic web quality assurance, and open-source spatial data analysis. Bertolotto has held roles including College Lecturer at UCD (2000–2006) and postdoctoral research positions at the University of Maine and University of Genoa. Education: BSc and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Genoa (1993, 1998). Professional achievements include over 100 publications, 24 grants (e.g., Science Foundation Ireland-funded Urban ARK project), and editorial roles at journals like the International Journal of Geographical Information Science. Awards include the UCD President's Research Award (2001) and NATO Postdoc Fellowship (1998–1999). Research interests span map personalization, volunteered geographic information (VGI), and geospatial data quality. Her lab develops tools like the LAMSkyCam (low-cost sky imaging system) and dynamic flood risk viewers. She chairs international conferences and serves on program committees for GIScience events.
John McDonald is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University, where he has held a faculty position since 2001. He is affiliated with the Maynooth University Hamilton Institute and the Assisted Living and Learning Institute (ALL). His research focuses on computer vision, robotics, and AI, emphasizing spatial perception and autonomous systems. He has contributed to areas such as visual SLAM, intelligent vehicle systems, and digital holography, with funding from SFI, EU, and other agencies. Currently, he is a Funded Investigator in Lero (SFI Research Centre for Software) and collaborates on the SFI Blended Autonomy Vehicles Spoke. Key research themes include simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), robotic navigation, 3D reconstruction, and applications in autonomous driving. His work integrates cutting-edge techniques in computer vision and machine learning to address challenges in spatial intelligence and perception. Publications highlight advancements in dense mapping, fisheye camera systems, and geospatial analysis. He has held visiting roles at MIT’s CSAIL and the National Centre for Geocomputation. His contributions span academic journals, conferences, and technical reports, reflecting a strong emphasis on both theoretical and applied robotics research. John McDonald has supervised numerous research projects and contributed to initiatives like the John and Pat Hume Doctoral Scholarships. His work bridges academia and industry, with a focus on real-world applications of autonomous systems and AI-driven robotics.
Katarina Domijan is an Associate Professor in Statistics at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Maynooth University, Ireland. She holds a PhD in Statistics from Trinity College Dublin (2008) and has been affiliated with Maynooth University since 2008, transitioning from Lecturer/Assistant Professor to her current role in 2024. Her academic career includes editorial roles as Associate Editor for The R Journal (2021–present) and the Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics (2015–2024). Research Interests focus on Bayesian methods for high-dimensional data, particularly in classification problems. She specializes in feature selection and model visualization, with applications spanning agricultural data analysis (e.g., hyperspectral imaging for lactose prediction), medical diagnostics (e.g., sepsis and cancer detection), and space physics (e.g., Saturn Kilometric Radiation classification). Her work bridges theoretical statistics with real-world challenges, including socio-economic studies and forensic science. Key Research Areas Bayesian statistical inference Machine learning for large feature spaces Statistical computing and model interpretability Data visualization and chemometrics Scientific Contributions include leading projects like VistaMilk Phase II (2024–2030, €152,300) and Measuring Carbon Sequestration (2024–2028, €174,788.90). Her 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in ensemble modeling, spatial statistics, and medical diagnostics. Scientific Awards Associate Editor, The R Journal (2021–present) Associate Editor, Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics (2015–2024) Student Supervision includes PhD and MSc graduates such as Dr. Bruna Wundervald (2024) and Dr. Mark O’Connell (2017). She also collaborates with researchers across disciplines, including Dr. Nadim Akasheh in food hypersensitivity studies.
