Chih-Hung Pai | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chih-Hung Pai | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Director of the Leisure Tourism Development Research Center | The University of Zhejiang Yuexiu University | China

Professor Chih-Hung Pai is an accomplished scholar whose research focuses on the intersections of sustainable tourism, hospitality management, and environmental economics. With a portfolio of nine scholarly publications, 78 citations, and an h-index of 4, his academic influence reflects both depth and interdisciplinary breadth. His body of work contributes significantly to understanding how sustainable practices, innovative technology, and policy frameworks can jointly enhance economic growth and ecological preservation within global tourism systems. His recent studies highlight the integration of environmental conservation and economic progress, emphasizing how sustainable tourism practices shape global economies and support long-term resilience. His contributions to leading indexed journals, including Current Issues in Tourism, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, and Resources Policy, have offered novel insights into green finance mechanisms, carbon neutrality promotion, and cultural tourism development. Through empirical modeling and policy evaluation, he explores strategies that enable regions, particularly in Asia, to transition toward environmentally responsible and economically viable growth models. In parallel, his research investigates technological innovation in hospitality, analyzing how digital tools, machine learning, and green technologies influence customer experience, service recovery, and organizational competitiveness. Studies such as those on technology adoption in green hotels and data-driven assessments of cultural tourism experiences underscore his commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and sustainability in modern service systems. Furthermore, his work on eco tourism experiences, leisure behavior, and corporate social responsibility within the hospitality sector enriches the understanding of human environment interactions and their socio-economic implications. Collectively, Professor Pai’s scholarly output represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainability science bridging theory with practice and providing actionable pathways for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders seeking to harmonize economic prosperity with ecological balance in the evolving global tourism landscape.

Featured Publication

Pai, C.-H., Zhang, Y., Wang, Y.-L., Li, K., & Shang, Y. Current challenges and opportunities in cultural heritage preservation through sustainable tourism practices. Current Issues in Tourism.

Abebe Kassaye | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abebe Kassaye | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate | The University of  Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia

Mr. Abebe Shimelis Kassaye demonstrates exceptional academic depth, analytical rigor, and an applied research orientation that make him a strong contender for this award. His strengths lie in integrating theoretical frameworks with practical industry applications, particularly in the domains of industrial engineering, production systems, and technology based entrepreneurship. His published research in reputable journals showcases innovative use of advanced modeling techniques such as Interpretive Structural Modeling and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling  providing empirical insights into the success factors of Ethiopian technology startups. Mr. Abebe’s ability to synthesize complex interdependencies between business models, operational efficiency, and innovation ecosystems underscores his capacity for multidisciplinary research. His strong command of quality management systems, sustainable industrial development, and lean manufacturing principles reflects a balance between academic excellence and practical impact. Furthermore, his active engagement in professional societies such as the Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Society International strengthens his global outlook and professional network, enhancing his potential to bridge academia and industry effectively. While his accomplishments are commendable, there remain areas of improvement that could further elevate his research influence and professional contribution. Expanding his scholarly output through increased publications in indexed international journals would enhance visibility and citation impact. Developing collaborations with interdisciplinary teams and global research institutions could enrich his research perspectives and foster innovative methodologies. Additionally, gaining experience in consultancy or applied industrial projects would allow him to translate academic findings into tangible outcomes, thereby extending his impact beyond the academic sphere. Strengthening statistical and simulation-based research tools and engaging in data driven policy advisory roles could also enhance the societal relevance of his work. Looking ahead, Mr. Abebe’s future research potential is both promising and strategically significant. His focus on industrial innovation, technology management, and sustainable manufacturing positions him to address emerging challenges in Africa’s industrialization agenda. His research could evolve toward building smart, adaptive production systems integrating artificial intelligence, circular economy principles, and digital transformation strategies.

Featured Publications

Shimelis, A., Beshah, B., & Tesfaye, E.  Measuring successful business models in Ethiopian technology business. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development.

Shimelis, A., Beshah, B., & Tesfaye, E.  An investigation on the factors influencing the success of Ethiopian tech startup companies: The ISM approach. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development.

