Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhigang Wu | Innovative Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhigang Wu | Innovative Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Jiangxi University of Science and Technology | China

Zhigang Wu is an accomplished associate professor whose work centers on precision engineering, intelligent mechatronic systems, and micro–nano manipulation technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in Electromechanical Engineering from the University of Macau, a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tianjin University of Technology, and a bachelor’s degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the North University of China. With extensive academic and research experience, he has made significant contributions in areas such as flexure hinge mechanisms, PZT-driven micro-grippers, nanopositioning platforms, nonlinear control, smart sensors, micro-robots, and hysteresis modeling. His research outputs include over 15 publications in reputable journals and international conferences, including SCI-indexed papers, IEEE Access, Scientific Reports, and IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters. He also serves as a reviewer for leading journals and robotics/mechatronics conferences. His work has supported several national and international research projects funded by agencies in China and Macau, focusing on advanced micromanipulation technologies, robust control, and intelligent optimization. He has been recognized with awards such as the Excellent Master Thesis Award from Tianjin University of Technology. Through his continued research in cutting-edge micro-robotics, advanced control algorithms, and precision mechanisms, he remains dedicated to advancing intelligent mechatronic systems and contributing impactful innovations to the field.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

BiAttentionNet: A dual-branch automatic driving image segmentation network integrating spatial and channel attention mechanisms. (2025). Scientific Reports.

Covid-19 psychological pressures, depression and FOMO: The mediating role of online social support and emotional regulation. (2024). BMC Psychology.

Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya | Environmental and analytical chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya | Environmental and analytical chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Government Chemist Laboratory Authority | Tanzania

Noel Isack Kaaya is an accomplished chemist researcher with over a decade of professional experience in hazardous chemicals management, occupational safety and health, and advanced laboratory analysis related to environmental pollution, toxicology, and illicit substances. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dodoma and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam, building a strong academic foundation in analytical and environmental chemistry. His research work focuses on acid mine drainage, geogenic contamination, environmental toxicology, soil pollution, and the use of advanced materials such as graphene-based adsorbents for rare earth element recovery. He has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications addressing environmental contamination and public health risks in mining regions. His professional experience includes long-term service as a chemist in a national analytical laboratory, where he conducts critical assessments of environmental hazards and supports scientific investigations. His research interests extend to environmental risk assessment, geochemistry, and sustainable waste management solutions. With growing recognition in the scientific community and impactful contributions to environmental health, he continues to advance research that informs policy, protects public safety, and strengthens sustainable mineral resource management. His career reflects a commitment to scientific excellence and environmental responsibility.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Kaaya, N. I. (2026). Acid mine drainage, soil pollution, and carcinogenic risk of geogenic contaminants in artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas of Geita, Tanzania. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-025-02909-8

Mr. Izhar Ahmed | Geological Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Izhar Ahmed | Geological Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Geology and Geophysics Chinese Academy of Sciences | China 

Izhar Ahmed is a dedicated researcher in engineering geology, currently pursuing advanced studies at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He holds a strong academic foundation with degrees in Applied Geology and Earth Sciences, complemented by professional experience as a geotechnical engineer, visiting lecturer, and disaster management coordinator. His research focuses on intact and rock mass characterization, physico-mechanical behavior of granitic rocks, fault damage zone (FDZ) mechanics, geo-hazard engineering, and slope stability in tectonically active mountain regions. He has published multiple SCI papers in Q1 and Q2 journals and serves on the editorial board of an international journal. His notable achievements include identifying microstructural responses of rocks to tectonic activity, quantifying rock mass heterogeneity across FDZs, and proposing an FDZ-based landslide prediction model with significant application value for infrastructure development in seismically active zones. His contributions have garnered growing citation impact and recognition within the scientific community. He continues to advance research on rock mechanics, landslide hazards, and machine-learning-based geotechnical modeling with a commitment to improving hazard assessment and engineering safety in complex geological environments.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ahmed, I., Shang, Y., Sousa, L., Yi, X., Meng, Q., Rabbani, H., & Ahmed, R. (2025). Tectonic control on mineralogical and microfabric modifications and their impact on rock strength: Evidence from the fault damage zone, Tethyan Himalayas, Pakistan. Minerals, 15(12), 1272.

