Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xing Zhang | Cross-Cultural Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xing Zhang | Cross-Cultural Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Peking University | China

Jiabao Ju is an accomplished orthopaedic trauma specialist with extensive expertise in limb fractures and foot/ankle disorders. He graduated from Peking University Health Science Center in 2020, establishing a solid academic foundation that has propelled his clinical and research career. Since then, he has authored 21 high-impact publications indexed in the Web of Science, achieving an H-index of 7 with 494 citations, demonstrating the significant influence of his work in orthopaedic science. His research, funded by prestigious grants including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82102553) and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation (L254103), focuses on innovative approaches to fracture management, tissue repair, and functional recovery in orthopaedic trauma. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Best Basic Science Paper Award at the 47th Singapore Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting. His work reflects a commitment to advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with practical application. Through his dedication to research excellence, he continues to shape the future of orthopaedic trauma care and inspire emerging clinicians and scientists in the field, underscoring his role as a leader in both academic and clinical orthopaedics.

Profiles:  Scopus 

Featured Publications

Morphological map of the proximal ulna bare area: a computer-assisted anatomical study in relation to olecranon osteotomy
Author(s). (2025). Morphological map of the proximal ulna bare area: A computer-assisted anatomical study in relation to olecranon osteotomy. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

Scenario-based simulation training, occupational burnout and psychological capital in hospital-based nursing instructors: A cross-sectional study
Author(s). (2024). Scenario-based simulation training, occupational burnout and psychological capital in hospital-based nursing instructors: A cross-sectional study. Clinical Simulation in Nursing.

Dr. Uma Jothi | Team Building and Team Management | Excellence in Research

Dr. Uma Jothi | Team Building and Team Management | Excellence in Research

Amrita University, India

Dr. J. Uma is an accomplished academic and researcher in the fields of information technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. She holds a B.Tech in Information Technology, an M.E. in Computer Science and Engineering with distinction, and has submitted her Ph.D. thesis in Information and Communication Engineering at Anna University. With more than twelve years of academic experience, she has served as Assistant Professor in leading engineering institutions, contributing significantly to teaching, curriculum development, and research mentorship. Her research focuses on cloud resource allocation, deep reinforcement learning, intelligent optimization algorithms, blockchain technologies, IoT-based systems, and data security. She has published impactful journal articles in reputed outlets like Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies and Springer’s Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, along with several book chapters and conference papers. Her work includes innovations in heuristic optimization, adversarial defenses in deep learning, and smart healthcare IoMT solutions. She is also a published patent holder in IoT-based agriculture monitoring systems and employee training platforms. Dr. Uma has organized major AICTE- and RGNIYD-funded programs, contributing to national-level capacity building in data science, IoT, and smart city technologies. Her career reflects a strong commitment to advancing research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Profiles:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Mr Lucas Infantozzi Albertoni | Team Building and Team Management | Best Research Article Award

Mr Lucas Infantozzi Albertoni | Team Building and Team Management | Best Research Article Award

Secretaria de Saúde Indígena | Brazil

Lucas Infantozzi Albertoni is a medical professional specializing in Indigenous health, with extensive experience working in multidisciplinary teams serving Indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon. He holds a medical degree from the Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto and completed postgraduate training in Indigenous Health at UNIFESP/UNASUS, as well as medical acupuncture. Over the years, he has contributed to major Indigenous health districts, including Vale do Javari and Rio Tapajós, where he supported clinical care, infectious disease control, and strategies to improve health outcomes in remote territories. His consultancy work spans respected organizations dedicated to Indigenous rights and public health, including the Centro de Trabalhos Indigenistas, the Observatório dos Direitos Humanos dos Povos Indígenas Isolados e de Recente Contato, and the Organização do Tratado de Cooperação Amazônica. He currently serves as a technical consultant in the national Indigenous health system, focusing on health protection for isolated and recently contacted peoples, mercury contamination, and environmental compensation programs. He is active in research groups within the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz and other national institutions, contributing to studies on environmental health and Indigenous epidemiology. His work reflects a commitment to strengthening equitable, culturally relevant healthcare and generating evidence to guide public policy.

