Zhuoying You | Economics of Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhuoying You | Economics of Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Fuyao University of Science and Technology | China

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhuoying You is an emerging scholar in the fields of technological innovation, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and international business. His research bridges the intersections of innovation systems, regional development, and political influences, with a strong emphasis on patent data analysis and large-scale quantitative research. He has built a reputation for impactful, interdisciplinary work that contributes to both academic discourse and policy development

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. You earned his Ph.D. in Economics and Business from KU Leuven, graduating with distinction and actively contributing as a research member at the KU Leuven Urban Studies Institute. He pursued an MSc in Business Strategy and Innovation Management from the University of Southampton, also with distinction, and completed his undergraduate studies in E-Commerce and English at the Henan University of Economics and Law, where he graduated with distinction. His academic development was further enriched by visiting research positions at the University of Pisa and the London School of Economics

Experience

Dr. You is currently an Assistant Professor at Fuyao University of Science and Technology. He previously held a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Bocconi University, contributing to European Commission-funded projects on sustainability and toxic chemical regulation. He has also participated in research projects supported by the Belgian Flanders Government, where he investigated Industry technologies and their impact on economic performance. His teaching experience spans strategic innovation management, business research methods, and innovation and digital transformation, where he has lectured and mentored students across bachelor’s and master’s levels

Research Interests

Dr. You’s primary research interests lie in technological innovation, sustainability transitions, artificial intelligence, and the political economy of innovation. His methodological expertise includes patent and publication data analysis, text mining, spatial regression, and large quantitative dataset modeling. He actively engages in international research collaborations, investigating areas such as green technology specialization, industrial transformation, and the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises

Honors

His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards and fellowships, including competitive scholarships from the Academy of Management, Bocconi University, the London School of Economics, and KU Leuven. He has also received European mobility funding and summer fellowships for early career researchers, reflecting his strong international recognition and research promise.

Top Noted Publications

The political extremes and innovation: How support for extreme parties shapes overall and green scientific research and technological innovation in Europe – Published in Research Policy, indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, 2025.

Heterogeneous influences of specialization and diversification on regional R&D performance: a China, Europe, and US comparison – Published in Science and Public Policy, indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, DOI: 10.1093/scipol/scae059, 2024.

Specialization in climate technologies at the regional level in Europe: relatedness and the moderating role of policy direction – Published in Technological Forecasting and Social Change, indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123348, 2024.

Diversification and Multilevel Policy Support as Enablers of Specialization in Green Technologies – Published in Academy of Management Proceedings, DOI: 10.5465/AMPROC.2023.12074abstract, 2023.

The Double-Edged Sword: The Impact of Covid-19 on Digital Transformation of Chinese SMEs – Published in Journal of Frontiers of Society, Science and Technology, indexed in Crossref, 2021.

Bridging the innovation gap. AI and robotics as drivers of China’s urban innovation – Published by Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Planning, selected by CEPR VoxEU and World Commerce Review, 2024

Conclusion

Through his academic journey, Dr. You has established himself as a promising voice in innovation and sustainability research. His international collaborations, strong publication record, and involvement in funded research projects underscore his capacity to advance both scholarly knowledge and policy applications. With a focus on bridging technology, politics, and sustainability, he continues to make significant contributions to global academic and societal debates. His future trajectory points toward becoming a leading figure in the interdisciplinary study of innovation and economic development.

George Kofi Amoako | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Prof. George Kofi Amoako | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Ghana Communication Technology University Tesano Accra Ghana | Ghana

Prof. George Kofi Amoako is a highly accomplished academic and research leader in the field of Marketing, currently serving as a Full Professor and Director at the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy (DRIC) at Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) in Accra, Ghana. With over two decades of experience in academia and consultancy, he has made significant contributions to marketing education, strategic management, sustainability, e-business, tourism, and entrepreneurship. He has taught at several prominent institutions, including Central University, University of Professional Studies, Academic City University College, and as an adjunct lecturer for Lancaster University and Webster University Ghana Campuses. His leadership role at DRIC has been instrumental in advancing research and innovation across multidisciplinary platforms.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google scholar

Education

Prof. Amoako holds a PhD in Marketing from London Metropolitan University, UK, completed in 2017. He also earned a Postgraduate International Certificate in Academic Practice from Lancaster University, UK, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. His academic background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the University of Ghana and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK, showcasing his strong academic foundation and professional versatility.