Ahmed, I., Shang, Y., Sousa, L., Meng, Q., Tanoli, J. I., & Waqar, M. F. (2025). Geomechanical evaluation of fault damage zone in the active Himalayas of Northern Pakistan. Environmental Earth Sciences, 84(21), 644.

 Waqar, M. F., Guo, S., Qi, S., Karim, M. A. M., Zada, K., Ahmed, I., & Shang, Y. (2025). Influence of mineralogical and petrographic properties on the mechanical behavior of granitic and mafic rocks. Minerals, 15(7), 747.

 Ahmed, I., Shang, Y., Basharat, M., Zada, K., & Khan, B. A. (2024). Influence of stress-induced fabric changes on the strength of granites: An insight from the Kohistan and Ladakh Himalayas, Northern Pakistan. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 83(9), 369.

Sajjad, M. M., Wang, J., Ge, D., Khan, R., Ahmed, I., & Zada, K. (2024). Assessing the potential landslide risk identification in the northern section of CPEC route Pakistan based on multi-temporal InSAR approaches. Journal of Mountain Science, 21(12), 4131–4148.

Dr. Lixing Zheng | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Lixing Zheng | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

PowerChina Chongqing Engineering Co., Ltd | China

Dr. Lixing Zheng is a researcher specializing in hydrogen energy production, life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling, and low-carbon regional scenario analysis. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the South China University of Technology, followed by a PhD from the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His academic and professional journey has included extensive involvement in postdoctoral research at PowerChina Chongqing Engineering Co., Ltd., where he contributes to advancing sustainable energy systems. Dr. Zheng has authored influential works, including contributions to the Encyclopedia of China (3rd Edition) and several peer-reviewed publications on hydrogen production efficiency, hydrogen energy supply scenarios, hydrogen metallurgy, exergy efficiency, and the life-cycle impacts of renewable energy technologies. His research has supported key national and regional projects focused on energy transformation, carbon neutrality pathways, and industrial technology development. Dr. Zheng’s achievements have been recognized through honors such as the 2024 Outstanding Paper Award from the Journal of Engineering Thermophysics, the 2024 Global Top Ten Award for Commercialisation of Research Results by Engineers, and the Second Prize of the 2025 China Power Construction Group Science and Technology Award. His work continues to advance the scientific foundation for sustainable, low-carbon energy systems.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Analysis of exergy flow and CCUS carbon reduction potential in coal gasification hydrogen production technology in China. Energies.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yu Zhao | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yu Zhao | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

Shenyang Jianzhu University | China

Zhao Yu is an accomplished scholar in management science and engineering with a strong academic foundation, holding a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a master’s degree in management science and engineering, and a Ph.D. from Chongqing University. With professional experience spanning academia and government research, he has served as a lecturer, associate professor, and policy research section chief, contributing significantly to both theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable development. His research focuses on emergy analysis, carbon emissions, construction sustainability, green building, urban metabolism, zero-waste city governance, supply-chain carbon measurement, and real estate mass appraisal. He has published 18 SCI/SSCI papers as first author, including multiple articles in top-tier CAS Zone 1 journals, and has led more than 2 million RMB in funded research projects, including prestigious Ministry of Education and provincial social science grants. His work has advanced carbon reduction strategies, emergy-based sustainability evaluations, and digital governance in the construction sector. He has also guided students to achieve national awards, reflecting his commitment to talent cultivation and academic excellence. Overall, his contributions demonstrate impactful leadership in advancing sustainable construction, ecological governance, and innovative urban development pathways for regional and national progress.

Profile:  ORCID 

Featured Publications

Zhao, Y. (2025). Assessing recycled concrete’s sustainability with emergy theory and input–output modeling. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Engineering Sustainability.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Coupling system dynamics with emergy analysis to achieve China’s zero-waste city goals: A metabolic perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Efficient project management of historical building groups: A BIM-based approach with the critical chain method and 5D simulation. International Journal of Construction Management.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Flow shop scheduling for prefabricated components production considering parallel machines and buffer constraints. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Enhancing real estate mass appraisal in Type II metropolitan cities: A GIS-MGWR approach. International Journal of Strategic Property Management.

