Birgitte Skar is an Associate Professor and Collection Manager for the Stone Age and Bronze Age at the Department of Archaeology and Cultural History, NTNU Science Museum. Her research focuses on Mesolithic and Neolithic adaptations, biomolecular studies, submerged landscapes, and cultural heritage protection. She leads the SCAPES project (2025-2028), funded by RCN FRIPRO, exploring social complexity through biomolecular data. Her work integrates archaeology with genetics and isotopic analysis, addressing topics such as migration patterns, dietary practices, and social stratification in prehistoric societies. Key contributions include studies on Scandinavian Neolithic pathogens, Viking Age genetic diversity, and Mesolithic mobility in Fennoscandia. She advises numerous master’s students and collaborates with institutions like the University of Bergen and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Publications span high-impact journals like Nature and Cell , alongside museum exhibitions and policy-oriented reports on heritage management. Her research often bridges natural sciences and humanities, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding human-environment interactions.
Dr. Kim O'Sullivan is a Senior Research Fellow and head of the Translational Kidney Therapies Group at the Centre for Inflammatory Diseases (CID), Monash Health Translational Precinct, affiliated with Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Immunology from Monash University and completed her undergraduate and Master’s studies in Anatomy and Structural Biology at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her work is centered on developing novel therapies for autoimmune kidney diseases, particularly ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), glomerulonephritis, and lupus nephritis. Her research focuses on: Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) and their role in inflammation Gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors to deliver DNase I Therapeutic potential of bacterial exosomes Gut microbiome interactions, especially Muribaculaceae and SCFAs Immune tolerance and host defense preservation Her recent publications (2023–2024) reflect a strong trend in translational immunology, with emphasis on microbiome-immune crosstalk, novel biologics, and gene-based interventions. She has published in high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Immunology , International Journal of Molecular Sciences , and Journal of Immunology . Her scientific contributions have been recognized through several awards: Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology Young Investigator Award (Winner, 2016) ANZSN Basic Science Award (Finalist, 2020) Multiple ANZSN Travel Awards (2014, 2016, 2017) Kim O'Sullivan actively supervises Honours and PhD students and leads multiple research projects funded by NHMRC and MRFF. She serves on the ANZSN Scientific Programme and Awards Committee (SPARC), is a Review Editor for Frontiers in Immunology , and sits on the editorial boards of International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Journal of Integrated Medicine in Nephrology and Andrology . She is also a peer reviewer for top journals including Journal of Clinical Investigation and Kidney International . She leads the CID weekly seminar series and chaired the ImmuMON21 symposium. Her commitment to equity in STEM includes mentoring through BrainSTEM and past involvement in the ANZSN Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Lisa M. Fairfax is the Presidential Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Institute for Law and Economics at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. She is a leading scholar in corporate law, corporate governance, shareholder rights, and securities regulation, with a strong focus on ESG, board diversity, and fiduciary duties. Her work bridges legal theory, regulatory policy, and corporate practice. Her research interests center on corporate purpose, board governance, shareholder activism, and securities law, particularly in the context of social justice and economic equity. She explores how corporate structures can be leveraged for broader societal impact, including racial equity, environmental sustainability, and investor protection. Her scholarship consistently examines the legal and ethical responsibilities of corporate leaders in a stakeholder-oriented world. The most recent articles reveal a clear trend toward ESG accountability, the integration of social values into corporate governance, and the legal implications of shareholder activism. Her work critically analyzes voluntary versus mandatory disclosure, board diversity as both a symptom and solution to systemic inequities, and the evolving fiduciary duties in the context of stakeholder capitalism. She frequently engages with how governance mechanisms can ensure that corporate rhetoric aligns with actual behavior. Notable honors and professional service include: Appointed member of the SEC’s Investor Advisory Committee Independent public governor on FINRA’s Board of Governors Elected member of the American Law Institute (ALI) Member of the ALI’s Advisory Group for the Restatement of Law, Corporate Governance Former chair of AALS Securities Regulation and Business Associations Sections Professor Fairfax has held significant leadership roles in academia, including Founding Director of the GW Corporate Law and Governance Initiative and the Business Law Program at the University of Maryland. She has advised on corporate governance policy through her work with the ABA and has authored influential textbooks. While no specific grants are listed, her extensive publications and institutional affiliations suggest sustained research support. She has also contributed to public discourse through panels, lectures, and media engagements on ESG, voting rights, and corporate social responsibility. She is affiliated with the Institute for Law and Economics at Penn, where she co-directs research initiatives that integrate legal and economic perspectives on corporate governance. Her work is central to the institute’s mission of advancing interdisciplinary scholarship on law and markets.
