Vidar Hepsø is a Professor at the Department of Computer Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). His work bridges anthropology of science and technology with practical challenges in digitalization, energy transition, and remote operations. Research focuses on digital infrastructures, socio-technical systems, and human factors in oil and gas industries Active in NTNU Applied Information Technology and NTNU Energy Transition Initiative Publications emphasize open-source ecosystems, autonomous systems, and environmental monitoring His scholarly output spans computer-supported collaborative work, IT infrastructure governance, and risk-informed anomaly detection in subsea systems. He leads projects connecting digital innovation with offshore wind and petroleum geoscience.
Ari Jantunen is a Professor in Strategy Research at the LUT Business School, LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland. He is affiliated with the Department of Business Studies and has been actively contributing to academic research in strategic management and organizational behavior. University: LUT University School: LUT Business School Department: Business Studies Position: Professor, Strategy Research Email: Ari.Jantunen@lut.fi He earned his D.Sc. (Econ.) from Lappeenranta University of Technology in 2005, establishing a long-standing academic career focused on strategic change and innovation. Ari Jantunen’s research centers on strategic change and renewal, organizational cognition, dynamic capabilities, dominant logic, and industry dynamics . His work explores how managerial cognition influences strategic decisions and organizational performance, particularly in industries undergoing transformation such as media, energy, and forest sectors. He also investigates sustainability strategies, the circular bioeconomy, and corporate social performance. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in using cognitive mapping, qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), and simulation modeling to understand strategic phenomena. Articles on dominant logic, strategic renewal, and cognitive diversity highlight his focus on the cognitive underpinnings of strategic management. Among his notable works are studies on the bioeconomy transition in the pulp and paper industry, innovation races in high-tech sectors, and the interplay between corporate social and financial performance. Jantunen has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Anni Tuppura, Satu Pätäri, Kalevi Kyläheiko, and Anssi Tarkiainen, often co-authoring studies in journals like European Management Journal , Journal of Business Research , and Futures . Ari Jantunen is actively engaged in research and supervision, though no specific students are listed in the provided sources. He does not appear to have received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards, but his consistent publication record in high-impact journals underscores his academic contributions. He has been involved in interdisciplinary research projects, particularly those examining the interface between the energy and forest sectors, the diffusion of energy services, and innovation in cleantech firms. His work often combines theoretical rigor with practical insights, contributing to both academic discourse and industry applications.
Prof. Dr. Julia Metag is Professor for Communication Science at the Department of Communication, University of Münster, where she heads the chair on 'Forms and Processes of Public Communication.' Her research focuses on political communication, science communication, media effects, and online communication. She is actively involved in major research initiatives such as the 'Hot SciComm Lab' (funded by the Volkswagen Foundation) and 'Global Warming’s Five Germanys,' and has led significant projects including the 'Science Barometer Switzerland.' Julia Metag's research interests include science communication, political communication, media use, public trust in science, science-related populism, climate change communication, and digital media. She investigates how audiences engage with scientific information, the role of visuals and AI in science communication, and the impact of misinformation and conspiracy theories. Her work often employs survey, experimental, and content analysis methods to understand public perceptions and media effects. Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on trust in science, audience segmentation, science literacy in digital environments, and the multimodal nature of science communication. She frequently collaborates with scholars across Europe, particularly with Mike S. Schäfer and other colleagues in Switzerland and Germany. Scientific Awards and Memberships: Member of the Academia Europaea (The Academy of Europe) Member of the German Society for Journalism and Communication Studies (DGPuK) Member of the International Communication Association (ICA) Member of the European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA) Member of the Center for Higher Education and Science Studies (CHESS), University of Zurich Editorial Board Member of Studies in Communication Sciences , Media and Communication , and Environmental Communication Advisory Board Member of the German 'Wissenschaftsbarometer' Julia Metag supervises student theses and leads collaborative research projects, often involving interdisciplinary teams. She has previously held academic positions at the University of Zurich and the University of Fribourg, and her work is widely published in top journals such as Public Understanding of Science , Science Communication , and Communication Research . She is also involved in public engagement through projects like 'Frag Sophie!' and 'Nachgefragt bei Sophie & Co,' which use creative formats to bridge science and society. She leads the 'Hot SciComm Lab,' which investigates science communication in highly contested, multimodal environments shaped by social media, AI, and deepfakes. Her leadership in research networks such as 'Cultures of Compromise' further demonstrates her interdisciplinary reach and academic influence.
