Dr. James Oliver is an Associate Professor in the School of Design at RMIT University, Australia. His research focuses on visual arts, design theory, and decolonial practices, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural co-design, and ethical relational frameworks. He supervises research in areas such as Indigenous game design, algorithmic futures, and reconciliation practices. His work bridges artistic creativity with sociocultural critique, addressing contemporary challenges through transdisciplinary approaches. Research interests include speculative design methodologies, multispecies storytelling, and the intersection of technology with cultural identity. Oliver’s projects often involve collaborative engagements with First Nations communities, emphasizing ethical frameworks and ontological pluralism. He has contributed to global dialogues on urban futures, decolonial research practices, and the role of design in fostering social resilience. His publications span journals and edited volumes, exploring topics from Gàidhealtachd futures to post-anthropocentric urban planning. Oliver is open to supervising PhD and Masters students in topics such as illustrated humor performance, co-design practices with autonomous traditions, and reconciliation through creative methodologies. His work is informed by extensive field research and ethical commitments to marginalized voices.
Daniel A. Klain is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Massachusetts Lowell , part of the College of Sciences. His career focuses on geometric and discrete mathematics, with significant contributions to Convex Geometry and its intersections with probability and combinatorics. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics (1994), Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.S. in Mathematics (1990), Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Interests span Convex Geometry, Geometric Tomography, Integral Geometry, and Combinatorics. His work explores geometric inequalities, valuations, and symmetrization techniques, often bridging classical geometry with modern probabilistic and discrete methods. Article Trends highlight his focus on Convex Geometry and Integral Geometry, with studies on Steiner symmetrization, shadow covering, and valuations. His publications also reflect interests in geometric probability, number theory, and educational insights. Scientific Awards and Grants: Mathematical Sciences Teaching Excellence Award (2010, 2003) Sigma Xi Young Faculty Award (2000) Jon A. Bucsela Prize in Mathematics (1990) NSF Graduate Fellowship (1990) National Merit Scholar (1986) NSF grants (2003, 1998, 1996) for convex geometry and geometric analysis Service and Collaborations: Active in teaching, research, and academic service, Klain has co-authored works in geometric probability and presented at numerous international workshops and seminars. His career integrates rigorous mathematical inquiry with educational innovation.
Prof. Dirk Junker is a Professor at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences , Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture. He serves as Academic Coordinator for International Study Projects and Head of the Eye-Tracking Laboratory. Urban & Open Space Planning European City Morphology Perception-Based Design Research Focus: His work explores the intersection of urban design and public space through the lenses of European city patterns, modernist ideals, and sensory perception. Key themes include: City-body human spatial behavior Phenomenology of streets Intuitive planning methods Domestication of urban spaces Publications address topics like urban light rituals, post-war city transformations, and experimental housing models. He investigates the dual relationship between landscape and city, emphasizing the courtyard as a foundational urban element. Engagements: Co-founder of the Council for European Urbanism (Germany), Vice-Chair of the Friends of the Dominikanerkirche Art Hall, and advocate for alternative housing models through DAKSBAU cooperative in Dessau.
