Ashraf Elfakharani| Social Sciences | Excellence in Research

Carmen Gisela Mindani Cáceres| Alimentación y Nutrición | Women Researcher Award

Sukru Cildir | International Relations | Best Researcher Award

Minghui Wang | Digital Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Fateme Seyed Alangi | project management | Best Researcher Award

Juliana Chitac | Refugee entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Juliana Chitac | Refugee entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Westminster, United Kingdom

Dr. Juliana Chitac (PhD)  is a passionate researcher and educator in migrant entrepreneurship, with a PhD in Human Resource Management & Entrepreneurship from the University of Westminster, London, and a Master’s with distinction from the University of Glasgow. With 15+ years in international management & investment banking  across the US & UK, she has also spent 9+ years teaching students from 23+ countries at British & Romanian universities . A dedicated mentor, ethics committee member, and published researcher, she actively collaborates with global scholars to drive impactful knowledge creation 🔍. She believes in making life a story worth telling! 🌟

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Background

Dr. Juliana Chitac holds a PhD in Human Resources Management & Entrepreneurship from the University of Westminster, London (2017–2021) , earning a PhD without corrections and the prestigious Quintin Hogg Trust Award . She completed her MSc in International Management & Leadership at the University of Glasgow (2013–2014)  with Distinction, excelling in strategic management, global business, and finance . Her academic journey began at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, where she earned a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration (2010–2013) , ranking in the 99th percentile 🥇, with expertise in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship 🚀.

Professional Background

Dr. Juliana Chitac is a Fellow Researcher at the University of Westminster, leading studies on Ukrainian refugees’ identities in the UK & Romania. As a Research Ethics Committee Member, she has assessed 43+ proposals. A Visiting Lecturer, she has mentored Master’s & PhD students. She has collaborated with Audencia Business School and British Academy of Management. With prior experience at Morgan Stanley and Miresco Investment Services, she has expertise in finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Her global career🌎 reflects her passion for knowledge, mentorship, and impactful research. 🚀

Research Focus

Dr. Juliana Chitac has a rich portfolio of research focusing on entrepreneurship, identity, and qualitative methodologies. Her work includes intersectional identities of Romanian women migrant entrepreneurs 🌍, non-verbal communication in organizations  and transformational leadership . She has contributed to top journals like IJEBR, Management Decision, and Entrepreneurship Research Journal . Her award-winning  research at the British Academy of Management Conference explores e-sampling via Facebook, ethics in research, and qualitative data collection. Dr. Chitac’s studies bridge academia and practice, providing valuable insights into entrepreneurship and social inclusion. 🚀

Publication Top Notes

 

Conclusion

Dr. Juliana Chitac is a distinguished researcher with a PhD in Human Resource Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Westminster and a Master’s degree with distinction from the University of Glasgow. With a strong academic and corporate background, she has over 15 years of international management experience, including roles at Morgan Stanley, and over nine years in academia, mentoring PhD students and teaching entrepreneurship, HRM, and qualitative research methods. She has made significant contributions to migrant and refugee entrepreneurship research, publishing in high-ranking journals such as the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research and Management Decision. Her award-winning research at the British Academy of Management Conference and collaborations with international institutions, including Audencia Business School and the University of Sheffield, further showcase her impact. Additionally, her role as a permanent reviewer for Entrepreneurship & Regional Development and an active ethics committee member at the University of Westminster highlights her leadership in academia. Given her extensive research output, global collaborations, and commitment to advancing entrepreneurial studies, Dr. Chitac is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Lei Ren | Electronic Devices | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lei Ren | Electronic Devices | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Nantong university, China

Lei Ren  was born in Jiangsu Province, China, in 1991. He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) in 2013 and 2019. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer at the School of Electrical and Automation, Nantong University . His research focuses on static inverters  and condition monitoring of power electronic converters . With multiple publications in top IEEE journals , his work contributes to advancements in power electronics and energy efficiency. His expertise in converter design and health monitoring continues to impact the field of electrical engineering. 🚀

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Lei Ren embarked on his academic journey in Electrical Engineering  at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) 🏫, Nanjing, China. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in 2013 , laying a strong foundation in the field. Driven by a passion for innovation and research, he pursued a Ph.D. at the same university, successfully completing it in 2019 . His academic achievements reflect his dedication to advancing power electronics  and electrical engineering. Through rigorous studies and research, he continues to contribute to technological advancements in the field. 🚀

