Mohamed Amen | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Mohamed Amen | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Adelaide University (University of South Australia, formerly) | Australia

Dr. Mohamed Amen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Adelaide University, specialising in the development and translation of nanoscale sensor technologies for biomedical applications. With a strong foundation in biomedical and biomaterial engineering, his work focuses on the design of solid-state field-effect transistors for high-sensitivity biosignal monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics. His research aims to bridge advanced nanotechnology with clinical applications, addressing critical healthcare challenges such as heart failure, traumatic brain injury, preeclampsia, and epilepsy. Dr. Amen has made significant contributions to the field of wearable and implantable diagnostic devices, leveraging microfabrication and nanotechnology platforms to create novel biosensors capable of real-time monitoring of physiological signals. His research combines engineering expertise with translational potential, exemplified by the development of rapid finger-prick tests and wearable ECG systems that are moving toward clinical evaluation and patent protection. His work has attracted industry collaboration, including engagement with leading healthcare technology partners, underscoring the practical impact of his innovations. To date, he has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals and has contributed to several consultancy and industrial projects. His research is highly cited, reflecting its global relevance and scientific influence. He is also an active member of professional societies, including the Australian Materials Research Society and the Australia and New Zealand Nano & Microfluidic Society, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community. Dr. Amen’s work exemplifies research excellence through its combination of cutting-edge innovation, translational application, and community impact. His ongoing projects aim to revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics and wearable biosensing, with the ultimate goal of improving early disease detection, patient outcomes, and global healthcare delivery. His dedication to advancing biomedical nanotechnology positions him as a leading researcher in the integration of solid-state nanosensors into practical clinical tools.

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Featured Publications

Hamideh Elmizadeh | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Hamideh Elmizadeh | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hamideh Elmizadeh | Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) | Iran

Dr. Hamideh Elmizadeh is an accomplished analytical chemist specializing in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials, particularly quantum dots and fluorescent nanosensors for biomedical, forensic, and environmental applications. Her expertise spans optical bio-nanosensors, chemometrics, drug-delivery systems, and the development of high-performance analytical platforms using cutting-edge experimental design and molecular spectroscopy techniques. She is highly skilled in software tools such as Design-Expert, Origin, ChemDraw, and Microsoft Office, complementing her strong background in experimental optimization and nanosensor fabrication. Dr. Elmizadeh has served in academic and research positions across leading Iranian institutions, contributing to higher education as a visiting professor and advancing interdisciplinary research as an assistant professor in analytical chemistry. She has also been actively involved in forensic analytical science through her role at a legal medicine research center, where she developed innovative fluorescent probes for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of drugs and biomolecules in complex biological matrices. Her scientific contributions include numerous publications in high-impact journals, covering quantum dot synthesis, apta-nanobiosensors, hydrogel-based materials, environmental pollutant detection, chitosan-based drug carriers, and chemometric modeling. She has authored specialized conference presentations and co-developed several national patents related to photocatalysis, nanomaterial-based sensors, and targeted drug-delivery systems. Her work has resulted in successful research projects leading to impactful publications, patented technologies, and advanced nanosensor prototypes. Dr. Elmizadeh is also the author of a book on chemical and optical nanosensors and maintains active profiles on major scientific platforms, including ResearchGate, LinkedIn, ORCID, and Scopus. She has participated in numerous specialized workshops on nanotechnology, biosensing, flow cytometry, commercialization, standard development, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Recognized for scientific excellence, leadership, and innovation, Dr. Elmizadeh is a member of national scientific organizations and serves as editor-in-chief of a nanochemistry journal. Her work reflects a strong commitment to advancing analytical chemistry through research, teaching, and technological innovation.

Profile; Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications:

Khanmohammadi, M., Elmizadeh, H., & Ghasemi, K. (2015). Investigation of size and morphology of chitosan nanoparticles used in drug delivery system employing chemometric technique. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 14(3), 665–672.

Elmizadeh, H., Khanmohammadi, M., Ghasemi, K., Hassanzadeh, G., & others. (2013). Preparation and optimization of chitosan nanoparticles and magnetic chitosan nanoparticles as delivery systems using Box–Behnken statistical design. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 80, 141–146.

