William Powrie is Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Southampton and former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment (2010-2018). He authored the seminal textbook 'Soil Mechanics: Concepts and Applications' and chairs HS2's Independent Geotechnical Expert Panel. Research focuses on geotechnical challenges in transportation infrastructure including railway track behavior, earthworks, tunneling, and groundwater control. His work applies soil mechanics principles to complex materials like landfilled waste and railway ballast. As Convenor of the UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC) and leader of UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), he coordinates national infrastructure research initiatives. Recent publications emphasize experimental and numerical investigations of infrastructure performance, particularly railway geotechnics and sustainable construction practices. Awards and honors include Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2009), British Geotechnical Association Medal (2017, 2021), and invited lectureships worldwide. Current research projects receive support from EPSRC, Network Rail, and HS2. Advises multiple PhD students including Akeem Faniran, Benjamin Robert Lee, and Tracey Anne Najafpour Navaei. Leads the iPACT network developing infrastructure solutions for coastal communities.
Aeli Roberts is a Professorial Teaching Fellow at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, specializing in sustainability, health and safety, and sustainable construction practices. She is a member of BSSC's Centre for Sustainable Governance and Law in the Built Environment, a partnership between UCL and Gatehouse Chambers. Her educational background includes a diverse range of qualifications: PhD from Open University (2004), Bar Vocational Course from BPP Law School (2005), BSc in Construction Management from University College London (2003), MSc from Royal Holloway (1988), BSc from Royal Holloway (1986), and Higher National Diploma from Camberwell College of Art (1990). Initially trained as a chemist, she worked in industry and taught material science to conservation students before transitioning to construction management. Roberts' research focuses on integrating green space within urban environments for environmental and social benefits, health and safety in construction, and sustainable building practices. Her work examines sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which employ 85% of UK construction workers, and explores architect-client interactions for sustainable domestic construction. She has conducted comparative studies of health, safety, and well-being in UK and Hong Kong construction industries. Her publication record shows a strong focus on operational failure mitigation, knowledge transfer for safety culture, and the role of building control in sustainable construction. Recent work emphasizes climate change impacts on construction, wellbeing in the industry, and sustainable design integration. Her research bridges academic theory with practical application in the construction sector. Scientific Awards: Significant contributions serving the Design Futures Council's London and Cambridge Think Tank (2012) Roberts has held teaching positions across multiple subject areas including materials science, law, and sustainability. She has developed a third-year module on built asset management, emphasizing the importance of post-occupancy building performance. Her teaching philosophy connects historical building conservation with contemporary sustainability challenges, particularly in the context of upgrading existing housing stock to meet carbon reduction targets. She has been involved in collaborative research projects with organizations including the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), focusing on eco-design training for the construction supply chain. Her work with the CIC 2050 Group demonstrates engagement with industry-wide sustainability initiatives.
Tim Ibell is a Professor in the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Centre for Climate Adaptation & Environment Research (CAER). He has held leadership roles including Head of Department, Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), and Associate Dean (Research). His career includes a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award (2002) and a stint as Sir Kirby Laing Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Cambridge. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and has received six best journal-paper awards. Education: Postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge following industry experience. Joined Bath in 1997. Research focuses on sustainable construction materials, FRP reinforcement, and embodied carbon reduction in concrete structures. His work aligns with UN SDGs on climate action and sustainable cities. Key innovations include fabric-formed concrete structures and low-carbon pile foundations. Recent projects include EPSRC-funded studies on pile optimization, creative design teaching, and resource efficiency in industrial strategy. Collaborations span UK and international institutions. Awards include the Institution of Structural Engineers' recognition and Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship. Advising and grants: Supervises PhD students in sustainable construction. Leads multi-million-pound research projects addressing embodied carbon and material efficiency. Labs/Teams: Directs CAER and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like ACORN (Automating Concrete Construction) and MEICON (Minimising Energy in Construction).
