Eric Howard | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Eric Howard | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Eric Howard | Macquarie University | Australia

Dr. Eric Howard is an accomplished academic leader, researcher, and innovator with nearly three decades of combined experience across computational physics, astronomy, quantum computing, data science, and cybersecurity. He has made influential contributions through teaching, curriculum design, research supervision, and interdisciplinary program development across multiple higher-education sectors. His academic leadership includes directing programs and advancing pedagogical frameworks for undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA-level studies. Dr. Howard’s research portfolio reflects significant advancements in emerging technologies. His completed and ongoing projects span quantum machine learning for fraud detection, hybrid quantum-classical neural networks for intrusion detection, quantum Bayesian inference models, variational simulations of molecular ground states, holographic beam shaping with AI optimization, and quantum graph neural networks for complex systems. He has published more than sixty peer-reviewed papers in respected SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, covering quantum information science, artificial intelligence, cosmology, cryptography, and computational physics. He also contributes to global scholarship as an editor for international journals in physics and theoretical mathematics, while serving as a peer reviewer for prominent scientific publishers and organizations. In addition, Dr. Howard maintains strong collaborative ties with national research institutes, quantum technology networks, and centers of excellence, advancing high-impact interdisciplinary projects. In industry, Dr. Howard has demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership as CEO of companies specializing in AI-powered cybersecurity and data-driven digital automation. His consultancy experience includes developing secure e-learning ecosystems, threat intelligence platforms, cloud security frameworks, and advanced analytics solutions for enterprise and academic clients. Dr. Howard’s key contributions include pioneering quantum-enhanced cybersecurity models, designing AI-driven threat intelligence frameworks, and leading competitive grant-funded projects in quantum sensing, VQE simulations, and digital security. His sustained commitment to innovation, mentorship, and research excellence underscores his significant impact on scientific, technological, and educational advancement.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Howard, E. (2025). Data imputation with deep learning: AI techniques for handling missing or noisy data. Eksplorium. https://doi.org/10.52783/eksplorium.65

Howard, E. (2025). End-to-end visibility in global supply chains: Blockchain and AI integration [Dataset]. figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.28528676

Howard, E. (2025). Leveraging computer vision and data science for enhanced operational efficiency in smart enterprises. Tangence. https://doi.org/10.52783/tangence.6

Ramshankar, P., Howard, E., Srinivasan, V., Prabu, D., Dhanraj, J. A., Kumar, M. J., & Rajendiran, M. (2025). Nanoscale characterization and imaging techniques for material analysis. AIP Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0277578

Howard, E. (2025). Optimization of heat transfer in mechanical systems using AI in neural networks. Tangence. https://doi.org/10.52783/tangence.3

Howard, E. (2025). Real-time image-based data processing and its applications in managerial decision-making and risk analysis. Eksplorium. https://doi.org/10.52783/eksplorium.181

Antonella Frassanito | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Antonella Frassanito | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Antonella Frassanito | Sapienza University of Rome | Italy 

Dr. Antonella Frassanito is an accomplished Italian pediatrician and pediatric pulmonologist with extensive clinical, academic, and research experience spanning nearly two decades. Born in Cosenza, she earned her Medical Degree with honors from Sapienza University of Rome, followed by specialization in Pediatrics, summa cum laude) and advanced master’s degrees in Pediatric Pneumology and Healthcare Management. She also holds certifications in pediatric emergency, life support, pediatric ultrasound, and European pediatric life support. Dr. Frassanito has built a robust clinical career across major Italian healthcare institutions, including Umberto I General Hospital, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, and San Camillo de Lellis Hospital. she has served as a Medical Manager at the Pediatric Emergency and Short Observation Unit of the Maternal-Infant and Urologic Sciences Department in Rome. She has been a practicing pediatrician in nursery settings and actively substitutes for pediatricians. In academia, she has taught in the Pediatric Emergency Master’s Program and the Nursing Science Course at Sapienza University. Her research focuses on bronchiolitis, respiratory infections, bronchoscopy, pertussis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and pediatric respiratory function. She has contributed to numerous national and international studies, including multicenter projects funded by SIMRI and Sapienza University. Dr. Frassanito is a member of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, SIMRI, and the European Respiratory Society. She serves on editorial boards and is a peer reviewer for international journals. She has presented extensively at major conferences, chaired sessions at ERS congresses, and delivered invited lectures on bronchiolitis, pneumonia, respiratory microbiota, and pediatric emergency topics. Her work has earned multiple SIMRI awards and scholarships recognizing excellence in pediatric respiratory research. Through her clinical leadership, scientific contributions, and educational roles, Dr. Frassanito continues to play a significant role in advancing pediatric respiratory medicine in Italy and beyond.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Congenital Tracheal Stenosis: Two Case Reports and Literature Review Matera, L., Nenna, R., Frassanito, A., Conti, M. G., Petrarca, L., Mancino, E., Di Mattia, G., La Regina, D. P., Iovine, E., Virgili, F., Spatuzzo, M., & Midulla, F. (2024). Congenital tracheal stenosis: Two case reports and literature review. Current RespiratoryMedicineReviews,20(4),351354.
https://doi.org/10.2174/011573398X282374240227040922