Prof. Helmut Grabner is a Professor at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), leading the Visual Intelligence and Applications Group and the Entrepreneurship initiatives within the School of Engineering. His work bridges computer science, medical technology, and visual communication, with a focus on Extended Reality (XR), surgical training simulations, and AI-driven decision making. Education: PhD in Computer Science (Graz University of Technology, 2008), Master's in Computer Science (2008), and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Higher Education (ZHAW, 2021). Prior to academia, he held roles including CTO at Logitech and co-founder of upicto, applying computer vision in industry and startups. Research spans augmented reality medical training tools, NMR spectrum analysis via deep learning, and understanding visual engagement in advertising. Awards include the prestigious Koenderink Prize (2018) for contributions to computer vision. Projects include Immersive Education frameworks, bias-mitigation in venture capital algorithms, and surgical proficiency measurement systems. Teaching includes courses on Visual Computing, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. His work integrates academic research with practical applications in healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Chris Chesher is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures within the Discipline of Media and Communications at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He co-founded both the Digital Cultures program and the Master of Digital Communication and Culture at the University. Previously, he served as a senior lecturer in the School of Media and Communications at the University of New South Wales. His academic career spans interdisciplinary research at the intersection of digital media, cultural studies, and technology. Dr. Chesher's educational background includes: PhD from Macquarie University Master of Arts (Interdisciplinary Studies) from the University of New South Wales Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from Mitchell CAE (now Charles Sturt University) Dr. Chesher's research adopts a transdisciplinary approach connecting digital cultures, media studies, and cultural studies with philosophy of technology, science and technology studies, games studies, internet studies, sociology of technology, human-computer interaction, social robotics, cultural robotics, and digital humanities. His work challenges conventional understandings of human-machine relations and explores the cultural implications of emerging technologies through projects on robotics beyond anthropomorphism, invocational media theory, and smart urban environments. His recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on robotics, AI, and digital media theory, with particular attention to non-anthropomorphic approaches to social robotics, invocational media theory, and smart urban environments. The publications demonstrate his consistent engagement with how digital technologies reshape human experience, social relations, and spatial understanding across multiple domains including banking, restaurants, street furniture, and home environments, reflecting both theoretical depth and practical relevance. Dr. Chesher has received recognition for his teaching excellence: 2023 - University of Sydney Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Teaching Innovation Award As an academic supervisor, Dr. Chesher has guided multiple PhD candidates to completion across diverse topics including digital gambling, game items in digital environments, user regulation on Facebook, and climate change visualizations. His grant history demonstrates sustained research funding, including the Australia-Korea Partnership on Mobile Robot Development in Public Space (2019), Public Forum on Urban Robots and the Future City (2018), and Everyday Social Media Network (2014), highlighting his leadership in collaborative, interdisciplinary research initiatives. Dr. Chesher is actively involved in collaborative research through the Sydney Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (SIRIS) at the University of Sydney, where he contributes to projects examining the cultural dimensions of robotics and AI beyond anthropomorphic frameworks, bridging technical innovation with critical cultural analysis.
Mario Dancso is an academic and artist specializing in jazz guitar and music education, currently serving as lecturer at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music since 2017, and concurrently teaching at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music. He holds an artistic diploma from the Vienna Conservatory (2004) and completed additional teaching roles at the Prayner Conservatory (2016-2020), focusing on Jazz/Pop Guitar instruction and songwriting. His pedagogical focus includes arrangement techniques and home recording methodologies. His artistic work spans theater direction, documentary filmmaking, and musical composition. Notable projects include the 2004 theater production Das Leben des Francois Villon and documentaries like Spuren im Sand (2005) and Feuchtwanger lebt! (2008). His filmography demonstrates expertise in cultural documentation across diverse topics like African cultural history and luxury industry narratives. Professional compositions have been commissioned by major brands including Gebrüder Weiss, Emirates, and Vier Pfoten. His creative output reflects a multidisciplinary approach blending music, theater, and visual media.
Timo Fleischer is an Associate Professor in the Chemistry Didactics Working Group at the University of Salzburg, affiliated with both the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and the School of Education. He leads key educational innovation projects including EXBOX-Digital, ChemGerLab-VR, and RECC Salzburg, and plays a significant role in digital science education development. Education: Bachelor of Science in Geography and Chemistry, University of Kiel (2011) Master of Education in Geography and Chemistry, University of Kiel (2013) PhD in Science Education, TUM School of Education (2017) Habilitation in Chemistry Didactics, University of Salzburg (2024) His research focuses on the effectiveness of digital media in teacher education and chemistry classrooms, the development of digital teaching and learning materials, and the integration of experimentation and modeling in science education. He is particularly interested in how digital tools support the learning of chemical language and representations. His work bridges educational theory and practical classroom innovation. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on digital scaffolding, augmented and virtual reality in chemistry labs, eye-tracking during experiments, and the use of fiction as an anchor in science teaching. These works reflect a trend toward immersive, technology-enhanced, and student-centered learning environments in science education. Scientific Awards: Ehrenurkunde Polytechnik-Preis 2022 – Projekt EXBOX-Digital Kulturfondspreis 2020 für das Projekt MINT:labs Science City Itzling Comenius-EduMedia-Siegel für EXBOX-Digital (2020) Qualitätslabel „Regional Educational Competence Centre“ (RECC) (2018–2021) Junior-Fellowship, Kolleg Didaktik:digital (2016–2017) Timo Fleischer has supervised various research projects and collaborated with numerous colleagues and students, though specific advisees are not listed. He has secured recognition and funding for initiatives such as EXBOX-Digital and MINT:labs, indicating successful grant acquisition. He is actively involved in teacher training, curriculum development, and science communication. He leads several innovative labs and teams, including ChemGerLab-VR (a virtual reality chemistry lab), EdTechAll, and the development of MINT:labs Science City Itzling. These initiatives focus on creating digital, hands-on, and inclusive science learning environments for both students and teachers.
