Basmah Alzamil | Social Impact | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Basmah Alzamil | Social Impact | Best Researcher Award

Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Basmah Alzamil is an Assistant Professor at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, specializing in organizational behavior, strategic management, and entrepreneurship. She earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from King Saud University in 2023 with distinction, following an MBA from Saginaw Valley State University and a BBA from King Saud University, graduating with second honors. Her academic career includes extensive teaching experience in research methods, strategic management, performance management, administrative leadership, entrepreneurship, project management, and crisis management. She has also supervised cooperative training programs, organized practical training initiatives, and contributed to curriculum development. Dr. Alzamil’s research focuses on digital leadership, creative deviance, organizational socialization, workplace behavior, and the effects of digital transformation on employee performance and innovation. Her recent publications explore topics such as the mediating role of paradox mindset, the impact of digital leadership on toxic workplaces, and the influence of social support on workplace deviance. She has presented her work at international conferences and participated in professional development courses in research creativity, communication, and leadership. Dr. Alzamil’s scholarship bridges theory and practice, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for organizational development, innovation, and sustainable workplace practices, contributing to both academic research and practical applications in management.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Alzamil, B. S. (2025). “Employees’ Creative Deviance in Response to Digitalization and Knowledge: The Mediating Role of Employees’ Paradox Mindset.” Journal of Innovation & Knowledge.

Alzamil, B., & Alyafi, R. S. (2024). “Perceived Social Support and Workplace Deviant Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in Employees in Saudi Arabia.” Journal Article.

Alzamil, B. S., & Alyafi, R. S. (2022). “Organizational Socialization Applicability, Measurements, and Theories: A Systematic Review and Guideline for Future Research.” International Journal of Business Management and Economic Review.

Sharon L Burton | Cybersecurity Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sharon L Burton | Cybersecurity Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | United States

Dr. Sharon L. Burton is a distinguished faculty member and industry consultant whose work bridges cybersecurity governance, risk management, AI‑driven education, and human resources strategy. She holds a Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Leadership (2022) and a DBA in Quality Systems Management (2015), alongside dual MBAs in Management and HRM. Her career spans roles as Assistant Professor of the Practice in the College of Aviation at Embry‑Riddle and Doctoral Dissertation Chair at Capitol Technology University. Dr. Burton has authored 38 documents with 157 citations, reflecting an h‑index of 5, demonstrating substantial contributions across domains. Her research interests include cybersecurity leadership, organizational behaviour in cyber contexts, AI/augmented education, and workforce resilience. She has published notable articles such as “Cybersecurity Leaders: Knowledge Driving Human Capital Development” and “Exploring the Nexus of Cybersecurity Leadership, Human Factors, Emotional Intelligence, Innovative Work Behavior and Critical Leadership Traits.” Her teaching embodies a student‑centred philosophy: hands‑on projects, reflective feedback, ethical responsibility, and real‑world problem solving. Among her recognitions are awards for teaching excellence, leadership development, and organisational transformation. In summary, Dr. Burton effectively synthesizes academic rigour and practitioner insight to prepare graduates and organisations for leadership in an ever‑evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Burton, S. L. (2025). “A Modular Framework for Cybersecurity Laboratory Design in Higher Education.” Laboratories.

Burton, S. L. (2025). “Navigating Digital Transformation.” In Book Chapter.

Burton, S. L. (2025). “Digital Saboteurs: Unmasking Insider Cybersecurity Threats in Aviation and Aerospace.” Law, Economics and Society.

Burton, S. L. (2024). “Advancing Cybersecurity.” In Book Chapter.

Burton, S. L. (2024). “Cybersecure Futures.” In Book Chapter.

Greene, B. A., & Burton, S. L. (2024). “Organizational Readiness for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Network Security.” In Book Chapter.

