Minghui Quan | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Minghui Quan | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai University of Sport | China

Prof. Minghui Quan is a distinguished scholar in Exercise and Sports Science, widely recognized for his research on physical activity and health outcomes across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and older adults. His expertise spans exercise interventions for ADHD, obesity, cognitive decline, and chronic disease prevention, as well as advanced methodologies such as accelerometer-based assessments, meta-analyses, and longitudinal cohort studies. Over his career, he has authored 42 scholarly documents that have collectively garnered 1,313 citations from 1,234 sources, reflecting a strong academic influence with an h-index of 19. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, including Journal of Sport and Health Science, Pediatrics, BMJ Open, and J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, advancing evidence-based practices in public health and clinical exercise science. Prof. Quan has successfully led numerous national and provincial-level research projects, securing competitive funding and producing impactful findings that link exercise to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits. His academic leadership is complemented by multiple teaching and research awards, underscoring his contributions to both scholarship and pedagogy. Through his innovative work, Prof. Quan continues to shape the integration of exercise science into preventive health strategies, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of human well-being.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Cao, M., Quan, M., & Zhuang, J. (2019). Effect of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(9), 1533. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16091533

Fang, C., Li, L., Jin, Z., He, C., Liang, F., Ye, X., Lu, Y., & Quan, M. (2025). Accelerometer based independent and combined associations of physical activity and sedentary time on physical fitness in preschool children: A cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 26691.

Gao, Z., Pope, Z. C., Lee, J. E., & Quan, M. (2019). Effects of active video games on children’s psychosocial beliefs and school day energy expenditure. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(9), 1268. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8091268

Huang, H., Bian, Z., He, C., Guo, S., Zhang, Y., Jin, X., & Quan, M. (2025). Effects of exercise intervention in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: The mediating role of executive function. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 35(5), e70070.

Quan, M., Pope, Z., & Gao, Z. (2018). Examining young children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviors in an exergaming program using accelerometry. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7(10), 302. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7100302

Quan, M., Xun, P., Wang, R., He, K., & Chen, P. (2019). Are preschool children active enough in Shanghai: An accelerometer-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 9(4), e024090. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024090

Quan, M., Zhao, G., Zou, L., Loprinzi, P. D., & Huang, T. (2019). Effects of open versus closed skill exercise on cognitive function: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1707. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01707

Su, L., Fu, J., Sun, S., Zhao, G., Cheng, W., Dou, C., & Quan, M. (2019). Effects of HIIT and MICT on cardiovascular risk factors in adults with overweight and/or obesity: A meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 14(1), e0210644. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210644

Su, Y., Wang, J., & Quan, M. (2019). Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise training on pulmonary arterial hypertension. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 59(9), 1584–1592. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.18.09204-6

Zhang, L., Quan, M., & Cao, Z. (2019). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on upper and lower limb muscle strength and muscle power in athletes: A meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 14(4), e0215826. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215826

Margarita Kilili-Lesta | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Margarita Kilili-Lesta | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

European University Cyprus | Cyprus

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Margarita Kilili-Lesta's academic journey began at The Grammar School in Nicosia, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to health sciences. Her pursuit of higher education took her from Cyprus College to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, where she double-majored in Communicative Disorders and Psychology with academic distinction, supported by a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. She advanced her specialization with a Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology at San Diego State University, excelling in bilingual research and clinical application. Her scholarly path culminated in a Ph.D. in Public Health from European University Cyprus, where she undertook a nationally recognized study on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

