Zina Boussada | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Zina Boussada | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Company for Petroleum Research and Operations | Tunisia

Dr. Zina Boussada is an emerging researcher in electrical engineering whose work bridges advanced control systems, intelligent automation, renewable energy technologies, and high-performance power electronics. Her scientific contribution focuses on the modeling, optimization, and control of induction motors, photovoltaic systems, and microgrid energy management using intelligent and hybrid computational approaches. She has contributed extensively to sensorless motor control through ANFIS-based strategies, multilevel NPC inverter topologies, stator-flux orientation techniques, and advanced inverter modulation methods, enhancing system efficiency, stability, and predictive performance in industrial and renewable energy applications. Her research extends to photovoltaic cell modeling, hybrid optimization frameworks, exponential smoothing forecasting, diode-clamped inverter strategies, and comparative inverter control techniques, addressing key challenges in modern smart-grid and clean-energy systems. She has collaborated with several research groups and contributed to journals and international conferences in the areas of energy systems, green technologies, and intelligent electrical drives. Her publication record reflects steady scholarly growth, supported by contributions in peer-reviewed journals such as Symmetry, WSEAS Transactions on Systems and Control, the International Journal of Environmental Sciences, and various high-impact conference proceedings. She has also published multiple studies on photovoltaic modeling and multilevel inverter technologies, reinforcing her position within the renewable-energy research community. Her citation metrics indicate increasing academic visibility, with Scopus reporting approximately 490 citations from 482 citing documents, 23 indexed documents, and an h-index of 9. Google Scholar metrics show comparable academic impact, reflecting a growing global readership and recognition for her work in intelligent control and energy-system optimization. Overall, her research trajectory demonstrates strong potential for continued advancement in sustainable energy technologies, intelligent control methodologies, and high-performance electrical systems, positioning her as a promising candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Boussada, Z., Omri, B., & Ben Hamed, M. (2025). High-performance sensorless control of induction motor via ANFIS and NPC inverter topology. Symmetry.

Boussada, Z., Omri, B., & Ben Hamed, M. (2025). Data-driven optimization for efficient integration of photovoltaic agents in residential microgrid systems. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration.

Jeronimo Rafael Kreiker | Environmental | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Jeronimo Rafael Kreiker | Environmental | Innovative Research Award

National Scientific and Technical Research Council | Argentina

Dr. Jeronimo Rafael Kreiker is an Independent Researcher in the New Materials Area at the Centro Experimental de la Vivienda Económica under the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas in Argentina, where he also serves as Deputy Director. Born in Almafuerte in the province of Córdoba, he holds advanced qualifications in chemistry and quality engineering, supported by an early technical background in the same field. His work centers on the development of sustainable construction materials created from urban and industrial waste, low-energy resources, and circular-economy strategies. He has made significant contributions to cementitious and polymeric composites, recycling of discarded plastics from electrical and electronic equipment, and the valorization of agricultural and paper residues, with a strong emphasis on producing environmentally responsible building components suitable for affordable housing. Throughout his career, Dr. Kreiker has coauthored a wide range of peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference contributions in respected scientific outlets, covering topics such as recycled plastic aggregates, biopolymer-based materials, fungal-derived composites, natural fiber reinforcements, and innovative construction technologies. His achievements also include patents related to recycled plastic processing and novel composite formulations, along with extensive technical services, technology transfer initiatives, and collaboration with public institutions and private companies engaged in circular-economy activities. He has successfully led funded research projects at local and national levels and has mentored doctoral candidates who have completed their studies with high distinction. Dr. Kreiker’s innovations have earned him recognition in the field of sustainable materials, particularly for advances in recycled rubber components and PET-based building products, which have been acknowledged in national and international innovation platforms. His work has resulted in 22 documents, cited 223 times across 189 publications, and an h-index of 8 according to Scopus, reflecting his growing scholarly impact. Through his research, leadership, and commitment to community-oriented technological development, he stands as a prominent figure driving eco-efficient construction solutions and advancing circular-economy practices across Latin America. This profile strongly aligns with the Innovative Research Award category, highlighting contributions that exemplify outstanding creativity, sustainability, and impact in materials science.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Fernández, N., Basso, A. V., Peisino, L. E., López, S., Tapia, A., & Kreiker, J. (2025). A novel biocomposite made of citrus peel waste and mushroom mycelium: Mechanical, thermal, and bio-repellency studies. Recycling.

Fernandez, N., Strzelecki, F., Floreano, A., & Kreiker, J. (2025). Sustainable alternative masonry units to replace the fired clay vault in the BENO system. Construction Reports.

Fernandez, N., Kreiker, J., Strzelecki, F., & Floreano, A. (2025). Beno system with masonry as an alternative to baked clay vaults. Architect.

Gaggino, R., Kreiker, J., Peisino, L. E., Sánchez Amono, M. P., & Fernández, N. (2024). Proposal for the recycling of urban solid waste in municipalities of Córdoba for the development of construction components for social purposes. Urban Notebook.

