Tara Mahfoud | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tara Mahfoud | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Essex | United Kingdom

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Tara Mahfoud’s academic foundation is rooted in an exceptional interdisciplinary trajectory. She began her journey with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology (Distinction) from the American University of Beirut, followed by an MA in Social Anthropology (Distinction) from SOAS, University of London, and culminated in a PhD in Anthropology from King’s College London. Her early focus on the human and societal aspects of science set the stage for a career that merges anthropology, sociology, and neuroscience.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Currently a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at the University of Essex, Dr. Mahfoud has held prestigious roles including Visiting Research Fellowships at Harvard University and the University of Edinburgh, and key research positions at King’s College London. Her teaching repertoire spans modules like Psychiatry and Mental Illness, The Sociological Imagination, and Politics of Medicine, reflecting a rich blend of social science and biomedical inquiry. Her roles have consistently bridged the gap between research and pedagogy with interdisciplinary clarity.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mahfoud’s research lies at the intersection of neuroscience, sociology, science and technology studies (STS), and bioethics. She has co-led multiple interdisciplinary projects that explore the societal dimensions of brain science, responsible innovation, and data ethics. Her work in the Human Brain Project, particularly in modeling and integrating neuroscience with social science, exemplifies her pioneering role in shaping the “neuro-social” interface.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Her academic excellence has been consistently recognized. She received the Best Dissertation Award in Anthropology at SOAS and a King’s College Annual Fund Studentship during her PhD. She has since secured significant research grants, including from the Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness, University of Essex, and the Independent Social Research Foundation, attesting to her leadership in collaborative and cutting-edge scholarship.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Mahfoud’s work has had a profound impact on understanding how society interacts with emerging brain technologies. Her publications in top-tier journals like New Media & Society, Science, Technology & Human Values, and Interdisciplinary Science Reviews are frequently cited, particularly in discussions around AI ethics, predictive brain models, and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). As a thought leader, she is also shaping the training of future neuroscientists and sociologists through transdisciplinary education.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Tara Mahfoud continues to be a beacon in sociology of neuroscience, fostering global collaborations, and mentoring the next generation of socially conscious scientists. With her upcoming book A Brain for Europe (MIT Press), she is set to further influence public discourse on the political and cultural stakes of neuroscience. Her work not only interrogates the science-society interface but helps reimagine it with inclusivity, ethics, and responsibility.

Publications

📄 Experiments in Anticipation: Learning from Responsible Research and Innovation in the Human Brain Project

Authors: Christine Aicardi, Tara Mahfoud, Nikolas Rose
Journal: Futures
Year: 2025

📄 Formal and Informal Infrastructures of Collaboration in the Human Brain Project

Authors: Christine Aicardi, Tara Mahfoud
Journal: Science, Technology & Human Values
Year: 2024

📄  Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Training in Neuroscience: Insights from the Human Brain Project Education Programme

Authors: Alice Geminiani, Judith Kathrein, Alper Yegenoglu, Franziska Vogel, Marcelo Armendariz, Ziv Ben-Zion, Petrut Antoni Bogdan, Joana Covelo, Marissa Diaz Pier, Karin Grasenick, Vitali Karasenko, Wouter Klijn, Tina Kokan, Carmen Alina Lupascu, Anna Lührs, Tara Mahfoud, and others
Journal: Neuroinformatics
Year: 2024

📄  Experimentation, Learning, and Dialogue: An RRI-Inspired Approach to Dual-Use of Concern

Authors: Inga Ulnicane, Tara Mahfoud, Arleen Salles
Journal: Journal of Responsible Innovation
Year: 2023

📄 Clinical Translation of Computational Brain Models: Understanding the Salience of Trust in Clinician–Researcher Relationships

Author: Tara Mahfoud
Journal: Interdisciplinary Science Reviews
Year: 2021

Amanuel Tadase | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Amanuel Tadase | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Oda Bultum University | Ethiopia

