Helen Thouless | Qualitative Research | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Helen Thouless | Qualitative Research | Research Excellence Award

St MAry’s University Twickenham | United Kingdom

Dr. Helen Thouless is a Senior Lecturer in Primary Mathematics at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, with a PhD in Learning Sciences from the University of Washington (2014), where her dissertation examined whole-number place-value understanding in children with dyslexia. She also holds a Masters in Teaching (University of Washington, 2001) and a BA in Psychology (Reed College, 1995). With extensive experience in both US and UK schools, she has taught primary mathematics, special education, and early years settings, including international experience in Tanzania. Her research focuses on mathematics learning for children with learning difficulties, early-years patterning, and inclusive pedagogy, employing methodologies such as clinical interviews, observations, video analysis, and action research. She has authored books including The Power of Pattern: Patterning in the Early Years and co-edited Enabling Mathematics Learning of Struggling Students. Dr. Thouless has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications on early mathematics, pattern recognition, and special education, with an h-index of 1, 5 published documents, and 3 citations across key works. She supervises PhD and EdD students, contributes to teacher education programs, and holds leadership roles in educational organizations promoting mathematics inclusion. Her work bridges research and practice, aiming to make mathematics accessible, conceptually rich, and engaging for all learners.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ockelford, A., McCarthy, S., Gifford, S., Thouless, H., Kirk, S., & Thorpe, M. (2025). “Towards a new taxonomy of pattern-making in the visuo-spatial domain in early childhood based on zygonic theory and the Sounds of Intent framework of musical development.” Music & Science.

Thouless, H., Xin, Y. P., & Tzur, R. (2022). Enabling mathematics learning of struggling students: International perspectives.

Thouless, H., Borthwick, A., & Gifford, S. (2021). The power of pattern: Patterning in the early years.

Thouless, H., Gifford, S., Moses, K., & James, R. (2020). “Reasoning about patterns.” Mathematics Teaching.

Thouless, H., & Gifford, S. (2019). “Dotty triangles.” For the Learning of Mathematics.

Chao Li | Data Processing | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Chao Li | Data Processing | Research Excellence Award

Qingdao Technical College | China

Dr. Chao Li is an engineering scholar and lecturer whose work bridges professional education and applied research in advanced sensing technologies. He holds a doctoral degree in engineering and completed his undergraduate studies in industrial equipment and control engineering, where he built a strong foundation in intelligent systems. Since 2019, he has focused extensively on indoor mapping and positioning, integrating theoretical innovation with engineering-driven problem-solving. His research experience includes serving as a core contributor to multiple provincial key R&D initiatives and collaborations with major technology enterprises, where he helped develop applied solutions for real-world industrial environments. He has published several SCI-indexed journal articles as a first or corresponding author and holds an invention patent that reflects the practical impact of his work. In addition to research, he is dedicated to teaching and curriculum development in professional courses, promoting hands-on learning and interdisciplinary thinking. His academic achievements demonstrate a commitment to advancing positioning technologies, enhancing industry–academia collaboration, and addressing emerging challenges in smart manufacturing and intelligent monitoring. Looking ahead, he aims to continue deepening his contributions to indoor mapping and positioning, driving innovation that supports both scientific development and technological progress.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, C., Chai, W., Zhang, M., Sun, Z., Shao, G., & Li, Q. (2023). “A novel visual-aided method to enhance the inertial navigation system of an intelligent vehicle in indoor environments.” IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2023.3293884

Chai, W., Li, C., & Li, Q. (2023). “Multi-sensor fusion-based indoor single-track semantic map construction and localization.” IEEE Sensors Journal. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2022.3226821

Li, C., Chai, W., Wu, Q., Li, J., Lin, F., Li, Z., & Li, Q. (2022). “A graph optimization enhanced indoor localization method.” In 2022 International Conference on Computers, Information Processing and Advanced Education (CIPAE). https://doi.org/10.1109/cipae55637.2022.00055

Li, C., Chai, W., Yang, X., & Li, Q. (2022). “Crowdsourcing-based indoor semantic map construction and localization using graph optimization.” Sensors. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166263