Experience

Over the years, Prof. Amoako has gained extensive experience in higher education, curriculum development, student supervision, and strategic academic management. He has supervised numerous undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral dissertations in marketing, branding, corporate social responsibility, and services marketing. In addition to teaching, he has held leadership positions in both academic and professional settings, managing multidisciplinary teams and leading institutional research development. His teaching engagements span multiple countries and institutions, including roles in UK-based colleges such as Meridian Business School, West End College, and Leicester College of Professional Studies, reinforcing his global teaching footprint.

Research Interests

Prof. Amoako’s research primarily explores strategic marketing, business analytics in emerging markets, service quality, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. He applies both positivist and interpretivist approaches, with a strong inclination towards mixed methods to leverage the strengths of qualitative and quantitative paradigms. His research is grounded in real-world applications and is aimed at addressing pressing business and societal challenges in emerging economies. He is also actively involved in building institutional research capacity and fostering collaborative research networks.

Honors

Prof. Amoako’s academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors. Notably, he was conferred the title of Honorary Full Professor by Durban University of Technology, South Africa (2023–2028). According to the AD Scientific Index for 2025, he ranks among the top 3% of business management (marketing) scholars in Africa and within the top 3% of marketing scholars in Ghana. He received the Best Researcher Award at GCTU for the 2022–2023 academic year and was named Best Scientist at UPSA for 2021–2022. These recognitions underscore his impactful contributions to research and scholarship across Africa.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Application of Frederick Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory in Assessing and Understanding Employee Motivation at Work: A Ghanaian Perspective
Citations: 597
Year of Publication: 2011

Title: Do Green Knowledge and Attitude Influence the Youth’s Green Purchasing? Theory of Planned Behavior
Citations: 322
Year of Publication: 2020

Title: Green Marketing and the SDGs: Emerging Market Perspective
Citations: 195
Year of Publication: 2022

Title: The Impact of Effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM) on Repurchase: A Case Study of Golden Tulip Hotel (Accra-Ghana)
Citations: 131
Year of Publication: 2012

Title: Stakeholder Role in Tourism Sustainability: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Centre for Art and Culture in Ghana
Citations: 128
Year of Publication: 2022

Title: The Effect of Sponsorship on Marketing Communication Performance: A Case Study of Airtel Ghana
Citations: 94
Year of Publication: 2012

Conclusion

Prof. George Kofi Amoako stands out as a seasoned academic and thought leader in marketing and strategic management, with a strong reputation for scholarly excellence, institutional leadership, and research innovation. His commitment to knowledge dissemination, student mentorship, and advancing sustainable business practices has made him a key contributor to both academia and industry. With his global academic exposure, extensive publication record, and recognition among top-tier scholars in Africa, Prof. Amoako continues to inspire future generations and shape the trajectory of marketing research in emerging markets.

Prof. Mahmood Hossain | Forestry | Innovative Research Award |

Prof. Mahmood Hossain | Forestry | Innovative Research Award

Professor at Khulna University, Bangladesh.

Professor Mahmood Hossain is a distinguished academic and researcher in Forestry and Wood Technology at Khulna University, Bangladesh. With over two decades of dedication to mangrove ecology and forest sustainability, he is recognized for his scientific contributions to climate-resilient forest management. He brings a unique blend of academic excellence, research leadership, and field-based innovation. His work serves as a cornerstone in understanding carbon dynamics, ecological monitoring, and adaptive strategies in fragile coastal ecosystems.

Professional Profile

Scopus

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Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Professor Hossain holds a Ph.D. in Mangrove Ecology from University Putra Malaysia, where he conducted pivotal research on biomass, litter production, and nutrient cycling in mangrove ecosystems. He also earned an M.Sc. (By Research) in Mangrove Ecology from the same university, focusing on heavy metal contamination in mangrove environments. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, where he explored natural regeneration in the Sundarbans. These qualifications laid the foundation for his future innovations in mangrove ecosystem research.

