Muhammed Benli | Quantitative Social Science Research | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Muhammed Benli | Quantitative Social Science Research | Best Researcher Award

Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University | Turkey

Author Profile

Orcid

👨‍🏫 Summary

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Benli is a dedicated scholar in the fields of Development and International Economics. With a strong academic foundation built across Turkey and the United States, he focuses on global trade, economic development, and policy analysis. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, he has guided numerous graduate students and actively contributes to both academic and administrative functions.

🎓 Education

Dr. Benli earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Suffolk University in 2016 with a dissertation titled “Essays on Development Economics and International Economics,” under the supervision of Prof. Jonathan Haughton. He holds a Master’s degree in Economic Policy from Boston University (2012), and dual Bachelor’s degrees in International Finance (2009) and Economics (2008) from Istanbul Bilgi University, both completed with full scholarships. He also completed an Associate Degree in Computer Programming through Atatürk University’s Open Education Faculty in 2022.

💼 Professional Experience

He began his academic career as a Research Assistant at Suffolk University and later joined Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, where he has served as Research Assistant (2016–2017), Assistant Professor (2017–2020), and currently, Associate Professor (2020–Present) in the Department of Economics.

📚 Academic Supervision

Dr. Benli has supervised a wide range of graduate theses focusing on contemporary economic issues, including renewable energy and trade, export diversification, financial development, agricultural growth, and economic complexity in Turkey. As of 2025, he has successfully guided more than eight Master’s theses to completion.

🔬 Research Interests

His research primarily explores themes within Development Economics, International Trade, and Economic Growth. Specific interests include export diversification, financial and economic freedom, energy economics, and the role of economic complexity in development.

🖥️ Technical Skills

He is proficient in statistical and economic software including MATLAB, SPSS, and Stata. He has received formal training in MATLAB and participated in national workshops on Meta-Thematic Analysis. He is fluent in English and a native Turkish speaker.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Benli has taught courses in International Economics, Macroeconomics, Development Economics, Economic Policy, and Global Trade. His teaching approach integrates theory with real-world applications, preparing students for advanced academic and policy-oriented work.

🏛️ Administrative Roles

He has served as a member of the Executive Board of the Continuing Education Application and Research Center at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University since 2019, contributing to the university’s outreach and adult education programs.

🏅 Awards & Scholarships

Dr. Benli was awarded a prestigious government scholarship from the Turkish Ministry of National Education for his Master’s and Doctoral studies abroad in 2008. He has also received national certifications for his participation in MATLAB training and thematic research workshops.

📖Publications

  • Gelişmekte Olan Ülkelerde Enflasyon ve Yolsuzluk Dinamikleri: Yönetişim Kalitesinin Rolü

    • Authors: Necati Çiftçi, Muhammed Benli, Yakub Hiçkiran

    • Journal: Bandırma Onyedi Eylül Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Araştırmaları Dergisi

    • Year: 2025

  • Global dimensions of human freedom: a two-decade analysis using fuzzy set theory and TOPSIS analysis

    • Author: Muhammed Benli

    • Journal: Quality & Quantity

    • Year: 2025

  • A fuzzy approach to economic freedom performance

    • Authors: Muhammed Benli, Ahmet Çağlar

    • Journal: International Studies of Economics

    • Year: 2025

  • The Impact of Export Diversification on Economic Growth by Provinces in Türkiye

    • Authors: Muhammed Benli, Sümeyra Gültekin

    • Journal: Trends in Business and Economics

    • Year: 2025

  • Testing obesity Kuznets curve for Türkiye

    • Authors: Muhammed Benli, Y. Acar, S. Baş

    • Journal: Obesity Medicine

    • Year: 2024

 

Kai Shi | Empirical Finance | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Kai Shi | Empirical Finance | Best Researcher Award

Northeast Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Professional Profile

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kai Shi began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Law from Jilin University in 2007. His passion for interdisciplinary studies led him to pursue a Master of Science in Statistics and a Ph.D. in Economics from Northeast Normal University, completed in 2010 and 2013, respectively. This solid educational foundation enabled Dr. Shi to bridge the gap between quantitative analysis and economic theories, shaping the trajectory of his academic career.

