Julie Leignadier | Scientific Breakthroughs | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Julie Leignadier | Scientific Breakthroughs | Research Excellence Award

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant | France

Dr. Julie Leignadier is an accomplished immunologist and biologist with extensive experience in both fundamental research and applied biotechnology. She earned her PhD in Montreal, where over five years she studied the mechanisms underlying the strength of the memory T cell receptor, gaining deep expertise in adaptive immunity and molecular signaling. Her doctoral work provided critical insights into immune memory and receptor dynamics, establishing a solid foundation for her future research. Following her PhD, Dr. Leignadier spent eight years as a postdoctoral researcher in leading Swiss and French laboratories, where she led multiple projects at the intersection of immunology and oncology. During this period, she honed her skills in experimental design, cellular and molecular biology, and translational research, contributing to high-impact publications and fostering international collaborations. Her work in cancer immunology emphasized understanding complex immune responses and translating fundamental findings into potential therapeutic strategies. In 2020, Dr. Leignadier joined Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant as Head of the Biology Laboratory, where she oversees the development of innovative and sustainable active ingredients for the cosmetics industry. In this role, she leverages her expertise in cellular biology and immunology to create biologically effective compounds that meet both consumer needs and environmental sustainability standards. Her leadership drives research initiatives that bridge cutting-edge science with industrial application, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable cosmetic innovation. Dr. Leignadier remains committed to integrating scientific excellence with industrial innovation, applying her deep knowledge of immunology and molecular biology to deliver products that are both effective and environmentally responsible. Her career reflects a unique blend of academic rigor and practical expertise, making her a recognized leader in biologically informed cosmetic research.

 


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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.

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

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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

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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

Shohei Katsuya | Research Excellence | Excellence in Research

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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

Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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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

Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Pinelli | Radboud University Medical Center | Italy

Dr. Maria Pinelli is an Assistant Professor Junior (RTDa) at the Politecnico di Milano (Italy) in the Department of Management, Economics, and Industrial Engineering (ING-IND/35). Her academic and research work focuses on technological innovation in healthcare, with particular attention to Health Technology Assessment (HTA), innovation management in hospitals, and the integration of scanning and assessment processes to enhance healthcare value creation. She earned her Ph.D. from Politecnico di Milano in 2025 with a thesis titled “MedTech Innovation in Hospitals: Re-Framing the Integration between Scanning and Assessment and the Determinants of Value.” During her doctoral studies, she was a Visiting Ph.D. Student at Radboud University (Netherlands), collaborating on international research exploring hospital technology strategies. Her academic background also includes a Master’s Degree in Management Engineering with specialization in Sustainable Operations Management and Social Innovation and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, both completed with honors. Dr. Pinelli has published extensively in high-impact international journals such as Health Policy, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, PLOS ONE, IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, and IJERPH. Her works contribute to understanding the strategic, clinical, and socio-economic evaluation of medical technologies and the role of digital transformation and sustainability in healthcare systems. She has been actively involved in teaching and coordinating courses such as Innovation in Health and Social Care, Healthcare Management, and Economia e Organizzazione Aziendale at Politecnico di Milano and Humanitas University. Her contributions extend to international conferences, including EURAM, ISPOR, IPDMC, and Health Technology Assessment International, where she presented cutting-edge research on hospital innovation, inclusive healthcare technologies, and decision-making frameworks. Dr. Pinelli also serves as a reviewer for several leading journals, including the Journal of Medical Internet Research and Health Services Management Research. Beyond academia, she has contributed to practitioner conferences addressing the impact of AI and MedTech innovation in healthcare. Through her multidisciplinary expertise, international collaboration, and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, Dr. Maria Pinelli represents a new generation of scholars bridging management engineering and medical technology for sustainable, patient-centered care.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Pinelli, M., Moglia, A., Marsilio, L., Rossi, M., Lettieri, E., Mainardi, L., & Manzotti, A. (2023). Mixed reality and artificial intelligence: A holistic approach to multimodal visualization and extended interaction in knee osteotomy. IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.1109/JTEHM.2023.3335608

Pinelli, M., Manetti, S., & Lettieri, E. (2023). Assessing the social and environmental impact of healthcare technologies: Towards an extended social return on investment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 5224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065224

Di Francesco, A., Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Toletti, G., & Galli, M. (2023). Towards a more inclusive society: The social return on investment (SROI) of an innovative ankle–foot orthosis for hemiplegic children. Sustainability, 15(5), 4361. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054361

Pinelli, M., Gerardi, C., Lettieri, E., Maioru, M., Marone, L., Bertoldi, L., Navanteri, G., Costantini, M., Botti, C., & Pellini, F. (2024). Comparison of indocyanine green with conventional tracers for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: A multidisciplinary evaluation of clinical effectiveness, safety, organizational and economic impact. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0309336. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309336

Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Boaretto, A., Casile, C., Citro, G., Zazzaro, B., & Ravazzoni, A. (2022). Glucometer usability for 65+ type 2 diabetes patients: Insights on physical and cognitive issues. Sensors, 22(16), 6202. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166202

Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Moffitt Cancer Center | United States

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

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

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

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

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

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

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

Shadi Shayan | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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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

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award | 2537

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Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Sharif University of Technology | Iran

Ehsan Esmaeeli, a dedicated researcher in Maintenance and Reliability Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, exemplifies excellence in research, innovation, and professional expertise. His scholarly contributions span maintenance optimization, reliability modeling, and intelligent asset management systems, integrating AI and hybrid optimization techniques. With multiple publications in high-impact international journals such as IEEE Access and Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, his work has advanced the understanding of data-driven maintenance strategies and sustainable industrial operations. A Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Asset Management Assessor (CAMA), and Reliability Leader (CRL), Ehsan bridges academic research with industrial practice, fostering innovation that enhances system reliability and operational efficiency.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Esmaeeli, E., Collins, A. J., Varmazyar, M., & Khorshidnia, M. (2025). Agent-based modeling applications in maintenance systems: A systematic review. Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, 31(3), 325–349. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-03-2024-0028