Aikaterini Sousamli | Academic Recognition | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Aikaterini Sousamli | Academic Recognition | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Aikaterini Sousamli | University of West Attica, Department of Midwifery | Greece

Aikaterini Sousamli is an experienced midwife, researcher, and PhD candidate at the University of West Attica, specializing in perinatal health, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), women’s health, and primary healthcare. With a strong academic foundation in midwifery and postgraduate studies in Primary Health Care—completed with highest distinction—she has developed a multidisciplinary profile that integrates clinical care, epidemiological research, and public health education. Her doctoral research focuses on perinatal factors associated with the emergence of ASD in children and the implications for family dynamics. She contributes actively as a research associate in major public health, epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and global health indicator programs within the Department of Medicine at the University of Thessaly. Her expertise also extends to family planning, maternal mental health, menopause, postpartum care, and vulnerable populations. Throughout her clinical career, she has held key positions in family planning centers, obstetrics and gynecology units, oncology operating rooms, and primary healthcare services. She has played an instrumental role in revitalizing community-based family planning services, developing childbirth education programs both in-person and online, and delivering health education to students and the wider community on reproductive health, prevention, and women’s well-being. Her scientific activity includes numerous peer-reviewed publications, systematic reviews, epidemiological studies, and collaborative research across midwifery, public health, autism, reproductive health, multiple sclerosis, and maternal mental health. She has contributed to international and national conferences with oral presentations and e-posters, and she serves as a reviewer for reputable scientific journals. Additionally, she has supported academic development through translation and editing of midwifery educational materials and has delivered lectures in university medical programs on primary healthcare and the role of the midwife.

Profile; Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications:

Amar, F. E. (2025). EL JUEGO COMO MEDIO DE ENSEÑANZA DE LOS DEPORTES PARALÍMPICOS. In Cartografía Lúdica: enseñar, aprender, cuidar y transformar la cultura y la sociedad jugando (Book chapter). ISBN: 979-13-7006-273-6.

Amar, F. E. (2025). EL MAESTRO QUE ACTÚA. UNA NARRATIVA A PROPÓSITO DE SU HOMOSEXUALIDAD. In Caminando hacia la inclusión de las personas LGBTIQA+. Resistencias y alternativas contrahegemónicas (Book chapter). ISBN: 979-13-7006-510-2.

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

Amar, F. E. (2025). Tecnología, inclusión y educación social. Una narrativa. RiiTE: Revista Interuniversitaria de Investigación en Tecnología Educativa.

Amar, F. E. (2025). Mi infancia son recuerdos de un patio (de colegio) en Cádiz. Gaditana-Logía. https://doi.org/10.25267/Gadit.2025.v6.07

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

Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | University of Tabriz | Iran

Prof. Roghieh Hajiboland is a distinguished Full Professor of Plant Physiology in the Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, renowned for her extensive contributions to mineral nutrition, abiotic stress tolerance, and plant–microbe interactions. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, and has since developed a globally recognized research portfolio focused on nutrient uptake, transport physiology, heavy metal tolerance, salinity and drought stress adaptation, aluminum toxicity, and silicon- and selenium-mediated stress mitigation in diverse crop and halophytic species. With an active research career spanning more than a decade, Prof. Hajiboland has produced a substantial body of high-impact scientific work, including 60+ international journal articles, influential compilation books with Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, and Shayesteh Publishers, and numerous national publications and conference presentations. Her studies have advanced fundamental understanding of mineral element functions, nutrient remobilization, antioxidant responses, water relations, and physiological/biochemical mechanisms underlying stress resilience in plants. She is widely recognized for pioneering research on tea plant physiology, halophyte species, intercropping systems, and the roles of aluminum, selenium, and silicon in plant stress biology. Prof. Hajiboland teaches a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level courses, including Plant Physiology, Plant Growth and Development, Mineral Nutrition, Uptake and Transport in Plants, Transport Physiology, Evolutionary Biology, and Plant–Microbe Interactions. Her academic leadership includes supervising graduate research, mentoring young scientists, and contributing actively to departmental and institutional development. Her scholarly visibility is supported through Google Scholar, Scopus, and ResearchGate profiles, reflecting strong citation influence and international collaboration, particularly with leading researchers in Europe. Through her sustained research, teaching, and publication record, Prof. Hajiboland continues to shape contemporary understanding of plant stress physiology and sustainable crop improvement under challenging environmental conditions.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Moradtalab, N., Hajiboland, R., Aliasgharzad, N., Hartmann, T. E., & Neumann, G. (2019). Silicon and the association with an arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungus (Rhizophagus clarus) mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress on strawberry. Agronomy, 9(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9010041

