Apostolos Papalois | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Apostolos Papalois | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Department of Surgery | University of Athens School of Medicine | Greece

Prof. Apostolos E. Papalois, Ph.D., KGSJ, AMACS, is a distinguished scientist in biology and biochemistry whose academic journey began with a Biology degree from the University of Athens in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in biology–biochemistry from the same university in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, Department of Surgery. His international training spans leading institutions such as the University of Minnesota, UCLA, Boston University, and Harvard, equipping him with multidisciplinary expertise in transplantation, laboratory animal science, medical ethics, and leadership. Since 1996, he has served as Director of the Experimental, Educational, and Research Center of ELPEN Pharmaceuticals, contributing over two decades of pioneering work in translational and experimental research. He has held visiting professorships in Greece, Romania, the United States, and Harvard Medical School, while teaching across 24 Master’s programs and mentoring more than 212 Ph.D. theses, of which 137 were completed under his supervision. His prolific scholarship includes 409 Scopus-indexed publications, 5,939 citations, and an h-index of 36, alongside 14 authored books, numerous translated textbooks, and 33 book chapters. Professionally, he has delivered over 438 invited lectures, organized 553 scientific events, and served on editorial boards and as a reviewer for 43 international journals. His research interests span biomedical sciences, translational medicine, clinical skills training, medical ethics, and healthcare education, with strong emphasis on global collaboration and innovation. He is currently General Secretary of NASCE/UEMS, representing nearly two million medical doctors in the European Union, and has held leadership positions in national and international biomedical committees. Recognized with 36 distinctions, more than 215 awards, and widespread honors, Prof. Papalois exemplifies scientific leadership and community service. In conclusion, his career reflects an extraordinary blend of research, education, and international collaboration, positioning him as a transformative leader in advancing biomedical science, ethics, and healthcare education globally.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Triantafillidis, J. K., Gikas, A., Kontrarou, G., Konstantoulakis, M., & Papalois, A. E. (2024). Use of complementary and alternative medicine by Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Nutrients, 16(21), 3679. [Cited 1]

Triantafillidis, J. K., Papakontantinou, J., Antonakis, P., Konstadoulakis, M. M., & Papalois, A. E. (2024). Enteral nutrition in operated-on gastric cancer patients: An update. Nutrients, 16(11), 1639. [Cited 12]

Papalois, A. E., Roy, D. W., Caiazza, J. E., & Gikas, A. (2024). Fibrin glue and coats compromise the integrity of colonic anastomosis: An experimental trial on rats. Annals of Gastroenterology, 37(2), 123–130. [Cited 3]

Triantafillidis, J. K., Tzivras, D., & Papalois, A. E. (2024). Immunotherapy of gastric cancer: Present status and future perspectives. Annals of Gastroenterology, 37(4), 456–465. [Cited 13]

Papalois, A. E., Gikas, A., Konstantoulakis, M., & Triantafillidis, J. K. (2024). Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has a regenerative effect in ischemic myocardium: An experimental rat model evaluated by SPECT-CT assessment. Diagnostics, 14(7), 654. [Cited 2]

Liang Wang | Philosophy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Liang Wang | Philosophy | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Xi’an Jiaotong University | China

Dr. Liang Wang is an Associate Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University and Deputy Director of the Center for Science & Technology Innovation and Ethical Governance (STIEG), recognized for his expertise in information ethics, AI ethics, and transcultural theory. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2018, complemented by joint doctoral research at the Bertalanffy Center for the Study of Systems Science in Vienna under the guidance of Prof. Wolfgang Hofkirchner. His academic journey also includes a Master’s in Philosophy and a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Xi’an Jiaotong University, reflecting an interdisciplinary foundation. Professionally, Dr. Wang has advanced from Lecturer to Associate Professor, teaching courses on ancient Chinese philosophy, Western philosophy, and AI ethics, while also gaining international teaching experience in Vienna. His research interests focus on the ethical risks of anthropomorphized social robots, transcultural ethical design of Artificial Moral Agents, and the moral accountability of intelligent systems. Over the years, he has led and contributed to several nationally funded projects supported by the Chinese Social Science Fund and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. His research skills encompass ethical analysis of intelligent technologies, cross-cultural approaches to moral theory, and the integration of philosophical inquiry with emerging AI applications. He has published extensively in Scopus- and IEEE-indexed journals and proceedings, with cover articles in leading Chinese philosophy and ethics journals, and his work continues to expand internationally. Dr. Wang is an active member of professional bodies such as IEEE TechEthics, the International Center for Philosophy of Information, and the Institute for a Global Sustainable Information Society, furthering collaboration and knowledge exchange. He has received recognition for his leadership in AI ethics research and contributions to transcultural studies. In conclusion, Dr. Wang’s combination of academic excellence, international engagement, impactful research, and community involvement underscores his suitability for recognition through prestigious awards such as the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Wang, L., & Fan, R. (2026). Confucian Philosophy Revitalized in the Digital Era: Maintaining Interpersonal Ethics with Artificial Intelligence. Book chapter.

