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

Outstanding Contribution Award

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Introduction

The Outstanding Contribution Award is a prestigious honor designed to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions in their respective fields. This award celebrates achievements that demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact on society, industry, academia, or community service. By acknowledging outstanding work, the award aims to inspire future generations to strive for excellence and drive positive change.

Award Overview

The Outstanding Contribution Award is presented annually to individuals or teams who have shown exemplary performance and dedication in their profession. The award is open to various fields, including science, technology, medicine, education, social work, and business. The recipients of this award exhibit leadership, perseverance, and commitment to progress in their areas of expertise, setting a high standard for others to follow.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Outstanding Contribution Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrate a significant and measurable impact in their respective field.
  • Exhibit innovation, leadership, and dedication toward community or industry advancement.
  • Have a minimum of five years of experience in the relevant domain.
  • Be nominated by a recognized institution, peer, or self-nominated with supporting documentation.
  • Display ethical integrity and a commitment to positive societal change.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection committee assesses nominees based on:

  1. Impact – The degree to which their work has influenced their field or community.
  2. Innovation – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or technologies that have made a difference.
  3. Sustainability – The lasting effects of their contributions and the potential for continued influence.
  4. Leadership – Demonstrated ability to inspire and guide others toward success.
  5. Recognition – Acknowledgment by peers, institutions, or society through publications, awards, or testimonials.

Submission Guidelines

Nominees must submit a detailed application that includes:

  • A completed nomination form available on the official award website.
  • A comprehensive biography detailing the nominee’s background, achievements, and contributions.
  • An abstract summarizing the key aspects of their work and its impact.
  • Supporting files, including research papers, articles, patents, or project reports.
  • Letters of recommendation from at least two recognized professionals or organizations.

Recognition

Award recipients will receive:

  • A trophy or medal signifying their achievement.
  • A certificate of excellence and recognition from the awarding body.
  • Public acknowledgment through press releases, media coverage, and award ceremonies.
  • An opportunity to present their work at a prestigious event or conference.
  • Lifetime membership in the Outstanding Contribution Award Hall of Fame.

Community Impact

The award highlights contributions that have created real-world benefits, such as:

  • Advancing knowledge and research that improves lives.
  • Developing technological solutions that address global challenges.
  • Empowering communities through social work, education, or philanthropy.
  • Driving business growth, economic development, or policy changes that lead to societal improvements.

Biography

A well-structured biography should accompany each nomination, covering:

  • Full name and professional title.
  • Educational background and career milestones.
  • Major achievements and contributions to their field.
  • Any previous recognitions, honors, or publications.
  • A personal statement outlining their philosophy and motivation for their work.

Abstract

Each submission should include an abstract that briefly describes the nominee’s work and its significance. The abstract should cover:

  • The problem or challenge addressed.
  • The approach or methodology used.
  • The results and measurable impact of their work.
  • The future scope and sustainability of their contributions.

Supporting Files

Nominees should provide comprehensive documentation that validates their achievements. Supporting files may include:

  • Research papers or case studies.
  • Patents, product prototypes, or project documentation.
  • Testimonials from beneficiaries, peers, or institutions.
  • Media coverage, interviews, or published articles.
  • Any other relevant proof of contribution.

 

 

 

Zhen Wang | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. Zhen Wang | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Shandong University of Finance and Economics | China

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Zhen Wang's academic journey began with a strong foundation in logistics engineering, earning her Master's degree from the Ocean University of China in 2018. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Tongji University, where she completed a Ph.D. in Management Science and Engineering in 2023. Her academic ambitions extended internationally, resulting in a joint Ph.D. in Energy Economics from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore between 2021 and 2022.

