Deepa | Energy and Utilities Analytics  | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Deepa | Energy and Utilities Analytics  | Best Researcher Award

USMS University School of Management Studies | India

Ms. Deepa is a dedicated researcher and emerging academician in financial economics, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University School of Management Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, where her doctoral work investigates the factors influencing access to clean energy across developing nations. With an h-index of 3, 4 published documents, and 16 citations across 15 referencing documents, she has established a growing scholarly footprint, contributing to high-impact journals such as Renewable Energy, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, and Environment, Development and Sustainability. Her research spans sustainable finance, corporate finance, green growth, energy poverty, ESG, and development economics, supported by certifications including UGC NET/JRF (twice). She has presented her work at leading institutions including IIT Bombay, IIT Bhubaneswar—where she received a Best Paper Award—IIM Kashipur, and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh. As an adjunct faculty member, she has taught courses in Financial Accounting and Entrepreneurial Mindset, integrating analytical rigor with practical insights. With expertise in EViews, Stata, R, and bibliometric tools, she continues to advance impactful, policy-relevant research. She aspires to contribute meaningfully to academia by promoting inclusive, sustainable development through evidence-based teaching and scholarship.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Deepa, Ahuja, S., Soti, N., Kumar, A., Phore, J., & Gupta, S. (2026). How can green finance and economic policies unlock new pathways to clean energy access in Sub-Saharan African nations? Renewable Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2025.124703

Soti, N., Kumar, A., Gupta, S., Ahuja, S., & Deepa. (2025). Towards a sustainable future: The interplay of trade globalization and regulatory quality on environmental outcomes in India. Sustainable Futures. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100578

Kumar, A., Soti, N., Gupta, S., & Deepa. (2024). Addressing energy poverty in BRICS economies: Insights from panel data analysis and policy implications for sustainable development goals. Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05652-9

Phore, J., Deepa, Soti, N., Kumar, A., & Saini, A. K. (2024). Exploring the dynamics of ICT and globalization on human development in India: Asymmetric analysis and policy implications. International Journal of Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41870-024-02056-w

Raquel Gaspar | Financial Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Raquel Gaspar | Financial Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

ISEG, Universidade de Lisboa | Portugal

Prof. Raquel M. Gaspar is an Associate Professor of Finance with Habilitation at ISEG – Universidade de Lisboa, where she coordinates the Scientific Area of Finance and the Master in Finance program. She earned her PhD in Finance from the Stockholm School of Economics in 2006, focusing on credit risk and forward price models under the supervision of Prof. Tomas Björk, following an MSc in Mathematics Applied to Economics and Management from ISEG. Her research interests include mathematical and computational finance, credit risk modeling, asset pricing, stochastic processes, portfolio management, and risk analysis. Prof. Gaspar has extensive teaching experience at ISEG and internationally, including Stockholm Business School and Universidad Complutense de Madrid. She has supervised multiple PhD and MSc theses in finance and actuarial science, with an emphasis on quantitative methods and applied finance. Her scientific contributions are reflected in 329 citations, an h-index of 10, and 13 i10-index publications, according to Google Scholar. She has authored several pedagogical materials and textbooks and participates actively in research projects under CEMAPRE/REM. Recognized for her pedagogical innovation and leadership, Prof. Gaspar continues to contribute to the development of financial education and quantitative finance research in Portugal and abroad.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Gaspar, R. M., & Silva, P. M. (2023). Investors’ perspective on portfolio insurance: Expected utility vs prospect theories. Portuguese Economic Journal.

França, R., & Gaspar, R. M. (2023). On the bias of the unbiased expectation theory. Mathematics.

Gaspar, R. M., & Khapko, M. (2023, October). In memoriam: Tomas Björk (1947–2021), on his career and beyond. Finance and Stochastics.

Almeida, J., & Gaspar, R. M. (2023, July 25). Portfolio performance of European target prices. Journal of Risk and Financial Management.

