Gnana Sanga Mithra S | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gnana Sanga Mithra S | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation | India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Gnana Sanga Mithra S began her academic journey with a deep interest in sociology, completing her foundational studies in the discipline and quickly emerging as a standout student. Her pursuit of higher education was marked by consistent excellence, securing awards and recognition for her academic achievements. During her postgraduate studies in sociology, she actively engaged in student leadership and union activities, demonstrating both intellectual curiosity and leadership qualities. Her doctoral research explored the lived realities of transwomen and transmen, reflecting her commitment to understanding and addressing issues faced by marginalized communities. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her lifelong dedication to social sciences and inclusive research.

Professional Endeavors

Her professional journey reflects a steady rise through academia, beginning with roles in esteemed institutions where she nurtured young minds in sociology. Over the years, she has held significant positions in renowned colleges and universities, combining teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. She has served in multiple academic institutions, contributing to both classroom pedagogy and institutional development. Currently, she holds the positions of Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, as well as serving as a post-doctoral supervisor at an international university. These roles highlight her stature as an educator, mentor, and academic leader.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mithra’s research is characterized by its intersectional and socially conscious focus, particularly on gender studies, LGBTQ+ rights, and the empowerment of transgender communities. She has undertaken and led numerous projects addressing crucial issues such as menstrual hygiene, climate change impact on marginalized groups, government welfare schemes for transgender individuals, and traditional health practices among indigenous tribes. Her work bridges the gap between academic inquiry and social advocacy, ensuring that her research outcomes contribute meaningfully to both knowledge and community development. Through publications, patents, and policy-focused studies, she has consistently demonstrated an innovative and impactful research trajectory.

Accolades and Recognition

Her career has been marked by numerous awards and honors that celebrate her academic excellence, research innovation, and leadership. She has been recognized internationally with awards such as Best Paper Presenter distinctions, commendations as a budding researcher, and accolades for her role as an educational leader. Her early recognition as a Star Performer during her student days and her later achievement of the prestigious Raman Research Award for outstanding publication underscore her lifelong commitment to excellence. These honors reflect not only her scholarly contributions but also her dedication to advancing social sciences on a global platform.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Mithra’s influence extends far beyond her classrooms and research projects. She has contributed to creating inclusive academic spaces, mentoring students in critical social thinking, and inspiring them to engage with pressing societal issues. Her research on transgender rights and marginalized communities has informed debates in policy, academia, and civil society, influencing perspectives and promoting social justice. By serving as a reviewer, editorial board member, and subject matter expert for leading journals and institutions, she has also shaped the global discourse in sociology and interdisciplinary research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Her growing body of scholarly work, including books, edited volumes, and numerous journal articles, ensures her lasting contribution to the academic community. She continues to spearhead projects that address contemporary social issues, such as digital misinformation, AI’s role in healthcare, and the evolving dynamics of human rights. With upcoming publications and ongoing research on climate change and transgender communities, her legacy is one of a visionary scholar who bridges theory with practice. Her commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and awareness positions her as a leading voice for the future of social sciences and policy advocacy.

Publications


Article: Forgotten Lives: A Mixed-Methods Study on Cognitive Decline Associated with Discrimination Among Elderly Transgender Individuals in India
Authors: S. Gnana Sanga Mithra; S. Bhavana
Journal: Social Science & Medicine
Year: 2025


Book Chapter: Inclusive Workforce Empowerment: Mapping Tamilnadu’s Welfare Initiative With the Transgender Community
Authors: Gnana Sanga Mithra, S.; Suriya, S.
Book: Organization, Purpose and Values: Integrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Year: 2024


Article: Enhancing Well-Being: Menstrual Sanitation Practices Amongst Rural Adolescent Girls in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Pema Choden Bhutia; Gnana Sanga Mithra S.; Suriya S.
Journal: Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental
Year: 2024


