Our project team

I am Professor of Applied Linguistics and Technology at Newcastle University, UK and Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy.

I have expertise on technology enhanced language learning and teaching, particularly on the semiotic, pedagogical, and intercultural aspects of multimodal interaction in digital settings, specifically for language learning and teaching. Using mixed methods as well as social semiotics and multimodal (inter)action analysis, my work aims to understand how people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds establish interpersonal relationships and improve their digital, linguistic, and intercultural communication skills.

I am also interested in contributing to social and intercultural connectedness in physical and online communities. My previous work has investigated several concepts such as critical digital literacy, critical semiotic awareness, social presence, instruction-giving, and task design.

I am a Reader in AI for Education at Open Lab (40%FTE), Newcastle University. I lead the educational technology research at Open Lab.

In addition to my main focus on the potential and implications of Generative AI on learning and education, my wider interest is in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of processes and technologies in support of learning, school-community engagement, and cultural and language learning.

My research and interest in the area of interaction design ranges from improving people’s experiences of interacting with digital surfaces, spaces and the IoTs to rethinking the design, and the appropriation, of online platforms and services.

In the other 60% of my time, I am leading the development of the learning engine and the application of AI at Kinnu Ltd, an educational technology start-up developing a suite of learning science-based apps and tools to help people acquire and retain knowledge.

Senior Research Software Engineer with a background in computational neuroscience and an interest in AI and ML applications in research.

Professor in Digital Heritage Practices with expertise in digitally mediated heritage & cultural memory experiences, dialogue, postcoloniality and research-through-design.

I am a Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction and Interaction Design at Open Lab, Newcastle University.

In my research, I take a co-creative and design-led approach to explore with care the role of digital technologies in our lives. I am interested in envisioning alternatives to dominant narratives and cultures by learning from experiences of making and relating differently with existential, relational and spiritual matters at the core of my process. I also draw from Feminist, Social Justice and More-than-Human discourses to critically inform my work.

My ongoing research includes co-designing supportive technologies for self-care and self-management of health conditions; exploring data-driven practices and innovation for community wellbeing; addressing health inequalities in maternal mental health, and investigating the potential of multi-sensory interactions to support spirituality.

Yao has an interdisciplinary background encompassing philosophy, literature, education, and cross-cultural communication, employing various methodologies (mixed methods, ethnography etc.). Her research sits at the intersection of migration, intercultural education and digital transformation, with a particular interest in how mobile communities build resilience amid sociotechnological change.

She actively explores, evaluates, and implements institutional teaching and learning policies, with a specific emphasis on decolonisation and the advancement of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) practices.

Research Software Engineer at Newcastle University who built and maintains this website, providing the project's digital foundation. Specialises in mobile app development for University research.

Responsible for deliverable D9.4, Project website, due October 2026 in work package 9.

Executive Dean of the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) and a Chair in Applied Linguistics. He is an elected Fellow of the British Academy, Academia Europaea, Academy of Social Sciences, UK, and Royal Society of Arts, UK.

Professor of Language Learning and Intercultural Communication. An elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, UK; Academia Europaea; and International Academy for Intercultural Research.

Research Fellow on WP1, with a background in technology-mediated language learning, human–AI interaction, and professional communication.

Professor of Business English, researching Virtual Reality for language education, Virtual Exchange, Intercultural Communication and Global Englishes.

Professor of English Linguistics, specialising in multimodality, video interactions, and the semiosis of digital communication.

Professor of Italian Linguistics, specialising in History of Italian Language between XVI century and current times, institutional and public communication through social and traditional media.

Katerina Zourou, Ph.D, is a recognised researcher in the area of technology-enhanced education, focusing on open and social learning. She has produced one scholar book (Palgrave/ MacMillan), 3 journal special issues and more than 30 peer reviewed papers at international journals and conference proceedings.

Katerina also gives lectures at universities, including the Hellenic Open University, and the University of Grenoble Alpes. She is regularly invited to give talks or to participate in expert panels (European Commission, EU Joint Research Centre, EACEA, Council of Europe, European and Asian Universities, etc.).

Katerina is the Managing Director of Web2Learn, a research and development company in Thessaloniki, Greece, established in 2014. Web2Learn is a partner in more than 43 transnational projects funded by the Council of Europe, the European Commission, and national funds.

Communications and Community Manager, promoting members’ activities and connecting Europe’s professionals, companies and institutions. Co-founder and ex-Board member.

Managing Director leading association's support and capacity building actions for XR and immersive virtual worlds stakeholders in Europe.

Maria Illetterati is a Project Manager with over four years of experience in European-funded projects in the field of democracy, justice and environmental protection.

Co-Head of ALDA’s Communication Department, with expertise in project communication, organisational communication, and digital marketing.

National coordinator of the CLARIN research infrastructure in Latvia, lead researcher at Ailab of IMCS UL.

I co-ordinate the learning programmes in the museum, overseeing our learning work from near birth to adults. I previously worked specifically on the science activities and I am the programme developer as part of the Real World Science consortium, using natural history collections in museums to inspire young people and teachers about science.

I have developed and am running a teacher CPD  in conjunction with the Natural History Museum and funded by the Foyle Foundation, working with science leads in primary schools to transform their schools' approaches to science and I am also running our Dippy Schools Programme, encouraging pupils to engage more closely with nature.

I’ve been at GNM for more than six years, but I’m still excited when I walk through the doors each morning and see the T rex skeleton!

Digital Development Manager, Newcastle Libraries.