Theodore Metaxas | Econometrics and Finance | Research Excellence Award

Theodore Metaxas | Econometrics and Finance | Research Excellence Award

University Og Thessaly | Greece

Dr. Theodore Metaxas is Professor of Economic Development at the University of Thessaly, Greece, where he also serves as Director of the Postgraduate Programme in Planning and Development of Tourism and Culture and as a tactical member of the University’s Quality Assurance Committee. He holds a PhD in Urban Studies and an MSc in Planning and Regional Development from the University of Thessaly, an MBA from Kingston University in the United Kingdom, and a BSc in Economics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His academic and professional work focuses on local and regional economic development, tourism and cultural planning, mega projects, sustainable urban and city development, and strategic planning, with a strong emphasis on applied research methods. Dr. Metaxas has developed an extensive research profile through publications in international peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, and conference proceedings, contributing significantly to debates on place competitiveness, city branding, cultural economy, and development policy. His work often bridges theory and practice, examining how strategic planning, governance, and cultural and tourism assets can be leveraged to support sustainable regional growth. He is actively engaged in academic networks and research collaborations at national and international levels and maintains a strong presence across major academic and research platforms. Through his teaching, supervision, and programme leadership, he has contributed to the education and training of graduate and postgraduate students in economics, planning, tourism, and development studies. Dr. Metaxas is recognized for his interdisciplinary approach, combining economics, planning, and policy analysis to address contemporary challenges in regional and urban development, and for his ongoing contribution to quality assurance, curriculum development, and academic governance within higher education.

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Tourism: The great patient of coronavirus COVID-2019

– Sustainability, 2020 (183 citations)


Place marketing, strategic planning and competitiveness: The case of Malta

– European Planning Studies, 2009 (136 citations)

 

Kapka Miteva | Health Professions | Excellence in Research Award

Kapka Miteva | Health Professions | Excellence in Research Award

University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine | Switzerland

Dr. Kapka Miteva is a researcher in molecular medicine whose work spans regenerative therapies, cardiovascular repair, and high-dimensional analysis of inflammatory mechanisms in heart disease. She earned a master’s degree in Molecular Medicine from Charité University Medical School in Berlin, where she also began her scientific career at the BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, focusing on regenerative and cardiovascular repair strategies. Her early research achievements culminated in a PhD awarded with summa cum laude, followed by a prestigious Career Development Grant through the Lydia Rabinowitsch Scholarship to support her postdoctoral studies at the same institute. Dr. Miteva’s findings have been disseminated through publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, including The European Heart Journal and Cardiovascular Research, underscoring her contribution to advancing translational cardiovascular science.

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Featured Publications

Chao Xiang | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Chao Xiang | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Hunan University, China

Chao Xiang is a dedicated researcher and academic at Hunan University whose work centers on advancing the reliability and resilience of civil and structural systems through innovative monitoring and computational techniques. His research spans Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), damage detection, deep learning applications in engineering, and automated crack segmentation—areas in which he has contributed to modernizing infrastructure assessment and ensuring structural safety. By integrating sensing technologies with data-driven modeling, he focuses on improving the accuracy, speed, and automation of detecting structural anomalies, enabling earlier intervention and reducing the risk of catastrophic failures. His work in SHM involves developing intelligent frameworks that combine traditional engineering principles with cutting-edge machine learning to interpret complex structural behaviors. In damage detection, he explores robust algorithms capable of identifying subtle patterns that may indicate deterioration, while his deep learning research emphasizes training architectures that enhance prediction performance and adaptability across diverse structural scenarios. His contributions to crack segmentation involve advancing computer vision techniques to automatically locate and evaluate cracks in materials, significantly improving inspection efficiency and reliability. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, peer-reviewed publications, and continued innovation, he aims to push the boundaries of structural diagnostics and contribute to the development of safer, smarter, and more sustainable infrastructure.

Featured Publications

Xiang, C., Guo, J., Cao, R., & Deng, L. (2023). A crack-segmentation algorithm fusing transformers and convolutional neural networks for complex detection scenarios. Automation in Construction, 152, 104894.

Xiang, C., Wang, W., Deng, L., Shi, P., & Kong, X. (2022). Crack detection algorithm for concrete structures based on super-resolution reconstruction and segmentation network. Automation in Construction, 140, 104346.

Xiang, C., Gan, V. J. L., Guo, J., & Deng, L. (2023). Semi-supervised learning framework for crack segmentation based on contrastive learning and cross pseudo supervision. Measurement, 113091.

Deng, L., Zuo, H., Wang, W., Xiang, C., & Chu, H. (2023). Internal defect detection of structures based on infrared thermography and deep learning. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 27(3), 1136–1149.

Deng, L., Xu, S., Wang, W., & Xiang, C. (2022). Uniaxial stress identification of steel components based on one-dimensional CNN and ultrasonic method. Measurement, 194, 110868.

