Elizabeth (Lisa) Alexandrin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religion at the Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba . Her academic work bridges Islamic Studies , Sufism , and gender theory , with a focus on visual and textual representations of mysticism. Education: PhD in Islamic Studies, McGill University (2006) MA in Anthropology, University of Toronto (1993) BA in Anthropology, Boston University (1993) Research Interests: Islamic intellectual history Sufism Ismaili thought Body histories Visual piety Key Themes in Publications: Apocalyptic narratives in Fāṭimid Ismāʿīlī thought Qurʾanic calligraphy as spiritual practice Symbolism of walāyah (sainthood) in Sufi texts Intersection of dreams and mystical exegesis Awards: SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2018-2022) Explore SSHRC/University of Manitoba grant (2021-2022) SSHRC standard research grant (2011-2012)
Lena Springer is a Research Associate in the History and Philosophy of Science at King’s College London, affiliated with the Department of Theology & Religious Studies and the Lau China Institute. Her work focuses on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), indigenous botanical knowledge, and the intersection of environmental cosmology with healing practices. She leads the ERC-funded Cosmological Visionaries project exploring climate change responses in China-Russia border regions. Education: D.Phil. in Sinology from the University of Vienna (focus: transmission of scientific heritage in China). Research includes ethnographic fieldwork across China’s ethnic regions, examining multi-ethnic folk medicines and materia medica histories. She has held roles as Senior Research Fellow at Sichuan University and Affiliate of the Austrian Academy of Sciences' Institute for Social Anthropology. Research interests include biosocial interactions in indigenous sciences, the preservation of traditional medical landscapes, and academic migration dynamics. Her forthcoming book Arztgeschichten adopts a biographical approach to 20th-century TCM evolution, while her database work bridges historical pharma-recipes with modern drug development. Funding comes from the Wellcome Trust, EU Synergy Grants, and institutions in China/Taiwan. Teaching includes Sinology, pharmacognosy, and narrative-biographical methods. Public engagement includes media commentary on TCM innovations and heritage preservation projects.
Prof. Dr. Andrea Dreyer is a full-time Professor of Art and its Didactics at the Bauhaus University Weimar , where she has served since 2013. She is Vice Dean for Strategic Development within the Faculty of Art and Design and actively participates in academic governance, including roles in graduation committees, teacher training advisory boards, and curriculum commissions. Her research focuses on teacher professionalization, architectural pedagogy, and digital art education, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and qualitative social research methodologies. First and Second State Examination for Teaching at Grammar Schools in Art Education and Social Studies (1994–2000, 2004–2006) Andrea Dreyer’s publications span topics such as Bauhaus-inspired pedagogy, urban-rural spatial education, and digital integration in art teaching. She has led initiatives like DigiProSMK and Denkraum.Bauhaus , and her work often bridges art, architecture, and societal transformation. She has served as Dean of Studies and Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching at Bauhaus University, advocating for phase-transcendent teacher networks and reflective professional practices. Her recent articles address participatory architectural psychology, interdisciplinary curriculum design, and digitalization in art education. Despite extensive committee involvement and editorial contributions, no specific scientific awards are highlighted in the provided texts. She mentors students and collaborators within the kunst:pädagogik | netz:werk platform and maintains active partnerships with institutions like the Thuringian Ministry of Education and Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.
Christian Kleinbub is a Professor in the Department of History of Art at The Ohio State University, where he has held academic ranks including Assistant, Associate, and full Professor since 2006. He specializes in 15th–16th century Italian and European art, with a focus on image theory, naturalism, and the body in Renaissance art. His work explores visionary imagery, the relationship between art and spirituality, and the scientific dimensions of anatomical representation, particularly in the works of Michelangelo and Raphael. He has authored two books and numerous articles published in leading journals such as The Art Bulletin and Renaissance Quarterly . Education : B.A. (magna cum laude) in History of Art from Yale University (1999); Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance Art History from Columbia University (2006). His dissertation, "Vision and the Visionary in Raphael," won the 2013 Gustave O. Arlt Award for scholarly excellence in the humanities. Research Interests : Kleinbub’s research bridges art history, philosophy, and theology. He investigates how Renaissance artists reconciled contemporary artistic imperatives with sacred traditions, particularly in Michelangelo’s anatomical studies and Raphael’s visionary compositions. His recent work analyzes the interplay between touch, sight, and spiritual experience in religious imagery. Honors and Awards : He has received the Rodica C. Botoman Award for Teaching (2017–2018), a Robert Lehman Fellowship (2015–2016), and multiple grants from The Ohio State University. His book Michelangelo’s Inner Anatomies (2020) explores the poetical and scientific dimensions of the artist’s anatomical insights. Service and Leadership : Kleinbub serves on national committees for the Italian Arts Society and has led departmental initiatives at Ohio State, including chairing the Graduate Studies Committee. He has lectured internationally and organized scholarly symposia on Renaissance art at venues such as Villa I Tatti and the Ashmolean Museum.
