Prof. Hossein Shahbani Zahiri | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 14/11/202514/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Prof. Hossein Shahbani Zahiri | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology | Iran

Dr. Hossein Shahbani Zahiri is a distinguished microbiologist specializing in applied and environmental biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Microbiology from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea (2006), where he achieved an A+ average and received the prestigious KOSEF (Korea Science and Engineering Foundation) scholarship. Since 2008, he has been a faculty member at the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), where he has held key leadership roles, including Head of the Education Department (2008–2012) and Director of the Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology (2014–2022). Dr. Zahiri’s research focuses on microbial biotechnology, metabolic engineering, bioemulsifiers, bioenergy production, and environmental applications of genetically engineered microorganisms. His work has contributed to understanding microbial systems for sustainable energy and industrial processes, with numerous publications in high-impact international journals such as Scientific Reports, Microbiology Spectrum, and Applied and Environmental Microbiology. He is particularly recognized for his studies on Escherichia coli engineering and microbial biosurfactants. Through his extensive experience and innovative research, Dr. Zahiri continues to advance the fields of bioengineering and environmental microbiology, fostering scientific innovation for sustainable biotechnological solutions.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Abbasi, H., Hamedi, M. M., Lotfabad, T. B., Zahiri, H. S., Sharafi, H., Masoomi, F., … & Noghabi, K. A. (2012). Biosurfactant-producing bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa MA01 isolated from spoiled apples: Physicochemical and structural characteristics of isolated biosurfactant. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering.

Lotfabad, T. B., Abassi, H., Ahmadkhaniha, R., Roostaazad, R., Masoomi, F., Zahiri, H. S., … & Noghabi, K. A. (2010). Structural characterization of a rhamnolipid-type biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa MR01: Enhancement of di-rhamnolipid proportion using gamma irradiation. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.

Ebadi, M., Zolfaghari, M. R., Aghaei, S. S., Zargar, M., Shafiei, M., Zahiri, H. S., … & Noghabi, K. A. (2019). A bio-inspired strategy for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the cell extract of cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. EA03: From biological function to toxicity assessment. RSC Advances.

Shourian, M., Noghabi, K. A., Zahiri, H. S., Bagheri, T., Karbalaei, R., Mollaei, M., … & Raheb, J. (2009). Efficient phenol degradation by a newly characterized Pseudomonas sp. SA01 isolated from pharmaceutical wastewaters. Desalination.

Safaei, M., Maleki, H., Soleimanpour, H., Norouzy, A., Zahiri, H. S., Vali, H., … & Noghabi, K. A. (2019). Development of a novel method for the purification of C-phycocyanin pigment from a local cyanobacterial strain Limnothrix sp. NS01 and evaluation of its biological activities. Scientific Reports.

Dr. Kalpesh Popat | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 14/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Dr. Kalpesh Popat | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Marwadi University | India

Dr. Kalpesh A. Popat is an accomplished academic and software developer with extensive expertise in computer science, information technology, and mobile computing. He holds a Ph.D. from Gujarat Technological University, along with postgraduate and undergraduate degrees in computer applications. Beginning his career as a Senior Software Developer, he later transitioned into academia, serving as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and currently Associate Professor at Marwadi University. His teaching and research interests span mobile computing, location management, IoT technologies, wireless networks, cloud security, routing protocols, and software engineering. He has authored multiple textbooks, developed several software applications for commercial and educational institutions, and contributed significantly to national and international conferences. With more than thirty-five research papers published across Scopus-indexed and IEEE conferences, his work broadly focuses on optimizing mobile communication systems, enhancing IoT interoperability, and improving computational efficiency through simulations and innovative models. He has presented at numerous academic forums and contributed chapters to scholarly publications, demonstrating his commitment to technological advancement and knowledge dissemination. His contributions reflect a strong dedication to research, innovation, and academic excellence, establishing him as a respected figure in the field of computer science and emerging technologies.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Wearable Computer Applications: A Future Perspective
KA Popat, P Sharma
International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology, 3(1), 213–217, 2013. (Citations: 52)
A Study of Routing Protocols for MANETs
KA Popat, P Sharma, H Molia
International Congress on Information and Communication Technology (ICICT), Springer Proceedings, 2016. (Citations: 7)
Comparative Analysis of Several Approaches of Encoding Audio Files
LK Patil, KA Popat
International Conference on Advancements in Smart Computing and Information Security, Springer, 2022. (Citations: 6)
Various Location Update Strategies in Mobile Computing
K Popat, P Sharma
International Journal of Computer Applications (IJCA), pp. 34–38, 2014. (Citations: 5)
A Study on Datasets, Risk Factors and Machine Learning Methods Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
V Gondalia, K Popat
International Conference on Advancements in Smart Computing and Information Security, Springer, 2023. (Citations: 4)

