Hans Bihs is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wave hydrodynamics, and wave-structure interaction using the open-source framework REEF3D. Key Research Areas: CFD simulations, wave modeling, floating body dynamics, ocean wave energy, aquaculture hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and high-performance computing. Projects: ERC Consolidator Grant PARTRES (2023-2028), EEA Grants Portugal SurfWave (2023), NFR KPN IPIRIS (2021-2025), EEA Baltic SolidShore (2021-2024), NTNU's MAPLE (2022-2025), and DigiCoast (2021-2024). Email: hans.bihs@ntnu.no His recent publications (2025-2020) analyze fluid-structure interaction, ship-induced waves, floating offshore wind turbines, submerged vegetation, and coastal structures using advanced CFD techniques. Topics include wave hydrodynamics, turbulence, and numerical modeling for marine and aquaculture systems.
Roel C.G.M. Loonen is an Associate Professor at the Unit Building Physics and Services within the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. He holds joint appointments with EAISI High Tech Systems and EIRES Research groups, focusing on building performance simulation and energy systems. His work bridges academic research with practical applications through collaborations with SMEs in the building industry. Loonen received his BSc and MSc (cum laude) in Building Services from Eindhoven University of Technology, followed by a PhD in 2018 with a dissertation on 'Approaches for computational performance optimization of innovative adaptive facade concepts.' His educational background has positioned him as a leading expert in building performance simulation and sustainable building technologies. His research interests center on developing and applying modeling and simulation strategies to support decision-making for designing buildings that combine high indoor quality with minimal environmental impact. Key areas include adaptive facades, building-integrated renewable energy systems, and energy-efficient building envelopes. He specializes in creating and validating new building performance simulation models to advance innovative building technologies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical applications of building performance simulation, with emphasis on residential energy efficiency, photovoltaic systems, and occupant-centered approaches to building design. The work shows increasing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional building simulation methods, particularly for sensitivity analysis and optimization of building performance. REHVA Young Scientist Award (2021) Best PhD supervisor award from Department of the Built Environment, TU/e (2018) First prize - REHVA International student competition (2011) Smart daylight control for optimal building performance (NWO Take-off award, 2018) Best paper award (2021) Loonen actively supervises PhD and Master's students, evidenced by his Best PhD Supervisor Award in 2018. He manages multiple research projects including Sustainable Summer Comfort (2024-2027), Modeling Innovative Use Scenarios for Future Domestic Comfort (2023-2026), and Just Prepare (2022-2026), with funding from sources including the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His professional service includes being a board member of the Dutch-Flemish IBPSA affiliate and co-chair of IBPSA World's website committee, plus reviewing for 35 academic journals. He leads research within the Building Performance group, focusing on creating practical tools and methodologies that bridge the gap between theoretical building performance models and real-world implementation in the construction industry. His work particularly emphasizes the integration of occupant behavior and practices into building performance models, recognizing that human factors are critical to achieving sustainable building performance in practice.
Nonhlanhla Dube is a Lecturer in Operations Management at Lancaster University's Management School. She holds a PhD from the University of Groningen and has extensive experience in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management, particularly in resource-poor settings and conflict zones. BSc (Hons) Applied Mathematics, National University of Science and Technology (2002–2006) BSc (Hons) International Business Administration, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2008–2011) MSc Economics and Business, University of Groningen (2011–2013) PhD in Management Science, University of Groningen (2013–2022) Her research focuses on operations management in humanitarian and public sectors, including supply chain resilience, medicine shortages, and interdisciplinary approaches. She has contributed to projects such as the Gavi-funded Afghanistan vaccine initiative (2016–2021) and the MIA project on UK medicines supply (2020–2024). Her articles explore topics like supply chain resilience in healthcare, strategic agility in medicine systems, and paradox management in humanitarian logistics. She actively collaborates on Global South perspectives addressing supply chain challenges like child labor and sustainability. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but her work emphasizes impactful research in humanitarian and public sector operations. She supervises PhD student Henry Kasadha and is involved in research groups like the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK.
