Forte Maurizio | Neuroaesthetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Forte Maurizio | Neuroaesthetics | Best Researcher Award

Advisor in Cultural Heritage at the State Departmment, Duke University United States

Maurizio Forte, PhD, is the William and Sue Gross Distinguished Professor of Classical Studies, Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke University. He directs the Dig@Lab, focusing on digital archaeology and virtual heritage, and holds the prestigious Bass Chair. Forte leads the “Vulci 3000” Project, exploring Etruscan archaeology, and is a 2024 Italian Academy Fellow, with a focus on art and neuroaesthetics. An AAAS-STPF Fellow (2025), he serves as Special Advisor for Cultural Heritage at the U.S. State Department. Forte is a Society-Centered AI core member and a National Geographic Explorer. A pioneer in virtual archaeology, he has authored numerous publications and contributed significantly to integrating digital technologies into cultural heritage preservation. Fluent in multiple languages and holding dual American and Italian citizenship, he is an influential scholar, educator, and innovator in the intersection of archaeology, art, and technology.

Professional Profile 

🎓Education

PhD (1993): Archaeology (Etruscology), University of Rome “La Sapienza” – Dissertation: “Le fasi arcaiche della città etrusca di Marzabotto”. Specialization Diploma (1988): Archaeology, University of Bologna – Achieved with top honors (70/70). Degree (1985): Ancient History, University of Bologna – Cum laude (110/110). Classical Studies Diploma (1980): “Liceo Classico,” Italy – Scored 60/60.

💼Experience

Duke University (2013–Present): Distinguished Professor, Director of Dig@Lab, Bass Chair. U.S. State Department (2025): Special Advisor for Cultural Heritage. Italian Academy Fellow (2024): Focus on art and neuroaesthetics. UC Merced (2008–2012): Professor of World Heritage, Director of Virtual Heritage Lab. National Research Council, Italy (1998–2007): Senior Scientist, Director of Virtual Heritage Lab. Visiting Scholar: Harvard, Sorbonne, Pisa, La Sapienza, and Stanford.

🏆Award and Honor

National Geographic Explorer (2016): Recognized for innovation in archaeology. AIA Lecturer (2020–2023): Archaeological Institute of America Cinelli and invited lecturer. Bass Chair (2013): Prestigious endowed position at Duke University. NSF and NEH Reviewer: Consistent contributions to academic excellence. International Advisory Roles: UNESCO WHIST Board, ICAHM member, and Neurohumanities Initiative advisor.

🔬 Research Focus

Digital Archaeology: Innovations in virtual heritage, 3D modeling, and immersive technologies. Etruscan Studies: Comprehensive exploration of Vulci’s archaic phases and cultural landscapes. Neuroarchaeology: Investigating the intersection of neuroscience and artifact perception. AI in Heritage: Society-Centered AI applications for archaeology and cultural studies. World Heritage: Strategies for preservation through advanced visualization and GIS integration.

Publications Top Noted

Virtual reality in archaeology
Authors: JA Barceló, M Forte, DH Sanders
Publication: Archaeopress
Year: 2000
Citations: 341

Virtual archaeology: re-creating ancient worlds
Authors: M Forte, A Siliotti, C Renfrew
Publication: Not specified
Year: 1997
Citations: 233

3D archaeology at Çatalhöyük
Authors: M Forte, N Dell’Unto, J Issavi, L Onsurez, N Lercari
Publication: International Journal of Heritage in the Digital Era
Year: 2012
Citations: 189

3D archaeology: new perspectives and challenges—the example of Çatalhöyük
Author: M Forte
Publication: Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology & Heritage Studies
Year: 2014
Citations: 169

About virtual archaeology: disorders, cognitive interactions and virtuality
Author: M Forte
Publication: BAR International Series
Year: 2000
Citations: 166

I sistemi informativi geografici in archeologia
Author: M Forte
Publication: MondoGIS
Year: 2002
Citations: 154

Cyber-archaeology
Author: M Forte
Publication: BAR Publishing
Year: 2010
Citations: 130

The measurement of radioactivity in Italian drinking waters
Authors: M Forte, R Rusconi, MT Cazzaniga, G Sgorbati
Publication: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2007
Citations: 122

Targeting nitric oxide with natural derived compounds as a therapeutic strategy in vascular diseases
Authors: M Forte, V Conti, A Damato, M Ambrosio, AA Puca, S Sciarretta, G Frati, et al.
Publication: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Year: 2016
Citations: 121

Virtual archaeology: great discoveries brought to life through virtual reality
Authors: M Forte, A Siliotti, C Renfrew
Publication: Not specified
Year: 1997
Citations: 113

 

