Dr. En-Hui Yang is University Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo and founding Director of the Leitch-University of Waterloo Multimedia Communications Lab. A world-renowned expert in information theory, he co-developed the Yang-Kieffer algorithm for lossless compression and invented soft decision quantization technology used in smartphones and web browsers. His research spans multimedia compression, digital communications, and deep learning. Education: Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California (1996) Ph.D. Probability and Statistics, Nankai University (1991) B.Sc. Applied Mathematics, HuaQiao University (1986) His transformative work in data compression has impacted millions globally through technologies accelerating data transmission efficiency. Articles focus on optimization of video/image compression standards (HEVC/H.264), channel coding theorems, and novel compression algorithms. Scientific Awards: IEEE Eric E. Sumner Award (2021) Canada Research Chair - Tier 1 (2010, 2017) Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2009)
Dr. Bernadette Hyland-Wood is a Lecturer in the School of Communication at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and a Research Fellow at QUT's Centre for Data Science. She serves as an Affiliated Investigator in the Computational Communication and Culture Program within QUT's Digital Media Research Centre and is a chief investigator in the QUT Digital Media Research Centre. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours equivalent) in Computational Linguistics from UCLA, followed by a PhD in Policy and Governance from the University of Queensland in 2021. Dr. Hyland-Wood's research focuses on: Public data policy and digital communications during crisis situations Data ethics, AI governance, and organizational behavior in data-driven environments Responsible data science and deployment of generative AI technologies Indigenous Data Sovereignty and ethical considerations in AI development Science and technology policy with applications in health data infrastructure Her scholarly work demonstrates a consistent trajectory examining the intersection of data, policy, and public communication, particularly during periods of societal disruption. Recent publications reveal an increasing focus on AI governance frameworks, Indigenous perspectives on technology, and regulatory compliance in emerging technological landscapes. Her research has evolved from foundational work on open government data to more complex analyses of AI ecosystems and their societal implications. Dr. Hyland-Wood has received recognition through media features in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Radio New Zealand. Her expertise has been sought for high-level policy contributions, including chairing the W3C Government Linked Data Working Group and authoring influential publications on crisis communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional highlights include: Founding four tech startups in Australia and the U.S., two of which were acquired by major companies Serving as professional CEO of a semantic technology spin-out from MIT Co-founding Women in Technology (WiT) Australia in 1997, now Australia's largest professional networking organization supporting women in digital technologies Two decades of involvement in Open Source Software projects and W3C data standards development Leadership in international initiatives on data exchange standards to support digital research and evidence-based policymaking Dr. Hyland-Wood's career bridges academia, industry, and policy, emphasizing applied research and knowledge translation to ensure responsible AI and data-driven decision-making. Her work contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to quality education, industry innovation, and reduced inequalities.
Mauro Tempesta is a Senior Lecturer and Curriculum Coordinator for Security and Privacy at TU Wien's Faculty of Informatics. He teaches courses including 'Fundamentals of Security and Privacy' and 'Introduction to Security'. His research focuses on web security, browser mechanisms, firewall systems, and language-based security approaches. Tempesta's publications demonstrate expertise in analyzing modern web vulnerabilities and developing formal verification methods for security protocols. His recent work explores browser security mechanisms and same-site attacks, contributing to improved security frameworks for web applications.
Gerti Kappel is a full professor at the Institute of Information Systems Engineering at TU Wien, affiliated with the Business Informatics Group (BIG). Since 2020, she has served as Dean of the Faculty of Informatics at TU Wien, previously holding the role of Dean’s team member responsible for research, diversity, and financial affairs (2016–2019). She previously held a full professorship in computer science (database systems) and led the Department of Information Systems at Johannes Kepler University Linz (1993–2001). Her research focuses on Model Engineering, Web Engineering, and Process Engineering, particularly in cyber-physical production systems. She has co-authored influential works such as UML@Work (2005), UML@Classroom (2015), and Web Engineering (2006). Key projects include leadership roles in Vienna Informatics Living Lab (2018–2019), MPM4CPS (2014–2019), and ARTIST (2012–2015), addressing topics like model versioning, cloud architecture modeling, and inter-organizational systems. Her recent articles explore circular systems engineering, IoT-based simulation environments, and model-driven approaches for time-series analytics and cloud applications. She actively contributes to academic governance, including managing the Office of the Dean (E199-01) and overseeing faculty services. Her work emphasizes bridging theory and practice through collaborative frameworks like ERPEL and TROPIC . Grants: Projects funded by Austrian Research Promotion Agency, European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Vienna Business Agency, and others. Advising: Supervised over 15 graduate theses, including recent works on model-driven techniques for railway planning, debugging frameworks for modeling tools, and cloud-based IDEs. Labs/Teams: Leads research within the Business Informatics Group (BIG) and collaborates with the Vienna Informatics Living Lab for applied systems engineering.