Marie-Hélène Gutberlet is a Professor of Film in the Department of Art at the Offenbach University of Art and Design (HfG Offenbach). She has been a full-time faculty member since the winter semester of 2020, following a visiting professorship from 2019 to 2020. Her work bridges academic scholarship, curatorial practice, and artistic research, with a strong focus on African cinema, postcolonial theory, and the intersections of film and art. Her research interests include: Postcolonial and African cinema Gender and representation in colonial and ethnographic films Curatorial practices and exhibition-making Memory, migration, and mobility in visual culture Artistic research and collaborative film projects Political and anti-colonial cinema Her recent publications and projects, such as the Med Hondo retrospective and the Women on Aeroplanes series, reflect a deep engagement with transnational dialogue, critical historiography, and the decolonization of cinematic narratives. These works span film theory, archival research, and performative publishing, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to film and art. She has received significant recognition, including the Moving Image Book Award in 2020 for her co-edited volumes on Med Hondo. Her scholarly and curatorial contributions have been presented internationally, from Berlin to Johannesburg, Cairo, and Khartoum. Marie-Hélène Gutberlet has supervised artistic research projects and taught at institutions such as the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, and Goethe University Frankfurt. She is also a member of the international jury at Akademie Schloss Solitude since 2019. She leads and collaborates on major interdisciplinary projects, including the Visionary Archive and Women on Aeroplanes , which function as both research platforms and artistic collectives.
David Madden is an Associate Professor in Sociology and Director of the Cities Programme at the London School of Economics (LSE). He holds a PhD from Columbia University and specializes in Urban Studies, Political Sociology, and Social Theory. His research focuses on housing crises, urban restructuring, and critical urban theory, with ethnographic and archival work in New York City and London. Key publications include the influential book *In Defense of Housing: The Politics of Crisis* (2016, Verso) and articles in *Environment & Planning*, *City: Analysis of Urban Change*, and *Sociologica*. His work critiques neoliberal urbanism, financialized housing markets, and urban exhaustion under late capitalism. Research Interests: Housing policy, public space politics, urban social movements, global urbanization, and critical theory. Teaching: Co-directs the MSc City Design and Social Science Programme and teaches modules on Urban Society, Urban Social Theory, and City Design Research. Contributions: Active in public discourse through *The Guardian*, *Jacobin*, and policy-oriented writing. He leads the Urban Sociology research cluster at LSE and collaborates internationally on projects addressing housing inequity and urban futures.
Emanuel Christ is a Full Professor of Architecture and Design at the Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich. He has held this position since 2018, following his appointment as an assistant professor at ETH Zurich from 2010 to 2015. Christ also served as a visiting professor at Harvard Graduate School of Design from 2015 to 2017 and was appointed Kenzo Tange Design Critic in Architecture at Harvard GSD in 2021. Prior to his ETH appointments, he was a visiting professor at various architecture institutes including Robert Gordon University, Accademia di Architettura Mendrisio, and the Oslo School of Architecture and Design from 2005 to 2009. He co-founded the architectural firm Christ & Gantenbein in Basel in 1998. Christ received his architectural education at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, and the HdK (now Berlin University of the Arts), graduating from ETH Zurich in 1998 under Prof. Hans Kollhoff. His early career included teaching at the Basel Academy of Art and Design (2002-2003) and working as a senior assistant at ETH Studio Basel under Professors Roger Diener, Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, and Marcel Meili (2000-2005). Professor Christ's research focuses on the architecture of the metropolis in the age of globalization. He examines how metropolitan growth presents both challenges and opportunities for contemporary cities, using the method of typology transfer to investigate existing metropolitan architectures as potential building blocks for sustainable, dense, and urban futures. His work spans theoretical research, design practice, and academic teaching, with particular emphasis on urban typologies, spatial organization, and the relationship between historical precedents and contemporary design challenges. Christ's teaching methodology combines typological analysis with visionary design scenarios, encouraging students to develop innovative architectural solutions grounded in historical understanding. Christ's publications reveal consistent themes in urban density, typological studies across global cities, and the adaptation of architectural forms to contemporary social and environmental challenges. His research often bridges theoretical exploration with practical application through his architectural practice, with particular focus on the transformation of urban spaces, the relationship between architecture and landscape, and the development of sustainable urban models. His three-volume monograph Christ & Gantenbein. Projects I–III (2024) documents over 160 projects spanning 25 years of architectural practice. Hong Kong Typology, monograph as part of the exhibition Teaching Architecture