Natallia Bahdanovich Hanssen is an Associate Professor of Special Needs Education at Nord University in Bodø, Norway. Natallia's research interests are currently linked to comparative studies, inclusion, special needs education, inclusive education, language difficulties, aesthetic and special needs education, bullying, psychosocial learning challenges and behavioral and relational impairments.

Sven-Erik Hansén is an Emeritus Professor of Education in the Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies at Åbo Akademi University, Finland, and was Professor II at the University of Oslo (2010-13), at Nord University (2018-20) Norway, and Docent at the University of Helsinki. His research areas include teacher education, teachers' professional development, curriculum studies; and evaluations of teacher education, higher education institutions and of research project applications. He was President of NERA (Nordic Educational Research Association) from 2004-07.

Kristina Ström is Professor of Special Education at Åbo Akademi University, Finland. Her main research interests include the work and role of special education teachers, special education and special educational support in the school system, special education in rural areas and inclusive education. She has also a special interest in special and inclusive education in low income countries, especially in East Africa.