Professional Background

Lei Ren is a dedicated Lecturer at the School of Electrical and Automation, Nantong University , where he imparts knowledge and inspires future engineers. His research focuses on static inverters  and the condition monitoring of power electronic converters , aiming to enhance efficiency and reliability in power systems. Passionate about innovation, he explores advanced techniques to improve energy conversion and system diagnostics . Through his academic and research contributions , he plays a vital role in shaping the future of electrical engineering, fostering technological advancements, and mentoring the next generation of engineers. 🚀

Research Focus

Lei Ren is actively engaged in research on static inverters  and condition monitoring of power electronic converters . His work focuses on improving energy efficiency and system reliability. He has published several high-impact papers in prestigious journals, including the IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and IET Power Electronics 📖. His studies cover topics such as transformerless high-gain converters, capacitor voltage regulation, and health monitoring of power transistors. Through his innovative research, Lei Ren contributes to advancements in power electronics, enhancing the performance and sustainability of modern electrical systems. 🚀

Publication Top Notes

 

1️⃣ Capacitor Voltage Regulation Strategy for 7-Level Single DC Source Hybrid Cascaded Inverter ⚡📖
Year: 2022 | IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics

2️⃣ Self-Adaption Dead-Time Setting for the SiC MOSFET Boost Circuit in the Synchronous Working Mode 🔧🔋
Year: 2022 | IEEE Access

3️⃣ Transformer-Less High Gain Three-Port Converter With Low Voltage Stress and Reduced Switches for Standalone PV Systems ☀️⚙️
Year: 2022 |  IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics

4️⃣ A Series Incremental Inductance Detection Based Sensorless Startup Method for DSEM ⚙️🔍
Year: 2021 |  IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics

5️⃣ Parameter Identification Based on Linear Model for Buck Converters ⚡📊
Year: 2021 |  Electrical Engineering

Conclusion

Lei Ren is a highly qualified researcher in power electronics with strong technical expertise and impactful publications. His work on inverters and power monitoring systems is significant for modern energy applications. To further strengthen his eligibility for the Best Researcher Award, he could expand collaborations, increase research citations, and take on leadership roles in funded projects. Given his current contributions, he is a strong candidate for the award.

 

 

 

Hamed Rahman Shokrgozar | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hamed Rahman Shokrgozar | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Author, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili

Hamed Rahman Shokrgozar, born on September 5, 1982, in Ardabil, Iran, is a distinguished structural engineer specializing in seismic performance evaluation and offshore platform design. With over eight years of professional experience, he has contributed to major engineering projects, including hospital foundations, oil refineries, water intake structures, and offshore platforms. His expertise spans nonlinear 3D modeling, soil-pile-structure interaction, and earthquake-resistant building design. As a researcher, he has published extensively in top-tier journals and international conferences. He has also imparted knowledge as a university lecturer, guiding students in structural analysis and dynamic behavior. His dedication to engineering excellence is evident through his extensive project contributions and academic pursuits.

Profile

Scholar

Orcid

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Structural Engineering (2006-2012) – K.N. Toosi University of Technology (GPA: 17.88)  M.Sc. in Structural Engineering (2004-2006) – K.N. Toosi University of Technology (GPA: 17.77)  B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (2000-2004) – Mohaghegh Ardabili University (GPA: 17.57)  His academic journey focused on seismic performance analysis, nonlinear modeling, and structural resilience. His Ph.D. research explored soil-pile-structure interaction in offshore platforms, while his M.Sc. work analyzed earthquake-resistant buildings. Throughout his studies, he demonstrated academic excellence, laying a solid foundation for his professional and research career in structural engineering.

💼 Experience 

Structure Discipline Expert with 8+ years of experience in civil and structural engineering  Design of Building Foundations: Hospitals, residential, and commercial buildings, including 160-bed hospital foundations in Bousher  Offshore & Oil Projects: Structural analysis and design of oil platforms, refineries, and marine terminals, including “Khesht Oil Refinery” and “Arvndknar Multi-Purpose Port”  Infrastructure Projects: Design of bridges, water intake structures, and pumping stations  Advanced Structural Modeling: Nonlinear 3D simulations of offshore platforms and earthquake-resistant structures using ABAQUS  Teaching Experience: Lecturer at multiple universities, specializing in structural dynamics, concrete design, and mechanics of materials

