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Our People
Associate Supervisors
All DREAM+PLAN Doctoral Candidates (DC's) will have a Senior and Associate Supervisor from their employing institution in Europe. DC's recruited under the double degree conditions will have a Senior and Associate supervisor from both the Employing Institution in Europe, as well as the same from RMIT University, Australia. DC's will also have a dedicated Industry Partner Mentor PLUS flexible access to a wider pool of EU-based Industry Partner Mentors, through the ISPIM extensive network.
Click on the images below for introductions to our Associate Supervisors.
Prof. Babak Abbasi
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Babak Abbasi is a professor of Business Analytics and Decision Sciences at RMIT University. His research focuses on industry-motivated quantitative modeling and decision-making under uncertainty applied to healthcare delivery improvement, supply chain coordination, resource allocation, service operations management, and manufacturing. His research has investigated leveraging the broader context in mathematical modelling, machine learning and stochastic/data-driven optimisation to improve decisions in the businesses and not-for-profit organizations. He serves currently as the associate editor for Decision Sciences journal.
Babak Abbasi is a professor of Business Analytics and Decision Sciences at RMIT University. His research focuses on industry-motivated quantitative modeling and decision-making under uncertainty applied to healthcare delivery improvement, supply chain coordination, resource allocation, service operations management, and manufacturing. His research has investigated leveraging the broader context in mathematical modelling, machine learning and stochastic/data-driven optimisation to improve decisions in the businesses and not-for-profit organizations. He serves currently as the associate editor for Decision Sciences journal.
Dr. Tanveer Adyel
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Tanveer Adyel is a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at RMIT University (Australia). He is also the co-leader of the "Monitoring" research pillar at the RMIT Centre for Nature Positive Solutions. Dr Adyel, with an academic background in Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering, works on plastic pollution and nature-based solutions for urban stormwater areas with special attention on monitoring, circular economy, life cycle assessment and alternative financial approach/accounting perspectives.
Dr Adyel’s research contributions are evident in his editorial leadership, having guest-edited special issues in academic journals, leading conference program committees, and chairing multiple seasons in academic conferences on interdisciplinary topics. Dr Adyel is very active in publishing research in peer-reviewed journals, as demonstrated by his 50+ Q1 journal articles. He has also published commentaries in prestigious journals, including Science (X3), Nature and The Lancet Planetary Health.
Dr. Adyel is an award-winning researcher. He won a highly prestigious 2022 Victorian Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year for his internationally significant achievements in building a more publicly engaged scientific leadership in Australia on plastic and microplastic research. The Australian Institute of Policy and Science announces the Tall Poppy Award every year to recognise and celebrate the intellectual and scientific excellence of young researchers in Australia. This award highlighted Dr Adyel’s passion on plastic circular economy and communication to promote a scientifically literate society.
Dr Tanveer Adyel is a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at RMIT University (Australia). He is also the co-leader of the "Monitoring" research pillar at the RMIT Centre for Nature Positive Solutions. Dr Adyel, with an academic background in Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering, works on plastic pollution and nature-based solutions for urban stormwater areas with special attention on monitoring, circular economy, life cycle assessment and alternative financial approach/accounting perspectives.
Dr Adyel’s research contributions are evident in his editorial leadership, having guest-edited special issues in academic journals, leading conference program committees, and chairing multiple seasons in academic conferences on interdisciplinary topics. Dr Adyel is very active in publishing research in peer-reviewed journals, as demonstrated by his 50+ Q1 journal articles. He has also published commentaries in prestigious journals, including Science (X3), Nature and The Lancet Planetary Health.
Dr. Adyel is an award-winning researcher. He won a highly prestigious 2022 Victorian Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year for his internationally significant achievements in building a more publicly engaged scientific leadership in Australia on plastic and microplastic research. The Australian Institute of Policy and Science announces the Tall Poppy Award every year to recognise and celebrate the intellectual and scientific excellence of young researchers in Australia. This award highlighted Dr Adyel’s passion on plastic circular economy and communication to promote a scientifically literate society.
Dr. Ekaterina Albats
LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Katja/Ekaterina Albats, D.Sc. (Tech.), is a postdoctoral researcher at LUT University Business School (Finland) and a visiting professor in innovation management at media Akademie - Hochschule Stuttgart (mAHS, Germany). Katja specializes in technology and innovation management for sustainable development, knowledge and technology transfer, collaborative innovation, novel and digital forms of organizing, technology entrepreneurship and small business management. Katja has published in highly ranked academic journals as Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Small Business Management, Journal of Business Research and Journal of Technology Transfer, among others. Katja has served as a guest editor in Triple Helix Journal and is in Editorial Review Board of R&D Management Journal. During her prior postdoc at The Scandinavian Consortium for Organizational Research (SCANCOR), at Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Katja has been closely studying the case of Stanford and greater Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem, its knowledge and technology transfer practices.
Katja/Ekaterina Albats, D.Sc. (Tech.), is a postdoctoral researcher at LUT University Business School (Finland) and a visiting professor in innovation management at media Akademie - Hochschule Stuttgart (mAHS, Germany). Katja specializes in technology and innovation management for sustainable development, knowledge and technology transfer, collaborative innovation, novel and digital forms of organizing, technology entrepreneurship and small business management. Katja has published in highly ranked academic journals as Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Small Business Management, Journal of Business Research and Journal of Technology Transfer, among others. Katja has served as a guest editor in Triple Helix Journal and is in Editorial Review Board of R&D Management Journal. During her prior postdoc at The Scandinavian Consortium for Organizational Research (SCANCOR), at Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Katja has been closely studying the case of Stanford and greater Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem, its knowledge and technology transfer practices.
Dr. Torgeir Aleti
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Torgeir Aleti is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
He has published several books and articles, mainly related to consumer socialisation and social learning processes. His work on how family members learn consumer skills from each other has won two Emerald Outstanding Paper awards. Torgeir’s research investigates the social and relational aspects of consumption choices and behaviour.
Torgeir co-founded Shaping Connections (www.shapingconnections.org), a research program investigating seniors and technology. Shaping Connections collaborates with senior organisations such as the University of the Third Age (U3A) Network Victoria and Life Activities Clubs of Victoria, as well as Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation, ACCAN (The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network). Through Shaping Connections, Torgeir regularly contributes to mainstream media in Australia, such as the ABC, the Age, and the Guardian.
Torgeir Aleti is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
He has published several books and articles, mainly related to consumer socialisation and social learning processes. His work on how family members learn consumer skills from each other has won two Emerald Outstanding Paper awards. Torgeir’s research investigates the social and relational aspects of consumption choices and behaviour.
Torgeir co-founded Shaping Connections (www.shapingconnections.org), a research program investigating seniors and technology. Shaping Connections collaborates with senior organisations such as the University of the Third Age (U3A) Network Victoria and Life Activities Clubs of Victoria, as well as Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation, ACCAN (The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network). Through Shaping Connections, Torgeir regularly contributes to mainstream media in Australia, such as the ABC, the Age, and the Guardian.
Dr. Yuksel Ayden
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr. Yuksel Ayden is a Lecturer at the School of Management, RMIT University, Australia. He holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Deakin University. His research focuses on how organizations make strategic decisions and take actions, particularly in the areas of innovation and international expansion.
Dr. Ayden’s work has been published in leading academic journals, including Journal of International Management, and with publishers such as Palgrave Macmillan. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Business Research. His research has been presented at prominent conferences, including the Strategic Management Society and the Academy of International Business annual meetings.
Dr. Ayden has extensive experience in strategy development and policymaking, advising emerging multinationals during their early stages of international expansion. He has taught courses on strategy, innovation, and business ecosystems at both undergraduate and MBA levels across Australia, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to joining RMIT, he was a lecturer at the University of Adelaide.
Dr. Yuksel Ayden is a Lecturer at the School of Management, RMIT University, Australia. He holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Deakin University. His research focuses on how organizations make strategic decisions and take actions, particularly in the areas of innovation and international expansion.
Dr. Ayden’s work has been published in leading academic journals, including Journal of International Management, and with publishers such as Palgrave Macmillan. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Business Research. His research has been presented at prominent conferences, including the Strategic Management Society and the Academy of International Business annual meetings.
Dr. Ayden has extensive experience in strategy development and policymaking, advising emerging multinationals during their early stages of international expansion. He has taught courses on strategy, innovation, and business ecosystems at both undergraduate and MBA levels across Australia, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to joining RMIT, he was a lecturer at the University of Adelaide.
Dr. Ashenafi Biru
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Ashenafi Biru is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the School of Management, RMIT University. He serves as the Program Manager for the Strategy and Innovation Major in the Bachelor of Business program and is the co-lead of the RMIT Entrepreneurial Academics Network.
Ashenafi’s research focuses on innovative entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial ecosystems, firm strategies, and institutional dynamics. His work examines diverse aspects of entrepreneurial ecosystems in varying contexts, as well as exploring the 'dark side' of entrepreneurship. His research has been published in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Management, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, International Business Review, and Energy Economics, among others.
As an educator, Ashenafi teaches courses in entrepreneurship and strategy, utilising innovative methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. He is particularly committed to fostering creative and collaborative learning environments through interactive teaching approaches. Recently, he developed a serious board game called ‘The Entrepreneur within You’ which is designed to enhance the learning experience of entrepreneurship and innovation students.
His teaching excellence has been recognised with several awards, including:
2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Citation Award for Outstanding Contribution to Students’ Learning
2024 RMIT College of Business and Law Award for Outstanding Contribution to Students’ Learning
2023 School of Management Award for Collaborations in Learning and Teaching
2022 School of Management Award for Innovative Learning and Teaching Practice.
Ashenafi Biru is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the School of Management, RMIT University. He serves as the Program Manager for the Strategy and Innovation Major in the Bachelor of Business program and is the co-lead of the RMIT Entrepreneurial Academics Network.
Ashenafi’s research focuses on innovative entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial ecosystems, firm strategies, and institutional dynamics. His work examines diverse aspects of entrepreneurial ecosystems in varying contexts, as well as exploring the 'dark side' of entrepreneurship. His research has been published in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Management, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, International Business Review, and Energy Economics, among others.
As an educator, Ashenafi teaches courses in entrepreneurship and strategy, utilising innovative methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. He is particularly committed to fostering creative and collaborative learning environments through interactive teaching approaches. Recently, he developed a serious board game called ‘The Entrepreneur within You’ which is designed to enhance the learning experience of entrepreneurship and innovation students.
His teaching excellence has been recognised with several awards, including:
2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Citation Award for Outstanding Contribution to Students’ Learning
2024 RMIT College of Business and Law Award for Outstanding Contribution to Students’ Learning
2023 School of Management Award for Collaborations in Learning and Teaching
2022 School of Management Award for Innovative Learning and Teaching Practice.
Assoc. Prof. Janneke Blijlevens
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Associate Professor Janneke Blijlevens, School of Economics, Finance and Marketing.