Prof. Burcu Hudaverdi | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Published on 14/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Prof. Burcu Hudaverdi | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Dokuz Eylul University | Turkey

Prof. Dr. Burcu Hüdaverdi Aktaş is a distinguished scholar in statistics with deep expertise in dependence modeling, copula theory, statistical inference, reliability analysis, and machine learning–based applications. She completed her undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in Statistics at Dokuz Eylül University, where she has also built her academic career. Rising through the ranks from Research Assistant to Associate Professor and later Full Professor, she has contributed extensively to teaching, departmental leadership, and postgraduate supervision. Her research spans copula-based modeling, multivariate dependence structures, Bayesian estimation, time series forecasting, risk analysis, environmental statistics, and gene expression classification. She has published widely in SCI/SCI-Expanded journals and collaborated on interdisciplinary applications involving finance, energy systems, CO₂ emissions, biological data, and remote sensing. As former Head of the Statistics Department and member of key academic committees, she has played a central role in academic governance. She has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral theses and served as jury member for professorship and associate professorship evaluations. Recognized for her contributions to statistical science, she continues to advance modern statistical methodologies and promote innovative applications across scientific fields.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Vine Bayes classifier based on truncated copula with application to gene expression data
Copula-based conditional reliability with application to rocket motor data

Mr. Junsik Cho | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Published on 11/11/202511/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Mr. Junsik Cho | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) | South Korea

Mr. Junsik Cho is a professional engineer specializing in roads and airports at the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), where he currently serves in the New Airport Promotion Team. With a strong foundation in civil and transportation engineering, he has developed extensive expertise in airport infrastructure planning, probabilistic safety assessment, and weather-related risk modeling. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing runway safety systems and optimizing airport operations under uncertain environmental conditions. Mr. Cho’s research focuses on probabilistic runway safety analysis, Runway End Safety Area (RESA) design, and data-driven modeling of aviation risks influenced by meteorological factors. He has contributed to several high-impact studies that support evidence-based decision-making in airport planning and safety management. Recognized for his professional excellence, he has earned distinction as a licensed Professional Engineer in Korea and continues to collaborate with academia and industry experts to improve safety standards and regulatory frameworks in the aviation sector. Through his innovative research and applied expertise, Mr. Cho is contributing to the development of safer, more resilient airport systems in line with global aviation safety initiatives.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Lee, S. J., Kim, T. Y., Cho, J. S., Kim, J. S., & Yun, H. S. (2025). Hybrid hydropower–PV with mining flexibility and heat recovery: Article 6-ready mitigation pathways in Central Asia. Sustainability, 17(21), 9488.

Cho, J., & Lee, S. (2025). Feasibility analysis of EMAS application on steep-sloped runway ends: A case study of the Daegu–Gyeongbuk integrated airport. Journal of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, 73(7), 40–49.

Cho, J., Son, J., Jeong, W., & Lim, C. (2023). A study on airport accessibility indices. Journal of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, 71(3), 54–60.

Lim, C., Cho, J., Jeong, W., Kim, U., & Park, J. (2022). Recommendations for bridge installation within airport areas. Journal of the Korean Society of Road Engineers, 24(4), 15–20.

Cho, J. (2021). Considerations for selecting new airport development areas from the airport operator’s perspective: Why should as much surrounding area as possible be incorporated? Journal of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, 69(10), 66–71.

Cho, J., & Lim, C. (2021). Recommendations for introducing domestic runway arresting systems considering the current status of aircraft braking devices. Journal of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, 69(2), 42–47.