Gökhan Karaosmanoğlu | Art educations | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gökhan Karaosmanoğlu | Art educations | Best Researcher Award

Mr at Ankara University, Turkey

Asst. Prof. Gökhan Karaosmanoğlu is an Assistant Professor at Ankara University, specializing in Fine Arts Education. With a deep passion for creative drama and its impact on education, his work intersects drama, conflict resolution, and cyberbullying. He is actively engaged in various artistic and academic endeavors, contributing to both the educational and creative sectors. Gökhan has published several articles in prominent journals and continues to influence the field of education through his dynamic research and teaching methods.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Gökhan completed his Doctorate in Fine Arts Education at Ankara University in 2019, focusing on drama, conflict, and cyberbullying. He also holds a Postgraduate degree in Creative Drama (2015) from Ankara University, studying the impact of creative drama on 6th-grade students’ success in IT and software classes. He earned his Undergraduate degree in Computer and Instructional Technologies Education from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University in 2004.

💼 Experience

Currently, Gökhan serves as Assistant Professor at Ankara University, in the Fine Arts Faculty, Basic Art Education Department since 2024. Previously, he was a Lecturer PhD at the same institution (2020-2024). Gökhan has also contributed as an Assistant Editor for the Ankara University Fine Arts Faculty Journal and a Referee for various national journals. His teaching focuses on creative drama, theatre, and conflict resolution.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Gökhan has received several honors including Best Paper Awards in various educational forums and conferences. He was also recognized for his research excellence in cyberbullying through creative drama. In 2017, he was honored with an International Research Excellence Award. Additionally, his work has earned him recognition at various artistic exhibitions and creative drama workshops, especially for his contributions to creative theatre and drama in education.

🔬 Research Focus

Gökhan’s research primarily revolves around Creative Drama in Education, Conflict Resolution, and Cyberbullying. His doctoral dissertation explored the relationship between cyberbullying and conflict resolution among adolescents. He is particularly interested in using drama as a tool to address societal issues such as bullying and conflict in educational settings. Gökhan’s academic work also extends to studying the role of theatre and fine arts in fostering creativity in education.

Conclusion

Asst. Prof. Gökhan Karaosmanoğlu’s body of work makes him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative use of creative drama to tackle critical issues like cyberbullying reflects a progressive approach to education that is both socially relevant and academically rigorous. By expanding the breadth of his research and exploring the long-term outcomes of his methods, he has the potential to further elevate the field of creative drama in education.

Publications 📚

 

  • A Student’s Perspective on Creative Drama Experience in Information Technologies and Software Course
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: G Karaosmanoğlu, Ö Adıgüzel
    • Journal: Journal of Qualitative Research in Education

 

  • Comparison of Basic Psychological Needs and Optimism of Children with Divorced and Non-Divorced Parents
    • Year: 2019
    • Author: O Türkgüzeli
    • Institution: Eğitim Bilimleri Enstitüsü (Institute of Educational Sciences)

 

  • Effects of Creative Drama Method on Students’ Academic Achievements in ICT Lessons of Sixth Grades
    • Year: 2017
    • Authors: G Karaosmanoğlu, Ö Adıgüzel
    • Journal: Elementary Education Online 16 (2)

 

  • Looking at the Museum Experience from the Perspective of Creative Drama
    • Year: 2021
    • Author: G Karaosmanoğlu
    • Journal: MSGSÜ Sosyal Bilimler 1 (23), 307-324

 

  • Examination of Creative Drama Projects for Museums
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: G Sivrioğlu, G Karaosmanoğlu
    • Journal: Yaratıcı Drama Dergisi 16 (2), 207-228

 

  • Looking at Cyberbullying from Different Perspectives and Roles: An Online Process Drama Research with Turkish Participants
    • Year: 2024
    • Author: G Karaosmanoğlu
    • Journal: Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance

 

  • Improvisation Strategies in Online Drama Lessons
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: G Karaosmanoğlu, İ Metinnam
    • Journal: Education Quarterly Reviews 5

 

  • Why Do University Students Choose Drama Courses?: The Case of Ankara University
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: G Karaosmanoğlu, İ Metinnam
    • Journal: Yaratıcı Drama Dergisi 17 (2), 139-162

Iuliu-Marius Morariu | Arts and Humanities | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Iuliu-Marius Morariu | Arts and Humanities | Young Scientist Award

Dr at Academy of Romanian Scientists, Canada

Iuliu-Marius Morariu (Hieromonk Maxim) is a Romanian priest and scholar, based in Salva, Romania. Since 2014, he has been involved in various ecclesiastical roles, including as Hieromonk and spiritual father of multiple monasteries. He holds leadership positions in the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, working as the exarch of monasteries and ecclesiarch. In addition to his religious duties, he is an active editor for Romanian Orthodox media, contributing to theological and cultural discourse. He is a permanent collaborator of Doxologia.ro and Radio Renaissance. Morariu is also a member of the Academy of Romanian Scientists. His theological and academic endeavors intertwine, bridging religious practice with intellectual pursuits.