🏅 Awards & Honors 

Recognized Structural Engineering Researcher in seismic performance and offshore platform design  Multiple Journal & Conference Publications in high-impact civil engineering platforms  Contributor to International Engineering Projects involving seismic risk mitigation and offshore infrastructure development  Excellence in Nonlinear Structural Analysis for earthquake-resistant buildings and marine structures  Esteemed Lecturer at renowned universities, shaping the future of civil engineers

🔬 Research Focus 

Seismic Performance Evaluation: Studying earthquake-resistant structures and assessing steel jacket platforms’ response Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis: Applying ABAQUS to evaluate offshore platform stability and deformation behavior  Soil-Pile-Structure Interaction (SPSI): Investigating dynamic response characteristics for offshore and onshore foundations  Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames (BRBFs): Enhancing seismic resilience in structural engineering projects  Structural Optimization: Designing efficient and sustainable infrastructure, including bridges, buildings, and marine terminals

Conclusion

Dr. Hamed Rahman Shokrgozar exhibits a commendable blend of academic knowledge and practical experience in structural engineering. His research contributions, particularly in seismic performance and structural dynamics, position him as a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Addressing areas such as international collaboration and funding acquisition could further bolster his candidacy.

Publication

  • Asgarian, B., & Shokrgozar, H. R. (2009). BRBF response modification factor. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 65(2), 290-298. Citations: 211

 

  • Asgarian, B., Aghaeidoost, V., & Shokrgozar, H. R. (2016). Damage detection of jacket type offshore platforms using rate of signal energy using wavelet packet transform. Marine Structures, 45, 1-21. Citations: 115

 

  • Asgarian, B., Shokrgozar, H. R., Shahcheraghi, D., & Ghasemzadeh, H. (2012). Effect of soil pile structure interaction on dynamic characteristics of jacket type offshore platforms. Coupled Systems Mechanics, 1(4), 381-395. Citations: 21

 

  • Khosravan, A., Asgarian, B., & Shokrgozar, H. R. (2021). Improved Modal Strain Energy Decomposition Method for damage detection of offshore platforms using data of sensors above the water level. Ocean Engineering, 219, 108337. Citations: 19

 

  • Asgarian, B., & Shokrgozar, H. R. (2013). A new bracing system for improvement of seismic performance of steel jacket type offshore platforms with float-over-deck. Petroleum Science, 10, 373-384. Citations: 14

 

  • Asgarian, B., Shokrgozar, H. R., & Abitorabi, M. (2008). Effect of design loads in buckling restrained braced frames performance. The 14th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, October 12-17. Citations: 12

 

  • Aghaeidoost, V., Afshar, S., Tajaddod, N. Z., Asgarian, B., & Shokrgozar, H. R. (2023). Damage detection in jacket-type offshore platforms via generalized flexibility matrix and optimal genetic algorithm (GFM-OGA). Ocean Engineering, 281, 114841. Citations: 9

 

  • Shokrgozar, H., Asgarian, B., & Aghaeidoost, V. (2021). Experimental investigation of decomposition of signal energy for damage detection of jacket type offshore platforms. Ships and Offshore Structures. Citations: 9

 

  • Shokrgozar, H. R. (2018). Comparison of Seismic Reliability and Risk Assessment for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering. Citations: 9

 

  • Asgarian, B., & Salehi Golesefidi, E. (2016). Probabilistic seismic evaluation of buckling restrained braced frames using DCFD and PSDA methods. Earthquakes and Structures, 10(1), 105-123. Citations: 8

 

  • Shokrgozar, H. R., Akrami, V., Ma’af, T. J., & Shahbazi, N. (2021). The effect of different retrofitting techniques on the axial load carrying capacity of damaged cylindrical shells. Structures, 31, 590-601. Citations: 6

 

  • Shokrgozar, H. R., Naeim, K., & Kalasar, H. I. (2017). Comparison of the Efficiency of Tuned Mass and Tuned Liquid Dampers at High-Rise Structures under Near and Far Fault Earthquakes. Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering, 3(4), 105-119. Citations: 5

Lemekezani Chilora | Agriculture economics | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Lemekezani Chilora | Agriculture economics | Young Scientist Award

Research Analayst,  MwAPATA Institute Malawi

Lemekezani K. Chilora is an accomplished Agricultural and Resource Economist with expertise in research, data analysis, and project management. He holds an MSc in Agriculture and Applied Economics and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from LUANAR. Currently a Research Analyst II at MwAPATA Institute, he conducts research, trains research assistants, develops data collection tools, and authors manuscripts and policy briefs. He has consulted for IITA, AGCOM, IFPRI, and other organizations. Previously, he worked as a lecturer at MUBAS and a monitoring and evaluation officer at CISANET. His research focuses on agricultural policy, food security, and rural development.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

