Alis Oancea is Professor of Philosophy of Education and Research Policy at the University of Oxford's Department of Education, part of the Social Sciences Division. She holds additional roles including ESRC Centre for Global Higher Education Deputy Director and Social Sciences Division Advocate for Responsible Engagement. With dual doctoral degrees (DPhil from Oxford and PhD from Bucharest), she also received a Doctor Honoris Causa from University of the West Timisoara. Her research focuses on meta-research, research policy, and higher education governance. Key areas include research assessment frameworks, impact measurement, ethics, open knowledge practices, and teacher education. She co-edited the 2024 Handbook of Meta-Research and leads international studies on research cultures and policies. Education: DPhil (Oxford), PhD (Buc), DipLATHE (Oxford), Dhc (UWT) Roles: Director of Research (2016-20), REF2021 Coordinator, ESRC CGHE Deputy Director Leadership: Over 30 funded projects including the RKEEI initiative and BERA Observatory Her 150+ publications span research policy, impact evaluation, and education systems. Awards include FAcSS Fellowship and numerous international advisory roles across Europe and Norway. Advises on global education reforms and chairs panels for EU, UK, and Nordic research councils. Current doctoral supervision focuses on research policy, higher education systems, and teacher education innovations. Active in editorial roles for Oxford Review of Education and Review of Education .
Maxwell (Max) Boykoff is a Professor in the Environmental Studies department at the University of Colorado Boulder and a Fellow in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES). He holds a PhD in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2006) and an MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder (2023), complementing his BS in Psychology from The Ohio State University. His research focuses on two primary arenas: the cultural politics of science, climate change and environmental issues, examining how attitudes and behaviors shape action possibilities; and transformations of carbon-based economies, with emphasis on science-policy interfaces and decarbonization politics. His work explores how climate science finds meaning in everyday life and feeds back into policy decisions. Boykoff's publications demonstrate consistent focus on climate communication, media representations, policy conflicts, and societal transformations. His recent work emphasizes digital communication strategies, climate health connections, countermovement analysis, and creative engagement methods. Article trends show increasing attention to social media dynamics, global comparative studies, and interdisciplinary approaches spanning environmental studies, communication, and political science. Awards & Recognition: CU Excellence in Leadership Program (2022) Contributing Author to IPCC Sixth Assessment Report Deputy Editor at Climatic Change journal (over a decade) He leads significant research initiatives including the Media and Climate Change Observatory (MeCCO) monitoring global climate coverage across 82 sources in 40+ countries, Inside the Greenhouse (creative climate communication project), and the Colorado Local Science Engagement Network . He serves on the Independent Science Panel for New Zealand's Deep South Challenge. Boykoff teaches courses including Climate Change Politics & Policy, Creative Climate Communication, Political Economy and the Environment, and Science & Environmental Communication. He mentors through the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre Internship Program and integrates research with teaching and service commitments.
Martin C. Chapman serves as Research Professor of Geophysics in Virginia Tech's College of Science, Department of Geosciences. He directs the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory (VTSO), operating from a Cold War-era fallout shelter near the Virginia Tech Executive Airport. His research integrates observational seismology with earthquake hazard mitigation in plate-interior regions, particularly eastern North America. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Geophysics, Virginia Tech (1998) M.S. in Geophysics, Virginia Tech (1979) B.S. in Geophysics, Virginia Tech (1977) Chapman's primary research focuses on plate-interior seismicity/tectonics and strong-motion seismology. He combines field observations from the VTSO network with global strong-motion data to investigate earthquake causes and wave propagation characteristics. Recent work emphasizes induced seismicity from aquifer recharge and wastewater injection, site amplification effects in sedimentary basins, and development of seismic monitoring networks for risk reduction in eastern North America. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals concentrated research on injection-induced seismicity in Virginia's Hampton Roads region, sediment thickness mapping of Atlantic/Gulf Coastal Plains for ground motion prediction, and advanced characterization of historical earthquakes (1886 Charleston) and recent sequences (2024 New Jersey, 2020 Sparta). His methodology integrates dense seismic arrays, machine learning detection algorithms, and geospatial analysis to refine hazard models. His scientific recognition includes: Jesuit Seismological Association Award for Contributions to Observational Seismology (2016) As VTSO director, Chapman oversees seismic monitoring across Virginia and leads the Hampton Roads Seismic Network initiative. His work involves significant collaboration with the US Geological Survey on coastal plain amplification studies and regional seismic hazard workshops. Current projects focus on optimizing earthquake detection during aquifer recharge operations and developing site-specific amplification models for eastern US infrastructure. Chapman's laboratory operations center on the VTSO's network of seismic stations, utilizing advanced techniques including reverse vertical seismic profiling and dense array backprojection imaging. His team's recent field deployments target induced seismicity monitoring in Southeast Virginia and detailed characterization of the Central Virginia Seismic Zone.
