Wei Zhang | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Global Data Innovation Recognition Award

Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Global Data Innovation Recognition Award

Zhejiang University | China

Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang is a distinguished scholar in engineering education and public policy, serving as Professor at the School of Public Affairs of Zhejiang University, Associate Director of the university’s Research Center on Engineering Education Innovation, and Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Society for Engineering Education. Since 2002, he has focused on advancing engineering education reform in China, contributing as a consultant to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Comprehensive Reform, where he has supported institutional restructuring and the development of Emerging Engineering Education (3E). His research centers on engineering education policy, interdisciplinary organizational innovation, and teaching reform, leading to more than 100 academic papers and five monographs. His influential work includes models such as the learning-science–driven engineering education framework and intelligent social engineering education model, which have significantly shaped China’s strategic direction in engineering education transformation. His achievements have been widely recognized, earning him the first prize of the Zhejiang Higher Education Research Achievement Award in 2010, second prizes of Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Sciences Outstanding Achievement Awards in 2012 and 2014, and the special prize of the Zhejiang Higher Education Teaching Award in 2022. His scholarship continues to shape policy discourse and practice in modern engineering education.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publication

Wang, C., Jesiek, B., & Zhang, W. (2024). Elevating international collaboration and academic outcomes through strategic research funding: a bibliometric analysis of China Scholarship Council funded publications. Scientometrics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-024-05054-8

Karima Almazroui | Emerging Research Trends | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karima Almazroui | Emerging Research Trends | Best Researcher Award

Mohamed bin Zayed U for Humanities | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Karima Matar Almazroui is a visionary leader and scholar in higher education, policy reform, and institutional transformation, with over two decades of distinguished service in academia and government. She holds a Ph.D. in Language, Reading, and Culture from the University of Arizona, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Arkansas, a Master’s in Strategic Studies and National Security from the UAE National Defense College, and a B.A. in Arabic Language Education from the United Arab Emirates University. Currently serving as Advisor to the Chancellor at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, she has pioneered initiatives in quality assurance, institutional effectiveness, and international collaboration. Her prior leadership roles include Advisor to the Minister of Education, Executive Director at ADEK, and Chairwoman of Educators Without Borders in Geneva. Dr. Almazroui’s research encompasses educational policy, curriculum development, teacher training, language acquisition, and the integration of technology in learning. Her publication record includes 16 documents, 144 citations by 137 documents, and an h-index of 6, reflecting her academic impact. Recognized with numerous awards—including the Middle East Women Leader Excellence Award and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Arabic Language Innovation—she continues to advance global education through research, innovation, and transformative leadership.

Profiles: Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

Almazroui, Karima (2025) “Ideological Indoctrination of Children During Crises: Non-Religious Extremism in Authoritarian Regimes”, Child Protection and Practice.

Almazroui, Karima (2025) “Cultural Norms, Digital Infrastructures, and Institutional Trust: Rethinking Bullying Governance in UAE Schools”, International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies

Almazroui, Karima & Awad, Cecile (2025) “Literacy Under Siege: Evaluating Scalable Interventions for Displaced Children in Conflict-Affected Settings”, International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies.

Almazroui, Karima (2025) “Enhancing Arabic Literacy Through Data-Driven Assessment: The Impact of Running Records on Reading Evaluation and Instruction”, International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies.

Al Mazroui, Karima & Alzyoudi, Mohammed (2024) “The Role of ChatGPT in Mitigating Loneliness Among Older Adults: An Exploratory Study”, Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies.

Gracia Cristina Villodres | Descriptive Analytics | Best Research Article Award

Mrs. Gracia Cristina Villodres |  Descriptive Analytics | Best Research Article Award

