Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Raimund Kovacevic is a Senior Lecturer at the Department for Economy and Health at the University for Continuing Education Krems. His research focuses on health economics, epidemiological modeling, and optimization in healthcare systems. He has contributed to projects such as the 'Nachhaltige Gesundheitsversorgung im Spannungsfeld zwischen Tradition und Evidenzbasierung' and 'Centre for Evidence-based Health Economics: Community Health Nursing in Lower Austria,' funded by state and institutional grants. His work spans mathematical models for disease control (e.g., vaccination strategies for waning immunity), stochastic optimization in healthcare decision-making, and energy market pricing mechanisms. Notable collaborations include studies on community nursing interventions and pandemic response strategies. Kovacevic has presented at international conferences, including OR 2024 and the World Congress on Nursing Education, and holds an 'Outstanding reviewer award 2016.' Key Research Themes: Optimal control in healthcare, epidemiological dynamics, risk-averse bargaining models, and energy market analyses. Grants & Projects: Includes projects on sustainable healthcare systems and community nursing evaluations, supported by federal and institutional funding. His expertise bridges mathematical methods with practical healthcare and economic challenges, emphasizing evidence-based solutions for complex system dynamics.
Dr. Say Yen Teoh is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Info Sys & Supply Chain at RMIT University. Her research focuses on digital sustainability, AI, blockchain, and health information systems, with a growing emphasis on ESG principles and AI integration. She holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore and has collaborated internationally across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and fashion. Her work emphasizes real-world impact, addressing challenges in supply chain traceability, preventive care systems, and SME digital transformation. Notable achievements include the AI-powered ESG artifact and contributions to eHealth systems in value-based healthcare. Dr. Teoh has supervised projects on sustainable AI for SMEs, blockchain in food supply chains, and public library data management. Her awards include the 2017 SAP Academic of the Year and NUS PhD Scholarship. Teaching interests span digital innovation, enterprise systems, and digital strategy. Education: PhD (National University of Singapore), Honours Degree (Monash University) Collaborations: Australia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, USA Key Research Themes: Sustainable AI, Blockchain in Supply Chains, Health Informatics
Dr. Stefan Verweij is an Assistant Professor in Infrastructure Planning, Governance & Methodology at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Spatial Sciences, affiliated with the Department of Spatial Planning and Environment. He coordinates the Bachelor Spatial Planning and Design program and leads the Sustainable Road Infrastructure research collaboration between Rijkswaterstaat and the university. Verweij obtained his PhD in Public Administration from Erasmus University Rotterdam in 2015, with prior positions at the University of Bamberg and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Research Focus Verweij's research examines collaboration in cross-sector governance networks, specializing in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure development. His work focuses on three pillars: enhancing PPP performance and sustainability, advancing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) for infrastructure evaluation, and exploring infrastructure's role in post-growth societal transitions. Methodologically, he develops time-sensitive applications of QCA and studies boundary-spanning practices in complex projects. Awards and Recognition Responsive Infrastructure Through Responsive Institutions (2017) Editorial Board Member: Public Works Management & Policy (2018-2025) Editorial Board Member: Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy (2024-2025) Academic Leadership Verweij supervises multiple PhD projects focusing on infrastructure governance, network management, and sustainable transitions. He coordinates the research program 'Sustainable Networks' and maintains collaborations with Rijkswaterstaat and the Bertelsmann Foundation. His grant leadership includes studies on institutional design for infrastructure renewal and collaborative investment strategies.
