Vassilis Barkoukis | Human Behavior Modeling | Best Researcher Award

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).

Angelo Riccio – population exposure – Best Scholar Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Angelo Riccio - population exposure - Best Scholar Award 

University of Naples Parthenope - Italy

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc Prof Dr. Angelo Riccio embarked on his academic journey with a fervent passion for environmental science, evident from his early academic pursuits. His academic trajectory commenced with a focus on fundamental scientific principles, laying a robust foundation for his future research endeavors. Through dedicated study and research, he cultivated a deep understanding of atmospheric dynamics, air quality, and environmental modeling.

Professional Endeavors

Transitioning from academia to professional endeavors, Angelo Riccio's commitment to advancing environmental science remained unwavering. His tenure at Parthenope University Naples provided him with a platform to merge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative methodologies, he delved into diverse facets of environmental research, ranging from air pollution characterization to ecosystem modeling.

Contributions and Research Focus

Assoc Prof Dr. Riccio's contributions to the field of environmental science are multifaceted and profound. His research focus spans a wide array of topics, including atmospheric chemistry, aerosol dynamics, and climate modeling. By employing state-of-the-art techniques and conducting comprehensive studies, he elucidated the intricate interactions between natural and anthropogenic processes shaping our environment. His investigations into air quality regulation, source apportionment, and pollutant transport dynamics have garnered widespread recognition for their scientific rigor and societal relevance.

Accolades and Recognition

Assoc Prof Dr. Angelo Riccio's exemplary contributions have earned him acclaim within the scientific community. His prolific publication record in reputable journals such as Science of the Total Environment, Atmospheric Pollution Research, and Ecological Modelling attests to the significance of his research findings. Moreover, his work has been cited extensively, underscoring its impact and influence on the broader scientific discourse. Riccio's dedication to excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades and awards, reaffirming his status as a trailblazer in environmental research.

Impact and Influence

Assoc Prof Dr. Riccio's research legacy extends beyond mere academic accolades, manifesting in tangible societal impact and influence. By shedding light on pressing environmental issues such as air pollution and climate change, he has empowered policymakers, stakeholders, and the public with invaluable insights for informed decision-making. His efforts towards developing innovative methodologies for environmental monitoring and assessment have catalyzed advancements in environmental management practices, fostering sustainability and resilience in urban and peri-urban areas.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Angelo Riccio's illustrious career continues to evolve, his legacy as a visionary environmental scientist is already firmly established. His pioneering research has paved the way for future generations of scholars to build upon, inspiring continued exploration and innovation in environmental science. Looking ahead, Riccio remains committed to addressing emerging environmental challenges and driving positive change through his research endeavors. With a steadfast dedication to scientific excellence and a fervent commitment to environmental stewardship, Angelo Riccio's impact will resonate for years to come.

Citations

A total of 1980 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

Yao-Tai Li – Medical Sociology Award – Best Researcher 

Dr. Yao-Tai Li - Medical Sociology Award - Best Researcher 

University of New South Wales - Australia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yao-Tai Li's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan. This foundational education laid the groundwork for further exploration in social sciences. He then pursued a Master's degree in Political Science, delving deeper into the complexities of political structures and systems. Following this, Li continued his academic pursuit by obtaining a Master's degree in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he underwent rigorous training in sociological theories and methodologies. This multidisciplinary background equipped him with a diverse skill set essential for his future research endeavors.

Li's academic trajectory culminated in a Ph.D. in Sociology from UCSD, where he conducted groundbreaking research on the formation and decline of Overseas Chinese identity in Australia. His dissertation, titled "Making and Unmaking Pan-ethnicity," showcased his commitment to understanding complex social phenomena through a sociological lens. This early academic pursuit laid the foundation for his subsequent research interests and contributions to the field of sociology.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Yao-Tai Li's professional journey is characterized by a series of academic appointments and visiting positions at prestigious institutions worldwide. He began his career as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Hong Kong Baptist University, where he made significant contributions to the field through his research and teaching. Li's expertise in race and ethnicity, identity, migration, and contentious politics garnered recognition, leading to his appointment as a Lecturer and subsequently as a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

Throughout his career, Li has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, evidenced by his extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals and his active engagement in scholarly activities. His collaborative efforts with scholars from diverse backgrounds have enriched the academic discourse, contributing to the advancement of sociological knowledge.

Contributions and Research Focus On Medical Sociology Award

Dr. Li's research agenda encompasses a wide range of topics, including race and ethnicity, identity formation, migration patterns, and social movements. His seminal work on the Hong Kong protests, Taiwanese migration experiences, and the impact of COVID-19 on global societies has received widespread acclaim within the academic community. Li's interdisciplinary approach to research, drawing insights from sociology, political science, and cultural studies, has led to innovative perspectives on complex social phenomena.

His commitment to empirical rigor and theoretical innovation has positioned him as a leading scholar in the field of sociology. Li's research not only sheds light on pressing social issues but also offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to address contemporary challenges.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Yao-Tai Li's contributions to the field of sociology have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. He has received prestigious honors such as the A. Noam Chomsky Rising Star Emerging Scholar Award, Faculty Early Career Teaching Award, and Dissertation Writing Award, among others. Li's research has been featured in top-tier academic journals, and he has received accolades for his presentations at international conferences.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Li's research has made a significant impact on academic scholarship and public discourse. His work on identity politics, social movements, and migration dynamics has informed policymakers, educators, and civil society actors worldwide. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, Li has facilitated meaningful dialogue on pressing social issues, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of contemporary society.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yao-Tai Li's legacy lies in his profound influence on the field of sociology and his dedication to advancing knowledge for the betterment of society. As he continues his academic journey, Li remains committed to rigorous scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the pursuit of social justice. His future contributions are poised to shape the trajectory of sociological inquiry, inspiring future generations of scholars to engage critically with the complexities of the modern world.

Citations

  • Citations   292
  • h-index       10
  • i10-index    11

Notable Publication