Carla Edgley is a Professor of Accounting and Finance at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University. She serves as Co-Director of the Cardiff Interdisciplinary Tax Research Group (CITRG) and is an Associate Editor of Critical Perspectives on Accounting Journal. Her professional affiliations include being a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation Welsh Technical Sub-Committee, and former co-opted ICAEW Council member representing UK academia. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary social studies of accounting, with particular emphasis on diversity/gender studies, taxation, and the materiality concept. Drawing on critical theoretical frameworks including Foucauldian analysis, she examines power dynamics in accounting practices, professional identity formation, and the sociology of materiality as a reporting concept. Her work often bridges accounting with sociology, critical theory, and gender studies. Professor Edgley's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward critical perspectives on taxation and diversity in the accounting profession. Her work explores how diversity initiatives reshape professional identity and merit concepts within accounting firms, while her tax research investigates knowledge gaps and power dynamics in tax disclosures. The interdisciplinary nature of her scholarship is evident in her collaborations across multiple institutions and disciplines. Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through nominations for teaching excellence awards, including the 2024 Enriching Student Life Award nomination and Cardiff Business School's Teaching Excellence Award in 2013. As an educator, Professor Edgley teaches undergraduate courses in Taxation and Auditing, serving as module co-ordinator for multiple levels. She actively supervises PhD students in areas related to critical tax studies, diversity, inclusion, and professional identity in accounting. Her professional experience includes significant industry roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and other organizations before transitioning to academia. Her research projects include 'Diversity and career progression in the accounting profession,' 'Ethical leaders of tomorrow' (funded by CPA Ontario), and 'Exploring public feeling in tax reform' (a Civic Mission research project funded by Cardiff University).
Professor Nicole Metje is a Professor of Infrastructure Monitoring at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, and Director of the National Buried Infrastructure Facility. She also serves as Co-director of the Institute of Quantum Technology. Her research focuses on quantum sensing, geotechnical engineering, and infrastructure monitoring, with a particular emphasis on buried infrastructure detection and sustainable urban development. Education: PhD in Civil Engineering (University of Birmingham, 2001); Dipl.-Ing. in Civil Engineering (Hannover University, Germany, 1998). Key roles and affiliations include membership in EPSRC Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Team, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, and international advisory boards for Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She has authored/co-authored over 50 journal papers and a textbook on tunnel construction. Research areas include quantum sensor applications for buried asset detection, geophysical soil properties, and sensor development for infrastructure monitoring. She leads projects such as UKCRIC National Buried Infrastructure Facility and Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology. Awards and fellowships include FICE, FCInstCES, CEng, FHEA, and multiple committee memberships in national/international bodies. Teaching includes MSc courses on underground construction and geotechnical engineering. She supervises doctoral research on quantum sensors, soil-structure interactions, and sustainable infrastructure.
Ian Ewart is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading's School of the Built Environment, serving as Head of Construction and Engineering Management and Research Group Lead for Organisation, People and Technology. He chairs the Research Ethics Committee since 2016 and supervises undergraduate/postgraduate dissertations. His academic journey spans engineering and anthropology: DPhil Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2007-2012) MSc Material Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, St Hugh's College (2006-2007) BA (Hons) Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Oxford, Harris Manchester College (2003-2006) Diploma in Management Studies, University of the West of England (1990-1994) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Staffordshire University (1983-1987) Ewart's research integrates ethnographic methods with digital technology studies, examining human-technology interactions in construction and domestic settings. His work bridges engineering practice and social anthropology, focusing on skill transmission, sustainable design, and multisensory experiences in virtual environments. Publications from 2025-2013 reveal a dominant trajectory in digital twins for socio-ecological sustainability, VR-based occupant behavior prediction, and HBIM for heritage conservation. The corpus demonstrates consistent cross-disciplinary innovation, merging archaeological reconstructions with healthcare applications while maintaining anthropological rigor. Key recognition: ESRC Future Research Leader fellowship (2013) for Designing Healthy Homes project He supervises PhD candidates like Afolabi Dania (Nigerian sustainable construction) and Joanna Hull (Heritage BIM), leveraging ESRC funding for ethnography-VR health studies. His grants emphasize participatory design and real-world impact assessment in built environments. Leaders the Organisation, People and Technology research group, developing multisensory Roman town reconstructions with sound/smell integration to advance archaeological and architectural experience modeling.