Mikhail F. Bagaturov | Arts and Humanities | Research Excellence Award

Mikhail F. Bagaturov | Arts and Humanities | Research Excellence Award

Leningrad zoo | Russia

Dr. Mikhail F. Bagaturov is a distinguished biologist and conservation specialist known for his extensive contributions to zooculture, biodiversity preservation, and the study of lesser-known animal groups. Serving as the Head of the Department of Zooculture at the State Leningrad Zoo in St. Petersburg, he leads research and management initiatives aimed at enhancing captive propagation, improving husbandry methodologies, and strengthening species survival programs for a wide range of invertebrates and lower vertebrates. His work integrates scientific rigor with public engagement, particularly through educational programs designed to cultivate ecological awareness and inspire young learners toward environmental stewardship. Alongside his zoo leadership role, he is an Associate Researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences, where he collaborates on advanced biological studies encompassing amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods, shedding light on their ecological roles, conservation needs, and adaptive behaviors. Since 2016, he has also served as an academic in the Biology Research and Environmental Research Unit at the Athens Institute for Education and Research, contributing to international scholarship and fostering global research exchange. His expertise is further recognized through his active involvement with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, where he serves as an expert within the Species Survival Commission, working across amphibian and conservation planning specialist groups. As the SSC Focal Person for the region of former USSR countries, he plays a key role in coordinating conservation efforts, supporting regional biodiversity strategies, and contributing to assessments and action plans for threatened fauna. Driven by a dedication to preserving vulnerable species and advancing scientific understanding, his work continues to influence modern conservation practices, strengthen international collaboration, and promote sustainable approaches to wildlife management across diverse ecosystems.

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Featured Publications


Zoo-based amphibian research and conservation breeding programs

– Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 2011 (Cited by 62)


Amphibian keeper conservation breeding programs

– Journal of Zoological Research, 2018 (Cited by 15)


Diversity of Moths in selected areas of Bagh, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Pakistan)

– Journal of Bioresource Management, 2019 (Cited by 11)


Overview of distribution of the genus Lethrus (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae)

– Russian Entomological Journal, 2015 (Cited by 10)

Oussama Baaloudj | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Oussama Baaloudj | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Università degli Studi della Basilicata | Italy

Dr. Oussama Baaloudj is a dedicated postdoctoral researcher and process engineer whose work centers on advancing sustainable water treatment and environmental process engineering. He is currently contributing to innovative research at the University of Basilicata, where he plays a key role in the development and validation of decentralized urban wastewater treatment systems within the PRIMA SAFE project, a multinational initiative focused on promoting safe and sustainable water reuse in agriculture, food production, and environmental management. His career reflects a strong international dimension, with research experiences across Italy, Canada, France, and Algeria, allowing him to collaborate effectively in diverse academic and industrial settings. Previously, he worked as a part-time researcher at the University of Houari Boumediene, where he contributed to projects in process and reaction engineering within the Laboratory of Reaction Engineering. His doctoral internship at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières strengthened his expertise in designing and synthesizing advanced sillenite-based photocatalysts, further enhancing his interdisciplinary research capabilities. A highly productive researcher, he has published extensively in high-impact journals and accumulated more than 1,500 citations, showcasing the visibility and relevance of his contributions to the scientific community. His excellence has been recognized through notable honors, including the Scopus Award in 2022 and the FEEM Health Committee Research Award in 2025. Beyond his research activities, he has served as Guest Editor for journals such as Catalysts and ChemEngineering, and has acted as a peer reviewer for more than 50 scientific manuscripts, contributing to the quality and integrity of scholarly publishing. Driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration, he continues to advance impactful solutions to modern environmental challenges through rigorous research and scientific leadership.

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Nandha Gopal | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Nandha Gopal | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

NANDHA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY | India

Dr. N. Nandhagopal is a distinguished academic and researcher in Electronics, Communication Engineering, and Embedded System Technology, recognized for his extensive contributions to engineering education, research innovation, and academic leadership. With a strong foundation in electronics and applied electronics, further strengthened by advanced degrees including an M.E., Ph.D., and a highly commended D.Sc., he has developed deep expertise in embedded systems, medical image processing, and intelligent computational techniques. His doctoral research, focused on computer-aided diagnosis for automatic detection of brain tumors using MRI imaging, reflects his commitment to impactful, technology-driven healthcare solutions. Over the course of his career, he has held progressively responsible positions across several engineering institutions, beginning as a lecturer and advancing to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department, and Principal. His leadership roles demonstrate his ability to guide academic programs, mentor faculty, and enhance institutional quality. Throughout his professional journey, he has contributed to curriculum development, research supervision, and the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies aligned with AICTE standards. Dr. Nandhagopal is known for fostering research culture, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating emerging technologies into engineering education. His strong academic background, combined with over a decade of teaching and administrative experience, highlights his dedication to advancing engineering knowledge and shaping the next generation of engineers.