Article: Unraveling the factors shaping academic success: A structural equation modeling approach for college students
Authors: Wenwen Cao; S. Gnana Sanga Mithra; Aravind B R
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2024


Article: Digital Humanities and Game Ethics: Investigating the Impact of Representation in Gaming
Authors: Edhaya Chandran E; Gnana Sanga Mithra S.
Journal: Studies in Media and Communication
Year: 2023


Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gnana Sanga Mithra S stands as a distinguished educator, researcher, and advocate whose career embodies the integration of academic rigor with social responsibility. From her early academic pursuits to her current leadership roles, she has remained steadfast in her mission to empower marginalized communities and expand the horizons of social sciences. Her contributions resonate in both scholarly circles and wider society, leaving a meaningful impact that will continue to inspire future generations. With her dedication to interdisciplinary research and inclusive advocacy, she has carved a legacy of scholarship rooted in compassion, equity, and transformative change.

Daniela Tarantino | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Daniela Tarantino | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Genoa | Italy

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Daniela Tarantino began her academic journey with a Law degree in 2000, laying a solid foundation for her future in legal and religious studies. She pursued her Ph.D. at the University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, where her scholarly inclinations toward canon law and comparative religious studies began to take shape. Her passion for bridging the gap between legal systems and religious norms was evident from the outset of her academic career.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Currently an Associate Professor of Comparative Religious Law at the University of Genoa's Department of Political and International Sciences, Prof. Tarantino also serves as the Director of the Observatory on Religious and Migration Phenomena. In 2023, she earned the national qualification of Full Professor, a testament to her academic excellence and leadership. She also contributes to doctoral education through her role on the Teaching Board of the National Interest Doctorate in European Studies and leads critical seminars on civic training and anti-discrimination under the UNIGE Citizenship initiative.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Tarantino's scholarly work interweaves legal, religious, anthropological, and sociological analysis. Her research highlights the intersection of law and religion, with a keen interest in canonical law, the preservation of sacred art, and its role in peace-building and interreligious dialogue. She actively investigates how migration shapes religious expression and legal norms, contributing rich insights into contemporary governance and multicultural integration. Her leadership in projects like PRIN 2022 and ProCEDI reflect her systemic and interdisciplinary approach to societal transformation.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Tarantino's scholarly excellence has earned her a place on multiple esteemed editorial and scientific boards. She is a respected member of the Cátedra Internacional Conjunta Inocencio III, the editorial board of Ephemerides Iuris Canonici, and DiRSoM’s scientific committee. Her national and international collaborations, including Erasmus and visiting roles in cities like Seville, Frankfurt, Oxford, and Coimbra, underscore her global academic footprint. In 2024, she became a member of EUARE and the Italian section of the Ibero-American Institute of Constitutional Law, further cementing her influence in European religious and legal scholarship.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Tarantino has played a crucial role in shaping narratives around religious identity, migration, and legal pluralism. Her research—such as exploring post-COVID Church perspectives on migration or the symbolic significance of water in pastoral care—demonstrates a unique ability to address pressing global issues with intellectual rigor and moral clarity. She actively participates in influential conferences across Europe, fostering dialogue on minority rights, religious freedom, and inclusive citizenship.

🕊️ Legacy and Future Contributions

Through her pioneering work in comparative religious law and migration studies, Prof. Daniela Tarantino is shaping the future of intercultural legal discourse. Her leadership of international research groups, commitment to student development, and continuous publication of impactful work ensure that her contributions will resonate in academic, legal, and interfaith communities for years to come. As she continues her trajectory toward full professorship and deeper EU-level engagement, her legacy is one of scholarship in service of justice, dialogue, and cultural preservation.

