Gheorghe Balint | Educational Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Balint | Educational Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Vasile Alecsandri University | Romania

Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Balint is a distinguished academic and researcher in physical education, sports sciences, and winter sports, with over three decades of experience in higher education and international sports organizations. He holds a Doctorate in Pedagogy, recognized as a Doctor in Physical Education and Sports, and a habilitation in optimizing training in faculties of physical education and sports. Currently a Ph.D. supervisor at “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, he has served as Professor and Director of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Performance at “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, as well as Vice-Dean and Head of Chair for Sportive Games. His teaching expertise spans winter sports, association football, coaching, and professional sports pedagogy, while his research interests focus on training optimization, programmed teaching, assessment of theoretical knowledge, and sports performance evaluation. Prof. Balint has coordinated national and international projects, authored multiple books and book chapters, and published numerous ISI-indexed and peer-reviewed articles. He has been recognized with prestigious international honors, including the FIEP Gold and Silver Crosses of Honor and ambassadorial appointments in physical education. Through his leadership, research, and mentorship, Prof. Balint has significantly contributed to the development of physical education, sports science, and international collaboration in training and coaching excellence.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Grosu, V. T., Vari, H. I., Ordean, M.-N., & Grosu, E. F. (2022). Increasing self-confidence in students from different universities through exercises in body technique and dance therapy. Conference Paper.

Luptáková, G., Argajová, J., Balga, T., & Antala, B. (2025). Team teaching models in primary physical education: Effects on basic motor competencies and self-reported physical literacy. Article.

Šiška, Ľ., Balint, G., Zentko, J., & Voinea, N. L. (2025). Use of a mobile phone for assessing the intensity of strength exercises – Pilot study. Preprint.

Luptáková, G., Argajová, J., Balga, T., & Antala, B. (2025). Team teaching models in primary physical education: Effects on basic motor competencies and self-reported physical literacy. Preprint.

(2024). Changes in selected movement abilities through the use of movement games in physical education lessons at the gymnasium level. Journal of Physical Education and Sport.

Angelos Athanasiadis | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Research Excellence Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) | Greece

Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis is a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in FPGA-based acceleration of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and heterogeneous computing systems. He holds an M.Eng. in Electronics and Computer Systems and an MBA with high distinction. His research focuses on energy-efficient FPGA architectures, full-precision CNN inference on reconfigurable hardware, drone-assisted monitoring systems, distributed embedded system emulation, and timing-accurate simulation of cyber-physical systems. Angelos has contributed to EU-funded research projects such as ADVISER and REDESIGN, and has gained industrial experience in embedded system development and R&D at Cadence Design Systems, EXAPSYS, and SEEMS PC. He developed a parameterizable high-level synthesis matrix multiplication library for AMD FPGAs and designed FUSION, an open-source framework integrating QEMU with OMNeT++ via HLA/CERTI for deterministic, sub-microsecond synchronized, multi-node emulation of heterogeneous computing systems. His work supports realistic prototyping of systems combining CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs in accuracy-critical domains such as aerial monitoring and autonomous embedded platforms. With a strong foundation in both academic research and industrial applications, Angelos advances the field of FPGA-based acceleration and distributed embedded computing, bridging innovation with practical deployment.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2025). An efficient open-source design and implementation framework for non-quantized CNNs on FPGAs. Integration, 102625.

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2025). Energy-efficient FPGA framework for non-quantized convolutional neural networks. arXiv preprint arXiv:2510.13362.

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2024). An open-source HLS fully parameterizable matrix multiplication library for AMD FPGAs. WiPiEC Journal – Works in Progress in Embedded Computing Journal, 10(2).

Katselas, L., Jiao, H., Athanasiadis, A., Papameletis, C., Hatzopoulos, A., … (2017). Embedded toggle generator to control the switching activity during test of digital 2D-SoCs and 3D-SICs. 2017 27th International Symposium on Power and Timing Modeling, Optimization and Simulation (PATMOS).

Katselas, L., Athanasiadis, A., Hatzopoulos, A., Jiao, H., Papameletis, C., … (2017). Embedded toggle generator to control the switching activity. 2017. (Conference details same as above; possible short version or extended abstract.)