Featured Publications

Nandhagopal, N., & Karnan, M. (2010). Diagnose brain tumor through MRI using image processing clustering algorithms such as Fuzzy C Means along with intelligent optimization techniques. In Proceedings of the 2010 IEEE International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Computing Research (pp. 241–246). IEEE.

Navaneethan, S., & Nandhagopal, N. (2021). RE-PUPIL: Resource efficient pupil detection system using the technique of average black pixel density. Sādhanā, 46(3), 114.

Satya Sreedhar, P. S., & Nandhagopal, N. (2022). Classification similarity network model for image fusion using ResNet50 and GoogLeNet. Intelligent Automation & Soft Computing, 31(3), 1–12.

Radhakrishnan, M., Panneerselvam, A., & Nachimuthu, N. (2020). Canny edge detection model in MRI image segmentation using optimized parameter tuning method. Intelligent Automation & Soft Computing, 26(6), 1–10.

Nandhagopal, N., Navaneethan, S., Nivedita, V., Parimala, A., & Valluru, D. (2021). Human eye pupil detection system for different iris database images. Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience, 18(4), 1239–1242.

Vasiliki Keramari | Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Vasiliki Keramari | Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Vasiliki Keramari is an Environmental and Chemical Engineer and a Ph.D. candidate in Analytical Chemistry whose work bridges advanced chemical analysis, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials research. Her expertise spans heavy metal detection, nanomaterials, and environmental monitoring, supported by a growing publication record and extensive teaching experience. As a Chemistry Lecturer at Aegean College, affiliated with the University of Essex, she teaches Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology, and Ecotoxicology, contributing to the development of future scientists through rigorous, research-informed instruction. She also serves as an instructor at IEK Omiros and IEK Akmi in Thessaloniki, delivering courses in Analytical and Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Environmental Protection, Laboratory Safety, and Health and Safety, reflecting her broad scientific background and commitment to academic excellence. Her earlier role as a Quality Control and Data Analyst at Amarla Retail SA further strengthened her skills in chemical data evaluation, quality assurance, and process documentation, enhancing her ability to translate scientific principles into practical industrial applications. Throughout her academic and professional path, she has demonstrated strong competence in interdisciplinary collaboration, working effectively with scientists, engineers, and industry professionals toward environmentally responsible and technologically innovative solutions. Her research interests focus on developing reliable analytical methods, investigating advanced materials for environmental applications, and promoting sustainable approaches to pollution control. She also holds certifications in environmental and occupational safety standards, underscoring her dedication to responsible scientific practice. Overall, her combined experience in teaching, research, and industry positions her as a dynamic and forward-thinking scientist committed to advancing analytical chemistry and environmental sustainability through education, applied research, and technical expertise.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Keramari, V., Karastogianni, S., & Girousi, S. (2023). New prospects in the electroanalysis of heavy metal ions (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu): Development and application of novel electrode surfaces. Methods and Protocols, 6(4), 60.

Keramari, V., Papadimou, S. G., Golia, E. E., & Girousi, S. (2024). Bismuth film along with dsDNA-modified electrode surfaces as promising (bio)sensors in the analysis of heavy metals in soils. Biosensors, 14(6), 310.

Girousi, S., Keramari, V., Paraschi, I., Karastogianni, S., & Golia, E. E. (2025). Development of a carbon paste electrode modified with saffron-conjugated silver nanoparticles for the simultaneous determination of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cl in soils and plants. Chemosensors, 13(3), 91.

Keramari, V., & Girousi, S. (2025). Manganese nanoparticles for heavy metal detection vs. noble and base metal nanoparticles: Prospects, limitations, and applications in electroanalysis.

Lukasz Kuryk | Immunology and Microbiology | Research Excellence Award

Lukasz Kuryk | Immunology and Microbiology | Research Excellence Award

National Institute of Public Health | Poland

Łukasz Kuryk, PhD, is a preclinical immuno-oncology researcher whose work centers on advancing next-generation oncolytic adenoviruses and innovative immune-based cancer therapies through rigorous translational development. With extensive expertise spanning preclinical drug development—including efficacy, safety, biodistribution, and mechanistic immunology—he has contributed significantly to the evolution of modern virotherapy and cancer immunotherapy platforms. As a Principal Investigator leading national and international research initiatives, he develops and evaluates novel viral and immune-modulating therapeutics with the goal of enhancing antitumor immunity and improving clinical outcomes. His career includes impactful roles at the National Institute of Public Health in Poland, where he has served as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Virology, driving research in immuno-oncology and cancer vaccine development. He has also contributed to pioneering studies at the Warsaw University of Technology within the Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Laboratory, working at the interface of engineering, immunology, and infectious disease research. His international engagement includes work as a visiting researcher at the University of Padova, where he explored the use of EV-like nanoparticles as delivery platforms for oncolytic viruses, opening new avenues for therapeutic innovation. A co-inventor on multiple patents in oncolytic virotherapy and cancer vaccine technologies, he is recognized for fostering highly productive academic–industry collaborations that accelerate the translation of experimental therapeutics toward clinical relevance. He has authored more than fifty peer-reviewed publications that contribute to the expanding understanding of viral immunotherapies and tumor–immune interactions, establishing him as an influential scientist in the field. His career reflects a persistent commitment to advancing the scientific foundations and therapeutic potential of immuno-oncology through multidisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and translational impact.