Nelson Waweru is a Professor of Accounting at the School of Administrative Studies within York University's Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies. His career includes prior roles at the University of Nairobi and the United States International University-Africa. He holds a PhD in Management Accounting from the University of Cape Town, an MBA from the University of Nairobi, and a B.Comm in Accounting from the same institution. His research focuses on corporate governance in developing countries, performance measurement systems in government agencies, and adoption of contemporary management accounting practices. Key areas include anti-corruption mechanisms in Kenya, financial sustainability in microfinance sectors, and institutional quality impacts on governance. Professional affiliations include the American Accounting Association, Certified Management Accountants of Ontario, and editorial roles for the Journal of Accounting and Finance. His work spans over 30 years with publications addressing African accounting research trends, earnings management in high-growth firms, and regulatory frameworks in emerging markets.
Pablo Calleja is a Research Fellow at the Faculty of Computer Science, Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), where he has been a member of the Ontology Engineering Group (OEG) since March 2014. His research focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP), medical terminology mapping, and legal domain applications. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from San Pablo CEU University (2013) and has prior industry experience as a software developer at IECISA (2008–2011) and a collaboration grant at the Open Access Classroom, San Pablo CEU University (2011–2013). Key contributions include projects like Drugs4covid for pandemic drug discovery, TermitUp for terminological enrichment, and esT5s , a Spanish text summarization model. His work spans legal knowledge graphs, multilingual compliance systems, and NER techniques for academic content analysis. He has also explored accessibility multimedia services and semantic graph applications in tourism ( DBtravel ). Professional roles include collaboration grants at UPM and active participation in interdisciplinary projects such as SNOMED-CT annotation for medical technical sheets. Research trends emphasize cross-domain adaptation (e.g., K-Flares), data augmentation (Widaug), and multilingual NLP solutions. Advising and grants: His current position is supported by a collaboration grant at OEG. Earlier grants include work at San Pablo CEU University. No formal advisees are listed, but he contributes to collaborative research teams. Labs and teams: Core member of the Ontology Engineering Group (OEG), focusing on knowledge representation, NLP, and applied informatics in healthcare and law domains.
Mingyang Lu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University. Previously, he led an independent research lab at The Jackson Laboratory since 2016. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine (2010) and a BS in Physics from Fudan University (2003). His research focuses on computational systems biology, integrating mathematical modeling and bioinformatics to study gene regulatory networks, single-cell genomics, and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. Key projects include developing tools like Gene Circuit Explorer (GeneEx) and investigating microRNA roles in stochastic networks. He has received the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Education : PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Baylor College of Medicine, 2010); BS in Physics (Fudan University, 2003) Research Labs : Lu Lab (Northeastern), Center for Theoretical Biological Physics Dr. Lu has advised students including Kaitlyn Ramesh (Goldwater Scholar), Maya De Los Santos, and others. His work bridges computational methods with biological systems, emphasizing stochasticity and heterogeneity in gene expression. Recent grants include NSF support for genome-editing studies on microRNA roles and collaborative projects with the University of Maine.
Christian Eichhorn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Technical University of Munich, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality applications. His research primarily focuses on developing serious games and immersive technologies for healthcare, education, and older adults. He has established a strong collaborative network, particularly with David A. Plecher and Gudrun Klinker, resulting in numerous publications in top HCI and VR venues. Dr. Eichhorn's research interests center around creating accessible and engaging technology applications. His work demonstrates particular expertise in developing serious games for various educational purposes (language learning, history education), healthcare applications (rehabilitation, dementia care), and technologies specifically designed for older adults. His research combines technical innovation in AR/VR systems with practical applications addressing real-world challenges in healthcare and education. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a consistent focus on practical applications of immersive technologies. His work spans educational tools for programming and language learning, healthcare applications for rehabilitation and clinical training, and specialized technologies for older adults. The research demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach, bridging computer science with healthcare, education, and gerontology. His technical contributions include innovations in AR/VR system design, collaborative environments, and novel interaction techniques. Dr. Eichhorn has been actively involved in organizing workshops and contributing to major conferences in the VR/AR field, including IEEE VR and ISMAR. His collaborative approach is evident in his extensive co-authorship network spanning multiple institutions. His laboratory work focuses on developing practical AR/VR applications, with particular emphasis on creating systems that bridge virtual and physical experiences. Current projects include serious games for health behavior change, rehabilitation assessment tools using wearable sensors, and social VR environments for older adults.
