Prof. Christian Holz is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Deputy Head of the Institute of Intelligent Interactive Systems at ETH Zürich. His work focuses on advancing human-computer interaction through innovations in wearable technologies, mixed reality systems, and sensor-driven applications. Key research areas include motion capture, physiological signal processing, and adaptive user interfaces. Holz leads the SIPLab (siplab.ethz.ch), producing influential work at the intersection of computer science and biomedical engineering. His research explores cutting-edge topics such as egocentric vision systems, wearable health monitoring devices, and VR/AR applications. Recent studies investigate cybersickness detection via EEG, heart rate estimation from eye-tracking cameras, and scalable motion capture using inertial/UWB sensors. Holz's work emphasizes practical applications in healthcare, education, and human-centered computing. Publications reflect a strong focus on interdisciplinary solutions, combining machine learning with sensor data analysis. Notable contributions include the EgoSim multi-view simulator, WildPPG biomedical dataset, and MiBOT cardiovascular modulation device. His research bridges theoretical advancements with real-world usability in domains like emergency response training, chronic disease monitoring, and immersive education.
Adrian Weller is a prominent researcher and academic at the University of Cambridge, serving as a Director of Research in Machine Learning within the Department of Engineering. He holds multiple significant leadership roles including Programme Director for Trust and Society at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI), and previously served as Programme Director for AI at The Alan Turing Institute, the UK national institute for data science and AI. His work bridges theoretical machine learning research with practical applications and societal implications of artificial intelligence. Weller's research interests span a broad spectrum of AI and machine learning topics with a particular focus on ensuring beneficial societal outcomes. His work encompasses explainability, fairness, robustness, scalability, privacy, safety, and ethics in AI systems. He has made significant contributions to trustworthy machine learning, including developing frameworks for AI governance, certification, and human-AI collaboration. His research group actively investigates neuro-symbolic approaches, privacy-preserving techniques, and methods for improving the reliability and interpretability of AI systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward addressing the practical challenges of deploying AI systems in real-world contexts, particularly focusing on certification frameworks, governance mechanisms, and human-centered approaches. His work spans theoretical advances in machine learning architectures while maintaining a strong connection to societal impact, with publications appearing in top venues across AI, machine learning, and interdisciplinary applications. Scientific Awards: MBE for services to digital innovation (2022 Queen's Birthday Honours) Turing AI Fellowship for Trustworthy Machine Learning Weller actively supervises a large group of PhD students and postdocs, with current students including Juyeon Heo, Yanzhi Chen, Katie Collins, Isaac Reid, Yichao Liang, Herbie Bradley, and Shoaib Siddiqui. His former students have gone on to positions at leading institutions including Google DeepMind, ETH Zurich, NYU, and MPI-IS Tübingen. He has served on numerous advisory boards including the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, UNESCO's expert group on AI ethics, and the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on AI. His research has been supported through his Turing AI Fellowship and various collaborative projects focused on safe and ethical AI development. Weller leads a vibrant research group focused on trustworthy machine learning, which actively organizes workshops and conferences including ICML 2024 (where he served as Program Chair), multiple workshops on responsible AI, and events through the ELLIS network. His group collaborates extensively across disciplines, working with researchers in computer science, social sciences, law, and policy to address the multifaceted challenges of developing beneficial AI systems.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Tomas Palacios is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , where he directs the Center for Graphene Devices and 2D Systems and leads the Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL). His research focuses on pushing the boundaries of microelectronics through novel semiconductor materials and device architectures, including Gallium Nitride (GaN) and 2D materials like graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Professor, MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Director, MIT Center for Graphene Devices and 2D Systems Clarence J. LeBel Professor, MIT Faculty Director, Northeast Microelectronics Internship Program (NMIP) Research Interests span multiple cutting-edge domains: High-frequency electronics (>300 GHz) for 6G and quantum applications High-voltage power devices (600V–10kV) for energy conversion Post-silicon logic devices using 2D materials High-temperature electronics (e.g., Venus rover applications) Distributed neural networks on large-area 2D materials Graphene-based biosensors and chemical detection systems Scientific Contributions include: Double recipient of the IEEE George Smith Award for groundbreaking GaN transistor work Co-invented first MoS2 electronic circuits Developed world’s first Wi-Fi-to-electricity conversion antenna Led MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratories since 2021 Advising Philosophy emphasizes cross-layer expertise, with students gaining experience from materials synthesis to system-level prototyping. His lab has incubated startups like Vertical Horizons , focused on GaN power devices for AI and EVs.