Prof Dr. Shu-Hu Yin | Innovative Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Prof Dr. Shu-Hu Yin | Innovative Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Nantong University | China

Dr. Shu-Hu Yin is a distinguished researcher in electrocatalysis whose work focuses on the design of advanced interfaces and surfaces for clean energy technologies, particularly fuel cells. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Xiamen University, where he developed a strong foundation in electrochemical mechanisms and catalytic material design. With extensive academic experience, he has contributed to major national research initiatives, including the National Key Research and Development Program of China, and currently leads innovative projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation. His research interests center on transition-metal single-atom catalysts, Fe/N/C systems, electrocatalytic reaction pathways, and the development of high-performance materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Dr. Yin has published influential articles in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Angewandte Chemie International Edition, contributing significantly to advancements in catalyst structure characterization and activity quantification. With an h-index of 17, his work is widely recognized for its novelty, rigor, and technological relevance. He continues to collaborate globally, offering expertise in electrochemical energy conversion. Dr. Yin’s career reflects a commitment to scientific excellence and to developing sustainable solutions that address global energy challenges.

Profile:  ORCID 

Featured Publications

Chen, L., Yin, S., Zeng, H., Liu, J., Xiao, X., Cheng, X., Huang, H., Huang, R., Yang, J., & Lin, W.-F., et al. (2024).
Engineering asymmetric electronic structure of cobalt coordination on CoN₃S active sites for high-performance oxygen reduction reaction. Journal of Energy Chemistry.

Cheng, X., Yin, S., Zhang, J., Yang, J., Chen, L., Wang, W., Liao, H., Huang, R., Jiang, Y., Zhang, B., et al. (2025).
Low-temperature pyrolysis: A universal route to high-loading single-atom catalysts for fuel cells. Advanced Materials.

Jiang, W.-L., Cao, S.-H., Qiu, C.-Y., Sun, H.-J., Wang, L.-N., Sheng, J.-B., Ji, L.-F., Liu, S., Ni, Z.-R., Yin, S.-H., et al. (2025).
Operando magnetic resonance imaging for visualizing electrochemical triple-phase boundary. Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Li, G., Yin, S.-H., Ji, L.-F., Nie, X.-Y., Zhu, T., Cheng, X.-Y., Xu, J., Huang, R., Jiang, Y.-X., Zhang, B.-W., et al. (2025).
Universal electrochemical quantification of active site density in transition metal nitrogen carbon electrocatalysts. Nature Communications.

Li, Y., Yin, S., Chen, L., Cheng, X., Wang, C., Jiang, Y., & Sun, S. (2024).
Boost the utilization of dense FeN₄ sites for high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Energy and Environmental Materials.

Yin, S., Chen, L., Yang, J., Cheng, X., Zeng, H., Hong, Y., Huang, H., Kuai, X., Lin, Y., & Huang, R., et al. (2024).
A Fe–NC electrocatalyst boosted by trace bromide ions with high performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Nature Communications.

Yin, S., Yi, H., Liu, M., Yang, J., Yang, S., Zhang, B.-W., Chen, L., Cheng, X., Huang, H., & Huang, R., et al. (2024).
An in situ exploration of how Fe/N/C oxygen reduction catalysts evolve during synthesis under pyrolytic conditions. Nature Communications.

Dr. Yu Pan | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Outstanding Educator Award

Dr. Yu Pan | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Outstanding Educator Award

Wenzhou Medical University | China

Dr. Pan Yu is an accomplished scholar and associate professor specializing in applied linguistics and foreign language education. She holds advanced degrees in applied linguistics, educational management, leadership, and global communication, forming a strong academic foundation for her interdisciplinary work in language studies. With extensive teaching experience in sociolinguistics, academic English writing, comparative English–Chinese studies, cultural communication, TOEFL iBT preparation, and language assessment, she has contributed significantly to curriculum development and pedagogical innovation. Her research focuses on corpus linguistics, English for Academic Purposes, culture studies, teaching pedagogy, and teacher education, with scholarly publications that reflect her commitment to understanding language learning and promoting effective teaching strategies. She has received numerous prestigious honors, including provincial academic achievement awards, best paper awards, and multiple teaching innovation and excellence awards at university, municipal, and provincial levels. As an active researcher and educator, she continually advances language education through research-driven practice and engagement in academic communities. Her career illustrates a sustained dedication to improving language teaching, fostering student success, and contributing to the development of applied linguistics as both a research field and educational practice.

Profile:  ORCID 

Featured Publications

Pan, Y. (2025). Global healthcare communication: Innovating medical English education. Cogent Education. Advance online publication.

