Razi Al-Azawi | Image Processing | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Razi Al-Azawi | Image Processing | Research Excellence Award

University of Technology | Iraq

Prof. Dr. Razi Al-Azawi is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in informatics, artificial intelligence, and advanced computational systems. He holds dual B.Sc. degrees in Laser and Optoelectronics Engineering from the University of Technology and Mathematical Sciences from Mustansiriah University, an M.Sc. in Modeling and Simulation from the University of Technology, and a PhD in Informatics from Kharkov National University of Radio Electronics. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has taught a wide range of postgraduate and undergraduate courses, including image processing, deep learning, AI, modeling and simulation, information theory, optimization, probability, web design, and advanced programming. His research interests encompass machine learning, data mining, medical image analysis, laser engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced computational modeling. He has supervised over 50 undergraduate theses and numerous postgraduate dissertations at the Higher Diploma, M.Sc., and PhD levels. His scholarly output includes 16 documents, 264 citations by 257 documents, and an h-index of 6. He has served as a reviewer for several international journals and conferences and holds multiple patents under processing. Through his academic leadership and scientific contributions, he continues to advance innovation in computer science, AI, and engineering domains.

Profiles : Scopus |

Featured Publications

Xiu-Teng Wang | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiu-Teng Wang | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

China Institute of Standardization | China

Dr. Xiu-Teng Wang is a leading researcher in environmental protection and standardization, known for his extensive work in solid and hazardous waste management. He earned his B.Sc. from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of Science and Technology of China in 2004 and completed his Ph.D. in Science at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University in 2009. Since then, he has worked at the China National Institute of Standardization, contributing to national efforts in solid waste treatment, air pollution control, and environmental management. From 2015 to 2017, he served as Vice President of the Standardization Institute of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as part of the 16th batch of national doctoral service teams. He currently serves as Chief Researcher of Environmental Protection and Secretary General of SAC/TC275 and the national hazardous waste standards working group while also acting as liaison to ISO/TC275. His research focuses on developing standards for waste treatment, disposal, and resource utilization, and he has led multiple national key R&D and technology projects. With 44 documents, 1,376 citations, 1,260 citing documents, and an h-index of 17, he has established a strong academic presence. His contributions have earned several national awards, underscoring his influence in environmental standardization.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

(2025). Environmental risk assessment of liquid aluminum sulfate water treatment agent prepared from waste sulfuric acid in the integrated circuit industry. Sustainability.

(2025). Crystal structure of 72,73,75,76-tetrafluoro-25,44-di-methyl-31,33,36,38-tetraoxo-31,32,33,36,37,38-hexahydro-3(2,7)-benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthrolina-1,5(4,1)dipyridin-1-iuma-2,4(1,2),7(1,4)-tribenzenacyclooctaphane-11,51-diium hexafluoridophosphate, [C46H28F4N4O4][PF6]2, a dicationic cyclophane. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie – New Crystal Structures.

(2025). Highly fluorescent, water-soluble tetrapodal perylene diimides insulated by cationic pendants for live-cell imaging. Dyes and Pigments.

(2025). Crystal structure of di-μ-azido-κ1N bis[2-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)benzo[d]imidazol-1-ido-κ3N,N’,N”]-bis(methanol-κ1O)-di-manganese. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie – New Crystal Structures.

Georgia Kourlaba | Public Health Analytics | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Georgia Kourlaba | Public Health Analytics | Research Excellence Award