Arun Rai serves as Regents’ Professor and Howard S. Starks Distinguished Chair at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business, where he co-founded and directs the Center for Digital Innovation. His career spans interdisciplinary research bridging information systems with societal impact through industry-university collaborations across global sectors. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. from Kent State University MBA from Clarion University of Pennsylvania M.S. from Birla Institute of Technology & Science Rai's research explores digital innovation , AI governance , and societal impacts of technology through investigations of platform ecosystems, supply chain transformation, and digital solutions for poverty and health disparities. His work uniquely connects technical systems design with behavioral and organizational outcomes across contexts from rural India to global corporations. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal intensifying focus on AI-human collaboration , digital risk assessment , and platform governance tensions , with growing emphasis on healthcare applications and equity implications. The trajectory shows evolution from organizational IT adoption toward complex sociotechnical systems addressing global challenges. His scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Association for Information Systems Distinguished Fellow of the INFORMS Information Systems Society LEO Award for Lifetime Exceptional Achievement Rai has mentored over 60 doctoral students (30+ as chair) with alumni now holding leadership positions globally. His research attracts major funding from Apollo Hospitals, China Mobile, IBM, Intel, UPS, and federal agencies, enabling real-world implementations like the Global Supply Chain Solutions Program during UPS's digital transformation. Current initiatives focus on generative AI in education and healthcare IT policy impacts. As director of the Center for Digital Innovation, he cultivates cross-sector partnerships advancing digital transformation through collaborative research on AI governance, platform ecosystems, and societal impact measurement.
Alfred Taudes is a Full Professor at the Department of Information Systems and Operations, Institute for Production Management, Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna). He holds a doctoral degree and a Habilitation from WU Vienna in Business Administration and Management Information Systems, and a Magister degree from Vienna University. He has held assistant professorships at WU and visiting professorships at Augsburg, Münster, Essen, and Tsukuba University, Japan. He joined WU permanently in 1993 and served as head of the Department of Information Systems and Operations from 2010 to 2016. His research spans Operations and Supply Chain Management , Marketing Engineering , Knowledge Management , and the impact of Big Data and Blockchain on production systems. Using Complexity Science and Cryptoeconomics , he investigates digital production, integrated value chains, and market designs. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Operations Strategy, Data Science, and IT seminars in WU’s International Supply Chain Master program, and has also taught at Japanese universities. His recent publications focus on blockchain privacy (e.g., CoinJoin analysis), CBDCs, MiCAR regulation, decentralized federated learning, and digital custody, reflecting a strong trend toward cryptoeconomics and blockchain-based systems in operations and finance. These works appear in top journals and conferences in information systems, security, and operations research. Cooperation Officer of the Year 2013/14 Distinguished Paper Award WI 2009 VHB Best Paper Award Nomination VHB Best Paper Award Dr. Wolfgang Houska - Recognition Award Alfred Taudes has coordinated major research projects such as the WWTF-project “Integrated Demand and Supply Chain Management” and the Special Research Area Adaptive Models in Economics and Management Science. He currently leads the research group on Cryptoeconomics at WU and chairs the scientific board of the Austrian Internet Offensive . His leadership extends to project management in initiatives like the Austrian Blockchain Center and research on decentralized finance and digital assets. He is actively involved in academic service, including organizing conferences like DEXA 2022, serving on editorial boards, and advising on research policy. His lab and research group focus on blockchain applications, digital transformation in operations, and the societal implications of big data.