With over two decades of professional experience across the U.S. and Cyprus, Dr. Kilili-Lesta has worked in both academic and clinical capacities. From being a Speech-Language Pathologist in San Diego to teaching Speech-Language Therapy at EUC, she has been a dynamic contributor in multiple roles—educator, clinical supervisor, researcher, and public health advocate. Her contributions at institutions like the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth and AKTIdA Autism Support Centre underscore her commitment to inclusive education and community care.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kilili-Lesta’s research bridges the critical intersection of speech-language pathology, public health, and autism. Her doctoral work led to the development of a parent-report tool for identifying minimally verbal children with ASD—a pioneering initiative for Cyprus. Her scholarly output includes studies on gesture-based early prediction, language development in ASD, and the efficacy of augmentative communication systems. Additionally, she has actively explored the benefits of telepractice, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming therapy delivery and education.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Her excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and scholarships, including the Phi Beta Delta Scholarship, SDSU Memorial Scholarships, and the CASP Fulbright Grant. She has also served in leadership roles, such as Secretary of the Special Education Committee of Nicosia District, representing speech-language pathologists at the ministry level.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Kilili-Lesta’s influence spans multiple sectors: she trains future therapists, guides families of children with autism, and shapes national screening and intervention tools. Through her affiliation with international associations like ASHA and IALP, and her contribution to the iCommunicate Research Center, her work resonates globally. Her initiatives in telepractice and digital learning have set new standards for accessibility in therapy and education.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a growing list of high-impact publications and ongoing collaboration in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, Dr. Kilili-Lesta is paving the way for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and evidence-based interventions in ASD. Her future endeavors aim to further refine early screening tools, develop inclusive therapy protocols, and promote culturally relevant research methodologies. Her legacy is not only one of academic rigor but also of compassionate service to marginalized populations.

Publications

  • 📄 The Childhood Prevalence, Gender Ratio, and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Cyprus Using School Report: A Cross-Sectional Study
    Authors: Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Konstantinos Giannakou, Louiza Voniati
    Journal: Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
    Year: 2025

  • 📄 Early Development Score as a Prognostic Factor in Nonverbal/Minimally Verbal Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Matched Case-Control Study in Cyprus
    Authors: Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Konstantinos Giannakou, Louiza Voniati
    Journal: Autism & Developmental Language Impairments
    Year: 2024

  • 📄 The Communication Patterns Between Speech–Language Therapists and Parents/Guardians of Children with Developmental Language Disorders in Private Speech–Language Therapy in Cyprus
    Authors: Louiza Voniati, Spyros Armostis, Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Dionysios Tafiadis, Konstantinos Giannakou
    Journal: Languages
    Year: 2023

  • 📄 Early Gesture as a Predictor of Later Language Outcome for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Literature Review
    Authors: Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Louiza Voniati, Konstantinos Giannakou
    Journal: Current Developmental Disorders Reports
    Year: 2022

  • 📄 Speech-Language Therapy Clinical Services, Student Education, and Practical Training in the Time of COVID-19: The Rise of Telepractice, Telesupervision, and Distance Learning in Cyprus
    Author: Margarita Kilili-Lesta
    Journal: Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups
    Year: 2021

 

Valeria Cavioni | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Valeria Cavioni | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Universitas Mercatorum, Rome | Italy

Author Profile

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Valeria Cavioni’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in psychological sciences at the University of Pavia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in 2004 and a Master’s degree in 2008. Her early research, such as socio-emotional education in preschool settings, set the stage for her lifelong commitment to developmental psychology. She later achieved a Ph.D. in Psychology in 2013, focusing on the short and long-term effects of social-emotional learning programs. Her dedication to academic excellence continued with advanced certifications from globally renowned institutions like Arizona State University and the University of Pennsylvania.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

With a career spanning over a decade, Prof. Cavioni has held key academic and research positions. As an associate professor at Universitas Mercatorum and adjunct professor at the University of Pavia, she has significantly influenced the field of developmental and educational psychology. She has also contributed to numerous European projects, such as “Teaching to Be” and “PROMEHS,” promoting mental health and social-emotional learning in schools. Her collaboration with international institutions like SUPSI further emphasizes her global impact.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Cavioni has made substantial contributions to social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health interventions. Her research spans the evaluation of SEL programs, resilience-building strategies, and evidence-based mental health interventions in educational settings. Notably, she managed projects like "Learning2Be," which assessed SEL competencies in schools, and contributed to the groundbreaking "EVERMIND" project on cognitive and emotional well-being.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Cavioni’s dedication has been recognized through numerous accolades and opportunities. Her post-graduate specialization in psychotherapy and certifications in resilience and positive psychology reflect her relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her international collaborations and active participation in European projects demonstrate her standing as a respected expert in her field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Cavioni’s work has profoundly influenced how educational systems integrate social-emotional learning and mental health practices. Her initiatives have helped shape policies and programs that prioritize students' emotional and psychological well-being. Through teaching, mentorship, and research, she has inspired countless students and professionals to adopt innovative approaches to education and mental health.

✨ Legacy and Future Contributions

As a scholar, educator, and innovator, Prof. Cavioni’s legacy lies in her ability to bridge research and practice. Her work continues to redefine the role of social-emotional learning in modern education. Looking forward, her ongoing projects and collaborations promise to bring transformative changes to psychological practices and educational systems worldwide.