Social impact and interdisciplinarity are my middle name. I work with students, industry partners, and research collaborators to develop and implement learning experiences, behavioural interventions, and designs that catalyse social change in the world. Tackling complex societal issues such as cultural inclusion, sexual harassment and assault, financial literacy, and future-forward education requires the theoretical and methodological lenses of multiple disciplines. My experience in design and marketing schools, and background in cognitive (experimental) psychology, gives me a unique ability to understand different ways of thinking and working with collaborators from different backgrounds. I have, over the years, carefully crafted a methodology to solve complex societal problems and design innovative, evidence-based behavioural interventions that make a real impact in the world. I am passionate in preparing my students for their positive role in society and for them to learn how to use their (thinking and operational) powers for good.
Associate Professor Janneke Blijlevens, School of Economics, Finance and Marketing.
Social impact and interdisciplinarity are my middle name. I work with students, industry partners, and research collaborators to develop and implement learning experiences, behavioural interventions, and designs that catalyse social change in the world. Tackling complex societal issues such as cultural inclusion, sexual harassment and assault, financial literacy, and future-forward education requires the theoretical and methodological lenses of multiple disciplines. My experience in design and marketing schools, and background in cognitive (experimental) psychology, gives me a unique ability to understand different ways of thinking and working with collaborators from different backgrounds. I have, over the years, carefully crafted a methodology to solve complex societal problems and design innovative, evidence-based behavioural interventions that make a real impact in the world. I am passionate in preparing my students for their positive role in society and for them to learn how to use their (thinking and operational) powers for good.
Dr. Sanne Bor
LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Sanne Bor is a Postdoctoral Researcher at LUT Business School with research interest on meta-organization, sustainability, inter-organizational collaboration, societal change, small business and entrepreneurship Her research has been published in high quality journals in organization science (Organization Studies), sociology (Current Sociology; Journal of Organizational Sociology), environmental science (Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning), Future studies (Technological Forecasting and Societal Change), and general management (Journal of Management Inquiry).
Sanne Bor is a Postdoctoral Researcher at LUT Business School with research interest on meta-organization, sustainability, inter-organizational collaboration, societal change, small business and entrepreneurship Her research has been published in high quality journals in organization science (Organization Studies), sociology (Current Sociology; Journal of Organizational Sociology), environmental science (Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning), Future studies (Technological Forecasting and Societal Change), and general management (Journal of Management Inquiry).
Assoc. Prof. Jolita Ceicyte
Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Jolita Čeičytė-Pranskūnė holds the position of Associate Professor in Innovation Management at the School of Economics and Business, Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. She was also a Senior Resident Researcher at the Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano in Italy from 2021 to 2022. Jolita is systematically developing her research trajectory towards responsible, social, circular innovations, innovation ecosystems, and self-organization. Jolita's research on responsible innovation, including her master's thesis and dissertation, has been awarded by the national scientific community, including awards from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, the Lithuanian Society of Young Scientists, the Association of Science and Engineering of Lithuania, and an international organization the Baltic University Programme (Uppsala, Sweden). Jolita is a member of the innovation and ethics research team at the Center for Global R&D and Innovation (GLORAD). With a team, Jolita has developed guidelines entitled "Responsible Business Implementation Methodology for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Lithuania" and "Stakeholder Engagement Guide for Developing Responsible Business," commissioned by the Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labor. Based on Jolita’s research topics, she provides consultations for firms and delivers public lectures.
Jolita Čeičytė-Pranskūnė holds the position of Associate Professor in Innovation Management at the School of Economics and Business, Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. She was also a Senior Resident Researcher at the Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano in Italy from 2021 to 2022. Jolita is systematically developing her research trajectory towards responsible, social, circular innovations, innovation ecosystems, and self-organization. Jolita's research on responsible innovation, including her master's thesis and dissertation, has been awarded by the national scientific community, including awards from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, the Lithuanian Society of Young Scientists, the Association of Science and Engineering of Lithuania, and an international organization the Baltic University Programme (Uppsala, Sweden). Jolita is a member of the innovation and ethics research team at the Center for Global R&D and Innovation (GLORAD). With a team, Jolita has developed guidelines entitled "Responsible Business Implementation Methodology for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Lithuania" and "Stakeholder Engagement Guide for Developing Responsible Business," commissioned by the Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labor. Based on Jolita’s research topics, she provides consultations for firms and delivers public lectures.
Assoc. Prof. Marc Cheah-Mañe
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · Barcelona Tech - UPC, Barcelona, Spain.
Marc Cheah-Mane received the degree in industrial engineering from the School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona (ETSEIB), Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2013, and the PhD degree in electrical engineering from Cardiff University, Cardiff, the U.K. in 2017. From 2017 to 2020 he was a research associate in CITCEA-UPC, Barcelona, Spain. From 2020 to 2024 he started as a Lecturer under the Serra Hunter program at the Electrical Engineering Department of UPC and since 2024 he is Associate Professor. Since 2022 he is co-founder of eRoots Analytics, which is a spin-off company of CITCEA-UPC His research interests include power systems with power electronics, high-voltage direct current systems, AC/DC grids and grid integration of wind and photovoltaic generation.
Marc Cheah-Mane received the degree in industrial engineering from the School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona (ETSEIB), Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2013, and the PhD degree in electrical engineering from Cardiff University, Cardiff, the U.K. in 2017. From 2017 to 2020 he was a research associate in CITCEA-UPC, Barcelona, Spain. From 2020 to 2024 he started as a Lecturer under the Serra Hunter program at the Electrical Engineering Department of UPC and since 2024 he is Associate Professor. Since 2022 he is co-founder of eRoots Analytics, which is a spin-off company of CITCEA-UPC His research interests include power systems with power electronics, high-voltage direct current systems, AC/DC grids and grid integration of wind and photovoltaic generation.
Dr. Duy Dang-Pham
RMIT University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Dr. Duy Dang is the Interim Associate Head of Department (Research & Innovation) at The Business School, RMIT Vietnam. His teaching and research focus on information security management, digital transformation, and the role of information systems in driving social impact. His work has been published in leading journals, including Information & Management, Computers & Security, Information Systems Frontiers, Computers in Human Behavior, and Behaviour & Information Technology. Dr. Dang is also a 2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholar-in-Residence at Gonzaga University, USA, and a Co-founder of the Vietnam Chapter of the Association for Information Systems (VAIS).
Dr. Duy Dang is the Interim Associate Head of Department (Research & Innovation) at The Business School, RMIT Vietnam. His teaching and research focus on information security management, digital transformation, and the role of information systems in driving social impact. His work has been published in leading journals, including Information & Management, Computers & Security, Information Systems Frontiers, Computers in Human Behavior, and Behaviour & Information Technology. Dr. Dang is also a 2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholar-in-Residence at Gonzaga University, USA, and a Co-founder of the Vietnam Chapter of the Association for Information Systems (VAIS).
Prof. Abhijit Date
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Abhijit Date is a Professor at RMIT University's School of Engineering. His areas of interest are engineering thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, mechanical design and sustainable energy systems. His research is focused in the areas of water desalination, waste heat recovery and utilization and renewable energy generation technologies. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles to date and supervised over 20 PhD students to completion.
Dr Abhijit Date is a Professor at RMIT University's School of Engineering. His areas of interest are engineering thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, mechanical design and sustainable energy systems. His research is focused in the areas of water desalination, waste heat recovery and utilization and renewable energy generation technologies. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles to date and supervised over 20 PhD students to completion.
Dr. Michael Dunbar
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr. Michael (Miek) Dunbar is an interaction designer, researcher, and educator at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. His work focuses on creating data-driven tools and services that support ecological and social impact, asking: How can data and information help us regenerate and avoid catastrophe?
Miek co-leads the Greater Melbourne City Portrait, an ongoing research initiative with Regen Melbourne to develop a digital platform tracking Melbourne’s progress toward a safe and just social and ecological space. The project also supports government, enterprise, and community actors in aligning their actions with this vision.
In collaboration with Prof. Chris Speed, Miek is developing Kin Bank, a speculative design project exploring regenerative relationships with local ecologies. The project imagines a bank where customers share an account with a forest, fostering innovative approaches to ecological stewardship.
As an educator in RMIT's Master of Communication Design, Miek champions industry-partnered learning, guiding students to tackle real-world ecological and social challenges. Recent projects have directly influenced university food insecurity policy and planning.
Miek’s industry achievements include creating the .id Housing Monitor, a digital evidence base helping Australian local governments address housing affordability; designing a touchscreen interactive for OOM Creative and the Auckland War Memorial Museum’s Rarau Mai Living City exhibit, allowing visitors to explore spatial data and stories of Auckland; and producing The Scale, a visualization of climate inequality between nations for NotJustCelsius, in collaboration with Regine Abos and the Interactive Media Foundation.
Dr. Michael (Miek) Dunbar is an interaction designer, researcher, and educator at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. His work focuses on creating data-driven tools and services that support ecological and social impact, asking: How can data and information help us regenerate and avoid catastrophe?
Miek co-leads the Greater Melbourne City Portrait, an ongoing research initiative with Regen Melbourne to develop a digital platform tracking Melbourne’s progress toward a safe and just social and ecological space. The project also supports government, enterprise, and community actors in aligning their actions with this vision.
In collaboration with Prof. Chris Speed, Miek is developing Kin Bank, a speculative design project exploring regenerative relationships with local ecologies. The project imagines a bank where customers share an account with a forest, fostering innovative approaches to ecological stewardship.
As an educator in RMIT's Master of Communication Design, Miek champions industry-partnered learning, guiding students to tackle real-world ecological and social challenges. Recent projects have directly influenced university food insecurity policy and planning.
Miek’s industry achievements include creating the .id Housing Monitor, a digital evidence base helping Australian local governments address housing affordability; designing a touchscreen interactive for OOM Creative and the Auckland War Memorial Museum’s Rarau Mai Living City exhibit, allowing visitors to explore spatial data and stories of Auckland; and producing The Scale, a visualization of climate inequality between nations for NotJustCelsius, in collaboration with Regine Abos and the Interactive Media Foundation.
Dr. Akvan Gajanayake
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Akvan is a trans-disciplinary researcher in the areas of sustainability and circular economy, with a specific focus on applying systems thinking and transdisciplinary research methods to global climate and environmental issues. In his current projects, Akvan is collaborating with the Victorian Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and Sustainability Victoria to develop guidance material for the use if systems thinking to approach waste and resource challenges within the State. Akvan holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of London, where he obtained the top marks for the BSc Management degree for that year. He also holds a Masters in Economics and a PhD in Sustainable Engineering.
Before joining academia Akvan worked in the not-for-profit sector working in a partnership with the American Red Cross, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Environmental Foundation Ltd in setting up integrated waste management systems in disaster affected communities in South Asia. He also has experience in the manufacturing sector, where led the waste management stream, developing and implementing waste management and resource recovery strategies for an apparel manufacturer.
Akvan is a trans-disciplinary researcher in the areas of sustainability and circular economy, with a specific focus on applying systems thinking and transdisciplinary research methods to global climate and environmental issues. In his current projects, Akvan is collaborating with the Victorian Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and Sustainability Victoria to develop guidance material for the use if systems thinking to approach waste and resource challenges within the State. Akvan holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of London, where he obtained the top marks for the BSc Management degree for that year. He also holds a Masters in Economics and a PhD in Sustainable Engineering.
