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Digital Version Groundbreaking Sustainable Cities: Sepideh Azizi's Plan for Urban Resilience and Fairness Urban planning has begun to change as cities around the world face two big problems: fast city growth and climate change. Sepideh Azizi, who studies and teaches at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, leads this new direction. Azizi’s work aims to create sustainable cities. She connects research based on facts with real-life uses. This offers new ways to solve some of today’s biggest environmental and social issues. Sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a responsibility. Cities must be built for both resilience and fairness, ensuring no community is left behind. A Journey Grounded in Inquisitiveness and Toughness Sepideh Azizi’s path to sustainable urban planning started with keen interest in city operations and a wish to tackle the environmental issues she saw while growing up in Iran. “I witnessed how extreme heat, water scarcity, and other climate-related problems had an impact on communities,” she remembers. “This early exposure pushed me to study urban planning with a heavy emphasis on sustainability.” Her academic and work experience has led her through various settings, from examining urban heat islands in major U.S. cities to evaluating flood risks and farm changes in Iran. Now, her studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign center on climate toughness clean energy shifts, and disaster prevention. “I’m drawn to how data, policy, and social fairness connect,” she says. “This is where I find the most meaning and satisfaction in my work.” The Developments of Sustainability in Urban Planning No longer an ideal, but increasingly a necessity, Azizi adds that cities must heed the integration of sustainable planning to tackle climate change, improve environmental justice and bolster quality of life, all the while finding that actualisation of these objectives is fraught with hurdles.  “One of the major obstacles is that sustainability needs to be equitable,” she says. “More often than not, green things-carrying renewable energy projects or even urban greening-benefit wealthier areas and leave lower income communities behind.” She adds that strong, political and financial barriers generally slow down the adoption of those sustainable policy initiatives. “Many cities have developed these robust, ambitious climate goals, but then don’t have the funding or political will to implement them at scale,” she adds. But to actually deal with these kinds of challenges, Azizi has really taken it up a notch and made use of very cutting-edge technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and deep learning models. “These tools allow us to provide cities with data-driven insights that make sustainability planning more targeted and effective,” she says. Fair and just sustainability efforts will address climate change and make life more livable as well. Innovative Strategies for the Environmentally Friendly Cities Azizi keeps a very optimistic outlook on the future of sustainable cities by harnessing new technologies and nature-based solutions. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transformative forces,” she emphasizes. “They allow us to predict environmental hazards and optimize energy use and urban design all based on real-time data.”  She also indicates how GIS and remote sensing play a critical role in tracking changes in land use, pollution, and green cover. More than technology in urban sustainability, Azizi describes green roofs, pocket parks, and urban farms as nature-based solutions. “These methods not only make cities more resilient but also enhance the life of their inhabitants,” she adds.  Another area close to her heart is the transition to sustainable energy. Azizi is examining solar energy policy in Chicago, focusing on the equity and accessibility of renewable energy programs. “It’s important that the transition to clean energy benefits low-income and marginalized communities,” she states. Integrating Sustainability in Teaching and Research As a graduate research and teaching assistant Azizi applies the concepts of sustainability in her research and her teaching pursuits. The topics covered by her research include: from the study of urban heat island effects in a few U.S. cities such as Chicago, San Francisco and Phoenix, through research on drought severity and management of water resources in Iran. Currently, she heads a campus-wide survey on transportation at the University of Illinois to assess preference for modes of travel alongside issues of spatial justice. “Indeed, this research is critical in understanding how we can make mobility more sustainable and equitable,” she adds. Azizi also insists on data-driven and critical-thinking techniques in her teaching. “In my GIS for Planners course, I introduce students to spatial analysis techniques and their applications in urban sustainability mapping,” she says. “These are the skills needed to ensure the next generation of urban planners is prepared to confront looming challenges in sustainability.”  Geared to Students for Careers in Sustainable Urban Planning  She asserts that to be successful, one needs to blend technicalities and the art of creative problem-solving. With this, she says, “I stress GIS and spatial analysis, data-driven decision making and critical thinking” in my classroom. In teaching the students to understand how to evaluate real urban issues and demonstrate what they have learned in developing sustainable solutions, she engages them in real hands-on class projects that have them do census data extraction, demographic mapping, and site design to allow for their learnings to be evaluated in practice.  