1. Professor Elara Kallas Professor of Algorithmic Ethics and Responsible AI Department of Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
Qualifications: * PhD in Computer Science (AI Ethics), Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia * MSc in Artificial Intelligence, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands * BSc in Computer Science, University of Tartu, Estonia
Biography & Research Interests: Professor Kallas is a leading international voice on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making. Her research focuses on developing frameworks for fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI systems, particularly those deployed in public sector services and critical infrastructure. Before joining Bespera, she held a prestigious research fellowship at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. Professor Kallas is deeply involved in shaping Bespera’s ‘Future Lab’ initiatives, ensuring ethical considerations are embedded from the outset of technological development. She is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, frequently working with colleagues in law, sociology, and public policy.
Selected Publications: * Kallas, E. The Algorithmic Imperative: Navigating Ethics in an AI-Driven World. Cambridge University Press, 2023. (ISBN 978-1-108-99012-3) * Kallas, E., & Väli, M. (2022). “Fairness Metrics in Machine Learning: A Comparative Analysis for Public Sector Applications.” Journal of Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 115-132. (DOI: 10.xxxx/jaie.2022.0015) * Kallas, E. (2020). “Black Box Accountability: Towards Explainable AI in Governmental Decision-Making.” AI and Society, Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 899-912. (DOI: 10.xxxx/s00146-020-00988-x)
2. Dr. Matej Novak Reader in Sustainable Business Models Department of Business & Global Strategy
Qualifications: * PhD in Management (Sustainability), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia * MBA (International Business), Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Netherlands * BSc in Economics, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Biography & Research Interests: Dr. Novak’s research centres on the integration of sustainability principles into corporate strategy and the development of circular economy business models. He has extensive experience consulting with multinational corporations on their transition towards more sustainable practices. His work explores the challenges and opportunities for businesses in addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality. At Bespera, Dr. Novak leads modules on corporate social responsibility and sustainable innovation, encouraging students to think critically about the role of business in society.
Selected Publications: * Novak, M. (2024). “Circular Economy Transitions: A Framework for Corporate Implementation.” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol. 188, No. 1, pp. 45-63. (DOI: 10.xxxx/s10551-023-05411-2) * Novak, M., & Horvat, P. Strategizing for Sustainability: A Practitioner’s Guide. Routledge, 2021. (ISBN 978-0-367-55678-9) * Novak, M. (2019). “The Impact of ESG Factors on Financial Performance in Emerging Markets.” Review of International Business and Strategy, Vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 234-251. (DOI: 10.xxxx/RIBS-02-2019-0025)
3. Dr. Lena Petrova Senior Lecturer in Renewable Energy Systems Department of Engineering & Sustainable Development
Qualifications: * PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Renewable Energy), Riga Technical University, Latvia * MEng in Energy Engineering, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania * BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
Biography & Research Interests: Dr. Petrova is an expert in renewable energy technologies, with a particular focus on wind turbine aerodynamics and offshore energy systems integration. Her research involves computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and experimental work to optimize energy capture and improve the reliability of renewable energy infrastructure. Dr. Petrova is passionate about mentoring young engineers and actively contributes to Bespera’s initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields. She has collaborated on several EU-funded projects focused on advancing Europe’s green energy transition.