Before joining academia Akvan worked in the not-for-profit sector working in a partnership with the American Red Cross, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Environmental Foundation Ltd in setting up integrated waste management systems in disaster affected communities in South Asia. He also has experience in the manufacturing sector, where led the waste management stream, developing and implementing waste management and resource recovery strategies for an apparel manufacturer.
Prof. Oriol Gomis-Bellmunt
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · Barcelona Tech - UPC, Barcelona, Spain.
Oriol Gomis-Bellmunt received the degree in industrial engineering from the School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona (ETSEIB), Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2001 and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the UPC in 2007. In 1999, he joined Engitrol S.L. where he worked as Project Engineer in the automation and control industry. Since 2004, he has been with the Electrical Engineering Department, UPC where he is a Professor and participates in the CITCEA-UPC Research Group. Since 2020, he is an ICREA Academia researcher. In 2022, he co-founded the start-up eRoots Analytics focused on the analysis of modern power systems. His research interests include the fields linked with power electronics, power systems and renewable energy integration in power systems.
Oriol Gomis-Bellmunt received the degree in industrial engineering from the School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona (ETSEIB), Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, in 2001 and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the UPC in 2007. In 1999, he joined Engitrol S.L. where he worked as Project Engineer in the automation and control industry. Since 2004, he has been with the Electrical Engineering Department, UPC where he is a Professor and participates in the CITCEA-UPC Research Group. Since 2020, he is an ICREA Academia researcher. In 2022, he co-founded the start-up eRoots Analytics focused on the analysis of modern power systems. His research interests include the fields linked with power electronics, power systems and renewable energy integration in power systems.
Assoc. Prof. Vytaute Dlugoborskyte
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Kaunas, Lithuania.
Dr. Vytaute Dlugoborskyte is an associate professor at Kaunas University of Technology. She holds a PhD degree in Management from Kaunas University of Technology, for which she became the laureate of the Best Dissertation 2018 award organized by the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers and received the acknowledgment by the President of Lithuania for excellence in scientific work. Her research on Born Global entrepreneurial knowledge intensive firms was recognized as an excellent scientific work associated with the country's economic growth and competitiveness and received awards from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, and the Lithuanian Association of Scientific and Technical Societies. Her methodology for new product development created for Kaunas Science and Technology Park was recognized as the best innovative solution in 2018 by the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). Dr. Dlugoborskyte worked as a Senior Researcher in Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and held a Postdoctoral Associate position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her research interest is in product development and business models in the context of circular economy and cradle-to-cradle, with a focus on innovation management and team composition.
Dr. Vytaute Dlugoborskyte is an associate professor at Kaunas University of Technology. She holds a PhD degree in Management from Kaunas University of Technology, for which she became the laureate of the Best Dissertation 2018 award organized by the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers and received the acknowledgment by the President of Lithuania for excellence in scientific work. Her research on Born Global entrepreneurial knowledge intensive firms was recognized as an excellent scientific work associated with the country's economic growth and competitiveness and received awards from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, and the Lithuanian Association of Scientific and Technical Societies. Her methodology for new product development created for Kaunas Science and Technology Park was recognized as the best innovative solution in 2018 by the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). Dr. Dlugoborskyte worked as a Senior Researcher in Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and held a Postdoctoral Associate position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her research interest is in product development and business models in the context of circular economy and cradle-to-cradle, with a focus on innovation management and team composition.
Dr. Andrius Grybauskas
Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania.
The world of artificial intelligence and its promises fascinates me, to say the least, thus my dream is to keep pushing the boundaries of A.I. and adopting this beast in whatever opportunities I come across. Although I have placed much emphasis on A.I. and economics/management interaction, I'm open-minded to adopt A.I. in other fields as well.
My expertise consists of developing large language models, deep learning and, computer vision algorithms with PyTorch, Keras, and other ML libraries, as well as conducting data analytics works., and writing\publishing scientific research papers.
I worked in several European Commission as well as national scientific projects as a data scientist\economist.
I have been awarded by KTU university as the most active Ph.D. and young scientist awards on several occasions.
The world of artificial intelligence and its promises fascinates me, to say the least, thus my dream is to keep pushing the boundaries of A.I. and adopting this beast in whatever opportunities I come across. Although I have placed much emphasis on A.I. and economics/management interaction, I'm open-minded to adopt A.I. in other fields as well.
My expertise consists of developing large language models, deep learning and, computer vision algorithms with PyTorch, Keras, and other ML libraries, as well as conducting data analytics works., and writing\publishing scientific research papers.
I worked in several European Commission as well as national scientific projects as a data scientist\economist.
I have been awarded by KTU university as the most active Ph.D. and young scientist awards on several occasions.
Adj. Prof. Ondrej Hamulak
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Tallinn, Estonia.
Ondrej Hamuľák is a renowned scholar in EU constitutional law and digital constitutionalism, dedicated to fostering the next generation of legal researchers. As adjunct professor at Taltech Law School in Estonia and senior researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic. His work addresses pivotal topics such as digital sovereignty, the protection of fundamental rights in the digital age and AI governance. His leadership extends to the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, focusing on the enforcement of the rule of law in the EU.
With over 100 scholarly works, including numerous publications in indexed journals, prof. Hamuľák has established himself as a thought leader in the legal challenges of digitalization and governance. Recent contributions such as "Frontiers in AI Judiciary: A Contribution to Legal Futurology" and "Digital Sovereignty in the EU: Searching for Legal Mechanisms for Marking the Borders" highlight his commitment to addressing the regulatory complexities of the digital era. His research has garnered over 700 citations and numerous awards, reflecting his academic impact and excellence.
Prof. Hamuľák is passionate about mentoring students and junior researchers, providing a supportive and inspiring environment for Ph.D. candidates under his supervision. He actively leads international research collaborations, such as the EU Digital Sovereignty Research Group, uniting scholars from six European countries. Through his guidance, doctoral candidates gain hands-on experience with high-impact projects, opportunities to publish in renowned journals, and exposure to global academic networks.
If you aspire to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of law and technology while building your expertise in a vibrant, collaborative academic setting, prof. Hamuľák’s supervision will empower you to achieve your full potential.
Ondrej Hamuľák is a renowned scholar in EU constitutional law and digital constitutionalism, dedicated to fostering the next generation of legal researchers. As adjunct professor at Taltech Law School in Estonia and senior researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic. His work addresses pivotal topics such as digital sovereignty, the protection of fundamental rights in the digital age and AI governance. His leadership extends to the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, focusing on the enforcement of the rule of law in the EU.
With over 100 scholarly works, including numerous publications in indexed journals, prof. Hamuľák has established himself as a thought leader in the legal challenges of digitalization and governance. Recent contributions such as "Frontiers in AI Judiciary: A Contribution to Legal Futurology" and "Digital Sovereignty in the EU: Searching for Legal Mechanisms for Marking the Borders" highlight his commitment to addressing the regulatory complexities of the digital era. His research has garnered over 700 citations and numerous awards, reflecting his academic impact and excellence.
Prof. Hamuľák is passionate about mentoring students and junior researchers, providing a supportive and inspiring environment for Ph.D. candidates under his supervision. He actively leads international research collaborations, such as the EU Digital Sovereignty Research Group, uniting scholars from six European countries. Through his guidance, doctoral candidates gain hands-on experience with high-impact projects, opportunities to publish in renowned journals, and exposure to global academic networks.
If you aspire to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of law and technology while building your expertise in a vibrant, collaborative academic setting, prof. Hamuľák’s supervision will empower you to achieve your full potential.
Dr. Kazi Hasan
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Kazi Hasan is a Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering at RMIT University, Australia. He served as a Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) at The University of Manchester, United Kingdom from 2014 to 2018 after receiving a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Queensland, Australia in 2014. He has a strong record of establishing and maintaining industry engagement, leading to 15 research grants over the last 6 years. New energy technologies integration into the electricity grids is the main focus of his research, particularly emphasising probabilistic modelling of renewable energy resources, energy system operation and stability analysis, demand response in renewable-rich grids, and enabling technologies for grid integration of electric vehicles.
Dr Hasan secured 3 million dollars in research income over the last 6 years including grants from iMOVE CRC, RACE for 2030 CRC, Innovation Connections Grant, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET), NOJA Power, Rheem Australia Pty Ltd., and Smart Lifestyle Australia Pty Ltd. Dr Hasan has supervised 5 PhD students to completion (9 under current supervision) and mentored more than 4 postdoctoral fellows. He has published his research in 40 top-class journals and 60 conference papers presented at international conferences and seminars in 12 countries with an h-index of 23 and over 1760 citations.
Dr Kazi Hasan is a Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering at RMIT University, Australia. He served as a Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) at The University of Manchester, United Kingdom from 2014 to 2018 after receiving a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Queensland, Australia in 2014. He has a strong record of establishing and maintaining industry engagement, leading to 15 research grants over the last 6 years. New energy technologies integration into the electricity grids is the main focus of his research, particularly emphasising probabilistic modelling of renewable energy resources, energy system operation and stability analysis, demand response in renewable-rich grids, and enabling technologies for grid integration of electric vehicles.
Dr Hasan secured 3 million dollars in research income over the last 6 years including grants from iMOVE CRC, RACE for 2030 CRC, Innovation Connections Grant, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET), NOJA Power, Rheem Australia Pty Ltd., and Smart Lifestyle Australia Pty Ltd. Dr Hasan has supervised 5 PhD students to completion (9 under current supervision) and mentored more than 4 postdoctoral fellows. He has published his research in 40 top-class journals and 60 conference papers presented at international conferences and seminars in 12 countries with an h-index of 23 and over 1760 citations.
Assoc. Prof. Anne Kallies
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Anne Kallies (PhD) is an Associate Professor of Law at RMIT University Australia. Anne researches in the area of energy transition and climate law, which a special focus on renewable energy and electricity markets, network regulation and legal frameworks for infrastructure resilience and microgrids. Her research draws on her study and professional experience in Australia and Germany. She holds a German law degree, a well as a LLM and a PhD (both completed at Melbourne Law School). The energy transition is an interdisciplinary challenge and Anne has researched and published with colleagues in other disciplines, such as economics, political science and engineering. Anne has worked with a range of industry partners and stakeholders especially in the areas of microgrids and electromobility.
Anne Kallies (PhD) is an Associate Professor of Law at RMIT University Australia. Anne researches in the area of energy transition and climate law, which a special focus on renewable energy and electricity markets, network regulation and legal frameworks for infrastructure resilience and microgrids. Her research draws on her study and professional experience in Australia and Germany. She holds a German law degree, a well as a LLM and a PhD (both completed at Melbourne Law School). The energy transition is an interdisciplinary challenge and Anne has researched and published with colleagues in other disciplines, such as economics, political science and engineering. Anne has worked with a range of industry partners and stakeholders especially in the areas of microgrids and electromobility.
Assist. Prof. Merle Küttim
Tallinn University of Technology, (TalTech), Tallinn, Estonia.
