Mrs Diana George | Sustainable Finance | Women Researcher Award |

Mrs. Diana George | Sustainable Finance | Women Researcher Award | 

PDS, at University of Surrey ,United Kingdom

Mrs. Diana George is a seasoned finance professional and doctoral researcher specializing in Sustainable Finance at the University of Surrey. With over 25 years of international experience spanning high finance, academia, and entrepreneurship, she has carved a unique path that bridges profit and purpose. Her dynamic career reflects a deep commitment to driving systemic change through innovative research, industry collaboration, and policy engagement.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Diana holds an MBA with Distinction from the University of Surrey and is currently pursuing a Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability, with a specialization in sustainable finance. Her academic journey complements her extensive industry background, blending theoretical depth with real-world application. Her education has been pivotal in shaping her understanding of macroeconomic policy, ESG integration, and stewardship strategies.

Experience 👩‍

With over two decades in high-impact roles, Diana’s professional journey includes senior positions in investment banking and hedge funds across New York and London. She led global trading teams specializing in Special Situations and Risk Arbitrage, generating over £20 million in revenue. Later, she transitioned to sustainable finance, founding three successful start-ups and engaging in policy advocacy. Her career reflects adaptability, leadership, and a profound shift toward purpose-driven work.

Research Interests 🔬

Her primary research focus is on Macro Stewardship, ESG integration, and the transformative role of institutional investors in building resilient, sustainable financial systems. Diana explores how finance can act as a lever for systemic change by embedding sustainability principles into regulatory frameworks and investment strategies. Her work involves empirical studies and conceptual innovations, often in collaboration with key industry players like Aviva Investors, and organizations like the EU High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and TCFD.

Awards 🏆

Diana has received the prestigious Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her commitment to leadership and sustainability. Her efforts in research and public engagement have earned her multiple invitations to speak at academic conferences, industry panels, and global forums. These honors validate her role as a thought leader and catalyst for change in the intersection of finance and sustainability.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Title: Macro Stewardship: A Transformative Approach in Sustainable Finance for Achieving Sustainability
Author: Diana George
Journal Article | Writing – Original Draft
DOI: 10.3390/su17083287
Published Year: 2025
Indexing: Indexed in Scopus

Conclusion

Diana George exemplifies a modern scholar-practitioner—grounded in academic rigor, empowered by industry experience, and driven by a vision for a more equitable and sustainable world. Her unique profile makes her a strong contender for honors like the Women Researcher Award, as she continues to inspire transformation in finance and beyond.

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.