Professor Adam Yuet Chau is a Fellow and Director of Studies at St John's College and holds the Professor of the Anthropology of China position at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Cambridge . His academic journey includes training at Stanford University (PhD in Anthropology, 2001) and teaching roles at Oxford and SOAS before joining Cambridge in 2008. Focus on Chinese religions and their social dimensions Specializes in ritual theory and cultural transformations Develops comparative frameworks for understanding religious practices His research spans religion under socialism , hosting in political/religious contexts , and ritual polytropy . Recent projects include editing Chinese Religious Culture in 100 Objects and analyzing 'spheres' (界) in Chinese society . Publications like Miraculous Response (2006) and Religion in Contemporary China (2011) establish him as a key figure in religious anthropology. Current and past PhD/MPhil students explore topics from temple festivals in Taiwan to religious subjectification . He actively reviews for leading presses (Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard) and journals ( Ethnos , Modern China ), and participates in international academic workshops.
Matthew Charles is a Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Critical Theory at the University of Westminster's School of Humanities, where he has taught since 2010. He serves as Senior Tutor for the School of Humanities and is a Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Academy. His academic journey includes previous positions at Kingston University's Centre for Modern European Philosophy and Middlesex University's Department of Philosophy. Charles earned his BA and MA in Philosophy and Literature from the University of Warwick and completed his PhD at Middlesex University's Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP). His scholarly trajectory reflects deep engagement with Critical Theory, particularly the work of Walter Benjamin and the Frankfurt School. His research bridges philosophical inquiry with educational practice, focusing on how Benjamin's thought informs contemporary pedagogical theory and resistance to neoliberal tendencies in higher education. Charles' extensive publication record reveals a consistent exploration of Walter Benjamin across multiple dimensions. His work demonstrates how Benjamin's early writings on youth and education connect to his later materialist historical concepts. A dominant theme across his scholarship is the application of Benjamin's critical theory to contemporary educational challenges, particularly in developing radical approaches to teaching and learning within the current academic landscape. His research shows particular concern with the impact of market-driven reforms on higher education, as evidenced by his influential 2018 article 'Teaching, In Spite of Excellence: Recovering a Practice of Teaching-led Research.' As an academic leader, Charles has served as Course Leader for the MA in Cultural and Critical Studies at Westminster and as External Examiner for various MA programs at the University of Brighton and University of Nottingham. He has supervised multiple PhD students to completion on topics related to modernist literature and philosophy, and has examined doctoral work at several institutions. He actively participates in the Institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture and Literary Studies research groups at Westminster, maintaining an influential presence in critical theory circles through his website benjaminpedagogy.wordpress.com and ongoing conference participation.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Maasen is a Professor of Sociology of Science at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and serves as Director of the Munich Center for Technology in Society (MCTS). She is affiliated with the TUM School of Governance and contributes to the Wissenschaftlicher Rat (Scientific Council) of the German Science Council and the Scientific Commission of Lower Saxony. Education: Studied Sociology, Linguistics, and Psychology at Bielefeld University PhD in Sociology (1996) Habilitation (2001) Her research focuses on the sociology of science, with a specific emphasis on neuroscience sociology, technoscience, and the societal implications of digital technologies. She explores how neurotechnologies (e.g., neuroprosthetics, neurofeedback) and digital platforms (e.g., Web 2.0) reshape subjectivity and social norms. Recent publications highlight ethical challenges in large-scale projects like the Human Brain Project, the recontextualization of oxytocin as a "social hormone," and the interplay between technosocial systems and autonomy. Her work bridges neuroscience, sociology, and digital ethics. Labs/Teams: Director, Munich Center for Technology in Society (MCTS) Active in interdisciplinary collaborations at TUM School of Governance
Jari Huikku serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Accounting at Aalto University School of Business, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. His academic journey includes a Doctoral degree in Accounting from Helsinki School of Economics (2009) and a Master's in Finance from Turku School of Economics. Prior to academia, Huikku accumulated 15 years of industry experience in multinational corporations such as Wärtsilä and Sanitec, holding financial director and general management positions. His educational qualifications are: Doctor of Philosophy (Accounting), Helsinki School of Economics, 2009 Master of Science (Finance), Turku School of Economics and Business Administration, University of Turku Huikku's research centers on Strategic Investment Decision-Making, Management Control Systems, Goodwill, and Post-Completion Auditing. He examines how organizations implement risk analysis in investment decisions and the motivational factors influencing management control practices. His work also extends to accounting education, investigating student learning approaches and gender differences in performance. This dual focus bridges theoretical accounting research with practical educational applications. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals consistent exploration of strategic investment processes, budgetary control systems, and accounting education methodologies. His work increasingly incorporates organizational theory perspectives like strong structuration theory and embedded agency, while maintaining empirical grounding through case studies and qualitative analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects accounting with organizational behavior, healthcare management, and educational psychology. Huikku has earned multiple scholarly accolades: Best Paper Award, Management Accounting Research Group Conference (2024) Best Paper Award, Massey University (2022) Huugo Raninen Prize, Finnish Journal of Business Economics (2008) Best Qualitative Paper Award, Massey University (2012) Best Paper Award, Massey University (2012) Best Paper Award, Lincoln University (2015) In his academic role, Huikku supervises master's and doctoral students in strategic investment and management control topics. He directs a capstone management consultancy course where students address real corporate challenges. His international scholarly engagements include visiting positions at Copenhagen Business School, University of Auckland, and Stockholm School of Economics, reflecting his global research network. While specific grant details aren't provided, his extensive publication record in top journals indicates sustained research funding. Though not explicitly stated, Huikku's leadership as Department Head and collaborative research across institutions suggests active involvement in academic communities and research groups focused on accounting and management control systems.