🌍 Professional Endeavors

Since 2013, Dr. Kai Shi has been serving as an Associate Professor at Northeast Normal University, contributing extensively to teaching, research, and academic leadership. He has also broadened his academic horizons through international engagements, including as a Visiting Scholar at Hitotsubashi University in Japan in 2014 and at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in 2017. These experiences reflect his commitment to fostering global academic collaboration.

🔍 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Shi’s research primarily delves into applied economics, statistical methodologies, and law-economics intersections. His work often explores complex economic models, statistical forecasting, and policy analysis, contributing valuable insights to the academic community. Dr. Shi’s innovative research has been recognized through numerous publications in reputable journals, advancing both theoretical and applied knowledge in his fields of expertise.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Through his interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Shi has influenced the academic and professional communities, equipping students and peers with critical analytical skills. His ability to apply economic and statistical insights to real-world challenges has set a benchmark for future scholars in related domains.

📄 Academic Citations

Dr. Shi’s published works have garnered significant citations, reflecting the relevance and impact of his research. His contributions are widely referenced in discussions about economic modeling, statistical innovation, and their implications for policy-making.

💻 Technical Skills

Dr. Shi is proficient in advanced statistical software and econometric tools, including R, Stata, and MATLAB. These technical skills underpin his ability to conduct high-level quantitative research and provide students with hands-on experience in economic analysis.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Excellence

As an educator, Dr. Shi is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and analytical prowess among his students. He has designed and delivered courses that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for challenges in academia and industry alike.

🔑 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kai Shi’s dedication to interdisciplinary research and education positions him as a pivotal figure in his field. Moving forward, he aims to expand his research on the socio-economic impacts of policy-making and mentor the next generation of scholars. His legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and societal advancement.

📖Top Noted Publications

  • “Identifying the key player in the diffusion network of global economic policy uncertainty”
    • Authors: Kai Shi, Li Nie
    • Journal: Frontiers in Physics
    • Year: 2024
  • “Variability in the impacts of partisan conflict: a new perspective from bank credit”
    • Authors: Xuan Hu, Kai Shi, Li Nie, Meng Yan
    • Journal: Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja
    • Year: 2023
  • “The influence of the spillover between futures and spot markets on hedging policy: evidence from Chinese stock markets”
    • Authors: Kai Shi, Junlian Gong
    • Journal: Frontiers in Physics
    • Year: 2023
  • “Revisiting the Impact of US Uncertainty Shocks: New Evidence from China’s Investment Dynamics”
    • Authors: Meng Yan, Kai Shi
    • Journal: Open Economies Review
    • Year: 2023
  • “Evidence on clean energy consumption and business cycle: A global perspective”
    • Authors: Meng Yan, Kai Shi
    • Journal: Natural Resources Forum
    • Year: 2021
  • “Spillovers of Stock Markets among the BRICS: New Evidence in Time and Frequency Domains before the Outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic”
    • Authors: Kai Shi
    • Journal: Journal of Risk and Financial Management
    • Year: 2021
  • “The impact of high-frequency economic policy uncertainty on China’s macroeconomy: evidence from mixed-frequency VAR”
    • Authors: Meng Yan, Kai Shi
    • Journal: Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja
    • Year: 2021
  • “A Cointegration of the Exchange Rate and Macroeconomic Fundamentals: The Case of the Indonesian Rupiah vis-á-vis Currencies of Primary Trade Partners”
    • Authors: Agus Salim, Kai Shi
    • Journal: Journal of Risk and Financial Management
    • Year: 2019
  • “Did China Effectively Manage Its Foreign Exchange Reserves? Revisiting the Currency Composition Change”
    • Authors: Kai Shi
    • Journal: Emerging Markets Finance and Trade
    • Year: 2017

Jorge Valverde Carbonell | Mineral Economics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jorge Valverde Carbonell | Mineral Economics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yun Xing at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

👨‍🎓Professional Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Jorge Patricio Valverde Carbonell’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in economics at the University of Chile, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2006–2010) and a Master’s in Economic Analysis (2011–2012). His academic excellence led him to the University of Groningen, where he contributed as a research assistant in 2012, setting the stage for a future deeply rooted in empirical and policy-driven research. Valverde’s pursuit of a PhD in Economics at the prestigious University of Maastricht – UNU MERIT (2019–2025) highlights his ongoing dedication to advancing knowledge in economic analysis and policy.