 

Publications

  • 📄Psychological and Educational Challenges of Immigrant Adolescents in Italy: Exploring Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Student–Teacher Relationship, and Academic Disparities
    • Author(s): Cavioni, V., Conte, E., Ornaghi, V.
    • Journal: Adolescents
    • Year: 2024
  • 📄Exploring Pre-service Special Education Teachers' Self-Perceptions in Addressing Students' Academic, Social, and Emotional Needs
    • Author(s): Cavioni, V., Toto, G.A.
    • Book Chapter: Nurturing the Wellbeing of Students in Difficulty: The Legacy of Paul Cooper
    • Year: 2024
  • 📄Measurement Invariance of Children's SEL Competencies: An Examination of the SSIS SEL Brief Scales with a Multi-Informant Sample from Six Countries
    • Author(s): Anthony, C.J., Lei, P.-W., Elliott, S.N., Simões, C., Colomeischi, A.A.
    • Journal: European Journal of Psychological Assessment
    • Year: 2024
  • 📄Measuring Social and Emotional Learning Skills of Preschool Children in Croatia: Initial Validation of the SSIS SEL Brief Scales
    • Author(s): Vorkapić, S.T., Anthony, C.J., Elliott, S.N., Grazzani, I., Cavioni, V.
    • Journal: International Journal of Emotional Education
    • Year: 2024
  • 📄Bridging the SEL CASEL Framework with European Educational Policies and Assessment Approaches
    • Author(s): Cavioni, V., Broli, L., Grazzani, I.
    • Journal: International Journal of Emotional Education
    • Year: 2024

 

GÖZDE TOMRİS | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. GÖZDE TOMRİS | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Eskisehir Osmangazi University | Turkey

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Gözde Tomris began her academic career at Hacettepe University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences. Her early academic interests focused on the intersection of health and education, particularly in the context of special education. She continued her studies at Anadolu University, obtaining both a Master’s and a Doctoral degree in Educational Sciences. Her theses were centered on early intervention programs and the prevention of problem behaviors in children, specifically those with Down syndrome.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Tomris's professional journey has been marked by her dedication to special education. She has served as a Research Assistant at Anadolu University and Eskisehir Osmangazi University, where she contributed to various research projects and initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for children with mental disabilities. In 2020, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Eskisehir Osmangazi University, where she continues to work in the Department of Education for the Mentally Disabled.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Tomris's research primarily focuses on the development and implementation of educational interventions for children with special needs. Her work includes the design and evaluation of programs that support children with Down syndrome and other mental disabilities. She has published several short communications in educational journals, discussing topics such as child development monitoring and self-care skills for individuals with Down syndrome. Additionally, she has served as an editor for various academic publications, contributing to the field's body of knowledge.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Tomris has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to special education. These include the Barrier-Free Informatics Education Award from the Türkiye Barrier-Free Informatics Platform in 2018 and multiple performance incentive certificates from Anadolu University. Her achievements reflect her commitment to excellence in both research and teaching.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Tomris has had a significant impact on the field of special education through her research, teaching, and editorial work. Her studies on early intervention programs and problem behavior prevention have informed best practices and contributed to the development of effective educational strategies for children with special needs. Her role as an educator has also allowed her to influence the next generation of special education professionals.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Tomris's ongoing work continues to shape the field of special education. Her commitment to research and her dedication to improving educational outcomes for children with mental disabilities ensure that her contributions will have a lasting impact. Future projects and research initiatives are expected to further advance understanding and practices in special education, building on her legacy of innovation and excellence.

Notable Publications

A chain of interlocking rings”: Preschool teachers’ experiences regarding home-school collaboration with a focus on children with special needs and their parents in inclusive education 2024

Views of Parents of Children With Down Syndrome on Early Intervention Services in Turkey: Problems, Expectations, and Suggestions 2022 (1)

The COVID-19 pandemic: The evaluation of the emergency remote parent training program based on at-home support for children with down syndrome 2022 (5)

Early Intervention Services for Young Children with Down Syndrome and Their Families: Recent Trends in the World and Turkey 2020 (1)

Effectiveness of Teaching Café Waitering to Adults with Intellectual Disability through Audio-Visual Technologies 2017 (18)