PhD (Agriculture and Resource Economics) – LUANAR (2026, Ongoing). MSc (Agriculture and Applied Economics) – LUANAR (2020). BSc (Agricultural Economics) – LUANAR (2016)

💼 Experience

MwAPATA Institute (2020 – Present) – Research Analyst II: Leads data collection, analysis, research, and policy development. CISANET (2020) – Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (Intern): Supported project implementation, strategic planning, and communications. Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (2019-2020) – Lecturer: Taught research, business planning, and community development. Japanese Tobacco International (2016-2017) – Graduate Trainee: Focused on tobacco production, forestry management, and research.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Principal Investigator (2023-2025): Research on input subsidies and food accessibility, funded by AERC ($30,000). STAAARS+ Fellow (Cornell University & PRCI): Research on gender differences in sustainable agriculture adoption. Principal Investigator (MSc Thesis, AERC Grant – $2,500): Research on child nutrition determinants in Malawi. Principal Investigator (IFPRI Grant – $3,000): Research on child nutrition under the Bunda Grants Scheme.

🔬 Research Focus

Lemekezani’s research focuses on agricultural policy, food security, rural livelihoods, and economic sustainability. His studies explore the effectiveness of input subsidies, gender disparities in agricultural intensification, and child nutrition determinants. He applies data-driven methodologies to assess policy impacts and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving food systems and rural economies in Malawi and beyond.

🔹 Conclusion

Mr. Chilora’s strong academic background, diverse professional experience, and involvement in significant research projects position him as a promising candidate for a Young Scientist Award. To enhance his eligibility, focusing on publishing his research findings in peer-reviewed journals, seeking international research collaborations, and taking on leadership roles in professional organizations would be beneficial. These steps would strengthen his profile and align with the typical criteria considered for such awards.

Publication 

  • Exploring Adoption Effects of Subsidies and Soil Fertility Management in Malawi (2021) – M Khonje, C Nyondo, L Chilora, J Mangisoni, WJ Burke, J Ricker-Gilbert – Citation: 15

  • Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi (2021) – A Wineman, L Chilora, TS Jayne – Citation: 9

  • Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Scale Aquaculture Development in Malawi (2021) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, Z Nyirenda, D Salonga, A Wineman, M Muyanga – Citation: 9

  • The Economic Cost-benefit Analysis of Black Soldier Fly as an Alternative Animal and Fish Feed Ingredient in Malawi (2023) – MG Munthali, C Lemekezani, G Mike, B William J, B Eric, K Jeremiah, … – Citation: 8

  • Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Inputs Subsidy Programs in Malawi (2021) – C Nyondo, M Khonje, J Mangisoni, WJ Burke, J Ricker-Gilbert, LK Chilora – Citation: 5*

  • Determinants of Children’s Nutritional Status in Malawi (2020) – LK Chilora, J Duchoslav – Citation: 2

  • Productivity and Profitability of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Malawi (2024) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, A Wineman, B Nankwenya, L Chiwaula, … – Citation: 1

  • Characteristics of the Small-Scale Aquaculture Sector in Malawi (2023) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, Z Nyirenda, D Saonga, A Wineman, M Muyanga – Citation: 1

  • Does the Choice of Tilapia Species in Smallholder Farms Impact Household Income and Dietary Diversity in Malawi? (2025) – LK Chilora, M Munthali, A Wineman, MG Khonje – Citation: N/A

  • Agricultural Diversification Strategies and Rural Household Food Security and Income in Malawi (2025) – A Gondwe, LK Chilora, L Chiwaula, J Goeb – Citation: N/A

  • What Promotes Gender Equity in Land Rental Markets? Evidence from Malawi (2024) – H Phiri, M Maggie G., M Malata, L Chilora, M Kennedy, M Muyanga – Citation: N/A

  • Drivers of Agricultural Growth in Malawi (2024) – A Gondwe, LK Chilora, L Chiwaula, WJ Burke – Citation: N/A

  • Pre-disaster Preparedness and Post-disaster Response Measures in the District Councils of Southern Malawi (2024) – A Gondwe, B Nankwenya, LK Chilora, J Goeb – Citation: N/A

 

Yessi Rahmawati | Environmental Economics | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Yessi Rahmawati | Environmental Economics | Young Scientist Award

