Nicola Lawrence | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Nicola Lawrence | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Nicola K Lawrence is a highly accomplished supply chain and logistics professional with extensive expertise across automotive, FMCG, government, technology, telecommunications, transportation, logistics, and retail industries. She has demonstrated strong leadership in end-to-end supply chain optimisation, operational transformation, budgeting, procurement, logistics, and business strategy. Her experience includes leading large-scale change management initiatives, driving cost-saving programs, improving operational efficiencies, and implementing digital and process transformation projects. Nicola has successfully managed complex cross-functional teams, multimillion-rand budgets, warehouse and logistics operations, and international supply chain networks while consistently delivering measurable business improvements and sustainable organisational growth.

Professional Profile 

Education

Nicola K Lawrence has built a strong academic foundation in logistics management, supply chain operations, marketing, and project management. Her educational background reflects a commitment to continuous professional and academic development within the field of supply chain and business transformation. She completed advanced studies in logistics management at the University of Johannesburg, progressing from undergraduate studies in marketing management to postgraduate specialization in logistics and supply chain disciplines. In addition, she earned a globally recognized Project Management Professional certification, strengthening her expertise in project leadership, governance, operational execution, and strategic transformation initiatives. Her academic journey demonstrates a clear alignment between theoretical knowledge and practical application in modern supply chain ecosystems.

Professional Experience

Nicola K Lawrence possesses extensive professional experience across automotive, FMCG, government, retail, transportation, logistics, technology, and consulting industries. She has held senior leadership and management positions responsible for end-to-end supply chain operations, imports, warehousing, logistics, procurement, distribution, project management, and operational transformation. Throughout her career, she has successfully delivered multimillion-rand cost savings, implemented digital transformation strategies, optimized workflows, and improved operational governance across complex organizational structures. Her experience includes leading large-scale supply chain teams, overseeing P&L budgets, implementing forecasting and warehouse management systems, managing international logistics networks, and driving continuous improvement programs. She has also worked in consulting and nonprofit sectors, demonstrating versatility in both commercial and socially driven operational environments.

Research Interests

Nicola K Lawrence’s professional and academic interests are strongly focused on logistics management, supply chain optimization, operational efficiency, business transformation, and strategic process improvement. Her areas of interest include digital transformation within supply chains, inventory and demand planning systems, logistics technology implementation, procurement governance, warehouse optimization, lean operational practices, and organizational change management. She is particularly interested in how modern supply chain strategies can improve business sustainability, operational resilience, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Her ongoing academic advancement further reflects an interest in contributing to research that supports innovation, supply chain modernization, and data-driven decision-making within global logistics and operations management environments.

Award and Honor

Throughout her professional journey, Nicola K Lawrence has earned recognition for her leadership, operational excellence, and impactful contributions to supply chain and business transformation initiatives. Her achievements include delivering substantial operational cost savings, improving logistics efficiency, reducing import lead times, and successfully implementing organization-wide change management programs. She has consistently demonstrated leadership in driving process optimization, governance improvement, and strategic operational planning within highly competitive industries. Her ability to lead cross-functional teams, execute complex transformation projects, and improve organizational performance highlights her standing as a respected professional in logistics and supply chain management. Her academic progression and professional certifications further reinforce her commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in her field.

Conclusion

Nicola K Lawrence represents a dynamic and accomplished professional with significant expertise in logistics management, supply chain transformation, and operational leadership. Her combination of advanced academic qualifications, extensive cross-industry experience, strategic management capabilities, and commitment to continuous improvement positions her as a strong contributor to modern supply chain innovation and business excellence. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to optimize operational performance, lead transformational initiatives, and create measurable business value across diverse organizational environments. Her professional accomplishments and academic pursuits reflect a forward-thinking approach to supply chain management and highlight her potential to contribute meaningfully to research, industry advancement, and organizational growth on both regional and global levels.