A Single Center Observational Study on Clinical Manifestations and Associated Factors of Pediatric Long COVID Mancino, E., Nenna, R., Matera, L., La Regina, D. P., Petrarca, L., Iovine, E., Di Mattia, G., Frassanito, A., Conti, M. G., Bonci, E., Spatuzzo, M., Ialongo, S., Zicari, A. M., Spalice, A., & Midulla, F., on behalf of the Long Covid Research Group. (2023). A single center observational study on clinical manifestations and associated factors of pediatric Long COVID. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(18), 6799. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186799

An Italian Multicenter Study on the Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Hospitalized Children Nenna, R., Matera, L., Licari, A., Manti, S., Di Bella, G., Pierangeli, A., Palamara, A. T., Nosetti, L., Leonardi, S., Marseglia, G. L., & Midulla, F., for the ICHRIS Group. (2022). An Italian multicenter study on the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in hospitalized children. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10, 930281. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.930281

Shreedhar Sahoo | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Shreedhar Sahoo | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Shreedhar Sahoo | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | India

Shreedhar Sahoo is a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow (PMRF) and Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, specializing in rail–wheel interaction, traction, and slip dynamics. His doctoral research focuses on the investigation of traction and slip at the rail–wheel contact using wheel tread temperature monitoring, contributing to improved safety, efficiency, and predictive maintenance in railway systems. He holds a Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur with an excellent CGPA of 9.26/10. His academic foundation spans advanced mechanical engineering, railway vehicle dynamics, finite element methods, vibration analysis, thermodynamics, and applied mathematics. His M.Tech project involved the active control of functionally graded shells using piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites, while his B.Tech project explored personality trait prediction from Twitter data using SVM, achieving an accuracy of 80.1%. Shreedhar has completed two technical internships at Transenigma, Kolkata, where he worked on automation in motion graphics and 3D human-prototype modeling using Adobe and Autodesk Maya platforms. He has also obtained OCA Java certification with a 91% score and participated in specialized workshops, including SIMPACK training on railway vehicle dynamics. His research work has led to publications in reputed journals such as the Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit and Tribology International. He has presented at major conferences, including the 4th International Conference on Friction-based Processes, where he won the 2nd prize for oral presentation in 2025. He is also a co-inventor of a provisional patent on room-temperature deposition of nanoparticle-based coatings. Alongside technical expertise, he has served as a student coordinator for courses on text analytics and modeling tools. Overall, Shreedhar Sahoo’s academic excellence, research contributions, and interdisciplinary skills highlight his strong potential as a researcher and innovation-driven engineer in rail transport and tribology.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Sahoo, S., Kushan, D. S., Ronith, G. S. P. J., & Racherla, V. (2026). Nano-scale friction modifier coatings: Application methodology, friction characteristics, and surrogate models. Tribology International, Article 111429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2025.111429

Sergey Pulinets | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sergey Pulinets | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sergey Pulinets | Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) | Russia

Prof. Sergey A. Pulinets is a leading geophysicist and space plasma physicist  in the fields of space plasma physics, ionospheric physics, and geophysics. A graduate of the Faculty of Physics at Lomonosov Moscow State University , he has held major scientific and administrative positions at IZMIRAN, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and the Institute of Applied Geophysics, before joining the Space Research Institute (IKI RAS) in 2009 as Chief Research Scientist. Prof. Pulinets is internationally recognized for his pioneering studies on ionization processes and their effects on the atmosphere, leading to the development of a comprehensive Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere coupling model, widely used today for short-term earthquake precursor monitoring. He has led and participated in numerous space experiments aboard Soviet and Russian satellites and currently serves as the chief designer of the LAERT ionosonde-radar, part of the “Ionosonde-2025” satellite constellation under the Russian Federal Space Program. He has authored over 192 scientific publications, which have garnered 6,824 citations across 2,736 documents, with an h-index of 38 (Scopus). His work integrates multidisciplinary approaches to earthquake forecasting, as reflected in his monographs with Springer, AGU/Wiley, and IOP Publishing. Prof. Pulinets is a member of COSPAR, URSI, EMSEV, and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and serves as an editor for MDPI Atmosphere and the RAS journal Geomagnetism and Aeronomy. He has reviewed for more than 30 international journals including JGR, Radio Science, and Natural Hazards. His scientific achievements have been recognized with VDNKh Bronze and Silver Medals, the Korolev Medal, and numerous honors from the Russian Federation of Cosmonautics. Holding 10 patents and one scientific discovery, Prof. Pulinets stands among the top 25 most-cited Russian scientists in geophysics.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Ouzounov, D., Inan, S., Kalenda, P., Neumann, L., Pulinets, S., Liu, J.-Y., Shen, X., Yan, R., Rušajová, J., Kafatos, M. C., et al. (2025, January 20). Multi-parameter study of the pre-earthquake phase associated with the Kahramanmaraş sequence in Türkiye on February 6th, 2023. EGUsphere Preprint. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6407