Elmizadeh, H., Faridbod, F., Soleimani, M., Ganjali, M. R., & Bardajee, G. R. (2020). Fluorescent apta-nanobiosensors for fast and sensitive detection of digoxin in biological fluids using rGQDs: Comparison of two approaches for immobilization of aptamer. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 302, 127133.

Elmizadeh, H., Soleimani, M., Faridbod, F., & Bardajee, G. R. (2017). Ligand-capped CdTe quantum dots as a fluorescent nanosensor for detection of copper ions in environmental water sample. Journal of Fluorescence, 27(6), 2323–2333.

Bardajee, G. R., Zamani, M., Mahmoodian, H., Elmizadeh, H., Yari, H., & others. (2021). Capability of novel fluorescence DNA-conjugated CdTe/ZnS quantum dots nanoprobe for COVID-19 sensing. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 269, 120702.

André de Moric | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. André de Moric | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. André de Moric | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo | Brazil

Dr. André de Moricz, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Head of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery Group at the Department of Surgery, Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil. He holds a medical degree from Fundação do ABC, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate in Surgery from the Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences. Over the course of his extensive academic and clinical career, he has become a leading authority in HPB surgery, complex biliary and pancreatic procedures, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Moricz’s research portfolio spans translational oncology, gastrointestinal diseases, surgical outcomes, immune microenvironments, and advanced operative strategies. His contributions include high-impact research on tumour-specific immune responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, global cancer mutational signatures through the Mutographs consortium, and clinically focused studies on gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy, gallstone disease predictors, surgical management in elderly patients, and technical innovations such as modified hepaticojejunostomy to facilitate endoscopic access. He is the author and co-author of several major surgical textbooks, including comprehensive works on general medicine, minimally invasive abdominal wall and digestive surgery, and cornerstone treatises in Brazilian surgical education. His publications also include numerous book chapters featured in authoritative national and regional surgical references, covering HPB surgery, digestive system diseases, and advanced operative management. His early academic contributions also include the development of an experimental pancreas transplantation training model. Beyond academia, Dr. Moricz collaborates with industry, serving as a consultant for projects related to enzyme reposition therapy in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, supporting innovation that enhances patient care. Recognized for his leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to surgical excellence, Dr. André de Moricz continues to influence clinical practice, research development, and professional training in HPB surgery both in Brazil and internationally.

Profile; Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications:

Kinker, G. S., Vitiello, G. A. F., Diniz, A. B., Cabral-Piccin, M. P., Pereira, P. H. B., Carvalho, M. L. R., Ferreira, W. A. S., Chaves, A. S., Rondinelli, A., Gusmão, A. F., Defelicibus, A., Dos Santos, G. O., Nunes, W. A., Claro, L. C. L., Bernardo, T. M., Nishio, R. T., Pacheco, A. M., Laus, A. C., Arantes, L. M. R. B., & Moricz, A. de, et al. (2023). Mature tertiary lymphoid structures are key niches of tumour-specific immune responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Gut, 72(10), 1927–1941.

Rego, R. E., Campos, T. de, Moricz, A. de, Silva, R. A., & Pacheco Júnior, A. M. (2003). Cholecystectomy in the elderly: Early results of open versus laparoscopic approach. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 49(3), 293–299.

Pereira, F. L., Vasques, F. T., Moricz, A., Campos, T., Pacheco Jr., A. M., & Silva, R. A. (2012). Correlation analysis between post-pancreatoduodenectomy pancreatic fistula and pancreatic histology. Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, 39, 41–47.

Rêgo, R. E. C., Campos, T., Moricz, A. de, Silva, R. A., & Pacheco Júnior, A. M. (2003). Tratamento cirúrgico da litíase vesicular no idoso: Análise dos resultados imediatos da colecistectomia por via aberta e videolaparoscópica. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 49, 293–299.

Reverdito, R., Moricz, A., Campos, T., Pacheco, A. M., & Silva, R. A. (2016). Mirizzi syndrome grades III and IV: Surgical treatment. Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, 43(4), 243–247.

Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Mrs. Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos | Universidad de Cádiz | Spain

Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos is a specialist in Physical Activity, Sport Sciences, and Educational Innovation, with comprehensive training that includes a degree in Sports Sciences, two official master’s degrees in Physical Activity and Health and Teacher Training, and advanced postgraduate studies in Sports Coaching and Injury Rehabilitation. Her academic trajectory is complemented by extensive university teaching experience at the University of Cádiz, where she has taught subjects related to biomechanics, acrobatics, motor skills, educational gymnastics, sports pedagogy, aquatic activities, recreational physical activity, and the development of motor competence across different educational stages. She has also contributed to practicum coordination in teacher-training programs and delivered specialized courses in sports training and individual sports foundations. Her research activity includes authorship of scientific articles, book chapters, and two monographs published by a recognized sports-science editorial, addressing topics such as injury prevention, water sports initiation, emotional intelligence in physical education, educational technology, and interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches. Beyond academia, she has developed significant professional experience as a coach, instructor, and technical director in gymnastics, aquatic disciplines, fitness environments, and school-based extracurricular programs. She has held roles of academic coordination, subject leadership, and instructional design in vocational and advanced sports-training programs, contributing to curriculum implementation in areas such as biomechanics, biological foundations, sports techniques, group dynamics, disability and inclusion, aquatic conditioning, and emergency intervention. Her profile reflects a solid blend of teaching excellence, applied research, professional leadership, and commitment to promoting health, inclusion, and high-quality physical education through evidence-based practice and innovation.

Profile; Orcid 

Featured Publications:

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). El juego como medio de enseñanza de los deportes paralímpicos. En Cartografía lúdica: Enseñar, aprender, cuidar y transformar la cultura y la sociedad jugando (ISBN 979-13-7006-273-6).

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). El maestro que actúa. Una narrativa a propósito de su homosexualidad. En Caminando hacia la inclusión de las personas LGBTIQA+: Resistencias y alternativas contrahegemónicas (ISBN 979-13-7006-510-2).

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). Mi infancia son recuerdos de un patio (de colegio) en Cádiz. Gaditana-Logía.

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). Mi infancia son recuerdos de un patio (de colegio) en Cádiz. Gaditana-Logía Comunicación.

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). Tecnología, inclusión y educación social: Una narrativa. RiiTE: Revista Interuniversitaria de Investigación en Tecnología Educativa. https://doi.org/10.6018/riite.685041

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2024). An oncology patient’s reading. In F. Amar & V. Amar (Eds.), Advances in Psychology, Mental Health, and Behavioral Studies (pp. xx–xx). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4244-2.ch013

Amar, F., Sánchez, B., & Amar, V. (2025). La inteligencia artificial a través de la narrativa: ¿Cuánto hay de inteligencia y cuánto de artificial? Educação e Pesquisa. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-4634202551291963es

Antonella Frassanito | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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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

Alimorad Rashidi | Academic Recognition | Editorial Board Member

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Prof. Alimorad Rashidi | Academic Recognition | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Alimorad Rashidi | Research institute of petroleum industry | Iran

Alimorad Rashidi is a leading chemical engineering researcher recognized internationally for pioneering contributions to carbon nanostructures, nanofluids, and nanotechnology-driven energy solutions. His work spans fundamental materials science to industrial-scale innovation, with a strong emphasis on applications in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. As head of an advanced carbon nanostructures research group, he has led major initiatives in the mass production of nanomaterials—including carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanoporous carbons, metal oxides, and hybrid nanomaterials—using scalable chemical, catalytic, and CVD-based processes. His expertise includes nanofluid development for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), drilling fluids, heat transfer systems, and next-generation fuel formulations. He has significantly advanced adsorption and separation technologies, contributing to natural gas storage (ANG), CO₂ capture, gas purification, and smart adsorbent design. His research also encompasses nanocatalysts for hydrogenation, hydrodesulfurization, heavy oil upgrading, selective H₂S conversion, and methane-to-ethylene catalytic processes. He has extensive experience designing and optimizing pilot plants, adsorption systems (PSA), nanofilter membranes, and large-scale nanomaterial production units. His academic background is complemented by teaching expertise in heat transfer, mass transfer, fluid mechanics, nanostructured materials, surface science, and catalytic processes. Rashidi’s contributions are reflected in a substantial portfolio of international patents, including technologies for carbon nanotube production, advanced hydrodesulfurization catalysts, alumina nanotube-supported catalysts, highly ordered nanostructure arrays, nanohybrid systems for NOx removal, heavy crude upgrading catalysts, carbon nanotube-based nanohybrids for oil recovery, nanofluid synthesis, and graphene and nanoporous graphene production. His work has earned numerous national and international recognitions, including multiple top researcher awards, major innovation accolades, elite scientific honors, and global citations ranking him among the top 1–2% of scientists worldwide. His combination of scientific leadership, industrial impact, and sustained innovation positions him as a key figure in advancing nanotechnology for energy and environmental applications.