Rahmat, S., Hajiboland, R., & Sadeghzade, N. (2017). Selenium delays leaf senescence in oilseed rape plants. Photosynthetica, 55(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-016-0643-6

Hajiboland, R., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2017). Silicon modifies both a local response and a systemic response to mechanical stress in tobacco leaves. Biologia Plantarum, 61(1), 123–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-016-0633-3

Ebrahimi, N., Hartikainen, H., Simojoki, A., Hajiboland, R., & Seppänen, M. (2015). Dynamics of dry matter and selenium accumulation in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in response to organic and inorganic selenium treatments. Agricultural and Food Science, 24(3), 219–230.*

Hajiboland, R., Sadeghzadeh, N., Ebrahimi, N., Sadeghzadeh, B., & Mohammadi, S. A. (2015). Influence of selenium in drought-stressed wheat plants under greenhouse and field conditions. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 105(2), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2015.105.2.01

Hajiboland, R., Bastani, S., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2015). Interactions between aluminum and boron in tea (Camellia sinensis) plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(12), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-015-1803-1

Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | University of Birjand | Iran

Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashanis an Associate Professor of Animal Science at the University of Birjand, specializing in Poultry Science and Poultry Nutrition. With an academic path beginning with a diploma in Natural Sciences and progressing through B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Animal and Poultry Science from the University of Birjand, followed by a Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, he has built a strong research portfolio in poultry nutrition, antioxidant strategies, heat-stress mitigation, feed additives, and improvement of poultry performance, immunity, lipid metabolism, skeletal health, intestinal morphology, and meat quality. His M.Sc. and Ph.D. dissertations focused on enriching egg yolk n-3 fatty acids and evaluating natural antioxidants in diets containing vegetable oils and tallow under heat stress in Arian broilers. Since joining academia in , Dr. Hosseini-Vashan has held key administrative roles as Head of the Animal Science Department and Head of the Animal Science Research Laboratory, and has served as Secretary of the First National Congress on Advances in Animal Sciences. He is an active member of several professional bodies including WPSA and the Iran Genetics Association. His teaching portfolio spans Poultry Production, Poultry Health, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Physiology, Diet Formulation, and Advanced Bioenergetics. He has authored numerous conference papers and peer-reviewed journal publications in prestigious Iranian and international journals, addressing nutritional interventions such as pomegranate peel, tomato pomace, turmeric, grape pomace, hempseed, nanoselenium, saffron petal extract, and functional feed additives in poultry and ostrich production systems. His research consistently emphasizes enhancing animal health and productivity under challenging environmental conditions, especially heat stress, and exploring natural, cost-effective, and sustainable dietary solutions for the modern poultry industry.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Golian, A., & Yaghobfar, A. (2016). Growth, immune, antioxidant, and bone responses of heat stress-exposed broilers fed diets supplemented with tomato pomace. International Journal of Biometeorology, 60(8), 1183–1192.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Golian, A., Yaghobfar, A., Zarban, A., Afzali, N., & … (2012). Antioxidant status, immune system, blood metabolites and carcass characteristic of broiler chickens fed turmeric rhizome powder under heat stress. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11(94), 16118–16125.

Safdari-Rostamabad, M., Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Perai, A. H., & Sarir, H. (2017). Nanoselenium supplementation of heat-stressed broilers: Effects on performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites, immune response, antioxidant status, and jejunal morphology. Biological Trace Element Research, 178(1), 105–116.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Safdari-Rostamabad, M., Piray, A. H., & Sarir, H. (2020). The growth performance, plasma biochemistry indices, immune system, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology of heat-stressed broiler chickens fed grape (Vitis vinifera) pomace. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 259, 114343.

Sharifian, M., Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Nasri, M. H. F., & Perai, A. H. (2019). Pomegranate peel extract for broiler chickens under heat stress: Its influence on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, immunity, jejunal morphology, and meat quality. Livestock Science, 227, 22–28.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., & Raei-Moghadam, M. S. (2019). Antioxidant and immune system status, plasma lipid, abdominal fat, and growth performance of broilers exposed to heat stress and fed diets supplemented with pomegranate pulp. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 47(1), 521–531.