Kristiina Brunila is Professor of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki , Finland. She is affiliated with the Department of Educational Sciences , the AGORA Research Center for Social Justice and Equality in Education , the Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) , and the Teachers' Academy . She also serves as a supervisor in the Doctoral Programs in Gender, Culture, and Society Studies and in School, Education, Society, and Culture. Her research critically examines the intersections of education, power, and governance , with a particular focus on neoliberal policy regimes , therapeutic governance , youth subjectification , and educational inequality . She employs feminist , deconstructive , and discursive methodologies to explore how education systems produce and regulate subjectivities under market-driven and psychologized paradigms. Brunila has led and co-led multiple externally funded research projects, including AGORAEd , FuturEd , CoSupport , and TASOVA , addressing themes such as social justice in education, youth vulnerability, and future-oriented governance. Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Maikki Friberg Equality Award and the Adult Educator of the Year . Scientific Awards: Adult Educator of the Year (2011) Faculty Student Union Merit Badge with Golden Merit (2012) Candidate for Bonus Magister – Excellent Teacher Award (2016) Honourable Mention, Nordic Journal of Migration Research Best Article Award (2024) Maikki Friberg Equality Award (2021) Doctoral Supervision and Mentoring: Supervisor or co-supervisor of 14+ doctoral theses Supervisor in Doctoral Program in Gender, Culture and Society Studies Supervisor in Doctoral Program in School, Education, Society and Culture Research Projects: AGORAEd : AGORA for the study of social justice and equality (Project Director) FuturEd : Interrupting Future Trajectories of the Precision Education Governance (Project Director) CoSupport : Interrupting Youth Support Systems in the Ethos of Vulnerability (Project Director) TASOVA : Equality in Regional Development (Project Director)
Associate Professor Dr. Thomas Waitz is a tenure-track professor of media cultural studies at the Institute for Theatre, Film and Media Studies at the University of Vienna. His work critically explores intersections of media aesthetics, capitalism, class society, and climate crisis through cultural theory frameworks. Education : Studied film/TV studies and German philology at Ruhr University Bochum, earned PhD from Goethe University Frankfurt in 2013 Research Themes examine: Politics of media representation in late capitalism Class production mechanisms through television Neoliberal self-technologies in digital culture Climate crisis through media studies lens Paradoxes of boredom and procrastination Infrastructure of academic labor and publishing Academic Leadership includes: Senior scientist at University of Vienna Visiting professorships at HBK Braunschweig and University of Vienna Editorial roles in Journal of Media Studies and co-editor of 6 major publications Key Publications span 2014 monograph Images of Transport to 2024 work on digital self-regulation. His research engages with: Algorithmic cultures Surveillance capitalism Media archaeology Urban media spaces Platform labor Body politics Awards & Memberships : Liaison Lecturer, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Board member, Society for Media Studies Peer reviewer for ZfM , nachdemfilm.de , and Digital Culture & Society
Miguel Vale de Almeida is a Full Professor in the Department of Anthropology at ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, where he also serves as an Integrated Researcher at CRIA-Iscte - Networked Center for Research in Anthropology. He is affiliated with the Circulation and Place Production Group, focusing on contemporary social transformations. Education: Aggregation in Anthropology, ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon (2000) PhD in Social Anthropology, ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon (1990-1994) Master's in Anthropology, State University of New York at Binghamton (1984-1986) Bachelor's in Social Anthropology, NOVA University of Lisbon (1979-1983) His research explores critical intersections of power, identity, and culture, with emphasis on: Gender/sexuality dynamics and LGBTQI+ rights Postcolonial legacies in Portuguese-speaking contexts Ethnic identity formation and racial discrimination Creolization processes across diasporic spaces Political anthropology of democratic transitions His publications demonstrate consistent engagement with identity politics, social justice, and anthropological theory. Recent works analyze intersectional discrimination mechanisms, decolonial perspectives in literature, and the sociopolitical dimensions of same-sex marriage legislation. Professor Vale de Almeida contributes to CRIA's Circulation and Place Production Group, examining spatial and cultural mobilities in global contexts. His ethnographic work spans Portugal, Brazil, Spain, and Israel/Palestine.