Andreas Bulling is a Professor at the Institute for Visualisation and Interactive Systems , University of Stuttgart, Germany. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction , Eye Tracking , and Computer Vision , with applications in Machine Learning , Virtual Reality , and Information Visualization . 2025 Publications: HOIGaze (Extended Reality), ChartQC (Data Visualization), HAIFAI (Human-AI Interaction), SummAct (Behavioral Summarization), Chartist (Chart Reading). 2024 Contributions: HumanEYEze (Multimodal AI), HOIMotion (3D Object Detection), MultiMediate'24 (Engagement Estimation), Unified Model of Saliency (Scanpath Prediction). His recent work explores gaze estimation , interactive behavior modeling , and privacy-preserving eye-tracking systems . Key subfields include Extended Reality , Neural Networks , and Behavioral Biometrics . While no explicit scientific awards are mentioned, his research has been widely cited (8,003 total citations) and downloaded (132,740 times). Andreas leads projects in Interactive Systems and collaborates with institutions such as Aalto University , KU Leuven , and National University of Singapore . His lab focuses on eye movement analysis , human motion forecasting , and task-driven input modeling .
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
David Lindlbauer is an Assistant Professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) of Carnegie Mellon University, where he leads the Augmented Perception Lab and co-directs the CMU Extended Reality Technology Center. His research bridges human perception, extended reality (AR/VR), and computational interaction techniques, focusing on developing systems that dynamically adapt interface elements based on environmental context, user cognition, and task requirements. He completed his PhD at TU Berlin under Prof. Marc Alexa and held a postdoctoral position at ETH Zurich's Advanced Interactive Technologies lab. His work has been published extensively at top venues including ACM CHI, UIST, and IEEE VR, with research themes spanning gaze tracking, spatial audio optimization, haptic feedback, and multimodal notification systems. Media outlets like MIT Technology Review and Fast Company Design have featured his innovations. Dr. Lindlbauer has received prestigious grants from Meta, NSF, and ETH Zurich, and serves on program committees for CHI, UIST, and ISMAR. He has been recognized with Best Paper awards at ISS 2023 and CHI 2016, and his lab develops tools like MineXR for personalized XR interfaces and RealityReplay for temporal change visualization in mixed reality environments.
Stefanie Mueller is the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor at MIT's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, with joint affiliation in Mechanical Engineering. She leads the HCI Engineering Group at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), focusing on advancing fabrication techniques through hardware/software innovations that enable novel object interactions. Develops computational fabrication methods combining photochromic dyes, lenticular lenses, birefringent materials, and optical illusions Co-chaired ACM CHI 2023 and ACM UIST 2020 program committees Recipients of 9 MIT EECS Best Undergraduate Researcher Awards among mentees Her research spans four key directions: Appearance-changing Objects: Photo-Chromeleon (ACM UIST 2019), Lenticular Objects (ACM UIST 2021), and Polagons (ACM CHI 2023) demonstrate reprogrammable surfaces through advanced materials and optical engineering. Tracking Systems: InfraredTags (ACM CHI 2022) and G-ID (ACM CHI 2020) enable passive object tracking via infrared markers and slicing artifacts. Embedded Sensing: MechSense (ACM CHI 2023) and Sprayable User Interfaces (ACM CHI 2020) integrate sensing capabilities into complex geometries. Curved Surface Prototyping: FlexBoard (ACM CHI 2023) and CurveBoard (ACM CHI 2020) develop specialized tools for non-planar electronics. Her recent publications focus on functionality segmentation (UIST 2023), fluorescent markers (UIST 2023), and machine-knitted haptics (UIST 2023). These works combine machine learning, material science, and interactive design principles to push fabrication boundaries. Scientific recognition includes: 2022 MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 2020 Microsoft Research Faculty Fellowship 2020 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship 2019 ACM UIST Best Paper Award 2019 NSF CAREER Award 2018 MIT EECS Outstanding Educator Award 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science Mentoring 9 PhD students and over 20 master's students, her lab has produced 20+ publications at top HCI conferences. She redesigned MIT's 6.810 Engineering Interactive Technologies course during the pandemic, maintaining hands-on learning through home electronics kits and Slack-based collaboration.
