Sarah Marzen | Data Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Sarah Marzen | Data Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont | United States

Professor Sarah Marzen is a prominent physicist and interdisciplinary researcher based at the W. M. Keck Science Department, representing Pitzer, Scripps, and Claremont McKenna Colleges in California. With a strong foundation in theoretical physics and complex systems, she is widely recognized for her research at the intersection of information theory, neuroscience, and machine learning. Her work explores how biological and artificial systems perceive, predict, and adapt to their environments. Through academic excellence and a commitment to scientific inquiry, she has established herself as a respected voice in computational neuroscience and resource-rational modeling

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google scholar

Education

Professor Marzen earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley, where she conducted pioneering research on “Bio-inspired problems in rate-distortion theory” under the mentorship of Professor Michael R. DeWeese. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), reflecting an early and consistent commitment to scientific excellence. She has also participated in several prestigious summer schools and professional development programs, including the Santa Fe Institute’s Complex Systems School and the MIT Kauffman Teaching Certificate Program.

Experience

Dr. Marzen currently serves as Associate Professor of Physics at the W. M. Keck Science Department. Prior to this, she served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution . Her earlier career includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she collaborated with Professors Nikta Fakhri and Jeremy England. Her teaching experience is complemented by her role as a Seminar XL/LE Facilitator at MIT, underscoring her dedication to student engagement and mentorship.

Research Interests

Professor Marzen’s research focuses on sensory prediction, reinforcement learning, resource rationality, and the integration of information theory with biological systems. She investigates how both living and artificial neural systems process and respond to information in complex, dynamic environments. Her interdisciplinary approach spans computational modeling, machine learning theory, and theoretical neuroscience. She is currently involved in major research initiatives, including an Army Research Laboratory MURI project centered on hybrid biological-artificial neural networks and a series of workshops supported by the Sloan Foundation and Carnegie Institute

Honors

Dr. Marzen has received numerous recognitions for her academic contributions, including serving as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on several major research grants. Within her institution, she has held key service roles such as membership on the Executive Committee, DEI Committee, and Data Science Curriculum Coherence Committee, reflecting her leadership in fostering academic inclusivity and interdisciplinary learning.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Statistical mechanics of Monod–Wyman–Changeux (MWC) models
Citation: 128
Year of Publication: 2013

Title: On the role of theory and modeling in neuroscience
Citation: 100
Year of Publication: 2023

Title: The evolution of lossy compression
Citation: 65
Year of Publication: 2017

Title: Informational and causal architecture of discrete-time renewal processes
Citation: 46
Year of Publication: 2015

Title: Predictive rate-distortion for infinite-order Markov processes
Citation: 45
Year of Publication: 2016

Conclusion

Professor Sarah Marzen is a highly accomplished academic whose innovative research bridges physics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Her work advances our understanding of how systems learn, adapt, and make decisions under constraints, with implications for both scientific theory and technological development. Through her leadership, mentorship, and scholarly impact, she continues to shape the future of interdisciplinary research and education. Her academic rigor, commitment to collaboration, and visionary research make her a key contributor to the global scientific community.

Prof. Dr ALEN JUGOVIC | TECHNOLOGY | Best Researcher Award |

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Prof. Dr. ALEN JUGOVIC | TECHNOLOGY | Best Researcher Award

FULL PROFESSOR , at University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies,Croatia

Prof. Dr. Alen Jugović is a distinguished Croatian academic and maritime economist with a profound impact in the field of port systems, maritime transport, and logistics. With over two decades of experience in higher education, research, and strategic project leadership, he is a full professor at the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, where he also served as Dean from 2016 to 2022. His leadership and academic vision have significantly advanced maritime education and research infrastructure both in Croatia and across the Adriatic region.

profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google scholar

Education

Prof. Jugović holds a Ph.D. in Maritime Economics, with his doctoral work focused on economics of infrastructure projects in ports and port systems development. His education blends strong theoretical foundations with practical insight into the maritime transport sector. He has further honed his expertise through continuous collaboration with leading academic institutions and participation in inter-university doctoral programs.

Experience

Prof. Jugović has a rich professional background that combines academic excellence with institutional leadership. From 2016 to 2022, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Studies, overseeing academic programs, research initiatives, and administrative reforms. Previously, he held the position of Vice Dean for Finance (2013–2016). He has taught key courses such as Maritime Economics, Port Business, Passenger Traffic, and Entrepreneurship, and has been a guest lecturer at universities across Croatia. He has led or participated in over 90 strategic and expert projects, including EU-funded IPA cross-border cooperation programs like PROMARES, MIMOSA, and FRAMESPORT.

In addition, he is the founder of the Maritime Science and Technology Research Hub (MASTER Hub), a cutting-edge facility hosting labs in virtual reality, refrigeration technology, materials, and cognitive neuroscience. He also established educational centers and foundations supporting student excellence and social equity.

