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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Namrata Gupta | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Namrata Gupta | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

University of Wollongong in Dubai | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Namrata Gupta, ACA, is an accomplished academic and researcher in accounting and finance, currently serving as an Associate Professor and Academic Integrity Officer at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. She holds a Ph.D. in Management Accounting from Banasthali Vidyapith University, India, with her doctoral research focusing on comparative accounting practices between India and the UAE. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Dr. Gupta also earned her Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the University of Delhi. With over two decades of academic and professional experience across prestigious institutions including Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Zayed University Outreach, Ajman University, and Emirates Institute of Banking and Financial Services, she has contributed extensively to the fields of corporate governance, financial performance, fintech, and gender diversity in boardrooms. Her research has been widely published in high-impact journals such as Sustainability, Management Decision, and the Journal of Management and Governance. She has also led and secured competitive research grants on topics such as flipped learning, academic integrity, and women empowerment. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Dr. Gupta’s scholarly and professional contributions continue to strengthen the link between academia and industry in the UAE and beyond.

Profile:  Scopus 

Featured Publications

Gurrib, I., Kamalov, F., Starkova, O., Makki, A., Mirchandani, A., & Gupta, N. (2023). Performance of equity investments in sustainable environmental markets. Sustainability, 15(9), 7453.

Dr. Waqas Hanif | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Waqas Hanif | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Rabat Business School, International University of Rabat, Morocco

Profile

Google Scholar 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Waqas Hanif’s academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in finance and a passion for research. He earned his MBA in Finance from PMAS-AAU, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in 2008, demonstrating an early interest in financial management and investment strategies. Furthering his academic excellence, he pursued an MS in Finance from MAJU, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan, in 2012. His dedication to finance research led him to IQRA University, Islamabad Campus, where he successfully completed his Ph.D. in Finance in 2018. His academic journey continued with a postdoctoral research position at the University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Portugal, in 2022-2023, where he expanded his expertise in financial markets and sustainability.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Hanif’s professional career reflects his deep engagement in academia and research. Currently, he serves as a faculty member at Rabat Business School (AACSB accredited and ranked among the top business schools by the Financial Times), International University of Rabat, Morocco. His role involves mentoring students, conducting high-impact research, and contributing to the global academic discourse on finance. With a multidisciplinary approach, he bridges theoretical insights with practical financial applications, focusing on financial risk, sustainable investments, and emerging financial technologies. His affiliations with reputable institutions and contributions to academia highlight his dedication to advancing financial research and education.

Contributions and Research Focus 📈

Dr. Hanif’s research interests lie in volatility modeling, energy economics, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, sustainable markets, climate risk, green finance, cryptocurrency, fintech, and risk management. His scholarly work is published in leading ABS-3 ranked journals, indicating the high quality and impact of his research. He has explored topics such as the interaction of GCC stock markets with U.S. and European debt markets, demonstrating his ability to analyze financial interdependencies in a globalized economy. His research continues to shape discussions on financial risk and sustainable investment strategies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Hanif has earned significant recognition for his contributions to finance and sustainability research. His work is indexed in prestigious databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, underscoring his academic influence. His forthcoming publications in top-tier journals further cement his reputation as a leading researcher in finance. The recognition of his research contributions reflects his dedication to advancing knowledge in financial markets, green finance, and risk assessment.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through his research and academic endeavors, Dr. Hanif has made a profound impact on the fields of finance and sustainability. His investigations into financial market volatility and ESG integration provide valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and financial institutions. His interdisciplinary approach ensures that his research remains relevant in an era where financial markets are increasingly influenced by environmental and technological changes. As a mentor and educator, he inspires students and young researchers to pursue rigorous financial research that contributes to economic and social well-being.

Legacy and Future Contributions ✨

Dr. Hanif’s legacy in financial research is built on his commitment to academic excellence and innovation. His work in ESG and green finance has the potential to influence sustainable investment strategies globally. Moving forward, he aims to expand his research in fintech and cryptocurrency, addressing emerging challenges in digital finance. His role as an educator ensures that he will continue to shape the next generation of financial experts. With a strong academic and research background, Dr. Hanif is poised to make further groundbreaking contributions to the evolving landscape of finance and sustainability.

📝Notable Publications

Nonlinear dependence and connectedness between clean/renewable energy sector equity and European emission allowance prices

Authors: W. Hanif, J.A. Hernandez, W. Mensi, S.H. Kang, G.S. Uddin, S.M. Yoon
Journal: Energy Economics
Year: 2021

 Impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on the spillovers between US and Chinese stock sectors

Authors: W. Hanif, W. Mensi, X.V. Vo
Journal: Finance Research Letters
Year: 2021

 Institutional quality and the relationship between inflation and economic growth

Authors: M. Khan, W. Hanif
Journal: Empirical Economics
Year: 2020

The influence of financial reporting quality and audit quality on investment efficiency: Evidence from Pakistan

Authors: F. Shahzad, I.U. Rehman, W. Hanif, G.A. Asim, M.H. Baig
Journal: International Journal of Accounting & Information Management
Year: 2019

 Impacts of COVID-19 on dynamic return and volatility spillovers between rare earth metals and renewable energy stock markets

Authors: W. Hanif, W. Mensi, M. Gubareva, T. Teplova
Journal: Resources Policy
Year: 2023