Dr Michele Fiorini is a distinguished leader in maritime engineering and systems innovation. He currently serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Electronics Division at Leonardo S.p.A. in Rome, where he provides technical and management leadership for maritime applications across both civil and military domains. Educated at the universities of Ancona (Italy), Bath (UK), and Gdańsk (Poland), he holds both PhD and MBA degrees. Dr Fiorini is a Fellow of the IET (FIET), a Senior Member of the IEEE (SMIEEE), and a Chartered Engineer (CEng) in the UK. A recognized expert in his field, he serves as an Industrial Member of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and represents Italy within the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG). He has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers, holds an international patent, and has previously co-edited two volumes in the IET Transportation Series dedicated to maritime transportation. Recently, he received a Special Mention at the 2025 Leonardo Electronics Innovation Awards for his work on "Leo," a generative AI-driven humanoid robot designed for collaborative applications.

Dr Dorota Dorota Książkiewicz is an Assistant Professor within the Department of Transport Policy and Economic Integration at the University of Gdańsk. As a leading academic tutor and lecturer, her research focuses on the intricate mechanisms of the contemporary global economy, with a specific emphasis on the resilience, security, and efficiency of global supply chains. Beyond her analysis of global trade disruptions, Dr Książkiewicz specializes in the development of sustainable technological and organizational solutions for the transport and logistics sectors. She is the author of numerous scientific publications and is a key figure in bridging the gap between academia and industry, coordinating numerous high-level projects with business partners and practical educational programs. Her work is instrumental in shaping how modern logistics models adapt to the demands of the green transition and digital transformation.