Professor William Housley is a Chair in Sociology at Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences. He holds a PhD and DSc.Econ. (2012), and is a Fellow of both the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and Learned Society of Wales (FLSW). His expertise spans qualitative research methods, sociological theory, ethnomethodology, and digital sociology. He co-founded the COSMOS social media observatory and leads the EMTEDS research group, focusing on disruptive technologies and socio-digital systems. Education: PhD; DSc.Econ. (Cardiff University, 2012) Research interests include algorithmic accountability, automation, interaction studies, and the sociological implications of digital technologies. He has held prestigious roles such as the Vincent Wright Chair at Sciences Po, Paris (2017), and serves on international panels for the Volkswagen Foundation and UK REF 2021. His work emphasizes digital sociology’s role in understanding new socio-technical systems, with recent focus on AI ethics, social media governance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Awards: DSc.Econ. (2012), Vincent Wright Chair (2017) Professor Housley supervises research in digital societies, ethnomethodology, and collaborative interdisciplinary practice. He has led projects like the Cardiff University Research Fellowship on disruptive digital technologies and contributed to policy reviews for ESRC, British Academy, and others. Active in editorial roles (e.g., Qualitative Research co-editor, 2012–2018), his lab (EMTEDS) explores emerging tech’s societal impacts. Current projects address algorithmic transparency, digital citizenship, and governance of social media.
Andreas Wicenec is a Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA), leading the Data Intensive Astronomy Program (DIA) at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). He specializes in data-intensive astronomy, high-performance computing, and large-scale data management systems. His work supports the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and other major observatories. Education: PhD in Astronomy from the University of Tübingen (1994), Physics Diploma (1989). Professional roles include Archive Scientist at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and leadership in the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA). Research focuses on petascale data flows, reproducible science workflows, and next-generation archive systems like NGAS. Current projects include the DALiuGE engine, SKA data handling, and gravitational wave detection pipelines using deep learning. Key Projects: SKA Science Data Processing (7M AUD contract), Data Activated Flow Graph Engine (DALiuGE), and NGAS archive system Awards: ACM Gordon Bell Prize 2020 finalist Grants: Includes SKA Bridging Design (2019–2021), ICRAR IV (2025–2030) Labs/Teams: Active in ICRAR's Data Intensive Astronomy group, collaborating internationally on large-scale astronomy initiatives.
Marta Severo is a Lecturer at University of Paris Nanterre in the Department of Information, Communication, Digital Media within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. She also maintains significant research affiliations with University of Lille where she has directed multiple projects including the PEPS Digital Routes Project (2015-2016). Her academic profile is characterized by interdisciplinary research at the intersection of digital technologies and cultural heritage. Her research focuses on digital representations of cultural heritage, particularly intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and cultural itineraries like the Via Francigena. She investigates how digital methods can be used to study, represent, and safeguard cultural heritage through social media analysis, network mapping, and participatory platforms. Her work examines the relationship between amateurs and institutions in knowledge production, with special attention to Wikipedia as a citizen science tool. Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent scholarly output with significant contributions to understanding digital representations of cultural routes, stakeholder networks along heritage paths, and participatory approaches to cultural heritage management. Her research shows a clear trajectory from methodological development in digital humanities to applied studies of specific heritage contexts. Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers (2023-2025) for project on ethics of digital participation IUF project funding for 'Data in action' research on research trajectories of implication NEST project (Marie Skłodowska-Curie RISE Action Programme) visiting fellowship at UC Berkeley (2022) As a research leader, Marta Severo has directed multiple significant projects including the ANR COLLABORA project (construction of an observatory of cultural contributory devices), the Wikipatrimoine project (exploring collaborative management of cultural heritage), and the ICH Observatory project (mapping digital networks of ICH stakeholders in France). Her work demonstrates strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, social sciences, and heritage management. She frequently partners with European institutions including the European Association of Via Francigena Routes and has presented at numerous international conferences on cultural heritage and digital methods.