Reda Louziri | Behavioral Economics Research | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Reda Louziri | Behavioral Economics Research | Research Excellence Award

Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances du Maroc | Morocco

Dr. Reda Louziri is a distinguished finance and management scholar with a Doctorate in Economics and Management from the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences – Souissi, Mohammed V University, Rabat, awarded with “Très Honorable” and recognized as one of the top three finalists for the Best Thesis in Finance by the Moroccan Association of Control, Accounting and Audit (AMCCA). She also holds a Master in Finance and Management from Cranfield School of Management, UK, and a Master Grande École from ESC Rouen, France, with a specialization in corporate finance. Professionally, she has extensive experience as an Inspector of Finance and Head of Brigade at the General Finance Inspectorate (IGF) within the Moroccan Ministry of Economy and Finance, overseeing audits of public institutions, ministerial departments, and international development projects. She also has experience in credit risk analysis at BMCI – BNP Paribas and consulting at Mazars Maroc. Dr. Louziri has published two scholarly documents, including one Scopus-indexed article, cited 11 times with an h-index of 1. Her research focuses on corporate finance, dividend policy, capital structure, corporate governance, and financial performance. She has received awards for research excellence and has contributed to academic teaching in finance. Dr. Louziri’s work bridges theoretical research and practical application in public and corporate finance.

Profiles : Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

Louziri, R., & Oubal, K. (2025). Characteristics of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Their Impact on Dividend Payments in the Moroccan Stock Exchange. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 18(2), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18020070

Louziri, R., & Oubal, K. (2023). Does the level of free cash-flow impact dividend payments? The case of the Casablanca Stock Exchange. Revue Internationale des Sciences de Gestion.

Louziri, R., & Oubal, K. (2022). Dividend policy determinants: Literature review and research model proposal. International Journal of Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Management and Economics. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7378354

Louziri, R., & Oubal, K. (2022). Board of directors and ownership structure impact on dividend policy: The case of the Moroccan stock market. African Scientific Journal. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7356197

Louziri, R., & Oubal, K. (2022). Determinants of Dividend Policy: The Case of the Casablanca Stock Exchange. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 15(12), 548. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15120548

Georgia Kourlaba | Public Health Analytics | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Georgia Kourlaba | Public Health Analytics | Research Excellence Award

 National & Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Assist. Prof. Dr. Georgia Kourlaba is an accomplished public health nursing scholar, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Public Health Nursing – Prevention at the Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). From 2022 to 2025, she was Assistant Professor of Research Methodology and Evidence-Based Nursing at the University of Peloponnese. She has also been an Academic Fellow at the 1st Intensive Care Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, NKUA, focusing on nosocomial infections and epidemiology, and is a founding member of the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Outcomes Research (CLEO), where she served as Administrative Director and Deputy Scientific Director. Dr. Kourlaba is a member of the Public Health Experts Committee of the Ministry of Health, has held leadership roles at the National Public Health Organization (EODY), and served as an alternate member of the Management Board of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). She teaches epidemiology, research methodology, biostatistics, health technology assessment, and disease prevention at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research focuses on nosocomial infections, antimicrobial resistance, vaccination coverage, chronic disease epidemiology, childhood obesity, and socioeconomic burden of disease. She has participated in numerous funded projects and published 166 documents cited 3,485 times, with an h-index of 33. Dr. Kourlaba holds an MSc in Biostatistics (NKUA) and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Harokopio University).

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

(2026). HPV vaccination coverage among children and adolescents in Greece using national prescription data. Vaccine.

(2025). Real-world switching patterns and associated characteristics in patients with psoriasis treated with biologics. Archives of Dermatological Research.

(2025). QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 assay for the evaluation of cellular immunity after immunization with mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Immunologic Research.

(2025). Early discontinuation of empiric antibiotic therapy in children treated for cancer who develop febrile neutropenia: A prospective cohort study. EJC Paediatric Oncology.

(2025). Attitudes, behaviors, opinions, and suggestions of blood donors toward blood donation in Crete, Greece. Archives of Hellenic Medicine.