Dr. Dominic Doe Ahiaga-Dagbui is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Head of School (Research) at Deakin University's School of Architecture and Built Environment within the Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment. With extensive experience in infrastructure research and project management, he leads the Deakin Megaprojects Research Group and co-leads the Deakin Transport Futures Hub. His educational background includes: PhD in Infrastructure Delivery and Construction Project Management from University of Edinburgh (UK) MSc in Civil Engineering and Construction Management from Heriot-Watt University (UK) BSc (Hons, First Class) in Building Technology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana Dr. Ahiaga-Dagbui's research focuses on major infrastructure projects, particularly examining cost overruns, procurement strategies, project governance, and risk management. His work bridges academic research with practical industry applications, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to infrastructure delivery. He actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across politics, business, economics, IT, statistics, and psychology to develop innovative solutions for complex infrastructure challenges. His publication record reveals a strong focus on transportation infrastructure cost performance, with particular emphasis on debunking simplistic explanations for cost overruns and developing more nuanced systemic approaches. His work demonstrates an evolution from technical analysis of cost overruns toward institutional and governance perspectives that consider the complex political and organizational contexts of infrastructure delivery. His scientific recognition includes: Dave Langford Commemorative Award for Best Project Management Paper Conference Paper Award from the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (2015) As an academic leader, Dr. Ahiaga-Dagbui supervises numerous doctoral candidates across architecture, built environment, and finance disciplines, focusing on transport megaprojects, sustainable infrastructure financing, and social value evaluation. He has secured multiple research grants, including a $68,158 contract with the Department of Transport for 'Innovating Major Project Contracting: Maximising Value in Infrastructure Delivery.' His professional activities include serving as Associate Editor for the ICE Management, Procurement and Law journal and contributing to policy discussions with government bodies including the UK Parliament. He leads the Deakin Megaprojects Research Group, which focuses on developing innovative approaches to infrastructure delivery through interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based research.
Dr. Sepehr Abrishami is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for MSc BIM at the University of Portsmouth's Faculty of Technology, within the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying. He is a registered architect with extensive experience in Europe and the Middle East, specializing in Architecture, Integrated & Digital Design, Construction Automation, AI, Blockchain, and Virtual Reality applications in construction. His expertise includes BIM integration, offsite manufacturing, and smart building technologies. Education: PhD in Environmental Design (Cardiff University) MSc in Environmental Design First-Class Registered Architect (Iran) Research Interests: Focuses on advancing BIM technologies, blockchain applications in construction, AI-driven design automation, and sustainable construction practices. His work bridges architectural design, digital innovation, and construction management to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Advising & Grants: Supervised multiple PhD/postgraduate students and contributed to projects exploring smart contracts, DfMA, and disaster management using BIM. Active in collaborative research with industry partners on topics like cost optimization and IoT integration. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Portsmouth AI and Data Science Centre and the Agile Centre For Equitable Sustainability, advancing interdisciplinary research in AI, sustainability, and construction innovation.
Joseph S. Ross, MD, MHS, is a Professor of Medicine (General Medicine) at the Yale School of Medicine and Professor of Public Health (Health Policy and Management) at the Yale School of Public Health. He is affiliated with the Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) at Yale-New Haven Hospital and holds joint appointments in the Institution for Social and Policy Studies. He serves as Co-Director of the National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP) at Yale and co-leads the Yale-Mayo Clinic Center for Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI). Professor of Medicine, General Internal Medicine Professor of Public Health, Health Policy & Management Member, Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation (CORE) Co-Director, National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP) Co-Director, Yale-Mayo Clinic CERSI Chair, MEDCAC Committee Deputy Editor, JAMA Co-Founder, medRxiv Dr. Ross’s research centers on health services research, with a focus on improving health care delivery for older adults and vulnerable populations. His work spans pharmaceutical and medical device regulation, postmarket surveillance, evidence development, and health policy reform. He investigates how federal and state policies impact care quality and access, particularly in ambulatory settings. His recent publications in journals such as JAMA , Health Affairs , and Diabetes reflect a strong trend in evaluating drug safety (e.g., GLP-1 agonists), regulatory policy (e.g., FDA oversight of lab tests), Medicare coverage with evidence development, and health equity in clinical trials. His research frequently leverages large administrative datasets to assess clinical outcomes and inform policy. Public Health Implications of Legal Challenges to the FDA’s Regulation of Laboratory-Developed Tests Representation of Women, Older Adults, and Racial and Ethnic Minoritized Patients in Pivotal Trials Assessing Medicare’s Coverage With Evidence Development Program Reaffirming the JAMA Network Commitment to the Health of Patients and the Public Dr. Ross has served as Deputy Editor at JAMA , Associate Editor at JAMA Internal Medicine and BMJ , and is Chair of the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC). He co-founded medRxiv, a preprint server for health sciences, advancing open science. He leads multiple collaborative initiatives including the Yale Open Data Access (YODA) Project and the Collaboration for Regulatory Rigor, Integrity, and Transparency (CRRIT), fostering interdisciplinary research in regulatory science. He is a key figure in national health policy discourse and mentors early-career clinician-scientists through the NCSP. His work is supported by contracts with federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and collaborations across law, medicine, and public health. Dr. Ross co-directs the Yale-Mayo Clinic CERSI and leads efforts in the National Evaluation System for health Technology (NEST) at Yale-New Haven Health System. He also directs the CRRIT initiative at Yale Law School, emphasizing the integration of legal and scientific rigor in regulatory decision-making.