 National & Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Assist. Prof. Dr. Georgia Kourlaba is an accomplished public health nursing scholar, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Public Health Nursing – Prevention at the Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). From 2022 to 2025, she was Assistant Professor of Research Methodology and Evidence-Based Nursing at the University of Peloponnese. She has also been an Academic Fellow at the 1st Intensive Care Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, NKUA, focusing on nosocomial infections and epidemiology, and is a founding member of the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Outcomes Research (CLEO), where she served as Administrative Director and Deputy Scientific Director. Dr. Kourlaba is a member of the Public Health Experts Committee of the Ministry of Health, has held leadership roles at the National Public Health Organization (EODY), and served as an alternate member of the Management Board of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). She teaches epidemiology, research methodology, biostatistics, health technology assessment, and disease prevention at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research focuses on nosocomial infections, antimicrobial resistance, vaccination coverage, chronic disease epidemiology, childhood obesity, and socioeconomic burden of disease. She has participated in numerous funded projects and published 166 documents cited 3,485 times, with an h-index of 33. Dr. Kourlaba holds an MSc in Biostatistics (NKUA) and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Harokopio University).

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

(2026). HPV vaccination coverage among children and adolescents in Greece using national prescription data. Vaccine.

(2025). Real-world switching patterns and associated characteristics in patients with psoriasis treated with biologics. Archives of Dermatological Research.

(2025). QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 assay for the evaluation of cellular immunity after immunization with mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Immunologic Research.

(2025). Early discontinuation of empiric antibiotic therapy in children treated for cancer who develop febrile neutropenia: A prospective cohort study. EJC Paediatric Oncology.

(2025). Attitudes, behaviors, opinions, and suggestions of blood donors toward blood donation in Crete, Greece. Archives of Hellenic Medicine.

Helmi Ayari | Data processing | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Helmi Ayari | Data processing | Research Excellence Award

Université Ibn khaldoun | Tunisia

Helmi Ayari is a doctoral researcher in Artificial Intelligence at the École Polytechnique de Tunisie, focusing on machine learning, deep learning, and intelligent imaging systems, with a research track record that includes 3 published documents, an h-index of 1, and citations from 33 documents. He holds a Master of Research in Intelligent Systems for Imaging and Computer Vision and a fundamental Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. His work includes contributions to medical image analysis, explainable AI, and optimization techniques, with notable publications such as a comparative study of classical versus deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis systems published in Knowledge and Information Systems (Q2), and a study integrating genetic algorithms with ensemble learning for enhanced credit scoring presented at the International Conference on Business Information Systems (Class B). Professionally, he has served as a Maître Assistant and teaching assistant, delivering courses in machine learning, deep learning, Python, R, computer architecture, and automata theory, while supervising Master’s research, coordinating academic programs, and contributing to hackathons and university events. His research interests span AI-driven decision systems, interpretable machine learning, evolutionary optimization, and applied deep learning. Recognized for both academic and pedagogical engagement, he continues advancing impactful AI research and education.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Computer-Aided Diagnosis Systems: A Comparative Study of Classical Machine Learning Versus Deep Learning-Based Approaches. Knowledge and Information Systems, published May 23, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10115-023-01894-7

Integrating Genetic Algorithms and Ensemble Learning for Improved and Transparent Credit Scoring. International Conference on Business Information Systems, June 25, 2025. (Class B)

Ion Tirca | Physicist | Distinguished Scientist Award

Dr. Ion Tirca | Physicist | Distinguished Scientist Award

University of Craiova | Romania

Dr. Ion Tirca is a physicist and materials science researcher specializing in photonic processing, thin films, and laser–matter interaction. His academic formation includes a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in physics, a PhD in sciences, and a postdoctoral research program at the University of Craiova, where he also contributed as a project manager in an entrepreneurial education initiative. He has held research positions at the National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics and at INCESA, focusing on advanced materials, pulsed laser deposition, and optical properties of functional surfaces. Dr. Tirca has authored 7 scientific documents, accumulated 43 citations from 38 citing documents, and holds an h-index of 4, reflecting the visibility and impact of his contributions. His publications in ISI-rated journals address topics such as Mg–Al layered double hydroxide thin films, WO₃ optical behavior, dopant effects, and biocompatible composite coatings. His research interests include laser deposition technologies, optical materials, nanostructures, biomaterials, and condensed matter physics. He has also participated in academic dissemination activities and contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations. Committed to advancing both scientific knowledge and applied research, Dr. Tirca continues to explore innovative photonic techniques for developing next-generation functional materials.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Tirca, I., Mitran, V., Marascu, V., Brajnicov, S., Ion, V., Stokker-Cheregi, F., Popovici, I. A., Cimpean, A., Dinca, V., & Dinescu, M. (2017). In vitro testing of curcumin-based composite coatings as antitumoral systems against osteosarcoma cells. Applied Surface Science, 425, 1040–1051.

