Vassilis Barkoukis | Human Behavior Modeling | Best Researcher Award

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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).

Kersti Karu – Educational Data Analysis – Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kersti Karu - Educational Data Analysis - Best Researcher Award

University College London - United Kingdom

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kersti Karu embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering, earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Tallinn Technical University. Building upon this, she pursued her passion for analytical chemistry by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from UCL Birkbeck College. These formative years laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in research and academia.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Karu's professional journey commenced in 2001 at UCL School of Pharmacy, where she began her research as a mass spectrometrist. Over the years, she honed her expertise in mass spectrometry analysis, delving into various applications spanning small molecules, proteins, peptides, DNA, and RNA. Her dedication and commitment led her to complete her Ph.D. in Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) methods tailored for sterol analysis, under the guidance of Professor William J Griffiths.

Transitioning to Imperial College London, Dr. Karu expanded her research horizons, focusing on identifying pain-related proteins in the brain using proteomics techniques. This period marked her foray into interdisciplinary research, blending mass spectrometry with neuroscience to unravel complex biological phenomena.

Joining UCL Chemistry Department in 2013 as the Mass Spectrometry Manager showcased Dr. Karu's leadership capabilities as she spearheaded various projects, ranging from small molecule identification to antibody-conjugate analysis. Additionally, her role in supervising MSc projects underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of analytical chemists.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Karu's research revolves around the biosynthesis and metabolism of phytosterols and cholesterol, exploring their implications for human health. Noteworthy is her collaboration with UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, where she established analytical methods for analyzing bile acids and sterols in biological samples, contributing to the understanding of neurological disorders. Furthermore, her partnership with UCL Bloomsbury Institute of Intensive Care Medicine shed light on the involvement of cholesterol and its metabolites in sepsis, highlighting the broader impact of her research on critical care medicine.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Karu's contributions to the field of analytical chemistry have garnered significant recognition, reflected in her authorship of 40 peer-reviewed papers with over 1053 citations. Her impressive h-index of 16 underscores the influence of her research within the scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Karu's multidisciplinary approach to research, bridging chemistry with neuroscience and medicine, has paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries. Her innovative methods for mass spectrometry analysis have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also found practical applications in diverse fields, from pharmaceuticals to environmental monitoring.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Karu's legacy lies in her unwavering dedication to advancing analytical chemistry and its applications in understanding complex biological systems. As she continues her academic journey, her future contributions are poised to shape the landscape of mass spectrometry and its role in addressing pressing healthcare challenges.

In conclusion, Dr. Kersti Karu's remarkable academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and impactful research underscore her as a trailblazer in the field of analytical chemistry. Her interdisciplinary approach, coupled with her commitment to mentorship and collaboration, positions her as a beacon of innovation and excellence in academia.

Notable Publication

 

Cody Ding – psychology  – Best Researcher Award

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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