Profiles:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Rodrigues, D., Albertoni, L., & Mendonça, S. B. M. (2020). Antes sós do que mal acompanhados: Contato e contágio com povos indígenas isolados e de recente contato no Brasil e desafios para sua proteção e assistência à saúde. Saúde e Sociedade. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-12902020200348

Mr. Fowad Ahmad | Innovative Leadership | Best Innovator Award

Mr. Fowad Ahmad | Innovative Leadership | Best Innovator Award

Wuhan University of Technology | China

Fowad Ahmad is an emerging researcher in management science and digital transformation, currently pursuing his doctoral studies in Management Science and Engineering at Wuhan University of Technology. He previously completed his academic training in Information and Communication Engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where he developed strong analytical and technological foundations. His research experience spans both technical and managerial domains, with contributions to areas such as artificial intelligence readiness, digital transformation, dynamic capabilities, regulatory cultural stewardship, and technology-enabled innovation in SMEs and public sector organizations. He has authored peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers, including publications in Sustainability, Journal of Business and Management Research, and Communications in Computer and Information Science. His multidisciplinary work focuses on bridging institutional voids, enhancing digital competencies, and supporting AI-driven policy and organizational development. He has also developed research on gesture recognition, immersive technologies (VR/AR), and digital performance frameworks. Throughout his academic journey, he has been recognized for his scholarly contributions and commitment to advancing digital innovation research. Dedicated to developing impactful, future-oriented insights, he aims to continue contributing to global discussions on AI readiness, sustainable digital transformation, and technology-driven organizational growth.

Profiles:  ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Ahmad, F. (2025). Bridging institutional voids in a volatile emerging economy: Role of regulatory cultural stewardship as a dynamic capability for sustainable AI-enabled digital transformation in SMEs. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210397

2. Ahmad, F. (2025, May 5). Exploring artificial intelligence readiness in the public sector organization. International Journal of Business and Management Sciences.

3. Ahmad, F. (2024). Critical artificial intelligence readiness factors in context of public sector organizations: An expert opinion survey. Journal of Business and Management Research.

4. Ahmad, F. (2024). Digital transformation on firm business performance: Mediating roles of digital innovation and digital competencies. International Research Journal of Management and Social Sciences.

5. Ahmad, F. (2021). New experience of maternal and infant shopping APP under VR+AR technology. In Communications in Computer and Information Science (pp. — ). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78645-8_59

6. Ahmad, F. (2019). A two-stage method for hand‐raising gesture recognition in classroom. In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Educational and Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1145/3318396.3318437

Assist. Prof. Dr. Anusuyah Subbarao | Digital Transformation | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Anusuyah Subbarao | Digital Transformation | Research Excellence Award

Multimedia University | Malaysia

Ts. Dr. Anusuyah Subbarao is an accomplished Assistant Professor with more than two decades of academic experience in Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology. She holds a PhD from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, a Master of Science in Computer Science majoring in Software Engineering, and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research interests span digital transformation, healthcare informatics, enterprise resource planning, cloud computing risks, global software development, qualitative methodologies, and digital literacy. Throughout her career, she has contributed extensively to research through journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, earning numerous national and international awards for teaching, innovation, and research excellence. She has successfully secured internal and external research grants and served as a reviewer for high-impact journals. Her innovation projects have received multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at prestigious exhibitions such as InventX and RICES. With strong expertise in digital health, social innovation, ERP adoption, and technology acceptance, she actively supports technological advancement and community empowerment through impactful research. Recognized for her dynamic communication skills and commitment to transformative education, she continues to inspire learners and professionals while advancing cutting-edge research in digital technologies.

Profiles:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Rahman, H. M. M., Islam, J., Malarvizhi, C. A. N., Khan, N., Subhan, K. M. A., & Subbarao, A. (2026). Women empowerment in war and nation building on the basis of Tahmima Anam’s trilogy. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología.

Murugasu, U. S. G., & Subbarao, A. (2025). Empirical method for developing a hyper-personalization artifact. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence.

Subbarao, A., Siddika, A., Fathullah, M. A., & Sanwani, M. A. B. (2025). The role of mobile applications in shaping digital transformation in higher education among Generation I: A bibliographic study. Information.

Tang, Y., Subbarao, A., & Aw, A. T. H. (2025). A critical review of Theory of Planned Behavior in knowledge payment. International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting.

Subbarao, A., Khan, N., Siddika, A., Fathullah, M. A., Sanwani, M. A., Adam, F. F., Ferezagia, D. V., & Altamira, M. B. (2025). Digital transformation in higher education: Enhancing support services through mobile apps. HighTech and Innovation Journal.

Lee, A. T., Ramasamy, R. K., & Subbarao, A. (2025). Barriers to and facilitators of technology adoption in emergency departments: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Abd Sukor, N. I., & Subbarao, A. (2025). Unveiling the pathways: Exploring influential factors shaping intentions to engage with ChatGPT. International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting.