Vlad, A., Birjega, R., Tirca, I., Matei, A., Mardare, C. C., Hassel, A. W., Nedelcea, A., Dinescu, M., & Zavoianu, R. (2018). Pulsed laser deposition of functionalized Mg–Al layered double hydroxide thin films. Applied Physics A, 124, 152.

Tirca, I., Boerasu, I., Radu, M.-S., & Osiac, M. (2021). Refractive index of WO₃ thin films grown under various temperatures determined by the Swanepoel method. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 620, 413266.

Osiac, M., Boerasu, I., Radu, M.-S., Jigau, M., & Tirca, I. (2021). Influence of iron as a dopant on the refractive index of WO₃. Materials, 14(19), 5845.

Osiac, M., Satulu, V., Jigau, M., Tirca, I., & Tudorascu, I. R. (2023). Influence of substrate temperature on the structural and chemical properties of iron-doped WO₃ films prepared by PLD. Applied Physics A, 129, 544.

Somnath Roy | Medical Oncology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Somnath Roy | Medical Oncology | Research Excellence Award

Tata Medical Center, Kolkata | India

Dr. Somnath Roy is a distinguished medical oncologist with a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical experience in leading oncology centers in India. He completed his MBBS from North Bengal Medical College, followed by a PG Diploma and MD in Radiotherapy from WBUHS, and later earned his DM in Medical Oncology from Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai. His professional journey includes serving as Junior and Senior Resident at IPGMER & SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, and subsequently as Senior Resident at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, where he strengthened his expertise in multidisciplinary cancer care. Dr. Roy’s research background is notable, holding the European Certificate in Medical Oncology (ECMO), MRCP(UK) Specialty Certificate in Medical Oncology, and DNB in Medical Oncology. He has actively led multiple Phase III clinical trials as Principal Investigator in prostate, breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. His scholarly impact includes 94 citations across 90 documents, 27 publications, and an h-index of 6, reflecting meaningful contributions to oncology literature. His key research interests span solid tumors, novel therapeutics, precision oncology, and clinical trial development. Recognized for his commitment to evidence-based practice and academic excellence, Dr. Roy continues to advance high-quality cancer care and research with dedication and integrity.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Real-World Analysis of Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, and Survival Outcomes From Two Tertiary Cancer Centers in India
JCO Global Oncology, 2025

Phase 3 RCT comparing docetaxel-platinum with docetaxel-platinum-5FU as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in borderline resectable oral cancer
European Journal of Cancer, 2024

JianHua Xie | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. JianHua Xie | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Xinjiang Agricultural University | China

Prof. Dr. Xie Jianhua is a Professor of Engineering and a supervisor of both master’s and doctoral students, specializing in agricultural engineering and machinery. She is an active member of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering and the Chinese Society of Agricultural Machinery. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and has led and participated in numerous national and provincial research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China project on the working mechanism of rod-tooth type film collecting and unloading mechanisms, as well as projects on intelligent monitoring of crop production and mechanization of sugar beet planting and harvesting. Prof. Xie has published over 60 academic papers, with more than 20 indexed in SCI/EI journals. Her work has received 307 citations across 228 documents, with an h-index of 10. She has obtained 10 invention patents, over 10 utility model patents, and 4 software copyrights. Her research focuses on intelligent agricultural machinery, mechanization of crop production, automation, and innovative system design for agricultural processes. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including a First Prize for Provincial and Ministerial Technological Invention, a Second Prize for Science and Technology Progress, and multiple Third Prizes for Science and Technology Progress and regional excellence. Prof. Xie’s work combines engineering innovation with practical agricultural applications, making significant contributions to modern agricultural mechanization.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Design and Experimental Investigation of Pneumatic Drum-Sieve-Type Separator for Transforming Mixtures of Protaetia Brevitarsis Larvae. Agriengineering, 2025.

Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Rotary Knife-Type Device for Chopping Film-Mixed Residues. Agriculture (Switzerland), 2025.

Design and Experiment of Rotary Knife-Axial Flow Drum Combined Device for Chopping and Separating Film Residue Mixture. Nongye Jixie Xuebao (Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery), 2025.

Diamant Thaci | Emerging Research Trends | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Diamant Thaci | Emerging Research Trends | Best Researcher Award

Universität zu Lübeck | Germany

Prof. Dr. med. Diamant Thaçi is a leading dermatologist and inflammation medicine expert whose career spans clinical practice, translational research, and academic leadership. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship and receiving a DAAD Scholarship for highly talented young scientists, he specialized in dermatology and venereology and advanced through key roles at J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, including Senior Physician for dermatological clinical research and chronic inflammatory skin diseases. He later earned his venia legendi and held a W2 Professorship before assuming major leadership positions at the University of Lübeck, where he currently directs the Institute for Inflammation Medicine, the Excellence Center for Inflammation Medicine, and the Inflammation Board. His research focuses on atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and novel immunomodulatory therapies, contributing extensively to pivotal international clinical trials. With 379 documents, 20,448 citations by 13,334 documents, and an h-index of 68, he is recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher and serves on multiple international councils and editorial boards. His awards include the Theodor Stern Foundation Prize and multiple distinctions from EADV and other societies. Overall, he is regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern inflammation and dermatology research.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Curman, P., Thaçi, D., & Ludwig, R. J. (2025). “Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Large Real-World Cohort Study” in Allergy.

Lebwohl, M., Gooderham, M. J., Warren, R. B., Thaçi, D., Foley, P., Gottlieb, A. B., Torres, T., Popmihajlov, Z., Jou, Y.-M., Linaberry, M., et al. (2025). “Outcomes of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and PASI components in two phase III trials of deucravacitinib in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis” in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.

Olbrich, H., Kridin, K., Zirpel, H., Hernandez, G., Sadik, C. D., Gaffal, E., Thaçi, D., & Ludwig, R. J. (2025). “Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and reduced mortality, cardiovascular and psychiatric risks in patients with psoriasis: a large-scale cohort study” in British Journal of Dermatology.

Alfarsi, S., Recke, A., Gaffal, E., Klein, J. P., Zirpel, H., Kridin, K., Thaçi, D., Olbrich, H., Bieber, K., & Ludwig, R. J. (2025). “Increased risk of psychiatric disease in patients with prurigo nodularis” in British Journal of Dermatology.

Thaçi, D., Ohtsuki, M., Maul, J.-T., Szegedi, A., Luna, P. C., Lynde, C. W., Soliman, A. M., Wang, H., Kaufmann, C., Ashley, D. G., et al. (2025). “Correction: Real-World Effectiveness of Risankizumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Interim Analysis from the VALUE Global Prospective Post-marketing Observational Study at 25 Months” in Dermatology and Therapy.

Vilma Petkova | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vilma Petkova | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography “Acad. Ivan Kostov”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Bulgaria

