George Vlontzos | Agricultural Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Prof. George Vlontzos | Agricultural Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Thessaly | Greece

Prof. George Vlontzos is a distinguished agricultural economist and Full Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece, where he directs the Laboratory of Agricultural Economics and Consumer Behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in Planning and Regional Development (University of Thessaly), an MBA in Agribusiness (University of Wales, Aberystwyth) and a BSc in Agriculture (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). With a strong international academic profile, he has served as a visiting professor at the University of Florida and contributed to graduate programs at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier. Prof. Vlontzos has authored 62 documents indexed on Scopus with 952 citations by 886 documents and an h‑index of 17, reflecting significant research impact in agricultural economics, efficiency and sustainability analysis, consumer behavior, optimization and AI applications in agriculture. His research employs advanced quantitative and behavioral models—such as Data Envelopment Analysis, Stochastic Frontier Analysis, the Theory of Planned Behavior and Artificial Neural Networks—to address economic and environmental efficiency, consumer decision processes, and sustainable agri‑food systems. He has published extensively in refereed journals, participated in major international conferences, and contributed to multiple competitive projects co‑funded by the EU, national and private sources. His leadership in research and education underscores his influence in shaping sustainable agricultural policy and practice.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Assessing the economic impact of insect pollination on the agricultural sector: A department-level case study in France

– Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025

Emerging Technologies for Investigating Food Consumer Behavior: A Systematic Review

– Review, 2025

A hybrid remotely operated underwater vehicle for maintenance operations in aquaculture: Practical insights from Greek fish farms

– Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2025

Digital Transformation of Food Supply Chain Management Using Blockchain: A Systematic Literature Review Towards Food Safety and Traceability

– Business and Information Systems Engineering, 2025

Variable RTS in hierarchical network DEA: Enhancing efficiency in higher education systems

– Socio Economic Planning Sciences, 2024

Ray Saadaoui Mallek – Behavioral Economics Research Award – Best Researcher

Assist Prof Dr. Ray Saadaoui Mallek - Behavioral Economics Research Award - Best Researcher

University of Sharjah, College of Business Administration - United Arab Emirates

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assist Prof Dr. Ray Saadaoui Mallek embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in finance, starting with a Bachelor's degree in Finance from IHECS Tunisia in 2007. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master's degree in Finance from Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion FSEG, Tunisia, in 2009. Delving deeper into the intricacies of finance, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Finance from the same institution in 2016. His doctoral research focused on "Multi-Criteria Optimal Stopping methods applied to Portfolio Optimization Problems," showcasing his early penchant for quantitative analysis and decision-making in financial contexts.

Professional Endeavors

Assist Prof Dr. Ray Saadaoui Mallek's professional journey mirrors his academic pursuits, with a seamless transition into academia complemented by significant contributions to the field of finance. He began his academic career as an Adjunct Instructor at the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah, later assuming roles as a Lecturer and ultimately an Assistant Professor at the University of Sharjah, where he currently serves.

His expertise extends beyond traditional teaching roles, as evidenced by his involvement in various initiatives such as the ESG Trading Initiative and the Refinitiv Portfolio Management Competition, where he served as a faculty coordinator. Additionally, he has been instrumental in integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into finance courses, aligning academic learning with contemporary industry practices.

Contributions and Research Focus On Behavioral Economics Research Award

Assist Prof Dr. Ray Saadaoui Mallek's research portfolio is extensive and diverse, covering topics ranging from portfolio optimization and financial stability to behavioral finance and green finance. His publications in reputable journals such as the Journal of International Trade & Economic Development and the Journal of Cleaner Production underscore his scholarly contributions.

Notably, his research delves into pertinent issues like the impact of infrastructure development on poverty eradication in Sub-Saharan Africa, the role of trust and governance in credit growth in the GCC countries, and the heterogeneity of investor sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through empirical investigations and rigorous analysis, he strives to provide insights that inform policy and practice in the realm of finance.

Accolades and Recognition

Assist Prof Dr. Ray Saadaoui Mallek's academic prowess and contributions have garnered recognition within the academic community. His publications in esteemed journals and presentations at international conferences reflect the esteem in which his work is held. Furthermore, his involvement as an Associate Editor for Humanities & Social Sciences Communications with Springer Nature underscores his standing as a trusted authority in the field.

Impact and Influence

Assist Prof Dr. Ray Saadaoui Mallek's influence extends beyond the academic realm, as evidenced by his involvement in consultancy projects for organizations like the General Authority of Youth & Sports Welfare in Dubai. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, he facilitates the application of theoretical insights to real-world challenges, thereby fostering sustainable development and economic growth.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Ray Saadaoui Mallek continues to advance in his academic and professional journey, his legacy lies in his commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact. Through ongoing research endeavors, teaching engagements, and community service initiatives, he seeks to nurture future generations of finance professionals and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in his field. His dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical finance underscores his vision for a more sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem, leaving a lasting imprint on academia and society alike.

Citations

  • Citations   345
  • h-index       7
  • i10-index    6

Notable Publication