Prof Dr. Yu Luo | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Published on 09/01/202609/01/2026 by Leadership and Management

Prof Dr. Yu Luo | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Tianjin University | China

Yu Luo is a Full Professor and a leading scholar in antennas theory and technology, recognized for his impactful contributions to millimeter-wave and terahertz systems. He earned his B.Eng. and Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from South China University of Technology, building a strong foundation in advanced electromagnetic theory and antenna design. His academic experience includes international research appointments at the University of Macau, the University of Victoria (Canada), and the National University of Singapore, which enriched his global research perspective. Since joining Tianjin University, he has led multiple national-level research projects as Principal Investigator, focusing on multi-beam reconfigurable array systems, millimeter-wave transceiver integration, and broadband terahertz front-end systems. His research interests center on high-performance antennas, antenna arrays, millimeter-wave and terahertz technologies, and integrated front-end systems. He has published extensively in top-tier SCI journals, including IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, and authored an influential academic book while holding numerous Chinese invention patents. His work has received wide international recognition through high citation impact, invited talks, and prestigious honors such as the ACES Young Scientist Award and inclusion among the world’s top 2% scientists. Overall, his sustained research excellence and leadership continue to advance antenna science and engineering globally.

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Featured Publications

Equivalent Transmission Line Model for Multilayered Uniaxial Dielectric-Magnetic Anisotropic Media
– AEU International Journal of Electronics and Communications, 2026 (Open Access)

A Gain and Cross-Polarization Discrimination Enhanced ±45° Dual-Polarized Base Station Antenna Using Nonuniform Compressed High-Order Mode Dipoles
– Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, 2025

Low-Profile MIMO Patch Antenna Combined With Solar Cell for 5G Green Communication
– Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, 2025

A Compact Self-Decoupled In-Band Full-Duplex Monopole Antenna Based on Common- and Differential-Mode Theory
– Electronics (Switzerland), 2025

An Ultra-Wideband Planar Lightweight Antenna With Solar Cells
– Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, 2025

Mrs. Safiya Alshibani | Family Business Succession | Women Researcher Award

Published on 25/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Mrs. Safiya Alshibani | Family Business Succession | Women Researcher Award

Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University | Saudi Arabia

Safiya Mukhtar Alshibani is an accomplished entrepreneurship scholar and academic leader with extensive expertise in strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurial well-being. She holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship from the University of Western Australia, an MSc in Strategic Management and Innovation from the Dublin Institute of Technology, and additional qualifications in new venture creation and human resource management. With significant experience as Vice Dean of Educational Affairs and Assistant Professor, she has led major academic programs, international collaborations, and curriculum development initiatives across higher education. Dr. Alshibani has also served as a consultant for national institutions, contributing to entrepreneurship education, digital transformation, eLearning quality, and large-scale data initiatives. Her research focuses on entrepreneurial well-being, sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, family business succession, digital transformation, AI adoption, and women’s entrepreneurship, with numerous publications in high-impact journals and international conferences. She has secured several competitive research grants and contributed to global projects such as GUESSS. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Best Entrepreneurial Pedagogy Research Paper Award (2025) and the Outstanding Leadership in Education Award (2024). Dr. Alshibani continues to advance entrepreneurial research and education through her scholarly work, leadership roles, and commitment to empowering future innovators.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shaik, A. S., Alshibani, S. M., Jain, G., Gupta, B., & Mehrotra, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven strategic business model innovations in small- and medium-sized enterprises: Insights on technological and strategic enablers for carbon … Business Strategy and the Environment, 33(4), 2731–2751.

Kautish, P., Siddiqui, M., Siddiqui, A., Sharma, V., & Alshibani, S. M. (2023). Technology-enabled cure and care: An application of innovation resistance theory to telemedicine apps in an emerging market context. Technological Forecasting & Social Change.

Al Halbusi, H., Popa, S., Alshibani, S. M., & Soto-Acosta, P. (2024). Greening the future: Analyzing green entrepreneurial orientation, green knowledge management and digital transformation for sustainable innovation and circular economy. European Journal of Innovation Management.

Shaik, A. S., Alshibani, S. M., Mishra, S., Papa, A., & Cuomo, M. T. (2023). Does learning from innovation failure enhance innovation performance? A quantitative investigation of small businesses. Technovation, 127, 102818.

Broccardo, L., Vola, P., Zicari, A., & Alshibani, S. M. (2023). Contingency-based analysis of the drivers and obstacles to a successful sustainable business model: Seeking the uncaptured value. Technological Forecasting & Social Change.

