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Faculty Directory

Professor Elara Vance

  • Position: Head of Department, Global Economics & Business Administration; Professor of Sustainable Finance
  • Doctorate: PhD in Economics, Tilburg University, Netherlands
  • Expertise: Sustainable finance, environmental economics, corporate social responsibility, impact investing, climate risk assessment.
  • Biography: Professor Vance is a leading voice in the field of sustainable finance, with over two decades of experience in research and policy advisory. Before joining UBQ, she held senior academic positions in Scandinavia and has consulted for several international financial institutions on green bond frameworks and ESG integration. Her work focuses on aligning financial markets with sustainable development goals.
  • Key Publication: Vance, E. (2022). The Architecture of Green Capital: Frameworks for a Sustainable Financial Future. UBQ Academic Press. (Publication ID: UBP-ECON-2022-0117)
  • Teaching Focus: Postgraduate seminars on Sustainable Investment; Undergraduate modules on Corporate Finance and Ethics.

Dr. Lorcan Kallaste

  • Position: Associate Professor of International Political Economy
  • Department: International Relations & Political Science
  • Doctorate: DPhil in International Relations, University of Oxford, UK
  • Expertise: Global trade governance, politics of international finance, European Union economic policy, emerging market dynamics.
  • Biography: Dr. Kallaste (from Estonia) brings a wealth of expertise in the complex interplay between international politics and economics. His research explores the institutional evolution of global economic governance and the challenges faced by emerging economies in integrating into the world market. He is a frequent commentator on EU trade negotiations.
  • Key Publication: Kallaste, L. (2023). Negotiating Power: The EU and the New Geopolitics of Trade. Palgrave Macmillan. (Publication ID: UBP-POLS-2023-0089)
  • Teaching Focus: Master’s courses in International Political Economy; Undergraduate tutorials on Globalisation.

Professor Tiago Almeida

  • Position: Professor of Computational Linguistics and AI Ethics
  • Department: Computational Science & Engineering
  • Doctorate: PhD in Computer Science, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Expertise: Natural language processing, machine learning ethics, AI explainability, human-computer interaction, computational creativity.
  • Biography: Professor Almeida is a distinguished researcher in artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on the ethical implications and societal impact of computational linguistics. His lab at UBQ is renowned for developing novel frameworks for transparent and accountable AI systems. He has led several EU-funded research projects.
  • Key Publication: Almeida, T., & Chen, L. (2021). The Ethical Algorithm: Bias, Fairness, and Transparency in AI. MIT Press. (Publication ID: UBP-CSEN-2021-0042)
  • Teaching Focus: Advanced PhD seminars on AI Ethics; Master’s level courses in Machine Learning.

Dr. Zofia Nowakowska

  • Position: Senior Lecturer in Design Anthropology and Sustainable Futures
  • Department: Design Innovation & Creative Industries
  • Doctorate: PhD in Design Studies, Aalto University, Finland
  • Expertise: Sustainable design practices, design anthropology, participatory design, material culture, speculative design for social innovation.
  • Biography: Dr. Nowakowska (from Poland) is an influential voice in critical design studies. Her research investigates the intersection of design, culture, and sustainability, often employing ethnographic methods to understand user needs and co-create solutions for more equitable and environmentally conscious futures. She has curated several international design exhibitions.
  • Key Publication: Nowakowska, Z. (2022). Designing Otherwise: Material Politics and Ecologies of Care. UBQ Design Imprints. (Publication ID: UBP-DEIN-2022-0015)
  • Teaching Focus: Undergraduate studio courses in Sustainable Design; Master’s workshops on Design Research Methods.

Mr. Cian O’Driscoll

  • Position: Head of Pre-University College (High School); Senior Instructor, Global Studies
  • Qualifications: MPhil in International Education, University of Cambridge, UK; Teaching Diploma
  • Expertise: International Baccalaureate curriculum development, global citizenship education, experiential learning, critical pedagogy in secondary education.
  • Biography: Mr. O’Driscoll (from Ireland) has over twenty years of experience in international secondary education, holding leadership roles in several prestigious international schools. He is passionate about fostering critical thinking and a global outlook in young learners, preparing them for the rigours of university study and engaged global citizenship.
  • Key Publication: O’Driscoll, C. (Ed.). (2020). Pathways to Global Understanding: A Guide for Pre-University Educators. UBQ Educational Series. (Publication ID: UBP-HSED-2020-0003)
  • Teaching Focus: IB Global Politics; Pre-University seminars on Current World Affairs.