Merle Küttim is an Assistant Professor of in the Sustainable Value Chain Management Research Group at the Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). Her research interests include innovation, university-industry knowledge transfer, knowledge networks, circular economy and sustainable business growth.
Merle is currently working on research projects that focus on the business development pathways in the context of large societal transformations (i.e. energy transformations), circular innovation and industrial symbiosis, sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities and value chains. She has published in leading innovation and management journals ‘Technovation’, ‘Journal of Technology Transfer’, ‘Technological Forecasting and Social Change’, ‘Baltic Journal of Management’.
Merle Küttim is an Assistant Professor of in the Sustainable Value Chain Management Research Group at the Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). Her research interests include innovation, university-industry knowledge transfer, knowledge networks, circular economy and sustainable business growth.
Merle is currently working on research projects that focus on the business development pathways in the context of large societal transformations (i.e. energy transformations), circular innovation and industrial symbiosis, sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities and value chains. She has published in leading innovation and management journals ‘Technovation’, ‘Journal of Technology Transfer’, ‘Technological Forecasting and Social Change’, ‘Baltic Journal of Management’.
Dr. Tu Le
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr. Tu Le is a leader in Machine Learning for Materials Science and Engineering, specialising in the development and optimization of advanced materials for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. Her pioneering research spans a range of innovative domains, including metal organic frameworks for carbon capture, liquid metal alloys for carbon dioxide reduction, perovskites for photocatalytic applications, metallic materials for additive manufacturing, and polymers with antimicrobial properties.
Dr. Le's research portfolio showcases her exceptional ability to integrate machine learning techniques to accelerate the discovery and characterization of novel materials. This has resulted in over 3,000 citations and an h-index of 25 as of February 2025, underscoring the significant impact of her work in the scientific community.
Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, such as the Jacques-Emile Dubois Award from the International Chemical Structure Association Trust, the Fresh Scientist of Victoria State, Club Melbourne Fellowship finalist and the RMIT Vice Chancellor’s Fellowship.
Dr. Le was one of only six Australian representatives selected to attend the 6th HOPE meeting with Nobel Laureates in Tokyo. This honour was made possible through nominations and funding from the Australian Academy of Science and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Dr. Le's work not only advances the field of materials science but also reflects her dedication to fostering innovation that addresses global challenges. Her research continues to inspire the integration of machine learning in scientific discovery, thereby paving the way for more efficient and impactful technological advancements.
Dr. Tu Le is a leader in Machine Learning for Materials Science and Engineering, specialising in the development and optimization of advanced materials for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. Her pioneering research spans a range of innovative domains, including metal organic frameworks for carbon capture, liquid metal alloys for carbon dioxide reduction, perovskites for photocatalytic applications, metallic materials for additive manufacturing, and polymers with antimicrobial properties.
Dr. Le's research portfolio showcases her exceptional ability to integrate machine learning techniques to accelerate the discovery and characterization of novel materials. This has resulted in over 3,000 citations and an h-index of 25 as of February 2025, underscoring the significant impact of her work in the scientific community.
Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, such as the Jacques-Emile Dubois Award from the International Chemical Structure Association Trust, the Fresh Scientist of Victoria State, Club Melbourne Fellowship finalist and the RMIT Vice Chancellor’s Fellowship.
Dr. Le was one of only six Australian representatives selected to attend the 6th HOPE meeting with Nobel Laureates in Tokyo. This honour was made possible through nominations and funding from the Australian Academy of Science and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Dr. Le's work not only advances the field of materials science but also reflects her dedication to fostering innovation that addresses global challenges. Her research continues to inspire the integration of machine learning in scientific discovery, thereby paving the way for more efficient and impactful technological advancements.
Dr. Julio López
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · Barcelona Tech - UPC, Barcelona, Spain.
López holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), respectively. He finished his Ph.D in Chemical Process Engineering at UPC in 2019, which was focused on the valorisation of acidic waters by integrating membrane technologies. In 2022, he was working as a post-doc at Università degli Studi di Palermo under the scope of Margarita Salas fellowship, continuing research activities at UPC since 2023. Since 2024, he has been working as a lecturer in the Chemical Engineering department at UPC. His research interests are focused on the valorisation of wastewater by promoting circular schemes centred on the recovery of critical raw materials by using separation processes.
López holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), respectively. He finished his Ph.D in Chemical Process Engineering at UPC in 2019, which was focused on the valorisation of acidic waters by integrating membrane technologies. In 2022, he was working as a post-doc at Università degli Studi di Palermo under the scope of Margarita Salas fellowship, continuing research activities at UPC since 2023. Since 2024, he has been working as a lecturer in the Chemical Engineering department at UPC. His research interests are focused on the valorisation of wastewater by promoting circular schemes centred on the recovery of critical raw materials by using separation processes.
Assoc. Prof. Daniela Maresch
Breitenecker Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), JKU Business School, Linz, Austria.
Daniela Maresch is a visiting professor at the Institute of Innovation Management (IFI) at Johannes Kepler University Linz. She is an associate professor at the Management, Technologies and Strategy Department at Grenoble Ecole de Management (F) and she also holds a fractional position as associate professor at the University of Southern Denmark (DK).
Daniela has a PhD in Business Administration and an LL.M.(WU) in Business Law from WU Vienna University of Business and Economics (Austria) as well as a postdoctoral qualification (Habilitation) from Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria). Before joining academia in 2014, she gained practical experience in financial reporting and corporate law working for a major Austrian utility and a renowned Viennese law firm. In her research, she employs her interdisciplinary expertise. The focus of her research is on topics at the intersection of entrepreneurship, regional development and innovation, such as entrepreneurial finance, technology entrepreneurship, social and migrant entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship education. The results of her work have been published both in scholarly journals such as the Journal of Corporate Finance, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, and Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, and in transfer publications such as the European Central Bank Working Paper Series. Her research has attracted funding from institutions such as the EU and the Swedish Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Research & Charity as well as private enterprises.
Daniela is an editorial board member of Technological Forecasting and Social Change as well as Review of Managerial Science. In the last five years, she was visiting research fellow at Aalto University (Finland), Cranfield University (UK), and the University of Lund (Sweden).
Daniela Maresch is a visiting professor at the Institute of Innovation Management (IFI) at Johannes Kepler University Linz. She is an associate professor at the Management, Technologies and Strategy Department at Grenoble Ecole de Management (F) and she also holds a fractional position as associate professor at the University of Southern Denmark (DK).
Daniela has a PhD in Business Administration and an LL.M.(WU) in Business Law from WU Vienna University of Business and Economics (Austria) as well as a postdoctoral qualification (Habilitation) from Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria). Before joining academia in 2014, she gained practical experience in financial reporting and corporate law working for a major Austrian utility and a renowned Viennese law firm. In her research, she employs her interdisciplinary expertise. The focus of her research is on topics at the intersection of entrepreneurship, regional development and innovation, such as entrepreneurial finance, technology entrepreneurship, social and migrant entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship education. The results of her work have been published both in scholarly journals such as the Journal of Corporate Finance, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, and Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, and in transfer publications such as the European Central Bank Working Paper Series. Her research has attracted funding from institutions such as the EU and the Swedish Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Research & Charity as well as private enterprises.
Daniela is an editorial board member of Technological Forecasting and Social Change as well as Review of Managerial Science. In the last five years, she was visiting research fellow at Aalto University (Finland), Cranfield University (UK), and the University of Lund (Sweden).
Dr. Bhavna Middha
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Bhavna is an Australian Research Council (ARC) funded Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) recipient for 2024 and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban Research in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies.
She is a sustainable consumption scholar and a social practice theorist. Her research spans the sociology and geographies of consumption through topics such as food, plastics and packaging, energy, and waste. Bhavna’s work has explored and advanced the practice perspective in sustainable consumption by focusing on justice and equity aspects of sustainability transitions. A strong focus of her work has been on qualitative research methods, where digital ethnography has been an important aspect of her empirical work.
Bhavna is also a CI on the $21 million ARC Industrial Transformation and Research Hub - Transformation of Reclaimed Waste Resources to Engineered Materials and Solutions for a Circular Economy (TREMS) (2021-2026). As part of the hub, she researches the social and policy dimensions of waste production, consumption and management in apartments.
Bhavna co-leads the 'Social Practices and Sustainable Consumption' Enabling Impact Network at RMIT and RMIT's interdisciplinary 'Food Cultures and Practices' Enabling Impact Network.
Her DECRA research titled, “Tackling food-related single-use plastics in diverse consumption contexts” aims to investigate the uneven impacts of interventions that target consumers’ engagement with single-use food plastics by utilising critical social science approaches. Expected outcomes of this project include conceptual and methodological approaches that enhance societal capabilities for practicable waste management.
Bhavna has previously led a project funded by End Food Waste Australia (previously Fight Food Waste CRC), researching connections between consumer meat waste and refrigerator use. In 2022 she led a Fuel Poverty Research Network’s (UK) funded ECR research project, 'Examining multiple vulnerabilities through the nexus of food and fuel poverty'.
Bhavna is an Australian Research Council (ARC) funded Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) recipient for 2024 and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban Research in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies.
She is a sustainable consumption scholar and a social practice theorist. Her research spans the sociology and geographies of consumption through topics such as food, plastics and packaging, energy, and waste. Bhavna’s work has explored and advanced the practice perspective in sustainable consumption by focusing on justice and equity aspects of sustainability transitions. A strong focus of her work has been on qualitative research methods, where digital ethnography has been an important aspect of her empirical work.
Bhavna is also a CI on the $21 million ARC Industrial Transformation and Research Hub - Transformation of Reclaimed Waste Resources to Engineered Materials and Solutions for a Circular Economy (TREMS) (2021-2026). As part of the hub, she researches the social and policy dimensions of waste production, consumption and management in apartments.
Bhavna co-leads the 'Social Practices and Sustainable Consumption' Enabling Impact Network at RMIT and RMIT's interdisciplinary 'Food Cultures and Practices' Enabling Impact Network.
Her DECRA research titled, “Tackling food-related single-use plastics in diverse consumption contexts” aims to investigate the uneven impacts of interventions that target consumers’ engagement with single-use food plastics by utilising critical social science approaches. Expected outcomes of this project include conceptual and methodological approaches that enhance societal capabilities for practicable waste management.
Bhavna has previously led a project funded by End Food Waste Australia (previously Fight Food Waste CRC), researching connections between consumer meat waste and refrigerator use. In 2022 she led a Fuel Poverty Research Network’s (UK) funded ECR research project, 'Examining multiple vulnerabilities through the nexus of food and fuel poverty'.
Dr. Rumy Narayan
University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland.