University of Granada | Spain

Gracia Cristina Villodres is a predoctoral fellow at the University of Granada, specializing in physical activity, health, and education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education with a specialization in Physical Education (2020), and two Master’s Degrees—one in Research and Innovation in Curriculum and Teacher Training (2021) and another in Physical Activity and Health (2022). Currently completing her PhD (FPU Fellowship 2021–2025) on healthy habits, cognitive function, and academic performance, she is also pursuing a Degree in Psychology. Her research interests focus on physical activity, body image, academic achievement, and mental health in youth populations. She has participated in four competitive research projects, serving as both researcher and principal investigator, and has published over 50 book chapters with ISBN. Her scholarly impact includes an H-index of 4 in Web of Science, 12 in Scopus, and 5 in Google Scholar, with a total of over 55 citations across databases. She has completed a research stay at the University of Bern and received the University of Granada Talent Award (2022). Through her teaching and research, she promotes evidence-based approaches to education and health, aiming to enhance well-being, inclusion, and performance in school and university settings.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Villodres, G. C., Pérez-Díaz, J.-J., Salas-Montoro, J.-A., & Muros, J. J. (2025). Sex-based differences in lifestyle behaviours, self-esteem, and academic performance: A structural equation model in high-socioeconomic-status school-aged youth from southern Spain. Children.

Villodres, G. C., Rodríguez-Mérida, M., Vizcaíno-Cuenca, R., & Muros, J. J. (2025). Effectiveness of physical education interventions on mental health in children and adolescents: A systematic review of wellbeing and distress across educational levels. Adolescent Research Review.

Villodres, G. C., Campos-Pérez, L. M., Salvador-Pérez, F., Muros, J. J., & Vizcaíno-Cuenca, R. (2025). Relación entre el uso de redes sociales, hábitos saludables y factores psicológicos relacionados con la percepción de la imagen corporal en estudiantado universitario. Retos.

Navidad Cobo, L., Villodres, G. C., & Padial-Ruz, R. (2025). Efecto de un programa de actividad física y educación nutricional para la mejora de hábitos saludables en educación primaria. Retos.

Villodres, G. C., Salvador-Pérez, F., & Muros, J. J. (2024). Factors associated with Mediterranean diet adherence in a sample of high socio-economic status children from southern Spain. Public Health Nutrition.

Yehudith Weinberger – Educational Leadership – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yehudith Weinberger - Educational Leadership - Best Researcher Award

David Yellin Academic College, Jerusalem - Israel

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Yehudith Weinberger's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University in 1985. Her interest in science education led her to pursue further studies, culminating in a Master of Arts in Science Education from the Faculty of Humanities at Tel Aviv University, which she completed with distinction (Cum Laude) in 1992. Driven by a passion for advancing educational practices, she then earned her Ph.D. in Science Education from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1999.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout her career, Prof. Weinberger has held various teaching and administrative positions in institutes of higher education. She started her academic journey as a lecturer in the Science Education Department at Kibbutzim College of Education (KCE) and progressed to become a senior lecturer and eventually an associate professor. She also served in numerous administrative roles, including head of the School of Education and Dean of the Faculty of Education at KCE. Notably, she currently holds the position of College President's Consultant and Lecturer at David Yellin Academic College in Education, showcasing her continued dedication to shaping educational policies and practices.

Contributions and Research Focus On Educational Leadership

Prof. Weinberger's research and scholarly activities have spanned various domains within science education. Her involvement in projects such as the "Thinking in Science" project at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem and her coordination of the LAMNDA program at Tel Aviv University exemplify her commitment to advancing pedagogical practices and teacher education. Her research interests include the development of higher-order thinking skills, the integration of portfolios in teacher education, and the promotion of empathy in educational settings.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Weinberger's contributions to the field of education have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally. Her active participation in academic committees for the Ministry of Education and the Council of Higher Education reflects her influence in shaping educational policies at a systemic level. Additionally, her roles as an ad-hoc reviewer for numerous scientific journals and as an associate editor for reputable journals underscore her expertise and standing within the academic community.

The Educational Leadership Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the field of education, with a focus on excellence in education, leadership in learning, educational innovation, and inspiring educational leadership.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Weinberger's impact extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her involvement in steering committees for curriculum development and her consultation for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology in Israel. Her research outputs, including publications in esteemed journals and presentations at conferences worldwide, have contributed significantly to advancing knowledge in science education and pedagogy.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yehudith Weinberger's legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to science education, pedagogical research, and academic administration. Her dedication to improving teaching practices and fostering critical thinking skills among educators and students alike has left a lasting impact on the field. As she continues to engage in scholarly activities and mentor the next generation of educators, her influence is poised to endure, shaping the landscape of education for years to come.

Notable Publication