Mrs. Naima Rahiel | Change Management | Young Researcher Award

Mrs. Naima Rahiel | Change Management | Young Researcher Award

QARTZ, Université Paris 8 | France

Naima Rahiel is a dedicated doctoral researcher in Industrial Engineering and Productics at ED CLI, Université Paris 8, where she has been engaged in advanced studies since January 2022. She holds both a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from IMSI, Université Oran 2, Algeria, obtained in 2020 and 2018 respectively. Her academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to the development of expertise in industrial systems, process optimization, and innovative engineering solutions. Professionally, she has gained valuable experience through academic and applied research in industrial engineering, emphasizing areas such as production systems, operations management, and industrial productics. Her research interests lie in digital transformation of industries, sustainable manufacturing, quality management, lean systems, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve industrial performance. Rahiel has participated in collaborative projects and academic exchanges that highlight her capacity to work across interdisciplinary teams, bringing analytical skills and innovative thinking to complex industrial challenges. She has been recognized for her academic achievements and contributions to research, receiving distinctions that reflect her scholarly excellence. Moving forward, she aims to contribute to the advancement of industrial engineering research and to promote sustainable and efficient industrial practices in both academic and applied contexts.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Rahiel, N., El Mhamedi, A., & Hachemi, K. (2024). Healthcare supply chain: Resilience qualitative evaluation. Hospital Supply Chain: Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Healthcare.

Rahiel, N., El Mhamedi, A., Hachemi, K., Aouffen, N., & Rahiel, I. (2025). Resilience of the hospital supply chain: A case study-based approach on safety stock. Environment Systems and Decisions, 45(4), 56.

Rahiel, N., Addouche, S. A., El Mhamedi, A., & Hachemi, K. (2025). Function-based modeling for reactive optimization of healthcare resource reallocation. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Dr. Cedric Worthmann | Strategic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cedric Worthmann | Strategic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd | Cayman Islands

Cedric Worthmann is a dynamic leader in business development, engineering, and energy planning with over a decade of experience in advancing energy efficiency, renewable integration, and strategic planning across the utility sector. Currently serving as Director of Business Development, Engineering, and Planning at Caribbean Utilities Company, he leads energy transition initiatives, renewable adoption, and infrastructure modernization in alignment with national energy policy and integrated resource planning. Previously, he served as Business Development Manager at Eskom Holdings in South Africa, where he spearheaded energy efficiency strategies, customer retention programs, renewable integration, and large-scale demand-side management projects. His career demonstrates expertise in strategic forecasting, project management, and regulatory alignment, with strong emphasis on optimizing energy systems to enhance customer value and sustainability. He has also played a pivotal role in establishing project management frameworks, developing design and construction standards for generation, transmission, and distribution, and promoting innovative energy solutions. His professional interests lie in renewable energy integration, demand-side management, sustainable power planning, and emerging energy technologies. With a proven record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering impactful projects, Cedric continues to drive innovation and efficiency in the energy sector, contributing to the global transition toward cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy systems.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Worthmann, C. A. (2025). Oversight methodologies for artificial intelligence implementation in the energy sector [Doctoral dissertation, SSBM Geneva]. Digital Repository of Theses.

Worthmann, C. A., & Malik, K. (2025, August 28). Comprehensive and comparative analysis of AI in the energy sector. AI and Ethics. Advance online publication.

Worthmann, S., Dintchev, O., & Worthmann, C. (2017, April). South African low pressure solar water heating mass rollout program and its impacts on carbon. Energy Engineering, 114(2), 7–27.

Worthmann, C. A. (2001). Feasibility study of a neural network current controller for a boost rectifier [Master’s thesis,

Ms. Shima Bahri | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Shima Bahri | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Shima Bahri is a pharmaceutical researcher specializing in the preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of nanoparticles, including liposomes, cerasomes, and quantum dots. She obtained her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (2016–2023), where her thesis focused on the Accelerated Blood Clearance (ABC) phenomenon following IV injection of composite nanocerasomes, earning an excellent grade and a GPA of 17.21/20. She completed her M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry at Isfahan University of Technology (2012–2014), with research on carbon-heteroatom cross-coupling reactions and indazole synthesis, and her B.Sc. in Pure Chemistry from Sharif University of Technology (2007–2011). Dr. Bahri has in-depth expertise in nanoparticle preparation, in vitro characterization, synthesis, purification, and pharmacokinetic studies, employing analytical techniques such as LC-MS, FT-IR, NMR, UV spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, SEM, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Her research has produced 9 documents with 9 citations and an h-index of 2. She has been recognized for her top performance in national Ph.D. and university entrance exams. Dr. Bahri’s work aims to advance safe and effective nanocarrier systems for drug delivery. Her dedication to innovation and excellence underscores her growing contribution to pharmaceutical nanotechnology.