Eelon Mikael Lappalainen serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher within the Department of Civil Engineering at Aalto University's School of Engineering, actively contributing to the Performance in Building Design and Construction research group. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in construction project delivery, emphasizing process optimization and digital innovation in the built environment sector. His research spans lean construction methodologies, situational awareness systems, and digital transformation in infrastructure projects, with specific focus areas including Last Planner System implementation, Takt Time production, BIM-based visualization, and decision-making dynamics in building design. He investigates how digital tools enhance work flow management, address design complexity, and empower self-managed construction teams while examining challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in alliance contracting environments. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals consistent exploration of situational awareness systems across infrastructure projects, with emerging trends in batch sizing for design workflows, real-time visual management, and cognitive aspects of construction decision-making. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration, frequently co-authored with Finnish researchers like Olli Seppänen and Petri Uusitalo, and targets high-impact venues including IGLC conferences and journals such as Buildings and Frontiers in Built Environment. Dr. Lappalainen's scholarly contributions appear primarily in proceedings of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) conferences and peer-reviewed journals focused on construction innovation, with notable publications examining digital situational awareness adoption barriers, empowerment challenges in self-managed teams, and SME competitiveness in alliance contracts. His research methodology combines case studies, user experience analysis, and theoretical framework application to practical construction scenarios. He maintains active involvement in the Performance in Building Design and Construction research group, which focuses on developing and testing performance-enhancing strategies through lean principles, digital tools, and collaborative design approaches. The group's work addresses critical industry challenges including work complexity navigation, real-time project monitoring, and technology adoption in infrastructure construction contexts.
Milena I. Neshkova serves as Professor of Public Policy Administration and Program Director for the Master of Arts in Global Affairs at Florida International University's Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs. Her academic leadership bridges theoretical rigor with practical governance challenges, particularly in democratizing contexts. Her educational credentials include: PhD in Public Affairs from Indiana University (2008) M.P.A. from Indiana University M.A. in Journalism from Sofia University Dr. Neshkova's research investigates fundamental questions about bureaucratic behavior in democratic systems, emphasizing citizen participation mechanisms, fiscal accountability, and anti-corruption strategies. Her unique perspective integrates insights from Bulgaria's democratic transition—where she worked as a journalist during systemic reforms—with contemporary public administration theory. This dual lens reveals how administrative structures either enable or obstruct equitable governance. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications shows intensifying focus on three interconnected frontiers: (1) administrative burden reduction for marginalized populations, (2) sustainability transitions in public procurement (particularly green initiatives), and (3) gender dynamics in fiscal decision-making. Her methodological approach increasingly combines comparative case studies with experimental designs to isolate causal mechanisms. Her scholarly recognition includes: Excellence in Teaching Award for pedagogical innovation Dr. Neshkova directs externally funded initiatives examining democratic governance under stress, including National Science Foundation research on corruption dynamics and European Union Center of Excellence projects analyzing administrative reforms. Her grant portfolio demonstrates sustained interest in how institutions mediate between political mandates and citizen outcomes. As Program Director, she shapes curriculum development for future global affairs practitioners while mentoring students through research collaborations on pressing governance challenges. Her leadership extends to operationalizing theoretical frameworks through the Master of Arts in Global Affairs program, where she cultivates student engagement with real-world policy dilemmas through applied research opportunities and practitioner partnerships.