Prof. Vilma Petkova is an eminent chemist-engineer and researcher specializing in inorganic materials science, crystallography, thermal analysis, and environmentally clean technologies. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Technology and Metallurgy and has over three decades of academic and research experience, serving in positions ranging from Assistant Professor to full Professor at the Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and New Bulgarian University. Her research spans inorganic substances, nanomaterials, cement and construction materials, fertilizers, solid-phase kinetics, thermal and X-ray analysis, spectroscopy, and eco-friendly materials. Prof. Petkova has supervised numerous bachelor, master, and Ph.D. students, actively participated in over 130 national and international conferences, and contributed to more than 193 publications, including 89 indexed in IF/SJR journals, accumulating 904 citations across 744 documents with an h-index of 18. She has led and participated in national and international research projects, served on scientific councils, editorial boards, and accreditation panels, and received recognition for her leadership in thermal analysis and materials science. Her expertise integrates material characterization, environmental chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable development. Prof. Petkova continues to advance research, mentor emerging scientists, and contribute to global knowledge in material science and chemistry, promoting innovations that balance technological progress with environmental sustainability.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., Serafimova, E., Titorenkova, R., Tsvetanova, L., & Trikkel, A. (2025). “Impact of High Energy Milling and Mineral Additives on a Carbonate–Quartz–Apatite System for Ecological Applications.” Materials.

Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., Kaljuvee, T., & Piroeva, I. (2025). “Induced structural changes within a natural apatite-calcite system via short-time mechanochemical activation.” Materials Chemistry and Physics.

Petkova, V., Stoyanov, V., Mihaylova, K., & Kostova, B. (2025). “Impact of pozzolanic and inert powders on the microstructure and thermal chemistry of cement mortars.” Ceramics International.

Stoyanov, V., Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., & Shopska, M. (2024). “A Study of the Influence of Thermoactivated Natural Zeolite on the Hydration of White Cement Mortars.” Materials.

Serafimova, E., & Petkova, V. (2022). “BTEX exposure in indoor air in schools in Bulgaria.” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering.

Ekaterina Balakina | Vehicle Movement Control | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Balakina | Vehicle Movement Control | Best Researcher Award

Volgograd State Technical University | Russia

Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Viktorovna Balakina is a distinguished scholar in the field of mechanical and automotive engineering, holding a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree. She graduated with honors from Volgograd Polytechnic Institute in 1993 in Mechanical Engineering and subsequently worked as a design engineer at the Titan Central Design Bureau of the Barrikady Defense Plant. In 1996, she defended her PhD thesis in “Wheeled and Tracked Vehicles” and joined Volgograd State Technical University in 1997, later completing a research internship at the Warsaw Military Technical Academy in 2004. In 2011, she defended her doctoral dissertation in the same specialty. Prof. Balakina’s research focuses on vehicle stability, elastic properties of tires, and the contact interaction of elastic wheels with solid supports. She is co-author of two national regulatory documents on vehicle handling and dynamic stabilization, and she has authored approximately 300 publications, including five monographs, 14 patents, and four software certificates. Her work has garnered 104 citations from 48 documents, with an h-index of 6. She has received multiple awards, including the Honorary Diploma of the Ministry of Education and Science. As a full member of the Russian Academy of Transport since 2014, she continues to lead research projects and teach courses on vehicle maintenance, design, and operation.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Balakina, E.V., Sergienko, I.V., & Konshin, V.A. (2025). Calculation of normal tire stiffness for tractors and agricultural machinery based on the loaded wheel radius. Tractors and Agricultural Machinery, Journal Article.

Balakina, E.V., Godzhaev, Z.A., Konshin, A.A., & Kochetov, M.S. (2023). Calculation of normal stiffness and contact patch of ultra-low pressure tires for agricultural machinery. Tractors and Agricultural Machinery, Journal Article.

Balakina, E.V., Lipatov, E.Y., & Sarbayev, D.S. (2020). Advantages of Using Wheel Rolling Radius for Calculating Friction Characteristics in Wheel-to-Road Contact Patch. In Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, Book.

Golubeva, T.A., & Balakina, E.V. (2020). Finding New Component in Displacement of Normal Supporting Surface Reaction to Car Wheels. In Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, Book.

Balakina, E.V. (2019). Calculation of the Friction Coefficient between a Steady Elastic Wheel and a Solid Support Surface in the Presence of a Lateral Force. Journal of Friction and Wear, Journal Article.