Dr. Huadong Mo is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Systems and Computing, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra, Australia. He holds a B.E. degree in automation from the University of Science and Technology of China (2012) and a Ph.D. in systems engineering and engineering management from the City University of Hong Kong (2016). Prior to his current position, he was a research associate at ETH Zurich's Reliability and Risk Engineering Lab (2016-2019) and a Lecturer at UNSW Canberra (2019-2021). Dr. Mo's educational background includes a strong foundation in systems engineering with international experience across China, Switzerland, and Australia. His career trajectory demonstrates a progression from academic research to faculty positions with increasing responsibilities in teaching and research leadership. His research focuses on enhancing the resilience, performance, and security of complex systems using learning-based algorithms, primarily in power and energy systems, cyber-physical systems, and manufacturing systems. He applies data analytics to understand system evolution under uncertainties, with particular emphasis on prognostics and health management, sustainable transportation, robust operation of power systems under extreme events, and reinforcement learning-based asset management. His work bridges theoretical advances with practical applications in critical infrastructure. Analysis of Dr. Mo's recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy systems, particularly in the integration of machine learning with power grid management, battery storage systems, and resilience against cyber threats. His research shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly complex system integration, with growing emphasis on multi-vector energy communities, cross-domain prediction, and uncertainty-aware energy management. The interdisciplinary nature of his work spans electrical engineering, computer science, and operations research. 2024 IEEE SMC Early Career Award 2023 Visiting Research Fellowship (Jean d'Alembert Pour Fellowship) Gold Medal in 2024 China International College Student Innovation Competition (as supervisor) Arc PGC Supervisor Award (2021) IEEE SMC Outstanding Chapter Award (2021) Alumni Achievement Award from City University of Hong Kong (2019) Dr. Mo actively supervises numerous HDR students working on cutting-edge research topics including battery health monitoring, quantum control, reinforcement learning for power systems, and explainable AI for energy management. He leads multiple significant research grants totaling over 3 million AUD, including projects funded by ARC, Energy Innovation Fund, and international collaborations with institutions like ETH Zurich, Cambridge, and Tsinghua University. His research group maintains strong international connections, facilitating student exchanges and collaborative research. As Postgraduate Course Coordinator of Systems Engineering and Chair of IEEE SMC ACT Chapter, Dr. Mo plays a significant role in academic leadership and professional community building. His research team collaborates with industry partners on practical implementations of their theoretical work, particularly in the energy sector.
Sergey Tulyakov is the Director of Research at Snap Inc. , leading the Creative Vision team. His work focuses on enhancing creator capabilities through computer vision , machine learning , and generative AI , with applications in 2D/3D/4D video generation, editing, and personalization. He pioneered video generation frameworks like MoCoGAN and First Order Motion Model , and has been recognized for BEST IN SHOW AWARD at SIGGRAPH Real-Time Live! 2020. PhD (2012-2017): University of Trento, Italy MSc (2010): Belorusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics B.Eng (2009): Belorusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics His research interests span computer vision , generative models , 3D reconstruction , and personalization , with a focus on making large models efficient and mobile-compatible . Recent publications highlight advancements in 4D video generation , text-guided 3D composition , and lightweight architectures . Key scientific awards include the SIGGRAPH Real-Time Live! 2020 Best in Show for Interactive Video Stylization. He has also served on technical program committees for top-tier conferences like CVPR, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and NeurIPS since 2022. His team organizes tutorials and keynotes, including courses on Deep Generative Models and Efficient Neural Networks . While no direct student names are listed, his collaborative work spans 60+ top-tier publications.
Thomas Schlag is Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Zurich , with research foci in religious education, church theory, and pastoral theology . He directs the university-wide research focus "Digital Religion(s): Communication, Interaction and Transformation in the Digital Society" , exploring the intersection of theology and digital culture. His career includes roles as Chairman of the Center for Church Development (ZKE) and Dean of the Faculty of Theology (2014–2016). Key Research Areas : Digital religion, public theology, interreligious education, confirmation work, church development, and socio-political theology. Academic Leadership : Directed international studies on confirmation work, co-edited interdisciplinary theological compendiums, and contributed to debates on state religious education and digital ethics. Recent Publications (2024–2025) examine digital media in religious education, Swiss church reform, theological responses to polarization, and interfaith educational models. His "Digital Religion(s)" program analyzes church-state-civil society dynamics in digital societies. He teaches courses on existential religious education , digital transformation , and ecclesiological-practical semesters . Collaborations include the European Network for Confirmation Work , International Academy of Practical Theology , and projects with Swiss and international theological institutions. His work bridges digital innovation , democratic education , and pastoral care in virtual environments .