Profile:  Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Hajipour, A. R., Khorsandi, Z., & Bahri, S. (2018). An efficient and inexpensive visible light photoredox copper catalyst for N–N bond-forming reactions: The one-pot synthesis of indazolo[2,3-α]quinolines. Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society, 15(4), 981–986.

Bahri, S., Abdollahizad, E., Mahlooji, I., Rezaee, E., Abbasian, Z., … [add remaining authors if desired]. (2023). Cerasome versus liposome: A comparative pharmacokinetic analysis following intravenous administration into rats. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 22(1).

Abdollahizad, E., Dadashzadeh, S., Bahri, S., Abbasian, Z., & Rezaee, E. (2023). Amphotericin B pharmacokinetics: Inter-strain differences in rats following intravenous administration of the most commonly marketed formulations of the drug. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 22(1).

Bahri, S., Qaribnejad, A., Soleimanjahi, H., Rezaee, E., Haeri, A., … [add remaining authors if desired]. (2025). Pegylated cerasomes exhibit accelerated blood clearance in rats despite no elevation of anti-PEG IgM and IgG antibodies. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 126185.

Hajipour, A. R., Bahri, S., & MohammadSaleh, F. (Year?). Choline chloride/CuCl as an effective homogeneous catalyst for palladium-free CN cross-coupling reactions.

Prof. Chaoying Qiu | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chaoying Qiu | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Jinan University | China

Chaoying Qiu is an Associate Professor at Jinan University with extensive expertise in the functionalization of plant proteins, application of functional oils, and the design of novel food active substance delivery systems. She has led and contributed to over 20 research projects, including 2 sub-projects of the National Key Research and Development Program, 1 National Natural Science Foundation project, and the Guangzhou “Zhujiang New Star Innovation Technology Project.” Prof. Qiu has published 46 SCI-indexed papers, including 33 as first or corresponding author, in top-tier journals such as Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Food & Function, Food Chemistry, and Food Hydrocolloids. Her research has garnered 2,168 citations with an h-index of 25. She has co-authored the textbook Processing of Grain and Oil By-products and the popular science book Exploring the Secrets of Oil in Life. Her contributions have been recognized with awards including the Second Prize of Guangdong Science and Technology Progress and the Second Prize of the China Food Science Society Technology Invention Award. She serves as a reviewer for leading journals and has mentored multiple national, provincial, and university-level innovation projects. Prof. Qiu is also a core member of the “Yangfan Plan Introducing Innovative Team” and has been selected for Jinan University’s “Outstanding Young Teachers” and “Double Hundred Talents” programs, reflecting her leadership and impact in food science research.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Chen, D., Lee, Y. Y., Tan, C. P., Wang, Y., & Qiu, C. (2025). Robust porous aerogel frameworks with high oil absorption derived from hierarchical nanocellulose/lipid nanoparticle composites. Carbohydrate Polymers.

Liu, Z., Shi, W., Zhang, X., & Qiu, C. (2025). Construction of grass carp myofibrillar protein/rutin Pickering emulsion gel by one-step method and multi-scale analysis. Food Chemistry, 467, 142272.

Liu, Z., Lee, Y. Y., Tan, C. P., Wang, Y., & Qiu, C. (2025). Improved solubility and bioavailability of cyclolinopeptides by diacylglycerol in the β-cyclodextrin Pickering emulsions. Food Chemistry, 464(8), 141553.

Liao, X., Xie, Y., Liau, Y. K., Lee, Y. Y., Tan, C. P., Wang, Y., & Qiu, C. (2025). Fat crystallization, partial coalescence and melting resistance of ice cream with lauric diacylglycerol oil. Journal of Food Engineering, 387, 112304.

