Dr. Ben Robins is a Professor at the University of Hertfordshire's Department of Computer Science, affiliated with the School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science and the Centre for AI and Robotics Research. His work focuses on developing humanoid robots like Kaspar for autism therapy, emphasizing child-robot interaction, visual perspective taking, and emotion recognition. He leads multiple research projects since 2004, including studies on robot-mediated interventions for children with autism, speech and language therapy, and stress detection through physiological signals. Key projects include: EMBOA: Affective loop in Socially Assistive Robotics (2019-2022) Kaspar Explains: Human-Robot Trust via Educational Platforms (2021-2022) Feasibility Study of Robot-Assisted Speech Therapy (2022) His research combines robotics engineering with cognitive science, aiming to create therapeutic tools for neurodiverse populations. Over 76 peer-reviewed publications since 2004 document innovations in robot design, interaction paradigms, and ASD intervention strategies. Collaborations span fields like biomedical engineering, education, and computer vision. Notable achievements include pioneering the Kaspar humanoid platform, developing tactile interaction frameworks, and advancing understanding of robot-mediated social skill development. Current work explores causal explanations' role in perspective-taking and hybrid mobile-app/robot interventions.
Jane Aspell is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the School of Psychology, Sport and Sensory Science. She serves as Director of Postgraduate Research and REF Convenor for UoA 4 (Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience). Aspell joined ARU in 2011 after postdoctoral positions at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Goldsmiths College (London), and the University of Oxford. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Newcastle and an MA in Biological Sciences from the University of Oxford. Her research investigates how multisensory bodily signals form the neurobiological basis of self-consciousness. Using EEG, behavioral experiments, and psychophysical methods, she studies bodily self-perception in neurotypical individuals, autistic populations, and chronic pain patients. Key interests include the integration of exteroceptive (visual/tactile) and interoceptive (e.g., cardiac) signals, and how these processes underpin higher-order self-concepts. Aspell co-leads the Body and Self Research Group within ARU's Centre for Mind and Behaviour. A review of her recent publications (2020-2024) reveals dominant themes in interoception, body image disorders, autism, and cross-cultural psychology. Her work consistently bridges clinical applications (fibromyalgia, pelvic pain) with fundamental questions about self-consciousness, employing innovative neurophysiological methods and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Finalist: Researcher of the Year (2024 Cambridge Independent Science Awards) Best PhD Supervisory Team Award (2023 & 2021) Vice Chancellor’s Award for Doctoral Supervision (2022) Faculty Research Award (2022) Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Award (2021) She actively supervises PhD candidates (e.g., Phaedra Longhurst, Azeezat Aminu) and has mentored 8+ students to completion. Major grants include a Leverhulme Trust Award (£153K, 2022), Versus Arthritis Pain Challenge (£190K, 2020), and Bial Foundation grants (2021, 2014). She directs the Self & Body Lab, pioneering VR/EEG studies on bodily self-consciousness.
Annette Kinder is a Professor of Psychology of Learning (W2) at the Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin. She has held this position since 2010, following a Heisenberg Fellowship (2004–2010) at the University of Potsdam and a substitute professorship at the same institution in 2008. Her academic journey includes roles as a university assistant at Philipps-Universität Marburg (1999–2004) and research associate in a DFG project on associative learning (1995–1999). She obtained her habilitation in psychology (specializing in general psychology) in 2003 and completed her PhD in 1996 at Philipps-Universität Marburg with a scholarship from Hessian Promotion for Junior Researchers. Research Interests: Cognitive Psychology Artificial Grammar Learning Numerical Processing Educational Diagnostics Machine Learning in Education Neurocognitive Poetics Scientific Awards: Heisenberg Fellowship (2004–2010) Teaching: She has taught courses like 'Pädagogische Diagnostik' (Educational Diagnostics) and research colloquia for qualifying theses since 2018/2019, focusing on cognitive and educational psychology.