Pan, Y. (2025). Leveraging generative AI powered rubric-indexed feedback as a formative assessment strategy for enhancing medical English education. Discover Computing. Advance online publication.

Tao, G., & Pan, Y. (2025). AI-driven personalized learning in medical education: Enhancing cognitive skills and addressing language proficiency challenges. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(4).

Pan, Y. (2024). Transformation and innovation of university archives compilation and research methods in the context of digital intelligence. [Journal Name Not Provided].

Pan, Y., Wang, L., & Zhu, Y. (2024). Strategic questioning for formative assessment in TEFL: Insights from blended synchronous learning environments. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11.

Pan, Y. (2024). Bridging language and medical education: Integrating Chinese and Western perspectives for high-quality healthcare training. Journal of Language Teaching, 4(2).

Pan, Y. (2023). A study on the optimization of English writing teaching system in medical colleges and universities based on the perspective of curriculum ideology and politics. Journal of Language Teaching, 3(3). Pan, Y. (2023). 基于文化自信的医学类高校文化传播育人研究 [Research on cultural communication education in medical universities based on cultural confidence]. 西部学刊.

Pan, Y. (2023). College English teaching based on peer feedback in writing tasks under the perspective of New Liberal Arts. Journal of Language Teaching, 3(3).

Prof. Dr. Odette Virginia Delfin Ortega | Strategic Leadership | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. Odette Virginia Delfin Ortega | Strategic Leadership | Excellence in Research

Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo | Mexico

Odette Virginia Delfín Ortega is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in international business, productivity, and regional development, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. She earned her Ph.D. in International Business and her Master’s Degree in Foreign Trade from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, further enhancing her global perspective through a postdoctoral stay at Aston University in the United Kingdom. With extensive professional experience in customs operations and logistics management, she transitioned to academia as a full-time Associate Professor, where she has contributed significantly to research, teaching, and institutional leadership. Her scholarly output includes five books, 30 book chapters, and more than 60 articles published in internationally recognized journals, complemented by presentations at major academic forums in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. She has held key administrative positions, including Director of the Institute for Economic and Business Research and Coordinator of a CONACYT-recognized graduate program. Her research excellence has earned distinctions such as membership in the National System of Researchers and recognition as an Honorary State Researcher. Currently, she contributes to national academic collaboration as National Technical Secretary of the Mexican Consortium of APEC Study Centers, strengthening ties between academia and regional policy development.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Delfín-Ortega, O. V. (2025). Assessing technological and sustainable performance in maritime transport through the SFA metafrontier framework. Discover Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02200-x

Delfin, O. (2025). Efficiency of APEC region ports: An approach introducing weights restrictions in DEA. Maritime Business Review. https://doi.org/10.1108/MABR-03-2024-0022

Delfín-Ortega, O. (2025). Maritime logistics and economic growth in the context of APEC: A two-stage data envelopment analysis study. Journal of Shipping and Trade.

Navarro Chávez, J. C. L., & Delfín Ortega, O. V. (2025). El acervo de capital en la industria manufacturera de los países de América del Norte: Una estimación a partir del método de inventarios perpetuos con factor de ajuste. Revista Nicolaita de Estudios Económicos. https://doi.org/10.33110/rneev19i1.354

Delfin, O. (2025). Labor, capital, and technology as determinants of productivity in the electrical sector in Mexico during its distribution phase. International Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics.

Delfin, O. (2024). La legitimidad democrática en México en el periodo 2018–2021: Una propuesta de índice sintético. Revista Cimexus. https://doi.org/10.33110/cimexus190205

Delfin, O., & Navarro Chávez, J. C. L. (2024). Labor, capital, and technology as determinants of productivity in the electrical sector in Mexico during its distribution phase. International Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics.