Mr. Arkajyoti Pathak | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Published on 11/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Mr. Arkajyoti Pathak | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

West Virginia University | United States

Dr. Arkajyoti Pathak is a dedicated geoscientist and Ph.D. candidate in Earth Sciences at West Virginia University, specializing in geochemical processes related to underground hydrogen storage. With a strong academic foundation from IIT Bombay (M.Sc. in Applied Geology) and Jadavpur University (B.Sc. in Geological Sciences), his research explores geochemical interactions of iron-bearing minerals under high-pressure, high-temperature subsurface conditions. He has extensive experience in experimental geochemistry, isotopic analysis, and modeling hydrogen–mineral interactions using advanced tools such as PHREEQC, ReacTran, and Geochemist’s Workbench. His work contributes to understanding hydrogen behavior, mineral transformation, and reactive transport mechanisms critical for clean energy storage solutions. Dr. Pathak has published multiple papers in high-impact journals including Fuels, Aquatic Geochemistry, and Transport in Porous Media, and has presented his findings at international conferences such as Goldschmidt, AGU, and GSA. His outstanding academic performance has earned him several prestigious honors including the Milton & Doris Promising Researcher Award, Department of Energy Graduate Assistantship, and All India Rank 1 in JAM and Rank 2 in GATE. His research interests span geochemistry, hydrogen storage, mineral-fluid interactions, and reactive transport modeling. He aspires to advance sustainable subsurface energy technologies through innovative geochemical insights.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bowman, A. P., & Sharma, S. (2024). Modeling impacts of Fe activity and H₂ partial pressure on hydrogen storage in shallow subsurface reservoirs. Aquatic Geochemistry, 6.

Pathak, A., & Sharma, S. (2024). Effect of iron mineral transformation on long-term subsurface hydrogen storage—Results from geochemical modeling. Fuels, 5(3), 334–346.

Bowman, S., Pathak, A., Agrawal, V., & Sharma, S. (2024). A simple method for obtaining heat capacity coefficients of minerals. American Mineralogist, 109(3), 624–627.

Pathak, A., Bowman, S., & Sharma, S. (2025). Theoretical investigation on the suitability of Fe(II)-rich sandstone for underground hydrogen storage. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 193, 152425.

Bowman, S., Pathak, A., & Sharma, S. (2025). Reactive transport and Péclet number analysis of hydrogen flux pathways in uniform clay matrix: Implications for underground storage. Transport in Porous Media, 152(8), 59.

Pathak, A., Clark, A., & Sharma, S. (2025, April). Ironic behavior of iron-bearing phases during underground hydrogen storage? In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (EGU25-13768).

Clark, A., Pathak, A., Tinker, K., Gulliver, D., & Sharma, S. (2024). Microbial and geochemical characterization of groundwater: Implications for underground hydrogen storage leakage. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV.

Dr. Amon Exavery | Longitudinal impact evaluation methods for non-experimental interventions | Best Researcher Award

Published on 11/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Dr. Amon Exavery | Longitudinal impact evaluation methods for non-experimental interventions | Best Researcher Award

Pact Tanzania

Dr. Amon Exavery is a distinguished statistician and public health researcher with over 15 years of professional experience in research, evaluation, and learning. He holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Dodoma, an MSc in Population-based Field Epidemiology from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and a BA in Statistics from the University of Dar es Salaam. Currently serving as the Senior Research and Learning Advisor at Pact Tanzania, he has led large-scale health and social service research projects, including the ACHIEVE and Kizazi Kipya programs—the largest OVC initiatives in Africa. His expertise spans quantitative and qualitative methodologies, impact evaluation, statistical modeling, and capacity building for data-driven decision-making. Dr. Exavery’s research interests include HIV/AIDS, OVC programming, WASH, malaria, nutrition, family planning, gender inclusion, reproductive and child health, and sustainable livelihoods. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and presented at numerous international conferences. His analytical leadership has influenced public health strategies and policies across sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Exavery has also provided consultancy services to WHO, Columbia University, NAS, and other institutions, reflecting his global contribution to evidence-based health programming. His career exemplifies excellence in applying data science to advance public health and social development outcomes.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Exavery, A., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2026, February). Enhancing longitudinal impact evaluation of non-experimental interventions: A comparative analysis of generalized estimating equations and multilevel models based on empirical evaluation of temporal change in food security following an economic empowerment intervention. Evaluation and Program Planning, 107, 102722.

Exavery, A., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2025). Determinants of participation in WORTH Yetu economic empowerment intervention among caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania: A longitudinal multivariable logistic regression analysis. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 15, 101959.