Publications Top Noted

Exploring lean six sigma-enabled demand management: a case study of an automotive aftermarket parts distributor

Authors: Nicola Karen Lawrence; Joash Mageto; Gert Heyns
Year: 2026

Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

IMDEA Materiales Institute, Spain

Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska is an Associate Professor, Research Associate, and MSCA Project Manager specializing in food technology, nutrition, health sciences, and biomaterials engineering. Her research focuses on bioactive plant compounds, probiotics, synbiotics, microencapsulation, functional foods, and bioavailability studies. She has authored approximately 176 scientific publications, delivered numerous international conference presentations, and achieved significant citation impact with a strong h-index and total impact factor. Her work advances innovative functional food systems and controlled-release biomaterials with applications in preventive nutrition and nutraceuticals. She has extensive international research collaborations, editorial responsibilities, and active involvement in multidisciplinary scientific and industry-oriented projects.

Professional Profile 

Education

Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska has established a strong academic foundation in food technology, nutrition, health sciences, and biomaterials research through advanced scientific training and interdisciplinary research activities. Her educational and research background reflects a combination of analytical chemistry, food science, dietetics, and functional biomaterials engineering. Through her doctoral and postdoctoral academic development, she gained expertise in plant-derived bioactive compounds, polyphenols, anthocyanins, probiotics, prebiotics, and innovative functional food systems. Her academic progression demonstrates a commitment to integrating nutrition science with advanced biomaterial applications aimed at improving human health and preventive nutrition strategies. In addition to her formal qualifications, she has strengthened her expertise through international scientific collaborations and research appointments at globally recognized institutions, including the University of British Columbia, CSIC Nutrition, the University of Sevilla, and the IMDEA Materials Institute. Her educational journey has enabled her to build a multidisciplinary scientific profile that bridges food science, nutraceutical development, public health, and material sciences. This broad academic preparation has supported her ability to conduct innovative research focused on bioavailability, antioxidant activity, controlled release systems, and the development of advanced functional food technologies.

Professional Experience

Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska has extensive professional experience as an Associate Professor, Research Associate, and international research project manager. Her career demonstrates strong involvement in both academic research and applied industry-oriented innovation. She has participated in more than ten national and international projects as a project manager, co-investigator, expert, fellow, and supervisor, reflecting her leadership capabilities in multidisciplinary scientific environments. Her professional activities include managing advanced research initiatives focused on microencapsulation technologies, functional food systems, synbiotics, plant bioactive compounds, and controlled-release biomaterial applications. She has also collaborated with industry partners in projects related to chokeberry juice optimization, sulfur-free wine production, and gluten-free functional raw materials, contributing to the transfer of scientific research into practical food and nutrition solutions. Her scientific productivity includes approximately 176 peer-reviewed publications and nearly 200 conference presentations, demonstrating sustained research excellence and international scientific engagement. In addition to her research activities, she has served in several editorial and scientific leadership roles, including editorial board memberships, guest editor appointments, and participation in reviewer panels for scientific journals and research funding organizations. Her professional profile is further strengthened by collaborations with leading universities, medical institutions, and research centers across Europe and Canada. Through these experiences, she has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research, scientific mentorship, innovation management, and the advancement of nutrition and biomaterials science.

Research Interests

The research interests of Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska focus on the intersection of food technology, nutrition science, biomaterials engineering, and health-oriented functional systems. Her work primarily investigates plant secondary metabolites, including polyphenols and anthocyanins, and their role in improving human health through functional food applications. She has extensive expertise in probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and innovative microencapsulation systems designed to enhance the stability, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. A major area of her research involves the development of layer-by-layer biopolymer systems and controlled-release technologies that improve the delivery and effectiveness of nutraceutical ingredients. Her studies also explore antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity activities associated with plant-derived compounds and functional food ingredients. In addition, she is actively involved in research related to precision nutrition and public health, aiming to create scientifically validated dietary strategies that support disease prevention and overall wellness. Her multidisciplinary research integrates analytical chemistry, in vitro biological models, food engineering, and biomaterial characterization to address modern challenges in nutrition and health sciences. Through innovative methodologies and collaborative international projects, she continues to contribute to the development of advanced functional foods and sustainable health-promoting technologies with both scientific and industrial relevance.

