Akbar Heydari Tashekaboud | Arts and Humanities | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Akbar Heydari Tashekaboud | Arts and Humanities | Editorial Board Member

Shaoxing University | China

Dr. Akbar Heydari is a researcher in geography and urban planning whose work spans urban futures studies, strategic planning, spatial analysis, environmental sustainability, smart city governance, and climate-resilient urban development. His scholarly contributions emphasize the transformation of metropolitan environments through advanced futures studies methodologies, scenario planning, and spatial modeling. He has conducted extensive research on sustainable smart cities, urban resilience, spatial justice, transportation planning, climate change impacts on urban systems, and the strategic management of metropolitan regions. His publications, appearing in international journals, examine topics such as atmospheric pollution modeling, environmental resilience, smart urban governance, land-use change, urban livability, strategic drivers of sustainable development, and regional disparities across Iranian cities. Much of his research integrates GIS, remote sensing, deep learning, and predictive modeling to evaluate spatial transformations, infrastructure distribution, and environmental change. He has contributed significantly to future-oriented analyses of Mashhad, Saqqez, Tehran, Ahvaz, and other metropolitan regions, assessing key drivers in urban sustainability, creative city development, water crisis resilience, and cultural-spatial configurations. His books and collaborative research projects further reflect a strong commitment to sustainable urban governance, transportation development, spatial equity, and long-term strategic planning. Overall, his body of work advances scientific understanding of how cities can adapt to climate challenges, technological change, and evolving socio-spatial dynamics.

Featured Publications

Heydari Tasheh Kabood, S., Hosseini, S. A., & Heydari Tasheh Kabood, A. (2020).
Investigating the effects of climate change on stream flows of Urmia Lake basin in Iran. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 6(1), 329–339.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-019-00695-5

Fanni, Z., Khakpour, B. A., & Heydari, A. (2014).
Evaluating the regional development of border cities by TOPSIS model (case study: Sistan and Baluchistan Province, Iran). Sustainable Cities and Society, 10, 80–86.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2013.05.004

Rahnam, M. R., Wyatt, R., & Heydari, A. (2015).
What happened from 2001 to 2011 in Melbourne? Compactness versus sprawl. Sustainable Cities and Society, 19, 109–120.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2015.08.002

Tavakoli, M., & Heydari, A. (2012).
Urbanization in Kurdish cities after the Islamic Revolution of Iran: Case study Saqqez city. Sustainable Cities and Society, 2(1), 45–49.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2011.10.002

Myrto Veikou | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Myrto Veikou | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Myrto Veikou, University of Patras, Greece

Assist. Prof. Dr. Myrto Veikou is a scholar specializing in Byzantine archaeology, philology, and history. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Byzantine History and Archaeology from the University of Athens and another in Byzantine Philology from Uppsala University. Dr. Veikou currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Patras, having held research and teaching positions at Uppsala, University of Crete, and University of Cyprus. She is an active member of several academic organizations and has received various grants and awards. Her research focuses on Byzantine spatialities and historical topography. 📚🏛️🔍🌍

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Assist. Prof. Dr. Myrto Veikou has an extensive academic background, beginning with a BA in History and Archaeology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1995. She furthered her studies with a visiting student program in Archaeology at the University of Manchester (1992) and earned an MPhil in Byzantine Studies from the University of Birmingham (1998). Dr. Veikou completed her MA in Historical Archaeology at Université de Paris I – Sorbonne (2001), followed by a Graduate Visiting Student position in Medieval Archaeology at École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Paris (2002-2003). She earned her PhDs in Byzantine History and Archaeology (2007) from Athens and Byzantine Philology and Literary Studies (2020) from Uppsala University. 📚🏛️🎓

Employment & Teaching

Dr. Veikou is an Assistant Professor in Byzantine Archaeology at the University of Patras 🏛️. With a wealth of teaching experience, she specializes in Byzantine history, archaeology, and philology 📚. Over the years, she has taught at various institutions, sharing her expertise and passion for the Byzantine era with students 🌍. Her work focuses on the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Byzantine Empire, exploring its art, architecture, and language 🏺. Dr. Veikou’s contributions to the field are highly regarded, making her a respected figure in the academic community 🔍.