Patrick Slade is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). His lab, the Slade Lab, focuses on developing assistive devices to enhance mobility through the integration of biomechanics, robotics, and human-centered artificial intelligence. Key research areas include exoskeletons, prosthetics, wearable sensors for health tracking, and navigation aids for visually impaired individuals. Research Interests: The lab emphasizes translating research into practical solutions, such as personalized exoskeletons and robotic systems to improve mobility. Recent work includes optimizing human-robot interaction algorithms and publishing in high-impact journals like Nature . Collaborations with labs like the Biodesign Lab and BIONICs Lab highlight cross-disciplinary efforts. Publications: Over 15 articles since 2017 span topics like exoskeleton design, energy expenditure modeling, and Bayesian reinforcement learning. Notable contributions include a 2022 Nature paper on personalized exoskeleton assistance and a 2021 study on navigation aids for impaired vision. Awards & Grants: Students in his group have received prestigious NSF GRFP fellowships and conference awards, reflecting the lab's emphasis on innovation. The lab actively engages in grant-funded projects to advance assistive technology. Lab & Team: The Slade Lab opened at Harvard in 2023 and includes PhD students and postdocs working on devices like robotic exoskeletons and health-tracking systems. Future work focuses on scalable solutions for mobility challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.
Chris Harrison is an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science, directing the Future Interfaces Group . His research focuses on novel human-computer interaction technologies, including haptics, AR/VR/XR, and ubiquitous computing. Research Interests: Ubiquitous Computing, Human-Centered AI, Physical Interfaces (Sensing, Haptics, Fabrication), AR/VR/XR, Social Computing Advisees: Daehwa Kim, Nathan DeVrio, Vimal Mollyn, Vivian Shen Scientific Recognition: Forbes 30 Under 30 (Science), MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35, Smithsonian Innovator (2013), Google/Microsoft/Qualcomm Fellows Contact: chris.harrison@cs.cmu.edu His recent publications explore advanced haptic systems (Reel Feel, Fluid Reality), body-centric sensing (SkinTrack), and environment-embedded interfaces (Wall++). Current work integrates UWB/IMU fusion for pose estimation and synthetic jet haptics.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Josie Hughes is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Engineering's Institute of Mechanical Engineering. She leads the Computer Robot Design and Fabrication Laboratory (CREATE Lab) and serves on the doctoral program committee for Robotics, Control and Intelligent Systems. Her roles include teaching courses in product development, engineering design, and data-driven manufacturing methods while maintaining active research and student supervision. Her research centers on soft robotics with emphasis on adaptive design, fabrication techniques, and real-world applications. Key areas include agricultural robotics (exemplified by the GraspBerry raspberry harvester), biomimetic materials like self-healing e-skins, and developmental robotics (BabyBot project). She pioneers approaches integrating morphological computation, variable stiffness mechanisms, and machine learning for robotic control, while championing open-source principles and diversity in robotics through accessible educational initiatives like balloon robot kits. Analysis of her recent publications reveals dominant trends in soft robotics adaptability, particularly in variable-stiffness structures, sensor integration, and task-specific optimization. Her work bridges fundamental material science with practical applications in agriculture, food science, and human-robot interaction, frequently employing computational methods like Bayesian optimization and neural networks for design and control. Scientific awards: No specific awards were mentioned in the source materials. Dr. Hughes actively supervises 16 doctoral students across diverse projects including soft grippers for agriculture, biomimetic locomotion, and robotic manipulation systems. Her advising portfolio shows strong alignment with her research themes, with current students working on topics like modular soft arms, agricultural automation, and developmental robotics. While grant details weren't specified, her high publication volume indicates robust research funding. The CREATE Lab under her leadership focuses on holistic co-design of hardware and software for soft robotic systems, with notable projects including the GraspBerry agricultural harvester and BabyBot developmental platform. The lab emphasizes open-source development and educational outreach, maintaining strong industry and academic collaborations while pushing boundaries in reconfigurable robotics and human-centered applications.