Filippo Malandra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo, part of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research focuses on Internet of Things (IoT), wireless communications, 5G/4G cellular networks, network performance analysis, smart grid communications, optimization, and machine learning applications. PhD in Electrical Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal Master of Engineering in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico di Milano Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico di Milano His research interests include experimental testbed development for 5G-enabled smart grids, analytical modeling of cellular network delays, and machine learning frameworks for optimizing network performance under environmental factors. He has contributed to tools like WTTool for 5G network simulation and PeRF-Mesh for RF-mesh network analysis. Recent work emphasizes 5G testbed experimentation (e.g., ExTODS), weather-based signal prediction, and CBRS spectrum analysis. He has explored synergies between federated learning and O-RAN architectures for elastic network services. Active service roles include TPC Member for IEEE SECON 2019 and reviewer for IEEE journals and conferences like DRCN. Recipient of NSF CRII grant (2021) for CNS research on IoT-aware dynamic spectrum sharing. Collaborates on projects like UBSpot (aerial-ground wireless networks) and smartDESC (distributed energy storage control).
Niko Siltala is a University Instructor at Tampere University's Department of Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Doctor of Science (Technology) in Mechanical Engineering (2016) and a Master of Science (Technology) in Automation Engineering (2001). His research focuses on production system design, reconfiguration, robotics, and virtual reality applications in safety training. He has contributed to the development of semantic rules for capability matchmaking, which supports rapid system design and reconfiguration. Key research areas include: Manufacturing automation and system adaptability Human-robot collaboration and safety protocols Virtual reality-based training solutions Formal resource descriptions for modular systems His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing quality education (SDG 4) through innovative robotics education tools. He has received the Distinguished Committee Service Award (2004) and contributed to grants such as the K.F. ja Maria Dunderbergin testamenttisäätiö (2014). He has collaborated on projects like the D-BEST methodology for pilot lines and the ODIN project for scalable production systems. His activities include organizing conferences, presenting at international forums, and developing web-based tools for manufacturing system planning.
Tiago Prince Sales is an Assistant Professor in the field of Semantics, Cybersecurity & Services, actively contributing to foundational research in conceptual modeling, ontology, and information systems. His work bridges formal methods with practical applications in digital platforms, cybersecurity, and knowledge representation. Assistant Professor, Semantics, Cybersecurity & Services Active in international research communities (FOIS, ER, BPMDS, RCIS) Key focus: Ontology, Domain Modeling, Interoperability, Digital Platforms Recognized with multiple best paper awards His research centers on the development and application of formal conceptual models using frameworks such as OntoUML and the Unified Foundational Ontology (UFO). He investigates how domain models can enhance system design, improve interoperability, and support risk analysis in complex information systems. His work often integrates empirical insights with theoretical rigor, aiming to address real-world challenges in modeling. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward ontological engineering in cybersecurity (e.g., phishing attack modeling), digital platform taxonomy, and FAIR data planning. These works demonstrate a consistent focus on creating reusable, semantically rich models that support both human understanding and machine processing across domains. The integration of modeling with data science and security indicates a forward-looking research agenda. Best paper award at FOIS 2023 Best paper award at ER 2022 EMMSAD 2025 Best paper award Tiago Prince Sales actively mentors and collaborates with researchers, though no formal students are listed. He has secured recognition through competitive awards and leads significant research outputs, including datasets and open models. His involvement in organizing top-tier conferences such as FOIS 2024 reflects leadership in the academic community. While specific grants are not listed, his productivity suggests external funding support. He contributes to open science through Zenodo-hosted datasets like the OntoUML Vocabulary and GO-Plan method, and participates in collaborative teams focused on knowledge graphs, FAIRification, and model-driven engineering. His role in organizing the FOIS 2024 conference underscores his integration within leading research networks in formal ontology and conceptual modeling.
Д-р Силвена Денчева Яндарнова is an Associate Professor at Varna University of Management since 2017, specializing in Social Management. She previously served as Chief Assistant Professor from 2010 to 2016 and earned her Ph.D. in Social Management in 2004. Her teaching focuses on Management, Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management, and Electronic Marketing across programs like IHM, ITM, IBM, MBA, and MSc IHTM in both English and Bulgarian. Her research explores e-commerce, digital business, leadership dynamics, creativity studies, and virtual communities in tourism. Notable works include the monograph *Virtual Communities in Tourism* (2016) and contributions to journals like *National Economic Archive* and *Management and Sustainable Development Magazine*. She actively participates in academic projects like Pro Extour and is engaged in textbook authorship. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Social Management (2004) Key Roles: Module leader in Management and Organizational Behavior Office Hours: Dobrich Campus: Wed 12–1 PM Varna Campus: Sat 12–1 PM Her work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, emphasizing digital transformation in business and tourism sectors.
