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

Melanie Neeb | Regression Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Melanie Neeb | Regression Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Regierungspräsidium Giessen | Germany

Dr. Melanie Neeb is an accomplished academic, policy advisor, and project manager whose career bridges the fields of business administration, human resource management, and public administration. She has built an outstanding reputation as both a researcher and practitioner, with contributions that extend across academia, government, and organizational development. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing effective human resource strategies, managing complex governmental projects, and contributing to academic knowledge on leadership and employee benefits. Through her diverse roles, she has demonstrated strong leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to addressing pressing societal and organizational challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Neeb pursued her higher education at Justus Liebig University Giessen, where she earned both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Business Administration. Her doctoral research on employee benefits pooling, graded magna cum laude, offered an innovative approach to optimizing employee benefits for large organizations and has been recognized as a significant contribution to the field. Prior to this, she earned her Master’s degree in Business Administration with distinction, completing one of the best diplomas of her graduating semester. Her academic training established a strong foundation in strategic management, organizational behavior, and financial decision-making, all of which continue to shape her career and research focus.

Experience

Dr. Neeb currently serves as Head of Department and Project Manager at the Giessen Regional Council of the Hessian Ministry of the Interior, where she manages large-scale projects focused on refugee reception and integration. In this role, she oversees crisis management initiatives and implements innovative tools such as payment card systems for refugees, ensuring efficient and transparent processes. Leading a team of 18 employees, she coordinates with both governmental and non-governmental actors, showcasing her ability to balance strategic oversight with operational execution. Her career also reflects significant contributions to academia. As a lecturer at the Technical University of Central Hesse and previously at Justus Liebig University Giessen, she has taught courses in business administration, economics, finance, and project management, fostering the next generation of business professionals. Beyond academia and government service, she has also worked as a freelance consultant, providing specialized solutions in the insurance sector, further underlining her versatility across domains.

Research Interests

Dr. Neeb’s research interests lie at the intersection of human resource management, employee benefits, and organizational behavior. She has consistently explored how organizations can optimize benefits programs to enhance employee engagement and organizational efficiency while controlling costs. Her studies also examine the impact of flexible working models, demographic changes, and leadership effectiveness, particularly in the context of an aging population and a shortage of skilled labor. She is especially interested in the long-term sustainability of organizations, focusing on how innovative HR strategies and leadership approaches can help companies remain competitive in rapidly evolving environments. Her work blends theoretical insights with practical applications, making her research highly relevant for both scholars and practitioners.

Awards and Achievements

Dr. Neeb’s academic and professional journey is marked by numerous achievements that highlight both scholarly excellence and practical impact. Her doctoral dissertation on employee benefits pooling was later published as a monograph, offering groundbreaking insights into pooling strategies for multinational organizations. Her publications in respected journals such as PERSONALquarterly and contributions to the insurance sciences reflect her ability to address diverse aspects of management, from leadership effectiveness to compensation strategies. She has been recognized for her innovative approaches to human resource management, particularly in areas such as work-life balance, part-time models, and leadership in times of demographic change. Beyond academia, her role in policy implementation and crisis management has had a significant societal impact, especially in the integration and support of refugees. These achievements illustrate her ability to combine scholarly research with real-world problem-solving at both organizational and governmental levels.

Publications

Neeb, M. (2009). Employee Benefits Pooling. Logos Verlag.

Neeb, M., Riedel, O. (2004). “Zur Anwendung des Bühlmann/Straub-Verfahrens in der Außendienstentlohnung.” Zeitschrift für die gesamte Versicherungswissenschaft, 3, 405–439.

Neeb, M., Bacouel-Jentjens, S. (2017). “Alter, Arbeitserfahrung und effektive Führung.” PERSONALquarterly, 3, 36–41.

Neeb, M., Wehner, M. (2014). “Part-time – A Sensible Model for the Future?” PERSONALquarterly, 4, 22–27.

(2025), Transformational and transactional leadership: A job tenure perspective

Conclusion

Dr. Melanie Neeb exemplifies a professional whose career successfully unites academic research, teaching, and practical leadership in government and business contexts. With expertise spanning human resource management, employee benefits, leadership strategies, and public administration, she has made significant contributions to both scholarly discourse and public policy. Her ability to manage complex projects, guide organizational change, and mentor future professionals underscores her influence as a leader in her field. Driven by a passion for sustainability, equity, and innovation in the workplace, Dr. Neeb continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of human resource practices and organizational management. Her career reflects a rare blend of scholarly excellence, practical leadership, and social responsibility, making her a respected figure in academia, public service, and beyond.

