Vassilis Barkoukis | Human Behavior Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vassilis Barkoukis | Human Behavior Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki | Greece

A distinguished scholar in Sport and Exercise Psychology, this academic serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Holding dual PhDs—one in Human Performance and Health from Aristotle University (2001) and another in Social and Sport Psychology from the University of Sheffield (2018)—their work bridges psychology, education, and athletic performance. With extensive teaching experience across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels in Greece and Romania, they have contributed courses in sport psychology, pedagogy, research methods, and curriculum development. Their research focuses on motivation, teaching climates, physical activity pedagogy, health promotion, and psychological aspects of sport performance and behavior. The scholar has participated in 37 funded national and international research projects, published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and proceedings, and contributed to 18 book chapters and 4 edited volumes. Recognized with multiple awards, including the “Researcher of the Year” (2022) and National Scholarship Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, their work has achieved significant global impact with over 4,111 citations, an Documents 144, and an i10-index of 34. Their career reflects a deep commitment to advancing sport science, education, and health promotion through innovative, evidence-based research and teaching excellence.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Transforming anti-doping education with web-based interactive programs and applications: A scoping review. Emerging Trends in Drugs, Addictions and Health. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Enhancing preschoolers’ motor creativity through playfulness and social engagement. Children. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). The role of school environment on the sustainable development of pre-schoolers’ motor creativity. Sports. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Athletes from Great Britain report greater doping likelihood than Greek and Italian athletes: A cross-sectional survey of over 4,000 athletes. Performance Enhancement and Health. (Open access, 1 citation).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). Evaluation of a sports integrity course for university students. Performance Enhancement and Health. (Open access).

Barkoukis, V., et al. (2025). A whole-school approach for the promotion of physical activity: An evaluation of stakeholders’ and educators’ perceptions about education in six European countries. Education Sciences. (Open access, 1 citation).

Cody Ding – psychology  – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cody Ding - psychology  - Best Researcher Award

Southwest University, China; University of Missouri-St. Louis, USA - China

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Cody S. Ding's academic journey commenced with a Master of Science degree in Human Development & Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. These foundational educational experiences laid the groundwork for his prolific career in educational measurement and assessment.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ding's career trajectory encompasses a diverse array of roles in academia and research. Noteworthy positions include serving as the Director of Psychometric Division at Regents College, New York, and as the Director of University Testing at Arizona State University. These roles underscore his expertise in assessment design, administration, and evaluation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his career, Dr. Ding has made significant contributions to the fields of educational psychology and measurement. His research interests span a wide spectrum, including data analytics and methodology, educational psychology, and assessments. Notably, his work delves into machine learning applications in education, cognitive and affective assessment of learning, and psychosocial development.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ding's contributions to the academic community have garnered widespread recognition. His citation impact, with an H-index of 31 and i10 index of 68, attests to the significance of his research. Additionally, he has secured numerous grant awards, including prestigious funding from the James S. McDonnell Foundation and the Missouri Foundation of Health, highlighting the esteem with which his work is regarded.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Ding's research has had a profound impact on the fields of educational psychology and assessment. His publications in esteemed journals such as Personality and Individual Differences and Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience reflect the breadth and depth of his scholarly contributions. Moreover, his expertise in multidimensional scaling and machine learning has advanced methodologies in educational research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a respected professor and researcher, Dr. Ding's legacy is characterized by his dedication to advancing knowledge and practice in educational measurement and assessment. His ongoing efforts to explore innovative methodologies and address pressing educational challenges ensure that his contributions will continue to shape the field for years to come. With forthcoming publications and continued scholarly endeavors, Dr. Ding remains at the forefront of educational research, poised to leave a lasting legacy in his field.

Notable Publication