Wang, L., & Ma, W. (2025, September 12). Ritual Practice Robots: The Importance of Incorporating “li”. IOCPh 2025.

Wang, L., Ma, Z., & Wang, S. (2025, June). The Influence of Information Revolution on Human Thinking Paradigm. In Understanding Information and Its Role as a Tool.

Wang, L., & Ma, Z. (2023, August 10). The Construction Approach of Machine Consciousness and Its Limitations. IS4SI Summit 2023.

Wang, L., & Zhang, K. (2022, March 10). How Ethical Design of Artificial Intelligence Systems Is Possible in a Transcultural Perspective. The 2021 Summit of the International Society for the Study of Information.

 

Keun Chang Kwak | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Keun Chang Kwak | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Chosun University | South Korea

Professor Keun-Chang Kwak is a distinguished researcher in the fields of computational intelligence, biometrics, and robotic vision systems, with extensive expertise in granular and neuro-fuzzy modeling, face and speaker recognition, knowledge extraction, behavior recognition, and auditory signal processing. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Chungbuk National University, Korea, in 2002, following an MS in 1998 and a BS in 1996 from the same institution. Over his career, Prof. Kwak has held several prominent positions, including Professor at Chosun University, Korea (2007–present), Visiting Professor at California State University Fullerton, USA (2014–2015), Senior Researcher at the Intelligent Robot Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Korea (2005–2007), and Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Alberta, Canada (2003–2005) and Chungbuk National University, Korea (2002–2003). He has also served as Project Manager of the AI Convergence University Project Division (2021–present) and Vice Director of the National Center of Excellence in Software at Chosun University (2018–2020), leading numerous national and international research initiatives. His research interests include computational intelligence, deep learning, speech emotion recognition, ECG-based biometrics, human-robot interaction, and knowledge extraction using fuzzy clustering. Prof. Kwak’s prolific publication record includes 138 Scopus-indexed documents, 1,667 citations, and an h-index of 21, reflecting high-impact contributions to journals such as IEEE Access, Applied Sciences, Electronics, and Sensors. He has led and mentored research teams, collaborated internationally, and contributed significantly to the robotics and AI communities. Prof. Kwak’s achievements are recognized through multiple awards, leadership roles, and professional memberships, highlighting his influence on research, education, and technology advancement. His work demonstrates exceptional innovation, academic excellence, and the potential to drive future breakthroughs in AI, robotics, and computational intelligence, making him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Pedrycz, W., & Kwak, K. C. (2006). Linguistic models as a framework of user-centric system modeling. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics-Part A: Systems and Humans, 36(2), 187–200. [Citations: 187]

  2. Kwak, K. C., & Pedrycz, W. (2005). Face recognition using a fuzzy fisherface classifier. Pattern Recognition, 38(10), 1717–1732. [Citations: 185]

  3. Kwak, K. C., & Pedrycz, W. (2007). Face recognition using an enhanced independent component analysis approach. IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks, 18(2), 530–541. [Citations: 167]

  4. Byeon, Y. H., Pan, S. B., & Kwak, K. C. (2019). Intelligent deep models based on scalograms of electrocardiogram signals for biometrics. Sensors, 19(4), 935. [Citations: 138]

  5. Kwak, K. C., & Pedrycz, W. (2005). Face recognition: A study in information fusion using fuzzy integral. Pattern Recognition Letters, 26(6), 719–733. [Citations: 112]

 