Nikolaus Müllner is a researcher at the Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work centers on nuclear safety, reactor technology, risk assessment, and thermal-hydraulic modeling, particularly for VVER-type reactors. He actively contributes to international nuclear safety discourse through conferences and peer review. His research interests include nuclear reactor safety, severe accident analysis, licensing of small modular reactors, best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) methods, and environmental impact assessments in nuclear contexts. He applies simulation tools like RELAP5, MELCOR, and SCDAPSIM to analyze accident scenarios and validate safety systems. His expertise spans both technical and policy aspects of nuclear energy. Müllner has delivered numerous lectures at international conferences such as NURETH, ICONE, and IAEA events, focusing on topics like core damage frequency, station blackout scenarios, and aging management. His recent publications reflect a trend toward integrating technical safety analysis with regulatory and societal considerations, particularly in European contexts. He has served as a reviewer for journals including Energy Strategy Reviews , Progress in Nuclear Energy , and International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction , contributing to the scientific quality of research in energy and risk domains. Supervision and Community Engagement: Supervised master’s theses on topics such as small modular reactor safety, RELAP5 modeling, and environmental aspects of nuclear licensing. Active in international research networks like INRAG (International Nuclear Risk Assessment Group). Engaged in public knowledge transfer through lectures and media contributions on nuclear policy and safety. Laboratories and Research Groups: While not explicitly tied to a specific lab, his work is closely associated with nuclear simulation and risk assessment frameworks, likely involving collaboration with experimental facilities such as the PSB-VVER test facility. His research is conducted within the interdisciplinary environment of BOKU’s Safety and Risk Sciences department.
Professor Angelika Krehl serves as Professor for Economics, regional and sectoral structural policy and Director of the NIERS Institute (Lower Rhine Institute for Regional and Structural Research) at Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences since 2020. Her academic leadership spans regional economics, urban spatial structure analysis, and sustainability research within the Department of Economics. Her research focuses on theoretical foundations and empirical analysis methods of urban spatial structures, regional economics, economic geography, and GIS-based regional research with emphasis on sustainability aspects. Key methodologies include polycentricity measurement, density pattern analysis, and integrated spatial modeling using remote sensing data. Her work bridges urban morphology with economic development processes. Recent publications reveal strong trends in polycentric urban systems analysis, corporate regional responsibility frameworks, and sustainable land use economics. Over 70% of her recent work examines German metropolitan regions through morphological polycentricity lenses, with increasing focus on sustainability transitions and social innovation mechanisms since 2020. Methodological innovation in GIS integration and spatial metrics development characterizes her publication trajectory. Professor Krehl leads multiple major research initiatives including RediStar (diversity-sensitive startup funding), AUFBRUCH (sustainable bioeconomy transformation), R(h)einTex (textile recycling innovation), and R³ (corporate regional responsibility). Her institutional leadership extends to directing NIERS Institute and serving on the university's Advisory Board for Research and Transfer. As Director of NIERS Institute, she oversees collaborative research teams focused on regional structural policy, with particular emphasis on lignite phase-out governance, sustainable learning projects, and regional innovation ecosystems. Her work integrates academic research with practical policy implementation through close partnerships with regional stakeholders.
Luc Thévenoz is a full professor and Dean at the Faculty of Law, University of Geneva, where he also directs the Center for Banking and Financial Law. His academic and professional work focuses on the law of obligations, banking and financial markets law, and trusts and fiduciaries. He has held influential roles in Swiss financial regulation, including chairing the Swiss Takeover Commission and serving on the Swiss Federal Banking Commission. His research interests include financial regulation, private banking, intermediated securities, trust law, and corporate governance. He has contributed significantly to international harmonization efforts, notably the Geneva/UNIDROIT Convention on Intermediated Securities and the Hague Trusts Convention. He has also been instrumental in shaping Swiss legislation on financial services and fiduciary structures. The most recent articles reflect his ongoing engagement with Swiss financial law, particularly in areas such as trust regulation, investment damages, private banking, and the legal treatment of cryptocurrencies. His publications often combine doctrinal analysis with practical implications, bridging academic scholarship and regulatory practice. He frequently collaborates with other experts and contributes to annual reviews of Swiss banking law. Honorary Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), 2007 Luc Thévenoz is deeply involved in academic leadership and continuing education. He founded the CAS in Compliance Management and co-directs the CAS in Financial Regulation at the Universities of Geneva and Bern. He regularly teaches at the University of Luxembourg and has been a visiting professor at Berkeley, Boston University, and Duke Law School. He co-organizes the annual Banking and Financial Law Day, which brings together around 350 practitioners. He is a member of the editorial board of the Swiss Journal of Business Law and Trust Law International and serves on the board of directors of Banque Mirabaud & Cie SA. His academic work is centered at the Center for Banking and Financial Law at the University of Geneva, where he leads research and educational initiatives in financial law. He has supervised numerous collaborative projects and publications, often involving teams of researchers and practitioners. His leadership extends to editorial boards and professional associations that shape the discourse on financial and trust law in civil law jurisdictions.
