Ms. Xinyu Tan | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

University College London | China

Ms. Xinyu Tan is an emerging architect and researcher from University College London, specializing in environmental and computational design. She holds a degree from The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, and previously studied at the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, where she built a strong foundation in fine arts and digital design. Her research focuses on AI-driven urban design, architectural visualization, and sustainable spatial systems that integrate environmental awareness with advanced digital fabrication. With experience at HKS Asia Pacific Design Consulting in Singapore and Shanghai Rosso Cultural & Art Co., Ltd., she has contributed to international projects such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Stadium and urban renewal programs emphasizing community and heritage. Ms. Tan has received numerous awards including the Archisource Drawing of the Year 2021, the Zijin Award for Architectural Design, and multiple national recognitions for creativity and environmental design excellence. As a Teaching Assistant at DigitalFUTURES 2025, she supported AI-based interdisciplinary workshops. Her academic performance has earned several scholarships and distinctions, with her artworks preserved by the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts. reflecting her growing research impact in architectural innovation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

Tan, X. (2025). Visual perception-informed urban design toolkit: Computational urban morphology optimisation to inform real-time perceived safety. Journal of Urban Management. (Open Access).

Dr. Ed Sykes - holographic visualization - Outstanding Scientist Award

Sheridan College - Canada

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Edward R. Sykes embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in computer science and mathematics. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons.) from McMaster University in Computer Science and Mathematics, his early academic pursuits showcased a keen interest in computational sciences. This passion led him to pursue further studies, culminating in a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science from McMaster University, where he delved into the intricacies of error correction algorithms. Building on this knowledge, Sykes pursued a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum Development from Brock University, focusing on the effectiveness of interactive video classrooms.His academic pursuits reached their zenith with dual Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The first, from Brock University in Education, underscored his interest in cognition, learning, and machine learning, with a thesis centered on the design and assessment of an intelligent tutoring system. The second Ph.D., from the University of Guelph in Computer Science, delved deeper into machine learning and human-computer interaction, with a thesis on interaction algorithms. These formative years laid the groundwork for Sykes's multifaceted expertise at the intersection of education, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sykes's professional journey is characterized by a diverse array of roles spanning academia, research, and industry collaboration. He began as a Professor of Computer Science at Sheridan College, where he honed his teaching skills and delved into research. Concurrently, he held adjunct and assistant professor positions at esteemed institutions such as McMaster University and the University of Guelph, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and contributing to the academic community.His leadership roles include serving as Program Coordinator for the Honours Bachelor of Computer Science program at Sheridan College and founding the Centre for Applied AI (CAAI), formerly the Centre for Mobile Innovation. As Director of CAAI, Sykes spearheaded groundbreaking research initiatives in mobile health, securing substantial funding and forging numerous industry partnerships. Additionally, his affiliations with renowned research institutes such as the KITE Research Institute at the University Health Network underscore his commitment to advancing cutting-edge AI technologies in healthcare.

Contributions and Research Focus On holographic visualization

Dr. Sykes's research portfolio encompasses a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from machine learning and mobile computing to augmented reality and healthcare applications. His seminal work includes developing privacy-enabled mobile computing models, optimizing virtual reality-based memorization techniques, and designing innovative solutions for fall detection in senior living environments. With over 40 journal and conference publications, Sykes has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge in his field.A notable aspect of his research is its practical application, evidenced by projects such as MyHealthPortal—a web-based e-healthcare portal—and Therapy Tracker—a cross-platform medication management application. Sykes's research not only pushes the boundaries of theoretical knowledge but also translates into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges, particularly in healthcare and education domains.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Sykes's contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades and awards, attesting to the impact of his work. Notable honors include the NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation, the Minister's Award of Excellence for contributions during COVID-19, and prestigious scholarships such as the NSERC Canadian Graduate Scholarship. These accolades not only highlight Sykes's academic prowess but also affirm his commitment to driving innovation and excellence in research and education.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Sykes's influence extends beyond academia, encompassing industry partnerships, community engagement, and mentorship of future generations of researchers. Through initiatives like the CAAI and collaborative projects with industry and healthcare partners, he has bridged the gap between academic research and real-world applications, catalyzing positive change in healthcare delivery and technological innovation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a visionary leader and prolific researcher, Sykes's legacy lies in his transformative impact on the fields of artificial intelligence, mobile computing, and healthcare technology. His dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, and practical application sets a precedent for future generations of scholars and practitioners. Moving forward, Sykes is poised to continue shaping the landscape of applied AI, driving forward advancements that have far-reaching implications for society's well-being and technological progress.