Ian Pitt is a Lecturer in Usability Engineering and Interactive Media at University College Cork (UCC). He leads the Interaction Design, E-Learning and Speech (IDEAS) Research Group, focusing on multimodal human-computer interaction, auditory interfaces, and accessibility solutions for visually impaired users. Pitt holds a D.Phil from the University of York, followed by research fellowships at Otto-von-Guericke University in Germany before joining UCC in 1997. His research interests include speech-based interfaces, e-learning systems, and accessibility technologies for blind users. Key projects include the EU-funded ENABLE Network (2011–2014) and prototype development for UniWink. He has secured significant grants, including €72,009 from IRCSET for voice analysis research and €19,478 from the EU for ICT-supported learning initiatives. Pitt has advised numerous PhD students, including Flaithri Neff (2011), Emma-Kate Crowley (2014), and current candidates Aine Kearns and Patrick Egan. His publications span journals like International Journal of Game-Based Learning and conferences such as ICCHP and ACM SIGACCESS. He has contributed to committees for conferences like CHI and the Irish HCI conference. Teaching modules include Usability Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, and Digital Media Development. His work emphasizes inclusive design principles, with projects addressing navigation systems for blind students and adaptive e-learning frameworks. Recent research trends focus on ICT-delivered aphasia rehabilitation, emotional BCI interfaces, and multimodal learning systems. Collaborations include international partners through EU grants, reflecting his global impact in accessibility and educational technology.
Abey Campbell is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin. He holds roles such as Deputy Programme Director for Computer Science, Director of UCD VR Lab, and 1st Year Stage Coordinator. His research focuses on Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Multi-Agent Systems with applications in education, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. Campbell has coordinated modules like Augmented and Virtual Reality, Computer Graphics, Game Development, and Mobile Computing. He earned his BSc and PhD in Computer Science from University College Dublin. His work explores touchless interaction technologies, machine learning agents in STEM education, and ethical implications of emerging technologies. Notable contributions include RenderKernel for real-time rendering systems and studies on AR's role in decision support systems. Campbell has secured a grant from Enterprise Ireland for collaborative design documentation and participates in professional activities like peer reviewing for Frontiers in Virtual Reality and IEEE conferences. His collaborative projects include developing AR tools for veterinary training and evaluating immersive VR experiences in nursing education. The UCD VR Lab under his direction focuses on applied research in spatial computing and interactive systems.
Prof. Gregorio Iglesias is a Professor of Marine Renewable Energy at University College Cork (UCC) and Honorary Professor of Coastal Engineering at the University of Plymouth. His expertise lies in Marine Renewable Energy and Coastal Engineering, with a focus on wave and tidal energy systems, offshore wind integration, and coastal protection strategies. He has secured over €12M in research funding as Principal Investigator and authored/edited key texts such as Wave and Tidal Energy (Wiley) and Ocean Energy and Coastal Protection (Springer). Education: BEng (Civil Engineering, 1992), MEng (Civil Engineering, 1993), PhD (Engineering, 2001). Research Interests: Advanced modeling of wave energy converters, floating offshore wind turbines, coastal erosion mitigation, and climate change impacts on marine energy resources. His work bridges theoretical advancements and practical applications, including coasts like the Port of Gijón (Spain) and the Shannon Estuary. Recent publications highlight climate-driven renewable energy transitions, multi-hazard coastal resilience frameworks, and techno-economic assessments of offshore systems. He chairs the IEC Standards panel for wave energy device testing and serves as Subject Editor for Energy (Elsevier) . Professional Activities: Lead of Marine Renewable Energy research at MaREI (Ireland), former Head of the COAST Engineering Group at Plymouth (2012–2018), and member of PIANC’s Universities Consortium. His work has generated 5,459 citations with an h-index of 41. Teaching: Delivers modules on Ocean Energy (NE4003/NE6005) and Hydraulics (CE3007).
Professor Aoife Gowen is a leading academic at the UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering , specializing in hyperspectral imaging and its applications across medicine, food safety, and engineering. Her research, supported by prestigious European Research Council (ERC) funding, investigates water molecule interactions with surfaces to improve bone graft materials and develop innovative diagnostic tools for prostate cancer. She also leads Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)-funded projects on hyperspectral monitoring of bacterial growth for food safety. Beyond technical research, Professor Gowen has developed computational tools now integrated into commercial chemical analysis software. Her work spans interdisciplinary domains, including sustainable transport policy, critical thinking education, and promoting gender diversity in engineering. As a key figure in the Women on Walls initiative, she has enhanced visibility for women in STEM fields. Her recent publications focus on spectral technologies for food quality, microplastics characterization, and medical diagnostics, reflecting her commitment to addressing global challenges in health and sustainability. Scientific Awards: ERC Grant for water-surface interaction research Professor Gowen actively collaborates with European networks and industry partners, driving advancements in hyperspectral imaging applications. Her lab’s efforts to bridge computational science with real-world chemical analysis have positioned her as a pioneer in invisible chemistry visualization, impacting medicine, food, and environmental engineering.