Rumy Narayan is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vaasa, where she is part of the Strategic Business Development research group within the School of Management. Her research focuses on transitions to sustainable energy systems, emphasizing innovation across sectors, actors, and disciplines to address societal challenges while fostering economic and social prosperity. Blockchain plays a central role in her research framework as an institutional and social technology for managing and coordinating diverse networks of actors. Rumy has participated in various prestigious research initiatives. She was part of the OPEN-INNO-Train EU project, which fosters international and intersectoral collaboration in Open Innovation, University-Industry Cooperation, and Research Translation. She was also a research fellow in the 2018–2019 IAS-STS Fellowship Programme at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Science, Technology, and Society in Graz, Austria. Additionally, she received a grant from the South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation for her work during 2018–2019. She has contributed to key projects such as Eco-innovation and Business Potential of Circular Economy in South Ostrobothnia (2019–2021) and Paths Towards Energy Transitions (PETs), which explores the "Energy Village" concept developed by the Vaasa Energy Institute. Rumy has also been involved in the planning and development of Transitions Research capabilities at the University of Vaasa. Rumy has published in journals like Technovation, Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing and Journal of Cleaner Production. Before transitioning to academia, she gained valuable experience as a business and financial journalist and sustainability professional.
Rumy Narayan is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vaasa, where she is part of the Strategic Business Development research group within the School of Management. Her research focuses on transitions to sustainable energy systems, emphasizing innovation across sectors, actors, and disciplines to address societal challenges while fostering economic and social prosperity. Blockchain plays a central role in her research framework as an institutional and social technology for managing and coordinating diverse networks of actors. Rumy has participated in various prestigious research initiatives. She was part of the OPEN-INNO-Train EU project, which fosters international and intersectoral collaboration in Open Innovation, University-Industry Cooperation, and Research Translation. She was also a research fellow in the 2018–2019 IAS-STS Fellowship Programme at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Science, Technology, and Society in Graz, Austria. Additionally, she received a grant from the South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation for her work during 2018–2019. She has contributed to key projects such as Eco-innovation and Business Potential of Circular Economy in South Ostrobothnia (2019–2021) and Paths Towards Energy Transitions (PETs), which explores the "Energy Village" concept developed by the Vaasa Energy Institute. Rumy has also been involved in the planning and development of Transitions Research capabilities at the University of Vaasa. Rumy has published in journals like Technovation, Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing and Journal of Cleaner Production. Before transitioning to academia, she gained valuable experience as a business and financial journalist and sustainability professional.
Prof. Agnė Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė
Kaunas University of Technology, (KTU), Faculty of Informatics, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Agnė Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė is Head of the KTU Artificial Intelligence Centre and Professor at the KTU Faculty of Informatics. She is currently actively involved in highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in business, curricula, public education programs, and social media.
In 2019, A. Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė chaired a working group on the presentation of recommendations for the strengthening of AI in studies and later on the development of a strategy for the integration of AI into studies. The professor at KTU and her team have developed a mass open online course in artificial intelligence (MAIK) in a virtual learning environment. In addition, A. Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė led the preparation of the first artificial intelligence study program in Lithuania “Artificial Intelligence” (4 years, 1st cycle), which was successfully launched in September 2020.
Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė is one of the four Lithuanian scientists participating in the process of providing and evaluating the ethics and recommendations of UNESCO artificial intelligence. For 10 years she has been a research and study mentor, co-author, and reviewer of scientific publications from international publishers. Professor has participated in various research projects on the topic of artificial intelligence as a researcher and as a supervisor. Areas of research include machine learning algorithms, image processing technologies, AI ethics, intelligent management systems, and the Internet of Things.
Agnė Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė is Head of the KTU Artificial Intelligence Centre and Professor at the KTU Faculty of Informatics. She is currently actively involved in highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in business, curricula, public education programs, and social media.
In 2019, A. Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė chaired a working group on the presentation of recommendations for the strengthening of AI in studies and later on the development of a strategy for the integration of AI into studies. The professor at KTU and her team have developed a mass open online course in artificial intelligence (MAIK) in a virtual learning environment. In addition, A. Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė led the preparation of the first artificial intelligence study program in Lithuania “Artificial Intelligence” (4 years, 1st cycle), which was successfully launched in September 2020.
Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė is one of the four Lithuanian scientists participating in the process of providing and evaluating the ethics and recommendations of UNESCO artificial intelligence. For 10 years she has been a research and study mentor, co-author, and reviewer of scientific publications from international publishers. Professor has participated in various research projects on the topic of artificial intelligence as a researcher and as a supervisor. Areas of research include machine learning algorithms, image processing technologies, AI ethics, intelligent management systems, and the Internet of Things.
Dr. Rob Phaal
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Dr Robert Phaal is a Director of Research in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, where he conducts research in strategic technology and innovation management. Interests focus on industrial emergence and the development of practical management tools and visual methods for supporting technology intensive innovation. A particular focus over the past 25 years has been the roadmapping approach, exploring the generalisation and efficient application of this and related techniques in many sectors and contexts. Rob has a mechanical engineering background, with a PhD in computational mechanics, and industrial experience in technical consulting, contract research and software development.
Dr Robert Phaal is a Director of Research in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, where he conducts research in strategic technology and innovation management. Interests focus on industrial emergence and the development of practical management tools and visual methods for supporting technology intensive innovation. A particular focus over the past 25 years has been the roadmapping approach, exploring the generalisation and efficient application of this and related techniques in many sectors and contexts. Rob has a mechanical engineering background, with a PhD in computational mechanics, and industrial experience in technical consulting, contract research and software development.
Assoc. Professor Vanja Piljak
University of Vaasa, Finland.
Vanja Piljak is Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Vaasa, and Adjunct Professor in International Finance at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. She obtained a PhD in Finance at the University of Vaasa in 2013. Her research has been published in journals such as Journal of Empirical Finance, European Financial Management, Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, International Review of Financial Analysis, Emerging Markets Review, Journal of Asset Management, Finance Research Letters, and Research in International Business and Finance. She serves as Co-Editor in Multinational Finance Journal, Associate Editor in the Research in International Business and Finance, and Associate Editor in International Review of Economics and Finance. Her research interests include green and climate finance, international finance, financial markets, emerging markets finance, portfolio management, and political risk. She has been a visiting scholar at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, IÉSEG School of Management in France, Cyprus University of Technology, IPAG Business School in Paris, and the Auburn University in the USA.
Vanja Piljak is Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Vaasa, and Adjunct Professor in International Finance at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. She obtained a PhD in Finance at the University of Vaasa in 2013. Her research has been published in journals such as Journal of Empirical Finance, European Financial Management, Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, International Review of Financial Analysis, Emerging Markets Review, Journal of Asset Management, Finance Research Letters, and Research in International Business and Finance. She serves as Co-Editor in Multinational Finance Journal, Associate Editor in the Research in International Business and Finance, and Associate Editor in International Review of Economics and Finance. Her research interests include green and climate finance, international finance, financial markets, emerging markets finance, portfolio management, and political risk. She has been a visiting scholar at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, IÉSEG School of Management in France, Cyprus University of Technology, IPAG Business School in Paris, and the Auburn University in the USA.
Dr. Biplob Pramanik
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Biplob Pramanik is a Senior Lecturer in the Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Discipline and the Director of the Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre at RMIT University, Australia. He is also an ARC DECRA Fellow.
Before joining RMIT, Dr Pramanik served as a Lecturer at La Trobe University and as a Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong from January 2017 to January 2019. He earned his PhD from RMIT University in 2016.
Dr Pramanik’s research focuses on developing separation-based technologies for the removal of emerging pollutants, such as nano- and microplastics, from water and wastewater. His current work also includes fatberg management and resource recovery.
Dr Pramanik has secured over $5 million in research funding and has delivered more than 20 keynote and invited talks. He has authored four book chapters and over 140 publications in high-ranking international peer-reviewed journals, accumulating more than 6,500 citations and an H-index of 46. Additionally, he has successfully supervised 12 PhD students.
Dr Biplob Pramanik is a Senior Lecturer in the Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Discipline and the Director of the Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre at RMIT University, Australia. He is also an ARC DECRA Fellow.
Before joining RMIT, Dr Pramanik served as a Lecturer at La Trobe University and as a Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong from January 2017 to January 2019. He earned his PhD from RMIT University in 2016.
Dr Pramanik’s research focuses on developing separation-based technologies for the removal of emerging pollutants, such as nano- and microplastics, from water and wastewater. His current work also includes fatberg management and resource recovery.
Dr Pramanik has secured over $5 million in research funding and has delivered more than 20 keynote and invited talks. He has authored four book chapters and over 140 publications in high-ranking international peer-reviewed journals, accumulating more than 6,500 citations and an H-index of 46. Additionally, he has successfully supervised 12 PhD students.
Assoc. Prof. Tarek Rana
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Associate Professor Tarek Rana is an internationally recognised scholar in the fields of climate risk management, ESG, carbon accounting, and sustainability reporting. He is currently based at RMIT University, Melbourne, where he serves as Associate Professor of Accounting, Member of the Enterprise AI & Data Analytics Hub, and HDR Coordinator of the School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain. In his academic career he has established himself as a thought leader in public sector management, risk management, environmental management, and sustainable development. Dr. Rana’s research contributions are evident in his editorial leadership, having guest-edited special issues in leading academic journals on climate risk management, net-zero, nature-positive, sustainable governance, and accountability. He is also the editor of the a few Handbooks, which advances theoretical and practical discourse on accounting for climate change, carbon emissions, SDGs, ESG, sustainability transitions and digital transformation. His work bridges academic insight with practical relevance, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives to support decision-making in public, private, and NGO sectors. With extensive experience supervising doctoral candidates and fostering international research collaborations, Dr. Rana is committed to developing the next generation of climate-aware scholars. His ongoing research on resilience and nature-based infrastructure and his collaborations with industry further reflect his dedication to climate-positive futures and sustainable development.
Associate Professor Tarek Rana is an internationally recognised scholar in the fields of climate risk management, ESG, carbon accounting, and sustainability reporting. He is currently based at RMIT University, Melbourne, where he serves as Associate Professor of Accounting, Member of the Enterprise AI & Data Analytics Hub, and HDR Coordinator of the School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain. In his academic career he has established himself as a thought leader in public sector management, risk management, environmental management, and sustainable development. Dr. Rana’s research contributions are evident in his editorial leadership, having guest-edited special issues in leading academic journals on climate risk management, net-zero, nature-positive, sustainable governance, and accountability. He is also the editor of the a few Handbooks, which advances theoretical and practical discourse on accounting for climate change, carbon emissions, SDGs, ESG, sustainability transitions and digital transformation. His work bridges academic insight with practical relevance, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives to support decision-making in public, private, and NGO sectors. With extensive experience supervising doctoral candidates and fostering international research collaborations, Dr. Rana is committed to developing the next generation of climate-aware scholars. His ongoing research on resilience and nature-based infrastructure and his collaborations with industry further reflect his dedication to climate-positive futures and sustainable development.
Prof. Monica Reig
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · Barcelona Tech - UPC, Barcelona, Spain.
Mònica Reig studied Chemical Processes Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), where she obtained the PhD degree at 2016. Since 2023 she is working as Lecturer professor at the Resource Recovery and Environmental Management (R2EM) group of the Chemical Department of the UPC (Spain). She has published more than 65 research papers and received more than 2000 citations and several grants and awards.
Her research is mainly focused on resource recovery, valorisation and added-value products extraction by membrane techniques (e.g., electrodialysis, nanofiltration, membrane contactors) from wastewater and agro-waste residues. Indeed, she is actively involved on a European H2020 Project, named SEA4VALUE: Development of radical innovations to recover minerals and metals from seawater desalination brines.