Ningchuan Xiao is a Professor of Geography at The Ohio State University's Department of Geography. His work bridges Geographic Information Science (GIScience) with computational methods, emphasizing spatial optimization, cartography, and machine learning integration. Education: Ph.D. in Geography from The University of Iowa (2003). Courses taught include GIS fundamentals, cartography, and Python-based spatial analysis. Research Interests: Spatial Optimization: Developing algorithms for land acquisition, redistricting, and resource allocation. Machine Learning & Cartography: Exploring AI-driven map interpretation and ethical visualization of complex data. Census Data: Innovating privacy-preserving techniques while maintaining data utility, including temporal/spatial modeling. Open Source Tools: Authored GIS Algorithms (2016) and maintains GitHub repository 'gisalgs' for accessible code. Publications: Recent work (2023-2025) highlights advancements in synthetic microdata generation, privacy-utility tradeoffs in census aggregation, and AI-driven cartographic recognition. His 2022 studies include traffic camera analytics and choropleth map QA systems. Awards: Not explicitly listed in the provided texts. Advising & Grants: Collaborated with researchers like Y. Lin, J. Li, and S. Bao. Projects include the Sustainable Columbus Observatory (SCO) for urban sustainability metrics. Research is supported through academic partnerships and computational initiatives.
Matthew J. Graham is a Research Professor of Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), serving as the Project Scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). His work bridges astronomy, machine learning, and data science, focusing on time-domain sky surveys that produce hundreds of thousands of public transient alerts per night. Previously, he has worked on the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey (CRTS), NOAO DataLab, Virtual Observatory, and Palomar-Quest Digital Sky Survey. Dr. Graham's primary research interests involve applying machine learning and advanced statistical methodologies to astrophysical problems, particularly the variability of quasars and other stochastic time series. His work addresses the unprecedented data volumes generated by 21st-century astronomy while expanding our ability to work with complex information systems beyond simple correlations. His current projects include real-time low latency inferencing via the NSF-funded A3D3 Institute, reinforcement learning for optimizing astrophysical follow-up campaigns, neural differential models for supermassive black hole variability, and functional analysis of multivariate time series. Analysis of Graham's recent publications reveals a strong focus on time-domain astronomy, particularly leveraging the capabilities of the Zwicky Transient Facility. His work spans multiple areas including gravitational wave counterpart identification, active galactic nuclei variability, supernova characterization, and machine learning applications for transient detection. A notable trend is the integration of artificial intelligence techniques to handle the massive data streams from modern sky surveys, enabling real-time analysis and decision-making that would be impossible with traditional methods. Dr. Graham has been instrumental in developing infrastructure for time-domain astronomy, including the alert distribution system for ZTF and data processing pipelines for handling massive transient datasets. His work on the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey established important methodologies for identifying variable and transient sources that continue to influence the field. As Project Scientist for ZTF, Graham leads a major international collaboration involving Caltech, IPAC, and numerous partner institutions worldwide. The facility represents a significant advancement in time-domain astronomy, providing unprecedented coverage of the dynamic sky and enabling discoveries across multiple areas of astrophysics.
Margaret Kalacska is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at McGill University, leading the Applied Remote Sensing Lab. Her research focuses on advancing remote sensing technologies like hyperspectral imaging, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), LiDAR, and thermal imaging for environmental science and natural hazard monitoring. She has pioneered the use of RPAS-HSI systems, including developing Canada’s first fully operational RPAS-HSI for the Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory (CABO) since 2018. Dr. Kalacska holds a PhD and MSc in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Alberta. Her interdisciplinary work spans Canada, Brazil, Tanzania, Ghana, the Peruvian Amazon, Panama, Madagascar, and Costa Rica. Notable achievements include being the first Canadian woman to lead an airborne hyperspectral mission (MAC-13) in Costa Rica (2013) and receiving the Silver Medal from the Canadian Remote Sensing Society (2018). Her lab specializes in integrating cutting-edge remote sensing tools for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem monitoring, and disaster response. Recent projects include the Fish + Forest initiative studying aquatic habitats in Brazil and advancing custom RPAS for hyperspectral imaging. She also collaborates with the National Research Council of Canada and international organizations like NATO. Awards: Fessenden Prize (2014), Silver Medal (2018), Steacie Prize Nomination (2020) Key Projects: CABO, Fish + Forest , RPAS-HSI System Development Technologies: UAV LiDAR, Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry, Satellite Data Validation Her research bridges environmental science and technology, emphasizing global applications in conservation and climate resilience.
