Award Editions

Award Editions

Salman Shahzad | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Salman Shahzad | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Xi'an Jiaotong University | China

Mr. Salman Shahzad is a distinguished legal researcher whose academic and scholarly work focuses on public-private partnerships, intellectual property law, and comparative legal systems. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Xi’an Jiaotong University, his research explores legal frameworks for public-private partnerships in emerging economies, particularly comparing Pakistan and China. He has earned recognition for his academic excellence, including awards from the New Silk Road Law School Alliance and multiple “Outstanding International Student” honors. His extensive participation in international conferences and training programs—ranging from AI law and corporate law to climate change and arbitration—reflects his interdisciplinary engagement with global legal challenges. With a strong foundation in intellectual property law from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law and an LLB from Abdul Wali Khan University, he has contributed significantly to discussions on copyright, patent harmonization, and digital regulation. His publications span topics such as AI liability, cyberbullying, and extradition law, featured in reputable platforms including ResearchGate and national newspapers. Mr. Shahzad’s active memberships in professional legal associations and contributions to legal education, writing, and policy discourse demonstrate his commitment to advancing legal scholarship and bridging comparative perspectives between national and international legal systems.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shahzad, S., & Wang, B. (2025, June 2). Geographical indications and sustainable development: Bridging policy gaps in Pakistan’s GI framework for socio-economic growth. Sustainability, 17(11), 5114.

Luigi Fortuna | Engineering | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. Luigi Fortuna | Engineering | Excellence in Innovation Award

Universit Di Catania | Italy

Prof. Luigi Fortuna is a distinguished researcher whose prolific contributions have significantly advanced the fields of automation, nonlinear systems, bioengineering, and control theory. Over his career, he has published 760 scientific documents, accumulating 14,687 citations and achieving an impressive h-index of 67, reflecting the depth and impact of his scholarly output. His extensive body of work spans topics such as robust control, model order reduction, nonlinear electronic circuits, bio-inspired robotics, and complex system engineering. He has co-authored 24 internationally recognized books, including Nonlinear Resonance from Circuits to Systems (2025) and Essentials of Automatic Control with MATLAB in 20 Lessons (2025), which have become key academic resources. A mentor to over 400 thesis projects and 60 Ph.D. students, his dedication to education and innovation is unparalleled. Prof. Fortuna’s research integrates theory and application, exemplified by his 11 industrial patents that bridge academic insight with technological innovation. His leadership roles—such as Dean of Engineering at the University of Catania and Director of the Innovation Relay Center—underscore his influence in academia and industry alike. His interdisciplinary vision continues to inspire advancements in nonlinear dynamics, intelligent systems, and quantum-inspired engineering research worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Yadav, U. K., Singh, V. P., Fortuna, L., & Sahu, U. K. (2025). SMART-based multi-point matching assisted approximation of renewable interconnected power system. IEEE Access.

Lai, Q., Liu, Y., & Fortuna, L. (2024). Dynamical analysis and fixed-time synchronization for secure communication of hidden multiscroll memristive chaotic system. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers.

Fortuna, L., & Buscarino, A. (2024). The impact of circuits and systems on the Etna Valley site [CAS Regional Report]. IEEE Circuits and Systems Magazine, 24(2), 98–100.

Bucolo, M., Buscarino, A., Famoso, C., Fortuna, L., & Frasca, M. (2019). Control of imperfect dynamical systems. Nonlinear Dynamics, 98, 2989–2999.

Buscarino, A., Corradino, C., Fortuna, L., Frasca, M., & Chua, L. O. (2016). Turing patterns in memristive cellular nonlinear networks. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers, 63(8), 1222–1230.

Buscarino, A., Gambuzza, L. V., Porfiri, M., Fortuna, L., & Frasca, M. (2013). Robustness to noise in synchronization of complex networks. Scientific Reports, 3(1), 2026.

Frasca, M., Bergner, A., Kurths, J., & Fortuna, L. (2012). Bifurcations in a star-like network of Stuart–Landau oscillators. International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 22(7), 1250173.