💼 Experience 

Professor Hossain’s academic career spans over 25 years at Khulna University, progressing from Lecturer (1999) to Professor (2019–Present) in the Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline. He has played a pivotal role in teaching, mentoring, and supervising both undergraduate and postgraduate students. His leadership in academia is evident through his involvement in curriculum development, research guidance, and strategic planning in forestry education and research in Bangladesh.

🔬 Research Interests

His research is deeply rooted in the ecological dynamics of mangrove forests, with a particular emphasis on carbon stock assessment, nutrient cycling, and biogeochemical processes. He has developed allometric biomass models that enhance accuracy in estimating forest carbon sequestration. Professor Hossain also explores adaptive mechanisms of mangrove species under climate and human-induced stressors, contributing to better restoration techniques and forest resilience. His recent work integrates ecological monitoring with policy-level forest management strategies, reinforcing sustainable practices in vulnerable coastal zones.

🏆 Honors & Awards

Professor Hossain’s expertise and leadership have earned him multiple national and international recognitions. He has received competitive research grants from reputed organizations such as IUCN, FAO, and the World Bank-supported SUFAL Project. His academic credentials are internationally validated, including through platforms like World Education Services (WES). His projects have influenced both research advancement and practical decision-making in forestry governance and conservation.

Top Noted Publications:

Title: Paradigm shift in the management of the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh: issues and challenges
Authors: H. Mahmood, M. Ahmed, T. Islam, M.Z. Uddin, C. Saha
Citations: 95
Index: Trees, Forests and People
Year: 2021

Title: Nutrient dynamics associated with leaf litter decomposition of three agroforestry tree species (Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, and Melia azedarach) of Bangladesh
Authors: H. Mahmood, M.R.H. Siddique, M.S. Rahman, M.Z. Hossain, M.M. Hasan
Citations: 89
Index: Journal of Forestry Research, 22 (4), 577–582
Year: 2011

Title: Net primary productivity of Bruguiera parviflora (Wight & Arn.) dominated mangrove forest at Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: H. Mahmood, S. Othman, J.S. Bujang, M. Kusnan
Citations: 75
Index: Forest Ecology and Management, 255 (1), 179–182
Year: 2008

Title: Nutrient Dynamics Associated with Leaching and Microbial Decomposition of Four Abundant Mangrove Species Leaf Litter of the Sundarbans, Bangladesh
Authors: H. Mahmood, S. Mohammad, Raqibul Hasan, A.S.M. Rubaiot, S. Sanjoy, et al.
Citations: 66
Index: Wetlands, 34 (3), 439–448
Year: 2014

Conclusion:

Professor Mahmood Hossain stands as a leading voice in ecological sustainability and innovative forest research. With a profound understanding of mangrove ecosystems, exceptional academic credentials, and impactful contributions to environmental science and policy, he embodies the spirit of the Research for Innovative Research Award. His ongoing work continues to shape how forest landscapes are studied, restored, and preserved for future generations.

Ms Aisulu Abduova | Sustainable development | Women Researcher Award |

Ms. Aisulu Abduova | Sustainable development | Women Researcher Award | 

Phd of technical sciences , at M.Auezov South Kazakhstan research university, Kazakhstan.

Ms. Aisulu Abduova is an accomplished environmental engineer and researcher specializing in sustainable technologies, wastewater treatment, and ecological conservation. She holds a degree in Applied Ecology of Water and Agriculture and is a Candidate of Technical Sciences. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Ecology Department at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

Ms. Aisulu Abduova holds a degree in Applied Ecology of Water and Agriculture from M.H. Dulati Taraz State University and has earned the title of Candidate of Technical Sciences. She has further enriched her expertise through numerous professional development courses and scientific internships, including programs in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia, and the United States.

Professional Experience 💼

With a distinguished academic career at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, she has served as an Associate Professor, Head of the Ecology Department, and Deputy Dean for Research at the Higher School of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. Her leadership has significantly contributed to advancing ecological education and scientific research.