Mònica Reig studied Chemical Processes Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), where she obtained the PhD degree at 2016. Since 2023 she is working as Lecturer professor at the Resource Recovery and Environmental Management (R2EM) group of the Chemical Department of the UPC (Spain). She has published more than 65 research papers and received more than 2000 citations and several grants and awards.
Her research is mainly focused on resource recovery, valorisation and added-value products extraction by membrane techniques (e.g., electrodialysis, nanofiltration, membrane contactors) from wastewater and agro-waste residues. Indeed, she is actively involved on a European H2020 Project, named SEA4VALUE: Development of radical innovations to recover minerals and metals from seawater desalination brines.
Assoc. Prof. Rebekah Rousi
University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland.
Rebekah Rousi 0000-0001-5771-3528 is an Associate Professor (Tenure Track) of Communication and Digital Economy, at the School of Marketing and Communication, University of Vaasa, Finland. Rousi holds a PhD in Cognitive Science and has specialised in researching human experience via embodied cognition and semiotics in relation to diverse forms of technology. Rousi has a professional background as a contemporary performance artist, with research experience in cultural studies, and particularly postcolonial theory. Her research interests mainly focus on human-robot and human-artificial intelligence interaction, embodied emotional experience, posthumanism, ethics, and issues of trust and privacy. Rousi frames her research through communication both in terms of technology design, as well as how humans communicate and make sense of artefacts and systems through discourse.
Rebekah Rousi 0000-0001-5771-3528 is an Associate Professor (Tenure Track) of Communication and Digital Economy, at the School of Marketing and Communication, University of Vaasa, Finland. Rousi holds a PhD in Cognitive Science and has specialised in researching human experience via embodied cognition and semiotics in relation to diverse forms of technology. Rousi has a professional background as a contemporary performance artist, with research experience in cultural studies, and particularly postcolonial theory. Her research interests mainly focus on human-robot and human-artificial intelligence interaction, embodied emotional experience, posthumanism, ethics, and issues of trust and privacy. Rousi frames her research through communication both in terms of technology design, as well as how humans communicate and make sense of artefacts and systems through discourse.
Dr. Nicole Shackleton
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr. Shackleton is a socio-legal, interdisciplinary researcher passionate about exploring the interactions between technology and society, as well as the role of law in fostering technological innovation while also reducing harms caused by its misuse. Using predominately qualitative empirical research and working with scholars from various disciplines, her work has investigated the impact of technology on gender, sexuality and sex, the role of privacy and the law in providing redress for victims of technological abuse, and the potential for international human rights instruments to provide relief for first nations prisoners in Australia. Nicole's research aims to inform law reform to prevent online abuse, and the regulation of technology companies.
Dr. Shackleton is a socio-legal, interdisciplinary researcher passionate about exploring the interactions between technology and society, as well as the role of law in fostering technological innovation while also reducing harms caused by its misuse. Using predominately qualitative empirical research and working with scholars from various disciplines, her work has investigated the impact of technology on gender, sexuality and sex, the role of privacy and the law in providing redress for victims of technological abuse, and the potential for international human rights instruments to provide relief for first nations prisoners in Australia. Nicole's research aims to inform law reform to prevent online abuse, and the regulation of technology companies.
Assist. Prof. Khuram Shahzad
University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland.
Khuram Shahzad is an Assistant Professor of digital innovation at the University of Vaasa, Finland. Building on the core of B2B relationship governance research in supply chains, Dr. Shahzad currently focuses on research areas such as digital innovation management, blockchain technology in supply chains, entrepreneurial and knowledge ecosystem, digital transformation, energy transition, and open innovation. Dr. Shahzad has been leading research projects on blockchain technology, knowledge ecosystem and SMEs’ digital transformation as well as entrepreneurship in renewable and green business. In addition, he’s actively participating in projects on energy transition and geothermal energy solutions. His teaching and supervision cover topics related to digital innovation, supply chain and logistics, open innovation, and digital transformation. Dr Shahzad has published in several journals and books of international repute including Industrial Marketing Management, R&D Management, Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, International Business Review, International Journal of Public Sector Management, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, Journal of Change Management, Palgrave Macmillan and Routledge, etc.
Khuram Shahzad is an Assistant Professor of digital innovation at the University of Vaasa, Finland. Building on the core of B2B relationship governance research in supply chains, Dr. Shahzad currently focuses on research areas such as digital innovation management, blockchain technology in supply chains, entrepreneurial and knowledge ecosystem, digital transformation, energy transition, and open innovation. Dr. Shahzad has been leading research projects on blockchain technology, knowledge ecosystem and SMEs’ digital transformation as well as entrepreneurship in renewable and green business. In addition, he’s actively participating in projects on energy transition and geothermal energy solutions. His teaching and supervision cover topics related to digital innovation, supply chain and logistics, open innovation, and digital transformation. Dr Shahzad has published in several journals and books of international repute including Industrial Marketing Management, R&D Management, Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, International Business Review, International Journal of Public Sector Management, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, Journal of Change Management, Palgrave Macmillan and Routledge, etc.
Assist. Prof. Ralf-Martin Soe
Tallinn University of Technology, (TalTech), Tallinn, Estonia.
Ralf-Martin Soe is an Assistant Professor of Smart City Studies and a Founding Director of the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities (www.finestcentre.eu) at Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia). In 2024, he was also an Academic Visitor at the Computer Science Department of Aalto University (Finland) and in 2023, he was a Global Digital Governance Fellow at Stanford University (USA). His previous positions include being an ICT Counsellor to the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology in Estonia, a Supervisory Board Member at the Estonian Internet Foundation and a Government Fellow at the United Nations University’s e-Government Unit (Portugal). During 2009-2013, he was a Financial and Digitalization Consultant working with the UK Government, PwC, Praxis and United Nations University. From 2006-2009, he was an Investigative Journalist at the Business Daily Äripäev and was selected as the Best Young Journalist in Estonia by the Estonian Newspaper Association in 2008, after several nominations. Ralf has two master’s degrees in financial management (MSc, Maastricht University/ United Nations University and MBA, University of Tartu) and has a PhD degree in Technology Governance from TalTech. He was selected as the TalTech Junior Researcher of the Year 2019 and most influential person of the year 2019 in Estonia by the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
Ralf-Martin Soe is an Assistant Professor of Smart City Studies and a Founding Director of the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities (www.finestcentre.eu) at Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia). In 2024, he was also an Academic Visitor at the Computer Science Department of Aalto University (Finland) and in 2023, he was a Global Digital Governance Fellow at Stanford University (USA). His previous positions include being an ICT Counsellor to the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology in Estonia, a Supervisory Board Member at the Estonian Internet Foundation and a Government Fellow at the United Nations University’s e-Government Unit (Portugal). During 2009-2013, he was a Financial and Digitalization Consultant working with the UK Government, PwC, Praxis and United Nations University. From 2006-2009, he was an Investigative Journalist at the Business Daily Äripäev and was selected as the Best Young Journalist in Estonia by the Estonian Newspaper Association in 2008, after several nominations. Ralf has two master’s degrees in financial management (MSc, Maastricht University/ United Nations University and MBA, University of Tartu) and has a PhD degree in Technology Governance from TalTech. He was selected as the TalTech Junior Researcher of the Year 2019 and most influential person of the year 2019 in Estonia by the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
Assist. Prof. Silvia Stroe
University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Silvia Stroe is Assistant Professor (tenure-track) of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Global Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of St. Gallen. Before joining the University of St. Gallen, she served as Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Polytechnical University of Milan. Her research is focused on the microfoundations of entrepreneurship, including the influence of arational factors such as of emotions, perceptions, body language, biases, on the behavioural interactions between entrepreneurs and investors, as well as on the economic decisions of entrepreneurs and investors. Silvia’s research has been published in internationally leading journals (FT50) such as Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. She is particularly interested and experienced in projects that involve innovative data collection methods and physio-psychological measurements (facial expression analysis, eye tracking, EEG, etc.).
Silvia Stroe is Assistant Professor (tenure-track) of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Global Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of St. Gallen. Before joining the University of St. Gallen, she served as Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Polytechnical University of Milan. Her research is focused on the microfoundations of entrepreneurship, including the influence of arational factors such as of emotions, perceptions, body language, biases, on the behavioural interactions between entrepreneurs and investors, as well as on the economic decisions of entrepreneurs and investors. Silvia’s research has been published in internationally leading journals (FT50) such as Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. She is particularly interested and experienced in projects that involve innovative data collection methods and physio-psychological measurements (facial expression analysis, eye tracking, EEG, etc.).
Assoc. Prof. Henna Syrjälä
University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland.
Dr. Henna Syrjälä works as an Associate Professor (tenure track) of Marketing at the University of Vaasa, Finland, and is an Adjunct Professor of consumer economics in the University of Helsinki, Finland. She leads Marketing and Consumption research group of the University of Vaasa as well as work package on citizen agency on DeCarbon Home -consortium funded by Strategic Research Council working with Academy of Finland. Her research revolves around cultural consumer marketing and Transformative Consumer Research, focus areas including sustainability of everyday practices, spaces of consumption, post-humanism, gamification, and wellbeing. She has published in, e.g. Journal of Business Research, Marketing Theory, Journal of Consumer Culture and Games and Culture.
Dr. Henna Syrjälä works as an Associate Professor (tenure track) of Marketing at the University of Vaasa, Finland, and is an Adjunct Professor of consumer economics in the University of Helsinki, Finland. She leads Marketing and Consumption research group of the University of Vaasa as well as work package on citizen agency on DeCarbon Home -consortium funded by Strategic Research Council working with Academy of Finland. Her research revolves around cultural consumer marketing and Transformative Consumer Research, focus areas including sustainability of everyday practices, spaces of consumption, post-humanism, gamification, and wellbeing. She has published in, e.g. Journal of Business Research, Marketing Theory, Journal of Consumer Culture and Games and Culture.
Assoc. Prof. Tõnn Talpsepp
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Tallinn, Estonia.
Interdisciplinary leadership and expert roles in the intersection of finance, data science and software engineering. Financial markets and investments expert with academic background (Ph.D.) and industry experience (CIO, proprietary trader, analyst) with professional IT (data science, software engineering) and quant skills. Involved in research, consulting, lecturing, managing investments. Professional designations including: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM). Experience managing small to medium sized teams including general leadership roles as well as managing highly specialized teams.
Interdisciplinary leadership and expert roles in the intersection of finance, data science and software engineering. Financial markets and investments expert with academic background (Ph.D.) and industry experience (CIO, proprietary trader, analyst) with professional IT (data science, software engineering) and quant skills. Involved in research, consulting, lecturing, managing investments. Professional designations including: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM). Experience managing small to medium sized teams including general leadership roles as well as managing highly specialized teams.
Prof. Josep Lluis Tamarit
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · Barcelona Tech - UPC, Barcelona, Spain.