Yağmur Guler | Coaching & Mentoring | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yağmur Guler | Coaching & Mentoring | Best Researcher Award

Department of Physical Education and Sport Teaching | The University of  Ankara University | Turkey

Dr. Yağmur Güler is an academic researcher in the field of sport sciences, focusing on physical education, teacher development, and ethics in sports. Her research explores the professional identity of pre-service physical education teachers, the mentoring process in teacher education, and the role of ethical awareness and child protection in sports settings. She has contributed extensively to understanding how pedagogical practices and psychosocial factors shape the effectiveness and integrity of sports education. Her academic publications include articles in respected international journals such as Sport, Education and Society, Children, and Frontiers in Psychology. These works address issues including child abuse prevention in sports, creative and design thinking in physical education, and the development of 21st-century teaching competencies. She has also contributed to national and international conferences with studies on topics like mindfulness in athletes, ethical decision-making, and recreational awareness. Dr. Güler has authored and co-authored several scientific book chapters related to sports ethics, performance evaluation, and mentorship, enriching the academic dialogue in her discipline. Her recent research also engages in multidisciplinary projects supported by national scientific bodies, focusing on child safeguarding and alternative assessment approaches in sports. Her scholarly output reflects a strong commitment to advancing the scientific and ethical foundations of sports education. Through her contributions to research, publication, and collaborative academic projects, she continues to influence the evolution of professional standards, child protection practices, and innovative learning strategies within the global field of sport sciences.

Featured Publications

Güler, Y., & Tuncel, S. Professional identity of pre-service physical education and sports teachers and the role of mentor teachers. Sport, Education and Society. Advance online publication.

Güler, D., Güler, Y., Cengiz, C., Tuncel, S., & Karayiğit, R. Investigating child abuse in sports: An ecological systems perspective.

Aras, D., Onlu, A. S., Durmus, T., Cengiz, C., Guler, D., Guler, Y., Ugurlu, A., Aldhahi, M. I., & Gülü, M. A brief body scan mindfulness practice has no positive effect on the recovery of heart rate variability and cognitive tasks in female professional basketball players.

Cengiz, C., & Güler, Y. The effect of design thinking on the creative thinking of physical education and sports teachers. African Educational Research Journal.

Eren, H. B., Güler, Y., Güler, D., Çokluk-Bökeoğlu, Ö., & Tuncel, S. Çevrim içi beden eğitimi ve spor dersine yönelik öğrenci memnuniyet ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi  Avrasya Spor Bilimleri ve Eğitim Dergisi,

Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student | The University of Chulalongkorn University | Thailand

Mr. Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat is a researcher specializing in applied economics, with focused interests in the economics of education, labor economics, and microeconomics. His scholarly work integrates quantitative analysis with a policy-oriented perspective, emphasizing how education and labor systems contribute to equitable and sustainable economic growth. His academic foundation in economics has enabled him to develop research that explores the intersection of individual decision-making, institutional structures, and social outcomes. His published thesis, “Rational Decision-Making Model: AP Micro, AP Macro, A-Level Economics, and IB Economics,” featured in the Journal of Teaching in International Business, provides an innovative framework for understanding economic reasoning in education. The study analyzes how curriculum design and economic learning frameworks influence cognitive behavior and student performance, contributing to the broader literature on education economics and pedagogy. Building on this, his ongoing working papers examine topics such as fair college admissions, educational investment efficiency, and the role of pre-university economics in shaping university outcomes. Collectively, these studies aim to enhance fairness, transparency, and inclusivity within educational and labor systems. In addition to academic research, his work extends to applied economic issues related to labor rights, workforce management, and responsible business conduct. His participation in research and policy dialogues within Southeast Asia reflects a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges surrounding human capital, migration, and labor equity. Employing econometric and data-driven approaches, his research contributes to evidence-based policymaking that supports social and economic inclusion. His research direction is defined by an analytical yet human centered approach, integrating economic modeling with empirical insights. By connecting education, labor, and development economics, his work advances the understanding of how economic principles can be applied to create fairer systems of opportunity and enhance long-term socioeconomic well-being.

Featured Publication

Thanathitiphuwaphat, N., & Tipayalai, K. Rational decision-making model: AP Micro, AP Macro, A-Level Economics, and IB Economics. Journal of Teaching in International Business.