Daniel J. Stilwell is a Professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and Co-Director of the Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics. He holds affiliations including the Seale Coastal Observatory Faculty Fellow role. His research focuses on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), marine robotics, control systems, and sensor networks. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (1999), M.S. from Virginia Tech (1993), and B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts (1991). His notable contributions include advancements in AUV control, underwater acoustic communication, multi-agent systems, and sensor network optimization. Key projects include the "Unconventional Marine Platforms" funded by the Office of Naval Research and collaborative subsea mapping initiatives. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical robotic applications in marine environments. Dr. Stilwell has received prestigious awards such as the NSF CAREER Award and ONR Young Investigator Program Award. His research emphasizes robust control strategies, adaptive systems, and decentralized learning algorithms. He leads efforts in experimental validation of AUV control systems and underwater sensor networks, contributing to both academic and military applications.
Chris Forde is Professor of Employment Studies at the University of Leeds , affiliated with the Leeds University Business School and Department of People, Work and Employment . He co-directs the Centre for Employment Relations Innovation and Change and serves as Deputy Director of the ESRC Digital Futures at Work Research Centre . His career spans multiple leadership roles, including former Head of the Work and Employment Relations Division. BA Economics and Management (First Class Honours), University of Leeds (1993) MA Economics, University of Leeds (1994) PhD, Leeds University Business School (1998) Forde's research investigates the evolution of work structures , focusing on temporary work , migrant labor dynamics , platform economy challenges , and labour market regulation . His work examines intersections between job quality , worker well-being , and business policy lobbying , employing mixed-method approaches across sectors like healthcare and aerospace. His recent publications and projects include analyses of NHS migrant workforce adaptations during Brexit and pandemic crises, union responses to post-Brexit labor shortages , and labour market reforms in Saudi Arabia. As Co-Director of the Digit Data Observatory , he leads digital work futures research. Co-investigator, ESRC Labour Mobility in Transition (LiMITS) project Co-investigator, EU Horizon 2020 Skills4Justice Project 20+ successfully supervised doctoral students Founding member, Leeds Migration Research Network
Nadia Naffi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning Studies at the Faculty of Education, Laval University, where she also holds the Chair in Educational Leadership (CLE) on innovative teaching practices in a digital context funded by National Bank. She serves as Co-head of the Education and Empowerment axis of the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of AI and Digital Technology (OBVIA), and has held leadership roles including chairing the first integration of the Institutional Committee for Innovation in Teaching at Laval University. Naffi's research focuses on digital empowerment in the face of AI risks, with particular emphasis on combating disinformation, deepfakes, and cyber scams through educational strategies. Her work spans multiple domains including educational technology, AI ethics, media literacy, and digital resilience across different age groups from youth to seniors. She has developed innovative approaches to designing inclusive learning experiences that harness AI and digital technologies in ethical, critical, and responsible ways. Her recent publications reveal a clear trend toward addressing societal challenges posed by generative AI, with particular focus on deepfakes, disinformation, and cyber resilience. The research spans educational settings, healthcare contexts, and broader societal implications, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach that connects technical understanding with pedagogical innovation and policy development. Her work consistently emphasizes the human dimension of technology adoption and the need for critical digital literacy across all age groups. Concordia Public Scholar (2017-2018) Winner of SSHRC 'I have a story to tell' competition Winner of ACFAS 'My Thesis in 3 minutes' competition President's Media Outreach Award (2016-2017) Governor General of Canada Gold Medal – Person and Society 2018 2019 SALTISE Award for Teaching Excellence and Innovation John F. Lemieux Young Alumni Medal Naffi has secured significant research funding including a $425,000 National Bank Teaching Leadership Chair and multiple grants from SSHRC, FRQSC, and other organizations totaling over $1.5 million. Her research projects address critical issues such as seniors' cyber resilience against deepfakes, AI-health transformation, digital inequalities during pandemic, and educational responses to disinformation. She has also developed practical resources including bilingual guides for online course transition and the 'Abécédaire de l'IA' educational tool. As Co-head of OBVIA's Education and Empowerment axis, Naffi leads a multidisciplinary team focused on understanding and addressing the societal impacts of AI through education. Her work connects academic research with practical applications through collaborations with government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations. The Digital and AI Bootcamp she developed represents one practical initiative bringing together educational advisors to explore innovative digital technologies including virtual reality and AI in teaching contexts.