Concepción Saiz García is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Valencia. She is actively engaged in research within the INTERBIDE Biolaw: Interdisciplinary Research Group and the GIPI Group for R+D in Intellectual Property. Her academic profile reflects a strong commitment to intellectual property law, civil law, and the legal challenges posed by emerging technologies. Her research interests lie at the intersection of law, technology, and digital innovation, with a particular focus on intellectual property , copyright , artificial intelligence , 3D printing , moral rights , and the European digital single market . She explores how legal frameworks adapt to new forms of creation and dissemination, especially in educational, artistic, and scientific contexts. The analysis of her recent publications (2021–2024) reveals a consistent engagement with contemporary legal challenges, particularly the impact of AI on authorship, the regulation of digital content access, and the protection of creators' rights in evolving media landscapes. Her work combines doctrinal analysis with practical implications for creators, educators, and policymakers. Her scientific contributions include numerous articles and co-edited volumes, but no formal scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text. She has supervised doctoral research, including co-directing a 2019 volume on intellectual property and the European digital single market, indicating her role in academic mentorship. While no specific grants are listed, her sustained research output suggests active participation in funded projects. She is a key member of two research groups: INTERBIDE, focusing on biolaw, and GIPI, dedicated to intellectual property innovation.
James Wright is a Professor in the School for Studies in Art and Culture at Carleton University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University and is a distinguished scholar and composer with a focus on music philosophy, aesthetics, film music, 20th-century music, and post-tonal theory. His research and creative work bridge academic and artistic domains, with international recognition for both scholarly publications and musical compositions. Ph.D., McGill University Dr. Wright’s research interests include music philosophy and aesthetics, music perception, film music, 20th-century music history, post-tonal analysis, dance and music, and the history of music theory. His interdisciplinary approach connects music with philosophy, literature, visual art, and cultural studies. He has published extensively on Schoenberg, Wittgenstein, and Canadian composers like Eldon Rathburn, exploring the intersections of music, identity, and modernity. His recent creative and scholarly works span books, edited volumes, and compositions. Notably, his 2022 co-edited volume Monstrosity, Identity, and Music examines music in horror and speculative media, while his 2023 string quartet Ellen at Scattergood received the 2022 Petrichor Prize. His compositions have been performed globally and recorded by ensembles such as the Gryphon Trio and Quatuor Andara. He has also composed choral works, art songs, and pieces inspired by Canadian art and social themes. Governor-General’s Gold Medal, McGill University Lewis Lockwood Award, American Musicological Society 2022 Petrichor Prize for Composition University of Toronto Louis Applebaum Distinguished Visiting Professor in Composition (2019) James Wright has hosted major academic events, including the international conference “Music and Antifascism,” and his works have been featured in CBC Music, Fanfare Magazine, and international performances. He teaches courses in Western music history and mentors emerging musicians. He is also active in community music initiatives, including collaborations with youth choirs and educational programs. Dr. Wright leads creative projects that integrate music with dance, visual art, and social commentary. His work A Gallery of Song was choreographed and performed at the National Gallery and National Arts Centre, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. He continues to compose and publish, with upcoming works such as What Angels See (2025) for cello and piano.