Dr. Lena Petrova

  • Position: Associate Professor of Strategic Management & Innovation
  • Department: Global Economics & Business Administration
  • Doctorate: PhD in Management Science, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
  • Expertise: Corporate strategy, innovation ecosystems, digital transformation, entrepreneurship in creative industries.
  • Biography: Dr. Petrova (from Latvia) is an expert on how firms build competitive advantage through strategic innovation, particularly in the context of digital disruption. Her research often involves close collaboration with industry partners, examining how established companies can foster entrepreneurial mindsets and leverage new technologies.
  • Key Publication: Petrova, L. (2023). The Agile Leviathan: Corporate Innovation in the Digital Age. Routledge. (Publication ID: UBP-ECON-2023-0125)
  • Teaching Focus: MBA modules on Strategic Innovation; Undergraduate courses in Entrepreneurship.

Professor Mikkel Sorensen

  • Position: Professor of Comparative Politics and Conflict Studies
  • Department: International Relations & Political Science
  • Doctorate: PhD in Political Science, European University Institute, Florence, Italy
  • Expertise: Democratisation processes, ethnic conflict, peacebuilding, politics of post-Soviet states, comparative constitutionalism.
  • Biography: Professor Sorensen is a highly respected scholar in comparative politics, with extensive fieldwork experience in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. His work examines the conditions for democratic stability and the challenges of conflict resolution in divided societies. He serves on the advisory board of several international NGOs.
  • Key Publication: Sorensen, M. (2021). Fractured States, Resilient Societies: Navigating Conflict and Democracy in the 21st Century. Cambridge University Press. (Publication ID: UBP-POLS-2021-0077)
  • Teaching Focus: PhD research methodology seminars; Master’s courses in Conflict Analysis.

Dr. Ioannis Costa

  • Position: Senior Lecturer in Data Science and Network Analysis
  • Department: Computational Science & Engineering
  • Doctorate: PhD in Applied Mathematics, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • Expertise: Big data analytics, network science, machine learning algorithms, computational social science, financial modelling.
  • Biography: Dr. Costa (from Cyprus) specialises in the application of advanced data science techniques to solve complex problems in various domains, from social network analysis to financial risk modelling. Before his academic career, he worked as a quantitative analyst in the financial sector.
  • Key Publication: Costa, I., & Weber, S. (2022). Networks, Data, and Flow: Principles of Modern Data Science. Springer. (Publication ID: UBP-CSEN-2022-0059)
  • Teaching Focus: Undergraduate modules in Data Structures and Algorithms; Master’s courses in Applied Data Analytics.

Ms. Annelies Vermeer

  • Position: Lecturer in Visual Communication and Digital Media
  • Department: Design Innovation & Creative Industries
  • Qualifications: MA in Graphic Design, Royal College of Art, London, UK
  • Expertise: Branding and identity design, typography, digital illustration, user interface (UI) design, motion graphics.
  • Biography: Ms. Vermeer is a practicing designer and educator with a strong portfolio of international client work. She brings contemporary industry insights into the classroom, focusing on the strategic application of visual communication across digital and print platforms. Her work has been featured in several design annuals.
  • Key Publication: Vermeer, A. (2023). The Dynamic Pixel: Visual Storytelling in Digital Media. UBQ Design Imprints. (Publication ID: UBP-DEIN-2023-0021)
  • Teaching Focus: Core undergraduate studio courses in Graphic Design; Workshops on Digital Media Tools.

Professor Katrin Baumgartner

  • Position: Professor of International Business Law
  • Department: Global Economics & Business Administration (with cross-appointment to Law, if applicable)
  • Doctorate: Dr. iur., University of Vienna, Austria
  • Expertise: International trade law, comparative contract law, dispute resolution, intellectual property in global markets.
  • Biography: Professor Baumgartner is an authority on the legal frameworks governing international business. Her research addresses the complexities of cross-border commercial transactions and the harmonisation of business law. She is an accredited arbitrator and frequently advises on international commercial disputes.
  • Key Publication: Baumgartner, K. (2020). Global Commerce, Local Laws: Navigating the Labyrinth of International Business Regulation. Oxford University Press. (Publication ID: UBP-ECON-2020-0103)
  • Teaching Focus: Postgraduate courses on International Trade Law; Undergraduate modules on Business Law.