Marcos Cruz is Professor of Innovative Environments at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), where he leads research in bio-integrated design. He runs Bio-ID with Dr. Brenda Parker, a multidisciplinary research platform investigating design driven by biotechnology, computation, materials, and fabrication. Previously, he served as Director of The Bartlett from 2010-2014 and founded the BiotA Lab (2014-2018). His academic career spans multiple institutions including University College London (where he ran MArch Unit 20 for 19 years), University of Westminster (2008-2010), UCLA (2010), and IAAC (2014-present). Professor Cruz holds a Licenciatura from ESAP Porto, a Masters with distinction from UCL, and a PhD from UCL (2007), sponsored by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. His doctoral research on 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' earned him the RIBA President's Research Award in 2008. He is a registered architect with both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Portuguese Architecture Chamber. His primary research area is Bio-Integrated Design, which explores how biotechnology and computation can reshape our built environment in response to climate change. This work goes beyond using nature as inspiration; instead, it treats nature as the medium for a multi-layered design approach. His key research project, Poikilohydric Living Walls, investigates integrating growth systems directly on building facades using algae and mosses that can switch photosynthetic activity on and off without additional maintenance. Another significant research area is The Body in Architecture, which examines the relationship between human flesh and architectural flesh, proposing a 'thick embodied flesh' that creates truly inhabitable architectural interfaces. His recent publications demonstrate a strong progression toward integrating living systems directly into building materials and facades. The research spans from microbial to tectonic scales, with increasing focus on biomaterials, robotic fabrication, and sustainable design approaches that actively participate in urban ecosystems rather than merely responding to them. RIBA President's Research Award (2008) for 'Neoplasmatic Architecture' Multiple Best Unit awards at Bartlett Summer Show (awarded by Thom Mayne, Paul Finch, Richard Rogers, Claude Parent, and Ross Lovegrove) Work part of permanent collection at FRAC Orleans Exhibitions at Venice and São Paulo Biennales Professor Cruz has supervised numerous PhD students through UCL's Research-by-Design programme and currently directs the MArch/MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. His research has been supported by EPSRC and involves industrial partners including Laing O'Rourke, Pennine Stone Limited, and Amorim, with academic partners at UCL Biochemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, and IST Tomar. He co-founded MAM-ARCH London (formerly marcosandmarjan) in 2000, whose work has built buildings and pavilions, won international competitions including the Kunsthaus Graz, and been exhibited globally. His practice represents a significant bridge between architectural design and biological systems, positioning him at the forefront of bio-integrated architectural research.
Professor Alistair Brandon-Jones (PhD, PGDip, BSc Hons) is a Full Chaired Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Bath's School of Management since 2014. He serves as Head of the Information, Decisions and Operations Division (2020–present) and holds Visiting Professor roles at Hult International Business School and Danish Technical University. His career spans academic leadership positions at Manchester Business School, Bath, and Warwick Business School, where he completed his PhD. Research Interests : Digitalisation of operations and supply chains, professional service operations, healthcare operations, and cybersecurity in AI systems. His work combines empirical methods with cross-sector collaborations, supported by UKRI, ESRC, EPSRC, and the Welsh Assembly Government. Key themes include telehealth integration , responsible AI deployment , and value-based procurement . Teaching & Consulting : He teaches Operations Management, Supply Chain, and Project Management across executive, MBA, and undergraduate levels, with consulting experience for Maersk, NHS, and Qatar Leadership Centre. His textbooks like Operations Management (10th ed., 2022) are globally cited. Scientific Awards : Times Higher Education Teaching Excellence Prize Association of MBAs (AMBA) Award Production Operations Management Society (POMS) Recognition Hult International Business School Teaching Prize Supervision & Projects : Currently supervising doctoral students in digital transformation, he leads two major projects: ESRC Digital Security by Design Social Science Hub (2020–2025) and Welsh Government Healthcare Integration (2009–2009). His research aligns with UN SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production) through supply chain innovations.