Research Interests 🌍

Her research is primarily centered on environmental sustainability, wastewater treatment, green ecology, and the development of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. She has contributed significantly to projects aimed at assessing the ecological state of the Aral Sea, studying ornamental and rare plants, and innovating in petrochemistry and construction materials using waste materials.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Ms. Abduova has received several grants and recognitions for her research, including funding from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. She has also been selected for the prestigious “Bolashak” program for advanced scientific training at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (USA) in 2024.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Improving the Methods of Solid Domestic Waste Disposal to Reduce Its Human Impact on the Environment – Sustainability (Switzerland), 2024 | 0 Citations | Indexed in SCOPUS

Utilization of Banana Peel-Derived Activated Carbon for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater – Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 2024 | 8 Citations | Indexed in SCOPUS

Activated Carbon from Plum Pit Shells for Treatment of Wastewater Copper Ions (II) – Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, 2024 | 1 Citation | Indexed in SCOPUS

Conclusion

Eligibility criteria for such awards vary. For instance, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards require candidates to be recognized for their scientific excellence by the international scientific community and to be actively involved in scientific research . Given Dr. Abduova’s accomplishments, she appears to meet these criteria. However, it’s essential to review the specific eligibility requirements of the award in question to ensure full compliance.

Mr Mostafa Vahdatbin | Rubber recycling | Best Researcher Award |

Mr. Mostafa Vahdatbin | Rubber recycling | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, at Iran University of Science and Technology, Iran.

Mostafa Vahdatbin is a highly skilled researcher in the field of chemical and polymer engineering, with a particular focus on sustainable materials and tire recycling. He is passionate about advancing sustainable rubber composites and self-healing materials. His work has made a significant impact on the development of innovative recycling techniques, including the use of microwave-assisted devulcanization. His dedication to sustainable chemistry and his technical expertise have been recognized in various prestigious publications.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Mostafa completed his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran, specializing in Polymer Engineering. His academic journey was marked by exceptional performance, including a thesis on “Devulcanization of tire rubber by microwaves”, which earned him a remarkable grade. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Hamedan University of Technology. Mostafa ranked in the top 2% of participants in the National Entrance Examination for Iranian universities, further solidifying his academic prowess.

Experience 💼

Mostafa currently works as a Business Analyst at Weibold Company since 2021. In this role, he has continuously updated the company’s database with the latest findings on tire devulcanization and advised global players from the tire industry on the situation of the sector. His expertise in the field of rubber recycling and sustainable materials has helped him bridge the gap between industry and academic research. Additionally, Mostafa has honed his laboratory skills in formulating and characterizing rubbers, preparing rubbers for vulcanization, and applying various microwave-assisted and chemical devulcanization techniques.

Research Interest 🔬

Mostafa’s research interests are centered around sustainable polymers and rubber composites, with a special emphasis on devulcanization and recycling of waste tire rubber. His work explores chemical and biological devulcanization processes, advancing the development of self-healing rubbers and sustainable rubber composites. He is also invested in exploring scrap rubber applications, aiming to reduce environmental impact through innovative recycling methods. His passion for sustainable chemistry is at the heart of his research, which aims to address global sustainability challenges in the materials science field.

Award 🏅

Mostafa has received several prestigious accolades, including being ranked in the top 2% of approximately 218,000 participants in the National Entrance Examination for Iranian universities. Additionally, he was ranked 4th among students in the Chemical-Polymer Engineering department at the end of his Master’s program at IUST. His academic excellence is further highlighted by his high GPA and the recognition he received for his thesis work.

Top Noted Publication 📑

1. Devulcanization of Waste Tire Rubber via Microwave and Biological Methods: A Review

Author(s): Mostafa Vahdatbin, Pouria Hajikarimi, Elham Fini

Journal: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17030285

Year of Publication: 2025

Index: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

 

2. Using Chemical Agent in Microwave-Assisted Devulcanization of NR/SBR Blends: An Effective Recycling Method

Author(s): Mostafa Vahdatbin

Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.106045

Year of Publication: 2022

Index: ISSN 0921-3449

Conclusion

Mostafa Vahdatbin is a highly capable and promising researcher, making significant strides in sustainable materials science. His research on devulcanization methods for rubber recycling holds strong potential for environmental impact. While he is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his academic achievements, publications, and innovative contributions, focusing on language proficiency and expanding his network could further elevate his profile in the research community.

Overall, Mostafa’s research aligns well with the core values of the Best Researcher Award, especially regarding sustainability and innovative approaches to polymer science.