Jianhua Zhang is a Professor of Computer Science and founding deputy head of the AI Lab at the Department of Computer Science, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. He holds affiliations with the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design. His career includes roles as Scientific Director at Vekia (France), Head of Machine Learning Lab, and Professorships at East China University of Science and Technology and Beijing University of Technology. He has held visiting positions at TU Berlin, TU Dresden, and the University of Catania. Educations: PhD in Electrical Engineering and Information Sciences (Ruhr University Bochum, 2005), Postdoctoral Research at the University of Sheffield (2005-2006). Research focuses on artificial intelligence, computational intelligence, cognitive human-machine systems, neuroergonomics, affective computing, and AI-driven neuroergonomics. Applications span engineering, biomedicine, finance, and business. He has led over 20 large-scale projects and published extensively (4 books, 13 chapters, ~200 papers). Leadership roles include Chair of IFAC Technical Committee on Human-Machine Systems (2017-2023), Vice Chair of IEEE Norway Section, and editorial roles at journals like Frontiers in Neuroscience and Cognitive Neurodynamics . He organized major conferences like IFAC HMS2025 (Beijing) and ICMLT 2024 (Oslo). Awards: Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists (2023/2024), Senior Research Fellowship (CSC, 2012), Max Planck Fellowship (2011), Shanghai Pujiang Talent (2007), DAAD Scholarship (2002-2004). Grants and advising: PI for 20+ projects, advising PhD students in AI, machine learning, and control systems. Teaching includes courses on computational intelligence, IoT, and fuzzy systems at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Labs/Teams: AI Lab at OsloMet, Machine Learning Lab (Vekia), and collaborations with institutions globally. Current work emphasizes AI ethics, neuroergonomics in smart cities, and adaptive human-machine systems.
Torsten Berning serves as Associate Professor at AAU Energy within The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University, Denmark. His research focuses on thermal engineering systems, hydrogen production technologies, and electro-fuels development, with significant contributions to fuel cell and electrolyzer innovation. His primary research domains include fuel cell engineering, electrolyzer technology, and computational fluid dynamics applied to energy systems. He investigates water management in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, heat and mass transfer in electrolysis cells, and efficiency optimization of hydrogen production systems. His methodology combines experimental validation with advanced CFD modeling to address durability and performance challenges in electrochemical energy conversion. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate concentrated research on alkaline electrolysis systems and thermal management solutions. Key advancements include reducing gas crossover in electrolyzers, optimizing indirect evaporative coolers, and designing proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. His work leverages computational modeling to enhance efficiency and scalability of hydrogen production technologies while addressing multiphase flow and heat transfer complexities. Professor Berning actively supervises PhD candidates: H. D. Miller on Degradation Modeling and Lifetime Prediction of Electrolyzers D. L. Martinho on Computational Fluid Dynamics of Alkaline Electrolysis Cells W. Liu on Water Transport in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells His research is funded by multiple grants including EUDP's 'Boosting Economic Electrolyzer Stack Technology 2' (2022-2025) and the Danish Energy Agency's 'Degradation Modeling and Lifetime Prediction of Electrolyzers' project (2024-2027). He collaborates within AAU Energy's research ecosystem on hydrogen production systems and thermal management technologies, contributing to projects like the Adiabatic Cooling Systems for Decentralised Ventilation and advancing electrolyzer stack technology through industry partnerships.
Professor Denis Doorly is a Professor of Fluid Mechanics in the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London's Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on biomedical fluid mechanics, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular systems, with expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and aerosol transport. He has published extensively on nasal airflow modeling, cardiovascular MRI simulations, and aerosol dynamics in medical contexts. Key contributions include CFD cohort studies on nasal decongestion effects, benchmarking models for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and ventilator strategies during the pandemic. Research interests span biological fluid mechanics, biomedical flows, and medical device design. His work integrates computational modeling with clinical applications, addressing issues like tracheal compression, myocardial perfusion, and aerosol extraction during surgeries. Collaborations include studies on isolated heart models and particle deposition in respiratory systems. Affiliations include the Biological Fluid Mechanics and Biomedical Flows groups at Imperial. His publications (139+ articles) highlight interdisciplinary applications of fluid mechanics to healthcare challenges.