Research & Publications

Her research delves into Byzantine spatiality, settlements, and cultural dynamics, with a particular focus on the medieval Mediterranean. She has published extensively on Byzantine hagiography, settlement patterns, and medieval Mediterranean ports. Her insightful contributions have been featured in prominent journals such as Archeologia Medievale and the Scandinavian Journal of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. Through her work, she explores the intricate connections between space, culture, and historical developments, shedding light on the rich legacy of the Byzantine world. 🌍🏛️📚⚓️

Funding & Recognition

Dr. Veikou has secured multiple prestigious research grants, highlighting her excellence in the field. Notably, she received the Research Initiation Grant from the MEDICUS Financing Programme for the period 2023–2025, which supports her pioneering research. In addition to this, she has been awarded various other funding sources from renowned Swedish and European research foundations, further demonstrating her ability to attract significant financial support for her work. These grants enable Dr. Veikou to continue advancing her research and contribute to scientific innovation. 💼💡🌍📊🎓

Research Focus

Assist. Prof. Dr. Myrto Veikou’s research focuses on Byzantine settlements and spatial dynamics, specifically in the regions of Southern Epirus and Aetoloacarnania in Greece. Her work examines the topography of transformation from the 7th to 12th centuries, addressing settlement patterns, rural towns, and the concept of “third spaces” in Byzantine society. She also explores the interplay between environment, society, and Mediterranean ports, and the theoretical frameworks of urban versus rural settings. Veikou utilizes interdisciplinary methods to study Byzantine spatial notions, place-making, and the socio-economic impacts of settlements. Her contributions highlight the relationship between archaeology, space, and Byzantine history. 🏛️🌍📚

Publication top notes

Byzantine Epirus: A Topography of Transformation. Settlements of the Seventh-Twelfth Centuries in Southern Epirus and Aetoloacarnania, Greece

Space in Texts and Space as Text: A new approach to Byzantine spatial notions

Rural towns’ and ‘in-between’or ‘third’spaces: settlement patterns in Byzantine Epirus (7th—11th centuries) from an interdisciplinary approach

Byzantine Histories, Settlement Stories:: Kastra,“Isles of Refuge”, and “Unspecified Settlements” as In-between or Third Spaces

Mediterranean Byzantine ports and harbours in the complex interplay between environment and society. Spatial, socio-economic and cultural considerations based on archaeological …

Urban or Rural? Theoretical Remarks on the Settlement Patterns in Byzantine Epirus (7th–11th Centuries)

Settlements in the Greek countryside from 4th to 9th century: forms and patterns

One island, three capitals. Insularity and the successive relocations of the capital of Cyprus from late antiquity to the middle ages

Felix Oludare Ajiola | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Felix Oludare Ajiola | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dr Felix Oludare Ajiola, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Nigeria

Based on the information provided, Dr Felix Oludare Ajiola appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication profile

google scholar

Research Interests

Felix Oludare Ajiola has a broad range of research interests, including African history, economic history, social history, and urban & environmental studies. His focus on these areas showcases his deep engagement with the complexities of African societies and their historical development.

Education

Felix holds a Ph.D. in African History from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2014-2021), an M.A. in History from the University of Ibadan (2010-2012), and a B.A. in History from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria (2004-2009). His educational background solidifies his expertise in African historical studies.

Academic Employment

Felix has served in various academic roles at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Currently, he is a Lecturer I (2023–present), previously serving as Lecturer II (2019-2023) and Assistant Lecturer (2015-2019). His experience reflects a steady progression in academia, contributing significantly to the field of history.

Thesis and Dissertations

Felix’s doctoral dissertation, titled “Cocoa production and rural development in Idanre, Southwestern Nigeria, 1900-1996,” exemplifies his dedication to exploring the economic and social history of Nigeria. His earlier works include studies on the economy of Idanre and Nigeria-America relations.

Publications

Felix has a robust publication record, with forthcoming articles in prestigious journals such as Zeitschrift für Unternehmensgeschichte and African Journal of Cultural Studies. His work covers a wide array of topics, including urban crime, public health, and economic history, reflecting his diverse research interests.

Teaching

Felix is involved in teaching a variety of history courses, including Economic History of West Africa, African Urban History, and the History of Southern Africa. His teaching portfolio demonstrates his commitment to educating future historians and scholars.

Service

Felix has held several service roles, including Secretary of the Department of History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos and Course Advisor. His active participation in academic committees and conferences highlights his leadership and organizational skills.

Conclusion

Felix Oludare Ajiola’s extensive research, academic contributions, and service to the academic community make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to African history, coupled with his impactful publications and teaching, demonstrates his excellence as a researcher and educator.