Zia Javanbakht is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering and Built Environment , Griffith University , specializing in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design . As a chartered engineer with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, he contributes to research in Continuum Mechanics , Material Modelling (composites and metamaterials), and Computational Modelling . He is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology (PRECISE) and has been involved in projects related to additive manufacturing, auxetic materials, and composite structures. Research Interests include the development of advanced computational models for material behavior, with a focus on auxetic structures , triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) , and additively manufactured composites . His work addresses challenges in residual stress analysis , multiscale modelling , and machine learning applications in material deformation mechanisms. Scientific Awards Fellow (FHEA) of Higher Education Authority, Dublin, Ireland (since 2021) Key Funded Projects span collaborations with Gilmour Space Technologies (CRC-P grant for rocket fuel tanks), Bond University (concrete sensor testing), and internal Griffith University grants for equipment like the Transient Plane Source Thermal Conductivity Analyser . He actively supervises PhD and Master’s students in topics such as polymer-matrix composites , auxetic timber structures , and additive manufacturing failure models . Collaboration Networks include the AuxeticsLab and partnerships with industry leaders like Stoddart Group Pty Ltd and ATL Composites . His teaching portfolio covers Constitutive Material Modelling (7015ENG) and Computational Statics and Dynamics (7252ENG), reflecting his expertise in computational techniques and structural analysis.
Emerson M. Sanchez is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Infrastructure in Society within the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. His work bridges environmental policy, social risk assessment, and governance frameworks with a particular focus on Southeast Asian contexts, especially the Philippines. Sanchez's research interests center on environmental discourses , natural resource politics , social movements , and community engagement . His scholarly work demonstrates how environmental governance intersects with social considerations in infrastructure development, water management, and resource extraction contexts. He employs case study methodologies to examine complex political dynamics, particularly in the Philippine context. His publication record from 2017-2025 reveals a consistent trajectory examining the political dimensions of environmental management, with increasing focus on infrastructure decision-making processes. Recent work analyzes how risk frameworks can sideline social considerations in infrastructure projects, while earlier publications examine Philippine political dynamics under the Duterte administration and environmental justice frameworks. ARC Linkage Research Fellow position at ANU Active contributor to major infrastructure and environmental governance projects Collaborator on multiple international research initiatives Sanchez's research contributes to understanding how social considerations can be better integrated into environmental decision-making processes, particularly in contexts of political complexity and institutional challenges. His work has practical implications for policymakers seeking to balance development goals with social equity and environmental protection.
Miranda McGowan serves as Professor of Law at the University of San Diego School of Law, where she has been a faculty member since 2005 after previously teaching at the University of Minnesota Law School. Her academic foundation includes a JD from Stanford University (1995) and a BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley (1991), where she graduated magna cum laude as departmental citation recipient. Education BA in Political Science, magna cum laude, University of California, Berkeley (1991) JD, Stanford University Law School (1995), with distinction Professor McGowan's research critically examines constitutional interpretation frameworks, particularly regarding sex discrimination under the 14th Amendment and the intersection of group identity with constitutional protections. Her scholarship integrates jurisprudential theory with empirical analysis of judicial methodologies, while exploring how biological similarities between genders should inform legal doctrine and public policy in employment and civil rights contexts. Her publication trajectory reveals evolving focus from statutory interpretation methodologies (2008) toward contemporary constitutional crises, including post-Dobbs reproductive rights implications and structural barriers to gender equality in professional institutions. This body of work consistently bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical applications in discrimination law. Awards Class of 1975 Endowed Professor (2021-22) While the source material does not specify grant funding or formal student advising relationships, Professor McGowan's role encompasses mentoring law students through her teaching responsibilities and scholarly leadership. Her clerkship background and litigation experience provide practical dimensions to her academic work. No laboratory or research team affiliations are documented in the provided materials.