at the Istituto Svizzero, Venice, Italy (2010) Iakov Chernikhov International Prize, nomination (2010) ar Award for Emerging Architecture, The Architectural Review (2009) Swiss National Museum, renovation phase 1, Zurich (2009) Award for Good Buildings 2008 House on Bildstöckliweg, Arlesheim (2008) The best renovation of 2008, Haus an der Friedensgasse, Basel (2008) Building Award 2006 of the Basel Heritage Society, Shedhalle at St. Alban-Vorstadt, Basel (2006) Architecture Award Concrete 05 Cemsuisse, Haus am Bildstöckliweg, Arlesheim (2005) Scholarship from the Ernst Schindler Foundation, Zurich (1999) Through his design studio at ETH Zurich, Christ has supervised numerous student projects focusing on urban design, architectural typologies, and contemporary challenges in architecture. His teaching approach combines theoretical exploration with practical design, encouraging students to develop visionary yet grounded architectural solutions. Christ & Gantenbein, his architectural practice based in Basel, has completed over 160 projects from 1998 to 2023, as documented in their three-volume monograph. Current studio projects include 'Blatten – Building on Unstable Grounds' (Fall 2025), which addresses architectural responses to climate change and unstable landscapes, and 'The University and the City' (Spring 2025), which explores the relationship between urban spaces and university campuses. Professor Christ leads research initiatives exploring urban-rural interfaces, metropolitan typologies, and sustainable urban development. His Mahalla project investigates courtyard typologies in Tashkent as models for contemporary urban living. He also directs the Professorship for Architecture and Design at ETH Zurich, which serves as a hub for research, teaching, and design practice in contemporary architecture. Christ's work consistently bridges academic research with practical application, addressing urgent questions about the future of cities in the context of globalization, climate change, and social transformation.
Dr. Ward Rauws is an Associate Professor of Spatial Planning at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Spatial Sciences. His work focuses on adaptive planning approaches to address urban challenges like climate change, energy transitions, and aging populations. He explores how spatial planners can guide societal changes through innovative policies and citizen engagement. Rauws is a member of the Young Academy Groningen and De Jonge Akademie, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and science communication. His research interests include urban self-organization, sustainable logistics, and adaptive governance. Notable projects include the ULaaDS initiative on last-mile logistics and AccessCity4All, adapting the 15-minute city concept. Rauws has supervised multiple PhD students and contributed to policy frameworks like the NOVEX program. Awards include the 2015 Lecturer of the Year from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. Rauws collaborates internationally, leading European projects and publishing widely on urban dynamics, governance, and sustainability. His work bridges academic research with practical urban challenges, advocating for adaptive strategies in evolving urban landscapes.
Dr. ir. T. (Terry) van Dijk is an Associate Professor in Planning and Design at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen. He specializes in the intersection of urban design and planning, emphasizing collaborative processes and the role of design in shaping societal outcomes. His work focuses on stakeholder engagement, spatial imagination, and innovative urban policies. Education: Bachelor/Master: Wageningen University (1997 thesis on riverbank recreational use) Ph.D.: Delft University of Technology (2004, on Central European land fragmentation) Research Interests: Terry investigates how design and visionary thinking enhance decision-making in urban and regional planning. Key themes include: - The persuasive power of plans and designs in shaping public perception - Boundary spanning in climate adaptation and post-disaster rebuilding - Child-friendly urban policies and local agenda-setting. Teaching & Leadership: Coordinates the Master’s program in Social Planning and teaches regional design practices. Known for integrating fieldwork and interactive methods into education. Grants & Projects: EU-funded Interreg IIIb ‘Farland’ and 6th Framework ‘Plurel’ projects PostDoc: ‘Reinventing landscape planning in MetroLand’ (resulting in ‘Regional Planning for Open Space’) Professional Roles: Editor of Journal Ruimte en Maatschappij Past member of NWO Open Competition pre-selection board
Victor Plahte Tschudi is a full-time Professor at the Institute of Architecture, Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), specializing in architectural history, theory, and the intersection of print culture with built environments. His research explores Rome’s architectural representation, the Baroque era, and the legacy of figures like Vitruvius and Piranesi through bibliotopography (the study of place through printed matter). Key research areas include classical architecture, historical preservation, and the philosophical implications of architectural drawings. His recent publications analyze themes such as the genius loci (spirit of place), copyright in Renaissance Rome, and the role of prints in shaping architectural memory. Books authored or edited by Tschudi include Piranesi and the Modern (2022) and Baroque Antiquity: Archaeological Imagination in Early Modern Europe (2017). While no scientific awards or formal student advisement information are documented in the provided text, his work remains deeply engaged with historical narratives and critical architectural discourse.