Ronald Skitmore – Project management – Excellence in Research 

Prof Dr. Ronald Skitmore - Project management - Excellence in Research 

Bond University - Australia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr. Martin Skitmore began his academic journey with a strong foundation in construction and surveying, complemented by his extensive experience in the industry. He obtained his MSc and PhD degrees, demonstrating a commitment to advancing his knowledge and skills in his field of expertise.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his illustrious career, Skitmore held various academic positions in prestigious institutions such as the University of Salford, Queensland University of Technology, and Bond University. From lecturer to professor, he contributed significantly to the education and development of future professionals in construction management and quantity surveying.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof Dr. Skitmore's research interests spanned a wide range of topics within the realm of construction management and quantity surveying. His work delved into areas such as contractor selection processes, tendering procedures, performance measurement tools, and the impact of building information modeling (BIM) on estimating practices. Through his scholarly endeavors, Skitmore aimed to address practical challenges faced by industry practitioners and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of construction processes.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof Dr. Skitmore's contributions to the field did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by his numerous accolades and recognitions. He served on various committees and advisory boards for prestigious organizations such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and International Council for Building Research Studies and Documentation (CIB). Additionally, his role as Chair of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM) further underscored his leadership and expertise in the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Prof Dr. Skitmore's influence extended beyond academia, as he actively engaged with industry stakeholders and contributed to the development of best practices and standards. His collaborative efforts with international institutions and his role as a visiting professor underscored his global impact and influence in the field of construction management.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Skitmore continues to make significant contributions to the field, his legacy is defined by his dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of construction management and quantity surveying. His work serves as a testament to the importance of research and education in driving innovation and excellence in the built environment sector. Moving forward, Skitmore's future contributions are poised to further enhance the profession and inspire future generations of researchers and practitioners alike.

Citations

A total of 29701 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

Huan Rong | Best Researcher Award | Data Analysis Innovation

Huan Rong - Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology - Data Analysis Innovation🏆

Prof Huan Rong : Data Analysis Innovation

Professional profile:

Early Academic Pursuits:

Prof. Huan Rong embarked on his academic journey at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), China. He earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from NUIST between 2009 and 2020. His academic progression demonstrated his commitment to computer science, setting the foundation for his subsequent research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors:

Following his educational journey, Prof. Huan Rong entered the professional realm by joining TrendMicro, CN as a Software Developer from 2016 to 2017. His practical experience outside academia enriched his skill set and provided a different perspective on software development and its applications.

Prof. Huan Rong then transitioned back to NUIST, initially as a Lecturer from 2020 to 2023 and subsequently as an Associate Professor from 2023 onwards. These roles marked his dedication to academia, where he delved deeper into research, mentorship, and shaping future professionals in the field of artificial intelligence.

Contributions and Research Focus:

His  contributions primarily revolve around a broad spectrum of research areas, including brain-inspired computation, data mining, deep learning, natural language processing, information security, and more. His work has been published in esteemed journals such as IEEE TKDE, ACM TKDD, and Neurocomputing, among others. His research projects, funded by notable organizations like the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, emphasize the significance and impact of his work.

Accolades and Recognition:

His dedication to research and innovation has earned him various accolades and recognitions. Notably, he received the Jiangsu Province Higher Education Science and Technology Research Achievement Award for his work on social network data privacy protection and public opinion supervision in 2021. Furthermore, he was granted the title of Vice President of Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province in 2022, underscoring his influential role in the academic and technological landscape.

Impact and Influence:

With a plethora of publications and active involvement in committees like the Emotional Computing Committee of the Chinese Information Processing Society of China, Rong has made a significant impact on the academic community. His research and contributions have not only advanced the field but also influenced fellow researchers and professionals, evident from his roles as a journal reviewer for several prestigious publications.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As Prof. Huan Rong continues his academic and research journey, his legacy is shaped by his dedication to advancing the field of artificial intelligence and its applications. His focus on brain-inspired computation, data mining, and other pivotal areas signifies his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and pushing boundaries. Moving forward, Rong's future contributions are anticipated to further enrich the field, inspire upcoming researchers, and foster innovation in artificial intelligence and related domains.

Notable Publication: