Xiaochen Xie | Quantitative Research | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Xiaochen Xie | Quantitative Research | Research Excellence Award

Renmin University of China | China

Dr. Xiaochen Xie is an Assistant Professor at the School of Finance, Renmin University of China, with concurrent research associate positions at the China Financial Policy Research Center, the Institute of Public Finance and Taxation, and the Institute of Digital Economics and Taxation. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and dual B.E. in Finance and B.S. in Statistics from Peking University. His research spans international trade, industrial organization, public economics, and urban economics, with a focus on firm entry, pricing strategies, and the economic impacts of policy interventions. Dr. Xie has published in leading journals, including the Journal of Economic Geography, and has multiple working papers under review in top-tier journals. He has received awards such as Outstanding Young Scholar at Renmin University and recognition for outstanding papers at the NCER-CCER Chinese Economy Conference. Dr. Xie has extensive teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate courses on public finance, quantitative empirical economics, and structural methods. His research integrates empirical and structural approaches to inform trade, fiscal, and industrial policies. Dr. Xie’s work contributes to understanding the intersection of market structure, policy design, and economic welfare, influencing both academic research and practical policy-making.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Chen, Y., Huang, T., & Xie, X. (2025). “Place-based policies: First-mover advantage and persistence.” Journal of Economic Geography, lbaf001.

Lu, W., & Xie, X. (2024). “Trade, markups, and consumer welfare: Evidence from the global smartphone industry.” Available at SSRN 4804811.

Xie, X. (2021). Two essays on firm entry and pricing. The Pennsylvania State University.

Raquel Gaspar | Financial Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Justice Sebuga Kotani | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Justice Sebuga Kotani | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Young Researcher Award

University of North Carolina, Charlotte | United States

Dr. Justice Kotani holds a PhD in Geography from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, following an MSc in Sustainability from the United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability in Tokyo and a BSc in Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. His professional experience spans teaching assistance, program analysis and internships with the United Nations University (on carbon-pricing, NDCs and youth forums) and field planning roles with the Environmental Protection Agency (Ghana). His research interests centre on environmental planning, forest-landscape restoration, green infrastructure, urban informal economies and inclusive spatial governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Kotani has an h-index of 1, with four documents and two citations to date (via Google Scholar). He has published work on professional misconduct in planning, wetland ecosystems in Ghana, and spatial planning in informal urban economies; and earned the Wayland H. Cato Jr. First-Year Doctoral Fellowship among his awards. In summary, Dr. Kotani brings a strong international sustainability education, hands-on field experience and emerging scholarly contributions focused on socio-ecological transitions and inclusive planning.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications

1️⃣ Kotani, J. S., Akrofi, M. M., & Okitasari, M. (2025). Synergies and trade-offs between Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions and Sustainable Development Goals. Next Research, DOI: 10.1016/j.nexres.2025.100938**

2️⃣ Kotani, J. S., Takyi, S. A., Asibey, M. O., Amponsah, O., Quagraine, V. K., & Liwur, S. B. (2024). Planning in Ghana: Analysis of the various forms of professional misconduct from the perspective of professional planners. Planning Practice & Research, 1-20.

Viken Kortian | Big Data Analytics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viken Kortian | Big Data Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Macquarie University | Australia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viken Kortian is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in operations management, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with extensive expertise in business process management, strategy, and big data analytics. He holds a PhD in Management from Macquarie Graduate School of Management, where his doctoral research focused on organizational agility and firm performance in Australian SMEs. His academic foundation also includes a Master of Arts, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with honors. Dr. Kortian has built a distinguished career in higher education, currently serving as Associate Professor at Macquarie University’s School of Engineering, where he played a pivotal role in designing and leading the Master of Engineering Management program, one of the university’s largest postgraduate offerings. He has also contributed to Kaplan Business School, Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and the Australian Graduate School of Management through innovative course development in data analytics, quality management, and business excellence. His research interests span business excellence, operations management, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, with several conference presentations, publications, and a US patent to his credit. Recognized with multiple Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and other honors, Dr. Kortian is a dedicated educator, researcher, and thought leader shaping engineering management education in Australia.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publication

“Challenges and Issues in Implementing & Operationalising Big Data Analytics Capabilities in a major Australian Railway Organisation: A Case Study”

 

Abie Assres Fenta – Mixed Research – Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Abie Assres Fenta - Mixed Research - Editorial Board Member

Debre Markos University - Ethiopia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Abie Assres Fenta's journey in academia began with a strong foundation in sociology, reflecting a deep-seated interest in understanding societal dynamics. His educational trajectory likely started with a bachelor's degree in Sociology or a related field, where he honed his analytical skills and developed a passion for social research. This foundational period likely laid the groundwork for his subsequent professional endeavors and contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Entering the professional sphere, Abie embarked on a multifaceted career that blended teaching, research, and community engagement. His tenure as a Graduate Assistant Lecturer at Debre Markos University marked the initial steps in his academic career, where he immersed himself in the intricacies of sociology while also contributing to the university's academic mission.

As he progressed, Abie assumed the role of a lecturer and researcher, taking on increasing responsibilities within the department of Sociology at Debre Markos University. His dedication to teaching is evident in his diverse repertoire of courses, spanning from foundational subjects like Introduction to Sociology to specialized topics such as Medical Sociology and Gender and Development Studies. Alongside teaching, Abie actively pursued research, delving into various socio-economic issues affecting Ethiopian communities.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Abie's research endeavors reflect a keen interest in addressing pressing societal issues and contributing to scholarly discourse. His published articles delve into a range of topics, including the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, gender inequalities, and the challenges faced by students with disabilities. Through rigorous empirical analysis and thoughtful inquiry, Abie strives to shed light on complex social phenomena, offering insights that inform policy and practice.

Moreover, Abie's commitment to community engagement underscores his belief in the transformative power of education and awareness. His involvement in initiatives such as combating harmful traditional practices and raising awareness about public health issues demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing societal challenges.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Abie's dedication to scholarship and service has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous certifications and awards he has received. From peer review webinars to professional development trainings, Abie continuously seeks to expand his knowledge and skills, positioning himself as a leading figure in his field.

Furthermore, his contributions to reputable journals and his active participation in academic discourse have earned him recognition within the academic community. Certificates from esteemed organizations such as SAGE journals and EURAXESS Africa attest to Abie's standing as a respected scholar and reviewer.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Abie's work extends beyond the confines of academia, leaving a tangible impact on both local communities and the broader academic landscape. Through his research, teaching, and community engagement efforts, Abie seeks to empower individuals and effect positive change. By addressing pressing social issues and advocating for marginalized groups, he contributes to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive society.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Abie's legacy is poised to endure through the students he has mentored, the research he has conducted, and the communities he has served. As he continues to advance in his career, Abie remains committed to making meaningful contributions to his field and society at large. Whether through innovative research projects, transformative teaching methods, or impactful community interventions, Abie's legacy will be defined by his unwavering dedication to social justice and human flourishing.

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