Selected Publications: * Petrova, L., & Ozoliņš, J. (2023). “Aerodynamic Optimisation of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines for Urban Environments.” Renewable Energy, Vol. 205, pp. 123-135. (DOI: 10.xxxx/j.renene.2023.01.045) * Petrova, L. (2021). “Grid Integration Challenges for Large-Scale Offshore Wind Farms: A Baltic Sea Case Study.” Energy Policy, Vol. 150, Art. 112123. (DOI: 10.xxxx/j.enpol.2020.112123) * Kazlauskas, A., & Petrova, L. Fundamentals of Wind Energy Engineering. Springer, 2019. (ISBN 978-3-030-11234-5)
4. Professor Tiago Ferreira Professor of Digital Curation and Museum Studies Department of Fine Art & Curation
Qualifications: * PhD in Museum Studies, University of Porto, Portugal * MA in Art History & Curatorship, Courtauld Institute of Art, UK * BA in History of Art, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Biography & Research Interests: Professor Ferreira is a renowned scholar in the field of digital curation and the application of new technologies in museum contexts. His research explores how digital tools can enhance visitor engagement, preserve cultural heritage, and create new forms of narrative and interpretation. He has curated numerous innovative exhibitions incorporating augmented and virtual reality. At Bespera, Professor Ferreira is instrumental in developing programmes that bridge traditional curatorial practice with cutting-edge digital methodologies, preparing students for the evolving landscape of cultural institutions.
Selected Publications: * Ferreira, T. The Digital Museum: Transformation and Innovation. MIT Press, 2022. (ISBN 978-0-262-04567-8) * Ferreira, T., & Silva, C. (2021). “Augmented Reality in Art Exhibitions: Enhancing Visitor Experience and Learning.” Museum Management and Curatorship, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 480-498. (DOI: 10.xxxx/09647775.2021.1891234) * Ferreira, T. (2018). “Preserving Digital-Born Art: Challenges and Strategies for Contemporary Collections.” International Journal of Digital Curation, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 1-15. (DOI: 10.xxxx/ijdc.v13i1.567)
5. Dr. Anja Kovač Lecturer in User Experience (UX) Design Department of Interactive Design & Digital Media
Qualifications: * PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Aalto University, Finland * MDes in Interaction Design, Umeå Institute of Design, Sweden * BA in Graphic Design, Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Biography & Research Interests: Dr. Kovač specialises in user experience (UX) research and design, with a strong focus on inclusive design principles and designing for diverse user populations. Her work investigates how interactive technologies can be made more accessible and ethically aligned with user needs. She employs a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform the design of intuitive and engaging digital products and services. Dr. Kovač is dedicated to practice-based teaching, guiding Bespera students through real-world design challenges.
Selected Publications: * Kovač, A. (2023). “Towards Empathetic Design: Integrating User Narratives in UX Processes.” ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI), Vol. 30, No. 2, Article 15. (DOI: 10.xxxx/3579524) * Kovač, A., & Virtanen, E. (2022). “Designing for Neurodiversity: Best Practices in Digital Interface Design.” Journal of Usability Studies, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 159-175. * Kovač, A. (2020). Inclusive UX: Crafting Digital Experiences for All. Rosenfeld Media, 2020. (ISBN 978-1-933820-77-0)
6. Dr. Linas Zelenka Reader in Molecular Pharmacology Department of Applied Biosciences & Health Innovation
Qualifications: * PhD in Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Sweden * MSc in Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Lithuania * BSc in Biology, University of Latvia, Latvia
Biography & Research Interests: Dr. Zelenka’s research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug action, particularly for therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. He utilizes advanced biochemical and cell imaging techniques to investigate drug-receptor interactions and cellular signalling pathways. Dr. Zelenka has a strong track record of securing research funding and has published extensively in high-impact journals. At Bespera, he contributes to both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in pharmacology and drug discovery.
Selected Publications: * Zelenka, L., et al. (2024). “Novel Small Molecule Modulators of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation for Parkinson’s Disease Therapy.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 67, No. 5, pp. 3012-3028. (DOI: 10.xxxx/acs.jmedchem.3c01234) * Zelenka, L., & Andersson, P. (2022). “Targeting Tau Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives.” Pharmacological Reviews, Vol. 74, No. 3, pp. 601-625. (DOI: 10.xxxx/pharmrev.121.000456) * Zelenka, L. (2019). “High-Throughput Screening for Modulators of Amyloid-Beta Production.” SLAS Discovery, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 55-67. (DOI: 10.xxxx/2472555218801234)
7. Professor Cyprien Dubois Professor of International Finance and Fintech Department of Business & Global Strategy
Qualifications: * PhD in Finance, HEC Paris, France * MSc in Financial Economics, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg * BBA, Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Belgium
Biography & Research Interests: Professor Dubois is an expert in international finance, with a growing research portfolio in the area of financial technology (Fintech) and its impact on traditional banking and capital markets. His work examines topics such as cryptocurrency regulation, blockchain applications in finance, and algorithmic trading. He has advised governmental bodies and financial institutions on Fintech strategy. Professor Dubois brings a wealth of international experience to Bespera, fostering a global perspective in his teaching and research supervision.
