Nesrine Gafsi | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Nesrine Gafsi | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nesrine Gafsi, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, IMSIU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Nesrine Gafsi, , Tunisia, is a distinguished academic and finance professional with extensive teaching and research experience in Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. She holds a PhD in Finance and specializes in business education, risk management, and sustainable development. A certified PMP, she blends theoretical knowledge with practical financial strategy and pedagogical expertise. Dr. Gafsi has contributed significantly to academia through her teaching at prestigious institutions including Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and Shaqra University. Beyond the classroom, she is active in research, scientific committees, and international conferences. Multilingual and tech-savvy, she also has a passion for the arts, particularly oil and acrylic painting. Her recent publications focus on green finance, digitalization, and sustainable economic development, establishing her as a thought leader in finance and environmental economics. She currently resides between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia and continues to influence the academic and business landscape globally.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Nesrine Gafsi holds a PhD in Finance from the Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax (FSEG SFAX), Tunisia (2018). She completed her Master’s degree in Finance, Insurance, and Risk Management from UMLT in 2013, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from IHEC Carthage in 2011. Her academic background is complemented by internationally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute in 2024. She has also completed several pedagogical and technical training programs such as a seminar on University Pedagogy at FSEG Sfax (2017) and a LaTeX training for doctoral students (2015). Dr. Gafsi is proficient in several analytical and educational tools including SPSS, SAS, Moodle, Zoom, and Google Suite. Her education and ongoing learning reflect a deep commitment to academic excellence, modern teaching methodologies, and applied research in finance and sustainable development.

Experience

Dr. Nesrine Gafsi brings over a decade of teaching experience in finance and business courses across Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Since 2022, she has been teaching at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, where she specializes in finance and e-learning. She previously served at the University of Sousse (2021–2022) and Shaqra University (2018–2021), where she supervised over 30 students and took on roles related to student activities. Earlier, she taught at University of Gafsa and the Private Mediterranean Faculty of Sciences, delivering core finance courses and supervising graduate students. In 2014, she worked on a strategic capital management project at Cartagena Clinic. Her teaching integrates both in-person and online platforms, showcasing her adaptability in hybrid learning environments. She has also contributed to curriculum development and academic event coordination. Dr. Gafsi is recognized for her dynamic teaching style, student mentorship, and cross-border academic collaboration.

Honors and Awards

Dr. Nesrine Gafsi has been recognized for her academic and professional contributions in finance and sustainable development. Although she hasn’t listed formal individual awards, her active participation in international symposia and scientific committees underlines her esteemed standing in academic circles. She has served on the steering and scientific committees of several high-profile conferences, including the AFRO E-CO symposium, the Blue Economy for Sustainable Development in Algeria (2021), and the CSR International Symposium in Tunisia (2018). Additionally, she was invited as a speaker at the Musrata International Forum and Exhibition for Free Zones in Libya (2022). Her role in these global forums is a testament to her academic influence, leadership, and recognition as a regional expert in financial policy, digitalization, and sustainability. Her PMP certification (2024) further highlights her commitment to professional excellence and project leadership within academic and economic sectors.

Research Focus

Dr. Nesrine Gafsi’s research is centered on the intersection of finance, sustainability, risk management, and digital transformation. Her scholarly work focuses on pressing global issues such as green growth, credit risk analysis using machine learning, and CO2 emissions linked to agricultural and financial sectors. She explores the nexus between economic development and environmental sustainability, particularly within the context of the G7 and East Asia-Pacific regions. Her research often integrates modern analytical methods and econometric models to examine the effects of renewable energy, financial development, and international trade. Dr. Gafsi has contributed significantly to the understanding of how Islamic and conventional banking systems manage credit risk, and how digitalization can support sustainable development in African and North African countries. Her work has appeared in internationally indexed journals like JRFM (MDPI) and the International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, reinforcing her status as a thought leader in her field.

