Tom Veldkamp is a Professor and Rector Magnificus at the University of Twente. His research focuses on Quaternary geology, geomorphology, and coupled human-ecological systems. He has supervised 32 PhD theses and currently advises 2 ongoing projects. His fieldwork spans over 30 countries, including Indonesia, Turkey, and Rwanda. Editorial Roles: Editor-in-Chief of Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment , former editorial roles at Landscape Ecology , Ecosystems , and others. Research Themes: Land use change modeling, soil dynamics, and sustainable development. Key regions of study include Sundaland (Indonesia), Mediterranean landscapes, and Rwanda. Recent Contributions: Over 230 publications, including landmark studies on hominin fossils in Java and landscape evolution models. His work addresses global challenges like environmental sustainability and land-use transitions, with a focus on integrating natural and social sciences.
David Peeters is an Associate Professor at Tilburg University's Department of Communication and Cognition, part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. His research focuses on multimodal communication, multilingualism, and digital communication, leveraging immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies combined with EEG, eye-tracking, and fMRI. He explores neurobiological underpinnings of language, including neuropragmatics, non-verbal communication, and multilingualism. His work is supported by grants such as the NWO Veni and Tilburg University Fund. Peeters teaches courses on virtual reality, language psychology, and digital literature integration in education. He is a Research Fellow at the Donders Institute and President of the Tilburg Young Academy. Key research interests include the role of gesture and iconicity in second language acquisition, bilingual language switching in immersive environments, and the impact of dataism on academic publishing. He collaborates with libraries and schools to integrate digital literature into curricula and public collections. His scientific awards include the NWO Veni Grant and a Fellowship from the International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences. His research bridges cognitive science, linguistics, and technology, emphasizing ecologically valid experimental paradigms.
Professor Sander Nieuwenhuis (Leiden University) specializes in Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision Making through behavioral, EEG, and pharmacological approaches. His work bridges prefrontal cortex function and noradrenergic system mechanisms in human cognition. Studied cognitive psychology (Groningen) and earned PhD (Amsterdam, 2001) International experience: Cambridge University (visiting research), Princeton University (postdoc) Research focuses on noradrenaline's role in attention, decision-making, and cognitive control via: Locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system dynamics Phasic vs. tonic alertness effects Cognitive task performance under neuromodulator deficiency Neuroprotective pathways in Alzheimer's models Recent publications analyze DBH deficiency (Jepma et al., 2011) and attentional blink mechanisms (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2005). His Temporal Attention Lab integrates fMRI, genetics, and computational modeling . Teaching leadership includes: Chair of Research Master Program Committee Coordinator of Scientific Writing courses
Dr. Ben Harvey is an Associate Professor (with Ius Promovendi) in the Perception Group of the Department of Experimental Psychology at Utrecht University, Netherlands, within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. He is based at the Helmholtz Institute and can be contacted at b.m.harvey@uu.nl. Harvey completed his DPhil at Oxford University with Professor Oliver Braddick in 2009, followed by postdoctoral work with Professor Serge Dumoulin at Utrecht. In 2015, he moved to Coimbra on a starter grant from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology before returning to Utrecht in 2016 as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2019 and has led his own research group since 2015. Harvey's research focuses on characterizing sensory and cognitive systems in the human brain, particularly neural responses and computations within these systems. His work combines cutting-edge neuroimaging approaches with computational modeling and behavioral experiments. Initially studying the early visual system as a model of neural processing, he extended invasive animal neurophysiological approaches to non-invasive human neuroimaging. His recent work investigates neural responses underlying cognition in the human association cortex, examining how visual space and number processing differs between cultures and in clinical disorders. His fingerprint reveals expertise in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Numerosity, Receptive Field, Visual Cortex, Population Receptive Field, Nerve Potential, Early Visual Cortex, and Topographic Maps. His publication record demonstrates significant impact, with works like 'Topographic representation of numerosity in the human parietal cortex' (2013) receiving over 360 citations. His research spans visual neuroscience, with emphasis on how the brain processes visual information, attention mechanisms, and numerical cognition, revealing generalized quantity processing systems in the human brain. Award for highest-rated abstract (2013) Brain Centre Rudolph Magnus Research Award (Best Paper of the Year) (2014) Causal link between cortical organization and conscious perception: human fMRI and electrophysiology (2009, 2010) Harvey has been actively engaged in knowledge dissemination, with multiple invited talks at institutions including INSERM in Paris (2016) and the University of Parma (2015). His research has received significant media attention, with interviews on National Public Radio (NPR) USA, Livescience.com, and Science Magazine in 2013. Beyond academic publications, he writes popular science articles exploring the relationship between visual neuroscience and visual arts. As part of the Helmholtz Institute Experimental Psychology research program, Harvey collaborates widely to investigate visual space and number processing across different populations, contributing to our understanding of how these cognitive functions vary between cultures and in clinical disorders.