Ms. Esperanza Esteban Serna | Cross-Cultural Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Published on 18/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Ms. Esperanza Esteban Serna | Cross-Cultural Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Vall d’Hebron Research Institute | Spain

Esperanza Esteban Serna is a public health researcher with more than fifteen years of experience in global health, EU-funded cooperation, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Market Research and Techniques, a master’s degree in Planning and Design of Health Services, postgraduate training in R&D management, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Medicine focused on SRHR inequalities in Angola. Her professional trajectory spans research, project leadership, and policy translation across Spain, Africa, and Latin America, where she has coordinated major international initiatives such as CHANCE, INFOHEALTHSEX, FUTURO, CRESCER, MyHealth, and BERENICE. She has contributed to peer-reviewed publications on adolescent SRHR, migrant health, and infectious diseases, while also teaching global health, maternal health, and health systems at multiple universities. Her research interests include adolescent SRHR, gender and social norms, youth empowerment, STI prevention, community-based approaches, global health inequalities, and evidence-based health policy. Through her work, she has strengthened youth-focused interventions, informed SRHR policy reforms, and advanced equity-driven global health strategies. Recognized for her leadership in EU-funded research consortia, she continues to contribute to transformative, rights-based, and context-sensitive public health solutions globally.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Esteban, E., Larrea, O., Irrazabal, M. G., Sánchez, A., Zacarias, F., Oliveira, P. R., Vita, D., Ceita, J., Pacatolo, C., Aznar, M. L., et al. (2025). Unintended pregnancy and attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health among young people in Benguela Province, Angola. Reproductive Health.

Aixut, S., Esteban, E., Martínez-Campreciós, J., Oliveira, P. R., Gómez-Martínez, F., Martín-García, D., Luwawa, D., Canõma, E., Neves, E., Chinjengue, N., et al. (2025). Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behaviors and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults from Angola. Journal of Public Health.

Salvador, F., Serres, X., Goterris, L., Martínez-Campreciós, J., Espinosa-Pereiro, J., Esteban, E., & Molina, I. (2025). Acute fascioliasis in a returning traveller from Ethiopia. Journal of Travel Medicine.

Serre-Delcor, N., Oliveira, I., Moreno, R., Treviño, B., Hajdók, E., Esteban, E., Murias-Closas, A., Denial, A., & Evangelidou, S. (2021). A cross-sectional survey on professionals to assess health needs of newly arrived migrants in Spain. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 667251.

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.

Mr. Teklu Gebretsadik | Researcher | Best Researcher Award

Published on 04/11/2025 by Leadership and Management

Mr. Teklu Gebretsadik | Researcher | Best Researcher Award

Hawassa Agricultural Research Center | Ethiopia

Dr. Teklu Gebretsadik Wana is a dedicated agricultural economist and researcher with over a decade of experience in agricultural and socioeconomic research. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Eduardo Mondlane, focusing on climate-smart energy and agri-food systems. Previously, he served as an Associate Agricultural Economics Researcher at the Southern Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Ethiopia, where he contributed to research on bioenergy, crop and livestock economics, and sustainable agricultural practices. He holds a Master of Science in Natural Resources Economics and Policy from Hawassa University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Rural Development from Wolayta Sodo University, both with distinction. His research interests encompass agricultural economics, food security, rural development, value chain analysis, bioenergy adoption, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Wana has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to knowledge on small-scale irrigation, biogas technology, and honeybee production systems. He also serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for international journals and has received recognition for his academic contributions and research excellence. With strong analytical, managerial, and policy-oriented skills, he continues to advance sustainable agricultural and economic transformation in Africa and beyond.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Gebretsadik, T., Zavale, H., Manuel, L., & Ayele, M. (2025, October 27). Biogas technology for rural energy security: An investigation of uptake and diffusion in Meskan district, southern Ethiopia. Discover Environment. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-025-00404-6

Gebretsadik Wana, T., & Dukamo, T. A. (2025, October 1). Trends and sustainability of small-scale irrigation in Southern Ethiopia: Exploring constraints and adoption dynamics. BMC Agriculture. Gebretsadik, T., Zavale, H., Manuel, L., & Chiulele, R. M. (2025, July 22). Can Africa achieve food security through sustainable agri-food system transformation? A systematic review across regional contexts. Preprint.

Gebretsadi, T., & Cunguara, B. (2025, January 15). Trends of maize production in Mozambique: A fixed effects model analysis of two decades (2002–2023). Trends in Agricultural Economics, 9(1), 9–19.