Chen, C., Ye, Y., Lee, Y. Y., Tan, C. P., Wang, Y., & Qiu, C. (2024). Physicochemical and biological characterization of the lipid particles with bovine serum albumin corona. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 281(Pt 1), 136223.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Belete Berhanu Kidanewold | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Belete Berhanu Kidanewold | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia

Belete Berhanu is an Associate Professor and accomplished researcher in water resources engineering and management, with a strong focus on surface water hydrology, rainfall-runoff modeling, and watershed hydroinformatics. He earned his Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering and Management from Addis Ababa University, specializing in surface water hydrology, after completing his M.Tech. in Hydrology with a specialization in watershed hydroinformatics at IIT Roorkee, India, and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Alemaya University of Agriculture. With extensive academic and research experience, he has contributed to collaborative projects with international organizations such as SMHI, FAO, IWMI, IHE Delft, UMD, USC, and FIU, focusing on flood forecasting, water accounting, climate-smart agriculture, and model integration. His work spans multiple countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Somaliland, India, Israel, and the USA, underscoring his global research engagement. A member of professional associations such as EWPA and a national expert on GERD, he has demonstrated leadership in water resource management and policy advisory roles. His expertise extends to hydrological and decision-support models, GIS, and remote sensing, and he has received recognition for his contributions to strategic water management and capacity building. With an h-index of 13 and numerous influential publications, he continues to advance hydrological research and sustainable water management practices globally.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., & Melesse, A. M. (2014). Surface water and groundwater resources of Ethiopia: Potentials and challenges of water resources development. In A. M. Melesse, W. Abtew, & S. G. Setegn (Eds.), Nile River Basin: Ecohydrological challenges, climate change and hydropolitics (pp. 97–117). Springer.

Berhanu, B., Melesse, A. M., & Seleshi, Y. (2013). GIS-based hydrological zones and soil geo-database of Ethiopia. Catena, 104, 21–31.

Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., Demisse, S. S., & Melesse, A. M. (2015). Flow regime classification and hydrological characterization: A case study of Ethiopian rivers. Water, 7(6), 3149–3165.

Mamo, S., Berhanu, B., & Melesse, A. M. (2019). Historical flood events and hydrological extremes in Ethiopia. In A. M. Melesse & W. Abtew (Eds.), Extreme hydrology and climate variability (pp. 379–384). Elsevier.

Berhanu, E. B. B. (2018). Identification of surface water storing sites using topographic wetness index (TWI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Journal of Natural Resources and Development, 8, 91–100.

Derib, S. D., Assefa, T., Berhanu, B., & Zeleke, G. (2009). Impacts of micro-basin water harvesting structures in improving vegetative cover in degraded hillslope areas of north-east Ethiopia. The Rangeland Journal, 31(2), 259–265.

Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., Demisse, S. S., & Melesse, A. M. (2016). Bias correction and characterization of climate forecast system re‐analysis daily precipitation in Ethiopia using fuzzy overlay. Meteorological Applications, 23(2), 230–243.

Ms. Meaza Girma Demisa | Natural hazarad | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Meaza Girma Demisa | Natural hazarad | Women Researcher Award

Northeastern University | China

Meaza Girma Demisa is a Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering at Northeastern University, China, where her research focuses on numerical simulations of rainfall-induced landslides, unsaturated soil dynamics, and probabilistic modeling of slope stability under diverse soil and environmental conditions. She earned her M.Sc. in Road and Transport Engineering and B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Ethiopia, where her master’s thesis examined the effect of speed humps on pavement condition. Professionally, she has served as a Technical and Design Engineer at China State Construction Engineering Ethiopia Company, contributing to structural and road projects, and currently works as a Lead Engineer at Addis Ababa City Road Authority, leading geotechnical investigations, pavement distress studies, and road project management. She has published in reputable journals such as Natural Hazards and SSRN Electronic Journal, with additional works under review in Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, Construction & Building Materials, Tunneling and Underground Space Technology, and Discover Geoscience. Her publications have earned 10 citations with an h-index of 2. Her research interests span geotechnical engineering, pavement performance, landslide modeling, and tunnel stability. She has participated in multiple international conferences and was recognized for her academic contributions, aiming to advance sustainable infrastructure solutions globally.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Wang, S., Demisa, M. G., Han, B., Hou, Q., & Zhang, Z. (2024). A material point method analysis of failure mechanism and kinematic behavior of rainfall-induced landslide. Natural Hazards, 120(15), 13875–13897.