Maatouk Khoukhi | Bio Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maatouk Khoukhi | Bio Materials | Best Researcher Award

United Arab Emirates University | United Arab Emirates

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maatouk Khoukhi holds a PhD in Machine Intelligence & Systems Engineering (Tohoku University, Japan 2004), an MSc in Renewable Energy (Algeria 1993) and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Algeria 1991). He has held academic appointments at Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Saudi Arabia), University of Sharjah (UAE) and since 2017 at United Arab Emirates University (UAE) in Architectural Engineering. His research focuses on solar energy systems, building energy conservation, HVAC systems and sustainable built-environment technology. According to his UAEU profile he has produced 36 journal articles and 9 conference contributions (4 conference articles + 2 other papers) to date. Bibliometric data from AD Scientific Index lists his h-index as 16, total citations approximately 772, and about 53 papers with i10-index in that source. He has received multiple awards—including “International Research Scientist Award” (2024), and repeated recognition at UAEU for publishing in the top 5% of journals (2019-2023). In summary, Dr Khoukhi is an accomplished international academic with a strong publication record, recognised research impact, and significant contributions in building energy and solar technology.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Khoukhi, M., Gomez, A., Dar Saleh, A., Alkaabi, M., & Muhsenah, H. (2024). “Enhancing green building technologies and solutions in UAE university campus: a comprehensive assessment and validation approach.” Buildings.

Khoukhi, M. (2023). “Potential of form-pocketed design in mitigating heat in a university educational glazed-curtained building in the desert climate of UAE.” Energy and Buildings.

Kutty, N., Barakat, D., & Khoukhi, M. (2023). “A French residential retrofit toward achieving net-zero energy target in a Mediterranean climate.” Buildings.

Abdullah, A. K., Darsaleh, A., Abdelbaqi, S., & Khoukhi, M. (2022). “Thermal performance evaluation of window shutters for residential buildings: a case study of Abu Dhabi, UAE.” Energies.

Mohammad, A. F., Dar Saleh, A. F., Khoukhi, M., & Al-Marzouqi, A. H. (2022). “A new method for capturing CO₂ from effluent gases using a rice-based product.” Energies.

Frédéric Ouattara | Spatial Data Interpretation | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. Frédéric Ouattara | Spatial Data Interpretation | Excellence in Research

Université Norbert Zongo | Burkina Faso

Professor Frédéric Ouattara is a distinguished full professor of physics, specialising in heliophysics, thermodynamics, space weather and geophysics. He holds a Doctorat d’État in Physics-Geophysics-Heliophysics (2009) and a previous PhD in Geophysics (option Solar Energy, 1998), complemented with a Master in History, Philosophy and Didactics of Sciences (2005) and a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Physics (1994). He has served in major academic and administrative roles, including Vice-President in charge of Teaching and Pedagogic Innovation, then President of Université Norbert Zongo (2019-2022), and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research (March–September 2022) in Burkina Faso. In research, he leads the Burkina Faso satellite programme (BurkinaSat-1) and initiated the national space agency, while directing the Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Space Physics and Energetic (LAREME).  His scholarly output includes around one hundred scientific publications. He has been honoured with the African Prize for Excellence in Space Physics Research (American Geophysical Union, 2018). Although a precise current h-index 11, publications 28 , citations 590, his research reputation is significant in the West-African region. With primary interests in solar–terrestrial coupling, ionospheric variability and space weather over equatorial Africa, he bridges scientific research, space technology and higher-education leadership. As a conclusion, Prof. Ouattara exemplifies the synthesis of academic excellence, leadership in space science and institutional innovation, having positioned his country on the frontier of African space research and education.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Segda, A. K., Kaboré, S., Zoundi, C., Ouattara, F., & De Santis, A. (2025). Analysis of the variability of diurnal profiles of critical foF2 frequencies in the light of solar radiation. International Journal of Geophysics.

Guibula, K., Ouédraogo, P., Kaboré, S., Ouattara, F., Fleury, R., & Potirakis, S. M. (2025). Performance evaluation of the ionospheric models AfriTEC and NeQuick 2 at the BF01 station in Ouagadougou between 2013 and 2021. International Journal of Geophysics.