Publications

  • 📘 Machine Learning Approaches to Credit Risk: Comparative Evidence from Participation and Conventional Banks in the UKJRFM MDPI, June 2025

  • 📗 Unlocking the Green Growth Puzzle: Exploring the Nexus of Renewable Energy, CO2 Emissions, and Economic Prosperity in G7 CountriesInternational Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, February 2025

  • 📙 Impacts of Agricultural CO2 Emissions, Agricultural Exports and Financial Development on Economic Growth: Insights from East Asia and Pacific CountriesInternational Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, November 2024

Łukasz Wróblewski | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Łukasz Wróblewski | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Łukasz Wróblewski, University of Economics in Katowice, Poland

Dr. hab. inż. Łukasz Krzysztof Wróblewski, prof. UE, is a renowned Polish academic specializing in management and quality sciences. Born on August 14, 1979, he combines extensive academic, organizational, and scientific expertise with practical cross-border cooperation. He serves as a professor at the University of Economics in Katowice and the WSB Academy in Dąbrowa Górnicza. He is also the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of prestigious journals, including Cultural Management: Science and Education. He actively contributes to national and international scientific bodies, including the Polish Academy of Sciences. His contributions encompass management in culture, cross-border integration, and marketing strategies. He has supervised PhD candidates and over 80 graduate students. His multidisciplinary approach blends management theory with regional cooperation, education, and innovation, earning him recognition in both academic and policymaking circles.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Wróblewski earned his habilitation in social sciences (management and quality) from WSB Academy in 2021 and a PhD in economic sciences (management) from the University of Economics in Katowice in 2010. He holds dual engineering and master’s degrees in Management and Marketing from the Silesian University of Technology (2002, 2004). His additional qualifications include postgraduate diplomas in cultural studies and philosophy from Jagiellonian University (2009), pedagogical preparation from the University of Silesia (2006), and doctoral studies at the University of Economics in Katowice (2009). He also holds a diploma in saxophone performance from the State Music School in Rybnik (2000). His multidisciplinary academic background, blending management, education, culture, and music, reflects his diverse intellectual interests and capabilities.

💼 Experience

Prof. Wróblewski is currently employed at the University of Economics in Katowice and the WSB Academy in Dąbrowa Górnicza as a university professor. Since 2013, he has combined teaching, research, and administrative leadership. He has held key academic and institutional roles, including Head of the Department of Management and Production Engineering, Chair of the Science Commission, and Dean of the Cieszyn Branch. Beyond academia, he serves as an expert for INTERREG and a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences commissions. He is Vice President of TNOiK and Director for International Scientific Cooperation at The Coffee and Tea Market Research Institute. He has contributed to numerous doctoral committees and academic boards, and he has participated actively in international scientific conferences, contributing significantly to knowledge transfer, regional development, and academic cooperation across Europe.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Although not explicitly listed in the source, Prof. Łukasz Wróblewski’s career reflects significant academic honors through appointments and leadership roles. He has received prestigious editorial responsibilities, such as Editor-in-Chief of Cultural Management: Science and Education and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Forum Scientiae Oeconomia. His post-habilitation achievements include supervising doctoral students and participating in habilitation committees under notable professors like Wojciech Czakon and Szymon Cyfert. His appointment as a professor at two respected universities and his selection as a national and cross-border project evaluator (INTERREG Czech Republic-Poland) demonstrate recognition of his academic authority. Additionally, his involvement with the Polish Academy of Sciences and Euroregional bodies highlights his influence in academic and regional policy arenas, emphasizing his esteemed standing in the scholarly community.

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Wróblewski’s research lies at the intersection of management, marketing, and cross-border cultural integration. He is particularly known for his work on strategic and relational marketing in the cultural sector, especially in border regions like the Polish-Czech context. His studies address the management of cultural institutions, competency gaps in low-carbon economies, energy policy impacts, and the use of digital tools like social media in brand development. He explores socio-economic dynamics, cultural policy, regional planning, and the influence of marketing on consumer behavior in niche markets such as coffee and tea. His projects often link management science with real-world policy and regional development, utilizing interdisciplinary methods. He has published widely in high-impact international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science and contributed to monographs published by Routledge, Springer, MDPI, and other global publishers, significantly advancing knowledge in cultural management and regional development.