Sheila Wildeman is an Associate Professor at the Schulich School of Law , Dalhousie University, and serves as the Director of the Dalhousie Health Justice Institute . She holds a BA (Toronto) , MA (Columbia) , LLB (Dalhousie) , and LLM (Toronto) . Research focuses on Administrative Law , Mental Health Law , Disability Law , and Prison Justice , emphasizing human rights and deinstitutionalization . Key themes include legal capacity reform , anti-carceral critiques , and equal access to social determinants of health . Recent publications explore intersections of disability justice , prison reform , and judicial accountability , with a focus on Bill C-9 and decarceration strategies . Scientific awards: Nova Scotia Human Rights Award (Group Category, Bill 59 Alliance, 2017) Dalhousie Student Union Award for Teaching Excellence (2006) Service contributions include Vice-Chair of the East Coast Prison Justice Society , membership in the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice , and board roles in the Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division .
Professor Michael Lister is a Professor of Politics at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Law and Social Sciences. He has held academic roles since 2000, including Senior Lecturer (2007-2013) and Reader in Politics (2013-present). His research focuses on counterterrorism policy, citizenship, and state influence on public behavior, with a particular emphasis on the UK context. He leads the School's research initiatives and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Education: PhD in Political Science, University of Birmingham (2004) MA in Research Methods (Political Science), University of Birmingham (2000) BSocSci Political Science, University of Birmingham (1996) Research Interests: Intersections of terrorism/counterterrorism and public understandings of security Citizenship rights and political participation State theory and institutional analysis Vernacular security discourses Key Projects: ESRC-funded project on anti-terrorism, citizenship, and security in the UK Current study on public opinion's influence on UK counterterrorism policy Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Advising: Currently supervising Tim Wakeman's thesis on social movements Open to supervising students on citizenship, political participation, and anti-terrorism policies Labs/Teams: Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society (GPES)
Prof. Dr. Bettina Fritzsche is a Professor of General Educational Science with a focus on qualitative research methods at the Institute of Educational Science , University of Education Freiburg. She serves as Dean of Studies, Faculty I, and Head of BA/MA Educational Science programs. Her research examines educational practices through reconstructive methodologies, ethnography, and videography, with particular attention to cultural comparison, vulnerability, and inclusion/exclusion dynamics in pedagogical settings. University: University of Education Freiburg Role: Professor, Dean of Studies, Program Head Departments: Institute of Educational Science Email: bettina.fritzsche@ph-freiburg.de Research Focus: Fritzsche specializes in reconstructive educational research , analyzing teacher-student interactions and institutional norms through a cultural comparative lens . Her work applies Judith Butler's recognition theory to study how heterogeneity and inequality manifest in schools, particularly through policies aimed at inclusion. She investigates meta-ethnographic synthesis and methodological pluralism to understand cross-cultural educational practices. Article Trends: Her publications emphasize praxeological approaches to schooling, ethnographic case studies , and transnational educational comparisons . Key themes include vulnerability production , symbolic exclusion , and pedagogical border-drawing , with methodological innovations in videography and cultural translation .