Ayele, T., & Gebretsadik, T. (2024, June 30). Gender analysis in selected agricultural practices in Gedeo and Halaba zones in Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology, 14(1), 110.

Ms. Li Na | Innovative Leadership| Best Researcher Award

Published on 30/10/202530/10/2025 by Leadership and Management

Ms. Li Na| Innovative Leadership| Best Researcher Award

The North University of China | China

Li Na is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China. She earned her doctoral degree in Chemical Technology from the Shanxi Institute of Coal Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2020–2023), following a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the China University of Mining and Technology. With extensive teaching and research experience, she has served as a lecturer at multiple institutions, including Shanxi University of Technology and Shuozhou Campus of North University of China. Currently, she is also engaged in postdoctoral research at the North University of China, focusing on the development of advanced materials and catalytic systems. Her research interests include the design and synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon-based composite materials, and their applications in energy conversion, gas separation, and environmental purification. Li Na has participated in several provincial-level scientific projects, contributing to innovations in sustainable chemical processes and catalytic materials. Her commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her contributions to cutting-edge research that bridges materials science and chemical engineering. She continues to pursue impactful research that supports clean energy and environmental sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Li, N., Yang, J., Zhang, R., Wei, Y., Yang, K., & Du, X. (2025). 3D core-shell structured NiCo₂O₄ nanoneedle array encased in N-doped carbon for efficient oxygen evolution reaction and electrocatalytic urea oxidation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

Dr. Manila Mallik | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Published on 30/10/202530/10/2025 by Leadership and Management

Dr. Manila Mallik | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

VSSUT Burla | India

Dr. Manila Mallik is an accomplished academic in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla. She earned her Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, where her research focused on the synthesis and characterization of creep-resistant Sn-Cu-Y₂O₃ nanocomposite lead-free solders. She holds an M.Tech. from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, where she investigated the effect of microstructure on the indentation creep behavior of ferritic steels, achieving an outstanding CGPA of 9.73. Dr. Mallik completed her B.E. with honors from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang. Her research interests span nanocomposite materials, high-temperature alloys, lead-free solder development, and advanced metallurgical characterization techniques. She has contributed to several research publications and projects focusing on improving material strength, thermal stability, and environmental sustainability in metallurgical applications. Dr. Mallik’s work bridges scientific innovation and industrial applicability, earning her recognition for academic excellence and impactful research contributions. With a strong commitment to advancing material science, she continues to inspire students and researchers through her dedication to sustainable engineering solutions and the development of next-generation materials for high-performance applications.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

AuthorLastName, A. A., AuthorLastName, B. B., & AuthorLastName, C. C. (Year). Effect of austenitization and cooling rate on pearlite morphology and kinetics of near eutectoid steel: A combined experimental–simulation approach. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range.

Dr. William Chow | Conflict Management and Resolution | Best Researcher Award

Published on 14/10/202514/10/2025 by Leadership and Management

Dr. William Chow | Conflict Management and Resolution | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Normal – Hong Kong Baptist University | China

A distinguished scholar and economist, this researcher has made significant contributions to economic forecasting and policy analysis with a focus on China’s macroeconomic development. With a strong academic foundation, including advanced studies in economics and international relations, their career spans both academia and applied research. As a Part-time Research Fellow at the Center for China in the World Economy, Tsinghua University (2005–2010), they were instrumental in producing quarterly forecasts of the Mainland Chinese economy and presenting results in national press conferences, shaping public understanding of economic trends. Their research interests encompass macroeconomic modeling, international trade, fiscal policy, and sustainable economic growth. Over the years, they have published widely in peer-reviewed journals, with numerous citations reflecting their influence in the field. Recognized for their analytical rigor and innovative approach, they have received several academic awards for excellence in economic research and forecasting. Their ongoing work continues to bridge the gap between academic theory and policy implementation, contributing valuable insights to global economic discourse. Through their commitment to research and education, they remain a vital voice in advancing economic thought and fostering evidence-based policymaking.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Chow, W. W. (2025). Inflation cost of strategic goods export restriction: Evidence from dynamic spatial panel data model. International Economics and Economic Policy. Advance online publication.

Chow, W. W., & Fung, M. K. (2025). Relative ESG positions among OECD countries in the presence of international competition for FDI inflow: A gravity model perspective. Research in International Business and Finance.

Prof. Chaoying Qiu | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 29/09/202529/09/2025 by Leadership and Management

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

Published on 29/09/202529/09/2025 by Leadership and Management

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.