Zakieh Taghizadeh | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Zakieh Taghizadeh | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Fribourg University | Iran

Dr. Zakieh Taghizadeh Pirposhteh is a scholar of public international law, biodiversity governance, and marine genetic resource regulation. She holds an LL.M in International Contracts & Arbitration (University of Fribourg, 2024–2025), a UN-Nippon Fellowship in the Law of the Sea and Ocean (New York, 2014–2015), and earlier attained a Master of Law in Public International Law and Bachelor of Law in Legal Studies and Jurisprudence (Tehran, Iran). Her professional roles include serving as Legal Counselor at the United Nations Office (Geneva, 2020–2022), Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator at WIPO (2023–2024), and Research Associate on marine biodiversity, law of the sea, and genetic resource governance at the University of Tehran (2015–2020). Her publications include BBNJ Agreement and Intellectual Property Implications for Marine Genetic Resource Management in ABNJ (2024) and Marine Genetic Resources as Common Heritage of Mankind (2024), among others. According to Google Scholar, Her research interests center on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, arbitration in digital sequence information disputes, benefit-sharing frameworks, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights, intergenerational equity, and international ocean law. She has been recognized as a reviewer for multiple journals and awarded a WIPO–Harvard Certificate in Patent Law and Global Public Health (2025), and was nominated by the Asia & Pacific Group of WIPO as an expert to the IGC advisory boards. Driven by a commitment to sustainable governance and global justice, Dr. Taghizadeh continues to bridge legal scholarship and multilateral policy engagement in marine and biodiversity law.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Taghizadeh, Z. (2025). “Marine Genetic Resources as Common Heritage of Mankind under the BBNJ Agreement: The International Community toward a Pragmatic Benefit-Sharing Approach?” in Biodiversity and Conservation, 34(1), 131–153.

Taghizadeh, Z., & Asgarian, H. (2024). “BBNJ Agreement and Intellectual Property Implications for Marine Genetic Resources Management in ABNJ” in The International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law, 1(aop), 1–32.

Taghizadeh, Z. (2025). “Intergenerational and Intra-generational Equity under the BBNJ Agreement: Advancing Accountability toward Sustainable Management of the Marine Environment” in Environmental Management, 1–19.

Taghizadeh, Z., & Asgarian, H. (2025). “From Global Commons to Global Accountability: The Erga Omnes Obligation to Safeguard Marine Biological Diversity as Common Heritage of Humankind” in Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 28(2), 193–220.

Taghizadeh, Z. (2021). “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone: Legal Analysis of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea’s Approach in Its Advisory Opinion” in International Journal of Maritime Policy, 1(1), 5–36.

Bouthaina Hasnaoui – Environmental Data Analysis – Young Scientist Award 

Dr. Bouthaina Hasnaoui - Environmental Data Analysis - Young Scientist Award 

Aix-Marseille Université - France 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Bouthaina Hasnaoui's academic journey commenced with a strong foundation in biology and health sciences. Pursuing a Master's degree in Biologie Santé, Maladies Infectieuses et Microbiote at Aix-Marseille Université, France, she delved into the intricacies of infectious diseases and microbiota. This period laid the groundwork for her subsequent doctoral studies, where she specialized in Maladies Infectieuses et Microbiote, graduating with distinction in 2023.

Professional Endeavors

Her professional trajectory reflects a commitment to bridging research and practical application. As a Referent du Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire at the Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Marseille, she not only supervised daily operations but also spearheaded research initiatives resulting in notable contributions to publications. Furthermore, her tenure as an Assistant de Recherche at IHU-VITROME showcased her adeptness in protocol development and experimental procedures, particularly in insect rearing and entomology. She also shared her expertise as a Formateur, nurturing the skills of budding researchers in molecular biology.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Hasnaoui's research focus spans the realm of infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on microbiology and metagenomics. Her doctoral work elucidated crucial insights into the interplay between pathogens and the host microbiota, shedding light on mechanisms of pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions. Moreover, her investigations into insect-borne diseases during her missions with IHU-INELP underscored her interdisciplinary approach, integrating entomological studies with infectious disease research.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Hasnaoui has garnered recognition for her exemplary contributions. Her meticulous approach to research, coupled with her leadership in laboratory settings, has earned her praise from peers and mentors alike. Notably, her role as a Formateur at IHU-France showcased her ability to impart knowledge effectively, garnering appreciation from the research community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Hasnaoui's research has the potential to catalyze advancements in the field of infectious diseases. By elucidating the complex interactions between pathogens and the host microbiota, her work lays the groundwork for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, her expertise in entomology contributes to our understanding of vector-borne diseases, offering insights into disease transmission dynamics and control measures.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As she continues her academic journey, Hasnaoui's legacy is poised to endure through her groundbreaking research and mentorship initiatives. By nurturing the next generation of researchers and continuing to push the boundaries of scientific inquiry, she ensures a lasting impact on the field of infectious diseases. Her commitment to excellence and innovation serves as a beacon for aspiring researchers, inspiring them to push the boundaries of knowledge and make meaningful contributions to public health.