Fortuna, L., Frasca, M., & Xibilia, M. G. (2009). Chua’s circuit implementations: Yesterday, today and tomorrow (Vol. 65). World Scientific.

Caponetto, R., Fortuna, L., Fazzino, S., & Xibilia, M. G. (2003). Chaotic sequences to improve the performance of evolutionary algorithms. IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation, 7(3), 289–304.

Bucolo, M., Caponetto, R., Fortuna, L., Frasca, M., & Rizzo, A. (2002). Does chaos work better than noise? IEEE Circuits and Systems Magazine, 2(3), 4–19.*

Sandip Kumar Sarkar | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sandip Kumar Sarkar | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Saint Louis University | United States

Dr. Sandip Kumar Sarkar is an accomplished scholar in Information Systems, specializing in technology-mediated behavior, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and enterprise resource planning (ERP). He earned his Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of Arkansas, following dual MBAs in Enterprise Resource Planning from Lamar University and Marketing from the University of Dhaka, where he also completed his BBA. Currently serving as a faculty member at Saint Louis University, Dr. Sarkar teaches courses in business technology management, enterprise systems, and analytics. His research has been published in reputable journals such as the International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, and several papers are under review in leading outlets including Information Systems Journal and Information Systems Frontiers. His work explores critical aspects of user behavior in digital technology adoption, virtual reality learning, and ethical responses to AI-generated content. Dr. Sarkar has presented at international conferences such as ICIS, AMCIS, and NeuroIS, and actively contributes as a reviewer for major information systems conferences and journals. Recognized for academic excellence and leadership, he holds SAP certifications and continues to advance ERP education and AI-driven business technologies through his teaching, research, and service.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sarkar, S. K. (2024). How immersive experiences in digital technology influence postadoption behavior. International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 1–16.

Juan Chen | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Juan Chen | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Wuhan University of Science and Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Juan Chen is a distinguished scholar in computational mathematics and complex network dynamics, currently serving at the College of Science, Wuhan University of Science and Technology. With a Ph.D. from Wuhan University, Dr. Chen has made significant contributions to nonlinear systems, synchronization, and complex network theory. Her prolific academic record includes 33 research documents, 432 citations, and an h-index of 13, reflecting her impact in the field. Dr. Chen’s works have appeared in leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, Chaos, Solitons and Fractals, and Expert Systems with Applications. She has authored influential books, including Synchronization of Complex Dynamical Networks, and contributed chapters to Springer handbooks. As a principal investigator and key collaborator on multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, her research bridges mathematical theory and applied network science. Dr. Chen’s focus on synchronization, control, and robustness of complex networks highlights her pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary computational research. Her dedication to exploring network behavior, information processing, and system dynamics positions her as an influential figure in contemporary applied mathematics and systems engineering.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Yin, L., Chen, J., Gao, F., & Wu, X. (2025). Coevolution of opinion and consumption behavior under a two-layer network framework. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 680, 131020.

Yu, X., Tu, L., Chai, L., Wang, X., & Chen, J. (2024). Construction of implicit social network and recommendation between users and items via the ISR-RRM algorithm. Expert Systems with Applications, 235, 121229.

Chai, L., Tu, L., Yu, X., Wang, X., & Chen, J. (2023). Link prediction and its optimization based on low-rank representation of network structures. Expert Systems with Applications, 219, 119680.

Chai, L., Tu, L., Wang, X., & Chen, J. (2022). Network-energy-based predictability and link-corrected prediction in complex networks. Expert Systems with Applications, 207, 118005.

Shen, H., Tu, L., Guo, Y., & Chen, J. (2022). The influence of cross-platform and spread sources on emotional information spreading in the 2E-SIR two-layer network. Chaos, Solitons and Fractals, 165, 112801.

Chen, J., Li, X., Wu, X., & Shen, G. (2022). Prescribed-time synchronization of complex dynamical networks with and without time-varying delays. IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, 9, 4017–4027.