Lee, A. T., Ramasamy, R. K., & Subbarao, A. (2025). Barriers and facilitators of technology adoption in emergency departments: A comprehensive review [Preprint]. Preprints.

Lee, A. T., Ramasamy, R. K., & Subbarao, A. (2025). Understanding psychosocial barriers to healthcare technology adoption: A review of TAM technology acceptance model and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) frameworks. Healthcare.

Lee, A. T., Ramasamy, R. K., & Subbarao, A. (2025). Understanding psychosocial barriers to healthcare technology adoption: A review of TAM and UTAUT frameworks [Preprint]. Preprints.

Khairuddin, I. K., & Subbarao, A. (2024). Examining the offline shopping preferences of millennial women: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting.

Dr. Emel Omercioglu | Developmental Pediatrics | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Emel Omercioglu | Developmental Pediatrics | Research Excellence Award

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital | Turkey

Dr. Emel Ömercioglu is a developmental pediatrician whose work focuses on promoting optimal growth, neurodevelopment, and behavioral health in children. She completed her medical degree at Cumhuriyet University, followed by a pediatrics residency at Dr. Sami Ulus Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and later specialized in developmental pediatrics at Hacettepe University. Her clinical and academic experience spans developmental–behavioral evaluation, early childhood developmental monitoring, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral difficulties, feeding and sleep problems, and risk factors influencing child development. Dr. Ömercioglu has contributed extensively to the scientific literature, authoring research on neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants, behavioral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, autism presentation in girls, developmental risk assessment, and psychosocial factors affecting families. Her publications in national and international journals reflect her commitment to improving evidence-based developmental care. She has experience working across tertiary pediatric centers and developmental clinics, where she conducts clinical assessments, guides families, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams. Her research interests include developmental delays, neurodevelopmental trajectories, behavioral disorders, early identification strategies, and child health disparities. With a strongly growing publication record and a dedication to advancing developmental pediatrics in Türkiye and beyond, Dr. Ömercioglu aims to continue contributing to research, clinical excellence, and improved developmental outcomes for children.

Profiles:  ORCID
Featured Publications

Omercioglu E, Yesil AM, Ozturk E, Ozdemir G, Sencan B, Ozmert EN. Feeding Issues Among Preschoolers With Developmental Concerns and Risks From a Developmental Pediatrics Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study From an Eurasian Country. Clinical Pediatrics. 2025; Published online Dec 2025. doi:10.1177/00099228251375538.

Ömercioğlu E, Özçelik E, Akpınar F, Özdereli Z, Öztürk E, Acar BÇ, Çelik P. Autoinflammatory periodic fever syndromes in preschoolers: neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and maternal psychosocial outcomes. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2025; Published online Nov 24, 2025. doi:10.1007/s00431-025-06566-y.

Ömercioğlu E, Akpınar F, Turmuş GH, Yeşil AM, Şahin G, Çelik P. Investigation of the relationship between language skills and behavioral problems in children assessed for language and speech delay. Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease. 2025; Published online Nov 21, 2025. doi:10.12956/TJPD.2025.1123.

Ömercioğlu E, Yeşil AM, Avcı H, Özmert EN. Changes in developmental-behavioral pediatric referral trends from a non-western country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics. 2025; Published online Oct 24, 2025. doi:10.24953/turkjpediatr.2025.4560.

Yesil AM, İskender HC, Çam EC, Ömercioğlu E, Kılınç Ş, Özmert EN. Recognizing the overlooked: rethinking autism spectrum disorder symptom presentation in girls. The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics. 2025;67(4):514–521. doi:10.24953/turkjpediatr.2025.5636.

Dr. Alassane Sow | Charismatic Leadership | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Alassane Sow | Charismatic Leadership | Outstanding Scientist Award

Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar | Senegal

Dr. Alassane Sow is a sociologist of religion whose academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding the intersections between religion, society, education, and development in West Africa. He holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in the Sociology of Religion from UCAD, building on a strong foundation in social sciences. His experience spans university teaching, applied research, and interdisciplinary consultancy across institutions in Senegal, the United States, Europe, and Africa. Dr. Sow has served as a lecturer at UCAD and UGB and as an associate researcher at internationally recognized centers such as Lehigh University and the Polish Academy of Sciences. His extensive fieldwork includes studies on home literacy environments, religious dynamics, peacebuilding, early childhood education, public health, migration, gender, environmental and social impact assessments, and community development. He has collaborated with major organizations including UNICEF, USAID, the World Bank, UNESCO partners, and several ministerial bodies. His research interests focus on religion and society, education, childhood development, social inequalities, community resilience, and socio-anthropological approaches to public policy. Dr. Sow’s contributions have earned him recognition through diverse academic engagements, invited lectures, and participation in international conferences. He continues to advance socially impactful research bridging academia, policy, and community development.