A’eashah Alhakamy | Data Visualization | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A’eashah Alhakamy | Data Visualization | Research Excellence Award

University of Tabuk | Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A’eashah Alhakamy is an academic leader and researcher in computer science whose work spans computer graphics, computer vision, imaging, visualization, and extended reality, with a scholarly record comprising 27 published documents, 271 citations from 250 citing documents, and an h-index of 9. She earned her Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Computer Science from Purdue University, specializing in illumination integration in dynamic augmented-reality environments, following a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Taibah University. She serves as Associate Professor and Department Chair at the University of Tabuk, holding key leadership roles in data governance, academic affairs, research centers, and national committees. Her research focuses on augmented and extended reality, human-computer interaction, data visualization, immersive technologies, and AI-driven sensing systems, contributing to reputable venues such as IEEE Access, Applied Sciences, Sensors, and Sustainability. She has received multiple awards for outstanding scientific research, excellence in teaching, innovation, and high-impact publications from the University of Tabuk and national academic bodies. In addition, she has led funded grants, supervised numerous postgraduate and undergraduate projects, and contributed to major institutional initiatives. Through research, leadership, and continuous academic service, she remains committed to advancing immersive technologies and impactful computing research.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Alhakamy, A. (2025). Intersecting Realms: Examining the Convergence of Vision and AI in Extended Reality Graphics. IEEE Access. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3599337

Friedman, A., Tazike, M., Shelton, E. G., Patel, N. A., Alhakamy, A., & Cafaro, F. (2025). Puppeteers and Forecasters: How Children Engage. Conference paper. https://doi.org/10.1145/3694907.3765950

Alhakamy, A. (2025). Advancing SDG5: Machine Learning and Statistical Graphics for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equity. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219706

Friedman, A., Tazike, M., Shelton, E. G., Patel, N., Alhakamy, A., & Cafaro, F. (2025). “I’m a Fish!”: Exploring Children’s Engagement with Human–Data Interactions in Museums. Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111304

Alhakamy, A. (2024). Extended Reality (XR) Toward Building Immersive Solutions: The Key to Unlocking Industry 4.0. ACM Computing Surveys. https://doi.org/10.1145/3652595

Chong-Qing Wan | Data Quality Enhancement | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chong-Qing Wan | Data Quality Enhancement | Best Researcher Award

Capital Normal University | China

Prof. Chong-Qing Wan is a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemistry at Capital Normal University, Beijing, recognized for his extensive contributions to functional coordination chemistry and framework materials, with a research record comprising 83 scientific documents, an h-index of 24, and 1,987 citations from 1,717 documents. He earned a BA in chemistry from Xinyang Normal University, an MS from Nankai University with research on coordination complexes, and later completed his PhD under Prof. Thomas C. W. Mak at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His work spans the synthesis, characterization, and application of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent–organic frameworks (COFs), ionic-liquid-based hybrids, and energy-related materials. He has published impactful studies in Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, and Chemistry of Materials, contributing to advances in MOF/COF meltability, glass formation, proton-conductive crystalline ionic liquids, and atomically precise nanoclusters. His research interests include functional coordination complexes, energy-storage materials, photocatalysis, and phase-transition mechanisms in porous frameworks. Throughout his academic career, he has been recognized for high-impact publications and sustained contributions to materials chemistry. Continuing to advance the field through innovative synthesis strategies and collaborative research, he remains a leading figure in framework-based materials and functional molecular systems.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Xue, W. L., Li, G. Q., Chen, H., Han, Y. C., Feng, L., Gu, X. L., Hu, S. Y., Deng, Y. H., Tan, L., Dove, M. T., Li, W., Zhang, J., Dong, H., Chen, Z., Deng, W. H., Xu, G., & Wan, C.-Q. (2024). Melt-quenched glass formation of a family of metal–carboxylate frameworks. Nature Communications, 15, 2040.*

Gu, X. L., Zhao, L., Sun, J., Cui, X. K., Li, G. Q., Hu, S. Y., Deng, Y. H., Li, Z., Li, K., Wang, H., & Wan, C.-Q. (2024). Synthesis and properties of zwitterionic covalent organic framework (COF): The meltability strategy and processability. Chemistry of Materials, 36, 2674–2684.*

Xue, W.-L., Deng, W.-H., Chen, H., Liu, R.-H., Taylor, J. M., Li, Y.-K., Wang, L., Deng, Y.-H., Li, W.-H., Wen, Y.-Y., Wang, G.-E., Wan, C.-Q., & Xu, G. (2021). MOF-directed synthesis of crystalline ionic liquids with enhanced proton conduction. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 60, 1290–1297.