Maher Elshakankiri is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Ain Shams University (Egypt), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Regina. His research focuses on IoT, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), and pedagogical integration of technology and gaming. He has supervised over 100 student projects and authored a book on WSNs. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Ain Shams University, Egypt M.Eng., B.Eng. in Engineering, Ain Shams University, Egypt Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Regina, Canada Research Interests: IoT in healthcare, agriculture, and sports Active learning classrooms and technology in education Wireless communication protocols (V2V, UAV, RFID) Leadership & Grants: Director, Bachelor of Information (BI) Program (2024–present) Coordinator, Information Systems and Design (ISD) Concentration (2023) SSHRC Grant: 'Gaming in teaching towards a more inclusive class' (2022–2023) Professional Activities: Member, SCC IoT & Digital Twins Standards Committee Reviewer for journals including Wireless Networks , Telematics and Informatics , and Computational Intelligence Technical Program Committee member at multiple conferences Teaching: Courses include INF1340 (Programming for Data Science), INF1005/1006 (IoT Workshops), and INF452 (Information Design Coding).
Rong Zheng is a Professor in the Department of Computing and Software and a member of the School of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University, Canada. She holds a Tier-1 Canada Research Chair in Mobile Computing and serves as Acting Chair of the Computing and Software department from July to December 2025. She is also an Associate Member of the Electrical & Computer Engineering department. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA Master of Engineering (thesis) in Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Dr. Zheng's research lies at the intersection of mobile computing, wireless networking, and machine learning, with a strong focus on applications for aging populations. She directs the NSERC Smart Mobility for the Aging Population CREATE program. Her work encompasses sensor development, wireless network design, and mobile data analytics to address real-world challenges in healthcare, mobility, and data center monitoring. She has developed innovative solutions like the MacQuest campus navigation app and has captured first prize in indoor localization competitions. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward applying wireless sensing technologies (particularly acoustic, Wi-Fi, and mmWave) to health monitoring and mobility assessment for older adults. There's a strong emphasis on developing efficient edge computing solutions that can process data in real-time on resource-constrained devices, as exemplified by her TeamNet framework for collaborative inference on the edge. Her work bridges theoretical advances with practical applications that have social impact. Scientific Awards: Tier-1 Canada Research Chair in Mobile Computing US National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2006) Joseph Ip Distinguished Engineering Fellow (2015-2018) Dr. Zheng leads the Wireless System Research Group (WiSeR) at McMaster University, which has secured significant funding including a $1.65M NSERC CREATE grant for smart mobility research for older adults. Her research has been supported by multiple funding agencies including NSERC, NSF, UH GEAR, and DURIP. She actively mentors graduate students and has developed specialized courses including CAS 772 (Mobile Data Analytics) and CAS 781 (Mobility in the Aging Population). The WiSeR group conducts impactful research on communication, networking, and data analytics issues in Cyber Physical Systems, with applications spanning healthcare, smart infrastructure, and data center monitoring. Their work on data center infrastructure monitoring networks has been featured in EurekAlert and Data Center Dynamics, and they've made significant contributions to indoor localization technology.