Publication top notes

Early geography of the coronavirus disease outbreak in Nigeria

Deforestation, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability in South-west, Nigeria, 1960-2015

Accumulation and Dispossession: Cocoa Production, Rural Development and the Structural Adjustment Programme in Southwest Nigeria, 1986–1996

British Colonial Land Use Policies and Housing Development in Lagos

Public Health and Political Governance: The Colonial State and Disease Control in Lagos, 1924–1935

COCOA PRODUCTION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN IDANRE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA, 1900-1996

Economies of African States Since Independence

 

Laboni Das | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

  Ms. Laboni Das| Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Ms at National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli India

Laboni Das is a Research Scholar at the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. She is focused on comics studies, health humanities, graphic medicine, dementia studies, aging, gender studies, queer studies, ecocriticism, and postcolonial studies. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Beyond Forgetting: Dementia, Personhood and Graphic Medicine,” was submitted under the guidance of Dr. Sathyaraj Venkatesan. Laboni holds an MA in English from Banaras Hindu University and a BA with Honors in English from Utkal University. She has published extensively in journals such as the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics and the Journal of Medical Humanities.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

📚 Academic Qualifications

Ph.D. in English (Thesis Submitted)  Year: 2020 Onwards Thesis Title: Beyond Forgetting: Dementia, Personhood and Graphic Medicine, Advisor: Dr. Sathyaraj Venkatesan, Institution: Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli. Master of Arts in English , Year: 2016-2018, CGPA: 6.69, Institution: Department of English, Banaras Hindu University. Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English  Year: 2013-2016 Honors Percentage: 66.635%, First Class with Distinction Institution: Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, INDIA

🏆 Strengths for the Award:

  1. Research Expertise:
    • Laboni Das has a strong academic foundation with a Ph.D. in English focusing on dementia and graphic medicine, a novel and impactful area within health humanities.
    • Her diverse research interests, including dementia studies, gender studies, and ecocriticism, highlight her interdisciplinary approach and capacity to address complex societal issues.
  2. Publication Record:
    • Laboni has a substantial publication record, with multiple peer-reviewed articles in SCOPUS-indexed journals. This indicates a consistent and high-quality research output.
    • Her publications cover various aspects of dementia care, graphic medicine, and cultural representation, showcasing her depth of knowledge and research productivity.
  3. Academic Achievements:
    • She has cleared the UGC NET, a prestigious qualification test for assistant professors in India.
    • Laboni was awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarship for Doctoral Studies, demonstrating recognition of her academic excellence and research potential.
  4. Conference Presentations:
    • Laboni has presented at numerous national and international conferences, indicating her active engagement with the academic community and her commitment to disseminating her research findings.
  5. Peer-Review Experience:
    • Her role as a peer reviewer for reputable journals like the Journal of Medical Humanities and Medical Humanities highlights her expertise and recognition within the academic community.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact Metrics:
    • While Laboni has a strong academic presence, increasing her involvement in community outreach and public engagement activities could enhance the societal impact of her research.
    • Collaborating with healthcare providers, policymakers, and non-academic stakeholders can further the practical application of her research.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaborations:
    • Engaging in interdisciplinary research projects and collaborations with experts from other fields such as public health, social work, and geriatrics can provide a more holistic approach to her studies and broaden the impact of her work.
  3. Funding and Grants:
    • Securing additional research grants and funding for projects that directly impact community health and well-being can further validate her contributions to community impact.

 

Publication:📝
    1. Title: “Inside Out of Mind”: Alternative Realities, Dementia and Graphic Medicine
      • Year: 2024
      • Authors: L. Das, S. Venkatesan

     

    1. Title: Drawing invisible illness: an interview with Claire Lordon
      • Year: 2024
      • Author: L. Das

     

    1. Title: “Care process into a cash transaction”: medical neoliberalism, Afloat and graphic medicine
      • Year: 2024
      • Authors: L. Das, S. Venkatesan

     

    1. Title: Of comics and dementia: an interview with Nigel Baines, Rebecca Roher, and Liza Futerman
      • Year: 2024
      • Authors: L. Das, S. Venkatesan

     

    1. Title: “The Graying of the World”: Medical and Popular Expressions of Dementia
      • Year: 2022
      • Authors: S. Venkatesan, L. Das

     

    1. Title: Person-centered care, dementia and graphic medicine
      • Year: 2022
      • Authors: S. Venkatesan, L. Das

📝 Conclusion

Laboni Das is a strong candidate for the Research for Community Impact Award. Her extensive research on dementia, graphic medicine, and health humanities, combined with her strong publication record and academic achievements, positions her well for this recognition. By enhancing her community engagement and interdisciplinary collaborations, she can further amplify the impact of her work on society. Her dedication to addressing critical issues in health and social sciences through innovative and interdisciplinary research makes her an excellent fit for this award.