Dr. Bahaudin Mujtaba | Cross-Cultural Leadership | Research Excellence Award | 4219

Dr. Bahaudin Mujtaba | Cross-Cultural Leadership | Research Excellence Award

Nova Southeastern University | United States

Dr. Bahaudin G. Mujtaba is a distinguished professor of management, human resource management, organizational behavior, and international business with decades of experience in higher education and corporate leadership development. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration with post-doctoral specializations in HR and international management, alongside advanced degrees in employment law and business administration from AACSB-accredited institutions. His professional background includes extensive academic leadership roles such as department chair, curriculum committee chair, institutional review board member, and accreditation leader contributing to AACSB achievements. Prior to academia, he spent 16 years at Publix Super Markets as a management development specialist, senior trainer, and executive coach, where he designed and delivered numerous management and leadership workshops and guided managers through competency development. His research interests span workforce diversity, ethical leadership, cross-cultural management, organizational behavior, leadership development, and legal-ethical frameworks in business. Dr. Mujtaba has authored multiple textbooks and journal articles addressing contemporary management challenges, human-AI interaction ethics, global leadership, and workplace culture. A long-standing member of several national and global professional associations, he is recognized for his contributions to teaching excellence, curriculum innovation, and leadership education. His work continues to inform practitioners and scholars seeking ethical, inclusive, and sustainable management practices.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Zareen, M., Razzaq, K., & Mujtaba, B. G. (2015). Impact of transactional, transformational and laissez-faire leadership styles on motivation: A quantitative study of banking employees in Pakistan. Public Organization Review, 15(4), 531–549.

Power, J. L., Brotheridge, C. M., Blenkinsopp, J., Bowes-Sperry, L., Bozionelos, N., … Mujtaba, B. G. (2013). Acceptability of workplace bullying: A comparative study on six continents. Journal of Business Research, 66(3), 374–380.

Devito, L., Brown, A., Bannister, B., Cianci, M., & Mujtaba, B. (2016). Employee motivation based on the hierarchy of needs, expectancy and the two-factor theories applied with higher education employees. International Journal of Advances in Management, Economics and Marketing.

Zareen, M., Razzaq, K., & Mujtaba, B. G. (2013). Job design and employee performance: The moderating role of employee psychological perception. European Journal of Business and Management, 5(5), 46–55.

Jones, B., McCarthy, R. V., Halawi, L., & Mujtaba, B. G. (2010). Utilizing the technology acceptance model to assess employee adoption of information systems security measures. Nova Southeastern University.

Chin-Loy, C., & Mujtaba, B. (2011). The influence of organizational culture on the success of knowledge management practices with North American companies. International Business and Economics Research Journal, 6(3).

Mujtaba, B. G., & Cavico, F. J. (2013). Corporate wellness programs: Implementation challenges in the modern American workplace. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 1(3), 193–202.

Dr. Vladimir Ristanović | Performance Management | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Vladimir Ristanović | Performance Management | Research Excellence Award

Institute of European Studies | Serbia

Dr. Vladimir Ristanović is a senior research associate and economist whose work spans European studies, international economics, finance, and sustainable development. He holds a Doctor of Economic Sciences degree, along with MSc and BSc degrees in economics from leading universities in Serbia. His professional background includes extensive experience in academic teaching, research, and policy analysis, with previous roles as associate professor, vice dean for science, and head of academic departments. He also contributed to strategic policy development for the Government of Serbia, participating in EU and WTO negotiation working groups and gaining certified knowledge of the EU acquis. His research covers applied macroeconomics, green economy, circular economy, econometric modeling, and the economic dimensions of sustainability. He has authored textbooks, monographs, and numerous scientific articles published in reputable international journals. He has served on editorial and review boards of multiple journals and participated in Erasmus+ visiting programs and international conferences. His mentoring work includes guiding students across all levels of study and contributing to accreditation processes for higher education institutions. Recognized for his contributions to economic analysis and public policy, his career reflects a commitment to advancing evidence-based research, sustainable economic development, and academic excellence.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Ristanović, V., Joksimović, M., & Šostar, M. (2025). Greening policy in the Western Balkans: Financial pathways. Međunarodna politika. https://doi.org/10.18485/iipe_mp.2025.76.1194.7

Ristanović, V., & Tošović-Stevanović, A. (2025). The economic impact of the agricultural input supply chain on small-scale farming in Serbia. Trendovi u poslovanju. https://doi.org/10.5937/trendpos2501024R

Ristanović, V., Primorac, D., & Huđek Kanižaj, I. (2025). Economic growth, green competitiveness and institutional quality in post-2004 EU states: Panel ARDL-PMG analysis. Economies, 13(12), Article 337. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13120337

Ristanović, V., Andrlić, B., & Ekiz, E. (2025). A multi-criteria assessment of green tourism potential in rural regions: The role of green skills and institutional readiness. Economies, 13(11), Article 332. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13110332