Anja Kraus is a Professor in Arts and Culture Education at Stockholm University, Department of Teaching and Learning. She has held academic positions at the University of Education Ludwigsburg (2003-2013), Linnaeus University Växjö (2013-2019), and joined Stockholm University in 2018. Her academic journey began with studies in Philosophy and Educational Sciences at Free University Berlin and Arts Education at the University of the Arts Berlin, Germany. Her research focuses on Pedagogical Anthropology, with special emphasis on tacit knowledge, corporeality, aesthetic education, and multimodal learning. She has developed systematic approaches to understanding tacit knowing in educational contexts, particularly examining how corporeality, aesthetic learning, and inclusivity function in schools. Her work bridges phenomenological, ethnographical, and body-phenomenological approaches with practical educational applications. She has made significant contributions to understanding how materiality, performativity, and imaginaries shape educational practices. Her recent publications reveal strong trends in embodiment studies, with particular attention to kinesthetic learning, spatial pedagogy, and the relationship between aesthetics and sustainability. Her work increasingly explores educational practices within the Anthropocene context, examining how arts education can address environmental concerns through embodied approaches. The recurring theme across her publications is the exploration of how tacit knowledge manifests in educational settings and how this understanding can transform teaching practices. As head convenor of the international scientific network 'Tacit Dimensions of Pedagogy,' she has organized numerous workshops and conferences addressing pedagogical terminologies across languages. Her collaborative projects span Scandinavia, Europe, Asia, and North and South America, demonstrating her commitment to transcultural approaches in educational research. Her teaching spans multiple languages (German, English, Swedish, Spanish) and covers diverse areas including Classroom Education, Cultural and Media Education, Sciences of Bildung, Elementary Education, and Vocational Training. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes practice-oriented competence, inclusive school development, and aesthetic learning environments with a comparative perspective.
Bernie Grummell is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Education and Adult & Community Education at Maynooth University , part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. They co-direct the Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education Programme, the Structured PhD in Adult & Community Education, and the Centre for Research in Adult Learning and Education. They serve on the Social Science Research Subcommittee and the Athena Swan Committee, and engage actively with policy, community, and civil society organizations. Research Interests: Grummell’s work focuses on social justice, inclusion, and transformation across education and society. Current projects include the TUTOR teachers academies (Erasmus+), Youthreach staff wellbeing, and transformative community education in Malawi and Zambia. Past research includes adult literacy initiatives for ALOA and policy briefings for SOLAS, ETBI, and NALA. Publications & Projects: Key works include edited volumes on critical adult education research (Brill/Sense, 2020) and Power and Possibility in Adult Education (Brill, 2019). They led the DISCs project on societal challenges in higher education and contributed to EU-funded initiatives like HE4U2 (cultural inclusion) and Unlocking Freedom (disability de-institutionalisation). Policy Contributions: Grummell has authored submissions to Ireland’s National Access Plan, Department of Further and Higher Education strategies, and the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) review, advocating for equitable access and inclusive education policies. Teaching & Leadership: Their roles include curriculum development for social justice teaching in Irish higher education and guidelines for intercultural learning environments in HE institutions.
Dr. Andy Nguyen is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland. He holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), an MEng from the National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE), and a BEng from NUCE. His research focuses on structural health monitoring, integrating machine learning and deep learning techniques to assess infrastructure integrity. Key areas include damage detection in bridges, pavements, and buildings, as well as sustainable construction materials like bamboo. Nguyen leads projects such as the 'Next Generation Living Laboratory for Engineering Education and Engagement,' emphasizing real-world applications of technology in civil infrastructure. His work spans crack detection algorithms, finite element model updating, and vibration-based structural analysis. He collaborates on AI-driven solutions for autonomous vehicle object detection and smart maintenance planning. Nguyen’s contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed publications and active supervision of postgraduate research in composite materials and transport infrastructure. His research outputs highlight advancements in computational mechanics, sensor technologies, and data-driven methods for infrastructure resilience. Nguyen’s expertise bridges civil engineering challenges with cutting-edge machine learning, advancing both theoretical and applied solutions for sustainable and safe structures.