Profile

Schoar

Education 🎓

Morariu’s educational path includes numerous degrees, starting with a B.A. in Theology and History from “Babeș-Bolyai” University, graduating as valedictorian. He holds an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling and Social Psychology, an M.A. in History of Southeastern Europe, and a Ph.D. in Orthodox Theology. His thesis on spiritual autobiography was defended summa cum laude. Further, he completed post-doctoral scholarships and is currently a doctoral candidate in Social Sciences at the Angelicum Pontifical University.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Since 2014, Hieromonk Maxim has held multiple ecclesiastical positions, including the exarch of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada and ecclesiarch of the “Saint Martyr George” Cathedral in Quebec. He also works as a researcher and scientific secretary at the “Ioan Lupaș” Centre of Orthodox Theology at Babeș-Bolyai University. His radio and editorial work include leadership roles in publications like Astra Salvensis, indexed by Scopus, and contributing to ecclesiastical journals.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Morariu has been recognized for his academic excellence and religious contributions. Notably, he received the “Summa cum Laude” distinction for his Ph.D. thesis in 2019 and has been awarded multiple research scholarships, including the “Vasile Pârvan” Post-Doctoral Scholarship in Rome. His editorial efforts in journals such as Astra Salvensis and his leadership in religious education have earned him accolades in both academic and ecclesiastical circles.

Research Focus 🔍

Morariu’s research spans Orthodox theology, social sciences, and history. His Ph.D. research focused on spiritual autobiographies in Orthodox space, while his post-doctoral work examines the intersections of communism, national socialism, and capitalism in the writings of Virgil Gheorghiu. His ongoing scholarly interests involve Christian ethics, the history of Eastern Christianity, and religious identity within modern contexts.

Conclusion📝

Morariu Iuliu-Marius (Hieromonk Maxim) is a highly accomplished individual with impressive academic credentials and a robust record of leadership and scholarly work in both religious and social sciences. His academic achievements, interdisciplinary research, and contributions to public life and spiritual guidance make him a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award. However, his potential for improvement lies in expanding the integration of his research into broader scientific discourses and increasing his outreach within more secular scientific communities. With these refinements, he could elevate the impact of his work and contribute even more significantly to both academic and societal development.

Publications 📚

  1. Title: Aspects of political theology in the spiritual autobiography of Dag Hammarskjöld
    Year: 2018
    Author: M. Iuliu-Marius
    Source: HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 74(4)

 

  1. Title: An interdisciplinary genre in the Theological Literature: the spiritual autobiography and its landmarks for the Orthodox space
    Year: 2018
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: The Journal of Education, Culture, and Society, 9(1), 145-150

 

  1. Title: Aspects of political theology in the spiritual autobiography of Nicolas Berdiaev
    Year: 2019
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: HTS Theological Studies, 75(4), 1-4

 

  1. Title: The Spiritual Autobiography in the Eastern space in the second half of the XIXth and XXth century
    Year: 2015
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: Astra Salvensis-revista de istorie si cultura, 166-174

 

  1. Title: Ecology–Main concern for the Christian space of the 21st century? Catholic and orthodox perspectives
    Year: 2020
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 19(56), 124-135

 

  1. Title: Eastern orthodox churches and Ecumenism according to the Holy Pan-Orthodox Council of Crete (2016)
    Year: 2018
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: HTS: Theological Studies, 74(4), 1-5

 

  1. Title: Aspects of political theology in the spiritual autobiographies of the Orthodox space? New potential keys of lecture
    Year: 2017
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: Astra Salvensis, 5(10), 129-133

 

  1. Title: Aspects of political theology in the spiritual autobiography of Saint John of Kronstadt (1829–1908)
    Year: 2018
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: HTS: Theological Studies, 74(4), 1-5

 

  1. Title: BIOETHICS IN THE DISCUSSIONS OF THE PANORTHODOX SYNODE FROM CRETE (2016)
    Year: 2016
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: Astra Salvensis-revista de istorie si cultura, 4(7), 247-254

 

  1. Title: Sociological relevance of the ecological thought of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
    Year: 2019
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: European Journal of Science and Theology, 15(5), 19-25

 

  1. Title: The relevance of humiliation and body pain in the spiritual autobiographies of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Silouan the Athonite
    Year: 2019
    Author: I.M. Morariu
    Source: Studia Monastica, 409-415