Dr. Elena Mäkiö is Professor of Software and Systems Engineering at the University of Furtwangen, Germany. She earned her Diploma in Mathematics from Yaroslavl State University, Russia, and her Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Warwick, UK. Her research has focused on developing critical thinking skills through education, resulting in a number of influential publications. Her current research interests include industrial digitalisation, particularly aspects of Industry 5.0 such as human-centredness and sustainability. She also investigates innovative approaches to software and cyber-physical systems engineering education, including methodologies to enhance critical thinking in the era of AI and to promote the development of transferable skills. Furthermore, she explores the approaches to integrate ethics into engineering education. Dr. Mäkiö is an active member of professional societies, including the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI) and the IEEE Education Society.