She familiarized students with the major urban planning paradigms today such as Smart Growth and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). “These frameworks spawn holistic avenues for sustainability,” she explains. “They prepare students to understand how to make cities not only environmentally friendly, but also socially and economically vibrant.” Collaboration Between Academia and Industry She stresses that academia and industry must work together toward the larger goal of sustainable urban development. “Universities provide data-driven insights, policy analysis, and emerging technologies, and the industry provides resources, infrastructure, and scalability,” she says.  An interesting aspect of collaborations is living labs, pilot projects, and public-private partnerships. “These initiatives allow us to test and refine sustainable urban solutions in real-world settings,” she says. Internships, collaborative research initiatives, and advisory boards also allow students and faculty to directly grapple with industry challenges, fostering innovation and workforce

Digital Version Dr. Mark Eccleston: Leading ValiRx PLC into the Future of Biotech Innovation In the ever-evolving world of biotechnology, few leaders have the vision, experience, and passion to drive transformative change. Dr. Mark Eccleston, CEO of ValiRx PLC, is one such individual. With a career spanning academia, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership, Dr. Eccleston has dedicated his life to advancing science and improving patient outcomes. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of medicine. Believe in yourself, work hard, and go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. A Journey Rooted in Passion and Purpose Dr. Eccleston’s journey into the biotech industry was inspired by an enduring passion for science. “My love for chemistry and its potential to solve real-world problems led me to pursue a degree in the field, followed by a PhD in polymer chemistry with a specialization in drug delivery,” he recalls. Funded by SmithKline Beecham, his doctoral research was deeply collaborative and industry-oriented, sparking his interest in translational research—the process of turning scientific discoveries into practical medical solutions. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Eccleston embarked on a traditional postdoctoral path but continued to engage extensively with industry partners. This early exposure to the intersection of academia and industry laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He co-founded two startup companies focused on drug delivery and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) applications, gaining invaluable experience in entrepreneurship and innovation. His career took a significant turn when he became one of the first four English academics to receive an Enterprise Fellowship with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, which funded his MBA. This marked the beginning of his transition from academia to the corporate world. Dr. Eccleston first joined ValiRx, where he was responsible for the pre-clinical development of one of its assets. After two years, he then established his consultancy company, OncoLytika. and co-founded VolitionRx—a biomarker company that originated as a management buyout from ValiRx.  After 15 years of diverse roles in the biotech industry, Dr. Eccleston returned to ValiRx as CEO, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the company’s future. “This journey has been rich in learning experiences,” he says. “It has taught me how to navigate challenges, identify potential pitfalls, and build a team that shares my commitment to innovation and excellence.” The success of ValiRx is built on the passion, dedication, and creativity of our team. Addressing the Biggest Challenge in Biotech One of the most significant challenges facing the biotech industry today is the identification and progression of promising assets to the point where they can be licensed or partnered for clinical studies. “The success rate of getting assets to the clinic is typically 1 in 10,000,” Dr. Eccleston explains. “This is where ValiRx is positioned—constantly surveilling academic tech transfer and other biotech/pharma companies for early-stage assets.” ValiRx’s approach is designed to minimize risks at this early stage. The company prioritizes high-quality science in areas of high unmet need, aligning its efforts with commercial opportunities in partnership with larger pharmaceutical companies. “We build strong relationships with our partners and work collaboratively to develop assets in our evaluation programs,” Dr. Eccleston notes. Even when assets are returned to their institutions, the data generated during the evaluation phase provides valuable insights, creating a win-win scenario for all parties involved. Pioneering Innovative Approaches to Medicine ValiRx is pioneering an innovative evaluation model to assess potential assets. The company commits to spending around £100,000 and up to 12 months to develop or confirm critical data before deciding to in-license an asset. This allows ValiRx to screen multiple orthogonal assets across a range of modalities, from small molecules to peptides, with a focus on