Dr. Tomas Cerný

  • Position: Lecturer in European Studies and Public Policy
  • Department: International Relations & Political Science
  • Doctorate: PhD in Public Policy, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
  • Expertise: European Union institutions, comparative public administration, policy analysis, Central and Eastern European politics.
  • Biography: Dr. Cerný’s research focuses on policy-making processes within the European Union and the impact of EU membership on national governance in Central and Eastern European countries. He is actively involved in EU-funded projects promoting civic engagement and policy dialogue.
  • Key Publication: Cerný, T. (2022). The Brussels Effect in the Visegrád Four: Policy Convergence and Divergence. UBQ Policy Briefs. (Publication ID: UBP-POLS-2022-0091)
  • Teaching Focus: Undergraduate courses on Introduction to European Union Politics; Master’s seminars on Comparative Policy Analysis.

Dr. Emilia Ricci

  • Position: Senior Research Fellow in Human-Centred AI
  • Department: Computational Science & Engineering
  • Doctorate: PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
  • Expertise: User experience (UX) research, AI for social good, inclusive design, cognitive ergonomics, assistive technologies.
  • Biography: Dr. Ricci is dedicated to designing AI systems that are not only intelligent but also empathetic and aligned with human values. Her work explores how AI can be used to enhance human capabilities and address societal challenges, particularly in areas like healthcare and education. She leads the “AI for Accessibility” initiative at UBQ.
  • Key Publication: Ricci, E., & Santos, P. (2023). Empathetic Machines: Designing AI with a Human Heart. UBQ Tech Horizons. (Publication ID: UBP-CSEN-2023-0068)
  • Teaching Focus: Co-supervises PhD students in HCI and AI; Guest lectures on Inclusive Technology Design.

Mr. Lars Jansson

  • Position: Studio Tutor in Product Design and Prototyping
  • Department: Design Innovation & Creative Industries
  • Qualifications: MSc in Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
  • Expertise: Product development, rapid prototyping, sustainable materials, user-centred innovation, digital fabrication (3D printing, CNC).
  • Biography: Mr. Jansson is an experienced industrial designer who has brought numerous products from concept to market. He emphasizes a hands-on, iterative approach to design, encouraging students to experiment with materials and fabrication techniques to create innovative and functional products.
  • Key Contribution: Jansson, L. (2021). Prototyping for Impact: A Maker’s Guide to Product Innovation [Workshop Manual & Online Resource]. UBQ Design Studios. (Publication ID: UBP-DEIN-2021-0011)
  • Teaching Focus: Undergraduate product design studios; Workshops on advanced prototyping techniques.

Dr. Adrijana Novak

  • Position: Lecturer in Quantitative Economic Methods
  • Department: Global Economics & Business Administration
  • Doctorate: PhD in Econometrics, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Expertise: Econometric modelling, time series analysis, applied microeconometrics, statistical software for economic analysis (R, Stata).
  • Biography: Dr. Novak’s research focuses on developing and applying advanced quantitative methods to analyse economic data and test economic theories. She has a strong interest in making complex statistical tools accessible to students and researchers across various disciplines.
  • Key Publication: Novak, A. (2022). Econometric Foundations for Applied Economic Research. UBQ Quantitative Series. (Publication ID: UBP-ECON-2022-0119)
  • Teaching Focus: Core undergraduate courses in Econometrics and Statistics; Master’s level workshops on Advanced Time Series Analysis.

Professor Benoît Leclercq

  • Position: Visiting Professor of Diplomatic History and Practice
  • Department: International Relations & Political Science
  • Background: Former Ambassador; MA in History, Sorbonne Université, France
  • Expertise: 20th Century diplomatic history, negotiation theory and practice, international security organisations, French foreign policy.
  • Biography: Professor Leclercq (from Belgium/France) brings decades of high-level diplomatic experience to UBQ. Having served in several key ambassadorial roles, he offers unparalleled insights into the practicalities of international relations and the art of negotiation. He contributes to executive education programmes and provides guest lectures.
  • Key Publication: Leclercq, B. (2019). The Quai d’Orsay and the World: A Memoir of Modern Diplomacy. Diplomatic Press International. (Publication ID: UBP-POLS-2019-0065)
  • Teaching Focus: Guest lectures for postgraduate students on Diplomatic Practice; Seminars on the History of International Relations.