Hua Ge is a Professor in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering at Concordia University's Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. She holds a Tier II Concordia University Research Chair in High Performance Building Envelope for Climate Resilient Buildings and leads extensive research in building science and climate adaptation. Her research focuses on wind-driven rain analysis , hygrothermal performance of building envelopes , advanced building facades , innovative wood-frame construction , and low-energy buildings . Current work examines climate change impacts on wind-driven rain loads, urban micro-climate effects, climate-resilient building envelopes, dynamic facades, and low-carbon healthy buildings. Her methodology combines large-scale laboratory testing, field monitoring, and computational modeling. Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate strong trends in nature-based climate resilience solutions , overheating risk mitigation in educational buildings , advanced hygrothermal modeling of wood-frame systems , and carbon sequestration strategies for buildings. The work spans multiple sub-disciplines including computational fluid dynamics, life cycle assessment, stochastic modeling, and field validation studies across Canadian climates. Tier II Concordia University Research Chair (CURC) in High Performance Building Envelope for Climate Resilient Buildings Professional Engineers of Ontario American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers ASHRAE TC4.4 Building materials and building envelope performance (Subcommittee Chair) Professor Ge has supervised 42 graduate students (26 PhD, 16 MASc), including current advisees working on nature-based solutions, climate-resilient envelopes, and building integrated photovoltaics. Her research is supported by Concordia University Research Chair funding and collaborative projects with institutions like BCIT. She directs activities at Concordia's Building Envelope Test Facility and contributes to national standards through ASHRAE.
Francine Battaglia is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo, part of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She directs the Advanced Simulations for Computing ENergy Transport (ASCENT) Laboratory. Her research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications in building energy systems, renewable energy, turbulent multiphase flows, and combustion. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University (1997), and MS/BS degrees from SUNY Buffalo (1992, 1991). Research interests include CFD modeling for HVAC optimization, natural ventilation design, pathogen dispersion mitigation, and biomimetic aerodynamics inspired by insect flight. Her work bridges engineering, biology, and environmental science, addressing challenges in energy efficiency, public health, and sustainable architecture. Key contributions include developing predictive models for hydroplaning safety, solar chimney systems, and microbial fuel cells. She has received accolades such as the ASME Fellow distinction (2009), MAC Academic Leadership Fellowship (2019-2020), and Virginia Tech’s Teaching Excellence Award (2016). Her articles span CFD advancements in fluidization, combustion, and ventilation strategies, emphasizing practical applications in energy systems and public health. The ASCENT Lab collaborates on adaptive HVAC technologies and eco-friendly building designs, reflecting her dedication to interdisciplinary innovation. Awards: MAC Leadership Fellow, ASTFE Fellow, ASME Dedicated Service Award Education: PhD (Penn State), MS/BS (SUNY Buffalo) Labs: ASCENT Lab (focusing on CFD and energy transport)
Alan Briones Delgado is a researcher at the La Salle School of Engineering , Universitat Ramon Llull , with a focus on Internet of Things , Cybersecurity , and Transport Protocols . His work spans projects funded by the European Commission and national grants, including EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 , WeB-Nimbus , and NG-SOC , addressing challenges in cloud computing education, ecological monitoring, and security operations. His research integrates Artificial Intelligence and Wireless Sensor Networks for sustainable solutions. Key research areas include Quality of Service in heterogeneous networks, Environmental Conservation via IoT, and Teaching and Learning strategies for Big Data. Projects like EcoSentinel and BTL-COP highlight his commitment to Environmental Monitoring and Community Policing applications. His collaborations extend to institutions in the UK , Albania , and Western Balkans . Contact: alan.briones@salle.url.edu
Professor Christina Vanderwel is a Professor of Experimental Fluid Mechanics at the University of Southampton, leading the Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Research Group. She holds a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2020-2027) and previously a Marie Curie Research Fellowship (2015-2017). Her expertise spans experimental fluid mechanics, turbulence studies, and urban air pollution modeling. She uses advanced techniques like PIV and PLIF in facilities such as wind tunnels and water tanks at Bolderwood Campus. Her research focuses on turbulent transport mechanisms, building aerodynamics, and pollution dispersion. Notable projects include simulating urban air quality and indoor ventilation systems. She has supervised four current PhD students and contributed to initiatives like the Low Carbon Comfort Centre. Awards include the Pierre Laberge Award for her PhD work (2014). Teaching includes courses on turbulence and aerodynamics. Her work bridges fundamental research with practical applications in sustainable urban design and environmental engineering.