Schahram Dustdar is a Full Professor of Computer Science and head of the Distributed Systems Group at TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), Austria. He has held significant international academic positions, including Honorary Professor at the University of Groningen (2004–2010) and Visiting Professor at the University of Seville (Dec 2016–Jan 2017) and UC Berkeley (Jan–Jun 2017). His research interests lie at the intersection of distributed computing, cloud services, and intelligent data systems. He actively contributes to advancing the fields of services computing, cloud infrastructure, web technologies, and data-driven financial modeling. His work emphasizes scalable, robust, and knowledge-aware systems, particularly in financial data visualization and transaction network analysis. The most recent publications highlight his focus on modeling financial transaction networks using constraint satisfaction and developing visualization frameworks that incorporate incremental domain knowledge. These works reflect a strong trend toward integrating formal methods with interactive data systems for enterprise and financial applications. ACM Distinguished Scientist (2009) IBM Faculty Award (2012) IEEE Fellow (2016) Elected Member of Academia Europaea Schahram Dustdar has supervised multiple research projects and leads a vibrant research group at TU Wien. He has been involved in editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief of Computing (Springer) and Associate Editor for top-tier journals such as IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing, IEEE Transactions on Services Computing, ACM Transactions on the Web, and ACM Transactions on Internet Technology. His editorial roles and international visiting positions indicate extensive collaboration and grant-related activities, though specific grants are not detailed in the text. He leads the Distributed Systems Group at TU Wien, a research team focused on building next-generation distributed computing platforms, cloud services, and intelligent data processing systems with real-world applications in finance, enterprise systems, and large-scale data analytics.
Allan Hanbury is a Full Professor for Data Intelligence at the Faculty of Informatics, TU Wien, and a faculty member at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna. He leads the Data Science Research Unit and serves as the Faculty Representative for financial affairs and internationalization. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Mines ParisTech and a Habilitation in Practical Informatics from TU Wien. PhD in Applied Mathematics, Mines ParisTech, 2002 Habilitation in Practical Informatics, TU Wien, 2008 Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town His research focuses on information retrieval, data mining, natural language processing, and information extraction, with applications in healthcare, legal, and patent domains. He has coordinated major EU projects including Khresmoi, VISCERAL, KConnect, and DoSSIER, the latter training 15 PhD students. He is co-founder of contextflow, a spin-off commercializing radiology search technology. His recent publications (2024–2022) highlight a strong trend in systematic literature review automation, neural re-ranking, large language models, and domain-specific information extraction. Key themes include improving citation screening, patient-trial matching, evaluation metrics, and dataset creation for offensive language and legal text. His work combines technical innovation with real-world impact in medical, legal, and scientific communication contexts. Allan Hanbury has received no explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. He actively supervises numerous PhD and master’s students and leads large research projects such as DoSSIER, Transparent Automated Content Moderation, and PLFDoc, funded by FWF, WWTF, and EU. His group develops tools for evidence synthesis, clinical data extraction, and legal document analysis. He also contributes to AI and data strategy in Austria and Europe. He leads the Data Science Research Unit at TU Wien and is involved in multiple interdisciplinary projects including BRISE (building regulation analysis), CDL-RecSys, and TACo, focusing on legal and scientific document processing. His work bridges academia and industry through spin-offs like contextflow and collaborations with Deutsche Telekom, Siemens, and FMA.
Vanja Bevanda is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Tourism, University of Primorska in Pula. She holds a PhD from 2002 and has been employed at the institution since 2005, contributing to the Department of Quantitative Methods. Her educational background includes a BSc (1989), MSc (1995), and PhD (2002). Research Interests : Her work focuses on decision analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence applications in SMEs, data mining for customer behavior analysis, tourism development strategies, and the integration of technology in education. She explores topics like AI-driven managerial journeys, microchip implant adoption, and post-pandemic technology use trends. Publications : Recent articles highlight her contributions to AI transformation in SMEs, sentiment analysis during the pandemic, and mobile BI adoption in SMEs. Her research spans both theoretical frameworks and practical case studies across Croatia and beyond. Teaching : She teaches courses including Business Decision-Making, IT Project Management, and Database Systems. She emphasizes bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills in information systems education.