Qin, Z., Sharma, S., Wan, C.-Q., Malola, S., Xu, W.-W., Häkkinen, H., & Li, G. (2021). A homoleptic alkynyl-ligated [Au₁₃Ag₁₆L₂₄]³⁻ cluster as a catalytically active eight-electron system. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 60, 970–975.*

Qin, Z., Zhang, J., Wan, C.-Q., Liu, S., Abroshan, H., Jin, R., & Li, G. (2020). Atomically precise nanoclusters with reversible isomeric transformation for rotary nanomotors. Nature Communications, 11, 6019.*

Helmi Ayari | Data processing | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Helmi Ayari | Data processing | Research Excellence Award

Université Ibn khaldoun | Tunisia

Helmi Ayari is a doctoral researcher in Artificial Intelligence at the École Polytechnique de Tunisie, focusing on machine learning, deep learning, and intelligent imaging systems, with a research track record that includes 3 published documents, an h-index of 1, and citations from 33 documents. He holds a Master of Research in Intelligent Systems for Imaging and Computer Vision and a fundamental Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. His work includes contributions to medical image analysis, explainable AI, and optimization techniques, with notable publications such as a comparative study of classical versus deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis systems published in Knowledge and Information Systems (Q2), and a study integrating genetic algorithms with ensemble learning for enhanced credit scoring presented at the International Conference on Business Information Systems (Class B). Professionally, he has served as a Maître Assistant and teaching assistant, delivering courses in machine learning, deep learning, Python, R, computer architecture, and automata theory, while supervising Master’s research, coordinating academic programs, and contributing to hackathons and university events. His research interests span AI-driven decision systems, interpretable machine learning, evolutionary optimization, and applied deep learning. Recognized for both academic and pedagogical engagement, he continues advancing impactful AI research and education.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Computer-Aided Diagnosis Systems: A Comparative Study of Classical Machine Learning Versus Deep Learning-Based Approaches. Knowledge and Information Systems, published May 23, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10115-023-01894-7

Integrating Genetic Algorithms and Ensemble Learning for Improved and Transparent Credit Scoring. International Conference on Business Information Systems, June 25, 2025. (Class B)

Deepa | Energy and Utilities Analytics  | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Deepa | Energy and Utilities Analytics  | Best Researcher Award

USMS University School of Management Studies | India

Ms. Deepa is a dedicated researcher and emerging academician in financial economics, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University School of Management Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, where her doctoral work investigates the factors influencing access to clean energy across developing nations. With an h-index of 3, 4 published documents, and 16 citations across 15 referencing documents, she has established a growing scholarly footprint, contributing to high-impact journals such as Renewable Energy, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, and Environment, Development and Sustainability. Her research spans sustainable finance, corporate finance, green growth, energy poverty, ESG, and development economics, supported by certifications including UGC NET/JRF (twice). She has presented her work at leading institutions including IIT Bombay, IIT Bhubaneswar—where she received a Best Paper Award—IIM Kashipur, and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh. As an adjunct faculty member, she has taught courses in Financial Accounting and Entrepreneurial Mindset, integrating analytical rigor with practical insights. With expertise in EViews, Stata, R, and bibliometric tools, she continues to advance impactful, policy-relevant research. She aspires to contribute meaningfully to academia by promoting inclusive, sustainable development through evidence-based teaching and scholarship.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Deepa, Ahuja, S., Soti, N., Kumar, A., Phore, J., & Gupta, S. (2026). How can green finance and economic policies unlock new pathways to clean energy access in Sub-Saharan African nations? Renewable Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2025.124703

Soti, N., Kumar, A., Gupta, S., Ahuja, S., & Deepa. (2025). Towards a sustainable future: The interplay of trade globalization and regulatory quality on environmental outcomes in India. Sustainable Futures. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100578

Kumar, A., Soti, N., Gupta, S., & Deepa. (2024). Addressing energy poverty in BRICS economies: Insights from panel data analysis and policy implications for sustainable development goals. Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05652-9

Phore, J., Deepa, Soti, N., Kumar, A., & Saini, A. K. (2024). Exploring the dynamics of ICT and globalization on human development in India: Asymmetric analysis and policy implications. International Journal of Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41870-024-02056-w

Jianwei Cheng | Engineering  | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Jianwei Cheng | Engineering  | Best Scholar Award