Joachim Wambsganss is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Physics & Astronomy of the University of Heidelberg and serves as Director of the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut (ARI) and former Director of the Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg (ZAH) until 2015. Studied at Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, and Princeton University Doctorate in 1990 with supervisors Peter Schneider and Rudolf Kippenhahn Research Interests: Extrasolar planets via microlensing Quasar studies and dark matter distribution Gravitational lensing techniques eScience and open-access astrophysical data His group has advanced microlensing planet detection and lensed quasar analysis. He led the German Astrophysical Virtual Observatory (GAVO) within the International Virtual Observatory Alliance and organized public outreach projects like the 70-lecture series "Uni(versum) für alle!". Publications span exoplanets, gravitational lensing, dark matter, and quasars, with major contributions in microlensing techniques and planetary system demographics.
Marcelo Milrad is a Full Professor in Media Technology at Linnaeus University's Department of Computer Science and Media Technology, part of the Faculty of Technology. He leads the Center for Learning and Knowledge Technologies (CeLeKT) and co-directs the Information Institute. His research focuses on Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), mobile technologies in education and healthcare, computational thinking, and AI integration in education. He has published over 240 articles and collaborates extensively with industry and public sector partners. Education: Advanced degrees in computer science and educational technology (not explicitly detailed). Research interests include designing learning environments for complex domains, mobile applications for collaborative learning, and AI in education. He actively develops master's programs like Digital Humanities and teaches courses on programming for teachers and healthcare professionals. Notable projects include the EREDWeB project on VR in education and Exten.D.T.² on design thinking with emerging tech. He chairs international conferences like WMTE and serves on editorial boards in TEL. His work emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, with initiatives like the Digital Humanities Center and the Linnaeus Media Observatory. He leads projects funded by grants such as the SEK 25M cultural entrepreneurship initiative and a 4M grant for archival AI.
Jun KATAOKA is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, where he leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of high-energy physics, medical imaging, and radiation detection. He serves as Research Director for the JST Strategic Basic Research Programs (ERATO) 'Kataoka Line X-ray Gamma-ray Imaging' project and maintains an active research laboratory (SPXG Laboratory) focused on developing novel imaging technologies. Dr. KATAOKA earned his Doctor of Science from the University of Tokyo, completing his entire academic training in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science. His educational background spans from undergraduate studies (1991-1995) through doctoral work (1997-2000), establishing a strong foundation in fundamental physics that informs his interdisciplinary research approach. His research program focuses on three interconnected domains: High-energy Astrophysics : Development of compact gamma-ray detectors for small satellite platforms to explore the MeV gamma-ray band, including discoveries of galactic-scale bubbles towering over the Milky Way Medical Physics : Creation of activation imaging techniques for tracking gold nanoparticles in vivo, enabling long-term visualization of drug distribution and pharmacokinetics Radiation Detection Technology : Innovation in Compton cameras, spectral CT systems, and prompt radiation imaging for applications in proton/carbon-ion therapy monitoring and nuclear decommissioning efforts His laboratory has achieved notable breakthroughs including the world's lightest (580g) palm-sized gamma-ray camera and techniques for visualizing cesium distribution using drone-mounted systems. Dr. KATAOKA's scientific contributions have been recognized with Japan's highest research honors, including the 2024 Commendation for Science and Technology from MEXT. His work has received extensive media coverage in outlets including Nikkei Newspaper, AIP, and Quanta Magazine, particularly for demonstrations of 'radioactivation imaging' technology that tracks gold nanoparticles in living organisms. His research has practical applications in cancer therapy, space exploration, and environmental remediation following nuclear incidents. As principal investigator of major research projects including JST ERATO and collaborations with JAXA, Dr. KATAOKA has secured substantial funding for interdisciplinary research. His laboratory serves as a hub connecting physicists, engineers, and medical researchers, with strong partnerships extending to space agencies, medical institutions, and national research organizations both in Japan and internationally. The SPXG Laboratory (http://www.spxg-lab.phys.waseda.ac.jp/) continues to push technological boundaries with recent developments in alpha particle trajectory imaging and multi-modal beam monitoring systems for radiation therapy.