 Airlangga University,Indonesia

Yessi Rahmawati, S.E., M.Ec, is a scholar specializing in Environmental Economics, with a strong focus on the socio-economic impacts of climate change, urban green spaces, and policy-driven environmental solutions. She is pursuing a Ph.D. at Kyoto University, Japan, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Universitas Airlangga. Her research extends globally, collaborating on projects related to sustainable development, economic resilience, and green energy transitions. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Young Researcher Award at the World Renewable Congress 2023 and multiple international research grants.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Yessi Rahmawati is a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Economics at Kyoto University (2027). She earned her Master of Economic Development from Ritsumeikan University (2020) with a 4.53/5.00 GPA and completed her Bachelor’s in Economic Development at Airlangga University (2015), graduating magna cum laude. Her academic focus has been on environmental policy, climate economics, and sustainable urban development, integrating econometrics and spatial analysis to address pressing global challenges.

💼 Experience

She is a Visiting Professor at Kobe University (2024-2025), researching education and urban green spaces’ impact on sickness occurrences in Indonesia. Since 2022, she has been an Assistant Professor at Universitas Airlangga, teaching econometrics, macroeconomics, and statistical business. Previously, she served as Expert Staff at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Indonesia (2016-2018), contributing to policy analysis, data collection, and inter-ministerial coordination on economic development and environmental policies.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Yessi has received numerous accolades, including the DAAD Scholarship (2024), the Hyogo Overseas Research Network Award (2024), and the Young Researcher Award at the World Renewable Congress (2023). She was also granted the Airlangga Global Research Initiatives Award (2023) and a travel grant to the 98th Western Economic Association International Conference (2023). Her contributions to policy and environmental economics have earned her international recognition in academic and research communities.

🔬 Research Focus

Her research centers on environmental economics, climate disaster resilience, green energy transitions, and socio-economic impacts of climate change. She explores climate-induced migration, urban sustainability, and the role of institutional quality in environmental policies. Recent studies include the socio-economic impact of earthquakes, bioeconomic modeling for fisheries, and spatial econometrics on climate disasters. Through international collaborations, she contributes to data-driven policy solutions addressing environmental and economic sustainability.

Conclusion

Yessi Rahmawati’s academic background, diverse research contributions, and professional experiences position her as a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement could further enhance her qualifications and impact in the field of environmental economics.

Publication

Title: Impact Financial Performance to Stock Prices: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: I Prasetyo, N Aliyyah
Year: 2021
Citations: 44

Title: The impact of tourism, urbanization, globalization, and renewable energy on carbon emissions: Testing the inverted N-shape environmental Kuznets curve
Authors: R Purwono, L Sugiharti, MA Esquivias, L Fadliyanti, Y Rahmawati, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 17

Title: An empirical investigation between FDI, tourism, and trade on CO2 emission in Asia: Testing environmental Kuznet curve and pollution haven hypothesis
Authors: RD Haryanto, Y Rahmawati, OGR Altamirano, SF Ahsani, AK Hudang, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 14

Title: Analysis of the effect of the 2021 Semeru eruption on water vapor content and atmospheric particles using GNSS and remote sensing
Authors: MN Cahyadi, A Bawasir, S Arief, A Widodo, M Rusli, D Kusumawardani, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 6

Title: Determinants of exports performance: Evidence from Indonesian low-, medium-, and high-technology manufacturing industries
Authors: RD Handoyo, KH Ibrahim, Y Rahmawati, F Faadhillah, K Ogawa, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

 

Title: An analysis of the socio-economic impacts of the 2021 mountain Semeru Eruption on household level using PLS-SEM
Authors: D Kusumawardani, Y Rahmawati, MN Cahyadi, M Rusli, A Martina
Year: 2023
Citations: 5

Title: Geo-spatial analysis: the impact of agriculture productivity, drought, and irrigation on poverty in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Y Rahmawati, AKN Ichsan, ARD Brintanti, IR Jamil
Year: 2023
Citations: 4

Title: Household Food Waste in Indonesia: Macro Analysis
Authors: D Kusumawardani, NA Hidayati, A Martina, KS Agusti, Y Rahmawati, …
Year: 2023
Citations: 3

Title: Balancing economic returns and conservation: A bioeconomic assessment of Sardinella lemuru fisheries management in Muncar, Banyuwangi, Indonesia
Authors: T Haryanto, Y Rahmawati, D Kusumawardani, A Martina, AKN Ichsan, …
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

Title: Small and medium industry export development strategy
Authors: EP Lestari, RD Handoyo, KH Ibrahim, TK Retnaningsih, EL Pradinda, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 1