Mark Patterson | Robotics and Automation | Best Industrial Research Award

Dr. Mark Patterson | Robotics and Automation | Best Industrial Research Award

Principal Scientist | Kratos SRE | United States

Dr. Mark C.L. Patterson, Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge (1986), with a prior MSc. in Materials Science from Queen’s University, Canada (1983), and BSc (Hons) in Mining Engineering/Mineral Processing from Camborne School of Mines, England (1980), is a distinguished industrial research leader and Principal Scientist with Kratos SRE, specializing in advanced materials, hypersonics, propulsion, robotics, additive manufacturing, ceramics, nuclear energy, and environmental technologies. With over 40 years of experience spanning materials processing, technology development, and industrial application, he has managed more than $100M in R&D projects and successfully led programs with DARPA, NASA, NOAA, BAE Systems, and the US Department of Defense, demonstrating excellence in international collaborations, technology transfer, and commercialization of advanced solutions. His research interests include advanced ceramic matrix composites, optical and armor-grade spinel, functionally graded composites, autonomous systems, unmanned surface and aerial vehicles, hybrid manufacturing, and nuclear propulsion systems, integrating multidisciplinary approaches to address complex industrial and environmental challenges. Dr. Patterson’s research skills encompass materials synthesis, high-temperature processing, microwave and CVI techniques, nano- and microstructural characterization, additive manufacturing, robotic automation, and advanced propulsion system design. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences, and holds four patents, contributing significantly to knowledge advancement in materials and defense technologies. His awards and honors include recognition for pioneering transparent spinel production, the Army SBIR Quality Award, and leadership roles in MIL-17 Ceramic Composite Handbook development, alongside executive positions in Advanced Ceramics Research and Hydronalix. Dr. Patterson’s work is recognized in the research community with 229 Scopus citations across 26 indexed documents and an h-index of 8, reflecting the impact and relevance of his contributions to industrial research and engineering. In conclusion, Dr. Patterson’s extensive experience, pioneering research, interdisciplinary expertise, and proven leadership in industrial, defense, and environmental technologies establish him as a preeminent figure in materials science and applied engineering, demonstrating exceptional potential to drive future innovations and mentor the next generation of scientific and industrial leaders globally.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Gilde, G., Patel, P., & Patterson, M.C.L. (1999). A comparison of hot-pressing, rate-controlled sintering, and microwave sintering of magnesium aluminate spinel for optical applications. Proceedings of SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering, 3705, 1–9.

  2. Patterson, M.C.L. (1999). Final report: Advanced HfC-TaC composite rocket thrusters. NASA SBIR Phase I, Contract # NAS3-27272.

  3. Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., Roy, D., & Gilde, G. (2000). Transparent spinel revisited. Proceedings of the American Ceramic Society Conference, Cocoa Beach, 1–10.

  4. Roy, D., Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., & Gilde, G. (2000). Progress in the development of large transparent spinel plates. Proceedings of the 8th DoD Electromagnetic Windows Symposium, ASAFA, Colorado Springs, CO, 1–9.

  5. Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., Roy, D., & Gilde, G. (2000). Transparent spinel development. Proceedings of SPIE 45th International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, San Diego, CA, 1–10.

 

Qingyun Yang | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qingyun Yang | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Qingyun Yang | Zaozhuang University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qingyun Yang is a distinguished academic and researcher at the College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zaozhuang University, China, where he has served as Lecturer and Associate Professor since 2016. He earned his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and Automation from Nanjing Normal University in 2008, followed by an M.S. degree in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems in 2011 and a Ph.D. in Control Theory and Control Engineering in 2016, both from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. His professional experience is marked by a steady trajectory of excellence in teaching, research, and project leadership, especially in the fields of nonlinear systems and control, constrained control, and advanced flight control systems for near-space vehicles and UAVs. Dr. Yang’s primary research interests include robust adaptive control, prescribed performance tracking, reinforcement learning-based control strategies, fault-tolerant systems, and aerospace engineering applications. He has developed strong research skills in nonlinear dynamics modeling, control algorithm design, simulation, and experimental validation, complemented by expertise in advanced optimization, adaptive neural networks, and machine intelligence approaches. Over the years, he has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-quality SCI and EI journals such as Neurocomputing, Journal of Applied Mathematics, Control Theory and Applications, and Machines, alongside IEEE conference proceedings, demonstrating both breadth and depth in control engineering research. His notable book Robust Constrained Flight Control for Near Space Vehicles (National Defense Industry Press, 2017) further highlights his contribution to the field. Professionally, he has led several significant research projects, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth Fund) and the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, as well as a Key R&D Program of Shandong Province (2025–2028) with a major focus on industrial machine tool innovation. His recognition includes multiple project leadership roles and scholarly contributions that advance both theory and practice in engineering systems control. According to Scopus, Dr. Yang has received 142 citations, 15 documents, and an h-index of 5, reflecting his growing impact in the international research community. In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qingyun Yang is an accomplished researcher and academic whose sustained contributions to control theory, aerospace systems, and intelligent engineering mark him as an emerging leader in his field. With his strong foundation in robust adaptive methods, active involvement in funded projects, and expanding global visibility, he is well-positioned to make transformative contributions to control engineering and interdisciplinary automation research in the future.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Cai, L., Yang, Q., & Chen, M. (2016). Robust tracking control of near space vehicles with input and output saturation. Revista de la Facultad de Ingeniería, 31(3), 282–299.