💼 Professional Endeavors and Expertise

Valverde’s professional career spans key roles in international organizations, consulting for top economic institutions, and policy advising. His experience includes senior consultancy roles at institutions like the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the OECD, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). His expertise lies in economic development, mining competitiveness, and energy transitions, particularly in Latin America.

At UNCTAD (Sep 2024–Feb 2025), he is spearheading an analytical paper examining the role of critical minerals in enhancing Latin American economies. Additionally, his work at Espacio Público involves strategic industry analysis related to Chile’s energy transition, with a focus on lithium and green hydrogen industries. His previous roles at organizations such as the World Bank and OECD have shaped policy frameworks around global value chains, sectoral productivity, and taxation in mining industries, most notably in the Chile copper industry.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Valverde’s research delves into the economic complexity and global value chains of the mining sector, with a special emphasis on critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and iron. His most recent publications explore the linkages between critical minerals production and regional competitiveness. His collaboration with Menéndez and Pietrobelli (2024) has led to influential publications in high-impact journals like Journal of Resources Policy and Research Policy Journal, where they analyze mining competitiveness and opportunities for downstream diversification in resource-rich countries.

One of his notable contributions is a comprehensive framework for estimating the fiscal impact of emerging industries in the energy transition, particularly green hydrogen and lithium industries in Latin America. His economic modeling and forecasting in projects like the Energy Transition in the Mining Sector provide valuable insights into how Latin American economies can navigate global shifts in demand for clean energy minerals.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Valverde’s work has made a significant impact on policy and economic modeling within Latin America, especially in the context of resource-rich countries transitioning to green energy. His research has been pivotal in shaping national and regional policies around sustainable mining, energy transition strategies, and taxation reforms. His deep analysis of critical minerals value chains and sectoral productivity offers actionable insights for Latin American countries to boost their mining industries’ competitiveness in the global market.

He has also contributed to key international reports, such as the Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, where he addressed the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition for copper, lithium, and iron industries in the region. His research continues to inform the policymaking process in multiple international contexts, reflecting his influence as a thought leader in economic transition studies.

🧠 Academic Cites and Publications

Valverde’s work has been widely cited and recognized by both academics and policymakers. His publications span multiple topics within the field of economic complexity, global value chains, and sustainable mining. A standout example is his forthcoming chapter in the book Downstream Diversification in Mineral-Rich Countries, where he outlines the best strategies for maximizing the value-added potential of critical minerals industries.

Moreover, his research on the economic effects of energy transition policies and fiscal reforms in mining has provided valuable guidance for policymakers in Chile and across Latin America. His academic contributions continue to fuel discussions on smart specialization and green industry development at global forums.

💻 Technical Skills

Jorge Patricio Valverde is highly skilled in empirical economic analysis and policy modeling, with expertise in the following areas:

  • Economic Complexity Techniques
  • Global Value Chain (GVC) Analysis
  • Fiscal Impact Estimation and Tax Modeling
  • Energy Transition Modeling
  • Data Analysis and Econometrics (using statistical software like Stata and R)
  • Economic Forecasting (especially related to commodity markets and taxation)

These technical skills are coupled with his ability to deliver comprehensive policy reports and actionable insights for governments, international organizations, and the private sector. His advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies enable him to conduct rigorous analyses and make sound recommendations on complex economic issues.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Valverde has consistently contributed to academic training and teaching throughout his career. As a tutor at Maastricht University and Erasmus University Rotterdam, he has provided guidance in Econometrics and Statistics to Master’s students. He has also served as a part-time professor at the University of Chile, teaching courses in Macroeconomics and Public Policy Strategy Management. His teaching experience reflects his commitment to fostering the next generation of economists and policymakers by equipping them with the necessary skills to tackle complex global economic challenges.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Valverde’s legacy is already evident in the impact of his work on Latin American economic policy and his research contributions to the global discussions on sustainable development and economic transformation. As he continues his PhD journey at UNU MERIT, his future contributions are expected to further illuminate the pathways for economic resilience and energy transition in mining economies.

His ongoing work on critical minerals and energy transition will continue to shape policies in resource-rich countries, fostering economic diversification and green growth. By bridging the gap between economic theory and practical policy applications, Valverde is poised to leave a lasting mark on the intersection of sustainability, mining economics, and global trade in the coming