Award and Honor

Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska has earned significant recognition for her contributions to food science, nutrition, and biomaterials research through her scientific achievements, leadership roles, and international collaborations. Her strong publication record, citation impact, and editorial contributions reflect her standing within the global scientific community. She has achieved a notable Scopus h-index and a high citation count, demonstrating the influence and relevance of her research in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and bioactive compound delivery systems. Her involvement in prestigious international projects funded by major scientific organizations highlights the trust placed in her expertise and leadership capabilities. In addition to her research accomplishments, she has received recognition through appointments as guest editor, editorial board member, and scientific reviewer for internationally indexed journals and research funding bodies. Her contributions to interdisciplinary research and innovation have positioned her as a respected expert in the fields of food technology and preventive nutrition. She has also played important roles in scientific councils, doctoral and habilitation committees, and academic evaluation panels, reflecting her professional reputation and commitment to scientific excellence. Her international collaborations with universities, research institutes, and industry partners further emphasize the global impact of her work and her active participation in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

Conclusion

Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska represents a distinguished researcher whose career combines scientific innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful contributions to food technology, nutrition, and biomaterials science. Her expertise in bioactive compounds, functional food systems, and controlled-release technologies has contributed significantly to the advancement of preventive nutrition and health-oriented research. Through extensive publications, international projects, editorial leadership, and collaborative scientific initiatives, she has demonstrated consistent excellence in both academic and applied research environments. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also supports the development of practical solutions for improving food quality, human health, and nutraceutical innovation. With a strong international profile and a multidisciplinary research approach, she continues to make meaningful contributions to global scientific progress and the future of functional food and health sciences.

Charles Andre Nieves | Research Excellence | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Charles Andre Nieves | Research Excellence | Young Researcher Award 

University Of The Immaculate Conception | Philippines

Charles Andre F. Nieves, LPT, MAEM, is a licensed professional teacher, researcher, and academic leader with a distinguished record of excellence in education, research, and international collaboration. A Cum Laude graduate of the University of the Immaculate Conception, he has earned a Master of Arts in Educational Management, pursued advanced studies in language teaching and research methodologies, and gained international exposure through programs in Malaysia and Indonesia. With teaching experience spanning basic education and higher education—including his current role as a College Linguist Professor and International Office Coordinator—he combines expertise in educational management, linguistics, and curriculum development. His contributions include published research on artificial intelligence in teaching, ongoing cross-linguistic studies, and leadership in student organizations, training workshops, and international academic events. Recognized with numerous awards for excellence, leadership, and service, he continues to advance innovations in teaching, research, and global education partnerships.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Nieves, C. A. F., Baldonado, C. C., Mamonong, V. H., Aytong, N. E., Muslim, A. B., & Ja’afar, S. B. (2025). Cognate relations of basic lexical inventory development among Filipino, Indonesian, and Malay languages. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 12(1), 2549404.

Xingyu Xiao | Research Excellence | Innovative Research Award | 2397

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Dr. Xingyu Xiao | Research Excellence | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Xingyu Xiao | Tsinghua University | China

Xingyu Xiao is a doctoral researcher in Reliability Engineering and Safety Analysis at Tsinghua University, with a strong background in safety engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing. His research focuses on risk-informed decision support, human reliability analysis, and the integration of artificial intelligence, large language models, and graph neural networks into nuclear safety and emergency response. With numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Reliability Engineering & System Safety, Energies, and Risk Analysis, he has also contributed to open datasets and advanced frameworks for safety assessment. Recognized with top honors including the Tanzhen Scholar Award, National Scholarships, and multiple Best Paper Awards, Xiao is emerging as a promising young scholar bridging reliability engineering with cutting-edge AI technologies.