Prof. J. Ll.Tamarit is a Full Professor of Applied Physics in the School of Engineering of Barcelona East, at the Department of Physics (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya). He has established a broadly-based group, the Group of Characterization of Materials (https://gcm.upc.edu/en). He has published ca. 300 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
He has been invited professor at CNRS (Orsay, France), Université René Descartes (Paris) and the Université of Bordeaux (France). He has received the ICREA Academia award.
Current research projects include dynamic properties and short-range order characterization of disordered phases, covering the amorphous state and polymorphism of organic materials, thermodynamics of pharmaceutical drugs, phonon-dispersion calculations, the development of high-pressure systems for scanning calorimetry, density and dielectric spectroscopy and multicaloric effects (barocaloric and electrocaloric). After his post-doc at the laboratory of high-pressure at the Ruhr Universität, he has developed high-pressure devices and extended the studies of the above issues with such variable. In this field, he demonstrated the direct barocaloric effect (Nature Materials, 9, 478, 2010) and the inverse barocaloric effect (Nature Comm. 2, 595, 2011). His group is world leader in the characterization of barocaloric effects by means of quasi-direct high-pressure calorimetry methods.
His research has been supported by more than 30 competitive projects, from sources including Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation, autonomous Government, European Science Foundation, European Commission, and more than 15 non-competitive industrial contracts with worldwide companies.
The recent European projects show the quality of the research as well as the leadership of the group within the field of energy harvesting and, especially in the field of barocaloric effects: (i) HE-EIC-PATHFINDER-101114987-MUSPELL (Medium to long term thermal energy storage system with embedded heat pumping capability, (ii) EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2023, #101161137-FROSBIT, First Regenerative sOlid-STate Barocaloric refrigerator. and COST Action 22107 (Bringing Experiment and Simulation Together in Crystal Structure Prediction).
Prof. J. Ll.Tamarit is a Full Professor of Applied Physics in the School of Engineering of Barcelona East, at the Department of Physics (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya). He has established a broadly-based group, the Group of Characterization of Materials (https://gcm.upc.edu/en). He has published ca. 300 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
He has been invited professor at CNRS (Orsay, France), Université René Descartes (Paris) and the Université of Bordeaux (France). He has received the ICREA Academia award.
Current research projects include dynamic properties and short-range order characterization of disordered phases, covering the amorphous state and polymorphism of organic materials, thermodynamics of pharmaceutical drugs, phonon-dispersion calculations, the development of high-pressure systems for scanning calorimetry, density and dielectric spectroscopy and multicaloric effects (barocaloric and electrocaloric). After his post-doc at the laboratory of high-pressure at the Ruhr Universität, he has developed high-pressure devices and extended the studies of the above issues with such variable. In this field, he demonstrated the direct barocaloric effect (Nature Materials, 9, 478, 2010) and the inverse barocaloric effect (Nature Comm. 2, 595, 2011). His group is world leader in the characterization of barocaloric effects by means of quasi-direct high-pressure calorimetry methods.
His research has been supported by more than 30 competitive projects, from sources including Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation, autonomous Government, European Science Foundation, European Commission, and more than 15 non-competitive industrial contracts with worldwide companies.
The recent European projects show the quality of the research as well as the leadership of the group within the field of energy harvesting and, especially in the field of barocaloric effects: (i) HE-EIC-PATHFINDER-101114987-MUSPELL (Medium to long term thermal energy storage system with embedded heat pumping capability, (ii) EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2023, #101161137-FROSBIT, First Regenerative sOlid-STate Barocaloric refrigerator. and COST Action 22107 (Bringing Experiment and Simulation Together in Crystal Structure Prediction).
Dr. Carol Tan
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Carol Tan is a senior lecturer in Fashion Entrepreneurship with the School of Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University. She has been actively researching key success factors for Australian fast-growth small-to-medium enterprises since 2003. Dr Tan's work has been quoted by Australian media such as ABC National Radio, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Business Review Weekly (BRW) and featured in peer-reviewed academic journals, national and international conference proceedings, BRW and industry reports. She has also undertaken consultative work in market research.
She is currently supervising five PhD students in the School of Fashion and Textiles.
Dr Tan has received six teaching awards including the RMIT University Program Award for Innovation in Curricula, Learning and Teaching. This University prize was awarded for her commitment to improve entrepreneurship curriculum and student learning by engaging in authentic learning activities, strategically leveraging the use of applied research and guest speakers. She was also the winner of the 2011 Academic Staff Three-Minute Presentation Award which was based on clarity of research topic, interest-value and quality of presentation, as judged by peers in the College of Business.
Awards
2024 School of Fashion and Textiles Student Experience and Engagement Award
2017 School of Fashion and Textiles Award for High Good Teaching Scale (GTS) Scores
2013 RMIT University Award for Innovation in Curricula, Learning and Teaching
2013-2014 College of Business Award for High Good Teaching Scale (GTS) Scores
Winner of the 2011 RMIT Business College 3 Minute Project Presentation
2011 RMIT College of Business Learning and Teaching Award (Program Category P5 - Innovation in Curricula, Learning and Teaching)
2010 RMIT School of Management Nominee for the Learning and Teaching Award (Category A8 - Early Career Academic (Higher Education)
Finalist - RMIT University Outstanding Thesis 2007
Winner of Innovation Award 2005 (Student Category) RMIT Research Awards within the Business Portfolio (presented on December 19, 2005)
Finalist - Mary Kay Doctoral Dissertation Competition 2005 (presented at the Academy of Marketing Science Conference, May 25-28 2005, Tampa, Florida).
Dr Carol Tan is a senior lecturer in Fashion Entrepreneurship with the School of Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University. She has been actively researching key success factors for Australian fast-growth small-to-medium enterprises since 2003. Dr Tan's work has been quoted by Australian media such as ABC National Radio, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Business Review Weekly (BRW) and featured in peer-reviewed academic journals, national and international conference proceedings, BRW and industry reports. She has also undertaken consultative work in market research.
She is currently supervising five PhD students in the School of Fashion and Textiles.
Dr Tan has received six teaching awards including the RMIT University Program Award for Innovation in Curricula, Learning and Teaching. This University prize was awarded for her commitment to improve entrepreneurship curriculum and student learning by engaging in authentic learning activities, strategically leveraging the use of applied research and guest speakers. She was also the winner of the 2011 Academic Staff Three-Minute Presentation Award which was based on clarity of research topic, interest-value and quality of presentation, as judged by peers in the College of Business.
Awards
2024 School of Fashion and Textiles Student Experience and Engagement Award
2017 School of Fashion and Textiles Award for High Good Teaching Scale (GTS) Scores
2013 RMIT University Award for Innovation in Curricula, Learning and Teaching
2013-2014 College of Business Award for High Good Teaching Scale (GTS) Scores
Winner of the 2011 RMIT Business College 3 Minute Project Presentation
2011 RMIT College of Business Learning and Teaching Award (Program Category P5 - Innovation in Curricula, Learning and Teaching)
2010 RMIT School of Management Nominee for the Learning and Teaching Award (Category A8 - Early Career Academic (Higher Education)
Finalist - RMIT University Outstanding Thesis 2007
Winner of Innovation Award 2005 (Student Category) RMIT Research Awards within the Business Portfolio (presented on December 19, 2005)
Finalist - Mary Kay Doctoral Dissertation Competition 2005 (presented at the Academy of Marketing Science Conference, May 25-28 2005, Tampa, Florida).
Dr. Adeel Tariq
LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Dr. Adeel Tariq is a post-doctoral Researcher and docent at LUT Kouvola Unit, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Finland. Dr. Tariq research area includes Digital Innovation, Knowledge workers, Disruptive Innovation, Resilient Organizations, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Performance. His work has been published in Technological Forecasting and Social Changes, Journal of Knowledge Management, and Journal of Intellectual Capital, among others. He is also editor of few reputable Journals such as Technology in Society and Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, among others. He is also co-lead of Circular Economy at International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM). He has also worked on several EU funded Erasmus + Projects with partners across Europe as lead and co-lead.
Dr. Adeel Tariq is a post-doctoral Researcher and docent at LUT Kouvola Unit, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Finland. Dr. Tariq research area includes Digital Innovation, Knowledge workers, Disruptive Innovation, Resilient Organizations, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Performance. His work has been published in Technological Forecasting and Social Changes, Journal of Knowledge Management, and Journal of Intellectual Capital, among others. He is also editor of few reputable Journals such as Technology in Society and Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, among others. He is also co-lead of Circular Economy at International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM). He has also worked on several EU funded Erasmus + Projects with partners across Europe as lead and co-lead.
Dr. Carlos Teixeira
RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria.
■ Solid background in topology selection, modulation and closed-loop control of power electronic systems, including solar converters, adjustable speed drives, battery chargers, and active rectifiers
■ Proficient in analog and digital hardware design, embedded systems programming and validation, and high-density printed circuit board layout for large-scale manufacturing
■ Experienced in leading long-term multidisciplinary projects
■ Skilled in intellectual property (IP) generation.
■ Solid background in topology selection, modulation and closed-loop control of power electronic systems, including solar converters, adjustable speed drives, battery chargers, and active rectifiers
■ Proficient in analog and digital hardware design, embedded systems programming and validation, and high-density printed circuit board layout for large-scale manufacturing
■ Experienced in leading long-term multidisciplinary projects
■ Skilled in intellectual property (IP) generation.
Dr. Say Yen Teoh
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr .Say Yen Teoh is an passionate Information Systems researcher and Senior Lecturer at RMIT University, specializing in digital transformation, blockchain, and health information systems. Recently, her research has expanded to explore the intersection of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on digital sustainability and the role of emerging technoloiges in driving responsible and sustainable business practices.
With a PhD from the National University of Singapore, she forged international research collaborations across Australia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the USA. Her work uniquely blends scholarly rigour with real-world impact, bridging academia and industry to advance socially responsible innovations.
Her commitment to sustainable digital transformation is particularly evident in agriculture, supply chain and logistics, where she integrates ethical AI and ESG frameworks to drive responsible and sustainable practices. Dr Teoh’s research has been featured in esteemed journals such as the Information Systems Journal, Communications of AIS, and Information Technology & People, reflecting her influence in both scholarly and applied settings.
Dr .Say Yen Teoh is an passionate Information Systems researcher and Senior Lecturer at RMIT University, specializing in digital transformation, blockchain, and health information systems. Recently, her research has expanded to explore the intersection of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on digital sustainability and the role of emerging technoloiges in driving responsible and sustainable business practices.
With a PhD from the National University of Singapore, she forged international research collaborations across Australia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the USA. Her work uniquely blends scholarly rigour with real-world impact, bridging academia and industry to advance socially responsible innovations.
Her commitment to sustainable digital transformation is particularly evident in agriculture, supply chain and logistics, where she integrates ethical AI and ESG frameworks to drive responsible and sustainable practices. Dr Teoh’s research has been featured in esteemed journals such as the Information Systems Journal, Communications of AIS, and Information Technology & People, reflecting her influence in both scholarly and applied settings.
Assoc. Prof. Viktorija Varaniūtė
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Kaunus, Lithuania.