Chai, W., Li, C., Zhang, M., Sun, Z., Yuan, H., Lin, F., & Li, Q. (2021). “An enhanced pedestrian visual-inertial SLAM system aided with vanishing point in indoor environments.” Sensors. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21227428

JianHua Xie | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. JianHua Xie | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Xinjiang Agricultural University | China

Prof. Dr. Xie Jianhua is a Professor of Engineering and a supervisor of both master’s and doctoral students, specializing in agricultural engineering and machinery. She is an active member of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering and the Chinese Society of Agricultural Machinery. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and has led and participated in numerous national and provincial research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China project on the working mechanism of rod-tooth type film collecting and unloading mechanisms, as well as projects on intelligent monitoring of crop production and mechanization of sugar beet planting and harvesting. Prof. Xie has published over 60 academic papers, with more than 20 indexed in SCI/EI journals. Her work has received 307 citations across 228 documents, with an h-index of 10. She has obtained 10 invention patents, over 10 utility model patents, and 4 software copyrights. Her research focuses on intelligent agricultural machinery, mechanization of crop production, automation, and innovative system design for agricultural processes. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including a First Prize for Provincial and Ministerial Technological Invention, a Second Prize for Science and Technology Progress, and multiple Third Prizes for Science and Technology Progress and regional excellence. Prof. Xie’s work combines engineering innovation with practical agricultural applications, making significant contributions to modern agricultural mechanization.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Design and Experimental Investigation of Pneumatic Drum-Sieve-Type Separator for Transforming Mixtures of Protaetia Brevitarsis Larvae. Agriengineering, 2025.

Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Rotary Knife-Type Device for Chopping Film-Mixed Residues. Agriculture (Switzerland), 2025.

Design and Experiment of Rotary Knife-Axial Flow Drum Combined Device for Chopping and Separating Film Residue Mixture. Nongye Jixie Xuebao (Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery), 2025.

Daxiong Ji | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Daxiong Ji | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Zhejiang University | China

Dr. Daxiong Ji is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Marine Electronics and Intelligent Systems, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, and a Senior Member of IEEE. He earned his Ph.D. in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and a B.S. in Automation from Wuhan Polytechnic University. Dr. Ji has held visiting scholar positions at the University of Melbourne, University of Plymouth, and University of Victoria, collaborating internationally on advanced marine robotics research. His expertise spans automatic control, artificial intelligence applications, autonomous marine robotics, electrical engineering, and intelligent systems. He has supervised numerous undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, leading courses on Marine Robot Design, Marine Intelligent Systems, and Professional Practices. Dr. Ji has received multiple honors, including the First Prize of Zhejiang Provincial Teaching Achievement Award, recognition as an Excellent Moral Education Mentor, and awards for scientific and technological achievements from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, focusing on autonomous navigation, fault diagnosis, and data-driven control of underwater vehicles. Dr. Ji is also an accomplished inventor with multiple patents in underwater robotics and autonomous systems. His research has been widely published in top journals, reflecting significant contributions to marine intelligent systems.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ji, D.; Ogbonnaya, S.G.; Hussain, S.; Hussain, A.F.; Ye, Z.; Tang, Y.; Li, S. Three-Dimensional Dynamic Positioning Using a Novel Lyapunov-Based Model Predictive Control for Small Autonomous Surface/Underwater Vehicles. Electronics, 2025, 14(3), 489.

Xu, L.; Ji, D. Online Fault Diagnosis Using Bioinspired Spike Neural Network. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 2024.

Zhou, J.; Ye, Z.; Zhao, J.; Ji, D.; Peng, Z.; Lu, G.; Tadda, M.A.; Shitu, A.; Zhu, S. Multi-detector and Motion Prediction-Based High-Speed Non-Intrusive Fingerling Counting Method. Biosystems Engineering, 2024, 218, 1–15.

Ji, D.; Wang, R. Path Following of QAUV Using Attitude-Velocity Coupling Model. Ocean Engineering, 2024, 293, 116885.

Ji, D.; Cheng, H.; Zhou, S.; Li, S. Dynamic Model-Based Integrated Navigation for a Small and Low-Cost Autonomous Surface/Underwater Vehicle. Ocean Engineering, 2023, 273, 114091.