Academic Profile 

Scopus | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Sheng Xiao pursued his academic training in biochemistry and molecular biology, where he gained a strong foundation in cellular processes, molecular signaling, and the interface of traditional medicine with modern biomedical science. His education emphasized both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experimental research, allowing him to develop expertise in advanced laboratory techniques, molecular genetics, and translational applications. This strong academic background laid the groundwork for his future contributions in aging research, intestinal regeneration, and the therapeutic value of natural compounds.

Experience

Dr. Xiao is currently affiliated with the Navy Medical University, where he has advanced through academic and research roles with increasing responsibility. He has successfully led major projects funded at institutional, provincial, and national levels, serving as a principal investigator and collaborator in multidisciplinary teams. His experience covers research into brain–gut interactions, nuclear protein function in cancer biology, and natural medicine applications for age-related diseases. Beyond laboratory research, he has contributed to scientific societies, taken up editorial responsibilities, and engaged in collaborative programs that strengthen the global exchange of biomedical knowledge.

Research Interests

His research is centered on the molecular basis of intestinal stem cell regulation, gut regeneration, and aging-related disorders. He is deeply interested in how natural compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine influence molecular pathways such as Keap1–Nrf2 and srebp-mediated regulation. By integrating experimental models with translational perspectives, his work bridges the gap between fundamental molecular biology and clinical application. Additionally, he explores the brain–gut axis, aiming to understand the systemic mechanisms that link neurobiology, intestinal health, and therapeutic interventions.

Awards

Dr. Xiao has received recognition for his contributions through prestigious awards in scientific meetings, academic forums, and institutional honors. His poster presentations at international congresses and achievements in traditional medicine research have highlighted his innovative and impactful approaches. He has also been honored with distinguished scholar recognition for his leadership and excellence in research. These awards reflect his growing influence in the field and his continued commitment to advancing biomedical science for the benefit of both academia and healthcare.

Publications

Enhancing LOCA breach size diagnosis with deep learning

Author: X. Xiao, B. Qi, J. Liang, J. Tong, Q. Deng, P. Chen
Journal: Energies
Year: 2023

MixedGaussianAvatar: Realistically and geometrically accurate head avatar via mixed 2D-3D Gaussian splatting

Author: P. Chen, X. Wei, Q. Wuwu, X. Wang, X. Xiao, M. Lu – arXiv
Journal: preprint
Year: 2024

KRAIL: A knowledge-driven framework for base human reliability analysis integrating IDHEAS and large language models

Author: X. Xiao, P. Chen, B. Qi, H. Zhao, J. Liang, J. Tong, H. Wang
Journal: preprint
Year: 2024

Multimodal learning using large language models to improve transient identification in nuclear power plants

Author: B. Qi, J. Sun, Z. Sui, X. Xiao, J. Liang
Journal: Progress in Nuclear Energy
Year: 2024

A dynamic risk-informed framework for emergency human error prevention in high-risk industries: A nuclear power plant case study

Author: X. Xiao, B. Qi, S. Liu, P. Chen, J. Liang, J. Tong, H. Wang
Journal: Reliability Engineering & System Safety
Year: 2025

A national risk analysis model (NRAM) for the assessment of COVID-19 epidemic

Author:  Q. Deng, X. Xiao, L. Zhu, X. Cao, K. Liu, H. Zhang, L. Huang, F. Yu, H. Jiang, …
Journal: Risk Analysis
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Sheng Xiao’s groundbreaking research, leadership in prestigious projects, and commitment to advancing biochemistry and molecular biology make him an outstanding candidate. His contributions have not only deepened scientific understanding but also paved the way for innovative therapeutic applications, positioning him as a highly suitable recipient of the Innovative Research Award.