Prof. Dr. ir. Hans Heesterbeek is a full Professor of Theoretical Epidemiology at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He holds a dual appointment in the Department of Farm Animal Health within the Population Health Sciences sector. His research focuses on the dynamics of infectious diseases at the intersection of biology, medicine, and mathematics, with emphasis on wildlife epidemiology and complex systems. He chairs Utrecht University's Committee for Research Integrity and has held leadership roles in departments like Animals in Science and Society. Education: MSc Phytopathology (Wageningen University, 1986), MSc Mathematics (University of Amsterdam, 1988), PhD in Mathematical Biology from Leiden University (1992) Affiliations: Editor-in-Chief of Epidemics journal, Senior Editor at Proceedings of the Royal Society B , Chair of ZonMw's Open Competition grant program Research interests include: Mathematical modeling of disease spread Ecological epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens Role of wildlife in disease transmission Historical analysis of epidemic understanding Key contributions: Co-developer of the R₀ reproduction number framework, foundational to global epidemiological modeling. Active in interdisciplinary work linking theoretical ecology to societal systems. Currently writing a book on the history of epidemic science. Grants: Vici laureate (€1.3M, 2005-2010). Organizes biannual Epidemics conferences. Advises on public health policy during outbreaks like the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
prof. dr. Irene Stengs is an Endowed Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Social Sciences, specializing in Social and Cultural Anthropology. She holds a joint appointment with the Mobilities, Beliefs and Belonging (MOBB) research unit and is a senior researcher at the Meertens Instituut (KNAW). Her work focuses on popular religiosity, heritage formation, Dutch cultural identity, and Thai society. Key research topics include the cultural politics of 'Dutchness,' the heritagization of religion (HERILIGION project), and high-density events' role in shaping national identity. She has contributed to projects like ‘The Dutch Passion for the Passion,’ examining the popularity of religious performances in the Netherlands. Education: PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Universiteit van Amsterdam (thesis on Thai monarchy veneration) Research Interests: Irene explores how cultural heritage is commodified and politicized, particularly in the Netherlands and Thailand. Her work analyzes the interplay between secularization, colonial history, and contemporary rituals. She investigates how events like passion performances or cultural festivals act as 'high-density events,' intensifying national identity discourses and heritage formation. Research Projects: HERILIGION (HERA-funded): Examines religion's transformation into heritage in Europe. ‘Dutchness’: Studies cultural heritage's resurgence in the Netherlands, including its colonial legacy. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Meertens Instituut's Ethnology Department and leads the MOBB research unit at VU.