Professional Endeavors 🏛️

In August 2023, Dr. Wang commenced her academic career as an Assistant Professor at the International School of Low Carbon Studies, Shandong University of Finance and Economics. Her role involves not only teaching but also conducting cutting-edge research in the realm of low carbon studies, positioning her as a key figure in this emerging field.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to the fields of management science, energy economics, and environmental policy. Her research addresses critical issues such as government subsidies for remanufactured products, e-waste recycling, carbon trading mechanisms, and smart recycling infrastructure. Notably, her work on the impact of government intervention on recycling and waste management has been published in prestigious journals, reflecting her commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Wang has received numerous accolades for her research. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Journal of Management Science and Engineering, Journal of Environmental Management, and Applied Energy have garnered significant attention, highlighting her as a leading researcher in her field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Wang's research has had a profound impact on both academic and policy-making circles. Her insights into the economics of recycling, government incentives, and carbon trading have influenced environmental policies and corporate strategies, particularly in China. Her work is instrumental in shaping a sustainable future, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting circular economy practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As Dr. Wang continues her academic career, her contributions to environmental economics and management science are expected to grow. Her ongoing research and teaching will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of scholars and policymakers, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in the field of low carbon studies. The future holds promise for further groundbreaking work from Dr. Wang, as she continues to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

 

Publications

  • 📝 Is It Necessarily Better for More Commuters to Share a Vehicle?
    • Authors: Zhen Wang , Haiyun Chen , Ting Zhu , Jiazhen Huo
    • Journal: Sustainability
    • Year: 2024
  • 📝 Manufacturer’s introducing remanufactured products strategy considering the government subsidy: Introduce or not? 
    • Authors: Wang Zhen , Huo Jiazhen , Duan Yongrui
    • Journal: Journal of Management Science and Engineering
    • Year: 2023
  • 📝 Do government intervention measures promote e-waste recycling in China? 
    • Authors: Wang Zhen , Huo Jiazhen
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
    • Year: 2023
  • 📝 The bidding strategy under a carbon trading mechanism and government subsidies in renewable energy auctions 
    • Authors: Wang Zhen , Jasmine Siu Lee Lam , Huo Jiazhen
    • Journal: Applied Energy
    • Year: 2023
  • 📝 The impact of government intervention measures on recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment in China considering consumer decision 
    • Authors: Wang Zhen , Duan Yongrui , Huo Jiazhen
    • Journal: Energy Policy
    • Year: 2022

 

 

Sarah-Louise Mitchell | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sarah-Louise Mitchell | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Oxford Brookes Business School | United Kingdom

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sarah-Louise Mitchell's academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Economics from Exeter University in 1988. She later pursued an MBA at London Business School (1991-1993) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at the University of Gloucestershire (2016-2017). Her academic pinnacle was achieved with a PhD from Henley Business School (2012-2016), titled "Exploring the role the brand plays in the choice of charity by UK volunteers," which was awarded without corrections.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mitchell has accumulated nearly 20 years of professional experience across nonprofit, retail, and consumer goods sectors. Notable roles include managing a National Lottery-funded action research project (£3 million), overseeing Tesco Clubcard (£10 million), and managing Tesco's sponsorship of the Dome (£6 million+ campaign). She currently serves as the Research Area Lead for Marketing and Co-Lead of the Oxford Brookes Children and Young People Research Network.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mitchell's research focuses on nonprofit contexts and social participation, specializing in qualitative research methodologies. Her work explores volunteer behavior, nonprofit branding, storytelling by charity brands, and the impact of philanthropy on nonprofit organizations. She has published extensively in top-tier journals and edited volumes, contributing significantly to the field of charity marketing and nonprofit management.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Mitchell has received numerous awards and grants, including the ESRC Impact Accelerator Grant (£14,769) and multiple Best Full Paper Awards from prestigious conferences such as BAM and the Academy of Marketing. She was elected as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Marketors and awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her contributions to academia and nonprofit sectors.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Mitchell's research has had a profound impact on nonprofit practice and academia, influencing how charity brands engage with volunteers and donors. Her leadership in developing nonprofit research streams and fostering collaborations has strengthened ties between theory and practice in the sector. She continues to shape the future of nonprofit marketing through innovative research initiatives and educational contributions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Mitchell's legacy lies in her pioneering work that bridges academic insights with practical applications in nonprofit management. Her future contributions aim to address emerging challenges faced by nonprofits, emphasizing creativity and strategic vision to navigate a rapidly evolving social landscape. Through ongoing mentorship and leadership roles, she strives to inspire the next generation of researchers and practitioners in nonprofit marketing and management.