Maria Tavares | Accounting & Management | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maria Tavares | Accounting & Management | Best Researcher Award

ISCA-UA | The University of Aveiro | Portugal

Dr. Maria da Conceição da Costa Tavares is a distinguished researcher whose academic work centers on sustainability, accounting, and digital transformation within organizational and public sector contexts. Her research integrates social responsibility, governance, and emerging technologies, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on how ethical and digital innovation contribute to sustainable development. With a scholarly output of 21 indexed documents, 203 citations, and an h-index of 5, Dr. Tavares’s publications reflect both productivity and academic influence in the fields of sustainability reporting, financial transparency, and management sciences. Her studies are widely recognized for advancing the discourse on Environmental, Social, and Governance performance, intellectual capital, and the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable accounting practices. Her research portfolio includes articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Administrative Sciences, Sustainability, Journal of Risk and Financial Management, and International Journal of Financial Studies. She has also contributed to international conferences and edited volumes addressing themes such as Audit 5.0, Industry 5.0, and the digital transformation of higher education. Through collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, Dr. Tavares bridges theoretical insights and empirical evidence to enhance accountability and transparency in both private and public organizations. Her bibliometric impact demonstrates a commitment to addressing global challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to responsible production, innovation, and institutional integrity. By connecting sustainability frameworks with emerging digital paradigms, her research continues to inform policy, education, and management practices that prioritize ethical, technological, and societal progress.

Featured Publications

Azevedo, G., Oliveira, J., Almeida, T., Borges, M. F. R., Tavares, M. C., & Vale, J. Determinants of financial risks pre- and post in companies listed on Euronext Lisbon. Journal of Risk and Financial Management.

Azevedo, G., Oliveira, J., Sousa, I., Borges, M. F., Tavares, M. C., & Vale, J.  Disclosure of sustainability information under the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive: The degree of compliance of Portuguese stock index companies. International Journal of Financial Studies.

Abdoul Karim Saidou | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdoul Karim Saidou | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Political science | The University of  Thomas Sankara | Burkina Faso

Dr. Saidou Abdoul Karim is a distinguished political scientist whose research advances critical understanding of governance, democracy, and security in West Africa. His scholarly contributions explore the complex interactions between political regimes, public policy, and state-building in contexts marked by transition, insecurity, and reform. His research is characterized by a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, bridging political science, sociology of public action, and international relations to examine how African states govern through crises and transformation. Central to his work is the analysis of public policy dynamics, particularly in the areas of security and political reform. He investigates how political regimes shape policy agendas, how institutional instruments influence decision making, and how democratic processes are affected by conflict and instability. His studies frequently focus on Burkina Faso, Niger, and the broader Sahel, addressing the tensions between democracy, governance, and security. His research also engages with the regional dimension of African politics, especially through the role of  in promoting democratic norms and managing security challenges. His numerous peer reviewed publications in leading international journals, such as Democratization, Journal of Modern African Studies, Africa Spectrum, and Afrique Contemporaine, reflect a deep engagement with questions of legitimacy, participation, and power. His writings on the securitization of migration, youth involvement in security policies, gender quotas, and the instrumentalization of democracy contribute to a richer understanding of political change in African societies. His book chapters and collaborative works extend his analysis to regional peace and security mechanisms, the political dimensions of diaspora participation, and the governance of armed conflicts. By combining theoretical innovation with empirical depth, his research provides essential insights into how African states and societies negotiate democracy and security. His work stands as a key contribution to contemporary debates on governance, policy reform, and the political future of the Sahel and West Africa.

Featured Publications

Saidou, A. K., & Bagayoko, S. From euphoria to disenchantment: Temporality and the changing local perceptions of international interventions in Mali. Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding.

Naré, R. H., & Saidou, A. K. Understanding public policy through the lens of political regimes: The case of episodic change in agriculture policy in Burkina Faso  Africa Spectrum.

Saidou, A. K., & Honig, L.  Legitimising regimes and legalising self-defence groups: The case of Burkina Faso’s VDPs. The Journal of Modern African Studies

Saidou, A. K.  L’Afrique face au dilemme des deux analyse constructiviste de la politique étrangère à partir des cas du Niger et du Burkina Faso. Canadian Journal of Political Science.

Saidou, A. K., & Bertrand, E. Security as a campaign issue: Programmatic mobilization in Burkina Faso’s elections.

Anslem Adunimay | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anslem Adunimay | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Research fellow | The University of Johannesburg | Cameroon

