Prof. Jian Jun Zhang (Homepage)
Bournemouth University, UK

Jian J Zhang is Professor of Computer Animation at the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), Bournemouth University where he leads the National Research Centre. He has worked at various universities including Bristol University, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Chongqing University, Queens University of Belfast and Brunel University.

As Principle Investigator, Prof Zhang has brought in 10 million pounds (GBP) of research grants to the NCCA from the EPSRC, AHRC, EU FP7 and EU H2020 as well as other funding organisations. His research focuses on a number of topics relating to 3D computer animation, virtual human modelling and simulation, and physics-based animation. He is also interested in virtual reality, medical visualisation and simulation, and conversational AI.

Prof Zhang has published over 350 peer reviewed journal and conference publications and has given over 30 invited/keynote talks around the world. He has chaired over 40 international conferences and symposia, and serves on a number of editorial boards.

Prof Zhang is one of the two founders of the EPSRC-funded multi-million pound Centre for Digital Entertainment (CDE) with Prof Phil Willis from the University of Bath.

Prof Zhang was awarded the “CGI Outstanding Career Award” by Computer Graphics International and Computer Graphics Society in 2021.

 

 

Prof. Matthias Wölfel, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Bio: Matthias Wölfel is a professor of Intuitive and Perceptive User Interfaces at the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in Germany. He is the head of the Institute for Intelligent Interaction and Immersive Experience and is also affiliated with the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Social Sciences at the University of Hohenheim. His research interests include interaction design, human-computer interaction, human-computer-human interaction, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, digital culture, and technology-enhanced learning. Outside of academia, Wölfel contributes to global media art exhibitions and is the founder and CEO of ColorfulBit, an award-winning studio that specializes in new media and innovative technologies. Wölfel has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching and innovation, including "Professor of the Year" in 2017, the "HKA Teaching Award" in 2024, and the "IKT Innovativ Award" in 2013.