Exavery, A., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2024, August). Longitudinal evaluation of the influence of WORTH Yetu on household economic status based on the count of non-asset resources for orphaned and vulnerable children’s well-being in Tanzania. Child Indicators Research, 17, 10133–10145.

Exavery, A., Katbi, M., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2024, April 16). Multivariate mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression models with difference-in-differences estimator of the impact of WORTH Yetu on household hunger and socioeconomic status among OVC caregivers in Tanzania. PLOS ONE, 19(4), e0301578.

Exavery, A., Alam, K., Charles, J., Barankena, A., Bajaria, S., Minja, E., Mulikuza, J., Mbwambo, T., Ally, A., Mseya, R., & others. (2022, February 25). Impact of household economic strengthening intervention on food security among caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children in Tanzania. PLOS ONE, 17(2), e0264315.

Dr. Paris Ekeke | Team Building | Best Researcher Award

Published on 11/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Dr. Paris Ekeke | Team Building | Best Researcher Award

University of Michigan | United States

Dr. Paris S. Ekeke is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at the University of Michigan, where she is dedicated to advancing equitable neonatal care and improving outcomes for critically ill newborns. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northwestern University, Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Following her residency in Pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Lurie Children’s Hospital and a fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Ekeke has held academic appointments at Northeastern Ohio Medical University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on health disparities, breastfeeding equity, prenatal counseling, and the impact of psychosocial stressors on neonatal outcomes. She has received several honors, including the Feinberg School of Medicine Outstanding Teaching Award, Top 20 Women in White Coat Award, and University of Michigan Diversity Fund for Junior Faculty. Through her leadership, teaching, and scholarship, Dr. Ekeke continues to champion maternal-infant health equity and mentor future neonatologists committed to evidence-based and compassionate neonatal care.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

VanOmen, S., & Ekeke, P. (2025, June 1). Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment: Indications, Considerations, and Postnatal Expectations. NeoReviews, 26(6), e402–e410.

Dr. Rayan Merkbawi | Leadership in Education and Academic Institutions | Best Researcher Award

Published on 10/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Dr. Rayan Merkbawi | Leadership in Education and Academic Institutions | Best Researcher Award

University of Technology Sydney | Australia

Dr. Rayan Merkbawi is a dedicated academic and educator at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), specializing in business, social impact, and emerging technologies in marketing. She earned her Ph.D. in Business from UTS in 2021, following a Master’s in International Business from Macquarie University and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Her teaching career spans several leading Australian universities, including UTS and the University of Sydney, where she has designed and delivered innovative, practice-based subjects that integrate real-world challenges into business education. As the designer and coordinator of “Business and Social Impact,” she led the creation of an industry-informed curriculum recognized as a Top Subject at UTS for two consecutive years. Her research interests lie at the intersection of social impact, responsible leadership, ESG frameworks, and the integration of sustainability into business education. Dr. Merkbawi has received multiple nominations for prestigious university awards, including the UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Award and the UTS Business School Achievement Award, highlighting her commitment to impactful teaching and research. Through her leadership in curriculum innovation, she continues to inspire students to become socially responsible leaders equipped to drive positive change in the business world.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Baber, H., Sarango-Lalangui, P., Merkbawi, R., Fatorachian, H., & Maalouf, J. (2025). Green impact: How social and environmental orientations shape sustainability in Ecuadorian businesses under regulatory framework. Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship.

Merkbawi, R., Kaya, E., Wilson, R., Dalton, B., & Li, H. W. (2025). Between aspiration and reality: Immigrant families, capital constraints, and the path to higher education in Australia. Asia Pacific Education Review.

Merkbawi, R., Rhodes, C., & Dalton, B. (2024). Political corporate social irresponsibility and Lebanon’s garbage mountain. Business & Society.

Prof. Dr. Cecilia María Ruíz Esteban | Team Building and Team Management | Best Researcher Award

Published on 08/11/202508/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Prof. Dr. Cecilia María Ruíz Esteban | Team Building and Team Management | Best Researcher Award

