Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

🔬 Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. 🏫 She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. 🎼 With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. 💻 She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. 🏆 Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Research’s Best Student Research Competition. 🌍 She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. 📖 Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education 🎓

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Master’s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications 📚

  •  Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Grazia Ragone; Judith Good; Kate Howland
  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 | Conference paper

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN: 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Ali, S.A.; Esposito, A.; Good, J.; Howland, K.; Presicce, C.
  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 | Other

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

    Part of ISSN: 23318422
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Buono, P.; Lanzilotti,

Gilbert Giacomoni | Coupling Human | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gilbert Giacomoni | Coupling Human | Best Researcher Award

Profile

Education

He holds a Doctorate in Engineering & Management from Mines ParisTech (Paris Sciences & Letters University), showcasing expertise in the intersection of technology and management. Additionally, they have earned a Master’s in Research for Scientific Management Methods from Paris 9 Dauphine University, in collaboration with Mines ParisTech (Scientific Management Center) and École Polytechnique (Center for Management Research), with a focus on decision-support systems. Further expanding their interdisciplinary knowledge, they also hold a Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence & Ethnology from Paris 7 University (Ethnology/Semantics) and Paris 8 University (Artificial Intelligence), blending AI with human sciences for a unique analytical perspective.

Research Interests

Gilbert Giacomoni research interests span multiple interdisciplinary domains, including behavioral economics, where they explore decision-making processes and human behavior in economic contexts. Their work in sustainability and innovation focuses on key sectors such as health, food, and the environment, addressing pressing global challenges. Additionally, they specialize in strategy and organization, examining business structures, leadership, and strategic decision-making. Their expertise in information systems encompasses cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and machine learning, leveraging digital transformation to drive efficiency and innovation across industries.

Work experience

Dr. Gilbert Giacomoni has an extensive academic and professional background, integrating research, leadership, and industry expertise. They are a member of Paris Saclay Applied Economics (PSAE), a joint research center affiliated with France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE). Additionally, they are associated with AgroParisTech, a part of Paris Saclay University, ranked 13th globally.

As the Head of the “Industrial Economy, Public Management, and Innovation” Research & Teaching Unit, Dr. [Name] leads studies in information systems (AI, data science, machine learning), behavioral economics, sustainability & innovation (health, food, environment), and strategy & organization.

Beyond academia, they serve as a board member of Codegaz, a humanitarian association. Their 20+ years of industry experience span operational leadership in sectors such as industry, healthcare, and services, with affiliations including Armines, Airbus Defence & Space, Louvre Group, Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, and Mutualité Fonction Publique. They also have a strong background in entrepreneurship, business creation, and innovative technologies.

Books /Chapters in Books:

– Giacomoni G. (2022), “Finance durable, bien commun et dĂ©cisions d’investissement : la
dimension Ă©conomique incomprise du concept fondationnel d’UtilitĂ© commune”, in Pluchart
J.-J. & Cadet I. (Dir.) (2022), Les paradoxes de la finance durable et responsable, ESKA (Eds), pp.
283-305, France. Labélisé FNEGE (RSE).
– Giacomoni G. & Sardas J.-C., (2014), “Why innovation requires new scientific foundations for
manageable identities of systems” (Part II – Chap.4), in R&D Strategy and Operations –
Innovation and IT in an International Context, T’Eni D. & Rowe F. (Eds), Palgrave MacMillan
(Publisher).
– Giacomoni G. & Jardat R., (2014), “L’innovation par l’hybridation: une hydre scientifique”, in
Pesqueux Y., Freitas Gouveia de Vasconcelos I., Simon E., L’Entreprise durable et le
changement organisationnel – L’Organisation innovatrice et durable, Ă©ditions – ems –
Management & Société, Chap.1, pp. 27-54, hors collection.

Honors and Awards

– National winner, creation of innovative technology companies, Ministry of Youth, National
Education and Research, Official Journal of 9-11-2002.
– Capital-IT Best40s Selection (10th edition, 2003): European Meeting on Financing of New
Information and Communication Technologies, 4 April.
– Master 2003 Tremplin-Entreprises (capital investissement), French Senate (prix dĂ©livrĂ© dans
l’hémicycle par le Président J.-P. Raffarin) & Essec, 8-9 Juillet.
– Prix SpĂ©cial 2005 du Ministère de l’Education Nationale, de l’Enseignement SupĂ©rieur et
de la Recherche – Ministère Délégué à la Recherche.
– Gold Medal 2005, International Jury – World Intellectuel Property Organization (WIPO) &
Swiss Federal Government, 33th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, April.

Publication

  • Giacomoni G. (2024), A Blind Spot in the Reframing of a Universe of Possibles: Towards a
    Suitable Model for Decision-Making Theory and A.I., Journal of Applied Mathematics and
    Physics, Scientific Research Publishing, 12, 2172-2189.
  • Giacomoni G. (2023), Participatory financing of sustainable entrepreneurship : A postmodern
    Markowitz portfolio theory, Management & Sciences Sociales, n°35, Diversité des modèles
    d’affaires en Afrique.
  • Giacomoni G., (2023), The need for products interchangeability: an unsolved problem of
    semantic conflicts no Product Definition System can support perfectly, Journal of The
    Knowledge Economy, Springer, vol. 36, n°2.
  • CuĂ©noud T., Giacomoni G., Dang R. & Houanti L’H. (2022), Influence of Geography in the
    Crowdfunding of a Local Microbrewery, Innovations – Journal of Innovation Economics &
    Management, Special issue “Platforms, communities and ecosystems in a digital age”, De
    Boeck Supérieur (Eds).
  • Giacomoni G. (2021), Towards a General Framework for (early-stage of) Innovation Shaped
    with A.I. to Create and Transform Market Offerings, European Management Review (Wiley
    Online Library), Vol. 19, n° 1, pp. 107-122.