 

 

Lee Mackenzie | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lee Mackenzie| Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr at  Liverpool Hope University United Kingdom

I hold a PhD in Education with over eight years of higher education experience in Switzerland, the UK, and Colombia. My extensive publication record includes articles in highly-ranked journals, and I am a Fellow of Advance HE. I bring nearly a decade of experience as a language teacher educator across four continents.

 

profile:

 

Scopus

Orcid

Scholar

 

Education 🎓

Mental Health First Aid Champion Organisation: Liverpool Hope University Location: Online Dates: April 2024. Counselling Skills (Level 2) Organisation: Sysco Location: Online Dates: March – April 2024. Fellow (FHEA) Organisation: Advance HE Location: York, UK Dates: July 2022. PhD in Education Organisation: Lancaster University Location: Lancaster, UK Dates: September 2017 – July 2021. MA in TESOL (Distinction) Organisation: Sheffield Hallam University Location: Sheffield, UK Dates: October 2013 – October 2015. Certificate in Online Course Tutoring Organisation: International House Location: Online Dates: March 2012 – May 2012. DELTA (All 3 Modules) Organisation: International House Location: Barcelona, Spain Dates: July 2009 – July 2010. BA in English (2:1: Single Honours) Organisation: University of Wales Location: Aberystwyth, UK Dates: September 2001 – June 2004

Teaching and Academic Experience 👩‍🏫

Lecturer in Education and Early Childhood Liverpool Hope University, United Kingdom September 2021 – Present Supervising MA and doctoral dissertations Leading modules on sociocultural perspectives, social justice, and foundation courses in education Designing and implementing short courses for English language learners Developing content for the EdD course Delivering assessments, tutorials, seminars, and lectures across all educational levels Addressing academic issues in my role as Senior Academic Advisor Processing MA applications and representing Early Childhood at student voice meetings Organising conferences and symposia Involved in research projects on university study hopes and fears, challenges in teaching ESOL, and aspirations of underprivileged students in the global South. Lecturer/Researcher in English Language Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia July 2017 – October 2021 Teaching English for academic and business purposes Conducting research on social justice in education Delivering workshops and presentations Designing emergency remote teaching during COVID-19 Continuing professional development for state school English teachers Teaching and developing MA and undergraduate modules. Teacher Trainer Cambridge Assessment English, Worldwide February 2012 – February 2020 Training teachers on CELTA courses Certifying new language teachers globally Providing lesson planning support Observing, assessing, and providing feedback Grading assignments and lesson plans Teaching model lessons and input sessions Setting up CELTA centres and training new trainers. Lecturer in Business Communication Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland February 2010 – July 2011 Teaching business communication modules in English Developing course content and assessments Engaging in professional development Translating policy documents from German to English

Publication:📝

    • Discriminatory job advertisements for English language teachers in Colombia: An analysis of recruitment biases
      • L Mackenzie
      • TESOL Journal, 2020
    • Linguistic imperialism, English, and development: implications for Colombia
      • L Mackenzie
      • Current Issues in Language Planning 23 (2), 137-156, 2022
    • A critical evaluation of the social justice implications of the Colombian government’s English-Spanish bilingualism policies
      • L Mackenzie
      • Current Issues in Language Planning 21 (2), 117-134, 2020
    • Teacher development or teacher training? An exploration of issues reflected on by CELTA candidates
      • L Mackenzie
      • English teaching & learning 42 (3), 247-271, 2018
    • Investigating reflection in written assignments on CELTA courses
      • L Mackenzie
      • ELT Journal 73 (1), 11-20, 2019
    • Theorising English as a Linguistic Capability: A Look at the Experiences of Economically Disadvantaged Higher Education Students in Colombia
      • L Mackenzie
      • Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 2021
    • A case of capability expansion or capability reduction? An exploration of loan recipients’ views of ICETEX: Colombia’s higher education student loans institute
      • L Mackenzie
      • Journal of Hispanic Higher Education 21 (1), 82-111, 2022
    • Some implications of the neoliberal massification of Colombian HE for achieving the sustainable development goals
      • L Mackenzie
      • Policy Futures in Education 22 (5), 846-870, 2024
    • Which doors can English open? Exploring the opportunities of economically vulnerable Colombian higher education graduates
      • L Mackenzie
      • Current Issues in Language Planning 24 (5), 481-507, 2023
    • Low attendance on a peer tutoring scheme for English language learners
      • L Mackenzie
      • ELT Journal 76 (4), 487-496, 2022