Prof. Fredo Schotanus is a Professor of Public Procurement at Utrecht University's School of Economics, specializing in sustainable and strategic procurement practices. He leads the Utrecht University Centre for Public Procurement (UUCePP), an interdisciplinary research hub focusing on legal and economic dimensions of public procurement. His research emphasizes leveraging procurement to drive societal goals like sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and circular economy principles. Key areas include policy effectiveness, joint procurement strategies, and the role of open data in enhancing transparency. Educated at the University of Twente (PhD 2007, MSc 2002), Schotanus previously held roles as an Assistant Professor and Principal Consultant. His work is funded by ministries, municipalities, and international entities like the EU and IKEA Foundation. Awards include the NEVI Zorg Best Healthcare Paper Award (2015) and multiple Louis Brownlow Awards for impactful research. Research projects span CO2 Performance Ladder implementation, EU procurement reforms, and data purchasing strategies. He advises on procurement policies and collaborates with Nevi and the Rijksinkoopsamenwerking. Schotanus' inaugural lecture, 'A Better World Starts with Public Procurement,' underscores procurement's potential to address global challenges through innovative contracting and policy design. Publications include over 50 peer-reviewed articles and books, with a focus on strategic procurement, sustainability, and institutional influences. He contributes to policy briefs, webinars, and international conferences, advocating for evidence-based procurement practices to enhance societal impact.
David Lowe is a Professor of Commercial Management at Heriot-Watt University, holding a joint appointment in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society and Edinburgh Business School. He serves as the Academic Lead for Executive & Professional Education. Previously, he held roles at Alliance Manchester Business School, including Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor and Academic Lead for Apprenticeship Programmes. His research focuses on commercial and contract management within project-based industries like aerospace, defense, and ICT. He has authored over 95 academic papers and books, including Commercial Management: Theory and Practice (2013). His work addresses transaction cost economics, complex project governance, and interorganizational relations. David is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Higher Education Academy, and an academic advisor to the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM). His consultancy includes benchmarking engineering and project management practices for international companies. He advises on commercial strategies, contract management, and executive education programs for clients like BAE Systems and Rolls Royce. His research interests span commercial interfaces in complex projects, procurement systems, and sustainable construction. He has contributed to frameworks for project risk management and empirical studies on contract disputes. David leads academic initiatives such as the Masterclasses on Leading Complex Projects (LCP3). His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing sustainable practices in construction and project delivery.
Max Finne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information and Service Management at Aalto University School of Business. His research focuses on operations and service management, with strong contributions to sustainability, circular economy, and collaborative project governance. He actively publishes in leading journals and contributes to pedagogical innovation in higher education. His research interests lie at the intersection of service operations, supply chain sustainability, and organizational collaboration. Key areas include servitization, green supply chains, ecodesign, and performance measurement in complex service environments. He investigates how organizations manage triadic relationships, leverage installed base information, and implement circular economy practices across national contexts. The recent publications show a consistent trend in applying qualitative and theoretical frameworks to real-world challenges in logistics, education, and multinational sustainability projects. His work often employs case study methods and mid-range theory building, particularly in service triads and collaborative governance. There is a strong emphasis on practical implications for middle managers and policy. The Nigel Slack Teaching Innovation Award (2018) The Nigel Slack Teaching Innovation Award (2016) The Nigel Slack Teaching Innovation Award (2015) Max Finne has supervised at least two theses and has been involved in multiple collaborative research projects across Europe, including a visiting position at Warwick Business School (2014–2018). His work is supported by institutional affiliations and academic networks that enable interdisciplinary and international research on sustainability and service innovation. No specific grants are mentioned in the text, but his sustained output suggests active funding. He was a visiting researcher at Warwick Business School from 2014 to 2018, contributing to research and teaching. His work forms part of a broader network focused on sustainable operations and service management, as reflected in co-authorships and collaborative outputs.