Andrew Russell is a Lecturer at the School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies, University of Portsmouth. His research focuses on cross-cultural representation in global cinema, particularly examining Western portrayals of Southeast Asia and the evolution of transnational film genres. PhD in Film Studies (University of Portsmouth, 2021) Research Interests include: Postcolonial media analysis Japanese cinema and Takashi Miike's filmography Representation of Thailand in Hollywood Critical race theory in entertainment media Slow cinema movement Recent publications analyze: Exoticization patterns in contemporary screen media Racial stereotyping in WWE's entertainment model Intercultural dynamics in transnational filmmaking Temporal aesthetics in global cinema trends Active in academic service through journal peer-reviewing for Transnational Screens and conference participation in film genre studies. His doctoral thesis explored the duality of Thailand's cinematic representation in both Western and local film traditions.
Morgan Currie is a Senior Lecturer in Data & Society at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. They lead the Culture & Communities Mapping Project and co-lead Edinburgh Futures Institute's Critical Data Studies Cluster, focusing on open data, administrative data systems, and social justice implications of datafication. PhD in Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles (2017) MLIS, University of California, Los Angeles (2016) Masters in New Media, University of Amsterdam (2010) Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Smith College (2003) Research spans data justice, automated welfare systems, cultural mapping, and activist data practices. Their work examines how data-centric policies affect democratic participation and public accountability, particularly in urban governance contexts. Recent publications analyze algorithmic welfare governance (2024), AI literacy through art (2023), and administrative data burdens (2024). Current projects include EU Horizon-funded cultural industries policy development and Scottish Government data sharing studies. Best Paper Award - 2020 CHI Conference ESRC New Investigator Grant (2021-2023) EU Horizon Grant (2024) Teaching includes courses on technologies of civic participation, datafication & democracy, internet society, and AI ethics. They previously worked at Stanford's Digital Civil Society Lab and contributed to digital archive preservation efforts during the Trump administration.
Rolando Coto Solano is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics at Dartmouth College , with an Adjunct Assistant Professor appointment in Computer Science and an Affiliate Professor role in the Quantitative Social Science Program (QSS) . He focuses on creating computational tools to document and revitalize Indigenous languages like Cook Islands Māori and Bribri. Education : PhD and MA in Linguistics from the University of Arizona; BA in Computer Science from the University of Costa Rica. Research Interests include: Natural Language Processing for Indigenous and Under-Resourced Languages Tonal Phonetics and Phonology, with a focus on tonal reduction Sociophonetics, particularly interisland variation in Cook Islands Māori Publication Trends show expertise in automatic speech recognition (ASR) for Indigenous languages, computational sociophonetics, tonal priming, and metadata standards in academic publishing. He collaborates on tools like Universal Dependencies treebanks and the ELPIS pipeline . Scientific Awards : Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Master’s Degree) National Science Foundation (NSF) Consultant Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund Ship for World Youth Program (Office of the Prime Minister of Japan)
Professor Scott Palmer is a distinguished academic at the University of Leeds, serving as Professor of Light and Performance within the School of Performance and Cultural Industries (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures). With over 30 years of teaching and management experience in Higher Education, he was a founder member of the School in 2001 and has held numerous senior management roles including Interim Head of School, Director of Student Education (2019-2022), Director of Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer, and Programme Manager for BA (Hons) Performance Design for over a decade. In 2017-18, he was appointed to an Excellence and Innovation Fellowship at the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence & Innovation. PhD (Leeds) - Light, Scenography and the Choreography of Space Cert. Education (Manchester) BA Hons. Drama (Wales) Professor Palmer is a leading international advocate for scenography as an intellectual discipline. His research focuses on light, darkness and atmosphere in performance, designing for audience experience, and since 2017, the field of XR (Extended Reality). His influential monograph Light: Readings in Theatre Practice (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013) significantly contributed to establishing scenography as a scholarly field, exploring how light has influenced staging practices throughout history. He has co-edited major works including Scenography Expanded (Bloomsbury 2017) and the