Claire Bright is an Associate Professor of Private Law at NOVA School of Law, NOVA University Lisbon, and Founder/Director of the NOVA Business, Human Rights and the Environment Knowledge Center. She specializes in Sustainable Corporate Governance, International Private Law, International Commercial Law, Comparative Private Law, and Business and Human Rights. Education: PhD in International Law, European University Institute, Florence Master's in Private International Law and International Trade Law, La Sorbonne Law School Bachelor's in French and English Law, University of Paris-Est Her research examines corporate accountability in global value chains, human rights due diligence frameworks, and the intersection of environmental law with business practices. She analyzes jurisdictional challenges in transnational corporate litigation and develops legal mechanisms for victims of corporate human rights abuses. Her work bridges academic theory with practical policy implementation through extensive engagement with international organizations. Recent publications demonstrate a pronounced shift toward integrating climate change considerations into business and human rights frameworks, with emphasis on just transition principles and environmental due diligence. Her scholarship increasingly addresses ESG compliance, supply chain transparency, and mandatory legislative approaches across European jurisdictions. Scientific Awards: eLearning Practitioner Award (2016) for innovative academic course development methodologies Professor Bright has secured major research funding through high-impact policy studies for the European Parliament, European Commission, and International Labour Organization. Her 2020 European Commission study directly shaped the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, while her European Parliament research informed legislative recommendations on corporate liability. She maintains active student mentorship through structured office hours and academic guidance. She leads the NOVA Business, Human Rights and the Environment Knowledge Center, which functions as a multidisciplinary hub for policy development, practitioner training, and academic collaboration. The center organizes specialized workshops on human rights due diligence implementation and maintains partnerships with NGOs, governmental bodies, and international institutions across Europe and beyond.
Dr. Anna Leyloyan-Yekmalyan is a Senior Lecturer at the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) specializing in Armenian and Russian art history, with a focus on manuscript studies and cultural heritage preservation. She co-founded the academic platform Monument Watch (2020-2023) and established the independent association Hishatakaran (2023-present) to document Armenian cultural heritage under threat. Teaches Armenian art, Russian medieval art, and heritage studies at INALCO Editorial board member of Matenadarán: Medieval and Early Modern Armenian Studies Organized 15 international conferences on Armenian heritage since 2010 Her research examines Armenian manuscript illumination, Christian iconography in the Caucasus, and the challenges of preserving cultural heritage during conflict. She has published extensively on Vaspurakan book art, including a 2009 monograph on Yovannēs Xizanc’i, and contributed to exhibitions at The Met and The Walters Art Museum. Recent publications (2023-2024) analyze Azerbaijan's destruction of Armenian monuments in Artsakh and propose new frameworks for heritage protection. Her work combines art historical analysis with political advocacy, using conferences and digital platforms to raise awareness about endangered Armenian sites.
Dr. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Health Sciences at Virginia Tech's College of Science. She leads the JK Lifespan Development Lab and serves as Director of Virginia Tech's Developmental Science program, focusing on developmental psychopathology and neurocognitive mechanisms in adolescent risk behaviors. Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (University of Virginia) M.A. in Developmental Psychology (Yonsei University) B.A. in Psychology (Yonsei University, Summa Cum Laude) Her research examines: Developmental pathways of psychopathology following child maltreatment Neurobiological substrates of risk-taking behaviors Protective factors in adversity: Self-regulation, cognitive control, religiousness Longitudinal neuroimaging studies of adolescent brain maturation Quantitative methods: Structural equation modeling, latent growth analysis Recent publications highlight: Neurocognitive control of substance use (2025) Maltreatment effects on emotion regulation (2024) Developmental impacts of socioeconomic disadvantage (2024) Family chaos and neural protective factors (2024) Delay discounting pathways in adolescent substance use (2024) Scientific recognition: Heilig-Meyers Professor of Psychology (2025–present) NIH-funded research projects (NIDA/NICHD/NIMH) Lab members include: Current graduate students: Claudia Clinchard, Celina Meyer, Sahar Hafezi Postdoctoral associates: Ya-Yun Chen, Ashlyn Murphy
Giovanni Mantilla is an Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge's Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), a Fellow of Christ’s College, and a Fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law. He will join Cambridge's CRASSH as an Early Career Research Fellow in 2023-24. His academic affiliations also include former British Academy Newton Fellowships and postdoctoral roles at Princeton and Brown University centers. Theoretically, Mantilla explores how social pressures shape diplomacy, global governance, and international legal processes. Empirically, his work focuses on the politics of international lawmaking through multinational archival research, particularly examining the international law of armed conflict, human rights law, and weapons regulation. His research spans historical global governance, emphasizing Cold War-era legal reforms and the roles of non-state actors. His publications in journals like International Organization and European Journal of International Law reveal trends analyzing social dynamics in arms control, the historical evolution of humanitarian law, and compliance mechanisms in wartime civilian protection. Mantilla’s book Lawmaking under Pressure (2020) investigates the intersection of geopolitical pressures and legal codification. Francis Lieber Prize 2021 (American Society of International Law) Honorable Mention from American Political Science Association’s International Collaboration Section 2021 Mantilla’s affiliations include the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law and CRASSH. His methodological approach combines primary archival research with interdisciplinary analysis of political, legal, and historical forces driving international norm development.