women’s health and cancer. One of ValiRx’s flagship programs is CLX-001, a cytolytic peptide being developed for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive and hard-to-treat form of breast cancer. “CLX-001 has ‘pan-cancer’ potential, meaning it can be applied to a range of cancers,” Dr. Eccleston explains. “We are also exploring its potential to stimulate the host immune response by releasing ‘neoantigens,’ which could amplify both the magnitude and duration of the response to treatment.” Improving Patient Outcomes Through Innovation ValiRx’s work is directly contributing to improving patient outcomes, particularly in areas where there are currently limited or no effective treatment options. “Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer are two examples of highly lethal, metastatic diseases with no effective long-term treatments,” Dr. Eccleston says. “Our goal is to develop novel therapeutics that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients facing these devastating conditions.” Collaboration as a Cornerstone of Growth Collaboration is at the heart of ValiRx’s success. Under Dr. Eccleston’s leadership, the company has initiated several partnering agreements to expand its capabilities and market reach. “We have multiple evaluation and co-marketing agreements in place with lab-on-a-chip and organoid testing companies, as well as in-vivo screening companies,” he shares. These collaborations not only enhance ValiRx’s internal drug development programs but also create new revenue streams through sales of its Patient Derived Cell (PDC) models. Recent Breakthroughs and Future Prospects ValiRx has achieved several key milestones recently, particularly in the formulation development of its Cytolytix program. “These breakthroughs bring flexibility for applications and streamlined preclinical testing options, which could reduce program costs and lead to new intellectual property,” Dr. Eccleston explains. Looking ahead, he is excited about emerging trends in cell therapy, immunotherapy, and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). “We have built capabilities within our translational Research Organization (tCRO™), Inaphaea, to service these exciting areas and leverage our cytolytic peptide assets.” Sustainability and Ethical Innovation Sustainability and ethical innovation are core principles at ValiRx. The company employs high-content imaging techniques and real-time kinetic monitoring using label-free platforms to maximize data density per experiment and minimize consumables and plasticware requirements. “We have also developed partnerships to advance ex-vivo drug testing, including 2D and 3D spheroid testing under hypoxia, as well as lab-on-a-chip and organoid platforms,”

Digital Version Pioneering Climate Action Through Sustainable Food Innovation: The Journey of Eugene Wang and Sophie’s BioNutrients With climate change and food security now considered pressing global threats, Eugene Wang stands out as a pioneer in the sustainable food industry. He is Co-Founder and CEO of Sophie’s BioNutrients and has spent his entire career searching for solutions to the pressing issues of food sustainability, environmental impact, and nutrition. His journey into the world of food innovation came from a painful family experience that motivated him to set the course toward a revolution of plant-based proteins from microalgae. Improving the current food systems will only bring incremental small improvements, which will not be sufficient to solve the real challenges. Instead, we must drive radical innovation to build a truly sustainable future. An Inspiration from Inside Inspiring an Effort Outside The fire of food innovation was born in him when his daughter Sophie developed allergic reactions to shellfish. Eager to find an alternative, in 2010, starting with a world first-a plant-based seafood company called Sophie’s Kitchen. This business venture allowed him to pry deeper into food technology, ultimately steering him towards the potential of microalgae as a sustainable protein source. In 2017, Wang co-launched Sophie’s BioNutrients in Singapore, focusing on innovative development on a new plant-based protein derived from microalgae. Microalgae can thus provide a paradigm shift in protein alternatives, as they are nutrient-rich and climate-resilient. To that end, Sophie’s BioNutrients uses an innovative strain of microalgae, which grows exclusively in fermentation containers, consumes industrial food waste as feedstock, and can be harvested in three days. Containing over 60 percent in protein and possessing superior essential amino acid building blocks that are above the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, this innovation can reshape the future of food production. To Reduce Food Production’s Environmental Footprint People have consumed animal afro protein, soy, and protein from different sources that usually take a lot of land, water, and energy to be produced. The microalgae-based protein technology developed by Sophie’s BioNutrients makes such use significantly unsustainable, thus paving the way for food production that conserves its environment. Wang outlined various features that are environmentally favorable: Very low land uses make deforestation unnecessary Over 90 percent of the water used in production is recyclable Short production cycles of 3 to 10 days compared to soy (45 to 65 days) and beef (over 18 months) Production systems friendly to urban areas provide reductions in transportation emissions No use of fertilizers, herbicides, antibiotics, or growth hormones All these aspects contribute to a more resilient and ecological nature of food systems that enable microalgae to play a major role in combating agriculture’s impact on climate change. With all nine essential amino acids, multiple B vitamins, iron, and dietary fibers, our microalgae protein is not only plant-based and sustainable but also allergen-free. Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future The heart of Sophie’s BioNutrients is to bring change for food systems: climate-conscious. Wang thinks a time when food production becomes urbanized to reduce the pressure of traditional agriculture and therefore helps to lower carbon footings with food transport. By means of fermentation technology, Sophie’s BioNutrients greatly minimises large-scale land usage to save forests from being cut and to prevent further anthropogenic-induced greenhouse gas emissions. The life cycle assessments directed within the company for an environmental footprint assessment continue with such innovations as they align with a larger perspective: a circular economy system in food production. Meeting the Immediate Climate Woes of the Food Sector These climate-related concerns include deforestation, high dependence on chemicals, and unsustainable supply chains, combine to create a leading-edge set of problems for the global food industry. Wang stresses the need for bold and innovative solutions in addressing these challenges rather than mild enhancements of existing systems. As he puts it, “the present agricultural model is no longer sustainable” and “unless companies develop some radical new methodologies, real change will become impossible”. “Improvements in the present food systems would be so small, and would not be able to address the real issues at stake. Instead, we must promote radical new systems, just like the one we are working on, to be able to actually address those issues.” A Tenuous Balance Between Profit and Climate Responsibility Sustainability efforts in the food industry usually require a balancing act to perform between environmental propriety and economic viability. Sophie’s BioNutrients has engineered fermentation technology with efficiency and scalability. By limiting space and resources devoted to food production, the company lessens overall environmental impact while remaining profitable within a larger time frame. As the company grows, it expects increased efficiency in production, thereby allowing it to achieve its ambitious project of waste zero and carbon-negative company. Importance of Collaboration in Halting Progress Towards Sustainable Food Solutions With meaningful climate action requires collaboration among governments, research institutions, and industry leaders. They have engaged in partnerships to promote sustainable solutions. A notable example of this cooperation is represented by the ongoing microalgae fermentation experiments by the company in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Funded through ESA by the DLR, this groundbreaking project aims to study the impacts of gravity on the growth of microalgae. The project combines contributions from Yuri GmbH, Danish Technological Institute, SpaceX, and NASA and has become a shining example of just how much collaboration across industries is integral in bringing global issues to heal. Regulatory Barriers: Call for Government Reform Despite food innovations being marked by climate-consciousness, regulatory structures take a while to catch up on the specifics. Wang asserts that because of extremely tight regulations around food, especially in Western Europe, it can stifle growth in sustainable food startups. He sits in the middle; he wants governments to regulate carefully without choking innovative strides. He emphasized that if the regulatory burden on novel food technologies were to be lessened, companies would then focus on consumer engagement and product development. By shrinking the space footprint and resources needed in our technology, we can greatly minimize our environmental

Digital Version Catherine Winder: Leading a New Era in Multi-platform Storytelling In a bustling Vancouver studio, Catherine Winder’s vision comes to life. The walls hum with the energy of storytellers, animators, and creative minds collaborating to redefine what animated entertainment can be. For Catherine, this isn’t just work; it’s her life’s purpose. From her earliest days navigating the uncharted paths of global animation projects to her current role as the CEO of Wind Sun Sky Entertainment (WSS), Catherine has always been driven by a singular mission: to tell stories that captivate, inspire, and connect audiences across generations and platforms. Her journey is a tapestry woven with bold choices and groundbreaking ideas, transforming challenges into opportunities and merging traditional storytelling with the possibilities offered by cutting-edge technology. In Catherine’s hands, a story is more than just a sequence of events; it’s an experience that immerses, engages, and lingers in the hearts of viewers. Today, she leads one of the most innovative studios in the world, shaping the future of animated entertainment while staying rooted in the timeless art of storytelling. The Beginning of a Visionary Journey Catherine’s passion for storytelling began early in her career, fueled by a desire to bring authentic visions to life. Her initial projects, such as Aeon Flux for MTV and Todd McFarlane’s Spawn for