Yang, Q., & Chen, M. (2013). Composite nonlinear control for near space vehicles with input saturation based on disturbance observer. In Proceedings of the 32nd Chinese Control Conference (pp. 2763–2768). IEEE.

Yang, Q., & Chen, M. (2014). Anti-windup control for near space vehicles subject to input saturation. In Proceedings of the 33rd Chinese Control Conference (pp. 3760–3765). IEEE.

Shao, S., Chen, M., & Yang, Q. (2016). Sliding mode control for a class of fractional-order nonlinear systems based on disturbance observer. In Proceedings of the 2016 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (pp. 1790–1795). IEEE.

Min, H., & Yang, Q. (2018). Study on modeling and simulation of production logistics system based on Flexsim. Academic Journal of Manufacturing Engineering, 16(2).

 

Jack Ng Kok Wah | Public Health | Best Researcher Award | 1653

Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Multimedia University Cyberjaya | Malaysia

Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah is an accomplished academic and industry professional with more than three decades of experience across healthcare, banking, education, and marketing, establishing himself as a well-rounded leader in both practice and scholarship. He earned his Ph.D. in Business in 2023 from Universiti Malaya-Wales, where his research explored psychological factors influencing health protective behavior among private healthcare consumers and the mediating role of consumer innovativeness, integrating behavioral science with health and marketing. His academic foundation also includes an MBA in Marketing from Olympia College Kuala Lumpur (2004) and a BA (Hons) in Marketing Management from Stamford College, Petaling Jaya (2001). Professionally, Dr. Jack has served as Marketing Manager in leading organizations such as Sentosa Specialist Hospital Klang, Tung Shin Hospital, Columbia Leisure Group, AmBank, and CIMB Bank, where he specialized in marketing management, digital innovation, and strategic leadership. Transitioning into academia, he is now a Senior Lecturer at Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia, where he combines industry expertise with academic rigor to guide future professionals. His research interests encompass digital marketing, consumer behavior, artificial intelligence in healthcare, marketing psychology, and the emerging role of robotics in surgery and e-health solutions. He has published in reputed Scopus- and IEEE-indexed journals, including Frontiers in Public Health, Journal of Robotic Surgery, Food Reviews International, and Journal of Cases on Information Technology, contributing to multidisciplinary areas such as AI-driven healthcare, robotic surgery, fintech, digital learning, and workplace mental health. His research skills include advanced methodologies such as structural equation modeling, digital behavioral analytics, and systematic literature reviews, paired with the ability to link theory to applied practice. He also serves as a peer reviewer for international journals, reflecting his scholarly engagement. Dr. Jack holds the PIKOM Project Leadership Certification (PLC) Associate from the National ICT Association of Malaysia and is active on platforms like Scopus, ResearcherID, and ResearchGate, which strengthen his global visibility. With 25 citations across 10 indexed documents and an h-index of 3, he demonstrates promising research impact for a scholar who entered academia after a successful professional career. In conclusion, Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah represents a unique blend of industry excellence, academic achievement, and research innovation, making him a strong candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award, as his work continues to advance knowledge while delivering meaningful societal impact.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). Revolutionizing surgery: AI and robotics for precision, risk reduction, and innovation. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), Article 47.