Peter Laufer is the James Wallace Chair Professor in Journalism at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC). His academic appointments include positions in SOJC-Journalism, SOJC-Journalism Master's, SOJC-Media Studies Master's, SOJC-Media Studies PhD, and SOJC-Multimedia Journalism. He also serves as the founding co-Director of the University of Oregon-UNESCO Institute for Conflict-sensitive Reporting and Intercultural Dialogue. Laufer's research focuses on the intersections of borders, migration, identity, and the relationships between humans and other animals. His investigative work includes examining the veracity of 'organic' food labeling and exploring the cultural significance of neon signs in Nevada. His scholarly approach combines rigorous field research with narrative storytelling, often taking him across multiple continents to investigate complex social issues. His publication record reveals consistent thematic threads across decades of work, with particular emphasis on border studies, human-animal relationships, and critical approaches to journalism. His writings demonstrate a commitment to investigative reporting that challenges conventional wisdom and explores complex social issues through narrative journalism. Jonathan Marshall Award for Innovative Teaching in Journalism and Communication George Polk Award for his NBC documentary on Americans in prisons overseas California Council for the Humanities 'California Voices' radio production grant Koerber Foundation Transatlantic Idea prize Gustavas Myers Book Awards honorable mention David Wolper Best Documentary Prize Laufer serves as an influential mentor to journalism students at the University of Oregon and has founded the Slow News Movement, advocating for more thoughtful and deliberate journalism practices. His work with the University of Oregon-UNESCO Crossings Institute supports conflict-sensitive reporting and intercultural dialogue, particularly regarding refugee journalists. He maintains active connections with professional journalism through his radio work, including serving as news and program director of WRC Radio in Washington, D.C., and founding program director of Newstalk 93.6 in Berlin.
Grace Phang serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Digital Art and Design at New York Institute of Technology's College of Arts & Sciences, where she teaches user research and data analysis in the graduate program. She simultaneously works as a user researcher at Liberty Mutual, leading research for agile teams focused on online accounts, claims, and mobile applications. Her research expertise bridges neuroscience, anthropology, and design methodology, with particular focus on understanding user patterns during emotionally challenging experiences such as insurance claims processing. Dr. Phang brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective developed through her academic background in both cognitive science and creative expression. Her recent publications demonstrate practical applications of research methodology, including a visual note-taking technique for researchers and reflections on career transitions into UX. These works reflect broader trends in making user research more accessible and emotionally intelligent. HCI International Publication (Springer, July 2019) Adobe Blog Featured Woman (August 2019) As an active community member, she participates in Ladies That UX, Women Who Code, She Geeks Out NYC, and UXPA Boston, sharing her journey from neuroscience to user experience research. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes continuous learning and interdisciplinary connections, encouraging students to draw insights from diverse fields to enhance their design practice. Dr. Phang also co-founded Fab Hatters, a successful fashion business that informs her understanding of creative process and user needs in product design. Her work demonstrates how diverse academic and professional experiences can converge to create innovative solutions in user experience design.
Prof. Dr. Sonja Geiger is a leading academic at Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development , where she holds the Chair in Psychology and Marketing in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Industry since 2024. Previously, she served as a tenured Lecturer at Murdoch University and as a Researcher at TU Berlin . Her work bridges environmental psychology , mindfulness interventions , and sustainable consumption through innovative frameworks like the SCB-cube model . Academic Affiliations : Eberswalde University (2024–present), Murdoch University (2023–2024), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (2021–2023), TU Berlin (2015–2021) Key Research Areas : Sustainable consumption behavior, nature connectedness through immersive VR , time wealth, mindfulness applications, and environmental education Her scientific contributions focus on: Developing measurable frameworks for sustainable behaviors Exploring VR embodiment as a tool for pro-environmental action Linking mindfulness practices to ecological conservation Major projects include MeinDing! (citizen science for sustainable lifestyles) and ReZeitKon (time wealth and sustainable consumption). She supervises theses on topics like time well-being , fairness in climate measures , and marketing sustainable products .