Dong, F., Wang, S., Yang, Y., Ren, M., Demisa, M. G., & Zhang, R. (2025). Research on dynamic fuzzy prediction method for surrounding rock stability of mountain tunnels throughout the construction period. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 158, 106390.

Demisa, M. G., Taddesse, E., Tegegne, T. G., & Almeneh, A. (2023). Speed hump effect on pavement condition for Addis Ababa city roads: Case study. SSRN Electronic Journal.

Demisa, M. G., Wang, S., Hou, Q., Wenpan, S., Dong, F., & Han, B. (2025). A probabilistic framework for rainfall-induced instability in unsaturated slopes using bivariate rainfall and multivariate soil random fields. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 84(4), 207.

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sabel | Visionary Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sabel | Visionary Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Otto-v.-Guericke University of Magdeburg | Germany

Bernhard A. Sabel, PhD, is a Full Professor of Medical Psychology at the Medical Faculty of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany, and Director of the SAVIR-Center. He earned his M.A. in Psychobiology from the Universities of Trier, Clark, and Düsseldorf, followed by a Ph.D. in Psychobiology from Clark University. After postdoctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in neuroanatomy and neurochemistry, he advanced through research and academic appointments at Munich, Harvard Medical School, Princeton University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Since 1992, he has led the Institute of Medical Psychology in Magdeburg, with major research interests in brain plasticity, vision restoration, visual system imaging, microcurrent stimulation, prediction models of recovery, and the impact of fake publishing in science. He has published over 270 SCI-indexed papers, authored 10 books, and served as Editor-in-Chief of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience for nearly three decades. Recognized internationally, his awards include the Gusi Peace Prize, Leonardo da Vinci Award, EMA Award, and Beijing Overseas Talent Award, among others. His leadership roles span vice-presidency at the University of Magdeburg, executive and board memberships in global associations, and contributions to advancing medical psychology and vision rehabilitation worldwide.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Teixeira da Silva, J. A., Daly, T., Türp, J. C., Sabel, B. A., & Kendall, G. (2024). The undeclared use of third-party service providers in academic publishing is unethical: An epistemic reflection and scoping review. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology. Advance online publication.

Sabel, B. (2023). Mass production of fake science publishing: How big is the problem and why? Proceedings of the Global Open Forum.

Sabel, B. A., Knaack, E., Gigerenzer, G., & Bilc, M. (2023). Fake publications in biomedical science: Red-flagging method indicates mass production. medRxiv.

Wu, Z., Xu, J., Nürnberger, A., & Sabel, B. A. (2023). Global brain network modularity dynamics after local optic nerve damage following noninvasive brain stimulation: An EEG-tracking study. Cerebral Cortex, 33(10), 5547–5558.

Sabel, B. A., Kresinsky, A., Cardenas-Morales, L., Haueisen, J., Hunold, A., Dannhauer, M., & Antal, A. (2021). Evaluating current density modeling of non-invasive eye and brain electrical stimulation using phosphene thresholds. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 29, 2629–2638.

Sabel, B. A., & Lehnigk, L. (2021). Is mental stress the primary cause of glaucoma? Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde, 238(2), 148–152.

Mr. Ajmal Khan | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ajmal Khan | Biology | Best Researcher Award |

KU Leuven | Belgium

Dr. Ajmal Khan is a dedicated life sciences researcher specializing in pharmacology, drug discovery, and preclinical screening, with a Ph.D. in Biology from KU Leuven, Belgium. His research focuses on evaluating bioactive compounds from traditional medicinal plants for antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anticancer, and cytotoxic potential using advanced in vitro and in vivo bioassays and high-resolution mass spectrometry. With extensive academic and professional experience, he has taught and supervised undergraduate and graduate students, conducted practical laboratory courses, and managed research projects in pharmacology, microbiology, parasitology, and molecular biology. He has authored 42 publications with a total of 42 citations and an h-index of 3, reflecting his growing impact in the scientific community. Dr. Khan’s work integrates expertise in microbial and cell culture techniques, bioassays, plant extraction, chromatography, and spectroscopy, alongside skills in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and statistical analysis. He has actively contributed to academic leadership, community engagement, and youth development through various organizational roles. His research advances the discovery and preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic compounds, demonstrating both scientific rigor and societal relevance. With his interdisciplinary expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to translational research, Dr. Khan represents a strong candidate for recognition in research excellence and impact.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