Profiles: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Sharafinia, S., Saadati Ardestani, N., Rashidi, A., Abbasy, F., & Eskandari Sabzi, P. (2025). CO₂/N₂ selectivity with high efficiency using new flexible coordinate organic polymer-based core–shell. RSC Advances. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA03873A

Mir, S., Rashidi, A., Naderifar, A., Seif, A., Silvestrelli, P. L., & Alonso, J. A. (2025). Development of a smart plasma-treated nano-filter using carbon nitride nanostructures for oil–water emulsion separation: Experimental and theoretical studies. Journal of Materials Chemistry A. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA00294J

Sirati Gohari, M., Rezaei, S. A., Rashidi, A., Javadpour, S., & Ebadzadeh, T. (2025). MXenes and hydride nanostructures: Fundamental, properties, surface modification, properties, and application. In Book chapter. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-21853-8.00002-5

Zafari, T., Sharafinia, S., Rashidi, A., Esrafili, M. D., Keyvani, B., & Mousavi, M. (2025). Optimized adsorption of volatile organic compounds on graphene oxide and nanoporous graphene activated with ZnCl₂: A combined experimental and computational study. Nanoscale Advances. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00199D

Mousavi, R., Fazlinezhad, A., Fallah Shojaei, A., Rashidi, A., & Fattahi, M. (2025). Evaluation of vanadium oxide nanocatalysts over graphene for propylene production through oxidative propane dehydrogenation. Catalysts, 15(5), 409. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15050409

Nouri, M., Sadeghi, M. T., Rashidi, A., & Norouzbeigi, R. (2024). Hydrothermally synthetized WO₃-coated stainless steel mesh for oil–water separation purposes. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-023-01741-z

Decheng Li | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Decheng Li | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Decheng Li | Lanzhou University of Technology | China

Dr. Decheng Li, a distinguished scholar at the School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, has made substantial contributions to intelligent control systems, robotics, optimization algorithms, and renewable energy integration. His research consistently bridges theoretical innovation with real-world engineering needs, and his recent work on high-precision optical measurement systems exemplifies this commitment to impactful technological advancement. In the 2025 journal article “Robust hybrid decentralized controller design for Voice Coil Actuator–Fast Steering Mirror (VCA–FSM) system in high-precision optical measurements”, co-authored by Jiabin Liu and Hui Chen and published in Measurement, Dr. Li presents a novel control solution for improving accuracy and stability in fast optical beam steering applications. VCA–FSM systems are critical components in laser communication, adaptive optics, precision imaging, and spaceborne measurement instruments, where rapid response and minimal error are essential. However, these systems often encounter challenges such as parameter uncertainties, external disturbances, nonlinear coupling between axes, and stringent precision requirements. The study introduces a hybrid decentralized control strategy that integrates robust control principles with intelligent algorithmic tuning. This decentralized architecture allows each axis of the FSM to be controlled independently while mitigating cross-axis interference. The hybrid approach combines model-based design with adaptive mechanisms to enhance disturbance rejection and maintain system stability under uncertain conditions. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controller significantly improves tracking accuracy, dynamic response, and robustness compared to conventional centralized or purely model-based controllers. Dr. Li’s contribution not only advances the performance of VCA–FSM platforms but also offers a generalizable framework for other high-precision mechatronic systems. His ongoing work continues to strengthen the integration of automation, intelligent control, and advanced signal processing to achieve next-generation smart engineering solutions.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Liu, J., Li, D., & Chen, H. (2025). “Robust hybrid decentralized controller design for Voice Coil Actuator-Fast Steering Mirror system in high-precision optical measurements.