Bazié, N., Kaboré, S., Guibula, K., Ouattara, F., & Panda, S. K. (2025). Response of the magnetospheric convection electric field (MCEF) to geomagnetic storms during the solar cycle 24 maximum phase. International Journal of Geophysics.

Sawadogo, S., Gnabahou, D. A., Pahima, T., & Ouattara, F. (2024). Solar activity: Towards a standard classification of solar phases from cycle 1 to cycle 24. Advances in Space Research, 74(1).

Sawadogo, S., Gnabahou, D. A., Sandwidi, S. A., & Ouattara, F. (2023). Koudougou (Burkina Faso, Africa), GPS-TEC response to recurrent geomagnetic storms during solar cycle 24 declining phase. International Journal of Geophysics.

Huiyuan Ye |  Educational Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiyuan Ye |  Educational Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jian Qiao University | China

Dr. Huiyuan Ye is a distinguished scholar in higher education management and sustainable development. Holding a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Pittsburgh (2017) and prior degrees in English Literature from Shanghai International Studies University (M.A. 2009; B.A. 2006), he has held academic, research, and administrative roles at institutions including the University of Pittsburgh, Southern New Hampshire University, Duke Kunshan University, and currently Shanghai Jian Qiao University, where he serves as Vice Dean for Research and Faculty Director of the Research Center for Sustainable Development of Foreign Language Education. His research, published in SSCI Q1 journals, focuses on liberal arts and sciences education, global higher education, and embedding UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) agenda into foreign language curricula. He has contributed to 11 scholarly documents, cited 140 times, and maintains an h‑index of 6. Dr. Ye’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary pedagogy, competency‑based education, workforce insights, and sustainable development strategies. Recognized with awards such as the “Great Educator of the New Age” nomination by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, he has collaborated with international organizations including UNESCO, USAID, and Lumina Foundation. Through research, curriculum innovation, and international engagement, Dr. Ye continues to advance higher education reform and comparative education scholarship, bridging theory and practice in East Asian and global contexts.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ye, H. (2024). Interdisciplinary mobility: An approach to measuring interdisciplinary learning outcomes by using curricular checkpoints. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print).

Ye, H. (2024). Setting off the dominoes: A theory of change for scaled interdisciplinarity at a Sino-American joint-venture liberal arts and sciences University in China. Asia Pacific Education Review.

Wang, X., Xiong, W., & Ye, H. (2023). Chinese Doctoral Students’ Perceptions of Employability in the United States: Cultivating Preparedness for a Challenging World. In T. Brown (Ed.), Graduate Students at Work: Exploited Scholars of Neoliberal Higher Education (Rethinking Careers, Rethinking Academia). University Press of Kansas

Mok, K.-H., Xiong, W., & Ye, H. (2021). COVID-19 Crisis and Challenges for Graduate Employment in Taiwan, Mainland China, and East Asia: A Critical Review of Skills Preparing Students for Uncertain Futures. Journal of Education and Work.

Wang, X., Jacob, W. J., Blakesley, C. C., Xiong, W., Ye, H., Xu, S., & Lu, F. (2020). Optimal Professional Development ICT Training Initiatives at Flagship Universities. Education and Information Technology.

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.

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).

Jiapeng Xu | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jiapeng Xu | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Northwest A&F University | China