Dr. Anslem Wongibeh Adunimay is a distinguished scholar in international relations and political science, specializing in peace, conflict, and security studies in Africa. His research focuses on the intersections of mediation, governance, leadership, and sustainable development, providing critical insights into the dynamics shaping regional stability and international cooperation. With 35 citations, an h-index of 3, and an i10-index of 1, his academic contributions demonstrate growing influence and engagement within the global research community. His scholarly works encompass a broad thematic range, including regional peace building mechanisms, gender-based violence prevention, conflict transformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable development. His publication, “Unexplored Tool for Sustainable Development: Can Artificial Intelligence Promote Good Health and Well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa?” in The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, exemplifies his innovative approach to linking technology and governance. In collaboration with other scholars, Adunimay has co-authored influential papers such as “Addressing Sexual Gender-Based Violence in the Great Lakes Region” and “A Convoluted Post-Cold War World: Effects of the Russo-Ukrainian War on Africa’s International Relations”, which highlight his commitment to interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research. His book chapters in Routledge and Jacana Media publications critically assess themes like xenophobia, regional integration, and the African Union’s evolving peace and security framework. Beyond academic journals, he has authored policy briefs and opinion essays addressing secessionist movements, diplomatic tensions, and governance challenges in Africa, demonstrating his ability to bridge academic research with real-world policymaking. Dr. Adunimay’s ongoing projects explore regional security cooperation, national dialogue as a peacebuilding mechanism, climate justice, and the socio-political implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Through his prolific writing and editorial engagement, he contributes significantly to contemporary debates on African peace, democracy, and sustainable governance within a rapidly changing global order.

Featured Publications

Adunimay, A. W., & Ojo, T. A. Western centric medicine for and its contradictions: Can African alternate solutions be the cure? Frontiers in Political Science.

Adunimay, A. W. The role of regional organisations in peacebuilding: The case of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. International Journal of African Renaissance Studies.

Niyitunga, E. B., & Adunimay, A. W. A convoluted post-Cold War world: Effects of Russo-Ukrainian war on Africa’s international relations. Journal of African Foreign Affairs,

Anslem, W. A., & Ojo, T. A. When xenophobes turn their faces on foreigners: Whom to blame the government or the natives. In Xenophobia and nativism in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Adunimay, A. W. Secessionist movements and their implications for security in Africa: The case of Southern Cameroons.

Fabrice Cognasse | Leadership Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fabrice Cognasse | Leadership Development | Best Researcher Award

Scientific Director | The University of French Blood Establishment (EFS) | France

Dr. Fabrice Cognasse is a distinguished biomedical researcher whose scientific contributions have significantly advanced the fields of immunology, transfusion medicine, and inflammation biology. His research has focused on the complex interactions between platelets, immune cells, and inflammatory mediators, providing groundbreaking insights into the dual role of platelets as hemostatic and immune-modulatory agents. Through a combination of experimental and translational research, his studies have deepened understanding of how platelet-derived molecules influence immune responses, infection control, and pathological inflammation in clinical settings. With an impressive record of 182 peer-reviewed publications, 5,373 citations, and an h-index of 42, Dr. Cognasse’s scholarly work demonstrates both high productivity and sustained impact in biomedical science. His publications appear in leading international journals covering topics such as hematology, immunology, transfusion research, and molecular medicine, where they have contributed to reshaping current concepts of immune regulation and transfusion-related immunomodulation. His research has identified key molecular markers associated with platelet activation and inflammation, supporting the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools aimed at improving transfusion safety and clinical outcomes. The integration of molecular biology, cellular immunology, and translational science within his research has provided a foundation for innovations that enhance patient care and transfusion efficacy. Dr. Cognasse’s work also bridges multiple scientific disciplines through collaborations with international researchers, funding agencies, and research networks. His contributions extend to the design of biomarker-based tools and patented discoveries that advance biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Collectively, his work exemplifies scientific excellence, leadership in immunohematology, and a lasting influence on global research in platelet biology and inflammation.

Featured Publications

Cognasse, F., Integrating cellular and soluble immune signatures of major depression with and without recent suicide attempts. Translational Psychiatry.

Cognasse, F., The composition of single-donor apheresis platelet concentrates is influenced by the age of the donor. Scientific Reports.

Cognasse, F., Pilot study of ABO-isogroup or universal plasma pools with or without pathogen reduction treatment. Blood Transfusion.

Cognasse, F. Cracking TRALI: targeting the membrane attack complex.  Transfusion Clinique et Biologique.

Cognasse, F.,  Donor-reported stress type affects inflammatory blood markers prior to donation. Transfusion Clinique et Biologique.