Göran Gerdin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sport Science at Linnaeus University, where he currently serves as program director for the Physical Education and Health Teacher Education program and leads the department's internationalization efforts. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and maintains active roles in editorial boards for Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education and Sport, Education and Society , as well as convening the Research in Sport Pedagogy network for the European Educational Research Association (EERA). Dr. Gerdin's scholarly work centers on making visible and challenging dominant norms and values linked to the body, gender, physical activity, sport, and health in school physical education and health (HPE). His research examines how power relations, discourses, and social structures shape students' experiences and identities within educational settings, with particular attention to gender dynamics, embodiment, and social justice. He develops teaching practices that promote inclusion, equity, and social justice in HPE and teacher education, while contributing sociological perspectives on sports participation and coaching. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory toward understanding social justice pedagogies across different cultural contexts. Recent work explores how students experience inclusion and equity in physical education, how teachers implement social justice approaches, and how gender norms and masculinity are constructed in school settings. His research often employs qualitative methodologies, including narrative and visual approaches, to capture the complex embodied experiences of students and teachers. The EDUHEALTH research project has been central to his comparative work across Sweden, Norway, and New Zealand. Dr. Gerdin has authored the influential book Boys, Bodies, and Physical Education: Problematizing Identity, Schooling, and Power Relations through a Pleasure Lens (2017) and co-authored Social Justice Pedagogies in Health and Physical Education (2021) and Critical Research in Sport, Health and Physical Education: How to make a difference (2018). His current work identifies nine pedagogical pillars for social justice in HPE practice, which include building relationships, teaching for social cohesion, and taking explicit action on social inequities.
Kaisu Lankinen is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering at Aalto University . Her research focuses on Magnetoencephalography (MEG) , neural synchrony , and social interaction , combining machine learning and neuroimaging techniques. Education Diplomi-insinööri (Master of Science in Technology), Aalto University, 2011 Tekniikan kandidaatti (Bachelor of Science in Technology), Elektroniikan ja sähkötekniikan koulutusohjelma, 2009 Research Trends : Her recent work explores social conflict resolution through neural alignment, letter processing in sensory cortices, and open-source software development for MEG/EEG analysis. Themes include ecological validity and neural dynamics . Labs & Collaborations : She collaborates with institutions like University of California, Berkeley (2017 visiting researcher) and contributes to tools like HNN-core .
Professor Joel Pearson is a Cognitive Neuroscientist and Psychologist at the University of New South Wales, where he serves as Director of the Future Minds Lab. He holds a National Health and Medical Research Council fellowship and has established himself as an internationally recognized leader in human consciousness research. His research focuses on developing innovative methods to measure previously immeasurable dimensions of human experience, with particular emphasis on visual mental imagery, aphantasia (the absence of mental imagery), intuition, and hallucinations. Pearson employs a multidisciplinary agile approach, integrating perspectives from art, architecture, mathematics, computer science, psychology, and neuroscience. Analysis of Pearson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on aphantasia research, with numerous studies examining the neurological basis, cognitive implications, and sensory manifestations of this condition. His work demonstrates how objective neuroscientific methods can be applied to subjective experiences, bridging fundamental science with clinical applications. The research spans from basic cognitive mechanisms to practical applications in mental health, education, and human-AI interactions. 2009 William James award for the greatest scientific contribution to understanding consciousness 12 years of continuous NHMRC fellowship support Over $3 million in Category 1 research funding Pearson has successfully translated his research into practical applications through MindX, a boutique company spun out of his lab in 2016 that applies psychology and cognitive neuroscience to advertising and marketing. His lab takes a highly collaborative approach, working with companies, artists, and designers on brain science applications. Pearson is also a passionate advocate for high-risk discovery science and has developed the Agile Science methodology as a practical guide for scientific discovery. The Future Minds Lab represents a world-first, hands-on human-centered research environment exploring the Psychology and Neuroscience of innovation and entrepreneurship, the future of work, human and AI interactions, and mental health applications. The lab maintains a specialized database on extreme imagery conditions at https://www.futuremindslab.com/extremeimagery .