Professor Bela Buck is a Marine Biologist and Head of the Unit for Marine Aquaculture within the Shelf Sea System Ecology department at the Alfred Wegener Institute. He also holds a professorship for Applied Marine Biology at the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven, has the right to award doctorates at the University of Bremen, and serves as an Affiliated Professor at Klaipeda University. His leadership extends to chairing the ICES Working Group on Open Ocean Aquaculture (WGOOA). Professor Buck's research focuses on applied marine biology and maritime technologies , with particular expertise in offshore and exposed aquaculture systems . His work addresses critical challenges in multi-use of offshore wind farms , shellfish and seaweed cultivation , culture techniques and system design , and site selection for marine aquaculture operations. His research bridges biological sciences, engineering, and policy development to advance sustainable marine resource utilization. An analysis of his recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a clear trend toward standardizing terminology and metrics for exposed aquaculture environments, developing integrated multi-use platforms combining renewable energy infrastructure with aquaculture, and optimizing cultivation techniques for shellfish and seaweed. His work increasingly addresses sustainability challenges, focusing on circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and climate change adaptation in marine food production systems. Professor Buck leads the AWI-Working Group 'Marine Aquaculture' and collaborates extensively with international research teams across Europe and beyond. His work has significant implications for marine spatial planning, sustainable food production, and blue economy development. He maintains strong connections with both academic institutions and industry partners to ensure practical applications of research findings. His laboratory and field work focuses on developing and testing aquaculture systems for exposed environments, with particular emphasis on site assessment methodologies, structural design for high-energy marine environments, and optimizing cultivation protocols for various marine species. The research group maintains close ties with offshore energy developers, aquaculture operators, and policy makers to ensure research addresses real-world challenges.
David Ridley is a Professor at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business with additional appointments in the Department of Economics and Sanford School of Public Policy. He serves as Faculty Director of the Center for Health Sector Management (HSM) and is an Executive Core Faculty Member at the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. His work bridges business, economics, and public policy with a focus on healthcare innovation and policy. Ridley earned his Ph.D. from Duke University in 2001. His academic journey has been focused on applying economic principles to solve complex healthcare challenges, particularly in pharmaceutical markets and global health. Ridley's research centers on health economics , with special emphasis on incentives for innovation and pharmaceutical pricing . He is best known for developing the priority review voucher system, which creates market-based incentives for developing treatments for neglected diseases. His work examines how regulatory frameworks, pricing mechanisms, and market structures influence healthcare innovation and access. Through his research, Ridley has demonstrated how economic tools can be applied to improve health outcomes globally, particularly for underserved populations. Analysis of Ridley's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on pharmaceutical policy, with particular attention to incentive mechanisms like priority review vouchers. His work spans both theoretical economic analysis and practical policy applications, often examining how regulatory decisions impact drug development, pricing, and access. A significant portion of his research addresses neglected tropical diseases and the economic barriers to developing treatments for these conditions. Ridley has led significant research initiatives including the development of the FDA priority review voucher program (2007) and the EPA vector expedited review voucher program (2022). These policy innovations have created market-based incentives for developing treatments for neglected diseases, with the FDA having awarded more than 80 vouchers valued at approximately $100 million each. As Faculty Director of the Center for Health Sector Management, Ridley oversees a program that comprises about 20 percent of Duke MBA graduates each year. His grant portfolio includes significant funding for research on neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and biodefense. Current projects include "The Commercial Value of Pull Mechanisms for Drug Development in Neglected Tropical Diseases" (2024-2025) and "The Next Phase of Antimicrobial Resistance Payment Policy" (2022-2023). Ridley leads and participates in several research teams focused on healthcare innovation and policy. His work with the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy connects academic research with practical policy applications. Through the Center for Health Sector Management, he fosters collaboration between business students and healthcare professionals to address pressing challenges in the health sector.