Zhang, P., Chen, J., Tu, L., & Yin, L. (2022). Layout evaluation of new energy vehicle charging stations: A perspective using the complex network robustness theory. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 13, 127.

Zhou, J., Chen, J., & Lu, J. (2017). On applicability of auxiliary system approach to detect generalized synchronization in complex networks. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 62(7), 3468–3473.

Chen, J., Lu, J., & Zhou, J. (2013). Topology identification of complex networks from noisy time series using ROC curve analysis. Nonlinear Dynamics, 74, 1–8.

Zhang, Q., Chen, J., & Wan, L. (2013). Impulsive generalized function synchronization of complex dynamical networks. Physics Letters A, 377, 2754–2760.

Chen, J., Lu, J., Lu, X., Wu, X., & Chen, G. (2013). Spectral coarse graining of complex clustered networks. Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 18, 3036–3045.

Jiayang Gao | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiayang Gao | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

South China Normal University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiayang Gao is an accomplished scholar in Management at the School of Economics and Management, South China Normal University, specializing in sustainability and innovation management. With an academic journey that began with a B.Sc. in Mathematics from Southeast University, followed by an M.Sc. in Computer Science at South China Normal University, and culminating in a Ph.D. in Management from Sun Yat-Sen University, Dr. Gao has built a strong interdisciplinary foundation. His academic career spans nearly two decades, serving as Lecturer from 2007 to 2025 before being appointed Associate Professor in 2025. He has further enriched his international experience as an Academic Visitor at the University of Birmingham and Loughborough University in the UK. Dr. Gao has authored 4 indexed documents with 39 citations across 39 scholarly records, achieving an h-index of 2, reflecting his growing influence in the field. His research explores mechanisms shaping emergent industries, institutional policy, and social psychology in workplace dynamics, with notable publications in Transportation Research Part D, Current Issues in Tourism, and Technological Forecasting and Social Change. He has also led and co-led several provincial and national research projects, particularly on clean energy vehicles, decent work, and digital industry transformation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

"Cold waves and electric vehicle adoption: Evidence from Chinese cities"
"Air quality and tourism orders: a quasi-experimental study"
"Forecasting the development of Clean energy vehicles in large Cities: A system dynamics perspective"
"Effects of Public Funding on the Commercial Diffusion of On-site Hydrogen Production Technology: A System Dynamics Perspective"
"Technical or Non-technical Innovation: Transformation Given Consideration to Decent Work by Small OEM Manufacturers"
"Did Industrial Upgrading Restrain Decent Work in the GPN Context: Based on Evidences from Guangdong Province"
"Study Review on FDI’s Impacts on Host Country Decent Work’s Main Index"
"State action on Online game industry and business marketing decision"
"Comparable study on Dynamic advantage among regional digital entertainment industry cluster"
"The comparison Study on online game industrial international Competitiveness between China and Korea"

 

 

Hassan Ramchoun | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hassan Ramchoun | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Moulay Ismail University | Morocco