📚 Publications

  1. 📘 Design Thinking in Cultural and Heritage Management (Routledge, 2024)

  2. 📘 Social and Marketing Aspects of Relationship Shaping on the Cross-Border Market for Cultural Services (Logos Verlag, 2024)

  3. 📘 Kształtowanie relacji na polsko-czeskim transgranicznym rynku usług kultury (PWE, 2020)

  4. 📘 Consumers towards marketing strategies of coffee producers (Wageningen Academic Publishers, 2020)

  5. 📘 Culture management. Strategy and marketing aspects (Logos Verlag, 2017)

  6. 📘 Marketing strategiczny w sektorze kultury Euroregionu Śląsk Cieszyński (CeDeWu, 2016)

  7. 📘 Strategie marketingowe w instytucjach kultury (PWE, 2012)

📝 Selected Scientific Articles

  1. 📰 The Turów coal mine international dispute and cross-border integrationMoravian Geographical Reports (2023)

  2. 📰 Random forest-based power sustainability in smart gridProduction Engineering Archives (2022)

  3. 📰 Energy development impact on CO₂ emissions in EUEnergies (2022)

  4. 📰 Competency gaps in construction for low-carbon economyEnergies (2021)

  5. 📰 Cultural education and cross-border city institutionsEuropean Research Studies Journal (2021)

  6. 📰 Marketing mix in border-divided citiesPolish Journal of Management Studies (2021)

  7. 📰 Social media’s effect on celebrity brand capitalSustainability (2020)

Qirui Zhang | Econometrics and Finance | Best Research Article Award

Qirui Zhang | Econometrics and Finance | Best Research Article Award

Mr. Qirui Zhang, Zhejiang Uversity, China

Qirui Zhang is an emerging scholar specializing in Agricultural Economics and Sustainable Agriculture. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics Management at Zhejiang University, Zhang focuses on the intersection of digitalization and rural development. His research explores how digital transformation influences rural tourism income and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across China. Zhang holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he built a solid foundation in environmental policy and management strategies. With a multidisciplinary background, he bridges environmental science and agricultural economics to promote rural revitalization and sustainability. In addition to his academic pursuits, Zhang has actively contributed as a peer reviewer for reputable journals like Carbon Balance and Management. His academic work has been published in high-impact journals such as LAND and Agriculture, demonstrating his growing influence in the field. Zhang is also certified in Environmental Protection Engineering and holds an IELTS qualification.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Qirui Zhang has a rich academic background combining environmental management with agricultural economics. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics Management at Zhejiang University, one of China’s premier research institutions, where his focus lies in integrating digital technology with sustainable agriculture to boost rural economies. Before this, Zhang completed his Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His graduate studies provided him with expertise in sustainable development, environmental policy-making, and engineering solutions for ecological challenges. This unique combination of educational experiences has enabled him to approach rural and agricultural issues from both technological and economic perspectives. In addition to formal degrees, Zhang holds a Qualification Certificate of Environmental Protection Engineer, reflecting his technical proficiency in environmental solutions. He has also achieved certification in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), highlighting his strong English communication skills essential for international academic and professional collaboration.

💼 Experience

Qirui Zhang has actively engaged in academic research and scholarly communication throughout his career. As a Ph.D. candidate at Zhejiang University, he has been involved in various research projects focused on rural development, digitalization, and sustainable agriculture, contributing to data analysis and model building using Chinese city and provincial panel data. His experience also includes serving as a manuscript reviewer for prestigious scientific journals such as Carbon Balance and Management (SCI Q2), where he evaluated manuscripts related to environmental and agricultural sustainability. Zhang’s cross-disciplinary exposure at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University equipped him with practical skills in environmental engineering and project management, which he integrates into his agricultural economics research. Additionally, his certifications as an Environmental Protection Engineer and IELTS-qualified professional have enhanced his technical and communication expertise. This diverse experience reflects Zhang’s capability to contribute meaningfully to academic, technical, and practical fields in agricultural and environmental management.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Qirui Zhang has achieved notable academic and professional milestones throughout his career. While specific awards are not explicitly listed, his peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals such as LAND (SSCI Q2) and Agriculture (SCI Q1) stand as testaments to his research excellence and scholarly impact. His role as a reviewer for the journal Carbon Balance and Management (SCI Q2) further demonstrates his recognition by the scientific community as a competent and reliable expert in the field of sustainable agriculture and environmental management. Additionally, Zhang holds the Qualification Certificate of Environmental Protection Engineer, which signifies his professional acknowledgment and technical competency in environmental protection and sustainability engineering. His IELTS certification highlights his preparedness for international collaboration and scholarly exchange. These honors and recognitions reflect Zhang’s growing reputation as a promising researcher contributing to the advancement of digitalization and sustainability in agricultural economics.