Profiles: Featured Publications

Sow, A., Lemmond, B., Rennick, B., Van Wyk, J., Martin, L., Townsend, M., Grupe, A., Beaudry, R., Healy, R., Smith, M. E., et al. (2024). Tuber cumberlandense and T. canirevelatum, two new edible Tuber species from eastern North America discovered by truffle-hunting dogs. Mycologia.

Sow, A., Van Wyk, J., Lemmond, B., Healy, R., Smith, M. E., & Bonito, G. (2024). Effective field collection of Pezizales ascospores for procuring diverse fungal isolates. Diversity, 16(3), 165.

Chou, M.-Y., Andersen, T. B., Mechan Llontop, M. E., Beculheimer, N., Sow, A., Moreno, N., Shade, A., Hamberger, B., & Bonito, G. (2023). Terpenes modulate bacterial and fungal growth and sorghum rhizobiome communities. Microbiology Spectrum, 11(5), e01332-23.

Lemmond, B., Sow, A., Bonito, G., & Smith, M. E. (2023). Accidental cultivation of the European truffle Tuber brumale in North American truffle orchards. Mycorrhiza, 33, 451–458.

Dr. yeliz sürme | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. yeliz sürme | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

Erciyes University | Turkey

Yeliz Sürme is an Associate Professor of Surgical Nursing whose academic journey spans a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral education in nursing and health sciences, with advanced specialization in surgical nursing. Her professional career includes extensive experience as a research assistant and faculty member, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate nursing education. She supervises numerous master’s and doctoral theses on surgical care, postoperative recovery, pain management, patient education, and innovative nursing interventions. Her research primarily focuses on wound healing, surgical patient outcomes, artificial intelligence–based patient education, lymphedema care, sleep and delirium in intensive care, and evidence-based surgical nursing practices. She has actively participated in national scientific projects, including randomized controlled trials on diabetic foot care and wound infection management. Her scholarly work is published in respected international journals, addressing topics such as AI-supported educational materials, postoperative rehabilitation, sleep quality in surgical patients, and humanistic nursing competence. She has served in several academic and administrative roles, including departmental committees, accreditation boards, thesis juries, and major program coordination. Recognized for her academic contributions, she received a third-place oral presentation award. She continues to advance surgical nursing science through research, teaching, and mentorship.

Profiles:  Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Sürme, Y. (2019). Stres, stresle ilişkili hastalıklar ve stres yönetimi. Journal of International Social Research, 12(64), 63.

Sürme, Y., Özmen, N., & Ertürk Arik, B. (2023). Fear of COVID-19 and related factors in emergency department patients. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21(1), 28–36.

Sürme, Y., Kartın, P. T., & Çürük, G. N. (2018). Knowledge and practices of nurses regarding wound healing. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 33(4), 471–478.

Sürme, Y., & Çimen, Ö. (2022). Preoperative surgical fear and related factors of patients undergoing brain tumor surgery. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 37(6), 934–938.

Maraş, G., & Sürme, Y. (2023). Surgical site infections: Prevalence, economic burden, and new preventive recommendations. Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, 8(4), 366–371.

Sürme, Y., & Maraş, G. (2022). Recycling, responsible consumption and nursing: A qualitative study of surgical nurses’ recycling and medical waste management. Journal of Nursing Management, 30(8), 4514–4522

Assist. Prof. Dr. Christos Kakarougkas | Motivation and Employee Engagement | Strategic Business Management Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Christos Kakarougkas | Motivation and Employee Engagement | Strategic Business Management Award

University of the Aegean | Greece

Christos S. Kakarougkas is an Assistant Professor specializing in Human Resource Management of Tourism Enterprises and Organizations. He holds a Doctoral Diploma from the University of the Aegean, where his research focused on the impact of reward systems on organizational culture change in Greek five-star hotels. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Thames Valley University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Business Management from ATEI Larisa. With extensive academic and professional experience, he has taught in undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Greek universities, including the University of the Aegean, University of West Attica, and Hellenic Open University, as well as international programs in collaboration with Metropolitan College and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. His teaching covers Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, Global Booking Systems, and Hospitality Administration. Beyond teaching, he has supervised numerous graduate and postgraduate theses, developed vocational training curricula, and contributed to adult education programs in leadership, tourism management, and entrepreneurship. His research interests include organizational culture, human resource practices in tourism, and strategic management of hospitality enterprises. He has been recognized for his scholarly contributions and active engagement in educational innovation. Christos continues to advance knowledge in tourism management while fostering excellence in academic and professional development.