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award | 2598

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Dr. Nuno Almeida | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Universidade do Algarve | Portugal

Dr. Nuno Miguel Forra Almeida is an academic and professional psychologist specializing in Work, Social, and Organizational Psychology. He serves as an Assistant Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Algarve (FCHS-UAlg) and holds specialist recognition from the Portuguese Psychologists Association (OPP) as well as EuroPsy qualification from the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA). He is also affiliated with FAROTESTE – Psychological Assessment.Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Algarve, his research focuses on electoral abstention among young people, integrating psychological, behavioral, political, and communicational dimensions. He is actively involved as a Collaborating Researcher in two research centers: the Center for Research in Psychology (CIP) at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa and the University Center for Psychological Research (CUIP) at the University of Algarve. In addition, he contributes to the OPP’s pool of psychologists for crisis and catastrophe intervention. Dr. Almeida has a robust academic background, holding a Master’s degree in Social and Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Algarve. His professional development includes extensive specialized training across diverse domains such as ergonomics, psychological evaluation, neuro-linguistic programming, information security, artificial intelligence workflows, and intervention with vulnerable populations including refugees and LGBTQ individuals. His teaching and research are complemented by practical involvement in supervision of academic and professional internships, psychometric testing, and consultancy in work and organizational settings. Through his academic and professional trajectory, he demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, innovation in psychological assessment, and the integration of digital tools in psychological research and education. His scholarly and professional interests converge on understanding human behavior in social and organizational contexts, promoting psychological well-being in workplaces, and exploring the psychological underpinnings of civic engagement and political participation among youth.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Almeida, N., & Giger, J.-C. (2025). Unraveling the heterogeneity of electoral abstention: Profiles, motivations, and paths to a more inclusive democracy in Portugal. Social Sciences, 14(10), 601.

Giger, J.-C., Piçarra, N., Pochwatko, G., Almeida, N., & Almeida, A. S. (2025). Intention to work with social robots: The role of perceived robot use self-efficacy, attitudes towards robots, and beliefs in human nature uniqueness. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 9(2), 9.

Giger, J.-C., Piçarra, N., Pochwatko, G., Almeida, N., Almeida, A. S., Costa, N., & Duradoni, M. (2024). Development of the Beliefs in Human Nature Uniqueness Scale and its associations with perception of social robots. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, Article ID 5569587.

Gonçalves, G., Sousa, C., Fernandes, M. J., Almeida, N., & Sousa, A. (2023). Restorative effects of biophilic workplace and nature exposure during working time: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(21), 6986.

Almeida, N., & Giger, J.-C. (2025, January 23). The absent vote: Unraveling social representations of electoral abstention among students and non-student voters. In X Jornadas Internacionais de Iniciação à Investigação Científica em Psicologia (J3ICP).

 

Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharon Youmans | University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy | United States 

Dr. Sharon Lynn Youmans is a distinguished leader in pharmacy education, health literacy, and diversity advancement within academic health sciences. With a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master’s in Public Health, she has built an influential career integrating clinical pharmacy practice, education, and leadership. Over the past three decades, she has held progressive academic and administrative positions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy, where she currently serves as Executive Vice Dean and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy. Her leadership extends to the UCSF School of Dentistry as Associate Dean for Community Engagement, demonstrating her broad impact on interprofessional collaboration and community health outreach. Her scholarly and service contributions focus on health communication, health disparities, diversity, equity, inclusion, and global health. Dr. Youmans has played an instrumental role in shaping pharmacy education through curriculum transformation, experiential learning innovations, and national leadership in accreditation and professional organizations such as AACP, ACPE, and ASHP. She has served as an evaluator and consultant on pharmacy education programs worldwide, contributing to global standards in health science education. An accomplished educator, she has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple UCSF Apple Awards for Teaching, the UCSF Chancellor’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, and induction into the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators. Her leadership in promoting diversity and addressing health disparities has earned national recognition from professional pharmacy associations. Through her extensive invited lectures and scholarly activities, Dr. Youmans has advanced dialogue on cultural competence, health equity, curriculum reform, and workforce development in pharmacy. Her ongoing work continues to inspire innovation in pharmacy education, advocate for equitable healthcare delivery, and strengthen academic excellence and community impact across the health professions.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn 