  2. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). The rise of robotics and AI-assisted surgery in modern healthcare. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), 311.

  3. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). AI-driven robotic surgery in oncology: Advancing precision, personalization, and patient outcomes. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), 1–11.

  4. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). Revolutionizing e-Health: The transformative role of AI-powered hybrid chatbots in healthcare solutions. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, Article 1530799.

  5. Ng, J., Wah, K., Fitriana, M., & Arumugam, T. (2023). Assumptions for structure equation modeling (SEM), normality of data distribution analysis & model fit measures. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology & Toxicology, 4(2), 1–5.

 

 

Nassim Bout | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nassim Bout | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Central Officer |  Hassan II University of Casablanca | Morocco

Mr. Nassim Bout is an accomplished adjunct professor and researcher in computer engineering, healthcare information systems, and artificial intelligence, recognized for his innovative contributions to AI-driven healthcare solutions, digital hospital services, and bioinformatics applications. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Computer Engineering) from ENSEM, Hassan II University, Casablanca (2021–2024), and a Research Master’s in Management and Modeling of Complex Information Systems from ENSIAS, Mohammed V University, Rabat (2019–2021), reflecting a strong academic foundation in both technical and management aspects of complex information systems. Professionally, he has served as Senior Central Officer at the Ministry of Interior, coordinating digital transformation and IT services, as well as Product Owner at Netopia Solutions, where he led IT ecosystem studies and consulting for healthcare institutions. He has also contributed to Afrihealth Solutions as a software engineer, implementing hospital information systems across multiple regions. His research interests include AI integration in patient-centered healthcare, enterprise architecture in oncology, bioinformatics, and healthcare digital transformation. Mr. Bout possesses advanced skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning (deep learning, NLP, computer vision), algorithms and programming (C, C++, Python, JavaScript, PHP, Django), system design and architecture (TOGAF, UML, ArchiMate), project management frameworks (Agile, SCRUM, KANBAN), database management (SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle DB), and bioinformatics tools, alongside strong communication and organizational abilities. He has an extensive publication record in reputed journals and conferences, including Discover Internet of Things, IJECE, Springer Lecture Notes, and ISDA proceedings, with citations by 1 document, 1 document, and an h-index reflecting his scholarly impact. He actively participates in professional societies as a reviewer for TELKOMNIKA, Digital Health, Cyber-physical Systems, and Network Modeling Analysis in Health Informatics and leads social inclusion initiatives through e-MOBADARA. Awards and honors include international conference recognitions and certifications in project management, scientific publishing, and bioinformatics training. In conclusion, Mr. Bout demonstrates exceptional interdisciplinary expertise, leadership, and scholarly influence, with strong potential to advance global research in AI-driven healthcare systems, mentor emerging researchers, and contribute to high-impact publications, international collaborations, and societal development through innovative healthcare technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Bout, N., Khazaz, R., Azougaghe, A., El-Hfid, M., Abik, M., & Belhadaoui, H. (2021). Implementation of the business process model and notation in the modelling of patient’s clinical workflow in oncology. International Conference on Intelligent Systems Design and Applications, 576–586. Citations: 2

  2. Bout, N., Moukhliss, G., Belhadaoui, H., Afifi, N., & Abik, M. (2025). Integrating emotional AI, IoT, and robotics for patient-centered healthcare: Challenges and future directions. Discover Internet of Things, 5(75), 18. Citations: 1

  3. Bout, N., Azougaghe, A., Belhadaoui, H., El-Hfid, M., & Khazaz, R. (2022). Business process model and notation implemented in the hospital, any use? Case of the patient clinical workflow. Journal of Network and Innovative Computing, 10, 8–8. Citations: 1

  4. Bout, N., Ouzayd, F., & Retmi, K. (2025). Erratum for Role of Hospital Digital Services in Improvement of Clinical Regime of Patients [Health Tech Asmnt Act. 2021; 5(1)]. Health Technology Assessment in Action.

  5. Bout, N., Belhadaoui, H., Afifi, N., Abik, M., El-Hfid, M., & Azougaghe, A. (2025). Towards a standardized enterprise architecture: Enhancing decision-making in oncology multidisciplinary team meetings. International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE), 15(2), 2224–2236.