Profiles:  Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Katsoni, V., Upadhya, A., & Stratigea, A. (2017). Tourism, culture and heritage in a smart economy. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, 38.

Stavrinoudis, T., & Kakarougkas, C. (2017). A theoretical model of weighting and evaluating the elements defining the change of organizational culture. In Tourism, culture and heritage in a smart economy: Third International Conference (pp. xx–xx).

Stavrinoudis, T., & Kakarougkas, C. (2017). Factors of human motivation in organizations: A first scientific modeling for a more effective application in the hospitality industry. International Journal of Cultural and Digital Tourism, 4(2), 20–30. https://doi.org/xxxx

Stavrinoudis, T., Kakarougkas, C., & Vitzilaiou, C. (2022). Hotel front line employees’ perceptions on leadership and workplace motivation in times of crisis. Tourism and Hospitality Management, 28(2), 257–276. https://doi.org/xxxx

Kakarougkas, C., & Stavrinoudis, T. (2021). COVID-19 impact on the human aspect of organizational culture and learning: The case of the Greek hospitality industry. In Organizational learning in tourism and hospitality crisis management (Vol. 8, pp. 49–xx).

Kakarougkas, C., & Stavrinoudis, T., & Psimoulis, M. (2023). Evaluating the COVID-19 pandemic changes on hotel organizational culture. Journal of Global Business Insights, 8(1), 80–94. https://doi.org/xxxx

Kakarougkas, C., & Papageorgakis, E. (2023). Evaluating the effectiveness of training methods on the performance of human resources in Greek hotel businesses. Journal of Advances in Humanities Research, 4863, 11–xx. https://doi.org/xxxx

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surbhi Agrawal | Innovative Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surbhi Agrawal | Innovative Leadership | Research Excellence Award

RV Institute of Technology and Management, India

Profiles:  Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Bora, K., Saha, S., Agrawal, S., Safonova, M., Routh, S., & Narasimhamurthy, A. (2016). Cd-hpf: New habitability score via data analytic modeling. Astronomy and Computing, 17, 129–143.

Saha, S., Basak, S., Safonova, M., Bora, K., Agrawal, S., Sarkar, P., & Murthy, J. (2018). Theoretical validation of potential habitability via analytical and boosted tree methods: An optimistic study on recently discovered exoplanets. Astronomy and Computing, 23, 141–150.

Agrawal, S., Basak, S., Mathur, A., Theophilus, A. J., Deshpande, G., & Murthy, J. (2021). Habitability classification of exoplanets: A machine learning insight. The European Physical Journal Special Topics, 230, 2221–2251.

Viquar, M., Basak, S., Dasgupta, A., Agrawal, S., & Saha, S. (2018). Machine learning in astronomy: A case study in quasar-star classification. In Emerging Technologies in Data Mining and Information Security (pp. xxx–xxx). (Publisher details not provided).

Basak, S., Saha, S., Mathur, A., Bora, K., Makhija, S., Safonova, M., & Agrawal, S. (2020). Ceesa meets machine learning: A constant elasticity earth similarity approach to habitability and classification of exoplanets. Astronomy and Computing, 30, 100335.

Naik, P., Agrawal, S., & Murthy, S. (2015). A survey on various task scheduling algorithms toward load balancing in public cloud. American Journal of Applied Mathematics, 3(1-2), 14–17.

Sarkar, J., Saha, S., & Agrawal, S. (2014). An efficient use of principal component analysis in workload characterization—a study. AASRI Procedia, 8, 68–74.

Saha, S., Agrawal, S., Bora, K., Routh, S., & Narasimhamurthy, A. (2015). ASTROMLSKIT: A new statistical machine learning toolkit: A platform for data analytics in astronomy. arXiv preprint arXiv:1504.07865.

Safonova, M., Mathur, A., Basak, S., Bora, K., & Agrawal, S. (2021). Quantifying the classification of exoplanets: In search for the right habitability metric. The European Physical Journal Special Topics, 230(10), 2207–2220.