Dr. Kimberly C. Claeys is an Associate Professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with a focus on diagnostic stewardship in healthcare-associated infections, particularly UTIs. Dr. Claeys is a Fellow of the Center for Innovation in Diagnosis and a 2022/23 Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence from the National Academy of Medicine. Her research emphasizes antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship, implementation science for improving antibiotic use, and rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) for bacterial infections. She serves as Co-Chair for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) Sepsis Program Rapid Diagnostic Subcommittee. Key areas of study include optimizing diagnostic testing workflows, reducing diagnostic errors, and aligning antibiotic therapy with diagnostic evidence. Her work bridges clinical practice and public health, addressing challenges in both acute care and long-term settings.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet ÖZMEN is a Professor at Sakarya University's Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, Department of Software Engineering. He has held various administrative positions including Head of the Software Engineering Department (2019-2028) and Director of the Computer Research and Application Center (2019-2022). With extensive experience in academia since 1991, he has made significant contributions to computer vision, traffic monitoring systems, and sensor technologies. Sakarya University: Professor (2019-present), Associate Professor (2011-2019) Dumlupınar University: Assistant Professor (2001-2011), Research Assistant (2000-2001, 1993-1998) Istanbul Technical University: Research Assistant (1991-1993) Prof. ÖZMEN's research spans computer vision applications for traffic monitoring, indoor air quality systems, parallel computing, and sensor technologies. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical engineering applications, particularly in developing vision-based systems for nighttime vehicle detection, traffic flow monitoring, and environmental sensing. His interdisciplinary approach combines machine learning, image processing, and embedded systems to solve real-world problems in transportation and environmental monitoring. His publication record shows a clear evolution from parallel and distributed systems in his early career to computer vision and sensor applications in recent years. The majority of his recent work focuses on traffic monitoring systems using computer vision techniques, particularly for nighttime conditions, and indoor air quality monitoring systems using sensor networks. His research demonstrates strong industry and societal relevance, with applications in smart transportation, environmental protection, and educational technology. TÜBİTAK Publication Awards (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010) Physical implementation award from TÜBİDER (2008) Microsoft Certified Professional Certificate (2005) YÖK overseas study scholarships (1993, 1998) Elginkan graduate scholarships (1990, 1991) Prof. ÖZMEN has supervised numerous graduate students across multiple institutions, with a focus on practical engineering problems. His research has been supported by various projects including TÜBİTAK projects, institutional research grants, and industry collaborations. He has led significant research initiatives in traffic monitoring systems, indoor air quality monitoring, and educational technology platforms. His administrative leadership has included directing research centers and shaping curriculum development in software engineering. His work has involved establishing research teams focused on computer vision applications, sensor network development, and educational technology. These teams have produced numerous publications, developed practical systems, and trained the next generation of computer engineers. Current research directions include advanced traffic monitoring systems using deep learning and multi-camera setups for urban planning applications.