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

Ouafaa Morjani | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani | Hassan II University of Casablanca | Morocco

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani is a dedicated researcher in Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioinformatics, holding a Ph.D. from Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. Affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and Technics of Mohammedia, her work is rooted in the Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment, and New Energies. Her research primarily focuses on thoracic oncology, particularly Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), where she integrates molecular profiling, genetic variants, biomarkers, and advanced diagnostic technologies to improve early detection and precision medicine. Dr. Morjani has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications addressing clinical, anatomical, and molecular dimensions of lung cancer. Her work includes exploring GWAS-derived genetic variants in NSCLC, investigating interleukin-based blood biomarkers, analyzing metastasis patterns, and assessing the impact of smoking on lung cancer mechanisms. She has also presented extensively at prestigious international conferences in Morocco, France, and Saudi Arabia, contributing to discussions on NGS applications, ROS1 rearrangement detection, and molecular pathology. Her scientific expertise is strengthened by advanced training in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) at renowned institutions in France, along with hands-on experience in sequencing platforms such as Ion Torrent and Illumina. She is proficient in NGS library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and bioinformatics analysis involving FastQ, BAM, and SAM files. Her competencies extend to R programming, statistical analysis, and functional genomics. She has participated in major workshops, including the African BioGenome Project Fellowship, enhancing her mastery of genome assembly, annotation, and biodiversity genomics. Dr. Morjani has additional experience in molecular diagnostics, including RT-qPCR detection of foodborne viruses and breast cancer biomarker analysis through IHC and FISH. She is also actively involved in teaching, mentoring, quality assurance, COVID-19 testing, and regulatory compliance. A member of multiple national and international scientific societies, she is recognized for her adaptability, teamwork, communication skills, and strong commitment to advancing cancer genomics and molecular oncology.

Profile: Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Morjani, O., Benkirane, N., Errihani, H., Elfahime, E. M., & Lakhiari, H. (2024). Molecular analysis of genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer in Morocco. Pan African Medical Journal, 47(1).

Morjani, O., Benlhachemi, S., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E., & Lakhiari, H. (n.d.). Epidemiological, clinical, anatomopathological and molecular profiles of lung cancer in patients at the oncology center of the Cheikh Zaid International University Hospital in Rabat. [Journal information incomplete].

Morjani, O., Yang, Y.-W., Lahlil, R., Lakhiari, H., & Alaoui, H. (2025). Hematological biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer: Evaluating the diagnostic potential of circulating interleukin levels. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22), 11014.

Morjani, O., Mounaji, N., Ghaouti, M., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E., & Lakhiari, H. (2024). Next generation sequencing and genomic mapping: Towards precision molecular diagnosis of lung cancer in Morocco. Pan African Medical Journal, 49, 75.

Morjani, O., Karimoune, M. A. S., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E. M., & Lakhiari, H. (2023). Comparative study of molecular techniques for detecting ROS1 rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer: Implications for diagnostic precision. Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, 26(6), S5–S6.

Shohei Katsuya | Research Excellence | Excellence in Research

Mr. Shohei Katsuya | Research Excellence | Excellence in Research

Mr. Shohei Katsuya | Advanced Technology Laboratories, OSAKA GAS Co., Ltd. | Japan

Shohei Katsuya is a dedicated Researcher at the Advanced Technology Laboratories of OSAKA GAS Co., Ltd., where he specializes in cutting-edge metabolic and nutritional research. He holds a Master of Agriculture degree from Kyoto University, completed in March 2021, and has since been actively involved in advanced investigations centered on the physiological functions and health impacts of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Since joining Osaka Gas in April 2021, Katsuya has contributed significantly to a series of clinical and biochemical studies exploring the therapeutic potential of BHB, a key ketone body known for its roles in metabolism, energy utilization, and physiological regulation. His research focuses on understanding the metabolic pathways and physiological effects of BHB in humans, with applications ranging from obesity reduction to improved sleep quality and metabolic health. He has authored five peer-reviewed publications between 2023 and 2025 in reputable journals including Obesities, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, and Nutrition. These works include randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials investigating the effects of D-BHB on body fat reduction, sleep quality enhancement, and its safety profile in humans and animal models. Additionally, he contributed to a collaborative study demonstrating BHB’s protective effects on diabetic renal and muscular pathologies.Katsuya’s publications have collectively received 18 citations and earned an h-index of 2 according to Scopus, reflecting the emerging impact of his work within the nutritional and biochemical sciences. His ongoing projects continue to deepen scientific understanding of BHB as a functional metabolite with potential applications in health optimization, disease prevention, and metabolic regulation. Through his work, Shohei Katsuya is advancing evidence-based insights that contribute to both academic knowledge and practical applications in human health research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Kawamura, J., Goto, T., Takara, T., & Tsubota, J. (2025). Effect of D-β-hydroxybutyric acid on body fat in Japanese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Obesities, 5(4), 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040082

