Raymond H. Cuijpers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Human Technology Interaction group. His research focuses on Cognitive Robotics , Human-Robot Interaction , and Artificial Intelligence for cognitive agents, with applications in healthcare robotics and aging population support. PhD in Physics of Man from Utrecht University (2000) Postdoctoral research at Erasmus MC Rotterdam and Radboud University Nijmegen Key research areas include: Developing socially intelligent robots with proper social cue interpretation Hybrid AI approaches for real-world complexity handling Visual-haptic perception integration in human motor control Service robots for COPD patient assistance (KSERA project) Rescue robotics and tele-operation applications Recent research output (2025) includes studies on: Personalization in human-robot communication Optimal lighting for elderly visual perception Human-robot bonding mechanisms Interactive sensorized platforms for homecare (GUARDIAN) Audiovisual temporal integration in virtual environments He coordinates large-scale European projects like GUARDIAN and previously KSERA, contributes to sustainable development goals through healthcare robotics, and serves on editorial boards of leading journals including International Journal of Social Robotics . His work spans both technical robotics development and human-centric interaction studies.
Marynel Vázquez is an Assistant Professor in Yale University's Computer Science Department, leading the Yale Interactive Machines Group (IMG). Her research focuses on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), particularly in multi-party settings, advancing perception and decision-making algorithms for socially aware robots. She holds a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and previously worked at Stanford and Disney Research. Her research combines computer science, behavioral science, and design, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Key projects include the social robots Chester and Shutter, and frameworks like SEAN-VR for evaluating robot navigation in virtual reality. Vázquez has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2022) and AFOSR YIP Award (2024). Teaching includes courses on interactive machines, robotics, and human-computer interaction. She actively mentors students and emphasizes ethical and socially responsible robotics development.
Lindsay Palmer is a Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research focuses on press freedom in the digital age, global media ethics, and the labor dynamics of international journalism. She is the author of Becoming the Story: War Correspondents since 9/11 (2018) and The Fixers: Local News Workers and the Underground Labor of International Reporting (2019). Her current projects include a cultural history of the Committee to Protect Journalists and an analysis of digital advocacy by press freedom organizations. Palmer teaches courses on global news networks, gender and sexuality in media, and cultural studies. She actively advocates for media freedom and anti-racist practices, leveraging platforms like Bluesky to engage in scholarly discourse and activism. Her work bridges decolonial and feminist perspectives with critical analysis of media systems and labor conditions. Her research interests include the intersection of journalism with global inequalities, the role of local translators and fixers, and ethical representation in virtual reality journalism. She frequently collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including editorial roles for journals like Journalism and Communication Monographs.
Prof. Jan-Niklas Voigt-Antons is a Professor of Applied Computer Science specializing in Immersive Media at Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences. His work focuses on Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and their applications in healthcare, education, and human-machine interaction. He holds a Dr.-Ing (Engineering Doctorate) and has extensive industry experience with organizations like Daimler AG, Telekom Innovation Laboratories, and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). Research interests include user experience (UX) design, emotion analysis in virtual environments, and accessibility for aging populations. He has led projects on wearable health tech, AR/VR usability, and immersive training systems. Notable areas of impact include developing guidelines for inclusive XR interfaces and advancing telemedicine through immersive technologies. Prof. Voigt-Antons has collaborated with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin on healthcare applications and has contributed to standardization efforts in telecommunications. His technical competencies include agile project management, statistical analysis, and mobile application development for iOS/Android. He advises on UX evaluations, usability testing, and physiological data analysis for industry partners. Key achievements include creating the Story Time Dataset for video quality research and developing the ColorTable system for flavor perception studies. His work emphasizes real-world deployment, with projects addressing mobility challenges for seniors in rural areas and improving dementia care through tablet-based interventions.