Professor John L Provis is a leading expert in cement materials science at the University of Sheffield 's School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. He also holds a Visiting Professor position at Luleå University of Technology's Building Materials division. PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Melbourne) 2013 RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal 2015 Honorary Doctorate from Hasselt University Editor-in-Chief of Materials and Structures His research focuses on alkali-activated materials and geopolymer binders for sustainable construction, with key themes in chemical speciation , waste immobilization , and novel cement systems for nuclear applications. Recent publications highlight 15 representative articles spanning topics: Radiation-resistant cementitious matrices Geopolymer synthesis for heavy metal containment Thermodynamic modeling of binder systems Corrosion mechanisms in alkali-activated concretes Low-carbon cement alternatives Microstructural analysis via advanced spectroscopy Scientific Recognition : RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal recipient Hasselt University Honorary Doctorate Editorial leadership roles in major journals Contact: j.provis@sheffield.ac.uk | Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield
Dr. Kathryn A. Burnett is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Arts and Media at the University of the West of Scotland, based in the School of Business and Creative Industries. She is actively involved in supervising PhD students and contributes to research areas including rural sociology, cultural heritage, and climate adaptation. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable communities and environmental stewardship. Education: (Details not explicitly provided in text, but her extensive academic output suggests a PhD in related fields.) Research Interests: Dr. Burnett’s expertise spans Scottish culture, remote rural communities, island studies, and the creative industries. Her work emphasizes cultural work, resilience in marginalized regions, and the intersection of media, narrative, and place. She explores themes such as Gaelic heritage, climate adaptation strategies, and the socio-economic dynamics of small island communities. Recent Research Trends: Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to rural regeneration, climate adaptation through participatory methods, and the mediatization of island spaces. Recent work includes studies on Arctic art education, coastal community resilience, and sustainable enterprise in remote areas. Awards: SFHEA (2021) Best Paper Award, Rural Enterprise ISBE, Cardiff (2013) Winner of Best Paper Rural Enterprise ISBE (2014) Grants & Advisory Roles: She has held external examiner roles at institutions like the University of Highlands and Islands and has been a Board Member of The Reid Foundation. Her activities include organizing conferences, hosting academic visitors, and contributing to national and international research networks. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include projects with the University of Lapland (e.g., Nurture: Living in the Landscape) and cross-border initiatives on Arctic studies and climate adaptation. She frequently engages in interdisciplinary research with environmental scientists and sociologists.
Claire Robins serves as Professor of Museology and Art at University College London's Institute of Education, leading the Art, Design & Museology Academic Group and acting as Department Graduate Tutor for the Department of Culture, Communication and Media. Her work critically bridges art practice, museum studies, and educational theory to advance democratic engagement in cultural institutions. Education: PhD in Museum Education, University of London (2009) Master's degree in Gallery/Museum Education, University of London Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, St Martins School of Art (now University of the Arts London) Research Focus: Robins investigates the intersection of artists' practices with critical pedagogy, emphasizing progressive education and avant-gardist strategies in twentieth-century knowledge production. Her scholarship examines how contextual forces shape learning definitions in museums, with particular attention to materialities, pedagogic forms, and democratic potential within institutional frameworks. This work consistently challenges conventional museum narratives through artist-led interventions. Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent publications (2012-2025) reveal sustained exploration of museology-art education synergies, highlighting pedagogic innovation through artists' interventions, critical assessment frameworks, and democratic museum practices. Key thematic threads include narrative disruption in galleries, sustainability in art education assessment, and the transformative role of fiction in reimagining museum epistemologies. Advising & Leadership: Robins has supervised PhD/EdD students since 2010 and directed the MA Art Education, Culture and Practice program (2011-2023). She currently teaches MA modules in Museums and Galleries in Education and leads the Education and Curation component, while mentoring MA dissertations. Her leadership extends to developing gallery-based short courses with Engage. Professional Engagement: As editorial board member for Arts & Communication and Engage , and active participant in ICOM and NSEAD, Robins shapes global discourse through international keynotes (e.g., Korean Society for Education in the Arts, 2019) and curated seminars like Soft Subjects: Material Practice in Gallery Education (2024). Her review work for Routledge and Intellect Books further demonstrates scholarly stewardship.