Lining Huang | Bioinformatics | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Lining Huang | Bioinformatics | Research Excellence Award

The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University | China

Dr. Huang is a distinguished researcher and attending physician specializing in perioperative neuroscience, with a Ph.D. in anesthesiology from Hebei Medical University. His career has centered on elucidating the molecular pathways through which blood–brain barrier dysfunction contributes to neurocognitive decline in aging surgical populations. Integrating molecular biology, neuroimaging, immunology, and microbiome science, he has established a multidisciplinary research program that advances understanding of the vascular–immune mechanisms driving perioperative neurocognitive disorders. From anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity in early studies to complex “vascular-immune–microbiome” interactions in recent work, his contributions span preclinical models, translational investigations, and clinical cohort studies. He has served as principal investigator on more than ten major funded projects, including multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China grants, and has earned notable distinctions such as the Hebei Province Science and Technology Progress Award and several first-prize Hebei Medical Science Awards. His commitment to academic scholarship includes translating Miller’s Anesthesia, editing national textbooks, and co-authoring expert consensus guidelines that shape anesthesiology education and practice nationwide. With a portfolio of influential publications and six national patents in airway-management innovations, Dr. Huang continues to advance therapeutic development and scientific knowledge in surgical brain protection and perioperative cognitive health.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

SPP1-mediated crosstalk between macrophages and fibroblasts promotes benign airway stenosis. (2025). Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Association between preoperative blood–brain barrier permeability and postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a pilot study. (2025). Aging Clinical and Experimental Research.

Central neuropeptides as key modulators of astrocyte function in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. (2025).

Neonatal sevoflurane exposure disrupted fatty acids metabolism, leading to hypomyelination and neurological impairments. (2025). Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy.

Wentao Chen | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Wentao Chen | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology | China

Mr. Wentao Chen is a dedicated geography researcher currently pursuing a master’s degree with a strong academic foundation in geographical science, remote sensing, and spatial data analysis. Building upon his undergraduate training in earth science, geomorphology, meteorology, ecology, and GIS, he has developed a solid interdisciplinary background that supports his growing expertise in coastal and environmental studies. His research experience includes participation in major national projects, such as investigations into coastline evolution under global change and studies on carbonate leaching processes and carbon sequestration in coastal soil chronosequences. As the first author of a peer-reviewed article in Remote Sensing, he contributed significant insights into tidal mudflat sediment-thickness identification using ground-penetrating radar, demonstrating improved methodological accuracy through advanced signal-processing techniques. His academic performance has been recognized with multiple scholarships and awards, reflecting consistent commitment and scholarly potential. His primary research interests lie in coastal geomorphology, environmental remote sensing, and GIS-based spatial analysis, with a particular focus on coastal dynamic processes and subsurface structural characterization. Continually motivated to expand his technical and research capabilities, he aims to contribute meaningful scientific understanding to the fields of coastal environmental change and geospatial technology.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publication

Chen, W., Zhao, C., Zheng, G., Zhu, J., & Li, X. (2025). “Identification of the Sediment Thickness Variation of a Tidal Mudflat in the South Yellow Sea via GPR.” Remote Sensing.

 

Min Zhang | Medical Imaging Analytics in Radiation Oncology | Best Innovation Award

Prof. Min Zhang | Medical Imaging Analytics in Radiation Oncology | Best Innovation Award

Peking University People’s Hospital | China

Dr. Min Zhang is an accomplished radiation oncologist and academic leader with comprehensive medical training, including integrated bachelor’s–master’s studies and a Ph.D. in Oncology from Peking University Health Science Center. With extensive experience in thoracic, breast, and bone tumor radiotherapy, she has developed strong expertise in precision treatment planning and AI-assisted dose calculation. As an Associate Chief Physician and Associate Professor at Peking University People’s Hospital, she leads multiple provincial-level research projects focused on synthetic CT–based dose computation and GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo algorithms. Her scholarly contributions include first-author and corresponding-author publications in high-impact SCI journals, book translation work for a major neurosurgery textbook, and several granted patents in radiotherapy devices and positioning systems. She also participates in industry-funded research and actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across oncology specialties. Her professional memberships in regional radiation oncology and neuro-oncology committees reflect her engagement in advancing clinical standards and scientific exchange. Recognized for her commitment to innovation and improved patient outcomes, Dr. Zhang continues to contribute significantly to the evolution of evidence-based radiotherapy. Her sustained efforts in research, technological optimization, and clinical practice underscore her dedication to improving cancer treatment efficacy and shaping the future of radiation oncology.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, M., Gao, X., Gao, T., Li, H., Sheng, X., Su, M., & Jia, C. (2025). “A retrospective study on Mohs micrographic surgery combined with adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of extramammary Paget’s disease: analysis of 87 patients.” Postgraduate Medical Journal.