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Mr. Amanuel Tadase began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering from Jimma University, Jimma Institute of Technology, where he studied from 2015 to 2021. His education provided him with a solid foundation in the principles of water resource management and engineering, equipping him with the knowledge necessary to address complex challenges related to water availability and climate change.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Since April 2021, Mr. Tadase has served as a Senior Technical Assistant and Research Assistant at Oda Bultum University. In this role, he has engaged in impactful research focused on water resources and environmental sustainability. His experience at the university has allowed him to contribute significantly to various projects related to climate change and its effects on water resources and agriculture.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Mr. Tadase's research interests lie primarily in the impact of climate change on water resources, drought, and crop production. He is also engaged in comprehensive water and environmental research, which includes studies on watershed management at regional and global levels. His work is crucial for understanding and mitigating the effects of climate variability on vital water resources and agricultural outputs.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Mr. Tadase has received notable recognition for his academic contributions, including a Certificate of Appreciation from Jimma University for outstanding work on students' final-year research projects. Additionally, he holds a Certificate in Civil and Hydraulic Equipment operation and management from Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, showcasing his commitment to professional development in his field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through his research, Mr. Tadase has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of climate change on water availability and agricultural practices in Ethiopia. His work is essential for developing strategies to adapt to climate variability, ensuring sustainable water management and food security in the region. His research publications, including assessments of climate models and trend analyses, highlight his dedication to advancing knowledge in this critical area.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Looking ahead, Mr. Tadase is poised to make meaningful contributions to the fields of water resource management and climate change adaptation. His focus on the interconnections between climate change, water availability, and agricultural productivity positions him as a key player in addressing future environmental challenges. As he continues his research, he aims to influence policy and practice in water management, ensuring a sustainable future for communities impacted by climate change.

 

Publications

📄 Assessment of the CORDEX Regional Climate Models Performance in Simulating the Climate Conditions of Arsi Zone Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadase, A.T.; Mamo, F.L.
Journal: Pure and Applied Geophysics
Year: 2024

📄 Climate Trend Analysis in the Ramis Catchment, Upper Wabi Shebelle Basin, Ethiopia, Using the CMIP6 Dataset
Author: Amanuel Tsegaye Tadase
Journal: Journal of African Earth Sciences
Year: 2024

 

Charles Amo-Agyemang | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Charles Amo-Agyemang | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Ghana | Ghana

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Charles Amo-Agyemang embarked on his academic journey with a focus on political science and international relations. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Philosophy from the University of Ghana, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division. His early academic foundation was further solidified by his School Certificates from Kumasi High School in Ghana. Dr. Amo-Agyemang then pursued a Master of Philosophy in Political Science, specializing in international relations, also from the University of Ghana. His master's thesis, titled "The Politics of Debt Relief Initiatives in Africa: A Ghanaian Experience," showcased his interest in the political economy of African countries.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Amo-Agyemang's professional career is marked by a series of academic and administrative roles. He began as a Teaching Assistant and Graduate Assistant in the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana. This was followed by part-time and full-time lecturer positions at various institutions, including West End University College and the University of Ghana. His international experience includes serving as a sessional instructor and PhD researcher at the University of Lapland, Finland. He currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and has previously lectured full-time at Lancaster University Ghana.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Amo-Agyemang's research has been prolific and impactful, particularly in the fields of international relations and the political economy of African countries. His PhD thesis, "Understanding Neoliberalism as Governmentality: A case of The International Monetary Fund and World Bank Structural Adjustment Regime in Ghana," delves into the complexities of global bio-politics and neoliberal governance. His current research interests are diverse, including Africology, environmental politics, decolonial thought, resilience discourse in the Anthropocene, and indigenous studies. He is also engaged in international politics and policy discourses of resilience in the Anthropocene.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Amo-Agyemang has received significant recognition for his academic achievements. He completed his PhD with the distinction of Eximia cum laude Approbatur from the University of Lapland, Finland. His thesis was evaluated by renowned scholars, Professor David Chandler and Dr. Jens Stilhoff Sörensen, which attests to the high quality and impact of his work.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Amo-Agyemang's work has had a profound impact on the academic community and beyond. His research on neoliberalism and the structural adjustment programs in Ghana provides critical insights into the socio-economic challenges faced by African countries. His teaching and mentorship have shaped the academic paths of many students, particularly in the fields of political science and international relations. His role as an editor and active member of several professional associations, including the Ghana Studies Association and the International Political Science Association, further amplifies his influence.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Amo-Agyemang's legacy lies in his commitment to advancing knowledge in political science and international relations with a focus on African contexts. His interdisciplinary approach, integrating Africology and decolonial thought, paves the way for future research that challenges traditional paradigms. As he continues to explore resilience discourse in the Anthropocene and indigenous studies, his contributions will likely shape the future of political economy and environmental politics. His dedication to teaching and research ensures that his impact will endure through the generations of scholars and practitioners he inspires.

 

Notable Publications

Restitution of material objects and indigenous ontology: towards coloniality of dispossession/theft in Africa 2024

Ghana’s demand for restitution of material artifacts: a decolonial reflection 2024

Re-imagining Indigenous African Epistemological Entanglement and Resilience Adaptation in the Anthropocene 2024

Climate migration, resilience and adaptation in the Anthropocene: Insights from the migrating Frafra to Southern Ghana 2023 (2)

Toward cultural narratology: Indigenous Frafra and Akan perspectives on resilience 2023