Prof. Dr. Milad Mirbabaie is a University Professor and Chair of Business Informatics (AI Engineering in Companies) at Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg since December 2023. His academic journey includes roles at the University of Münster (PhD, summa cum laude 2018), University of Duisburg-Essen (postdoc), University of Bremen (visiting professor), and Paderborn University (junior professor). He focuses on AI systems in organizations, human-AI collaboration ethics, future of work dynamics, and digital nomadism. His research integrates insights from business informatics, psychology, and sociology. Education: Bachelor's/Master's: University of Hamburg PhD: University of Münster (2018) Research Highlights: Explores AI ethics, digital workplace transformation, crisis management via social media, and hybrid intelligence applications. Current projects include PREVENT, CYLENCE, and INNO4S initiatives. Collaborates closely with industry and NGOs to bridge academic-practice gaps. Teaching: Offers courses like AI Engineering in Business, Digital Transformation, and Hybrid Intelligence. Emphasizes application-oriented learning through practical projects and seminars. Key Themes in Publications: 2020s work focuses on digital detox frameworks, metaverse workplace dynamics, and identity challenges in AI adoption. Recent 2025 papers address corporate nomadism and distraction management in virtual environments. Affiliations: Active in leading conferences (ICIS/ECIS) and journals (JMIS/JAIS). ResearchGate/ORCID profiles highlight over 100 publications. Engages with industry through collaborative projects and advisory roles.
Grant Kien, PhD, is a Professor and Program Director of the MA in Communication at California State University, East Bay's Department of Communication. His research focuses on digital culture, postmodernism, media studies, and actor-network theory, with a particular emphasis on memes, cancel culture, and the intersection of technology with everyday life. He authored Communicating with Memes: Consequences in Post-Truth Civilization and has published widely on topics such as epistemology, transgression, and global networks. Kien’s work often employs qualitative methods and ethnographic approaches to analyze how technology shapes sociocultural dynamics. His articles span themes like the post-truth era, power structures in virtual environments, and the legacy of political figures through an ANT lens. Notably, he explores how digital platforms transform communication, privacy, and identity. Despite his prolific output, no scientific awards are mentioned in the provided texts. As a program director, Kien oversees the MA in Communication curriculum, reflecting his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship in communication studies. While no advising records or grants are detailed here, his academic role suggests active involvement in graduate education and possibly research initiatives. The Department of Communication at CSUEB is part of the university’s broader commitment to innovative, technology-driven academic programs.
Jörg Müller is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), with a strong emphasis on interaction techniques, public displays, and multimodal interfaces. He has held academic positions at multiple institutions including Aarhus University, HIIG, and RWTH Aachen University. His work spans technical contributions in haptic interfaces, biomechanical modeling, and user behavior analysis in VR environments. Notable projects include OptiTrap for acoustic levitation displays, SIM2VR for biomechanical testing in VR, and the boomRoom system for mid-air sound interaction. Müller collaborates extensively with industry partners like Telekom Laboratories and Siemens. Research interests include: interaction design for immersive environments, embodied interaction, and the social impact of extended reality technologies. His publications demonstrate leadership in CHI, UIST, and IEEE Visualization venues, with over 120 peer-reviewed articles since 2006. Current research priorities include optimizing VR workspace ergonomics, developing tactile feedback systems for mid-air interaction, and exploring public display networks for urban environments. Müller leads the Interactive Systems group at Bayreuth, supervising PhD students in VR engineering and spatial computing.
Dr. Jiju Poovvancheri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Math & Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada. He holds affiliations with the Graphics & Spatial Computing Lab and previously held postdoctoral positions at the University of Victoria and University of Calgary. His research focuses on computer graphics, 3D vision, and machine learning, with applications in virtual/augmented reality, autonomous robotics, urban planning, and bio-mechanical studies. Key research areas include point cloud processing, semantic surface reconstruction, spatial data structures, and geometric deep learning. Education: PhD from Indian Institute of Technology Madras (2011–2014), supervised by Prof. Ramanathan Muthuganapathy. Postdoctoral work at University of Calgary (EYES-HIGH Fellowship, 2015–2017) and University of Victoria (MITACS Elevate Fellowship, 2018). Research & Awards: Winner of MITACS Elevate Fellowship (2018), EYES-HIGH Fellowship (2015–2017), and multiple grants including NSERC DG (2019–2026). His work has been supported by NVIDIA GPU hardware, NSERC, CFI, and industry partners like Modest Tree Media and Caterpillar. Professional Activities: Associate Editor for IEEE Access , Guest Editor for special issues in Remote Sensing and Sensors , and reviewer for top conferences like CVPR, ICCV, and ECCV. Member of ACM SIGGRAPH, Solid Modeling Association, and IEEE Geoscience & Remote Sensing Society. Lab & Collaborations: Leads the Graphics & Spatial Computing Lab, collaborating with institutions globally. Current projects include "Interaction and navigation in virtual spaces" and industry partnerships with Modest Tree Media for real-time object recognition. Advising: Supervised over 20 graduate and undergraduate students, with notable alumni advancing to roles at ReelData AI, Royal Canadian Air Force, and academic institutions like Dalhousie University.