Featured Publications 

Schillinger, D., Hammer, H., Wang, F., Palacios, J., McLean, I., Tang, A., & Youmans, S. L. (2008). Seeing in 3-D: Examining the reach of diabetes self-management support strategies in a public health care system. Health Education & Behavior, 35(5), 664–682. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198107303316

Youmans, S. L., & Schillinger, D. (2003). Functional health literacy and medication use: The pharmacist’s role. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 37(11), 1726–1729. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1D166

Robles, J. R., Youmans, S. L., Byrd, D. C., & Polk, R. E. (2009). Perceived barriers to scholarship and research among pharmacy practice faculty: Survey report from the AACP Scholarship/Research Faculty Development Task Force. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(1), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj730117

Nkansah, N. T., Youmans, S. L., Agness, C. F., & Assemi, M. (2009). Fostering and managing diversity in schools of pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(8), Article 152. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj7308152

Mandap, M., Carrillo, S., & Youmans, S. L. (2014). An evaluation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health education in pharmacy school curricula. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 6(6), 752–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2014.06.011

Bautista, C. A., Huang, I., Stebbins, M., Floren, L. C., Wamsley, M., Youmans, S. L., & others. (2020). Development of an interprofessional rotation for pharmacy and medical students to perform telehealth outreach to vulnerable patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(5), 694–697. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2020.1810253

JeanMarie Farrow | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. JeanMarie Farrow | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. JeanMarie Farrow | Georgia State University | United States

Dr. JeanMarie Farrow’s research centers on understanding and improving the factors within early childhood education that influence children’s language and literacy development, particularly in high-need settings. Her work systematically examines how teacher–child interactions and classroom practices contribute to oral language growth and early writing skills. Through both small- and large-scale empirical studies, she investigates effective models of professional development that enhance teachers’ capacity to implement evidence-based, language-rich instruction. Her research integrates theoretical and applied perspectives to identify feasible, sustainable approaches for strengthening early literacy and composing skills. A major strand of her scholarship explores the mechanisms underlying children’s oral language development, highlighting how teachers’ feedback, syntax, and conversational features shape vocabulary acquisition. Another line of inquiry focuses on early writing instruction as a pathway for language development, illustrating how structured composing activities and high-quality teaching strategies can foster creative and linguistic growth. In addition, she has contributed to advancing teacher professional learning by examining innovative approaches, including the role of project-based learning, coaching, and professional inquiry in supporting instructional improvement. Her studies, published in leading journals such as Journal of Child Language, Reading & Writing Quarterly, Early Childhood Education Journal, and Teaching and Teacher Education, contribute to the evidence base for designing effective professional development that bridges research and classroom practice. By connecting instructional theory, empirical findings, and practical application, her work provides actionable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to promote equitable literacy outcomes. Supported by national research grants, her scholarship advances the understanding of how early education environments can be optimized to nurture children’s oral and written language development while equipping teachers with sustainable, research-informed pedagogical tools.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Farrow, J. M., Wasik, B. A., & Hindman, A. H. (2020). Exploring the unique contributions of teachers’ syntax to preschoolers’ and kindergarteners’ vocabulary learning. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 51, 178–190.

Farrow, M. J., & Farrow, J. M. (2019). Recognizing intergenerational assets within religious communities of colour. Journal of Childhood Studies, 71–84.

Hindman, A. H., Farrow, J. M., & Wasik, B. A. (2021). Understanding child-directed speech around book reading in toddler classrooms: Evidence from early head start programs. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 719783.

Hindman, A. H., Farrow, J. M., & Wasik, B. A. (2022). Teacher–child conversations in preschool: Insights into how teacher feedback supports language development. Topics in Language Disorders, 42(4), 336–359.

Wasik, B. A., Farrow, J. M., & Hindman, A. H. (2022). More than “Good job!”: The critical role of teacher feedback in classroom discourse and language development. The Reading Teacher, 75(6), 733–738.

Farrow, J. M., Schneider Kavanagh, S., & Samudra, P. (2022). Exploring relationships between professional development and teachers’ enactments of project-based learning. Education Sciences, 12(4), 282.