groundbreaking Contemporary Performance Lighting (2023), the first critical anthology focused specifically on performance lighting. His recent publications reveal evolving research trends from historical analyses of light in theatre to contemporary explorations of XR, immersive environments, and audience experience. Keywords across his work consistently emphasize scenography, audience experience, light design, and the integration of digital technologies in performance. His sub-field specializations span historical lighting techniques, immersive theatre practices, site-specific performance, 360-degree environments, and the theoretical frameworks connecting technological innovation with theatrical expression. Excellence and Innovation Fellowship at the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence & Innovation (2017-18) Research impact highlighted by AHRC as an exemplar case study Contributions to BBC Radio 3's Illuminating the Stage (broadcast December 25, 2017) Professor Palmer has supervised numerous PhD candidates and led collaborative student projects resulting in public performances including Pandora's Box (2009), Dream/Play (2010), Just Before Dawn (2011), Into the Dark (2012), Blood Wedding (2013), The Dreaming (2015), The Waiting Room (2017), and Within This House (2018). His research has been supported by significant grants including the AHRC-funded Projecting Performance (2006-08), UKRI-funded Surround Stories (XR Stories), and AHRC-funded Bridging the Gaps exploring Mixed Reality Performance of Chinese Opera. He plays an active role in international scholarly communities as co-convenor of the IFTR Scenography Working Group (2013-16), inaugural member of the TaPRA Scenography Working Group, and contributor to OISTAT Education and History and Theory Commissions. Professor Palmer is a member of the PLACE, Practice as Research, and Participation Research Groups at Leeds, and was co-instigator of the Leeds-based Performing Light Network. His SignalSpace web resource, developed with colleague Maria Kapsali, explores digital creativity and mobile phone applications in performance contexts. He regularly presents research outcomes at international conferences including IFTR, TaPRA, ICIDS, and ZipScene, demonstrating his commitment to advancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications of performance design.
Dr. Kinga Blaschke is a Polish art and design historian, sociologist, and academic at SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities , where she serves as the Representative for International Affairs in the Interdisciplinary Faculty in Krakow. She is affiliated with the Department of Design Research and Art Theory and actively contributes to research on art historiography, sociology, and graphic design. Research Interests : History and theory of art and graphic design, propaganda in art during the communist era, myths in art history, and sociology of art and design. Her work explores how social issues manifest in visual arts and critiques ideological narratives in historical scholarship. Teaching : Courses at SWPS University include art history, sociology of art and design, and history of graphic design. Scientific Awards & Scholarships : Rev. Szczęsny Dettloff Award (2012) for outstanding art historical research Ministry of Science and Higher Education Scholarship (2005–2007) Robert Anderson Research Charitable Trust Scholarship (2011) Creative Scholarship from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage (2016) Notable Publications span medieval art, sacred architecture, and political ideologies in art history. Her 2024 works focus on typographic theory and cross-disciplinary historiography.
Fiona Bell, a literary translator and scholar from St. Petersburg, Florida, specializes in 19th-century Russian literature and gender studies. With formal education from Princeton, Oxford, and Middlebury, she integrates physical theater practices into her scholarship and teaching. Her work explores intersections of translation theory, cultural criticism, and creative reinterpretation. Education: M.A. in Russian, Middlebury Language Schools (2022) MSt in Modern Languages, Oxford University (2019) B.A. in Slavic Languages and Literatures, Princeton University (2018) Her research interests span Russian imperial histories of racialization, gender dynamics in literary translation, and physical theater pedagogy. Articles demonstrate her focus on radical translation practices, gendered narratives in Russian texts, and cross-cultural reinterpretations of canonical works. Her translations of Nataliya Meshchaninova and Avdotya Panaeva have garnered significant recognition. Scientific Awards: North American Dostoevsky Society Graduate Essay Competition Winner (2022) ASEEES Internship Program Grant (2022) PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant (2020) English Teaching Assistantship Award, Russian Federation (2019-20) ALTA Emerging Translator Mentorship (2018-2019) As a reviews editor at Full Stop , she contributes to literary discourse through critical analysis of grief literature, postcolonial narratives, and contemporary translations. Her creative work merges Russian literary themes with humor, including satirical pieces on skincare and gendered absurdities in The Belladonna Comedy .