Manwika Kongpuang | Rewards & Recognition | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Manwika Kongpuang | Rewards & Recognition | Best Researcher Award

Engineering Lecturer | The University of Faculty of Engineering Prince of Songkla | Thailand

Dr. Manwika Kongpuang dedicated scholar in metallurgy and materials engineering, this researcher’s work focuses on advancing nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring technologies for improved material reliability and infrastructure safety. Their primary expertise lies in acoustic emission techniques, rail steel behavior, metal forming, and semi-solid processing bridging materials science and engineering applications to address industrial and transportation challenges. The research emphasizes the development of innovative diagnostic and monitoring approaches for metallic components, particularly in railway systems, enabling real-time defect detection, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization. The author’s contributions span several high-impact, peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, including Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation, Results in Engineering, Sensors, and Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals. Their studies have provided new insights into the relationships between microstructure, mechanical performance, and acoustic emission signals in metals under various loading and thermal conditions. Additionally, significant research has been devoted to improving the mechanical and tribological properties of metal matrix composites through advanced casting and heat-treatment processes. Through active participation in international conferences such as the World Conference on Acoustic Emission and the International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Asset Management, the researcher has contributed to global discussions on rail maintenance, digital twin technologies, and sustainable engineering solutions. Their interdisciplinary approach combines experimental investigation, data analysis, and materials characterization to develop efficient, data-driven methods for assessing and extending the life of engineering systems. Overall, the author’s research demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing intelligent condition monitoring, reliability-based maintenance, and sustainable materials innovation, contributing valuable knowledge to the fields of materials science, nondestructive evaluation, and infrastructure engineering.

Featured Publications

Kaewunruen, S., AbdelHadi, M., Kongpuang, M., Pansuk, W., & Remennikov, A. M. Digital twins for managing railway bridge maintenance, resilience, and climate change adaptation.

Kongpuang, M., Chaideesungnoen, S., Muangjunburee, P., Oo, H. Z., & Janudom, S. Effect of post-weld heat-treatment on microstructure and mechanical behavior of Inconel  overlay cladding on  Cr-1Mo steel. Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals.

Muangjunburee, P., Poolsiri, N., Chaideesungnoen, S., Naultem, A., Oo, H. Z., & Kongpuang, M. Observation on the weld metal of resurfaced rail steel. Chiang Mai Journal of Science.

Kongpuang, M., Culwick, R., Cheputeh, N., Marsh, A., Jantara Junior, V. L., Vallely, P., Kaewunruen, S., & Papaelias, M. Quantitative analysis of the structural health of railway turnouts using the acoustic emission technique. Insight: Non-Destructive Testing and Condition Monitoring.

Jae Park | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jae Park | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Professor Emiritus | The University of Univ. of  Wisconsin-Madison | United States

Professor Jae Kwang Park is a leading researcher in Civil and Environmental Engineering, whose scholarly work has significantly advanced the understanding of environmental pollution control, contaminant transport, and sustainable waste and water management systems. His research has focused extensively on the mechanisms governing pollutant dispersion, sorption, and permeation in aquatic and subsurface environments. By integrating principles of hydrodynamics, environmental chemistry, and material science, he has provided deep insights into the fate and transport of organic and inorganic contaminants across engineered and natural barriers. His studies on pollutant dispersion in estuarine systems, for instance, have produced foundational models for analyzing tidal mixing, stratified flow behavior, and mass transport processes that are crucial to understanding pollutant migration in coastal waters.In the field of wastewater and solid waste management, his contributions include the development of advanced treatment technologies using ozonation, photocatalytic oxidation, and membrane filtration to remove persistent organic pollutants. His work on the permeation of volatile organic compounds through geomembranes, polymeric pipes, and landfill liners has been pivotal in assessing the long-term performance of containment systems, directly influencing design standards and environmental protection regulations. He has also explored the use of recycled and synthetic materials, such as shredded tires and geomembranes, for the mitigation of contaminant movement in landfills, bridging the gap between waste reuse and environmental safety.Professor Park’s interdisciplinary research extends to understanding microbiologically influenced corrosion, pyrolysis kinetics of rubber materials, and thermodynamic modeling of sorption in polymers, reflecting his commitment to solving multifaceted environmental engineering challenges through innovative methodologies. His body of work demonstrates both theoretical depth and practical relevance, providing valuable tools for environmental monitoring, infrastructure safety, and pollution prevention.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Park, J. K., & Park, J. H. Advanced treatment of wastewater using ozone. Korean Society of Civil Engineers.

Park, J. K., & James, A. Tidal variation of salt flux and dispersion in a polluted estuary. Water Science and Technology.

Park, J. K., & James, A. Modeling of pollutant dispersion in stratified oscillatory flows. Journal of Environmental Engineering.

Park, J. K., & James, A.  Time-varying turbulent mixing in a stratified estuary and the application to a Lagrangian 2-D model. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.

Park, J. K., & James, A.  A unified method of estimating longitudinal dispersion in estuaries. Water Science and Technology.