Kai Syng Tan (she/they) is an Associate Professor in Arts and Cultural Leadership at the University of Southampton's Winchester School of Art, joining in July 2023. An award-winning artist-academic-agitator, they have taught in over 200 universities worldwide and are known for pioneering innovative approaches at the intersection of art, leadership, neurodiversity, and social justice. Their work spans creative practice, research, and activism, with a focus on decolonial, anti-oppressive frameworks that reimagine leadership through neuro-queering and creative futurity. PhD in Fine Art (Slade School of Fine Art, University College London) MA in Art and Design (Royal College of Art) BFA (Tokyo University of the Arts) Tan's research interests explore the intersections of art, leadership, neurodiversity, and social justice through multiple interconnected strands. Their work in Running Studies has pioneered running as an artistic discourse, challenging ableist frameworks in mobility studies. In art-science collaborations, particularly through the #MagicCarpet project, they've reframed neurodivergence as creative discourse. Their disability arts work, including directing the £4.8m Paralympics ceremonies in Southeast Asia, has been praised as 'game-changing.' Most recently, they're developing 'neuro-futurism' as a framework for reimagining leadership through neuro-queering, anti-oppression, and creative futurity. Tan's recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward reimagining leadership through neurodivergent, decolonial, and creative lenses. Their 2024-2025 works focus on 'neuro-futurism' as a toolkit for diversified, beyond-colonial leadership approaches. The publications demonstrate increasing integration of neurodiversity studies with leadership theory, creative practice, and social justice frameworks. Common themes include tentacular pedagogy, love-led leadership, and decolonized approaches to knowledge production, reflecting Tan's commitment to creating more equitable and imaginative futures through artful agitation. National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement Culture Change Award (2018) Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) (2014) San Francisco International Film Festival Golden Gate Award (1999) Principal Fellowship, Advance HE (PFHEA) (2022) Young Artist Award from Singapore President (2007) National Teaching Award 2023 nomination Tan actively supervises PhD students and has developed the MA in Arts and Cultural Leadership at Winchester School of Art. They've secured significant funding for creative projects including the £4.8m Paralympics ceremonies and the £1.35m Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships project. Their Neurodiversity In/& Creative Research Network connects over 400 neurodivergent innovators globally. Current research includes 'Towards a Creative Practice Observatory' and developing frameworks for love-led leadership that challenges traditional hierarchical models through neuroqueering and anti-oppressive approaches. Tan founded and co-chairs the Neurodiversity In/& Creative Research Network (over 400 members) and the Running Cultures Research Network. Their #MagicCarpet project at King's College London established groundbreaking art-science collaborations in neurodiversity. As Visual and Communications Director for the Paralympics of Southeast Asia, they created innovative inclusive approaches that have had lasting impact. Current projects include 'Towards a Creative Practice Observatory' and developing the MA Arts and Cultural Leadership program at Southampton, which takes a critical, creative approach to shaping arts leadership for social and climate justice.
Stéphane Roy is a Professor in Art & Architectural History at Carleton University, specializing in 18th-century French and British art with particular emphasis on print culture, visual propaganda, and transnational artistic exchanges. He holds an MA and Ph.D. from Université du Québec à Montréal, complemented by postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Toronto (2005) and Yale University (2008). His curatorial experience includes positions at the Yale Center for British Art (2005-2008) and the Portrait Gallery of Canada (2010), where he co-curated exhibitions like Art and Emancipation in Jamaica (2007) and The Four 'Indian Kings': War and Diplomacy in 1710 (2010). MA, Ph.D. - Université du Québec à Montréal Postdoctoral Fellowship - University of Toronto Postdoctoral Associateship - Yale University His research investigates European printmaking's role in cultural exchange, focusing on topics like 18th-century exhibition practices, mixed printmaking techniques as spectacle, and art marketing's role in public self-fashioning. Current projects include a database of print advertisements from 1770-1800 (funded by SSHRC 2011-2013) and two book manuscripts: a new survey of print trade during the French Revolution and Another Tale of Two Cities: Prints and Visual Culture in 18th-Century London and Paris , the latter taking a transnational perspective on print culture. Scientific Awards: SSHRC Grant (2011-2013) for 'Lasting Impressions: The Persistence of Ancien Régime Print Culture during the French Revolution' Roy's publications and exhibitions demonstrate his expertise in Enlightenment visual culture and its enduring impact. He supervises the department's practicum program, connecting students with museums and galleries in Ottawa, and utilizes Carleton's extensive 18th-century resources including the Art Gallery and MacOdrum Library archives.