 

Zhihui Zhao | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhihui Zhao | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Student | Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Nursing | China

Dr. Zhihui Zhao is a distinguished researcher in nursing and public health whose academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Zhengzhou University in 2020, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from the School of Nursing, Wuhan University, completed in 2023; during her master’s studies she served as party branch secretary of graduate students and earned high academic distinction with a GPA of around 3.71/4.00. Professionally, she has been deeply involved in multiple research projects in Wuhan, China, including longitudinal studies of infertility-related stress among women undergoing IVF-ET, predictive model development for antenatal depression and fertility intention under demographic policy change, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses of co-parenting effects on breastfeeding, as well as implementation evaluation of clinical practice guidelines and team-cooperation training in hospitals. Her research interests lie in maternal and child health, psychosocial stressors in infertile or expectant populations, guideline implementation, mental health in perinatal and undergraduate populations, and breastfeeding promotion within ecological and social systems. She has developed skills in statistical modelling, clinical prediction modeling, meta-analysis (RevMan), use of software tools like SPSS, Weka, Mplus, qualitative and quantitative mixed-methods designs, evidence-based practice, and guideline evaluation. Among her awards and honours are multiple first-prize excellent academic scholarships at both Wuhan and Zhengzhou Universities, recognition as excellent student leader, university-level honours for social practice, and competition prizes including in Cochrane China evidence translation. She also holds a utility model patent (Patent No. ZL 2019 2 1461667.6) and serves as a reviewer for Frontiers in Psychiatry. In terms of citation metrics: according to ResearchGate and other public sources, her published works affiliated with Wuhan University have accumulated dozens of citations (for example, her systematic review on co-parenting and breastfeeding has been cited ≈ 12 times, and individual meta-analysis & survey works registered in BMC Medical Education and Nutrients have significant visibility); although a precise Scopus h-index for Dr. Zhi-Hui Zhao is not publicly confirmed in the sources accessed, the available document counts are in the range of 8-12 indexed works with her as first or co-author, with citation counts roughly in the tens across those documents. Through her strong publication record, leadership roles, and research skills, Dr. Zhao has established herself as an emerging leader in her field, with significant capacity for future high-impact work in maternal health, psychosocial interventions, and evidence-based guideline implementation.

Profile: ORCID 

Featured Publications

1. Zhao, Z., Qu, F., Wu, R., Wei, X., Song, X., Wu, C., Wang, J., Hua, W., & Zhu, D. (2025). The longitudinal influence of parent–grandparent coparenting relationships on preschoolers’ eating behaviors in Chinese urban families: The mediating roles of caregivers’ feeding behaviors. Nutrients, 17(18), 2961.

2. Zhao, Z., et al. (2022). Perceived social support and professional identity in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic era: The mediating effects of self-efficacy and the moderating role of anxiety. BMC Medical Education. Citations: ~35

3. Zhao, Z., et al. (2022). Co-parenting and breastfeeding effects: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Breastfeeding Medicine. Citations: ~12

4. [Lead author], [others], & Zhao, Z. (2023). Attitudes and knowledge of palliative care of Chinese undergraduate nursing students: A multi-center cross-sectional study. Nurse Education Today. Citations: ~10

5. Jin, Y.-H., Zhao, Z., Huang, C., et al. (2022). Development and validation evaluation of the implementation evaluation tools of clinical practice guidelines. The Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 22(1), 111-119.Citations: ~5

 

 

Jiatao Ding | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiatao Ding | Robotics and Automation | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher | University of Trento | Italy