Jenn Brophy is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University, developing technologies for genetic engineering of plants and microbes to address environmental stress resilience and agricultural sustainability. Her lab focuses on synthetic genetic circuits for plant root reprogramming and stress response optimization. B.S. in Bioengineering, UC Berkeley (2010) Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, MIT (2016) Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University (Biology) Research spans synthetic biology, plant genetics, and microbiome engineering, emphasizing climate adaptation and sustainable biotechnology. Current projects include: Plant-microbe interaction engineering Stress-responsive biosensors High-throughput genetic tool development Plant cell atlas integration Sustainable laboratory practices Her recent publications highlight advances in recombinase circuits, root architecture engineering, and plant cell mapping, with applications in climate resilience and microbiome design. Collaborators include José Dinneny (Stanford) in plant synthetic biology research.
ZhaoHong Han is a Professor of Language and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Director of the Center for International Foreign Language Teacher Education (CIFLTE). Her research focuses on second language acquisition (SLA), systems thinking, and the integration of AI into language education. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Birkbeck College, University of London, and has authored over 100 scholarly publications. Key Affiliations: Teachers College, Columbia University Expertise: SLA theory, language teacher education, crosslinguistic influence, and AI applications Research Interests Dr. Han explores foundational SLA concepts like fossilization, ultimate attainment, and the critical period hypothesis through complex dynamic systems theory. She investigates how AI can transform language learning, emphasizing ethical use of generative models like ChatGPT. Her work bridges theory and practice through teacher training and classroom-based research in diverse contexts like Tunisian EFL education. Publications Her recent work addresses AI's role in SLA (2025), social physics in language development (2024), and critical age-attainment relationships (2023). She frequently critiques methodological limitations in SLA research while advocating for interdisciplinary approaches. Center for International Foreign Language Teacher Education As director, she leads global initiatives to improve language teacher training through evidence-based practices and cross-cultural collaboration.
Dr. John O'Sullivan is a Professor in the School of Communications at Dublin City University (DCU), part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He has been teaching since 1996, specializing in journalism, media theory, and technology's societal impact. His research focuses on journalism practice, digital media, news audiences, and media ethics, particularly through projects like the EU-funded ReMED initiative examining news media in Ireland. He has held leadership roles, including Chair of the MA in Journalism program and Vice-President of the Journalism Studies Section at ECREA. His academic background includes extensive experience in newspaper editing and digital media initiatives. Research interests span media formats/platforms, participatory journalism, and the interplay between technology and democracy. He has supervised PhD students exploring digital news strategies, Southeast Asian journalism norms, and social media's democratic role. O'Sullivan's work bridges traditional and digital media, emphasizing post-digital journalism's challenges and opportunities. Publications span peer-reviewed journals like Journalism and Digital Journalism , addressing topics such as news consumption, algorithmic impact, and participatory methodologies. He has contributed to international conferences and research networks, including COST Actions on audience transformations and Eastern European media studies. His teaching emphasizes professional journalistic values in evolving media landscapes.
Magdalena Szymczyk is a Lecturer in the Department of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering at AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering. Her work bridges embedded systems, biomedical signal processing, and geophysical data analysis. Research focuses on energy-efficient sensor networks, neural networks for GPR data classification, and mathematical transforms in signal analysis Expertise in parallel computing, real-time systems, and biomedical engineering applications Her publications (2015–2025) demonstrate a trajectory from parallel neural networks and S-transform/GPR methodologies to recent work on MicroPython in embedded systems. Key themes include energy optimization in distributed architectures and AI-driven signal processing across biomedical and geophysical domains. She has authored works on deterministic chaos in simulations, GPU image processing, and cybersecurity in microcontroller systems. Her current research emphasizes embedded systems security, medical signal diagnostics, and computational methods for geological analysis. She utilizes tools like OpenCL for GPU acceleration and MATLAB for parallel computing implementations.