Zhang, M. “Accuracy study of deep learning-based synthetic CT images for adaptive radiotherapy of pelvic tumors.” Current Radiopharmaceuticals.

Zhang, M. “Co-translator of the radiotherapy-related sections.” In Oxford Textbook of Neurological Surgery (ISBN: 978-7-5659-3071-3).

Elaheh Keshavarz | Acquired Communication Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Elaheh Keshavarz | Acquired Communication Disorders | Best Researcher Award

University of Manitoba | Canada

Elaheh Keshavarz is a rehabilitation sciences professional whose academic and clinical work focuses on communication disabilities, financial inclusion, and accessible service delivery. She completed her M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Manitoba with a strong research profile, building on her B.Sc. training in Speech-Language Pathology. Her graduate work examined the experiences of adults with post-stroke communication disabilities in financial environments, contributing meaningful insights into inclusion and accessibility, while her earlier research explored speech rate variations across age groups. She has published in respected journals such as the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Journal of Communication Disorders. With extensive experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist across clinical, educational, and community settings in Canada and Iran, she has supported children and adults with diverse developmental and acquired communication needs. Her roles have also included research assistantships and positions in child development centres, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary care. She has earned multiple academic scholarships recognizing her excellence and research potential. Her interests span communication accessibility, brain injury, financial literacy, and evidence-based rehabilitation. She remains dedicated to advancing inclusive practices and contributing to research that improves participation and quality of life for individuals with communication challenges.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

Should You Tell Others That You Live With Brain Injury? Things to Consider About Brain Injury and Disclosure, 2025

Abdulmalik Adamu | Vehicle Aerodynamics | Excellence in Research

Mr. Abdulmalik Adamu | Vehicle Aerodynamics | Excellence in Research 

Central south university | China

Mr. Abdulmalik Adamu is a dedicated and highly motivated Masters student in Transportation Engineering at Central South University (CSU), China, with a strong academic foundation in both mechanical engineering and transportation equipment and control engineering. Holding dual bachelor’s degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, and CSU, China, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance, achieving a CGPA of 4.56/5.00 in mechanical engineering and 3.7/4.00 in transportation equipment and control engineering. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding vehicle operation and railway systems, culminating in a current MSc thesis focused on “Flow Control for Drag Reduction on Bogie Regions of a High-Speed Train,” which addresses critical aerodynamic challenges in modern rail transport. Abdulmalik has gained practical experience through internships and apprenticeships, including his tenure at Dangote Cement Industry, Nigeria, and Onuche and Sons Welding and Fabrication, where he developed hands-on skills in mechanical systems, fabrication, and operational management. At CSU, he is actively involved in research at the Key Laboratory of Traffic Safety on Track under the Ministry of Education, contributing to several high-impact publications. Notably, he has published work on the aerodynamic performance of high-speed trains, with additional papers accepted for numerical investigations of inter-carriage gap configurations and the influence of windshield design and train length on train aerodynamics. These contributions demonstrate his proficiency in numerical simulations, computer-aided design, and analytical problem-solving. In addition to technical expertise, Abdulmalik possesses strong communication and presentation skills, complemented by practical experience in welding, fabrication, and research development. His engagement in international training programs and conferences, such as the COTA International Conference of Transportation Professionals and the Fifth International Conference on Railway Technology in France, highlights his commitment to continuous learning and global collaboration. Fluent in English, Hausa, and Igala, with limited working proficiency in Chinese, he combines cultural adaptability with professional versatility. Driven by curiosity and a desire to contribute to innovative solutions in transportation, Abdulmalik is passionate about programming, numerical simulations, and technological innovation. He thrives on challenges and consistently seeks opportunities to enhance his skills and knowledge, making him a promising researcher and engineer in the field of transportation systems and high-speed railway technologies. His dedication, integrity, and innovative mindset position him to make meaningful contributions to both academic research and practical engineering solutions globally.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Adamu, A., Zhang, J., Melaku, T. G., & Tebeje, G. D. (2026). Impact of incoming flow on wake asymmetry of a simplified vehicle: The Reynolds number effect. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2025.106291

