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

Guangqin Li | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Guangqin Li | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Guangqin Li | Anhui University of Finance & Economics | China

Dr. Guangqin Li began his academic journey with a doctorate in Urban Economics and Management from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and now serves as a professor and master’s supervisor at Anhui University of Finance & Economics. With deep research interests in the digital economy, industrial economy, environmental economy, and regional economy, he has established himself as a versatile scholar bridging theoretical insights and empirical applications. His bibliometric profile reflects 37 published documents, 1,847 citations from 1,765 citing documents, and an h-index of 18, underscoring his growing impact within the academic community. His publications span studies on the green transformation of industry, the interface of urban innovation and infrastructure investment, and the spatial dynamics of economic development. He has contributed extensively through consultancy projects and collaborations with industry and regional authorities and serves on editorial boards of key journals in his fields. His research output has helped inform policy discussions on how new infrastructure investment can catalyze innovation in cities, particularly by influencing talent agglomeration and economic clustering. Poised at the cutting edge of his disciplines, he continues to mentor rising scholars and engage in interdisciplinary work, positioning his future contributions to shape the intersection of digitalization, regional growth, and sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications 

Zhang, B., & Li, G. (2025). New infrastructure special debt, agglomeration and urban innovation: Evidence from China. Economic Modelling.

Liu, W., & Li, G. (2025). Sci-tech finance and urban entrepreneurial activity: Evidence from China. Economic Change and Restructuring.

Li, G., & Niu, W. (2025). How does fintech promote urban innovation? Empirical evidence from China. Economic Change and Restructuring.

Fang, X., Liu, M., & Li, G. (2024). Can the green credit policy promote green innovation in enterprises? Empirical evidence from China. Technological and Economic Development of Economy.

Li, G., Jin, Y., & Gao, X. (2023). Digital transformation and pollution emission of enterprises: Evidence from China’s micro-enterprises. Energy Reports.

Kristine Hallisy | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristine Hallisy | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristine Hallisy | University of WI-Madison | United States

Dr. Kristine Marie (Kristi) Hallisy, PT, DSc, is an Associate Professor (CHS) in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. She plays a pivotal role in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, where she integrates clinical expertise with innovative teaching practices. Dr. Hallisy’s professional focus lies in advancing physical therapy education, promoting evidence-based practice, and fostering interprofessional collaboration. Her research interests include clinical education models, patient-centered care, and strategies for enhancing student learning and professional identity formation. With years of academic and clinical experience, she has contributed to shaping future healthcare professionals through mentorship and curriculum development. She is actively involved in institutional service and community outreach initiatives that strengthen health education and practice. Dr. Hallisy has presented her work at national and international conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals related to physical therapy and health sciences education. She emphasizes compassionate, ethical, and holistic approaches to healthcare delivery. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and educational quality. Known for her collaborative spirit, she bridges the gap between research and clinical practice. Dr. Hallisy continues to inspire excellence among students, educators, and practitioners alike.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Salihu, E. Y., Hallisy, K., Baidoo, S., Malta, J. S., Ferrill, C., Melgoza, F., Sandretto, R., Culotti, P. C., & Chewning, B. (2025). Feasibility and acceptability of a “Train the Leader” model for disseminating Tai Chi Prime with fidelity in African American/Black and Latinx communities: A pilot mixed-methods implementation study. Healthcare, 13(20), 2622. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202622

gülçin gacar | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. gülçin gacar | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. gülçin gacar | KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, Turkey

Dr. Gülçin Gacar is an Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, serving at the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies within the Institute of Health Sciences. With a strong background in clinical microbiology, her research explores mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and regenerative therapies. She actively leads and contributes to national scientific projects and serves as a mentor to graduate students. Her work bridges experimental research with clinical applications, advancing the field of stem cell biology through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Academic Profile 

ORCID, Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Gülçin Gacar pursued her academic training in medical and life sciences with a strong emphasis on clinical microbiology and cellular biology. Her foundational education equipped her with deep theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, and biotechnology. Building upon this, she specialized in advanced studies of stem cells and regenerative medicine, laying the groundwork for her future research in cellular therapies and translational medicine. Her education has been a critical driver in shaping her academic vision and her interdisciplinary approach to complex biomedical challenges.

Professional Experience

Dr. Gacar currently holds the position of Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, where she is actively involved with the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies. Over the years, she has gained extensive academic and research experience, having taught and mentored at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She plays a vital role in supervising graduate theses and guiding students in advanced biomedical research. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she is also a principal investigator and research consultant on numerous scientific projects funded by national bodies such as TÜBİTAK. Her experience includes close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working on cellular therapies, tissue engineering, and experimental models of disease. Her leadership in research has contributed significantly to the academic output of her department and to the scientific community at large.

Research Interests

Dr. Gacar’s research focuses on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, and extracellular vesicles, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer biology, and tissue regeneration. Her work integrates cellular and molecular techniques to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses in experimental models. She has conducted studies on the effects of stem-cell-derived exosomes in Alzheimer’s disease models, explored the anti-inflammatory potential of compounds in oxidative stress conditions, and examined the use of photodynamic therapy agents in cancer treatment. Dr. Gacar is particularly interested in how cell-to-cell communication via extracellular vesicles can be harnessed to develop new treatment modalities. Her scientific output reflects a strong commitment to translational research, bridging the gap between bench-side discoveries and clinical applications.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Gacar has earned recognition for her contributions to medical research and scientific innovation. She has been involved in several prestigious research projects funded by national agencies, notably TÜBİTAK, and by higher education institutions. Her collaborative work has resulted in multiple successful research grants and numerous scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Gacar has also contributed to the advancement of academic research infrastructure by mentoring emerging scholars and participating in advisory roles on national research panels. These accomplishments underscore her standing in the scientific community and highlight the broader impact of her research in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Publications

Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from rat bone marrow: ultrastructural properties, differentiation potential and immunophenotypic markers – Histochemistry and cell biology (2009)

Isolation and in vitro characterisation of dental pulp stem cells from natal teeth – Histochemistry and cell biology (2010)

Comparative analysis of apoptotic resistance of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human bone marrow and adipose tissue – The Scientific World (2012)

The short-and long-term effects of estrogen deficiency on apoptosis in musculoskeletal tissues: an experimental animal model study – Archives of Iranian Medicine (2013)

In vitro protection of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells by erythropoietin – Acta histochemica (2014)

Protective effects of resveratrol on aging-induced cognitive impairment in rats – Neurobiology of learning and memory (2016)

Restorative effect of resveratrol on expression of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cavernous tissues of chronic unpredictable mild stress-exposed rats: an – International Journal of Impotence Research (2018)