Hannie A. Gijlers is an Associate Professor at the Digital Society Institute, affiliated with the Department of Instructional Technology in the Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social Sciences at the University of Twente. Her work bridges technology and education, focusing on innovative learning environments and collaborative processes. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Institution: University of Twente Research Institute: Digital Society Institute Department: Instructional Technology Her research interests center on computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) , technology-enhanced STEM education , inquiry-based learning , and the role of emotions and feedback in learning. She investigates how digital tools and agent-facilitated environments support students and teachers in collaborative settings, often through cross-cultural comparisons. Her work integrates physiological and gaze-based data to understand implicit learner emotions, pushing the boundaries of learning analytics. The recent publications (2021–2024) reveal a strong focus on teacher guidance models , gamified STEM apps , clinical reasoning in medical education , and climate change literacy . These works span disciplines including educational psychology, computer science, and environmental education, indicating interdisciplinary collaboration. Keywords across these articles include collaborative learning, emotion detection, technology integration, and cross-cultural studies, reflecting a consistent research trajectory in digital pedagogy and learner support. While no specific awards are listed in the provided text, her sustained publication record in high-impact venues and leadership in collaborative research projects suggest recognition within the academic community. Hannie Gijlers actively supervises research, as evidenced by co-authored works with junior researchers and contributions to practitioner research models. Her involvement in datasets and conference presentations indicates ongoing grant-funded or institutionally supported research activities. She has contributed to both theoretical frameworks (e.g., four-phase mentorship model) and applied tools (e.g., Science Chaser app), demonstrating a balance between scholarship and practical innovation. She is part of a vibrant research network at the University of Twente, collaborating with scholars like T.H.S. Eysink, A.W. Lazonder, and N. Janssen. Her team explores agent-facilitated learning, gamification in STEM, and teacher development, often in international collaborations (e.g., Dutch-Finnish studies). These efforts are supported by digital infrastructure and interdisciplinary datasets, positioning her at the forefront of digital society research in education.
Andrea Continella is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Twente, where he contributes to the International Secure Systems Lab (iSecLab). His research focuses on systems security, particularly embedded firmware security, Android app security, malware detection, and program analysis techniques for vulnerability discovery. Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (cum laude) Postdoctoral Researcher, Computer Science Department, UC Santa Barbara Visiting Researcher, School of Computer Science, University of Sydney Key research contributions include: Developing automated analysis techniques for embedded firmware (KARONTE, ShieldFS) Creating privacy leak detection mechanisms for mobile applications Designing ransomware defense systems using self-healing filesystems Advancing IoT security through misconfiguration detection (S3 buckets) and protocol analysis Pioneering semi-supervised methods for network traffic fingerprinting (FlowPrint) Scientific awards: Dutch Cyber Security Best Research Paper Award 2024 Runner-up USENIX Security Distinguished Reviewer Award 2024 Professional activities: Keynote speaker on firmware security (2024) Member of IPN Cyber Security Special Interest Group Oral presentations on automated vulnerability research (2023)
Prof. Niels van Nieuw Amerongen is a Professor of SME Audit & Assurance at Nyenrode Business University, specializing in auditing methodologies and SME auditing practices. He holds a Master's in Economics (VU Amsterdam) and a PhD in Business Risk Audit (2007). His research bridges academic and practical auditing challenges, focusing on auditor independence, SME audit methodologies, and professional ethics. He advises practicing auditors and trains future professionals, emphasizing the interplay between research and real-world auditing scenarios. His work aligns with Nyenrode’s core values: leadership through impactful writing, stewardship via student mentorship, and entrepreneurship through dataset development for research and theses. Key contributions include international publications on auditing standards for less complex entities (Journal of International Financial Management & Accounting, 2022), auditor-client relationship dynamics (Managerial Auditing Journal, 2022), and sociological perspectives on SME audits. He co-founded consultancy firm V&A, directing it alongside his academic role. His recent articles explore the psychological and structural factors influencing auditor independence, such as professional identity versus client alignment (evident in his 2020 analysis). Awards and grants are not explicitly listed, but his prolific publication record and consultancy role highlight his industry influence. He actively engages with professional bodies like the Accountancy Monitoring Committee on independence challenges. His research often addresses audit firm practices, including the role of non-Big 4 auditors in risk auditing frameworks (e.g., Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 2014 and 2018).