Selected Publications: * Dubois, C. Fintech Revolutions: Reshaping Global Finance. Oxford University Press, 2023. (ISBN 978-0-19-889012-3) * Dubois, C., & Leclerc, M. (2022). “The Impact of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) on Monetary Policy Transmission.” Journal of Financial Stability, Vol. 60, Art. 100987. (DOI: 10.xxxx/j.jfs.2022.100987) * Dubois, C. (2020). “Regulatory Challenges in the Age of Cryptocurrencies: A Cross-Country Analysis.” Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Vol. 65, Art. 101188. (DOI: 10.xxxx/j.intfin.2020.101188)
8. Dr. Sofia Papadakis Senior Lecturer in Data Science and Machine Learning Department of Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
Qualifications: * PhD in Computer Science (Machine Learning), National Technical University of Athens, Greece * MSc in Data Science, University of Cyprus, Cyprus * BEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Biography & Research Interests: Dr. Papadakis has significant expertise in statistical machine learning, deep learning, and their applications in complex domains such as bioinformatics and environmental modelling. Her research aims to develop robust and interpretable machine learning models capable of extracting meaningful insights from large-scale datasets. She is a strong advocate for open science and reproducible research. At Bespera, Dr. Papadakis teaches advanced modules in data analytics and AI, equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world data challenges.
Selected Publications: * Papadakis, S., & Georgiou, A. (2023). “Interpretable Deep Learning Models for Genomic Data Analysis.” Bioinformatics, Vol. 39, No. 7, btad456. (DOI: 10.xxxx/bioinformatics/btad456) * Papadakis, S. (2021). “Adversarial Attacks on Machine Learning Models for Climate Prediction: Vulnerabilities and Defences.” IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 59, No. 10, pp. 8345-8358. (DOI: 10.xxxx/TGRS.2021.3051234) * Papadakis, S. Applied Machine Learning with Python. No Starch Press, 2019. (ISBN 978-1-59327-912-3)
9. Dr. István Varga Lecturer in Smart Materials and Nanotechnology Department of Engineering & Sustainable Development
Qualifications: * PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland * MSc in Chemical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary * BSc in Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary
Biography & Research Interests: Dr. Varga’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterisation of smart materials and nanomaterials for applications in sustainable energy, sensing, and advanced manufacturing. He is particularly interested in self-healing materials and responsive polymers. Dr. Varga has experience in both academic research and industrial R&D, bringing a practical perspective to his teaching. He is keen on fostering innovation at Bespera by connecting fundamental materials science with engineering applications.
Selected Publications: * Varga, I., & Kovács, E. (2024). “Self-Healing Polymer Composites for Structural Health Monitoring.” Advanced Functional Materials, Vol. 34, No. 12, Art. 2307890. (DOI: 10.xxxx/adfm.202307890) * Varga, I. (2022). “Nanostructured Catalysts for Efficient CO2 Conversion into Value-Added Chemicals.” ACS Catalysis, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 3011-3025. (DOI: 10.xxxx/acscatal.1c05123) * Varga, I. (2019). “Responsive Hydrogels for Biomedical Sensing Applications.” Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Vol. 7, No. 30, pp. 4567-4580. (DOI: 10.xxxx/C9TB00123A)