Céu, M. S., & Gaspar, R. M. (2022, December 21). Vegetative cycle and bankruptcy predictors of agricultural firms. Agricultural Economics (Zemědělská ekonomika), 0139-570X / 1805-9295.

Mircea-Iosif Rus | Emerging Research Trends | Outstanding Contribution Award

Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus | Emerging Research Trends | Outstanding Contribution Award

Nird Urban Incerc Cluj-napoca Branch | Romania

Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus is a Romanian economist and senior researcher with extensive expertise in economic sciences, sustainable innovation, and research management. He serves as Branch Director and Level I Scientific Researcher at NIRD URBAN INCERC, Cluj-Napoca, and is an expert within Romania’s National Committee for Accreditation of Academic Titles. With over three decades of experience spanning academia, administration, and R&D, he has authored numerous publications and led high-impact projects in energy, construction, and eco-innovation. His research excellence is recognized nationally and internationally, particularly in applying blockchain and AI technologies to sustainable development and smart construction.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education 

Dr. Rus holds a PhD in Economic Sciences and multiple postgraduate qualifications, including in Civil and Commercial Law, Quantitative Economics and Finance, and Library & Communication Science, all from Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca. He also earned bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Management. His multidisciplinary academic background combines economics, law, and political studies with applied research training. His higher education reflects a strong foundation in public finance, econometrics, business law, and communication. These academic credentials have equipped him to engage in cross-sectoral research and contribute to policy development and financial leadership in scientific and innovation-based institutions.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Rus brings over 35 years of professional experience, with a core focus on economic research and development. Since 1999, he has held key positions at NIRD URBAN INCERC, rising from Economist to Branch Director and Senior Scientific Researcher. His roles have included financial coordination, project leadership, and administrative management of national and European R&D projects. He also served as Economic Director at TERMOCAD SRL and managed wholesale operations at NAPOCOM SA. His strategic roles in research management and national scientific committees underscore his expertise in innovation, finance, and policy implementation in the construction and energy sectors.

Awards & Recognition 

Dr. Rus has received numerous awards for his contributions to research and innovation. His accolades include multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals at EUROINVENT, INVENTCOR, and iCAN exhibitions for pioneering work in green buildings, AI in construction, and sustainable composite materials. He has been honored by prestigious institutions such as the Romanian Inventors Forum, the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, and international associations. His innovative work on blockchain, R&D governance, and alternative energy has earned Diplomas of Excellence and Special Awards for impact, creativity, and interdisciplinary contribution across the fields of engineering, economics, and environmental sustainability.

Research Skills

Dr. Rus is skilled in designing, managing, and evaluating complex research and development initiatives. His expertise includes economic modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and financial oversight in scientific projects. He specializes in sustainability-focused research, integrating AI, blockchain, and composite materials into smart urban infrastructure. His experience spans national core programs, EU-funded projects, and cross-disciplinary research involving economics, engineering, and policy. He is adept in research communication, strategic innovation management, and quantitative analysis, demonstrated through his extensive publications and active participation in accredited exhibitions. As a certified project and innovation manager, he advances research that bridges academic inquiry and real-world technological solutions.

Publications

Inflaţia în România în perioada de tranziţie

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Specializare, Integrare si Dezvoltare, Editura Sincron, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2003

Finanţarea activităţii de cercetare-dezvoltare. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Politici monetare aplicate în România în perioada tranziţiei

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Ţintirea directă a inflaţiei. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Lumea Financiară – Prezent şi Perspective, Casa Cărţii de Ştiinţă, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Analiza comparativă a metodelor utilizate pe plan internaţional pentru estimarea costurilor şi formarea preţurilor în activitatea de construcţii

Authors: Rus M.-I., Simion C., Enulescu C.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Proceedings of the International Conference, Constructions 2008, Editura Napoca Star, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2008

Research and its place in economical development

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Nr. 53, Editura Universităţii Tehnice Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2010

Fields of research activity

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Nr. 53, Editura Universităţii Tehnice Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2010