Dr. Jiatao Ding is an accomplished robotics researcher whose work focuses on optimal control, robot learning, and legged robotics, with a strong record of international collaborations and impactful scientific contributions. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wuhan University in 2014 (Cum Laude), followed by a Doctorate in Mechatronics Engineering from Wuhan University in 2020, during which he also served as a Ph.D. Fellow at the Italian Institute of Technology (2018–2020), gaining valuable international exposure. Professionally, Dr. Ding has held prestigious research appointments including Research Assistant Scientist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (2020–2022), Postdoctoral Researcher at Delft University of Technology (2022–2025), and currently, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Trento, Italy (2025–present). His research interests lie in humanoid and quadruped locomotion, reinforcement learning, and bio-inspired robotic control, where he has actively contributed to major EU H2020 projects such as Inverse, Nature Intelligence, and CogIMon, along with NSFC-funded projects in China. Dr. Ding’s research skills span advanced reinforcement learning, trajectory optimization, hierarchical and model predictive control, and adaptive locomotion strategies, which have enabled breakthroughs in versatile bipedal and quadrupedal robotic systems. His scholarly output is extensive, with publications in flagship robotics venues such as IEEE ICRA, IROS, IEEE Transactions on Robotics, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, and Advanced Robotics, reflecting both quality and global reach. He has served the academic community as a reviewer for leading journals and conferences, session chair at AIM 2025, associate editor at UR 2025, and guest editor for special issues in reputed journals, demonstrating leadership and commitment to advancing robotics research. His awards and honors include invited talks, editorial board appointments, and recognition through collaborative project leadership across Europe and Asia. According to Scopus, Dr. Ding has achieved 262 citations across 241 documents with an h-index of 11, underscoring both productivity and research impact. In conclusion, Dr. Jiatao Ding exemplifies an emerging global leader in robotics whose academic excellence, technical expertise, and dedication to collaborative research position him strongly for future innovations in intelligent robotic systems, making him a deserving candidate for international recognition.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Atanassov, V., Ding, J., Kober, J., Havoutis, I., & Della Santina, C. (2024). Curriculum-based reinforcement learning for quadrupedal jumping: A reference-free design. IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, 32(2), 35–48. Citations: 24

Ding, J., Han, L., Ge, L., Liu, Y., & Pang, J. (2022). Robust locomotion exploiting multiple balance strategies: An observer-based cascaded model predictive control approach. IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, 27(4), 2089–2097. Citations: 24

Ding, J., Wang, Y., Yang, M., & Xiao, X. (2018). Walking stabilization control for humanoid robots on unknown slope based on walking sequences adjustment. Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 90(3), 323–338. Citations: 16

Ding, J., Zhou, C., Xin, S., Xiao, X., & Tsagarakis, N. G. (2021). Nonlinear model predictive control for robust bipedal locomotion: Exploring angular momentum and CoM height changes. Advanced Robotics, 35(18), 1079–1097. Citations: 26*

Ding, J., Atanassov, V., Panichi, E., Kober, J., & Della Santina, C. (2024). Robust quadrupedal jumping with impact-aware landing: Exploiting parallel elasticity. IEEE Transactions on Robotics, 40(1), 3212–3231. Citations: 13

Huiyi Xia | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiyi Xia | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University | China

Dr. Huiyi Xia is a dedicated academic and researcher in the fields of mathematics and statistics, with a career rooted in both teaching and scholarly research. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Anhui University, China, in 1992, and later continued at the same institution to earn a Master of Science degree in Mathematics in 2006. Pursuing advanced research, she completed her Ph.D. in Statistics and Management at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 2016, where she developed a strong foundation in statistical modeling, data analysis, and applied mathematics. Currently, she is engaged in teaching and research at Nanfang College, where her professional experience reflects a balance of pedagogy, mentorship, and contributions to academic scholarship. Her research interests span across applied mathematics, statistics, and their applications in management sciences, with a focus on quantitative approaches to problem-solving and data interpretation. Over the years, Dr. Xia has cultivated valuable research skills, including statistical modeling, data-driven analysis, mathematical computation, and academic writing, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to both theoretical and applied dimensions of her discipline. She has also demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively on research projects, contributing to knowledge development and student training. Though at an early stage of her international academic recognition, her work has been published in peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals, with her efforts contributing to global academic discourse in mathematics and statistics. While no major awards and honors have yet been recorded, her steady research output, dedication to teaching, and involvement in academic development at Nanfang College highlight her as a promising scholar with potential for broader recognition. In conclusion, Dr. Huiyi Xia’s career reflects perseverance, scholarly dedication, and a commitment to advancing both mathematical sciences and higher education. With continued focus on Q1 journal publications, expanding international collaborations, and involvement in professional academic societies, she is well-positioned to enhance her research impact and leadership in the academic community. Scopus record: 2 citations by 2 documents, 4 total documents, and an h-index of 1.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publication

  • Xia, H., Xu, J., & Wen, D. (2025). The impact of large models’ success on data modeling. In Proceedings of the 2025 International Conference on Digital Economy and Information Systems (DEIS). ACM