Dr. Jiapeng Xu is an accomplished Associate Professor at the College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, specializing in urbanization, industrial economy, and urban-rural sustainable development. He earned his Doctor of Management degree from Huazhong Agricultural University and has established a distinguished career in research, teaching, and policy advisory. With over 11 publications in leading journals such as Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Environment, Development and Sustainability, and Environmental Management, his scholarly impact is reflected in an h-index of 5 and over 203 citations. Dr. Xu has led more than 10 national and provincial-level projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and completed 23 teaching and research initiatives. His policy reports have been recognized at the highest levels of government—four adopted by the General Office of the State Council and three receiving direct instructions from national leaders. A Consulting Expert for World Bank Projects and a member of several academic committees, he also contributes as Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Virtual Teaching Office under China’s Ministry of Education. His research continues to advance sustainable economic policies and educational innovation in China’s western development region, earning him prestigious honors such as the Shaanxi Provincial Higher Education Teaching Achievement Award.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Promoting Balanced Ecological-economic Development in Ecologically Vulnerable Regions: Spatio-temporal Variation and Driving Factors, 2025

The impact of urbanization on carbon emissions of rural households: a study based on micro-level measurement, 2024

Edward Douthett | Qualitative Research | Excellence in Research

Dr. Edward Douthett | Qualitative Research | Excellence in Research

George Mason University | United States

Dr. Edward B. Douthett is an accomplished academic and accounting professional serving as an Associate Professor of Accounting at George Mason University’s School of Business. He holds a Ph.D. and M.B.A. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and a B.S. in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University. Before entering academia, Dr. Douthett gained extensive industry experience at Exxon Chemicals and Exxon Company USA, where he held key roles in financial reporting, analysis, auditing, and management. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia, his teaching expertise spans managerial and cost accounting, financial accounting, and performance evaluation across undergraduate, MBA, and EMBA programs. His academic contributions emphasize cost management, performance measurement, and international business environments. Dr. Douthett’s work bridges theory and practice, integrating real-world corporate insights into academic learning. He has been recognized for his excellence in teaching and leadership, particularly as the Northern Chapter Virginia Society CPA Professor of Public Accounting. Dedicated to fostering ethical decision-making and analytical skills among future accounting professionals, Dr. Douthett continues to inspire innovation in accounting education and practice.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Amoruso, A., Douthett, E., & Duchac, J. (2025). The effect of the legal environment on assurance services: evidence from international registrants in U.S. capital markets. Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting.

Copley, P., Douthett, E. B., & Zhang, S. (2021). Venture capitalists and assurance services on initial public offerings. Journal of Business Research.

Douthett, E. B., & Copley, P. (2020). The Enrollment Cliff, Mega-Universities, COVID-19, and the Changing Landscape of U.S. Colleges. CPA Journal.

Douthett, E. B. (2020). Do Auditors Protect Shareholders Against Financial Expropriation by Corporate Insiders? The Journal of American Academy of Business.

Douthett, E. B. (2020). Do auditors provide assurance beyond the financial statements? Evidence from the market for new issues. Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research.

Amanuel Kachiko | Electrica Power Engineering | Best Faculty Award

Mr. Amanuel Kachiko | Electrica Power Engineering | Best Faculty Award

Haramaya University | Ethiopia

Amanuel Kachiko is a Lecturer and Researcher in Electrical Power Engineering at Haramaya University, Ethiopia, with over eight years of academic and research experience. He holds BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Electrical Power Engineering, with specialized training in reliability of power systems, renewable energy, grid and off-grid power systems, and optimization of generation, transmission, and distribution networks. His expertise spans simulation tools such as MATLAB, ETAP, PSAT, DigSILENT, and advanced programming for engineering applications. Amanuel’s research interests focus on smart grids, renewable energy integration, power system reliability, and AI-based solutions for energy systems, with several peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Energy (Elsevier). His contributions extend to applied projects such as the design of automated health, insurance, and ambulance management systems, and the development of automated performance management systems for regional utilities in Ethiopia. He has also completed international certifications in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and research publishing, and actively contributes as a peer reviewer for scientific journals. With a commitment to innovation, teaching, and community-focused projects, Amanuel continues to explore solutions for sustainable electrification, smart grid design, and data-driven energy optimization, shaping the future of energy transitions in developing regions and beyond.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publication

“A feasibility analysis of PV-based off-grid rural electrification for a pastoral settlement in Ethiopia”