Smirnov, S., Pulinets, S., & Bychkov, V. (2024, December 9). Some effects of the Shiveluch Volcano eruption of 10 April 2023 on atmospheric electricity and the ionosphere. Atmosphere, 15(12), 1467. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15121467

Pulinets, S., & Velasco Herrera, V. M. (2024, August 5). Earthquake precursors: The physics, identification, and application. Geosciences, 14(8), 209. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14080209

Pulinets, S., Mironova, I., Miklyaev, P., Petrova, T., Shitov, A., & Karagodin, A. (2024, January 27). Radon variability as a result of interaction with the environment. Atmosphere, 15(2), 167. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15020167

Pulinets, S. A. (2024, January 22). Physical bases of the short-term forecast of earthquakes. Astronomical and Astrophysical Transactions, 1476-3540. https://doi.org/10.17184/eac.8366

Liu, J.-Y. T., Shen, X., Chang, F.-Y., Chen, Y.-I., Sun, Y.-Y., Chen, C.-H., Pulinets, S., Hattori, K., Ouzounov, D., Tramutoli, V., et al. (2024, January 20). Spatial analyses on pre-earthquake ionospheric anomalies and magnetic storms observed by China seismo-electromagnetic satellite in August 2018. Geoscience Letters, 11(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40562-024-00320-2

Grimalsky, V., Kotsarenko, A., Yutsis, V., Pulinets, S., & Del Razo Gonzalez, A. (2023, December 29). New insights into the simulations of electric currents for discharges and ULF magnetic-field perturbations: Applications to the Popocatepetl Volcano and a micro-discharge model. Remote Sensing, 16(1), 151. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16010151

Shitov, A. V., Pulinets, S. A., & Budnikov, P. A. (2023, August). Effect of earthquake preparation on changes in meteorological characteristics (based on the example of the 2003 Chuya earthquake). Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, 63(6), 745–755. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0016793223600285

Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Moffitt Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava, Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis at Moffitt Cancer Center, is an accomplished molecular biologist with over 18 years of pioneering experience spanning cancer biology, immuno-oncology, and therapeutic discovery. Her multidisciplinary research integrates molecular genetics, pharmacology, redox biology, and genomics to uncover mechanisms driving tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. At Moffitt, Dr. Srivastava has made groundbreaking discoveries in melanoma, elucidating how redox and nitrosylation signaling pathways modulate immune evasion and therapeutic resistance in NRAS-driven cancers. Her work has identified actionable targets and led to the development of innovative RNAi-, PROTAC-, and small-molecule–based therapeutics that have advanced toward preclinical and clinical evaluation. Previously at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and Yale University, she spearheaded translational research programs that delivered clinical candidates for lung diseases and cancer, while uncovering novel oncogenic pathways such as AEG-1/MTDH in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Dr. Srivastava’s contributions—reflected in over 30 peer-reviewed publications, invited talks at major international conferences, and successful therapeutic innovations—underscore her leadership in bridging fundamental discoveries with clinical application, advancing next-generation strategies to combat cancer and chronic diseases.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Yoo, B. K., Santhekadur, P. K., Gredler, R., Chen, D., Emdad, L., Bhutia, S., … & Fisher, P. B. (2011). Increased RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) activity contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology, 53(5), 1538–1548. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.24221

Santhekadur, P. K., Das, S. K., Gredler, R., Chen, D., Srivastava, J., Robertson, C., … & Fisher, P. B. (2012). Multifunction protein staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1 (SND1) promotes tumor angiogenesis in human hepatocellular carcinoma through a novel pathway involving NF-κB and miR-221. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 287(17), 13952–13958. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M111.323899