China University of Mining and Technology | China

Dr. Jianwei Cheng is a distinguished professor in the College of Safety Engineering at the China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT), specializing in mine ventilation, gas explosion control, dust mitigation, and mine accident rescue strategies. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Safety and Mining Engineering from CUMT and completed his Ph.D. at West Virginia University, USA, further enhancing his expertise in mining safety. Dr. Cheng also holds an Associate Degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Since joining CUMT in 2012, he has led multiple research projects funded by government and industry, contributing significantly to mine ventilation design, explosion prevention, and safety strategies. Recognized internationally, he has served as a reviewer for over 100 journals, participated in the North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, and was awarded the Australia Endeavour Research Fellowship in 2015. His achievements include numerous national, provincial, and industry awards in science, technology, and teaching, reflecting his excellence in research and education. Dr. Cheng has published extensively, with 110 documents cited 1,729 times, achieving an h-index of 23. His work continues to advance the safety and efficiency of mining operations while promoting innovation in occupational health and mine rescue technologies.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ran, D., Cheng, J., Sheng, S., Ma, Z., Fu, Q., Hou, W., & Chen, R. (2024). “A two-phase particle flow method based on SCLB for enhancing CBM recovery: Experimental testing and engineering applications” in Powder Technology. DOI: 10.1016/J.POWTEC.2024.119754

Cheng, J., Sheng, S., Xu, Y., Luo, Y., & Islam, M.M. (2024). “Deformation prediction of overlying strata in multi-seam mining based on the influence function method-key stratum hybrid model” in Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-energy and Geo-Resources. DOI: 10.1007/S40948-024-00875-6

Cheng, J., Ma, Z., Fu, Q., Ran, D., Borowski, M., & Xi, Z. (2024). “Eco-friendly three-phase-gel foam with novel particle-gel crosslinking enhancing stabilization and fire extinguishing” in Powder Technology. DOI: 10.1016/J.POWTEC.2024.120134

Ihsan, A., Cheng, J., Widodo, N.P., Wang, E., Waly, F.Z., Syachran, S.R., Fadillah, T., & Khamidah, H.N. (2024). “Hybrid method for analyzing air thermal conditions in underground mines” in Expert Systems with Applications. DOI: 10.1016/J.ESWA.2023.123026

Cheng, J., Hou, W., Zheng, X., Fediuk, R., Qin, Y., Chen, Z., Luo, Y., & Islam, M.M. (2024). “Modified space suspension bentonite-based powder for suppression dust explosion in moist conditions: Experimental testing and validations” in Fuel. DOI: 10.1016/J.FUEL.2024.132190

Naveed Yasin | Entrepreneurship  | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Naveed Yasin | Entrepreneurship  | Innovative Research Award

Abu Dhabi School of Management | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Naveed Yasin is a Full Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management whose career spans academic leadership, research, innovation, and global entrepreneurship ecosystem development. He holds a Ph.D. in Cross-National Comparative Entrepreneurship from an AACSB-accredited university and advanced qualifications in higher education, leadership, and AI-enabled entrepreneurship education. With experience as Vice President of Academic Affairs, Executive Dean, Consulting Vice President, and Director of an academic business incubator, he has led institutional transformation, accreditation initiatives, and the creation of entrepreneurial learning ecosystems across the UAE, UK, Europe, and Asia. His research focuses on immigrant entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education, AI applications in enterprise learning, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, supported by 422 citations across 288 documents, 51 publications, and an h-index of 13. He has published in ABDC A*, ABS 3*, and Scopus Q1 journals and contributed chapters to major publishers such as Palgrave Macmillan and Routledge. His achievements include the UAE & EIE Teaching Excellence Award, a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Research Thesis, and multiple international recognitions for innovation in education. As an educator, consultant, mentor, and ecosystem builder, Dr. Yasin continues to champion entrepreneurial leadership, global partnerships, and the advancement of universities as catalysts for economic and societal impact.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Green strategic intent, artificial intelligence capability and behavioral dynamics of achieving circular economy goals in the public sector (2025). Technological Forecasting and Social Change.

‘Imitate or Incubate?’ Evaluating the Current State of University-Based Business Incubators in the United Arab Emirates (2025). Fiib Business Review.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Development of Learning and Social Innovation Education for Entrepreneurs in Poverty: A Sustainable Entrepreneurial Approach (2025). [Book Chapter]

“Try to keep them dumb and under the thumb”: exploring the “darker side” of psychological contracts in “overly embedded” immigrant enterprises (2025). Employee Relations.

Natural capital productivity as a decoupler of energy and emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa (2025). Energy Economics.