Parastoo Abtahi is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at Princeton University. She leads the Situated Interactions Lab (Ψ Lab) as part of the Princeton HCI Group, focusing on AR/VR and spatial computing. Prior to Princeton, she worked at Meta Reality Labs Research. PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Toronto (Engineering Science program) Her research explores wearable interactive technologies that augment human intelligence in physical contexts through: Input on-the-go: Low-effort, privacy-preserving multimodal interfaces Intelligent output: Timely, minimal multisensory systems Situated AI: Personalizable, predictable, safe physical-digital interaction Recent publications analyze: Drone-based haptic illusions for AR/VR Microgestures for mobile AR input Interactivity in explainable AI systems Temporal dynamics in VR haptics Awards include: 2025 Google Research Scholar Award CHI 2019 & 2018 Honorable Mentions She teaches courses like: COS 436: Human-Computer Interaction COS IW: AR Meets AI
State University of New York at BuffaloUnited States
Wenyao Xu is a Professor and Associate Department Chair in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research focuses on embedded systems, body sensor networks, biomedical signal analytics, telemedicine, and human-computer interaction. He leads the Embedded Sensing and Computing (ESC) Lab, pioneering innovations in wearable health monitoring and non-invasive medical technologies. Dr. Xu holds a PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from UCLA (2013), an MEng in Embedded Systems from Zhejiang University (2008), and a BEng in Electrical Engineering from Zhejiang University (2006). He has received multiple accolades, including the UB Exceptional Scholar—Sustained Achievement Award (2021) and SEAS Senior Career Researcher of the Year (2020). His research spans cutting-edge areas like mmWave-based sensing for health monitoring, mHealth applications for behavioral interventions (e.g., Sense2Quit app for smoking cessation), and wearable devices for gait analysis and vital sign detection. Recent work includes advancements in through-clothing wound monitoring, voice- and gesture-based authentication systems, and AI-enhanced medical imaging. Publications reflect his interdisciplinary impact, with over 150 peer-reviewed papers in top venues. His lab collaborates closely with clinical partners to translate technologies into practical healthcare solutions. Dr. Xu also emphasizes mentorship, having been honored with the President Emeritus and Mrs. Meyerson Award for teaching excellence (2020).
Atsuo Takanishi is a distinguished Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering, with appointments in both the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and the Department of Modern Mechanical Engineering. With over 700 publications, 10,399 citations, and an h-index of 47, Professor Takanishi has established himself as a leading figure in robotics research. His work spans multiple institutions, including visiting positions at Showa University School of Dentistry and KDDI Research, Inc. Professor Takanishi received his Doctor of Engineering degree from Waseda University in 1985, following his undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the same institution, which he completed in 1980. His academic journey began with positions as an Assistant at Waseda University (1985-1988), Lecturer (1988-1990), and Associate Professor (1990-1997) before achieving his current Professor status. Professor Takanishi's research interests center around robotics and intelligent systems, with particular expertise in humanoid robotics, surgical dentistry applications, and biomechatronics. His work demonstrates a unique integration of mechanical engineering principles with biological systems, resulting in innovative robotic platforms that mimic human capabilities. Notably, his laboratory has developed the Waseda Anthropomorphic Saxophonist Robot series and various medical training simulators that have significantly advanced the field of human-robot interaction. His research in experimental psychology complements his robotics work, particularly in human-robot interaction studies. Analysis of Professor Takanishi's recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of robotics technology, particularly in assistive devices for elderly mobility, medical training simulators, and agricultural robotics for Synecoculture environments. His work consistently bridges theoretical robotics with real-world implementation, with recent papers emphasizing reinforcement learning approaches, haptic feedback systems, and computer vision techniques for complex environments. The Waseda Anthropomorphic Saxophonist Robot series represents a culmination of decades of research in humanoid robotics and musical expression. IEEE Fellow (2020-present) Robotics Society of Japan Fellow (2012-present) Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellow (2007-present) Multiple Best Paper Awards from IEEE conferences (ICRA, IROS, ROMANSY) BusinessWeek Asia's Stars Bloomberg (2001) IFToMM Award of Merit (2010) Professor Takanishi has maintained extensive collaborations with research institutions worldwide, particularly with Italian institutions through the Italy-Japan Workshop series. His laboratory has secured substantial funding from Japanese government agencies including the Japan Science and Technology Agency, with particular emphasis on projects bridging robotics with medical applications and human-centered technologies. His international recognition is evidenced by his numerous visiting professorships and collaborative projects across continents. Professor Takanishi leads the Takanishi Laboratory at Waseda University, which maintains specialized facilities for humanoid robotics development, medical robotics research, and human-robot interaction studies. The laboratory has developed several notable robotic platforms including the WABIAN series of bipedal humanoid robots, the WASEDA FLUTIST ROBOT, and various medical training simulators used in clinical education settings. His work on the WASEDA SAXOPHONIST ROBOT represents a unique fusion of musical artistry and robotics engineering.