Dr. Viktorija Varaniūtė is an associate professor at the School of Economics and Business in Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania. She conducts research in such fields as sustainability management, circular transformation and circular business models, and performance management. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature and qualitative data research methods (such as interviews, focus groups, case studies, etc.). She is also interested in interdisciplinary projects as she has recently worked on several circular economy projects (e.g., Managing paradoxical tensions and developing organisational capabilities in the circular economy (CEPOC)/RCL, Interdisciplinary network for the sustainable and circular economy (INSCE)/SMART-ER, Circular design tools for sustainable products and services).
Dr. Viktorija Varaniūtė is an associate professor at the School of Economics and Business in Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania. She conducts research in such fields as sustainability management, circular transformation and circular business models, and performance management. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature and qualitative data research methods (such as interviews, focus groups, case studies, etc.). She is also interested in interdisciplinary projects as she has recently worked on several circular economy projects (e.g., Managing paradoxical tensions and developing organisational capabilities in the circular economy (CEPOC)/RCL, Interdisciplinary network for the sustainable and circular economy (INSCE)/SMART-ER, Circular design tools for sustainable products and services).
Prof. Max von Zedtwitz
Kaunas University of Technology, (KTU), Kaunas, Lithuania.
Max von Zedtwitz, Ph.D.
Kaunas University of Technology and Southern Denmark University. “Changes in the Global Landscape of Innovation – Some Myths, Some Realities”
Max von Zedtwitz is Full Professor of Innovation at KTU in Lithuania and Southern Denmark University, a visiting professor at universities in China, Brazil, Russia and Switzerland, and managing director of GLORAD, the Center for Global R&D and Innovation with locations in Shanghai, Sao Paulo, Moscow, Silicon Valley, Kaunas, Heilbronn, and St. Gallen. Previously, he was vice president at PRTM Shanghai, co-founder and CEO of AsiaCompete Int’l, and professor at Skoltech, Tsinghua, Beijing University, and IMD in Switzerland. He has published widely in the IB and innovation disciplines (Research Policy, Sloan Management Review, etc.), and is on the editorial board of Technovation, the Global Strategy Journal, and seven other journals. He holds PhD and MBA degrees from HSG University of St. Gallen, and a MSc in Computer Science from ETH Zurich. He was also a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University.
Max von Zedtwitz, Ph.D.
Kaunas University of Technology and Southern Denmark University. “Changes in the Global Landscape of Innovation – Some Myths, Some Realities”
Max von Zedtwitz is Full Professor of Innovation at KTU in Lithuania and Southern Denmark University, a visiting professor at universities in China, Brazil, Russia and Switzerland, and managing director of GLORAD, the Center for Global R&D and Innovation with locations in Shanghai, Sao Paulo, Moscow, Silicon Valley, Kaunas, Heilbronn, and St. Gallen. Previously, he was vice president at PRTM Shanghai, co-founder and CEO of AsiaCompete Int’l, and professor at Skoltech, Tsinghua, Beijing University, and IMD in Switzerland. He has published widely in the IB and innovation disciplines (Research Policy, Sloan Management Review, etc.), and is on the editorial board of Technovation, the Global Strategy Journal, and seven other journals. He holds PhD and MBA degrees from HSG University of St. Gallen, and a MSc in Computer Science from ETH Zurich. He was also a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University.
Dr. Anna Vuorio
LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Anna Vuorio, D.Sc. (Econ. & Bus.Adm.), is a postdoctoral researcher at LUT University Business School (Finland). Anna specializes in entrepreneurship and small business management for sustainable development, decision-making, capabilities, opportunity recognition, business models, and internationalization. Anna has published in highly ranked academic journals such as International Business Review, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Energy, and Journal of International Entrepreneurship. Anna’s research has been selected as Outstanding Paper in the 2019 Emerald Literati Awards and Runner-up for the Best Paper Award led by an Early Career Researcher Published in International Business Review 2022 as well as nominated as a candidate for the IBR Best Paper Award for 2023. During her postdoc period, Anna has visited the University of Notre Dame (IND, USA) and RMIT in Melbourne, Australia, to collaborate with the leading scholar in entrepreneurship. Currently, Anna is acting as a project manager for international (Baltic Impact Accelerator) and national (VALVE) projects related to sustainable transformation.
Anna Vuorio, D.Sc. (Econ. & Bus.Adm.), is a postdoctoral researcher at LUT University Business School (Finland). Anna specializes in entrepreneurship and small business management for sustainable development, decision-making, capabilities, opportunity recognition, business models, and internationalization. Anna has published in highly ranked academic journals such as International Business Review, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Energy, and Journal of International Entrepreneurship. Anna’s research has been selected as Outstanding Paper in the 2019 Emerald Literati Awards and Runner-up for the Best Paper Award led by an Early Career Researcher Published in International Business Review 2022 as well as nominated as a candidate for the IBR Best Paper Award for 2023. During her postdoc period, Anna has visited the University of Notre Dame (IND, USA) and RMIT in Melbourne, Australia, to collaborate with the leading scholar in entrepreneurship. Currently, Anna is acting as a project manager for international (Baltic Impact Accelerator) and national (VALVE) projects related to sustainable transformation.
Dr. Melissa Wheeler
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Melissa has a PhD in social psychology from the University of Melbourne, which explored how people persuade others to agree with their moral beliefs. She has an ongoing interest in the field of moral psychology with a focus on social impact, including workplace flexibility, gender roles in work and care, ethical climates, and responsible leadership. Melissa's research has been published in top tier journals, including Leadership Quarterly, Journal of Business Ethics, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Cities, European Review of Social Psychology, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. She regularly contributes to Forbes, Psychology Today, and the Conversation on the topics of leadership strategy, the future of work, and applied ethics.
Primarily teaching leadership in the MBA and Executive MBA Programs, Melissa is the Executive MBA Program Director at RMIT University and has previously served as Major Discipline Coordinator for the Management Major at Swinburne University of Technology. She has experience in co-creating and delivering units with industry partners, such as Siemens Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia, and Financial Services Learning. She holds a Deans' Teaching Excellence Award and a Norman Curry Award for Innovation and Excellence for Educational Programs from the University of Melbourne and a Dean's and Vice Chancellor's Award for teaching excellence from Swinburne.
In service to the academic community, she has held roles as Leader in the Career Development Program within the Swinburne Women's Academic Network, Early Career Researcher Training Coordinator, Theme Lead of the Social Psychology of Innovation Group (Ethics of Innovation), and Co-creator of the Australian Leadership Index.
Melissa has a PhD in social psychology from the University of Melbourne, which explored how people persuade others to agree with their moral beliefs. She has an ongoing interest in the field of moral psychology with a focus on social impact, including workplace flexibility, gender roles in work and care, ethical climates, and responsible leadership. Melissa's research has been published in top tier journals, including Leadership Quarterly, Journal of Business Ethics, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Cities, European Review of Social Psychology, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. She regularly contributes to Forbes, Psychology Today, and the Conversation on the topics of leadership strategy, the future of work, and applied ethics.
Primarily teaching leadership in the MBA and Executive MBA Programs, Melissa is the Executive MBA Program Director at RMIT University and has previously served as Major Discipline Coordinator for the Management Major at Swinburne University of Technology. She has experience in co-creating and delivering units with industry partners, such as Siemens Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia, and Financial Services Learning. She holds a Deans' Teaching Excellence Award and a Norman Curry Award for Innovation and Excellence for Educational Programs from the University of Melbourne and a Dean's and Vice Chancellor's Award for teaching excellence from Swinburne.
In service to the academic community, she has held roles as Leader in the Career Development Program within the Swinburne Women's Academic Network, Early Career Researcher Training Coordinator, Theme Lead of the Social Psychology of Innovation Group (Ethics of Innovation), and Co-creator of the Australian Leadership Index.
Dr. Timothy Wiley
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Timothy is a Lecturer in the School of Computing Technologies, in the STEM College at RMIT University.
He has a passion for Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Robotics, and the intersection of AI with real-world systems. His research interests include: Data Efficient Online Learning (learning on-board autonomous systems in real-time as they operate) through techniques including online deep reinforcement learning; Human-Robot Interaction (methods for improving the relationship and trust between humans and robots intended to work with humans); Explainable AI in Autonomous Robotics leveraging Augmented Reality; Data Efficient optimisation and modelling of real-world systems including metal fatigue and short-term forecasting of wind dynamics; Cognitive Robotics (combining symbolic and numeric methods to improve robot decision making); and Qualitative Modelling and Reasoning (symbolic representations and reasoning of numeric dynamics). Applications of Timothy's research include food waste prevention in macadamia nut harvesting, online learning of UAV control, real-time short-term prediction and forecasting of wind dynamics, real-time modelling of wind gust and turbulence in aviation domains, augmented reality for explaining autonomous robot decisions, metal fatigue crack growth modelling in aircraft, and practical solutions for climate-related challenges.
Timothy is a Lecturer in the School of Computing Technologies, in the STEM College at RMIT University.
He has a passion for Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Robotics, and the intersection of AI with real-world systems. His research interests include: Data Efficient Online Learning (learning on-board autonomous systems in real-time as they operate) through techniques including online deep reinforcement learning; Human-Robot Interaction (methods for improving the relationship and trust between humans and robots intended to work with humans); Explainable AI in Autonomous Robotics leveraging Augmented Reality; Data Efficient optimisation and modelling of real-world systems including metal fatigue and short-term forecasting of wind dynamics; Cognitive Robotics (combining symbolic and numeric methods to improve robot decision making); and Qualitative Modelling and Reasoning (symbolic representations and reasoning of numeric dynamics). Applications of Timothy's research include food waste prevention in macadamia nut harvesting, online learning of UAV control, real-time short-term prediction and forecasting of wind dynamics, real-time modelling of wind gust and turbulence in aviation domains, augmented reality for explaining autonomous robot decisions, metal fatigue crack growth modelling in aircraft, and practical solutions for climate-related challenges.
Dr. Aswini Yadlapalli
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr. Aswini Yadlapalli is a lecturer of Supply Chain Management in the School of Accounting, Information Systems, and Supply Chain at RMIT University. Her research interests are in the areas of supply chain sustainability and digital transformations in supply chains. Dr Yadlapalli has published in top-tier (ABDC- A ranked) journals in supply chain discipline which include the International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, International Journal of Logistics Management, and Journal of Cleaner Production. She is involved in projects related to electrification of heavy vehicles, energy transition at homes, and sustainable procurement disclosure index. Dr. Yadlapalli has successfully supervised two cross-national PhD students to completion and currently supervising three PhD students.
Dr. Aswini Yadlapalli is a lecturer of Supply Chain Management in the School of Accounting, Information Systems, and Supply Chain at RMIT University. Her research interests are in the areas of supply chain sustainability and digital transformations in supply chains. Dr Yadlapalli has published in top-tier (ABDC- A ranked) journals in supply chain discipline which include the International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, International Journal of Logistics Management, and Journal of Cleaner Production. She is involved in projects related to electrification of heavy vehicles, energy transition at homes, and sustainable procurement disclosure index. Dr. Yadlapalli has successfully supervised two cross-national PhD students to completion and currently supervising three PhD students.
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