“Bioassay-guided interpretation of antimicrobial compounds in Kumu, a TCM preparation from Picrasma quassioides’ stem via UHPLC-Ion Trap-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry combined with …”

“Antileishmanial Potential of Berberine Alkaloids From Berberis glaucocarpa Roots: Molecular Docking Suggests Relevant Leishmania Protein Targets”

“A report on prevalence of malaria infection in general population of Bajaur Agency, FATA, Pakistan”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Belete Berhanu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Belete Berhanu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia

Associate Professor Belete Berhanu is a distinguished water resources engineer with extensive expertise in hydrology, watershed management, and integrated water resources management. He earned his Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering and Management with a specialization in Surface Water Hydrology from Addis Ababa University, following an M.Tech in Hydrology from IIT Roorkee, India, and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Alemaya University of Agriculture. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has contributed significantly to flood forecasting, climate-smart agriculture, and hydrological modeling, collaborating with international institutions including FAO, IWMI, IHE Delft, University of Maryland, USC, and FIU. His research interests encompass hydrological modeling, remote sensing applications, decision support systems, water accounting, and sustainable water management in the context of the Nile Basin and African watersheds. He is an active member of professional organizations such as the Ethiopian Water Professional Association and the Environmentalist for Development Association. Professor Berhanu has led several high-impact projects, including flood forecasting systems, climate-resilient water management, and the integration of hydrological models with remote sensing data. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing water resource science and capacity-building, making him a leading candidate for recognition in research excellence and innovation.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., & Melesse, A. M. (2014). Surface water and groundwater resources of Ethiopia: Potentials and challenges of water resources development. In Nile River Basin: Ecohydrological challenges, climate change and … (p. 259).

Berhanu, B., Melesse, A. M., & Seleshi, Y. (2013). GIS-based hydrological zones and soil geo-database of Ethiopia. Catena, 104, 21–31.

Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., Demisse, S. S., & Melesse, A. M. (2015). Flow regime classification and hydrological characterization: A case study of Ethiopian rivers. Water, 7(6), 3149–3165.

Mamo, S., Berhanu, B., & Melesse, A. M. (2019). Historical flood events and hydrological extremes in Ethiopia. In Extreme hydrology and climate variability (pp. 379–384).

Berhanu, E. B. B. (2018). Identification of surface water storing sites using topographic wetness index (TWI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Journal of Natural Resources and Development, 8, 91–100.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arefeh Hassanvand | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arefeh Hassanvand | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran | Iran

Arefeh is a faculty member at Payame Noor University with a strong academic foundation in plant sciences and physiology. She obtained her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology from Islamic Azad University, Boroujerd Branch, followed by a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, in 2015. Over the years, she has gained extensive teaching and research experience, contributing to both academic development and applied scientific studies in her field. Her research interests span plant physiology and biotechnology, floristic studies with a focus on endangered species conservation, biosynthesis of nanoparticles using medicinal plants, and broader environmental and ecological research. She has published in scholarly journals and actively contributed to advancing knowledge in plant science and its applications in biotechnology and ecology. Her work emphasizes both the preservation of biodiversity and the innovative use of natural resources for sustainable solutions. Recognized for her academic contributions, she continues to foster research that bridges basic plant sciences with ecological and biotechnological applications. Her career reflects a dedication to advancing plant physiology, protecting ecosystems, and exploring the potential of plants in addressing modern scientific and environmental challenges.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Hassanvand, A., Afkar, S., & Zaremanesh, H. 2025. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Artemisia absinthium and their effect on the physicochemical properties of Ocimum basilicum under salt stress. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology.

Hassanvand, A. 2021. Biosynthesis of nanosilver and its effect on key genes of flavonoids and physicochemical properties of Viola tricolor L. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions A: Science.

Hassanvand, A. 2018. Potential distribution of Persian gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa) in Bamoo National Park, Shiraz, Iran: A presence-only model approach. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research.

Hassanvand, A. 2018. The role of Haloxylon plantations in improving carbon sequestration potential of sand dunes of Iran. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research.

Hassanvand, A. 2017. Effect of biofertilizers on the morphological characteristics of the burdock. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research.