Dr. Maria Calahorra-Jimenez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Construction Management at California State University, Fresno, within the Lyles College of Engineering. She holds dual Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering (University of Colorado Boulder) and Engineering Science (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile), complemented by 14 years of industry experience managing $2B+ infrastructure projects across Spain and Chile. Research Focus: Her work centers on optimizing construction performance through innovative procurement strategies, sustainability integration, and data-driven decision-making in public infrastructure. Key areas include highway project delivery, gender equity in transportation, and alternative contracting methods like Design-Build. She actively explores how non-cost criteria influence project outcomes and advocates for inclusive industry practices. Grant Leadership: Co-PI: Alternative Project Delivery Methods in California Transportation Agencies (SB1-funded, 2024-2025) PI: Building Information Modelling for Infrastructure (Caltrans, 2024) PI: Women in Civil Engineering: Attraction/Retention Factors (Dean’s Grant, 2023-2024) PI: Performance-Based Contracts for Road Maintenance (Fresno State, 2023) Student Advising: Mentors graduate/undergraduate researchers including Ahmad Orya F (infrastructure delays) and Frances Yu (gender studies in engineering).
Dr. Jesus M. de la Garza is the Director of the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and a Professor of Civil Engineering at Clemson University. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and a B.Sc. from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico. His research focuses on Construction Engineering and Management, Highway Infrastructure Management, and Design-Construction Integration, emphasizing the philosophy that design and construction must be deeply integrated to achieve effective outcomes. Dr. de la Garza has held significant leadership roles, including Chair of the National Academies' Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment (2023–Present) and Editor-in-Chief of ASCE's Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (2011–Present). His work spans academia, industry, and policy, with notable contributions to highway maintenance systems, accelerated project delivery (APD), and resilient infrastructure design. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, 1988 M.Sc., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, 1984 B.Sc., Civil Engineering, Tecnológico de Monterrey, 1978 His research interests include innovative construction technologies, safety in construction, and decision support systems for infrastructure resilience. He has led projects funded by the National Science Foundation, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Construction Industry Institute (CII). Key contributions include the development of Flash Tracking methodologies for accelerated project delivery and frameworks for multi-hazard resilient building design. Awards: 2021 ASCE OPAL Award ASCE Distinguished Member (2014) Vecellio Endowed Professorship (2003) Member of the National Academy of Construction (2010) Over 20+ best paper awards from ASCE and CII Dr. de la Garza has advised numerous research initiatives and collaborated with global institutions like Chalmers University of Technology and Arizona State University. His work bridges academic research with practical industry applications, emphasizing sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions.
Genevieve Shanahan is a Lecturer in Management, Employment, and Organisation at Cardiff Business School , Cardiff University. Her work bridges alternative organizations , organizational democracy , and sustainable societal change . PhD in Organization Studies (Grenoble Ecole de Management, 2022) Focus on technology’s role in democratizing cooperatives and social enterprises Teaches Managing in Multicultural Organisations and Managing Nature Her research explores how technology can enhance democratic processes while avoiding technocratic pitfalls. Key themes include solidarity-based organizing , critical management studies , and sustainable food systems . Recent projects include Democratic Technology for Cooperatives , funded by Cardiff Business School’s Public Value Engagement Fellowship Scheme. Genevieve’s scientific achievements include the 2022 Best Critical Dissertation award from the Academy of Management. She supervises PhD students in sustainability transitions , organizational democracy , and alternative organizations , with publications in Human Relations , Organization , and International Review of Applied Economics .
Bo Terje Kalsaas is a Professor at the Department of Engineering Sciences, University of Agder. He holds a Siv. Ing (1979) and Dr. Ing (1995) from NTH (now NTNU). His research focuses on Lean Construction principles, construction management, and innovative project delivery models like Target Value Design (TVD) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). His work emphasizes improving workflow efficiency, reducing waste, and fostering collaboration in complex engineering and construction projects. Key areas include design process optimization, contractual frameworks, and the application of Lean principles in Norwegian and international construction contexts. Education: Siv. Ing, Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet (NTH), 1979 Dr. Ing, Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet (NTH), 1995 Research Interests: Lean Construction methodologies Project planning and workflow optimization Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Target Value Design (TVD) Complex project management in construction Design process efficiency Publications: His work spans over 50 peer-reviewed publications and books, including influential contributions to Lean Construction: Understanding and Improving Project-Based Production (2017). Recent studies analyze Lean adoption in Norwegian AEC industries, IPD implementation challenges, and TVD cost optimization strategies. Grants & Projects: Lead researcher in the E6 Kvål-Melhus IPL/IPD project (2021–present) Contributed to the INPRO project on engineering management predictability Labs/Teams: Involved with the University of Agder's Construction Management research group