🔬 Research Focus

Qirui Zhang’s research primarily focuses on the role of digitalization in transforming rural tourism and sustainable agricultural practices. He investigates how technological advancements, especially in information and communication technologies like the Baidu Index, contribute to enhancing rural income and promoting environmentally sustainable farming methods across China. By leveraging prefecture-level and provincial panel data, Zhang quantitatively analyzes the socio-economic and environmental impacts of digital tools in agricultural development and rural tourism. His interdisciplinary research approach bridges agricultural economics with environmental engineering, allowing him to propose innovative solutions for rural revitalization and agricultural sustainability. Zhang is also interested in the integration of environmental protection measures into agricultural policy, aiming to balance economic growth with ecological conservation. His work contributes valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia regarding the adoption of digital technology in the sustainable development of agriculture and rural communities, positioning him as a thought leader in this evolving research domain.

📚 Publications

Has Digitalization Boosted the Rural Tourism Income?-Evidence from Prefecture-Level City Panel Data in China (LAND, SSCI Q2)

📄 Digitalization’s Role in Shaping Sustainable Agriculture—Evidence from Chinese Provincial Panel Data Using the Baidu Index (Agriculture, SCI Q1)

Hichem Saidi | Econometrics and Finance | Best Research Article Award

Hichem Saidi | Econometrics and Finance | Best Research Article Award

Prof Hichem Saidi, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University Deanship of Scientific Research, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Hichem Saidi is an accomplished Associate Professor of Economics and Quantitative Methods at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia. He is also affiliated with the University of Manouba, Tunisia, where he has served as a prominent educator and researcher in quantitative economics. With a solid academic background and prolific scholarly output, Dr. Saidi has contributed significantly to the fields of financial and energy economics, econometrics, and development studies. He holds leadership positions in postgraduate programs such as the M.Sc in Data Science and the MBA in Risk and Insurance Management. His work bridges theoretical modeling and policy-relevant economic analysis, especially within the MENA and GCC regions. Dr. Saidi’s research is widely published in Q1 and Q2 journals, reflecting his scholarly impact. In addition, he plays a critical role in developing academic curricula and guiding doctoral candidates, helping shape the next generation of economic and financial researchers.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Hichem Saidi has pursued an exceptional academic path with a focus on economics and quantitative methods. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics with High Distinction in 2013 from the University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia. He earlier completed his M.Sc in Mathematical Economics and Econometrics from the same university in 2008, equipping him with advanced technical and econometric tools. In 2019, he was granted the Habilitation for Supervising Doctoral Research by the University of Manouba, marking his qualification to mentor Ph.D. students. In 2021, he successfully passed the highly competitive Agrégation in Quantitative Methods, awarded by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education, distinguishing him as a top-ranking academic in his field. This educational foundation has paved the way for his current leadership in academic programs and research across multiple domains of economics and finance.