Sarkar, D., & Fisher, P. B. (2013). AEG-1/MTDH/Lyric: Clinical significance. Advances in Cancer Research, 120, 39–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-401676-7.00002-0

Srivastava, J., Siddiq, A., Emdad, L., Santhekadur, P. K., Chen, D., Gredler, R., … & Fisher, P. B. (2012). Astrocyte elevated gene-1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis: Novel insights from a mouse model. Hepatology, 56(5), 1782–1791. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.25841

Santhekadur, P. K., Akiel, M., Emdad, L., Gredler, R., Srivastava, J., … & Fisher, P. B. (2014). Staphylococcal nuclease domain containing-1 (SND1) promotes migration and invasion via angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and TGF-β signaling. FEBS Open Bio, 4, 353–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fob.2014.03.001

Shadi Shayan | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shadi Shayan | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shadi Shayan | Adelaide University | Australia

Dr. Shadi Shayan’s research lies at the intersection of project management, smart technologies, and social sustainability, focusing on how large-scale urban innovation programs can effectively manage social risks and deliver equitable outcomes. His scholarly work explores the dynamic relationships between technological transformation, social response, and governance frameworks in smart city development. By integrating change management models with risk management processes, Dr. Shayan has developed innovative frameworks that address the socio-demographic dimensions of smart city transitions—bridging theory, practice, and policy. His doctoral research, “Integrating change models and risk management processes: A framework to manage social risks in smart city programs”, provides a comprehensive model for mitigating community resistance and fostering inclusive participation in technologically driven urban initiatives. Dr. Shayan’s publications in leading journals such as Smart Cities, Sustainable Cities and Society, and International Journal of Construction Management advance understanding of how social factors, demographic variables, and stakeholder perceptions influence the success of smart city and infrastructure projects. A consistent theme in his research is the application of systems thinking and socio-technical analysis to enhance decision-making in project and program management. He also examines the evolving roles of professionals, including engineers and quantity surveyors, in adapting to emerging technological and societal challenges. Dr. Shayan’s work has significant implications for both academia and industry. It informs policy frameworks for smart urban governance, supports organizational strategies for managing social risk, and contributes to sustainable and resilient infrastructure planning. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and active engagement with the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand, he connects research with real-world impact—helping shape cities that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and inclusive.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications 

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P. (2025). Social responses and change management strategies in smart city transitions: A socio-demographic perspective. Smart Cities, 8(6), 188. https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8060188

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P. (2023). Understanding correlations between social risks and sociodemographic factors in smart city development. Sustainable Cities and Society, 89, 104320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104320

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P. (2022). A conceptual framework to manage social risks for smart city development programs. In Resilient and responsible smart cities (pp. 77–86). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98423-6_6

Shayan, S., Kim, K. P., Ma, T., & Nguyen, T. H. D. (2020). The first two decades of smart city research from a risk perspective. Sustainability, 12(21), 9280. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219280

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P., & Tam, V. (2019). Critical success factor analysis for effective risk management at the execution stage of a construction project. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(3), 379–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2019.1624678

Sayak Chatterjee | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayak Chatterjee | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayak Chatterjee | University of Massachusetts | United States

Dr. Sayak Chatterjee is a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA, specializing in experimental high-energy nuclear and particle physics. His research focuses on precision measurements, detector development, and high-rate data acquisition systems for frontier experiments such as MOLLER at Jefferson Lab and CBM at FAIR, Germany. With advanced expertise in Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM), Cherenkov detectors, and GEANT4-based simulations, he has contributed significantly to detector innovation and performance optimization. Dr. Chatterjee has an impressive academic record, authoring 44 research documents with 179 citations and an h-index of 7, reflecting the impact of his contributions to detector physics. His scholarly excellence has been recognized through multiple international honors, including the Ernest Rutherford Best Researcher Award and the Young Research Grant at the Pisa Meeting on Advanced Detectors, Italy. Beyond research, he serves on editorial boards, reviews for leading journals, and actively mentors students, embodying excellence in both scientific innovation and academic leadership.

Profiles:  ORCID | Scopus | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Chatterjee, S. (2025). Characterization of Cherenkov detectors for the MOLLER experiment. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment.

Mandal, S., Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Gope, S., Dhani, S., Hegde, A. C., … (2024). Investigation of the stability in the performance of triple GEM detectors for High Energy Physics experiments. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Charging-up effect and uniformity study of a single mask triple GEM detector. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Effect of relative humidity on the long-term operation of a single mask triple GEM chamber. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Sen, A., Chatterjee, S., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Characterization of a new RPC prototype using conventional gas mixture. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.