Rianne Conijn is an assistant professor in the Human-Technology Interaction group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. Her research bridges data-driven methodologies (machine learning, statistical modeling) with human-centered design to enhance learning analytics, explainable AI, and writing process analysis. She holds a joint PhD (cum laude) from Antwerp University and Tilburg University, and an MSc (cum laude) in Human-Technology Interaction from TU/e. Academic Background: MSc (2015, TU/e, cum laude), PhD (2020, Antwerp University & Tilburg University, cum laude). Research Focus: Learning analytics, keystroke logging, explainable AI for education, data dashboards, and self-regulated learning dynamics. Teaching: Courses in Advanced Research Methods, Human-AI Interaction, Behavioral Research Methods, and AI ethics in education. Her recent publications explore parallel language planning in writing, longitudinal self-regulated learning strategies, and generalizability of academic performance prediction models. She leads an NWO Veni project on Human-Centered AI in education, emphasizing tailored explanations for student-AI collaboration. Scientific awards include cum laude distinctions for her MSc and PhD, and the NWO Veni grant. Collaborative work spans institutions in the Netherlands, Norway, and the U.S., with applications in intelligent tutoring systems and ethical AI deployment in exams. Key trends across her work: integration of machine learning with educational theory, leveraging keystroke data for cognitive process insights, and prioritizing actionable, explainable AI systems for student support. Publications span journals like the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , Computers and Education , and IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies . Scientific Awards: NWO Veni grant for Human-Centered AI in education Cum laude for MSc and PhD Grants & Collaborations: National Science Foundation grants (2016868, 2302644) for biometric feedback in writing UK Research and Innovation grant (ES/W011832/1) for real-time AI scaffolding TU/e Boost! Program grant for self-regulated learning analysis Labs & Teams: EAISI Foundational (Eindhoven AI Systems Institute) Human Technology Interaction group at TU/e Collaboration with Norwegian Reading National Center (University of Stavanger) Project teams for Waterproof ITS and ProWrite grants
Prof. Floor Rink is a Full Professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), leading the Organizational Behavior department. Her research bridges psychology and management, focusing on social inequality (diversity, status, power) and strategic governance (leadership, board dynamics). She publishes in top journals like Academy of Management Journal and Psychological Science, and advises boards of major firms like PwC. Recognized nationally and internationally, her work addresses DEI challenges and ethical leadership. She teaches courses on organizational behavior and leadership, and holds visiting roles at Kellogg School of Management and ANU’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership. Education: PhD in Psychology, Leiden University (2005, cum laude) MSc in Psychology, University of Groningen Research Interests: DEI initiatives and resistance dynamics CEO/board decision-making processes Gendered leadership challenges Social capital and professional networks Workplace energy and crafting Her recent articles explore topics like CEO strategic uniqueness, auditor advice-seeking behaviors, and gender bias in DEI policies. She serves on editorial boards and supervisory roles, emphasizing applied research impact through media contributions and executive training programs.
Stefano Puntoni is a Professor of Marketing and a behavioral scientist at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. He serves as Head of the Department of Marketing Management at RSM and as Director of the Psychology of AI Lab at the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics. His academic journey began with a "Laurea" in Statistics and Economics from the University of Padova in 2000, followed by a Ph.D. in Marketing from London Business School in 2005. His primary research focuses on autonomous technology adoption in consumer markets and production, with particular emphasis on the value of human labor in the age of AI. Additional research areas include advertising language, consumer identity, and numerical cognition. Puntoni's work spans interdisciplinary boundaries, connecting marketing, psychology, and artificial intelligence. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward understanding human-AI interactions in consumer contexts. His research examines how consumers perceive decisions made by algorithms versus humans, preferences for material versus digital products in identity-based consumption, and psychological reactions to human versus robotic job replacement. These studies collectively explore the tension between technological advancement and human elements in decision-making processes. Scientist in Residence, Experiments in Arts and Economics, ZKM Centre for Art and Media (2021) Science Communication Grant, Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences (€10,000) (2021) Case Centre's Marketing Case Award (2021) EFMD Case Writing Award (2020) Case Centre's Outstanding Case Writer Award (2020) C.W. Park Award, Journal of Consumer Psychology (2019) Puntoni has mentored numerous doctoral students, including Phyllis (Jia) Gai, Eugina Leung, and Elisa Maira, many of whom have gone on to prestigious academic positions. He currently serves as Associate Editor for both the Journal of Consumer Research and the Journal of Marketing. His teaching spans marketing strategy, innovation and technology adoption, brand management, and decision making across multiple institutions including RSM, Lancaster University, London Business School, and Bocconi University. As Director of the Psychology of AI Lab at the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics, Puntoni leads a research team exploring the intersection of human psychology and artificial intelligence in business contexts. His lab focuses on understanding consumer and worker reactions to AI implementation, with practical applications for businesses navigating the digital transformation.
