Prof. Huali Sun | HR Business Partnering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Huali Sun, Shanghai University, China

Professor Huali Sun is a distinguished academic and PhD Supervisor at the School of Management, Shanghai University. With over a decade of contribution to operations research, logistics, and decision sciences, he brings significant interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Sun earned his PhD in Control Theory and Control Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and enhanced his academic profile as a senior visiting scholar at the University of Missouri, USA, in 2014. Recognized for his excellence in teaching and service, he received accolades including “Outstanding Party Member” (2016) and “Excellent Full-time Tutor” (2021, 2022). His leadership in numerous national and provincial projects, robust publication record with over 80 SCI/SSCI papers, and influence on policy consultation reflect his commitment to impactful research. Prof. Sun is also an author and editor, contributing textbooks and national-level management cases, bridging theory and practice for future business and policy leaders.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. 🌍 Significant Research Output

   • Over 80 publications in top-tier SCI/SSCI journals and Class A Chinese journals (e.g., International Journal of Production Economics, Transportation Research Part E, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice).

   • Demonstrates academic excellence and consistent contributions to fields like operations research, logistics, and decision sciences.

2. 📊 Proven Project Leadership

   • Led 3 National Natural Science Foundation projects and participated in numerous provincial and ministerial-level projects.

   • Recognized for securing competitive funding from major agencies, reflecting strong research capability and national relevance.

3. 🎯 Real-World Impact

   • Authored 10+ decision-making reports used by central and municipal departments.

   • Received 1 instruction from national leaders and 4 from provincial leaders, proving direct policy-level influence.

4. 🎓 Exceptional Mentorship

   • Supervised 80+ postgraduate students, many of whom earned prestigious awards like National Scholarships and “Outstanding Graduate” honors.

   • Strong mentorship pipeline supports sustainability of research excellence.

5. 📚 Academic Contributions Beyond Papers

   • Authored 1 monograph, co-edited 1 textbook, and wrote national-level management cases, contributing to both academic knowledge and teaching pedagogy.

   • Cases selected for the 9th National Hundred Excellent Management Cases and the 2025 China International Case Library, indicating high educational and applied value.

6. 🌐 International Exposure

   • Experience as a senior visiting scholar at the University of Missouri (USA) in 2014 demonstrates global academic engagement.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

1. 🌐 Strengthen International Collaboration

   • While international exposure exists, increasing joint publications and global co-authorships could enhance international recognition and cross-border impact.

2. 📢 Broaden Outreach and Visibility

   • Engaging in science communication, speaking at international forums, and participating in global academic networks could improve public engagement and global academic influence.

3. 💡 Emerging Tech Integration

   • Incorporating AI, big data, or digital transformation into future research in logistics and management could align with cutting-edge global trends and funding priorities.

🎓 Education:

Huali Sun completed his PhD in Control Theory and Control Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of China’s premier research institutions. His academic training equipped him with strong analytical and systems-thinking capabilities, foundational to his later research in logistics, operations research, and decision-making models. In 2014, he expanded his international perspective as a senior visiting scholar at the University of Missouri, USA, where he engaged with global academic standards and collaborative research methodologies. His educational background, deeply rooted in systems engineering and control, allows him to tackle complex problems in transportation, logistics, and production systems. Over the years, Prof. Sun has continued his academic evolution, integrating his engineering background with social sciences and management, becoming a multidisciplinary leader in research and higher education.

🧑‍🏫 Experience:

Prof. Huali Sun has served as a Professor and PhD Supervisor at the School of Management, Shanghai University, mentoring over 80 postgraduate students, many of whom received national and municipal honors. His experience includes hosting and participating in more than 10 national and provincial-level projects, with funding from prestigious bodies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission. He has published in top-tier journals and authored influential decision-making reports adopted by central and provincial governments, even receiving instructions from national leaders. He also contributes to curriculum development through textbooks and national management case writing. His leadership spans across academic administration, case writing, applied research, and student development, making him a multi-faceted academic deeply engaged in research, education, and societal service.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Huali Sun’s research lies at the intersection of operations research, logistics optimization, and sustainable decision-making. He specializes in robust and multi-period modeling, focusing on emergency logistics, CO₂ emission efficiency, and location-routing under uncertainty. His work often balances economic and environmental goals, particularly in perishable goods supply chains and transportation systems. Prof. Sun is a thought leader in risk-resilient systems, developing frameworks that guide governments and industries in disaster response and infrastructure planning. Additionally, his research integrates quantitative modeling with policy impact, as evidenced by his widely adopted consultation reports. His commitment to interdisciplinary and application-driven research has contributed significantly to the theory and practice of management science, particularly in the Chinese context of rapid urban and industrial transformation.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

1. 📦 A robust and multi-period model for an emergency logistics network considering the risk of disruptions – RAIRO Operations Research, 2025

2. 🌱 Analysis of transportation CO₂ emission efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China – Maritime Policy and Management, 2024

3. 🚧 Robust optimization of joint road restoration and emergency location-routing – System Engineering Theory and Practice, 2023

4. 🔄 Trade-offs between economic and environmental goals of production-inventory-routing problem for multiple perishable products – Computers and Industrial Engineering, 2023

🧾 Conclusion:

Prof. Huali Sun is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His academic excellence, national research leadership, societal impact through policy consultation, and deep mentorship record distinguish him as a researcher with broad influence and sustainable impact. His work directly serves both academic advancement and real-world problem-solving, particularly in logistics, operations, and public systems.