Professor Michael Davies is Professor of Building Physics and the Environment at the UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE) within The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources at University College London. He is also a member of the UK Climate Change Committee. With over two decades of academic experience, Professor Davies leads research at the critical intersection of building physics, environmental design, and public health, focusing on how the built environment impacts human well-being. His educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Westminster (1994) Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of York (1990) Bachelor of Science from the University of Manchester (1986) Professor Davies has pioneered transdisciplinary research methods, particularly in modeling health impacts and applying system dynamics approaches to address urban health challenges. His work demonstrates how healthy sustainable development can be achieved through innovative stakeholder participation and methodological advancements. His research spans building physics, climate change adaptation, indoor environmental quality, and the health implications of urban design, with particular attention to vulnerable populations and environmental justice considerations. His extensive publication record (over 300 outputs) reveals a consistent evolution toward more integrated approaches that connect building science with public health and climate policy. Recent work shows growing emphasis on health equity in climate adaptation, advanced modeling of complex urban systems, and the application of system dynamics to understand interconnected challenges in housing and urban environments. His research bridges technical building performance analysis with broader policy implications, reflecting his commitment to solutions that address both environmental sustainability and social equity. Professor Davies has secured significant research funding, including the prestigious EPSRC Platform Grant funding the Complex Built Environment Systems group at UCL (awarded only to "world leading" centers) and the Wellcome Trust-funded 'CUSSH' project. In total, he has served as PI or Co-I on approximately 50 research projects, demonstrating exceptional ability to lead large-scale, transdisciplinary research initiatives addressing critical urban challenges. As an educator, Professor Davies leads the 'Energy Context' module in the Environmental Design and Engineering MSc course and supervises EngD and PhD students. His teaching emphasizes the integration of energy systems within broader environmental, social, and policy contexts, preparing students to address complex sustainability challenges in the built environment sector.
Dr. Partha Narayan Mishra is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, with expertise in geotechnical engineering and electromagnetic soil characterization. He holds a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering (2020) and dual master's/bachelor's degrees (2015) from National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India. PhD Thesis: Soft soil characterization and improvement for reclaimed land application (2020) Dual Degree: B.Tech. Hons. in Civil Engineering and M.Tech. in Geotechnical Engineering His research focuses on soft soil improvement, unsaturated soil mechanics, electromagnetic characterization of geomaterials, biomediated geotechnical engineering, and clay barrier systems for waste disposal. He has published 30+ articles in top-tier journals and conferences, with recent work on mine waste utilization, MSE wall stability, and electromagnetic dewatering techniques. He co-supervises 2 PhD and 5 Master's students at UQ, having previously guided 1 PhD, 1 Master's, 2 Bachelor's, and 3 summer research theses. He initiated the global AGERP lecture series (2020), reaching 125+ countries, and holds teaching certifications from the Higher Education Academy (UK). Professional affiliations include the Australian Geomechanics Society, ISSMGE, IGS, and ASCE. He has reviewed 50+ journal articles and held leadership roles in UQ committees.
Lea Hannola is a researcher at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences (Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT) focusing on digital twins, sustainable manufacturing, and Industry 5.0. Her work bridges technological innovation with eco-conscious business practices. Academic Rank: Researcher Contact: Lea.Hannola@lut.fi Hannola's research emphasizes digital twin applications for sustainability, including circular manufacturing, smart energy systems, and human-centric industrial design. She explores competencies required for Industry 5.0 adoption, workforce empowerment through digital tools, and integration of environmental and data-driven strategies in manufacturing. Her publications span topics like smart building management , quantum computing challenges , and supply chain sustainability , with a recurring focus on simulation, interoperability, and lifecycle value creation. Key trends include AI-driven sustainability, green HRM, and digital ecosystems. As a scholar, Hannola contributes to advancing digitally extended product-service systems and addressing sociotechnical challenges in industrial digitalization. Her work impacts manufacturing competitiveness, energy efficiency, and organizational transformation.