 

Notable Publications

Avengers assemble: Avenger philanthropy as the new gift opportunity for nonprofit organizations 2024

Reframing the practice of volunteering as a collective endeavour through a focal brand community 2023

Rethinking nonprofit service disintermediation through service communication interactions 2022 (6)

Volunteer choice of nonprofit organisation: an integrated framework 2020 (18)

Telling a different story: How nonprofit organizations reveal strategic purpose through storytelling 2020 (17)

 

 

 

Yating Pan | Social Sciences | Women Research Award

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Yating Pan | Women Research Award - Award Winner 2023

Yating Pan | Social Sciences

Congratulations, Yating Pan, on receiving the Women Research Award! Your dedication, perseverance, and exceptional contributions to the field of research at Tsinghua University and beyond have earned you this esteemed recognition. Your unwavering commitment to exploring intricate facets of government public relations, public opinion, and political communications exemplifies the pinnacle of academic excellence. Your insightful work not only shapes scholarly discourse but also inspires future generations of researchers, especially aspiring women in academia. Your remarkable achievements stand as a testament to your brilliance and the invaluable impact you make in advancing knowledge and fostering a more inclusive research landscape. Here's to celebrating your outstanding accomplishment and the trailblazing path you continue to forge.

Yating Pan, your receipt of the Women Research Award at Tsinghua University is a resounding testament to your exceptional scholarship and unwavering dedication. Your relentless pursuit of understanding government-public dynamics and your insightful contributions to the realms of public opinion and crisis management truly set a benchmark in academic excellence. Your achievements serve as an inspiration, especially for aspiring female researchers, showcasing the remarkable heights that can be reached through talent, diligence, and passion. Your work not only enriches the academic community but also leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of research, contributing significantly to knowledge and empowering future generations. Heartiest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition—it's a proud moment celebrating your invaluable contributions to academia and your remarkable journey of intellectual pursuit and achievement.

Early Academic Pursuits

  • Educational Foundations: Your academic journey began at the University of Nottingham, where you pursued a BA in International Communications, leading to an MSc in Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Subsequently, you delved into Public Policy & Management, culminating in a Ph.D. at Tsinghua University under the supervision of Yongheng Yang.

Professional Endeavors

  • Research Fellowship at Tsinghua University: As a Research Fellow at Tsinghua University's School of Public Policy & Management, your work focuses on Government Public Relations and Public Opinion.
  • Internship and Assistant Roles: Your career path involved diverse roles, including an internship as an Editor at a Lifestyle Magazine in China, a Substitute Lecturer at Beijing Sport University, and a Research Assistant at China Institute for Development Planning.

Contributions and Research Focus

  • Research Interests: Your expertise lies in Political Communications, Crisis Management, and Public Opinion. Notably, your Ph.D. thesis explored the Government's Response to Public False Rumors and the Shift in Online Public Opinion, centering on Sina Microblog analysis.
  • Publications and Conference Papers: Your academic contributions include several published papers exploring various facets of public opinion, government responses, corruption perceptions, and the influence of media on attitudes and opinions in China.

Accolades and Recognition

  • Honors and Awards: Recognition such as the Outstanding Paper at China's Big Data and Government Governance Academic Forum and scholarships like the Guang-Hua Excellence Scholarship and Academic Excellence Scholarship from Tsinghua University showcase your academic prowess.

Notable Publication

How Can Pro-regime Online Comments Influence Chinese Netizens’ Attitudes and Opinion Expressions? Normative or Informational Social Influence?  2022 (2)

Exploring the dynamics of corruption perceptions in sustained anti-corruption campaigns: a survey experiment in China  2023 (1)

 How Does News Coverage of a Rival Nation Affect People’s Attitudes about Their Own Countries? Evidence from China  2023 (12)

Impact and Influence

  • Project Experience: Your involvement in significant projects related to cultural development, science foundation management, and national development in China demonstrates your practical contributions to important governmental initiatives.

Legacy and Future Contributions

  • Skills and Proficiency: Proficiency in Python programming for natural language processing and fluency in both Chinese and English enrich your skill set and ability to navigate research and policy spheres.
  • Personality Traits: Your self-motivated and well-organized nature likely plays a significant role in your academic and professional success.

Your academic pursuits, research focus, contributions to projects, and recognitions collectively highlight a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to understanding public opinion dynamics, governmental responses, and shaping effective communication strategies in China.

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