Dr Mary Webb is a Reader in IT in Education at King's College London's School of Education, Communication & Society, affiliated with the Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (CRESTEM). Her research focuses on AI and machine learning in education, computer science pedagogy, digital technologies in science education, and formative assessment. She has over 150 publications and collaborates internationally through IFIP committees and the Informatics For All Coalition. Key awards include election to IFIP Technical Committee 3 (2001) and Working Group 3.3 (2005). Her teaching includes MA STEM Education and coordinating 'Digital Technologies and Education' modules. Current PhD students research topics like AI in ESL learning, collaborative online learning, and immersive technologies. Webb leads projects such as STEMINO (computational thinking practices) and 3D learning with haptic technologies. Her work emphasizes equitable technology integration, teacher training, and curriculum development in global education contexts.
Gaël Bonnin is a Professor of Marketing at NEOMA Business School, France, where he has held the role of Director of Research from 2020 to 2023. He teaches technology innovation, marketing strategies, design, and qualitative research methods across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs (DBA/PhD). His research focuses on product/place design, technology adoption, and narrative approaches to market construction, with notable contributions to healthcare servicescape optimization, consumer resistance to misinformation, and senior engagement with new technologies. Director of Research (2020–2023), NEOMA Business School Co-led EU-funded projects on companion robots, agricultural robotics, and AR tourism applications Published in International Journal of Hospitality Management , Advances in Consumer Research , and Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services Research highlights include analyzing sensory elements (colors/music/scent) in hospital environments to reduce patient anxiety, studying emotional responses to fake news warnings, and evaluating anthropomorphic design impacts on robot acceptance among elderly populations. His work bridges consumer behavior theory with practical applications in retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. Key contributions span over 30 years, including book chapters on B2B technology branding, neutralization strategies in piracy contexts, and design marginalization in retail spaces. He frequently presents at conferences like ACR, IMP, and CAUTHE, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to market dynamics.
Pedro Ferreira is a Professor at Iscte Business School, ISCTE - IUL, Lisbon, Portugal. His academic work spans multiple disciplines including business model innovation, cultural management, digital display systems, and consumer behavior. Key research areas: Business Model Innovation, Cultural Management, Digital Display Systems Interdisciplinary work: Healthcare Management, Energy Efficiency, Sensory Marketing Notable collaborations: Rock in Rio, Ferreira's de Castro Cultural Complex His publications demonstrate ecosystem-based approaches to cultural economics, with applications in virtual reality exhibitions and sustainable business practices. Recent work focuses on technology integration in perfume exhibitions and energy efficiency strategies. Earlier research includes pharmacological studies on P2X7 receptors in colitis and foundational financial accounting textbooks. He has analyzed group buying systems in Portugal and explored intersections between management theory and art. Academic contributions span 45 years, with a 2024 patent on digital display systems and a 1979 report on tomato industry economics. Current affiliations include: Iscte Business School ExecED at ISCTE INDEG-ISCTE Edifício INDEG-ISCTE, Lisbon
Dr. Gady Agam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), affiliated with the College of Computing. His primary research focuses on Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence, with applications in medical imaging, remote sensing, and security systems. He leads the Visual Computing Lab, which explores topics such as deep learning, geometric modeling, and computational methods for data analysis. Dr. Agam teaches courses including CS584 (Machine Learning), CS512 (Computer Vision), and CS577 (Deep Learning). His research has resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed publications and collaborations with organizations like SPIE. He has held leadership roles in conferences such as Document Recognition and Retrieval and has contributed to industry-relevant projects like the MuscleX software. His academic contributions include advancements in image registration, feature detection, and automated medical diagnostics. He actively supervises graduate students in his lab and maintains partnerships with academic and industrial entities to drive innovation in visual computing technologies.