Zhang, J., Melaku, T. G., & Adamu, A. (2025). A numerical investigation on the effect of length on wake flow asymmetry of a simplified heavy vehicle. Physics of Fluids. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0269804

Adamu, A., Zhang, J., & Tajudeen, H. (2025). Aerodynamic drag reduction of a high-speed train with cavities on bogie regions. Physics of Fluids. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0271382

Adamu, A., He, K., Krajnović, S., & Zhang, J. (2024). An investigation of superstructure length on bi-stable ship wake flow. Ocean Engineering, 277, 119083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.119083

Zhang, J., Adamu, A., Gidado, F., Tang, M., Ozer, O., & Chen, X. (2023). Flow control for aerodynamic drag reduction of a high-speed train with diversion slots on bogie regions. Physics of Fluids, 35(11), 117251. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0172533

Zhang, J., Gidado, F., Adamu, A., He, K., Krajnović, S., & Gao, G. (2023). Assessment of URANS, SAS, and IDDES on the bi-stable wake flow of a generic ship. Ocean Engineering, 271, 115625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.115625

 

Mauro Gallegati | computational economics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mauro Gallegati | computational economics | Best Researcher Award

Università Politecnica delle Marche | Italy

Mauro Gallegati is an influential economist internationally recognized for his contributions to complexity economics, agent-based modeling, and financial instability analysis. He serves as a Full Professor at the Università Politecnica delle Marche, building on earlier academic appointments at the Universities of Teramo, Pescara, and Urbino. His academic foundation includes a Laurea in Political Science and a PhD in Economics under the supervision of Hyman Minsky, shaping his long-standing interest in credit dynamics, business fluctuations, and systemic risk. Over the course of his career, he has held numerous visiting positions at leading global institutions, including Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Kyoto, ETH Zurich, Santa Fe Institute, and the Bank of International Settlements, reflecting the international demand for his expertise. His research encompasses econophysics, income distribution, macroeconomic network models, credit propagation, and financial fragility, resulting in widely cited publications and collaborations with scholars such as Stiglitz, Battiston, and Greenwald. He has coordinated major European research projects, contributed to editorial leadership across multiple journals and book series, and received notable distinctions including the JEBO Best Paper Prize, the WEHIA Prize, DOSI Prize, KNAPP Prize, and Presidential Medals. He continues to advance interdisciplinary economic research and the development of agent-based methodologies for understanding complex economic systems.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publication

Battiston, S., Gatti, D.D., Gallegati, M., Greenwald, B., & Stiglitz, J.E. (2012). “Liaisons dangereuses: Increasing connectivity, risk sharing, and systemic risk” in Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 36(8), 1121–1141.

Caiani, A., Godin, A., Caverzasi, E., Gallegati, M., Kinsella, S., & Stiglitz, J.E. (2016). “Agent based-stock flow consistent macroeconomics: Towards a benchmark model” in Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 69, 375–408.

Gatti, D.D., Di Guilmi, C., Gaffeo, E., Giulioni, G., Gallegati, M., & Palestrini, A. (2005). “A new approach to business fluctuations: heterogeneous interacting agents, scaling laws and financial fragility” in Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 56(4), 489–512.

Battiston, S., Gatti, D.D., Gallegati, M., Greenwald, B., & Stiglitz, J.E. (2007). “Credit chains and bankruptcy propagation in production networks” in Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 31(6), 2061–2084.

Tola, V., Lillo, F., Gallegati, M., & Mantegna, R.N. (2008). “Cluster analysis for portfolio optimization” in Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 32(1), 235–258.