Research interest

Prof. Jugović’s research revolves around maritime economics, port business management, passenger maritime transport, and entrepreneurship in logistics. He is especially recognized for his work on infrastructure development, multimodal transport systems, and innovation in port operations. His interdisciplinary approach bridges economic theory with operational and policy-driven maritime logistics, making his work highly applicable to both academia and industry.

Awards

In 2021, he was honored with a national award from the Ministry of Sea, Traffic, and Infrastructure for his outstanding contribution to the development and international reputation of Croatian maritime transport. This recognition reflects his longstanding influence and thought leadership in shaping the future of the shipping and port industries.

Publications

“Seaports and Economic Growth: Panel Data Analysis of EU Port Regions”
Authors: G. Mudronja, A. Jugović, D. Škalamera-Alilović
Published in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Vol. 8(12), 2020
Citations: 81

“Menadžement pomorskoputničkih luka”
Authors: B. Kesić, A. Jugović
Published in 2006
Citations: 76

“Factors Influencing the Formation of Freight Rates on Maritime Shipping Markets”
Authors: A. Jugović, N. Komadina, A. Perić Hadžić
Published in Pomorstvo, Vol. 29(1), 2015
Citations: 74

“Sustainable Development Model for Nautical Tourism Ports”
Authors: A. Jugović, M. Kovačić, A. Hadžić
Published in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Vol. 17(2), 2011
Citations: 72

“A Study on Cyber Security Threats in a Shipboard Integrated Navigational System”
Authors: B. Svilicic, I. Rudan, A. Jugović, D. Zec
Published in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Vol. 7(10), 2019
Citations: 66

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Alen Jugović stands out as a leading academic figure in maritime economics and port systems management. His combined expertise in research, education, and institutional leadership has helped shape national policies, modernize educational infrastructure, and contribute meaningfully to international collaborations. With a rare blend of theoretical insight, practical knowledge, and innovation leadership, he is a deserving candidate for any prestigious academic or research excellence award in the fields of transport economics, maritime studies, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Ms Lara Pörtner | Data Management | Best Researcher Award |

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Ms. Lara Pörtner | Data Management | Best Researcher Award | 

PhD Student , at Université Grenoble Alpes, Germany.

Lara Pörtner is a researcher and industry expert specializing in digital strategy, data analytics, and industrial engineering. With a strong academic foundation and professional experience in master data governance, she bridges the gap between research and real-world applications. Fluent in multiple languages, she has worked on international projects in data strategy, innovation management, and digital transformation.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Lara is currently pursuing a PhD in Digital Strategy at Université Grenoble Alpes, France (2022–2025), where she focuses on developing customer-specific reference models for optimizing data strategies using maturity analysis methods. She holds a double master’s degree (M.Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management) from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, and Institute National Polytechnique Grenoble (G-INP), France, with a specialization in innovation management, digitalization, and automotive engineering. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management from KIT (2016–2020), where she built expertise in supply chain management, strategy, and organization.

Professional Experience 💼

Lara has held multiple roles in leading organizations across data & analytics, digital transformation, and strategy consulting. She started her career as an intern and working student in Master Data Management at cbs Corporate Business Solutions (2020–2021), where she supported SAP MDG system implementations. She later joined CAMELOT Management Consultants AG (2022–2024) as a Senior Consultant, contributing to SAP MDG BP implementation, process design, user training, and data strategy assessments. Currently, she is a Senior Associate in Data & Analytics at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Munich (2025–present), focusing on enterprise-wide digital strategy initiatives. Her industry experience is complemented by her early research work as a Student Assistant at wbk Institute of Production Tech., Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (2020), and an internship in Strategy & Innovation Management at Lufthansa Cargo AG (2018).

Research Interests 🌍

Her research primarily revolves around digital strategy, data analytics, and master data governance. She works on designing advanced methodologies for data maturity assessment, enabling organizations to optimize data-driven decision-making. Her work integrates elements of machine learning, enterprise data management, and business process optimization, contributing to the evolution of digital transformation frameworks.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Lara has received several prestigious recognitions, including the DLR Graduate Program (2022–2024), demonstrating her involvement in high-impact research. She was selected for the Accenture Female Talent Program (2021), highlighting her leadership potential in the tech and consulting space. Early in her academic career, she secured 2nd place in the Jugend Forscht competition (2016), showcasing her research abilities. She also holds professional certifications such as SCRUM Master, SAFe 6 Agilist, and LEAN Basic Certificate.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Title: Data Literacy Assessment – Measuring Data Literacy Competencies to Leverage Data-Driven Organizations
Authors: Lara Pörtner, Andreas Riel, Vivian Klaassen, Dilara Sezgin, Ysaline Kievits
Citations: 0

Conclusion

Lara Pörtner has an impressive profile with a strong academic foundation, industry research experience, and technical expertise in data strategy and analytics. If the award prioritizes applied research, digital strategy, and industry impact, she is a strong candidate. However, if the focus is on academic publications and fundamental research contributions, she may need to enhance her research output to improve her chances.