Dr. Armin Agha Karimi is a Lecturer in the School of Surveying and Built Environment at the University of Southern Queensland. He holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from Tabriz University, an MSc from Middle East Technical University (METU), and a PhD from the University of Newcastle. His research focuses on spatial data integration, cadastral systems modernization, environmental monitoring using remote sensing, and sea level variability analysis. Key research interests include 3D cadastral boundaries in BIM environments, digital twin applications in built environments, and the impact of hydrological loading on land motion. He has contributed to studies on erosion hotspot mapping in Queensland and the implications of coal seam gas activities on land subsidence. His work on Baltic Sea sea level dynamics and Australian coastal projections has advanced understanding of climate-driven environmental changes. Dr. Karimi is affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems and actively publishes on geomatics, climate science, and legal aspects of digital surveying. His recent articles highlight innovations in VR-ready survey data transformation and the legal challenges of electronic cadastral plans.
Professor Jamie Carlson is a Professor of Marketing and Deputy Head of School - Research at the Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle. His expertise lies at the intersection of marketing, consumer behavior, and technology, with a focus on how organizations can better engage customers in increasingly digital environments. He has held significant leadership roles including Assistant Dean Research and Engagement (2018-2020) and Head of Marketing Discipline (2017-2018). Professor Carlson's educational background includes: PhD (Management) from the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Business (Honours) from the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Business from the University of Newcastle Professor Carlson's research program focuses on customer experience management, particularly at the customer-technology interface. His work spans three core areas: understanding customer engagement with physical and virtual channels, examining service design and consumer behavior in service industries, and investigating consumer adoption of e-health services. He emphasizes how consumers actively shape their consumption journeys, seeking both individualized and communal brand experiences across touchpoints, and how technology both creates value and presents challenges for consumer well-being. An analysis of Professor Carlson's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on digital transformation in marketing, with particular focus on omnichannel retailing, metaverse applications, social media engagement, and the psychological aspects of consumer behavior in digital environments. His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting marketing with information systems, psychology, and healthcare domains to address complex consumer behavior questions in our technology-driven world. Professor Carlson has received numerous prestigious awards for his scholarly contributions: 2025 Jay Lindquist Best Conference Paper Award at the Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress 2023 Best paper in Digital and Social Media Marketing Track at Academy of Marketing Multiple Top Cited/Downloaded Article recognitions from International Journal of Information Management (2022) 2022 Best paper award in the Australasian Marketing Journal Multiple best paper awards at Academy of Marketing conferences (2014-2017) 2010 Vice-Chancellor's Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning As a principal supervisor for PhD, DBA, and Honours students, Professor Carlson has mentored numerous successful researchers who have gone on to academic positions at institutions worldwide including Maastricht University (Netherlands), Dortmund University (Germany), Macquarie University, UTS, and the University of Adelaide. His students have received faculty medals, best paper awards, and the prestigious Arizona State University Center for Service Leadership Research Scholarship. His supervision focuses on customer engagement in digital media, service experience management, relationship quality, emotional appeals in advertising, and drivers of group travel behavior. Professor Carlson's research is conducted through multinational and interdisciplinary collaborations aligned with the Australian government's 'Growth Through Innovation' agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. His work connects marketing with information systems, psychology, and healthcare to develop frameworks for understanding e-service quality, online flow experiences, customer engagement, and value creation in digital environments.
Christian Hirt is a Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University, Australia, and a Hans Fischer Fellow at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His academic career includes roles as an Associate Professor at HafenCity University Hamburg and professional contributions at the University of Hanover. He specializes in geodesy, gravity field modeling for Earth, Moon, and Mars, and geodetic astronomy. Hirt has developed advanced systems like the Digital Zenith Camera and contributed to regional geoid models for Australia and New Zealand. His research also addresses atmospheric refraction and high-resolution gravity field analysis using satellite data like GOCE. Notable achievements include attracting $1.25M AUD in research funding and leading an ARC Discovery Project on GOCE satellite gravimetry. Awards include the ARC Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award (2011) and the Victor-Rizkallah Award (2001). Research focuses on gravity field modeling, including planetary topography effects, spectral forward modeling, and validation of global gravity models. Hirt’s work bridges geodetic instrumentation (e.g., QDaedalus systems) with theoretical advancements in forward modeling techniques. His publications span planetary gravity models (Mars, Moon), geoid-quasigeoid corrections, and high-resolution terrain analysis. Grants include a $450K ARC Discovery Project on GOCE applications in Australia. Awards and recognitions highlight his contributions to geodesy and planetary science. His labs and instruments, such as the QDaedalus system, enable precise vertical deflection measurements in challenging terrains. Collaborations include global geoid validation networks and digital elevation model services (IDEMS).
