Prof. Xiangshi REN is a professor in the School of Information and Director of the Center for Human-Engaged Computing (CHEC) at Kochi University of Technology, Japan. He is founding president and honorary lifetime president of the International Chinese Association of Computer-Human Interaction (ICACHI). He has been named as one of the Asian Human-Computer Interaction Heroes in ACM CHI 2015. He was a visiting professor at the University of Toronto, visiting faculty researcher at IBM Research (Almaden), and visiting/guest/chair professor at several universities in China. Currently, he is an adjunct professor at Jilin University, Beijing Normal University and University of Science & Technology Beijing. He is a Senior Member of the ACM and a Senior Member of the IEEE. Prof. Ren has been working on fundamental studies in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) for over twenty-five years. His research interests include all aspects of human-computer interaction, particularly human performance models, pen-based interaction, multi-touch interaction, eye-based interaction, haptic interaction, gesture input, game interaction, user interfaces for older users and for blind users. He and his colleagues have established a unique research framework based on information technology, incorporating methodologies such as human performance modeling, developing new algorithms, conducting user studies, and system testing and applying HCI theory to applications. Recently, he and his colleagues have established a new philosophical foundation for rethinking the relationship between humans and computers - Human-Engaged Computing (HEC) which refers to synergism between human capacities and technological capabilities. This new concept (HEC) has already been briefed in an IEEE article (Computer, August 2016), and presented in a panel at ACM CHI 2017, which is highly recognized by HCI pioneers and researchers. Prof. Ren has presented talks at various institutions and international conferences. He often serves as a reviewer, associate editor, guest editor, conference/program chair or program/steering committee member. He was recently the general conference co-chair of an International Symposium on Interactive Technology and Ageing Populations 2016 (IxAP 2016) and the conference chair of an International Workshop on Human-Engaged Computing (IWHEC 2017). More details information about Prof. Ren can be found at here.

Dr. K. Ramchandran is the Director, DIPR with effect from 01 Mar 2013. He did his Post-Graduation in Applied Psychology from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, M.Phil in Psychology from University of Madras and Ph.D. in Psychology from University of Delhi. He has acquired specialization in the areas of Experimental and Human Engineering, Aviation Psychology and Environmental Psychology. The beginnings were of brief stints at C.M.C, Vellore as a Psychologist, a Consulting Psychologist at Psycho Behavioural Clinic, Madras and a Career Counsellor at the Students Counselling Bureau in the University of Madras. He joined the Defence Institute of Psychological Research under DRDO as Scientist 'B' in DRDO in the year 1989 and since then has been associated with projects in the area of Experimental and Human Engineering, Aviation Psychology and Environmental Psychology. His involvement has brought out various tests and aids for psychological adaptation of Troops in High Altitude Siachen Glacier areas and for scientific teams in Antarctica. As Programme Director for the 'Series Production of Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS), unique to a life sciences lab, he provided landmark achievement in the field. The agreement between the Indian Air Force and DRDO with respect to the Computerized Pilot Selection System marked DIPRs exceptionality as Life Sciences Lab. The vast experience and the credentials invited him to be a member in Human Engineering Panel and Aeronautical Development Research Board. His growth has the blend of rich and quality expe-rience. The 'DRDO Technology award for the year 2003' and the 'Agni Award for Excellence in Self Reliance 2005' was awarded to him for his scientific contributions. He was also awarded the 'Alumni of the year 2009' by PSG and Sons' Charities, Coimbatore. He is the life membership of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology and Madras Psychologist Association. Under his leadership the institute has been awarded 'Titanium Trophy - 2014' of DRDO.

Prof. Debasis Samanta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. Prof. Samanta is actively working in the field of Human Computer Interaction. He aims to develop efficient interaction mechanisms for people with special needs such as motor impaired people and people with other disabilities, illiterate people, etc. He has developed multi-modal interaction techniques, text entry mechanisms in Indian language, which are new of their kind to bridge the digital divide. Currently, he is working toward the development of next generation hands-free and touch-free interaction mechanism using brain computer interfaces. He and his research team are in the process of developing BCI-HCI lab in IIT Kharagpur, a unique lab facility in India. He is an author of 3 books and more than 60 journals of international repute. He is currently Honorary Member of editorial Board of the International Journal of Biosciences and Technology, and member of Editorial Board of the International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems (IJCNDS), Inderscience Publishers, U.K. He is the recipient of Best Article of the Year Award by Computer Society of India, Best Paper award by 8th ADCOM Conference, IIT Guwahati, Microsoft Valued Professional award by Microsoft, USA, 2007 and Author of the Best Selling Book by Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi. More details information about Prof. Samanta can be found at here.