Universidad de Murcia | Spain

Dr. Cecilia Ruiz Esteban is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Murcia, where she has developed an extensive academic and research career focused on interpersonal variables related to learning, school bullying prevention, and quality enhancement in higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Murcia in 1994 and has served as a faculty member since 1997. Her scholarly work includes 66 articles in leading JCR-indexed journals such as Current Psychology, Frontiers in Psychology, and Psicothema, as well as over 10 books and numerous conference contributions. She has coordinated multiple national and international research projects, notably the Erasmus+ CBHE EQuAM-LA project (2020–2023), fostering collaboration among 21 European and Latin American institutions. Dr. Ruiz Esteban has supervised 16 doctoral theses and mentored numerous graduate students, contributing significantly to research training and educational innovation. Her leadership extends to institutional management roles, including President of the ANECA Social Sciences and Law Commission and Coordinator of University Quality at the University of Murcia. Recognized with awards such as the NAOS Prize from the Spanish Ministry of Health (2017), she continues to advance knowledge transfer, educational excellence, and international academic cooperation.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Inglés, C., Benavides, G., Redondo, J., García-Fernández, J. M., & Ruiz-Esteban, C. (2009). Conducta prosocial y rendimiento académico en estudiantes españoles de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. Anales de Psicología / Annals of Psychology, 25(1), 93–101.

Martínez, J. P., Méndez, I., Ruiz-Esteban, C., Fernández-Sogorb, A., & García-Fernández, J. M. (2020). Profiles of burnout, coping strategies and depressive symptomatology. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 591.

Inglés, C. J., Martínez-González, A. E., Valle, A., García-Fernández, J. M., & Ruiz-Esteban, C. (2011). Conducta prosocial y motivación académica en estudiantes españoles de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. Universitas Psychologica, 10(2), 451–461.

Cerezo, F., Ruiz-Esteban, C., Lacasa, C. S., & Gonzalo, J. J. A. (2018). Dimensions of parenting styles, social climate, and bullying victims in primary and secondary education. Psicothema, 30(1), 59–65.

García-Fernández, J. M., Saura, C. J. I., Díez, M. S. T., Ruiz-Esteban, C., & Herrero, Á. D. (2010). Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Autoeficacia Percibida Específica de Situaciones Académicas en una muestra de estudiantes españoles de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. European Journal of Education and Psychology, 3(1), 61–74.

Dr. Ounyesiga | living | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Published on 07/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Dr. Ounyesiga | living | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Kampala International university | Uganda

Ounyesiga Living is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in renewable energy, physics, and applied sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Renewable Energy (candidate), an MSc in Physics, and a BSc in Education from Kampala International University. With extensive teaching experience, he has served as Head of the Department of Physical Sciences and Assistant Lecturer at Kampala International University, where he has contributed to curriculum development, syllabus design, departmental leadership, and examination coordination. His teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate courses in physics, engineering, and education, including quantum physics, solid-state physics, experimental physics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Dr. Living’s research interests focus on renewable energy systems, solar power modeling, biogas production, power transmission line optimization, and environmental sustainability. He has published widely in high-impact journals such as Electric Power Systems Research, Energy and Power Engineering, and Heliyon, addressing both theoretical and applied challenges in energy generation and transmission. Beyond research, he has coordinated seminars, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to academic leadership and practical impact. His work integrates analytical rigor, applied experimentation, and sustainable development solutions, contributing significantly to the advancement of science and engineering in Uganda and beyond. Dr. Living continues to mentor students, develop innovative research projects, and foster collaborations in the field of renewable energy and applied physics.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Fashina, A., Mundu, M., Akiyode, O., Abdullah, L., Sanni, D., & Ounyesiga, L. (2018). The drivers and barriers of renewable energy applications and development in Uganda: A review. Clean Technologies, 1(1), 9–39.

Uzorka, A., & Kalabuki, K. (2024). The transformative impact of technological advancements in educational leadership on student experiences and outcomes. Education and Information Technologies, 29(16), 20883–20904.

Living, O., Nnamchi, S. N., Mundu, M. M., Ukagwu, K. J., & Abdulkarim, A. (2024). Coupled modelling and simulation of power transmission lines: A systematic analysis of line losses. Electric Power Systems Research, 226, 109954.

Sead, S. M., Uzorka, A., & Olaniyan, A. O. (2024). Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district, Uganda. Discover Environment, 2(1), 55.

Adolf, K., & Uzorka, A. (2025). Effects of substrates on the efficiency of a monocrystalline solar panel. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 6667.

Living, O., Nnamchi, S. N., Ukagwu, K. J., Abdulkarim, A., & Jagun, Z. O. (2023). Minimization of electric power losses on 132 kV and 220 kV Uganda electricity transmission lines. Energy and Power Engineering, 15(2), 127–150.