Featured Publications

Mathlouthi, S., Kuryk, L., Rinner, B., Bellio, G., Casagrande, L., Pesce, C., Fragassi, A., Salmaso, S., Mastrotto, F., & Garofalo, M. (2026). A 3D coculture model of hepatocellular carcinoma: Addressing challenges with glycopolymers re-targeted oncolytic viruses. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 107658.

Shoushtari, A. N., Olszanski, A. J., Nyakas, M., Hornyak, T. J., Wolchok, J. D., Levitsky, V., Kuryk, Ł., Hansen, T. B., & Jäderberg, M. (2025). Supplementary Data 1 from Pilot study of ONCOS-102 and pembrolizumab: Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and clinical outcomes in anti–PD-1–resistant advanced melanoma

Shoushtari, A. N., Olszanski, A. J., Nyakas, M., Hornyak, T. J., Wolchok, J. D., Levitsky, V., Kuryk, Ł., Hansen, T. B., & Jäderberg, M. (2025). Supplementary Figures S1 to S7 from Pilot study of ONCOS-102 and pembrolizumab: Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and clinical outcomes in anti–PD-1–resistant advanced melanoma

Shoushtari, A. N., Olszanski, A. J., Nyakas, M., Hornyak, T. J., Wolchok, J. D., Levitsky, V., Kuryk, Ł., Hansen, T. B., & Jäderberg, M. (2025). Supplementary Methods 1 from Pilot study of ONCOS-102 and pembrolizumab: Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and clinical outcomes in anti–PD-1–resistant advanced melanoma

Shoushtari, A. N., Olszanski, A. J., Nyakas, M., Hornyak, T. J., Wolchok, J. D., Levitsky, V., Kuryk, Ł., Hansen, T. B., & Jäderberg, M. (2025). Supplementary Table 1 from Pilot study of ONCOS-102 and pembrolizumab: Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and clinical outcomes in anti–PD-1–resistant advanced melanoma

Eric Norman | Chemical Engineering | Industry Impact Award

Eric Norman | Chemical Engineering | Industry Impact Award

Universidad de Cantabria | Spain

Mr. Eric Alfredo Norman Ayllón is a researcher specializing in chemical engineering, sustainable process design, and emerging energy technologies, with a career shaped by hands-on experience in biotechnology, catalysis, and green hydrogen systems. His early research focused on biotechnological process optimization, particularly the refinement of purification strategies for vaccine-related conjugated antigens through ultrafiltration and chromatographic techniques, work that strengthened his foundation in biochemical engineering and analytical methodologies. He later advanced into the field of sustainable chemistry, contributing to the development and evaluation of tandem catalytic systems for converting bioethanol-derived ethylene into aviation biofuel, where he gained expertise in catalyst design, material characterization, and reaction engineering. His professional trajectory further includes participation in multidisciplinary projects encompassing data mining applied to corrosion processes, nanomaterial synthesis, and the enhancement of industrial biotechnological operations, along with the presentation of scientific findings at national conferences. Currently pursuing doctoral research in Chemical, Energy, and Process Engineering, he is engaged in the study of green hydrogen generation, exploring alternative production routes, steam-phase electrolysis, and the optimization of renewable-energy-based supply chains within the broader context of hydrogen circularity and the valorization of residual gas streams. His academic development has been strengthened through specialized training, including advanced coursework in modeling and optimization of sustainable process systems, reinforcing his analytical capabilities and systems-engineering approach. Throughout his career, he has cultivated a reputation for responsibility, perseverance, and a strong commitment to scientific rigor, consistently demonstrating initiative, collaborative spirit, and a results-oriented perspective in addressing complex challenges at the intersection of chemical engineering, sustainability, and clean energy innovation.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Norman Ayllón, E. A., Ortiz, I., Ortiz, A., & Maestre Muñoz, V. M. (2024). Steam electrolysis for green hydrogen generation: State of the art and research perspective. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 202, 114725.

Norman, E. A., Pérez, S., Ortiz, A., & Ortiz, I. (2026). Decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries under water constraints via renewable hydrogen infrastructure planning. Energy Conversion and Management, 348(Part B), 120713.