Publications


  • 📄 The Challenges of Canon Law in the Church of the Third Millennium: Reflections on His “Sociality” from the Italian Doctrine
    Author: Daniela Tarantino
    Journal: Religions, Vol. 16, Issue 4, Article 510
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 Via Pulchritudinis. La tutela dell’arte sacra nella storia della Chiesa come cammino di evangelizzazione delle culture
    Author: Daniela Tarantino
    Journal: Ephemerides Iuris Canonici, Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 435–448
    Year: 2024


  • 📄 “Migrating or Staying”. The Church’s Magisterium on the Migration Phenomenon in the Post-Covid Era for an “Inclusive” Citizenship
    Author: Daniela Tarantino
    Book: Unwanted People and Desired Citizens: Contemporary Attitudes, Challenges and Perceptions
    Publisher: Dom Wydawniczy ELIPSA
    Year: 2024


  • 📄 The Dicastery for Communication in the synodal path of the “outgoing Church”
    Author: Daniela Tarantino
    Journal: NomoK@non
    Year: 2024


  • 📄 “Aqua fons vitae”. The Church’s contribution to the narration of water as a symbol and resource between pastoral care and law
    Authors: M. Spotorno & D. Tarantino (eds.)
    Book: Water Resource and Environmental Sustainability
    Publisher: PM Edizioni, Varazze (SV)
    Year: 2023


 

Fung Kuen Koo | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fung Kuen Koo | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Western Sydney University | Australia

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Fung Kuen Koo’s academic journey is marked by distinguished qualifications in health and education. She earned her Ph.D. in 2005 from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Education & Social Work, presenting a thesis on the health beliefs and behaviors of older Hong Kong Chinese people in Australia. Prior to this, she completed a Master of Education in Health Education at the same institution in 1999, investigating barriers to health promotion participation among older Chinese-speaking individuals in New South Wales. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Wollongong (1997), a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing from the University of Western Sydney (1995), and a Diploma of General Nursing from Caritas Medical Centre in Hong Kong (1993).

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Koo’s professional career is extensive and impactful. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus since July 2022. Before this, she held various significant positions, including Senior Lecturer/Lead for Pre-Registration Master in Nursing at Charles Darwin University, and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. Her earlier roles include Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Clinical Instructor at the University of Hong Kong, and Registered Nurse at multiple prestigious institutions including Royal North Shore Hospital and Mater Hospital in Sydney.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Koo’s research contributions are vast and varied. Her work spans several critical areas, including preventive health, health education, and the integration of cultural perspectives into healthcare. Notable projects include the development of community cancer screening programs for Chinese-Australian women and studies on the willingness of young adults to provide dementia care. Her research on cultural influences and vitamin D status among South East Asian women highlights her commitment to addressing health disparities through culturally informed interventions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Koo’s excellence in research and education has been recognized through various grants and awards. She has received funding from esteemed organizations like the Australian Association of Gerontology, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and the Cancer Institute NSW. Her projects have been pivotal in advancing community health initiatives and educational programs, earning her a reputable position in the field of health education.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Koo’s impact on the field of nursing and health education is profound. Her work has influenced health promotion practices, particularly among Chinese-speaking communities in Australia. Through her innovative research and dedicated teaching, she has shaped the perspectives of countless students and healthcare professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of culturally competent care.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Koo’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and cultural sensitivity in healthcare. She continues to inspire future generations of nurses and educators with her pioneering research and commitment to community health. Her ongoing projects and future endeavors promise to further enhance the integration of cultural perspectives into health education and practice, ensuring her lasting influence on the field.