Professor Sir Peter Hall (1932–2014) was a distinguished academic and urban planner, serving as Chair of Planning at The Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning, University College London (UCL). He previously held professorial roles at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Reading, where he was Head of Department. His research focused on urban and regional planning, transport systems, and the application of research to policy, particularly in urban regeneration and strategic planning. He advised UK governments on regional planning, including roles as Special Adviser on Strategic Planning (1991–94) and member of the Deputy Prime Minister's Urban Task Force (1998–99). His work extended to international projects like the SINTROPHER EU program (2009), promoting transport innovation in peripheral regions. He was a prolific author, editor of over 30 books, and co-founder of the Regional Studies Association. His honors include the Balzan Prize (2005), Knight Bachelor (1998), and numerous honorary doctorates. Awards : Gold Medal, Royal Town Planning Institute Founder's Medal, Royal Geographical Society "Pioneer in the Life of the Nation" by Queen Elizabeth II Key Roles : Chair of ReBlackpool Urban Regeneration Company (2005–08) Editor, Built Environment journal President, Town and Country Planning Association His research emphasized the interplay between transport, urban development, and policy, with a focus on creating sociable, sustainable cities. He collaborated with organizations like the Young Foundation and advised on major infrastructure projects such as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Thames Gateway.
Serdar Vural Uygun is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, specializing in Public Administration. He holds a PhD in Public Administration from Selçuk University (2017), a Master's in Public Administration from Mustafa Kemal University (2008), and a BA in Political Science from Gazi University (2001). His research focuses on leadership theories, organizational behavior, sustainable development, and governance. He has published extensively on topics like robotic bureaucracy, visionary leadership, and psychological contracts in public institutions. His recent publications analyze sustainable supply chain management, human-machine interaction, and the role of digital public relations in governance. He supervises Master’s theses on public personnel systems, leadership styles, and crisis management in Turkey. Administrative roles include serving as Department Head (2016-2018), Quality Board Member (2020-2022), and consultant for a TÜBİTAK-funded project on tourism security (2020-2021).
Dr. Sarah Bowden is a Reader in German and Medieval Studies at King's College London, serving as Pro-Vice Dean (Assessment). She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and joined King's in 2012 after a research fellowship at St Hugh's College, Oxford. Her expertise lies in medieval German literature and culture, with a focus on 11 th -12 th -century literary culture, penitential theology, and the development of German as a literary language. Education: BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Cambridge, specializing in German and Latin. Awards include the Humboldt Foundation Fellowship for Experienced Researchers (2018) and the Inaugural Impact Fellow designation. Research projects include the AHRC-funded 'Liturgical and Literary Landscapes' (St Oswald's cult) and the Thyssen Foundation's 'Sacred Secular' project on 12 th -century religious/secular dynamics. She co-leads interdisciplinary initiatives at King’s, including the Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Studies. Teaching spans medieval literature, translation, and cultural history. Public engagement includes BBC Radio 4 appearances and community projects in Peterborough. She advises PhD students in medieval German literature and has published extensively on penitential practices, epic poetry, and manuscript culture.
Lucy Marlor is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Design, Northumbria University, where she teaches digital visualization and design project studios. She holds a First Class BA(Hons) in Interior Design (2007) and is currently pursuing an MRes in Design part-time. Her roles have included Programme Leader, International Admissions Tutor, and Link Tutor for the Academy of Design in Sri Lanka. Marlor maintains a freelance portfolio in commercial interior design, focusing on hospitality, healthcare, and civic spaces. Her research explores placemaking, adaptive reuse of architecture, and the concept of interiority. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) since 2014. Marlor’s research interests span the intersection of hapticity, spatial perception, and sustainable design. Notable works include studies on interior hapticity (Routledge, 2023) and urban interiority (Northumbria University, 2022). She has contributed to international conferences such as Iuav Design Talks (Venice, 2022) and the REPURPOSED Conference (2020). Her freelance projects include the North Star Housing Consultancy (2016) and the RIBA Forgotten Spaces Competition (2013).
Rupal Patel is a Professor at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences and affiliated with the Bouvé College of Health Sciences. She leads the Communication Analysis and Design Laboratory (CadLab), focusing on speech production research and human-machine communication technologies. Her work integrates speech signal processing, AI voice synthesis, and assistive communication solutions. Patel founded VocaliD.ai, a spin-off company specializing in personalized AI voices. Recognized as a Voice Tech Visionary by Voicebot.ai and a Fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, her research bridges clinical needs with technological innovation. Key research interests include speech acoustics, prosody analysis in neuromotor disorders, and multimodal communication interfaces. She collaborates across disciplines, mentoring students in engineering and health sciences. Her contributions have been featured in media outlets like TED, NPR, and Wired. Patel’s lab develops tools like the Prosodic Marionette for prosody visualization and has pioneered customized voice solutions for individuals with speech impairments. Director of CadLab since its inception Founder of VocaliD.ai Member of Northeastern’s doctoral program in Personal Health Informatics Her recent work emphasizes accessibility in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems, leveraging AI to create inclusive voice technologies. Awards highlight her impact in voice tech and leadership in global health initiatives.