Aisyah, R., Katsuya, S., Miyata, K., Chen, Z., Horii, M., Kudo, A., Kumrungsee, T., Tsubota, J., & Yanaka, N. (2025). β-Hydroxybutyrate attenuates diabetic renal and muscular pathologies in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. Nutrition, Article 112792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2025.112792

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Kawamura, Y., Kawamura, J., & Tsubota, J. (2025). Effect of d-β-hydroxybutyrate on sleep quality in healthy participants: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 89(5), 769–775. https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbaf017

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Sugimoto, M., Nishimura, T., & Tsubota, J. (2024). Determination of the safety of Halomonas sp. KM-1-derived d-β-hydroxybutyric acid and its fermentation-derived impurities in mice and Japanese adults. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 88(9), 1073–1080. https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbae088

Ip, C.-H., Higuchi, H., Wu, C.-Y., Okuda, T., Katsuya, S., Ogawa, J., & Ando, A. (2024). Production of docosahexaenoic acid by a novel isolated Aurantiochytrium sp. 6-2 using fermented defatted soybean as a nitrogen source for sustainable fish feed development. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 88(5), 872–881. https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbae035

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Goto, T., & Tsubota, J. (2023). Daily intake of D-β-hydroxybutyric acid (D-BHB) reduces body fat in Japanese adult participants: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 69(2), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.69.121

Huan Wang | Smart Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huan Wang | Smart Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huan Wang | sun yat-sen university | China

Huan Wang is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Sun Yat-sen University, building upon a strong academic foundation established during his master’s studies in aerospace engineering at the same institution. His research focuses on advancing sensor technology through innovative approaches in temperature compensation, fault diagnosis, and the reliability assessment of pressure scanners—key components in precision measurement and industrial instrumentation. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to national and industry-driven scientific efforts, including participation in one National Key R&D Program, one National Natural Science Foundation project, and three important commissioned projects involving electronic pressure scanning valves. His expertise extends to instrumentation and measurement consultancy, allowing him to bridge academic research with practical engineering applications. Dr. Wang’s scholarly output includes more than eight peer-reviewed research articles, several of which he authored as first author in highly regarded SCI-indexed journals such as Measurement, Measurement Science and Technology, Micromachines, Instrumentation Science and Technology, and Metrology and Measurement Systems. His research demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating intelligent optimization algorithms with sensor systems to improve accuracy, stability, and reliability in real-world applications. Alongside his research achievements, he is a professional member of AAAS and IEEE, showcasing his active engagement with the global scientific community. Through his interdisciplinary skills, academic rigor, and industry collaborations, Huan Wang continues to make meaningful contributions to the fields of sensor technology, advanced manufacturing, and applied measurement science. His growing body of work reflects not only technical depth but also a forward-looking approach aimed at enhancing next-generation intelligent measurement systems. With a strong commitment to innovation, integrity, and scientific excellence, he stands out as a promising researcher who significantly contributes to the advancement of engineering research and instrumentation technologies.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, H., Chen, X., Xia, J., Zhao, H., & Maddaiah, P. N. (2026). Newton-Raphson-based optimizer combined with LSSVM: Temperature compensation applied to small-range electronic pressure scanners. Flow Measurement and Instrumentation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2025.103127

Wang, H., Chen, X., Xia, J., Liu, P., & Zhao, H. (2025). A novel model fusing ALA and integrated learning: Temperature compensation for 700 kPa pressure scanners. International Journal of Thermophysics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10765-025-03638-x

Wang, H. (2025). Hybrid mechanism and data driven approach for high-precision modeling of gas flow regulation systems of VFDR. Journal article. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-025-01899-5

Wang, H., Wu, T., Liu, P., Zou, Y., & Zeng, Q. (2025). Kernel extreme learning machine combined with gray wolf optimization for temperature compensation in pressure sensors. Metrology and Measurement Systems. https://doi.org/10.24425/mms.2025.152773

Wu, T., Wang, H., Huang, Z., & Maddaiah, P. N. (2025). Optimal tracking differentiator algorithm for accurate pressure scanner measurements. Instrumentation Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/10739149.2025.2556107

Liu, C., Wang, H., Zhu, H., Zhou, W., & Zhao, H. (2025). Optimized design of support points in solar panels based on thermal deformation analysis. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 3039(1), 012004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/3039/1/012004

Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | University of Johannesburg | South Africa

A dedicated researcher and educator, this academic professional has established a strong interdisciplinary footprint in Physics Education, STEM/STEAM pedagogy, and curriculum innovation. Their work spans instructional strategy design, educational assessment, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into science education, with a particular emphasis on decolonizing STEM pedagogy and advancing gender-responsive teaching aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4. With teaching and research experience across university and secondary school settings, they have contributed significantly to the development of physics education through innovative instructional approaches, classroom engagement research, and psychomotor domain advancement within STEAM frameworks. Their scholarly achievements include numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings covering topics such as cognitively guided instruction, contextualized physics pedagogy, assessment practices, student mental health, and gender-related barriers in STEM. Their research also explores comparative instructional models, students’ learning difficulties, cognitive development, and the role of science education in fostering social dimensions of scientific understanding. In addition to publishing in respected international journals, they serve as a peer reviewer for several academic outlets, demonstrating commitment to scholarly quality and academic leadership. The candidate’s professional experience includes university-level instruction, curriculum development, supervision of teaching practicums, and management of school-wide academic programmes. They possess expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, especially SPSS statistical analysis and thematic interpretation of qualitative data. Their contributions extend to professional development initiatives for educators and community-based engagement focused on social and environmental issues. They have presented research at international conferences and participated in capacity-building programmes and workshops dedicated to gender equity, African studies, and early-career research development. Their academic competencies span instructional design, assessment development, cross-cultural collaboration, and evidence-based teaching practices. As an active member of relevant professional bodies, they continue to contribute to the growth of science education through research, leadership, and transformative educational practice.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | LinkedIn| Research Gate

Featured Publications

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025). Decolonizing secondary school science education through contextualized instruction: An exploration of the nature of science, adaptive expertise, instructional implications and pedagogical frameworks for knowledge integration. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101614

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025). Reimagining the psychomotor domain: Pedagogical implications of STEAM education. Education Sciences, 15(11), 1497. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111497

Okeke, U. K. (2025). Instructional design considerations: Cognitive development and physics comprehension in secondary education. International Journal of Studies in Psychology, 5(2), 1–4.

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025, June 28). Teachers’ TPACK: Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of online assessment in K-12 science instruction. In Education and New Developments (END) 2025 Conference Proceedings (pp. 171–174).

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025, June 28). The emergence of STEAM and its pedagogical implications: A re-evaluation of the psychomotor domain. In Education and New Developments (END) 2025 Conference Proceedings (pp. 151–155).

Adeduyigbe, A. M., Ukoh, E. E., & Okeke, U. K. (2025). Influence of gender on secondary school physics students’ learning difficulties in electricity. Physics Education, 60, 025017. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/adab5d

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

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.

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Ajit Yadav | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ajit Yadav | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ajit Yadav | Indian Institute of Technology Indore | India

Mr. Ajit Yadav is a Ph.D. Scholar in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, specializing in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (2D-TMD)-based IoT-enabled biosensors for early disease detection. His research integrates nanomaterials synthesis via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with smart sensor technology, enabling real-time and highly sensitive biomolecule detection. He has two granted patents on point-of-care diagnostic systems and toxic gas detection technologies and has published three peer-reviewed papers in leading SCI-indexed journals such as the IEEE Sensors Journal and Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry. His collaborative projects with AIIMS Bhopal and RMIT University, Australia, strengthen the biomedical application and global impact of his work. Through innovative sensor design, IoT integration, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Mr. Yadav’s research contributes to the advancement of portable, scalable, and intelligent biosensing platforms, supporting the future of personalized healthcare and environmental monitoring.

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Featured Publications

Verma, V. K., Patel, C., Chaudhary, S., Yadav, A., Bajoria, P., Ako, R. T., Sriram, S., & Mukherjee, S. (2025). Pd-loaded MoS₂ nanoflowers for enhanced room-temperature methanol sensing. IEEE Sensors Journal, 25(2), 2186–2193. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2024.3506014

Yadav, A., Patel, C., Kanwar, J. R., Sriram, S., & Mukherjee, S. (2025). Miniaturized IoT-enabled MoS₂-based electrochemical sensor for real-time adenine monitoring. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 119564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2025.119564

Yadav, A., Patel, C., Verma, V. K., Kanwar, J. R., Sriram, S., & Mukherjee, S. (2025). A point-of-care and IoT-enabled MoS₂-based sensor for uric acid detection in human serum. IEEE Sensors Journal, 25(20), 37714–37721. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2025.3609535