HBO, exemplified her innovative approach to animation. By assembling bespoke teams and creating tailored production pipelines, Catherine quickly established herself as a disruptor in a traditionally formulaic industry. Her commitment to non-traditional methods continued with her leadership roles at Blue Sky Studios, where she contributed to the success of Ice Age, and at Lucasfilm Animation, where she played a pivotal role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Reflecting on these experiences, Catherine notes, “Each project was unique, requiring a custom approach. It’s about understanding the creative DNA of the property and aligning it with a production strategy that honors its vision.” These formative years laid the foundation for her bold decision to establish Wind Sun Sky Entertainment in 2016, a studio built on creativity, flexibility, and innovation. “My love for digital storytelling and animation stems from working with global talents to authentically bring storytellers’ visions to the screen.” Building Wind Sun Sky Entertainment At its core, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment was conceived as a studio that would challenge traditional norms. Catherine’s vision was to create a dynamic, project-agnostic ecosystem capable of adapting to the specific needs of each property. From the outset, WSS distinguished itself with the launch of three groundbreaking series: Super Dinosaur, Invincible, and Psi Cops. Each of these projects underscored WSS’s commitment to blending compelling storytelling with technical excellence. “Audiences today want more than just passive viewing experiences,” Catherine explains. “They want to engage with characters and worlds across multiple touchpoints.” This understanding became a cornerstone of WSS’s strategy, leading to collaborations with prominent creator-economy partners like Viral Nation. Through these partnerships, WSS brought multi-platform storytelling to life, including projects like Camp McCarty, a vibrant digital universe featuring animated shorts, Roblox experiences, and more. One of WSS’s most notable achievements was its adaptation of the popular Roblox game Twilight Daycare into an animated series. With over 2 billion plays and 1.6 million premiere viewers, the project was a resounding success. “Our goal was to meet audiences where they are,” Catherine notes. “By merging traditional storytelling with emerging platforms, we’ve been able to create experiences that resonate deeply with modern viewers.” This project earned WSS the prestigious 2024 Cartoons on the Bay Pulcinella Metaverse Award, cementing its status as an industry innovator. Achievements and Milestones Under Catherine’s leadership, WSS has achieved remarkable milestones, blending creative ingenuity with tangible results. Another standout project, Future Chicken, exemplifies WSS’s entrepreneurial spirit. Instead of following traditional production methods, the studio adopted a test-and-learn approach, launching the project on platforms like YouTube and Roblox to gather real-time audience feedback. This iterative process led to the creation of comedy-driven shorts set to debut in 2025. “Future Chicken is a testament to the power of adaptability and collaboration,” Catherine shares. “It’s about creating content that evolves with audience preferences.” The studio’s innovative approach extends to its work in the metaverse, where WSS has adapted popular Roblox games like Creatures of Sonaria. These projects underscore the studio’s ability to leverage technology to enhance storytelling without compromising its emotional core. “Our focus has always been on using technology as a tool to deepen connections, not replace them,” Catherine explains. “By immersing ourselves in platforms like Roblox, we’re not just telling stories—we’re building worlds where audiences can interact and create their own narratives.” Challenges and Resilience The journey of an independent studio is not without its challenges. Competing with industry giants on a modest budget has required WSS to operate with agility and creativity. Catherine’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating these hurdles. This lean operational structure has allowed WSS to scale globally without losing sight of its core values. Catherine’s ability to foster a collaborative and transparent team culture has been key to WSS’s resilience. Daily stand-ups, open communication, and a fearless approach to problem-solving have become integral to the studio’s operations. “Empowering our team to share ideas and take ownership of their work has been critical to our success,” she notes. This environment not only encourages innovation but also enables WSS to pivot quickly in response to industry changes. “We’ve stayed intentionally small, focusing on strategic partnerships to expand our resources while maintaining our independence. When resources are limited, you learn to prioritize innovation and efficiency.” Storytelling: The Heart of WSS At the core of Catherine’s success is her unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. “Great stories are about creating connections that transcend boundaries,” she emphasizes. “Whether it’s a traditional animated series or an immersive digital experience, the emotional core of the story must remain intact.” This philosophy drives every project at WSS, ensuring that the narratives resonate deeply with audiences. One example of this philosophy in action is Jingle Jangle, developed in collaboration with The McCarty family. By