Fnu Kajal – Governance and system strengthening – Best Researcher Award

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Dr Fnu Kajal - Governance and system strengthening - Best Researcher Award 

University of Arizona - United States 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kajal began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S) from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in 2001, securing the first position. She further pursued a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Obstetrics & Gynecology from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, earning a Silver Medal in June 2006. Her commitment to academic excellence continued with a Master's in Global Health Sciences (M.Sc.) from the University of California, San Francisco, where she maintained a GPA of 3.66.

Professional Endeavors

After completing her education, Dr. Kajal entered the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) in September 2008. Over the years, she held various significant roles, showcasing her leadership and strategic skills. Noteworthy positions include:

  • Director, DPIIT (Delhi, India), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (January 2023-Present): Dr. Kajal spearheaded policy design for industrial development, capacity building, and implementation of central government schemes.
  • Executive Director, REC Ltd (Gurugram, India), Ministry of Power (April 2021-January 2023): Dr. Kajal streamlined a government program, led data strategy initiatives, and transformed sectors through CSR funds.
  • Director, Urban Development (Lucknow, UP), Government of Uttar Pradesh (December 2018-January 2021): Dr. Kajal initiated the SAMBHAV program during COVID, secured Direct Benefit Transfers, and maximized technology for pandemic management.

Contributions and Research Focus

During her sabbatical from September 2016 to October 2018, Dr. Kajal engaged in research activities:

  • Graduate Research Assistant (San Francisco, US): Contributed to articles funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Center for Health Market Innovations, focusing on health accessibility in Uttar Pradesh, India, and payment platforms for Universal Health Coverage in Zambia.
  • Technical Advisor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Winnipeg (October 2017-October 2018): Provided technical support for RMNCH+A interventions globally, collaborated with governments, and engaged with organizations to implement research initiatives.
  • Temp Employee, Department of Population Health and Outcome Research, Stanford University (October 2017-August 2018): Developed interventions for policymakers on non-communicable diseases in rural Uttar Pradesh and collaborated on systematic research.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Kajal received recognition for her achievements:

  • Director, REC Ltd: Led the Data Strategy Unit, headed the National Smart Mission Taskforce, and transformed sectors through CSR funds, earning appreciation for her contributions.
  • Managing Director, UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency & PuVVNL: Received a certificate of appreciation from the Chief Minister for providing metered connections to 900,000 households in a record time of 2 months.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kajal's impact is evident in her roles:

  • Additional Commissioner/District Revenue Collector (Mahoba, UP): Introduced policies addressing violence against women and tobacco cessation, organized low-cost sanitary napkin production, and won prizes for data collection.
  • Additional Mission Director & Special Secretary, UP National Health Mission: Planned and budgeted for National Health Mission projects, introduced emergency transport services, and framed interventions for respectful maternal care.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the University of Arizona, Dr. Kajal is contributing to academia as an Adjunct Faculty in Bangalore and a Graduate Research Assistant in Tucson. Her commitment to teaching, research, and promoting positive learning environments exemplifies her dedication to shaping the future of public health.

Notable Publication

David Gillen – economic and logistics modelling – Excellence in Research 

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Prof Dr David Gillen - economic and logistics modelling - Excellence in Research 

University of British Columbia - Canada 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr David W. Gillen holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Toronto, earned in 1975. His academic journey has been characterized by a focus on Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, Transportation, and Regulatory Economics.

Professional Endeavors

Over the course of his career, Prof Dr Gillen has held positions at various esteemed institutions. He has been associated with the University of Alberta, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of California (Berkeley), and currently serves as Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business. Notably, he has also held the Vancouver International Airport Chair in Transportation Policy and Management.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof Dr Gillen's contributions to academia are reflected in his diverse areas of research and expertise. His work spans Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, Transportation and Regulatory Economics, with a particular emphasis on Aviation and Air Transport Economics, Travel Demand Analysis, Choice Modeling, and Performance and Productivity Analysis. He has made significant contributions to the field of Transportation Economics, as acknowledged by the American Economic Association.

Accolades and Recognition

His dedication to teaching excellence and student involvement has been acknowledged with the Len Henricksson Award for Teaching Excellence and Student Involvement in 2016. Gillen's impact on the field of Transportation Economics is further evident in the Distinguished Member Award from the American Economic Association's Transportation & Public Utilities Group in 2016.

Impact and Influence

Prof Dr Gillen's influence extends beyond academia, as he has served as a consultant to various government bodies, including Transport Canada, Canadian National Railways, and the Governments of Ontario and Canada. His expertise has been sought by international entities, such as the Governments of Thailand, Ghana, Germany, and the UK, as well as private sector clients including Air Canada, British Airways, and WestJet.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof Dr Gillen's lasting legacy is evident in his directorship of the Centre for Transportation Studies at Sauder School of Business and his editorial roles in prestigious journals. His substantial research grant awards, including a $2.49 million SSHRC Partnership Grant for Green Shipping, reflect his ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges in transportation economics. As he continues to contribute to the field, Gillen's legacy is marked by a multidimensional impact on academia, policy, and industry.

Notable Publication