Professor Phil Purnell is a Professor of Materials and Structures at the School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds. His expertise spans materials science, infrastructure systems, circular economy, and interdisciplinary research. He leads projects addressing decarbonization, waste-to-resource systems, and sustainable construction materials. His roles include Deputy Head of School and advisor to UKRI, DEFRA, and the UK Government’s Circular Economy Taskforce. He holds visiting positions at the Royal College of Art and University of Cambridge. Education: PhD, BEng (Civil), and teaching qualifications (PCPCE, ACTLHE). His research focuses on circular economy applications in textiles, offshore wind, and foundational industries. Notable projects include the Textiles Circularity Centre, Yorkshire Circular Economy Living Lab, and Complex Value Optimisation for Resource Recovery (C-VORR). He advocates for systemic approaches to sustainability, integrating economic, technical, and environmental values. Research outputs emphasize decarbonization pathways, material lifecycle assessments, and robotics in infrastructure management. Collaborations with industry and policy bodies drive practical solutions for resource efficiency. His work bridges engineering, economics, and environmental science to address global challenges like waste management and climate change.
Dr Paul Henshall is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. His work bridges advanced thermal systems, renewable energy, and mathematical modelling, with a strong focus on sustainable technologies. His research interests include: Mathematical modelling of renewable energy systems Second-life battery energy storage Thermal management of battery packs Lithium-ion cell characterization Advanced solar thermal systems Thermochemical energy storage The analysis of his recent publications (2018–2025) reveals a consistent focus on energy storage and solar thermal technologies. His work emphasizes computational modelling, experimental validation, and sustainability assessment, particularly in second-life batteries and high-efficiency solar collectors. Key themes include battery degradation prediction, thermal stress analysis, and the integration of renewable systems in buildings and industry. Professional recognitions include: Chartered Physicist (CPhys) Member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Member of the Institute of Physics Energy Group Committee Paul supervises MEng and PhD students, including Dr. Farhad Salek, whose thesis focused on second-life battery systems. He teaches core modules in engineering mathematics, numerical methods, and computational modelling. He is involved with the Centre for Batteries, Electric Vehicles and Electronics and the Architectural Engineering Research Group, contributing to interdisciplinary research in sustainable energy systems.
Alex Wilson is an Associate Professor at Queen's Business School, Queen's University Belfast. He holds leadership roles including Director of Internationalisation and Direction of Reputation and Rankings at Queen's Business School, and previously held directorships at Loughborough University's School of Business and Economics. Research Interests: Open Strategy, Digital Strategizing, Strategy as Practice, Future of Management Education. Expertise in qualitative methods, IT/social media's role in strategic work, and business school innovation. His research explores how technology mediates strategic processes, organizational legitimacy, and the evolving purpose of business schools. He has advised on strategic initiatives for institutions globally and contributed to defining digital strategizing frameworks. Key Achievements: Recipient of CABS Research Fellowships (2017, 2018) Dean’s Award for Early Career Teaching Excellence (2015) Led studies on Singapore Management University's strategic evolution and UK business school competitiveness. Advises PhD students focusing on topics like corporate sustainability tensions, services offshoring, and Christian values in business. Active in hosting international delegations and delivering invited talks on open strategy and digital transformation.
Mohd Ahmad Syed is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Manchester's Department of Civil Engineering and Management. His research focuses on climate change impacts on geotechnical infrastructure, resilient and sustainable infrastructure design, and earthquake engineering. He holds a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and has industry experience with firms like Consulting Engineering Services (I) Pvt. Ltd and Dar Al-Handasah Consultants. Education: BTech (Hons) in Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (2001) MTech in Geotechnical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (2003) PhD in Seismic Analyses of Waterfront Structures, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (2009) Research Interests: Climate change modelling for geotechnical infrastructure resilience Development of sustainable construction materials (e.g., bagasse ash) Seismic risk analysis for dams and tunnels in West Africa Artificial soil weathering techniques for laboratory testing Coupled numerical methods for embankment stability under climate scenarios Editorial Activities: Assistant Editor, International Journal of Geomechanics (ASCE) Assistant Editor, Indian Geotechnical Journal (Springer) Key Achievements: Developed first-of-its-kind displacement-based S-curve for seismic earth pressure analysis Co-developed methodologies for post-liquefaction pile behavior and blast-loaded tunnels Guided 10 PhD/MSc students in geotechnical resilience and sustainability topics