Christine Moser is a Full Professor of Sustainable Organizing at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's School of Business and Economics (Management and Organisation department). Her research focuses on technology's role in social interaction, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and knowledge flows within social networks. She holds editorial roles at Academy of Management Learning and Education and Organization Studies , and chairs the European Group of Organizational Studies (EGOS). Education: PhD in 'Not a piece of cake: What makes online communities work?' (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2013) Master's in Culture, Organization & Management (cum laude, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2006) Research Interests: Moser explores how technology shapes organizational practices, with emphasis on online communities, social media governance, and sustainability challenges like food waste. Her work bridges sociology, psychology, and management theory, addressing ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making and AI. Awards: Best Article Award (Academy of Management Learning & Education, 2023) Emerald Literati Award (2018) Wilhelmina Drucker Award (2017) Projects & Grants: She leads MOVUS (2024–2026), redesigning digital care systems for elderly populations, and collaborates on strengthening ICT capacity in Ugandan universities (2023–2026). Her research is funded by the ISR Grant (2018). Labs/Teams: Central to her work is the EGOS organizing team (2021 colloquium coordinator) and interdisciplinary collaborations in sustainability and technology ethics.
Dr. Charles Forceville is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Amsterdam. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to visual and multimodal communication studies. Previously, he served as Head of MA programmes Media Studies (2016-2018) and taught at Amsterdam University College (2008-2021). Forceville's research focuses on visual and multimodal metaphor, cognitive linguistics, relevance theory, and visual rhetoric across diverse media including political cartoons, advertising, children's picture books, documentaries, and animation. His landmark publications include Visual and Multimodal Communication: Applying the Relevance Principle (Oxford University Press, 2020) and Multimodal Metaphor (Mouton de Gruyter, 2009). His recent work examines metaphor in Stand Up 2 Cancer animations, political cartoons, medical animations, and Chinese-American trade conflict representations. His research demonstrates how visual and multimodal metaphors function across cultural contexts, with particular attention to the JOURNEY metaphor schema and its applications in film, animation, and comics. Forceville's methodological approach combines cognitive linguistics with relevance theory to analyze how meaning is constructed visually and multimodally. Among his notable contributions is the development of frameworks for identifying and interpreting visual metaphors where traditional linguistic analysis falls short. His work on pictorial runes (emotion lines in comics), visual argumentation in documentaries, and cultural variations in metaphor representation has significantly advanced the field of multimodal communication studies. Forceville has taught courses on Pictorial & Multimodal Metaphor, Tutorial on Multimodality & Cognition, History & Theory of Documentary Film, and Film Analysis. His extensive publication record of over 170 scholarly works reflects his leadership in establishing multimodal metaphor studies as a rigorous academic discipline.
Wessel Reijers is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Media Studies, Paderborn University, Germany, with visiting scholarships at the Technion and the Robert Schuman Centre, European University Institute. Previously, he was a Max Weber Fellow at the European University Institute, a Research Associate in the ERC project "BlockchainGov" led by Dr. Primavera de Filippi, and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna. Reijers received his PhD in technology ethics from Dublin City University. His academic journey has spanned multiple European institutions, focusing consistently on the ethical implications of emerging technologies for society and citizenship. His research primarily explores how emerging technologies impact citizenship, with particular attention to social credit systems and their effects on civic virtue. He also investigates distributed governance models, analyzing both their potential to enhance democratic processes and their inherent risks. His work bridges philosophy, political theory, and technology studies, offering critical perspectives on how technological developments reshape societal structures. Recent publications demonstrate a growing focus on AI ethics, interpretability, and what he terms "Positive Luddism"—a critical yet constructive approach to technological development that emphasizes human flourishing while acknowledging technology's dangers. Reijers is the author of "Narrative and Technology Ethics" and co-editor of "Interpreting Technology." His upcoming book "Introduction to the Ethics of Emerging Technologies" (2025) further establishes him as a leading voice in technology ethics. His work has gained recognition in both academic and public spheres, with media appearances including a Deutschlandfunk interview on "Positive Luddism" (2024). Beyond academia, Reijers is a creative individual who writes fiction, composes and produces music (available on Soundcloud), and creates paintings. He is part of an international music collaboration called "Conditio Humana," demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary engagement between technology, ethics, and the arts.