Professor Eoin Devereux is a Cultural Sociologist and Creative Writer at the University of Limerick, Ireland, and an Adjunct Professor in Contemporary Culture at the University of Jyvaskylä, Finland. He holds dual appointments in the Department of Sociology and the Centre for the Study of Popular Music and Popular Culture. His research focuses on media representations of poverty, homelessness, and community development, alongside critical analyses of popular music (e.g., David Bowie, The Fall, Morrissey). He teaches modules on media sociology, creative writing in community settings, and community development at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Affiliations: University of Limerick (Professor), University of Jyvaskylä (Adjunct Professor) Education: Expertise in sociology and cultural studies, though specific degree details are not explicitly listed. His creative writing has been featured in prominent publications such as The Irish Times and Poetry Ireland anthologies. Awards include Excellence in Teaching (2004) and Service to the Community (2005). He has supervised numerous PhD students and collaborates internationally on projects like L-Pop: Mapping Popular Music in Limerick City and media poverty studies. His work intersects with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to inequality and community development. Key research themes include media framing of social welfare, cultural sociology of music, and creative writing’s role in community engagement. Over 140 academic publications span journals, books, and edited volumes addressing media discourse, music studies, and social policy.
Dr. Ellen Rushe is an Assistant Professor at Dublin City University's School of Computing specializing in deep learning with limited supervision. Her research develops solutions for audio-visual data challenges including sign language recognition (SignOn Project), novelty detection, and domain adaptation for sports analytics. Previously a Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin and Postdoctoral Fellow at UCD, she holds an MSc in Computer Science from UCD and BA in Music Technology from Maynooth University. Research focuses on: Limited-label learning paradigms Sign language recognition for low-resource languages Domain adaptation in sports video analysis Novelty detection in data streams
Dr. Lisa Godson is a cultural historian and Programme Leader of the MA Design History and Material Culture at NCAD, a partnership program with the National Museum of Ireland. She holds a BA from Trinity College Dublin, an MA and PhD from the Royal College of Art/Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Her research focuses on material culture of ritual, tropical modern architecture in West Africa, medical devices, and Catholic materiality. She has curated exhibitions including 136 Hectares: Urban Material Culture in Dublin 8 and collaborated with institutions like the Irish Architecture Foundation and Venice Biennale. Godson serves on the Royal Irish Academy’s historical studies sub-committee and is a Visiting Research Fellow at UCD’s School of Architecture. Her publications include Uniform: Clothing and Discipline in the Modern World and Modern Religious Architecture in Germany, Ireland, and Beyond . She has organized over a dozen conferences, including Making Memory: Visual and Material Cultures of Commemoration in Ireland since 1800 and Modern Sacred Architecture in Germany and Ireland . Godson advises on PhDs in design history and supervises research on topics like modern Irish interiors and ecclesiastical decoration. She is an external examiner for programs at the Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, and Trinity College Dublin.