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hassan Ramchoun’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science. Beginning with his bachelor’s studies in applied mathematics, he progressively advanced through a master’s degree in operations research and statistics, where he explored Bayesian approaches in artificial neural networks for medical imaging. His doctoral research in applied mathematics and computer science further solidified his expertise, focusing on parameter and hyper-parameter estimation in Bayesian neural networks with applications in classification and regression. These early experiences shaped his specialization in applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ramchoun has built a diverse academic career with teaching, research, and leadership responsibilities. Since joining ENCG Meknès, Moulay Ismail University, as a lecturer, he has also taught at multiple institutions including ENSAM Meknès and the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fès. His teaching portfolio covers a wide spectrum, from probability and statistics to optimization, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. His active engagement in curriculum design, supervision of students, and participation in doctoral juries reflects his deep commitment to higher education and student mentorship.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ramchoun’s research focuses on applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, and data science, with particular emphasis on Bayesian neural networks, deep learning, optimization, and statistical learning methods. He has contributed to developing new methods for training and optimizing neural networks, incorporating regularization and Bayesian inference. His work extends to multi-objective optimization for neural architectures, convolutional neural networks, and applications in big data analytics. His scholarly contributions are reflected in numerous publications in international journals and conferences, alongside editorial contributions to Springer volumes on artificial intelligence and industrial applications.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ramchoun’s academic excellence has been acknowledged through distinctions such as the CNRST excellence research scholarship and his recognition for doctoral work with high honors. His research output is regularly published in reputed international journals including Neurocomputing, Knowledge-Based Systems, Soft Computing, and Evolving Systems. His active involvement as a reviewer for leading journals and as a member of scientific committees of conferences demonstrates recognition of his expertise by the global scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Through his work, Dr. Ramchoun has significantly influenced both the academic and applied dimensions of artificial intelligence. His innovations in neural network optimization and Bayesian learning methods have advanced understanding in machine learning research, while his teaching and supervision of master’s and doctoral students have contributed to developing future generations of researchers. By bridging theoretical modeling with practical applications, his contributions have relevance not only in academia but also in applied domains such as data science, robotics, and image processing.

Legacy and Future Contributions

The legacy of Dr. Ramchoun lies in his efforts to advance the integration of applied mathematics with artificial intelligence, particularly in deep learning and Bayesian modeling. His involvement in research projects, scientific committees, and international conferences ensures that his contributions extend beyond publications to shaping the field itself. Looking forward, his continued work in optimization techniques, advanced statistical learning, and interdisciplinary applications promises to strengthen the role of artificial intelligence in addressing scientific and industrial challenges.

Publications


  • Article: Convergence of batch gradient descent with learnable smooth masks for pruning feedforward neural networks
    Authors: Quasdane, M., Ramchoun, H., Masrour, T.
    Journal: Neurocomputing
    Year: 2025


  • Article: Enhancing CNN structure and learning through NSGA-II-based multi-objective optimization
    Authors: Elghazi, Khalid, Ramchoun, Hassan, Masrour, Tawfik
    Journal: Evolving Systems
    Year: 2024


  • Article: Implicitly adaptive optimal proposal in variational inference for Bayesian learning
    Authors: Bakhouya, Mostafa, Ramchoun, Hassan, Hadda, Mohammed, et al.
    Journal: International Journal of Data Science and Analytics
    Year: 2024


  • Article: Gaussian Mixture Models for Training Bayesian Convolutional Neural Networks
    Authors: Bakhouya, M., Ramchoun, H., Hadda, M., Masrour, T.
    Journal: Evolutionary Intelligence (Springer)
    Year: 2024


  • Article: Sparse smooth group L0L1/2 regularization method for convolutional neural networks
    Authors: Quasdane, M., Ramchoun, H., Masrour, T.
    Journal: Knowledge-Based Systems
    Year: 2023


Conclusion

Dr. Hassan Ramchoun exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated academic, innovative researcher, and committed educator. His career reflects a balance of teaching excellence, impactful research, and institutional service. With strong foundations in mathematics and expertise in artificial intelligence, his contributions are shaping the evolving landscape of machine learning and data science. His recognition, publications, and leadership in academic communities confirm his standing as an influential figure whose work will continue to resonate in both research and applied domains.

Muhammad Sualeh Khattak | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Sualeh Khattak | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Hong Kong

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Muhammad Sualeh Khattak laid a strong foundation for his academic journey through dedicated studies in business and finance. Beginning with his undergraduate studies in science, he transitioned toward management and finance, completing a Master of Business Administration with distinction and earning a gold medal for his exceptional performance. His commitment to advancing knowledge led him to pursue higher studies in management sciences and finance at the International Islamic University, Islamabad, where he excelled in both his master’s and doctoral-level research. His academic path reflects a clear trajectory of intellectual growth and an early inclination toward research excellence.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Khattak’s professional journey has been marked by significant teaching and research contributions across several prestigious institutions. He has served as a lecturer and assistant professor in multiple universities in Pakistan, imparting knowledge in finance, management, and business sciences. His academic expertise further extended beyond borders when he took on a postdoctoral fellowship at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a role that underscores his international academic recognition. Through his diverse teaching experiences, he has nurtured students, guided future scholars, and contributed meaningfully to academic discourse in finance and management.