Experience

Dr. Hichem Saidi brings over a decade of rich academic experience. Since 2021, he has served as an Associate Professor of Quantitative Methods at the University of Manouba, Tunisia, and is currently affiliated with the Department of Economics, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia. He previously held the position of Assistant Professor from 2015 to 2021 at the same Tunisian institution. From 2011 to 2015, he worked as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Tunis El Manar and the University of Manouba. He is also the Head of M.Sc in Data Science and MBA in Risk and Insurance Management at ESCT, Tunisia, and the Research Cell Coordinator since 2015. His commitment to education is evident in his involvement with various graduate and undergraduate programs, curriculum development, and academic supervision, fostering innovation and excellence in economics and data science education.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Hichem Saidi has earned numerous academic accolades throughout his distinguished career. In 2021, he was the Laureate of the Agrégation in Quantitative Methods, one of the most prestigious academic competitive exams organized by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education. This honor highlights his superior competence in teaching and research in economics and quantitative disciplines. In 2019, he achieved his Habilitation from the University of Manouba, granting him the authority to supervise doctoral dissertations, a significant milestone in the academic hierarchy. His doctoral work received High Distinction, underscoring his early academic excellence. Additionally, Dr. Saidi’s extensive publications in ABDC and Q1/Q2 journals reflect global recognition of his research, making him a respected voice in financial, institutional, and energy economics. These distinctions attest to his scholarly influence, educational leadership, and commitment to advancing economic thought both in the MENA region and internationally.

Research Focus

Dr. Hichem Saidi’s research is rooted in quantitative and empirical economics, with an emphasis on financial economics, energy economics, and development finance. His work frequently explores the relationships between financial development, institutional quality, and economic growth, particularly in the MENA and GCC regions. He applies advanced econometric techniques such as panel cointegration, panel VAR, simultaneous equation models, and structural breaks to uncover nuanced policy-relevant insights. His studies address themes like financial inclusion, climate risk, corporate social responsibility, and natural resource rents, reflecting a strong intersection of sustainability and economic performance. Dr. Saidi also investigates the effects of technological advancement, renewable energy, and governance structures on macroeconomic outcomes. His research is often collaborative and published in peer-reviewed international journals, contributing significantly to the literature on emerging economies, financial stability, and sustainable development. He also supervises doctoral students in related themes.

Publication Top Notes

  1. 📘 Exploring the Relationship Between Board Characteristics and Non-Performing Loans: A Comparative Analysis Across GCC and Non-GCC Countries – International Journal of Financial Studies (2025)

  2. 📘 Climate Risk and Bank Performance: What Role does Corporate Social Responsibility Play? – International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy (2025)

  3. 📘 Do Board Characteristics Promote Corporate Social Responsibility? An Empirical Analysis for European Companies – Journal of Risk and Financial Management (2025)

  4. 📘 Does Financial Inclusion Affect Non-Performing Loans and Liquidity Risk in the MENA Region? – Economies (2025)

  5. 📘 Natural Resources Rent and Bank Stability in the MENA Region: Does Institutional Quality Matter? – Risks (2025)

  6. 📘 Do Financial Market Openness and Stock Market Returns Drive Economic Growth in GCC Countries? – International Journal of Financial Studies (2025)

  7. 📘 On the Technology-Growth Relationship: Does the Institutional Quality Matter? – Journal of Knowledge Economics (2023)

  8. ⚡ Financial Development, Electricity Consumption, and FDI in the GCC Countries: GMM Panel VAR Insights – Energy Sources, Part B (2022)

  9. 📊 Threshold Effect of Institutions on Finance-Growth Nexus in MENA Region – Economics Bulletin (2020)

  10. 🌱 Institutions in the Renewable Energy-Growth Nexus in the MENA Region – Environmental Modeling and Assessment (2020)

  11. 📉 Instability of Tunisian Money Demand: Empirical Issues with Structural Breaks – Journal of Quantitative Economics (2019)

  12. 🔁 Governance, Institutions, Financial Liberalization and Economic Growth using PSTR Model – Panoeconomicus (2017)

  13. 💹 Capital Account Liberalization and Economic Growth with Structural Breaks – Economics Bulletin (2016)

  14. 🌍 Democracy and Economic Growth in MENA Countries – Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences (2015)

  15. 🌐 Capital Account Liberalization, Institutions and Economic Growth – Journal of Business Studies Quarterly (2014)

  16. 🌎 FDI, Portfolio Investment, and Growth in Developing and Developed Economies – Interdisciplinary Journal of Research in Business (2011)

  17. 🔓 Capital Account Liberalization and Economic Growth: GMM System Analysis – International Journal of Economics and Finance (2010)