Professor Ian Davidson is a Full Professor in the School of English, Drama and Film at University College Dublin, where he teaches and researches in modern and contemporary poetry, poetics, and creative writing. He has held academic positions at Bangor University and Northumbria University, where he was Professor and Head of Research in the Humanities. His interdisciplinary work bridges literary studies, cultural geography, and mobility theory, with a focus on how movement shapes literary form and content. PhD, University of Wales (Aberystwyth University) Postgraduate and Undergraduate Study, University of Essex Davidson's research centers on the intersections of poetry, place, mobility, and globalization. He explores how spatial theory and increased human and material movement influence contemporary literary forms, especially in experimental and cross-genre writing. His work often engages with Welsh linguistic and poetic traditions, applying forms like Cynghanedd to English-language poetry and exploring regional identities in the North East of England and Ireland. He emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of his scholarship, drawing from human geography, sociology, and philosophy. His recent publications reveal a sustained engagement with mobility, automobility, and spatial poetics across genres. Articles in journals such as Mobilities , Textual Practice , and Cultural Geographies analyze authors like Don DeLillo, Diane di Prima, and Charles Reznikoff through the lens of movement and form. His creative output includes the Tyne and Wear Poems series and collections like Partly in Riga and At a Stretch , which reimagine place in globalized contexts. The articles collectively reflect a deep commitment to interdisciplinary, critical-creative inquiry into the evolving relationship between literature and space. Fellow of the English Association (2014) Poetry Editor for English (2010) Member of the Welsh Literary Academy (2007) Fellow of the Higher Education Association (2005) AHRB/C Fellowship (2004) Davidson supervises PhD students in both creative and critical domains, supporting work that intersects literary studies and creative practice. He has coordinated key modules such as Writing Poetry, Experimental Poetry, and Sound & Visual Poetry, reflecting his commitment to innovative pedagogy. His research has been supported by fellowships and has led to editorial roles and extensive peer reviewing. He is actively involved in shaping contemporary discourse in poetry and poetics through publication, curation, and academic leadership. While no formal lab or research center is mentioned, his projects like the Tyne and Wear Poems function as long-term, thematically cohesive research-creation initiatives involving residencies, publications, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Rem Collier is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from UCD (2001) and has held academic roles including Assistant Lecturer (2004), College Lecturer (2005–2018), and his current position since 2018. His research focuses on Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), Agent-Oriented Software Engineering (AOSE), Hypermedia MAS, Digital Twins, and applications in smart agriculture and urban simulation. He leads the CONSUS project (2022–2024) and collaborates on CAMEO (2021–2024). Education: BSc (Pure/Applied Mathematics, University of Bristol, 1994), MSc (Computation, UMIST, 1995), MPhil (UMIST, 1996), PhD (UCD, 2001). Research interests include Agent Factory Framework, ASTRA programming language, and integrating MAS with microservices. Notable achievements include the CIA System Innovation Award 2003 (ACCESS architecture) and Best Paper Awards at EMAS2020 and Mobile Learning 2006. His work spans over 150 peer-reviewed publications and grants such as HOTAIR (2004–2005) and SIFT (2008–2011). Teaching includes modules on Multi-Agent Systems, Distributed Systems, and Security. He has coordinated courses at UCD and the Joint UCD-Fudan program in Beijing and Sri Lanka. Labs/Teams: Active in Hypermedia MAS Simulation, collaborating on projects like CONSUS and CAMEO, emphasizing smart agriculture and distributed knowledge graphs.
Dr. Emma Mahony is a Lecturer and Head of the Visual Culture BA Programme at the School of Visual Culture , National College of Art and Design, Dublin. She is a Principal Investigator for the €690,000 MSC H2020 RISE project SPACEX , which explores spatial practices in art, architecture, and design as tools for fostering empathy in urban spaces. Her research connects commoning, care-centric practices, and anti-neoliberal strategies across cultural institutions and academia. Education: PhD holder Her research interests span Contemporary Art , Curatorial Studies , and Activism , with a focus on resisting neoliberalism through radical care and institutional reform. Recent publications analyze artist-motherhood, contested monuments, and the structural inequalities faced by women in the art world. Mahony actively contributes to editorial boards and peer-review panels, advocating for equitable teaching environments and systemic change. Her 13 peer-reviewed articles since 2012 (shortened to 10 in this list) reveal trends in Neoliberal Critique , Urban Commons , and Art Activism . These works often intersect with Feminist Economics and Eco-feminism , emphasizing reproductive labor and collective care. Mahony’s grants and projects include the MSC H2020 RISE SPACEX (€690,000) and leadership of academic events like the 2023 From Cultural Value to Social Wealth symposium. She co-edits the forthcoming Routledge Companion to Spatial Practices and the Urban Commons and has organized exhibitions and lectures on socially-engaged art since the early 2000s.