Contributions and Research Focus

At the heart of Dr. Khattak’s career lies a strong commitment to advancing research in finance and management sciences. His work spans critical areas such as corporate finance, financial management, behavioral finance, sustainable development, and intellectual capital. He has made notable contributions to understanding the dynamics between government incentives, corporate social responsibility, managerial competencies, and sustainable competitive performance. His research reflects a blend of theoretical depth and practical relevance, addressing pressing issues faced by small and medium enterprises, emerging economies, and global financial systems.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Khattak’s academic brilliance has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. He received a gold medal for securing the top position in his master’s program and was granted a fully funded indigenous scholarship for doctoral research under the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. His scholarly excellence has also earned him international research opportunities, including the IRSIP scholarship in Canada. Furthermore, his dedication to teaching has been acknowledged through awards such as the Best Teacher Award at Hamdard University. These accolades highlight both his scholarly achievements and his contributions to academia as an educator.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Khattak’s research extends across academic, professional, and policy-making domains. His publications in well-recognized journals address critical issues in finance, sustainability, and innovation, providing valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders. His teaching and mentorship have influenced countless students, equipping them with analytical skills and research capabilities to excel in the field of finance. By integrating cutting-edge tools such as SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, and AMOS in his research, he has enhanced methodological approaches in financial studies and inspired peers and students alike to adopt innovative techniques.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Khattak’s legacy is rooted in his dual role as a researcher and educator committed to building sustainable financial knowledge. His extensive publications, teaching expertise, and research collaborations have positioned him as a thought leader in finance and management sciences. Looking ahead, his ongoing postdoctoral research and future academic endeavors promise to shape innovative solutions for sustainable business practices and financial resilience in emerging economies. His career continues to evolve with a focus on integrating interdisciplinary approaches and influencing global academic discourse in finance.

Publications


  • Article: CO₂ detection using microwave metasurface-based antennas covered with carbon nanotubes

  • Authors: Alina Cismaru, Mircea Dragoman, Sergiu Iordănescu, Cosmin Obreja, Valentin Buiculescu, Hamza El Ghannudi, Cătălin Pârvulescu, Damir Mladenovic, Mihaela Carp, Oana Brâncoveanu

  • Journal: Materials Science and Engineering: B

  • Year: 2025


  • Article: Does access to domestic finance and international finance contribute to sustainable development goals? Implications for policymakers

  • Author: Muhammad Sualeh Khattak

  • Journal: Journal of Public Affairs (HEC Recognized X)

  • Year: 2019


  • Article: Probing the impact of intellectual capital on SME efficiency: the role of business model innovation

  • Authors: Muhammad Sualeh Khattak, Qianqian Wu, Muhammad Ahmad, Muhammad Anwar

  • Journal: Journal of Intellectual Capital

  • Year: 2024


  • Article: The role of managerial overconfidence in digital transformation and sustainable competitive performance in emerging SMEs: The role of digital culture

  • Authors: Muhammad Sualeh Khattak, Qianqian Wu, Muhammad Ahmad, Ibraheem Hattab

  • Journal: Business Strategy & Development

  • Year: 2024


  • Article: From cryptos to consciousness: Dynamics of return and volatility spillover between green cryptocurrencies and G7 markets

  • Authors: Saif Ali, Muhammad Naveed, Imran Yousaf, Muhammad Sualeh Khattak

  • Journal: Finance Research Letters

  • Year: 2024


Conclusion

Through his academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and influential research, Dr. Khattak exemplifies the role of a modern scholar dedicated to knowledge creation and societal progress. His work continues to bridge the gap between finance theory and practice, ensuring relevance for both academia and industry. With his ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, he stands as a beacon of scholarly leadership, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of researchers and practitioners in the field of finance.