 

Publications 🖋️ 


📝Evaluating pre-and post-oral health literacy of undergraduate nursing students on an oral-systemic health learning intervention
Authors: Fung Kuen Koo BHS(Nsg), MPH, MEd, PhD, Rebecca Chen BOH, MIntPH, Judith Fethney BA (Hons), BTeach, Jay Balante BSN, MAN (Adult Health Nsg), GradCertClinEd, MACN, Grace Wong RDT, BHM, BTrngDev, MHlthProm, GradCert, HPEd, PhD
Journal: Journal of Dental Education
Year: 2024


📝Nursing students' experiences of using flipcharts as a learning tool during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Balante, J., Candelaria, D., Perez, D., Koo, F.
Journal: Nurse Education Today
Year: 2023


📝A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative literature on health professionals' experiences communicating with Chinese immigrants
Authors: Li, J., Lowres, N., Koo, F.K., Gallagher, R.
Journal: International Journal of Nursing Practice
Year: 2021


📝Assessing oral health literacy of university nursing students: A cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Wong, G., Koo, T.F., Fethney, J., Chen, R.
Journal: Nurse Education in Practice
Year: 2021


📝Understanding Prevention and Management of Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese Immigrants and Their Family Carers: A Socioecological Approach
Authors: Jin, K., Neubeck, L., Koo, F., Ding, D., Gullick, J.
Journal: Journal of Transcultural Nursing
Year: 2020


 

Faiza Mazhar Alvi | Arts and Humanities | Literary Diversity and Inclusion Award

Mrs. Faiza Mazhar Alvi | Arts and Humanities | Literary Diversity and Inclusion Award

Federal Directorate of Education Islamabad | Pakistan

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Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Faiza Mazhar Alvi's academic journey is marked by a deep engagement with literature and psychology. Her foundational studies in Pre-Medical during 2012-2014 at Federal Board & Punjab College for Women's Sargodha were followed by an impressive Matriculation with a 79% score in 2010-2012 at Federal Board & Allama Iqbal Grammar School Farooq Colony. Subsequently, she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Urdu Literature at the University of Sargodha, achieving a notable CGPA of 3.85/4.00. Her academic pursuits culminated in an MPhil in Urdu Literature from the National University of Modern Languages, where she excelled with a CGPA of 3.97/4.00.

Professional Endeavors

Mrs. Faiza Mazhar Alvi has made significant contributions to the education sector under the Arts and Humanities domain. From November 2020 to December 2021, she served as an Instructor (Urdu) in the Punjab Agriculture Department, attaining the esteemed rank of BS-17. Currently, she holds the position of Lecturer (Urdu BS-17) at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Trainings, Islamabad.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mrs. Alvi's research endeavors showcase her commitment to literary and psychological exploration. She has authored several research papers, delving into diverse topics such as abstractionism, surrealism, and thematic analysis of Manto's short story 'Ullu Ka Patha.' Her research contributions have been published in esteemed journals, including Webology (Iran), PalArch’s Journal of Archeology (Egypt), and the Journal of Excellence in Social Sciences (Pakistan).

Accolades and Recognition

Mrs. Faiza Mazhar Alvi's academic prowess was acknowledged with the Honors Distinction in 2018, where she received a Gold Medal for securing the First Position in B.S (Hons.) Urdu. Her intellectual achievements also extended to being recognized as a PPSC Topper in 2020.

Impact and Influence

With her expertise in teaching, paper attempting, literature introduction, and human motivation, Mrs. Alvi has made a positive impact on her students. Her research contributions contribute to the intellectual discourse in literary and psychological domains.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Mrs. Faiza Mazhar Alvi's legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to Urdu literature, psychology, and education. Her interests and skills encompass teaching, research, Urdu article writing, creative writing, and critical analysis, positioning her as a versatile and influential figure in academia.

Notable Publications

Neo-Historic Study of Qurat-ul-ain Haider’s Novel "Akhir-e-Shab kay Humsafar" 2023

A Thematic Analysis of Manto's Short Story 'Ullu ka Patha': Exploring the Sublime Message 2023

SURREALISM: TECHNIQUES, LITERARY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BACKGROUND (IN THE CONTEXT OF WESTERN AND URDU LITERARY CRITICISM) 2023

Western and Eastern Perspectives of Feminism 2022

Literary And Psychological Background And Techniques Of Abstractionism (In The Context Of Western And Urdu Literary Criticism) 2022