Vassilis Barkoukis | Human Behavior Modeling | Best Researcher Award

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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).

Ujjwal Das | Public Health Analytics | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Ujjwal Das | Public Health Analytics | Young Scientist Award

Fakir Mohan University | India

Dr. Ujjwal Das is an Assistant Professor (Temporary) of Geography at Fakir Mohan University, India, specializing in social determinants of population health, geospatial analysis, and public health research. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh (2025), following an M.Phil. and Master of Population Studies from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, and a Gold Medalist M.A. in Applied Geography from Ravenshaw University. Dr. Das has presented his research at multiple national and international conferences, focusing on urban poverty, child malnutrition, elderly morbidity, and maternal health. His scholarly contributions include over 14 peer-reviewed publications, 5 book chapters, and extensive research on mortality, fertility, and population-environment interactions. He is proficient in quantitative and spatial analysis tools including SPSS, STATA, ArcGIS, R, and Mortpak. With an h-index of 3, more than 9 documents, and over 37 citations, his work is widely recognized for its impact on public health and population geography. Dr. Das has received awards for excellence in research and contribution to population studies. His ongoing work integrates geospatial methods with social science approaches to inform policy and improve health outcomes in India, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Das, U., & Mohanty, S.K. (2025). “Urban Poverty and Child Malnutrition in India: A Geographical Analysis” in Health on the Move: Population and Public Health Perspectives.

Ahamad, V., & Das, U. (2025). “Health on the move: cardiovascular disease risk among ageing male migrants in India” in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus.

Das, U. (2025). “Is Virginity a Matter of Dignity or a Lack of Opportunity? Exploring the Paradoxical Relationship Between Premarital Sex and Education Among Youth in India” in Sexuality & Culture.

Das, U., & Kar, N. (2025). “Understanding economic disparities in elderly health outcomes: a decomposition analysis in Bankura district” in BMC Public Health.

Das, U., Kar, N., Riba, T., & Rout, N.R. (2025). “Prevalence of diabetes and disability among older adults in West Bengal and India: A comparative analysis” in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews.

Negusie Mengistu – social research – Editorial Board member

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Mr. Negusie Mengistu - social research - Editorial Board member

Woldia University - Ethiopia 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Negusie Mengistu embarked on his educational journey at Delgi Senior Secondary and Preparatory School, where he completed both his general secondary education and the Ethiopian University Entrance Exam Certificate. Following this foundational phase, Mengistu pursued higher education at Gondar University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. His academic excellence was recognized early on when he graduated with very great distinction, attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.87. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his subsequent pursuits and interests in rural development and community-focused initiatives.

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Mengistu's professional journey is marked by a series of progressive roles that highlight his dedication to academic and community development. Starting as a Junior Instructor at Agarfa Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training College, he was involved in teaching and technology transformation initiatives. His career trajectory saw a significant advancement when he joined Woldia University, where he has held multiple roles. Starting as a Graduate Assistant and progressing to a Lecturer and Researcher, Mengistu has made substantial contributions to the academic community. In 2020, he was appointed the Head of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension at Woldia University, where he oversees teaching, research activities, and community service initiatives.

Contributions and Research Focus On social research

Mr. Mengistu’s research has predominantly focused on issues pertaining to rural development, food security, livelihood vulnerabilities, and agricultural extension, among others. His work is driven by a commitment to improving livelihoods through demand-driven research and practical interventions. Notable publications in Cogent Social Sciences, such as studies on livelihood vulnerabilities in Takusa Woreda and the role of livelihood diversification in household income, underscore his dedication to impactful research. These contributions not only add to the academic discourse but also provide practical insights and strategies for community development and poverty alleviation.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional career, Mengistu has been recognized for his achievements and contributions. His early accolade of graduating with very great distinction was followed by various certificates of participation and contribution in local and international conferences, reflecting his active engagement in the academic community. His role as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Agriculture and Food Security further highlights his commitment to maintaining rigorous academic standards and contributing to the scholarly community.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Mengistu’s impact extends beyond the classroom and academic publications. Through his roles at Woldia University, he has significantly influenced the academic and community development spheres. His initiatives in community services, such as promoting food and nutrition security and gender-sensitive interventions, have contributed to societal improvements in rural Ethiopia. Additionally, his efforts in fostering collaborations and sharing experiences with various universities and organizations amplify his influence, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building across different sectors.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Negusie Mengistu is poised to continue his influential work in rural development and agricultural extension. His ongoing research and community engagement projects are likely to yield further innovative solutions to the challenges facing rural communities in Ethiopia and beyond. Mengistu's commitment to academic excellence and community service positions him to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of rural development and education, potentially inspiring future generations of researchers and practitioners to prioritize sustainable development and community-focused solutions.

Mr. Negusie Mengistu’s journey from a dedicated student to a key figure in academic and community development in Ethiopia exemplifies a profound commitment to improving lives through education, research, and direct community involvement. His future endeavors will undoubtedly continue to impact and shape the rural development landscape, making substantial contributions to both academic knowledge and practical community development outcomes.

Notable Publication