Notable Publication

Portia. Zoleta-Vitug – Environmental Health Nursing – Best Faculty Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Portia. Zoleta-Vitug - Environmental Health Nursing - Best Faculty Award 

St. Paul University Manila - Philippines

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc Prof Dr. Portia Villafuerte Zoleta-Vitug began her academic journey in nursing, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emilio Aguinaldo College. This foundational degree paved the way for her commitment to healthcare and public service. Recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of management within public sectors, she pursued and completed a Master in Management with a major in Public Administration at the Philippine Christian University. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to impact development administration led her to achieve a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Administration from the same institution. These academic pursuits set a strong platform for her multifaceted career, blending healthcare with administrative acumen.

Professional Endeavors

Assoc Prof Dr. Zoleta-Vitug’s professional journey is marked by a diverse range of roles that showcase her versatility and commitment to healthcare and education. Starting as a staff nurse, she quickly transitioned to roles of greater responsibility, including an industrial nurse and an executive assistant in the office of the president in Parañaque City. Her career took a significant turn towards public health management when she joined international projects such as the USAID-funded Integrated Family Planning and Maternal Child Health and the World Health Organization-funded projects on infectious disease surveillance.

Since 2006, she has been an Associate Professor at St. Paul University Manila, where she imparts her vast knowledge to future healthcare professionals. Concurrently, she holds the position of Consultant and Operations Manager at Xavier School Batch 83 Foundation, indicating her proficiency in managing operations and strategic planning.

Contributions and Research Focus

Assoc Prof Dr. Zoleta-Vitug's research and publications primarily focus on public health, nursing education, and healthcare management. Her work includes significant contributions like the development of a Transcultural Nurse Program with international partnerships and her leadership in creating an environmentally based nursing program. Her publications address crucial issues in nursing practice and healthcare delivery, such as the development of advanced nursing practice in the Philippines and the integration of environmental considerations into nursing curricula.

Accolades and Recognition

Over her extensive career, Assoc Prof Dr. Zoleta-Vitug has received numerous awards that recognize her service and contributions to healthcare and education. These include a Centennial Award from St. Joseph’s Academy, a Service Award from St. Paul University Manila, and recognition for her active involvement in community service projects aimed at supporting Aeta communities and Philippine soldiers. Her academic and professional excellence was also acknowledged through a scholarship and an Ambassador of Goodwill role in Japan, reflecting her international repute and commitment to global healthcare education.

Impact and Influence

Assoc Prof Dr. Zoleta-Vitug's impact extends beyond the classroom and hospital settings into international health initiatives and community-based projects. Her leadership roles in various foundations and her active participation in rebuilding community centers demonstrate her commitment to societal development. As the Founding President of the Philippines Nurses Environmental Organization, she champions the integration of environmental health into nursing practice, emphasizing the importance of sustainable healthcare practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions

The legacy of Assoc Prof Dr. Zoleta-Vitug is characterized by her relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare education and public health administration. Her ongoing projects, like the advanced nursing practice roundtable and her leadership in the preparation for the centennial celebration of the Philippine Nurses Association, suggest that her future contributions will continue to influence the fields of healthcare education and public administration profoundly. Her efforts in shaping the educational strategies and healthcare policies in the Philippines will likely provide a template for future healthcare improvements in the region and beyond.

Through her extensive career, Assoc Prof Dr. Zoleta-Vitug has proven herself a visionary in integrating education, healthcare, and administrative excellence to better the lives of people in her community and beyond. Her future endeavors will undoubtedly continue to impact and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and administrators.

Notable Publication