João Florêncio is Professor of Gender Studies at Linköping University's Tema Genus, focusing on queer cultures through interdisciplinary lenses of media studies, cultural studies, and medical humanities. His research examines how bodies, sexualities, and media technologies interact in shaping ethical, political, and affective frameworks. Established new research area in 'Sexmedia och sexkulturer' Co-founder of NordSex network Editorial Board member at Sexualities journal Research explores queer corporeality, public sex spaces, chemsex practices, and the cultural dimensions of contagion/immunity narratives. Key themes include: Queer pedagogies through pornography Cruising as creative spatial practice Technological mediation of intimacy His 2025 book Crossings: Creative Ecologies of Cruising (with Liz Rosenfeld) analyzes queer spatial-temporal practices. Earlier work includes Bareback Porn, Porous Masculinities, Queer Futures (2020), which interrogates risk ethics in HIV-era pornography. Recent publications span: Far-right sexual imaginaries Viral masculinities Pharmaceutical self-technologies Queer pandemic responses
Daan Buijs is a PhD candidate and Researcher at WASS , active in the fields of Education and Learning Sciences. His work explores existential questions, consciousness, and eco-subjectification within higher education frameworks. PhD Research Focus: Transformative educational methodologies addressing loneliness, burnout, and boundary-crossing in emerging adulthood. Key Collaborators: Haavard Saeverot (philosophy of education) and Arjen Wals (sustainability pedagogy). Daan's publications emphasize phenomenological approaches and organizational change, aiming to create educational spaces for personal and ecological reflection. He has presented at academic conferences (2022–2024) on these topics, including applications of Bortoft's wisdom theories to education. Current project: Education as a foundation for living the questions in dialogue with the world (2019–present), focusing on judgment formation and dialogic learning processes.
Minju Kim is a Professor in the Korean Department within the School of Modern Languages and Literatures. She holds significant academic and editorial roles, including President of the International Circle of Korean Linguistics (ICKL) and Editor-in-Chief of The Korean Language in America . Her expertise spans Pragmatics, Grammaticalization, Discourse Analysis, Language and Gender, and Language Education. She earned her B.A. and M.A. from Yonsei University and her Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Kim’s research focuses on Korean linguistic structures, including honorifics, stance markers, and historical grammaticalization processes. Notable contributions include studies on Korean connectives, modal particles, and gendered language use in media. She has received the Korea Foundation Field Research Grant (2025). Her publications reflect interdisciplinary engagement in linguistics and sociolinguistics, with recent work addressing topics like Korean semi-honorific styles and cross-linguistic comparisons. She actively contributes to academic discourse through editorial roles and international collaborations.
Karen Smith is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin. Since her 2016 appointment, she has specialized in critical childhood studies and child policy analysis, focusing on inequality, power relations, and the application of governmentality theory to child welfare and rights. Her research engages with refugee and migration studies, particularly addressing the needs of children and families of international protection background. PhD in Social Policy, University College Dublin Her work spans multiple disciplines including social policy, sociology of childhood, and refugee studies. Research themes include governmentalization of childhood, critical analysis of child protection frameworks, and the intersection of migration policy with children's rights. She has contributed to Irish child policy development through collaborations with the OECD, Barnardos Ireland, and Nasc. Recent publications analyze family reunification challenges (2025), community sponsorship dynamics (2024), and childhood oppression theories (2024). She is currently finalizing a book on childhood and oppression (2026/2027 publication). Her teaching portfolio includes modules on social justice, equality theory, and refugee displacement. She has received academic recognition through research fellowships and advisory roles in national policy frameworks. Key scientific awards include the Open Postgraduate Award (2005) and National Children's Strategy Research Fellowship (2004). Professional engagements encompass membership in the Academic Advisory Council for 'Young Ireland' (2024) and expert panels for the Children's Fund (2023). Her email contact is karen.m.smith@ucd.ie.
Dr. Manuela Beyer is a researcher at the Chair of Economic and Organizational Sociology within the Department of Sociology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Her career spans institutions like Free University of Berlin (doctorate in 2023), Chemnitz University of Technology (2017-2023), and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (2015-2017). PhD in Sociology (Free University Berlin, 2023) Master of European Political Sociology (Dalarna University, Sweden, 2007) Studied Sociology, Psychology, and Journalism (University of Leipzig, 2003-2010) Research Interests: Manuela specializes in the sociology of emotions, gender relations, qualitative methods, and social change. Her work explores affective dynamics, emotional discourses, and their societal impacts. Teaching: In SS 2023, she teaches 'Work, Organization and Gender' and 'Sociology of Sexuality' at MLU Halle. She has also published extensively on topics ranging from emotionalization processes to national identification mechanisms. Publications Trends: Recent articles focus on fear discourse in gendered contexts, affective interview dynamics, emotional discourses in media, and collective emotions during football tournaments. Her scholarship bridges emotion theory, gender studies, and cultural analysis.