Michael Cowling is an Adjunct Professor in Education / ICT at Central Queensland University (CQU), having joined CQU in 2025 after moving from a previous institution. He currently serves as President (2024-2025) of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE) and Vice-President of the Open Access Publishing Association (OAPA), with over 20 years of leadership in educational technology. His research is anchored in the principle 'pedagogy before technology,' emphasizing thoughtful integration of digital tools to enhance learning outcomes. Key focus areas include: Mixed reality applications for experiential learning in health sciences and paramedic education Mobile learning technologies for distance education Digital literacy frameworks across K-12 and higher education contexts Generative AI implications for teaching, learning, and academic integrity Learning analytics for secure assessment environments Recent publications reveal a strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence in education, particularly examining generative AI's impact on stakeholder dynamics in higher education. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementations, especially in visualization techniques for complex subjects through augmented reality and 3D printing. Dr. Cowling's contributions have been recognized through: Universities Australia 2020 AAUT Award for Teaching Excellence (Physical Sciences & Related Studies) Fellowship of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE UK) His leadership in ASCILITE and OAPA demonstrates active engagement in shaping educational technology policy and practice. Collaborative projects with international researchers like J Birt, Robert Vanderburg, and Thomas Cochrane highlight his commitment to cross-institutional knowledge exchange, though specific grant details and student advising records remain undocumented in available sources.
Jacob Daar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at Northern Michigan University's College of Arts and Sciences. Holding a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University, he is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctorate Level. Education: B.A./M.A. from University of South Florida, Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University Dr. Daar's research focuses on promoting emergent language repertoires, improving behavior assessment and treatment, and understanding gambling behavior through behavioral analysis frameworks. He directs the Behavior Education Assessment and Research (BEAR) Center, overseeing multiple service and practicum training programs for children with developmental disabilities. His recent work trends include: PEAK relational training system applications for autism intervention Stimulus equivalence and deictic framing in language acquisition Gambling behavior analysis through contingency confusion studies Relational Frame Theory in implicit social stereotyping Leadership & Advocacy Roles: Director of BEAR Center President of UP Association for Behavior Analysis Core Faculty, Michigan Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Mi-LEND) Member, Michigan Autism Council
Dr. Daniel Joel Shaw is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at Aston University, part of the College of Health and Life Sciences. He leads the Cognition & Neuroscience Research Group (CNRG) and is affiliated with the Aston Research Centre for Health in Ageing and the Aston Institute of Health & Neurodevelopment. His research focuses on social cognitive neuroscience, using neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and hyperscanning to study brain mechanisms underlying social interactions. Shaw holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Nottingham (2007–2011) and has held roles at Lancaster University and Royal Holloway University of London. He has secured over £700K in research funding as Principal Investigator, including a BBSRC New Investigator Award (2024–2026). Shaw supervises PhD candidates and serves as a Review Editor for Frontiers in Human Neuroscience . He is a Fellow of Advance HE and member of the Experimental Psychology Society. Key affiliations: CNRG, Aston Institute of Health & Neurodevelopment Research emphases: Social cognition, hyperscanning, autism spectrum disorders Funding history includes Czech Science Foundation grants (€203.5K) and Aston University initiatives Consulting role as Scientific Advisor for Cognition journal His work explores neural correlates of social processes such as perspective-taking and empathy through innovative 'hyperscanning' methods that simultaneously measure brain activity during live interactions. Recent studies investigate social cognitive deficits in autism and the role of functional brain connectivity in cooperative behavior. Awards include the 2023 Open Research Award from Aston University and Experimental Psychology Society funding. His funding portfolio spans cognitive neuroscience, health aging, and technology integration.
Alex Sánchez-Amaro is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology's Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology. His work focuses on the social cognitive abilities of non-human primates and human infants, particularly in resolving cooperative dilemmas with conflicting interests. Using game-theoretical models like the Snowdrift and Prisoner’s Dilemma, he investigates how primates coordinate actions in conflicting scenarios. He also explores cognitive biases (e.g., sunk-cost effect, decoy effect) in great apes and has collaborated on studies involving marmosets and gibbons. Previously, he held a DFG-funded postdoc position at UC San Diego, studying exploration, risk-taking, and conflict resolution in primates. Education: PhD in Biology (2017), Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig MSc Primatology (2013), University of Barcelona BA (Hons) Biology (2010), University Autònoma of Barcelona Research Interests: Social decision-making, cognitive bias evolution, biological market theory, and conflict resolution in primates. Grants & Awards: DFG Fellowship (2019–2020), LaCaixa Fellowship (2013–2015), multiple mobility grants, and a B.A. with Honors. Teaching: Lectured on non-human primate cooperation at UC San Diego and other institutions. Labs & Collaborations: Part of the ManyPrimates collaborative network, focusing on comparative primate cognition and open science initiatives.