Granados, A. M., Kreiker, J., & De Rossi, R. H. (2002). Insertion of Fischer carbene complexes into the carbon–carbon bond: Ring expansion of a sulfur heterocycle from five- to six-membered. Tetrahedron Letters.

Raghi K R | Deep Learning | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Raghi K R | Deep Learning | Research Excellence Award

Sathyabama University | India

Ms. Raghi K R is a distinguished researcher in the field of Computer Science and Engineering, with expertise spanning Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Cloud Security, and Web Mining. Her research primarily focuses on developing privacy-preserving and secure computing frameworks, innovative AI and IoT-based solutions for healthcare, smart surveillance, and environmental monitoring, and advancing cloud-based neural network applications. She has made significant contributions to privacy-preserving deep neural network classification over signature cryptosystems in cloud environments and has been recognized for her innovative work in smart healthcare systems, anomaly detection in CCTV surveillance, and real-time data analysis. With 29 citations, an h-index of 4, and an i10-index of 0 (Google Scholar), her research impact is further reflected in her scholarly publications and patents, encompassing AI-driven predictive modeling, blockchain-based data security, and deep learning applications in medical and industrial domains. Dr. Raghi has published extensively in IEEE and other international conferences, including landmark works on Huntington’s disease prediction, touch-free smart home systems, proactive detection of cybersecurity threats, and driver distraction detection. Her research is characterized by integrating theoretical rigor with practical applications, often combining AI, IoT, and cloud computing to solve complex real-world problems. She actively mentors student projects and has guided multiple innovative projects recognized by professional societies. Her work has been cited across numerous documents, demonstrating both the quality and relevance of her contributions in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing research. Dr. Raghi K.R has been honored with the Research Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions to advanced computing and AI applications.

Publication Profile

Orcid Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Raghi, K.R., & Sudha, K. (2024). Software development automation using generative AI. International Conference on Emerging Research in Computational Science.

  • Thomas, R.K., Lemuel, C.P., Sanjay, G., Pandeeswaran, C., & Raghi, K.R. (2024). Advanced CCTV surveillance anomaly detection, alert generation and crowd management using deep learning algorithm. 3rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Internet of Things.

  • Devi, S.R., Priya, S.G., Sathi, G., Kumar, S.N., & Raghi, K.R. (2024). Design and development of a touch free smart home controlling system based on virtual reality (VR) technology. International Conference on Intelligent Systems for Cybersecurity (ISCS 2024).

  • Vethavikashini, A.M., Jamal, S.M., & Raghi, K.R. (2024). Huntington’s disease prediction using Xception CNN. 2nd International Conference on Disruptive Technologies (ICDT 2024), 201-208.

  • Raghi, K.R., & Paramarthalingam, A. (2024). Proactive detection of Mirai botnet threats: Leveraging XGBoost for enhanced cybersecurity. IET Conference Proceedings CP900, 34-39.

Xingjian Huang | Engineering | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Xingjian Huang | Engineering | Best Research Article Award

Huaihua University | China

Xingjian Huang is a distinguished food‑science researcher whose work integrates protein chemistry, food structure and functionality, biopolymer‑based materials, and the nutritional evaluation of plant proteins. His research has significantly advanced understanding of how soy proteins and other plant‑derived proteins behave under various processing conditions, including proteolysis, gelation, hydrolysis, and complex formation, and how these behaviors influence texture, gel strength, nutritional quality, and functional properties. Among his notable contributions is the study of amyloid‑fibril formation from selectively hydrolyzed soy protein hydrolysates, which provided key insights into protein aggregation, fibrillation mechanisms, and structural modification. He has also conducted extensive research on exopolysaccharide production by lactic acid bacteria, improving yields through strain screening and optimization of fermentation and extraction conditions, linking microbial fermentation to food‑biopolymer applications. In addition, Huang has investigated the nutritional value and amino acid composition of various plant proteins, such as the protein subunits of the Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), enhancing understanding of plant protein quality and potential functional applications. His work further explores the practical implications of protein interactions in food systems, including mixed‑protein gels, soy‑protein/corn‑starch composites, and the interplay of lipids and proteins in gel networks, bridging fundamental biochemical insights with industrial food processing relevance. Huang’s research has contributed valuable knowledge for improving food texture, nutrition, and the scalable processing of plant‑based proteins, supporting both academic research and applied food technology. According to his ResearchGate profile, he has published over 20 peer‑reviewed papers with more than 1,800 reads, demonstrating significant influence in the field and a substantial citation record that reflects his impact on food science research worldwide. For his outstanding contributions, Xingjian Huang has been recognized with the Best Research Article Award, highlighting his innovative work and high impact in the field of food science and technology.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Featured Publications

Yang, F., Huang, X., Zhang, C., … Hao, Y. (2018). Amino acid composition and nutritional value evaluation of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) and its protein subunit. RSC Advances.

Xie, D., Liu, X., Zhang, H., … Pan, S., Huang, X. (2017). Textural properties and morphology of soy 7S globulin–corn starch (amylose, amylopectin). International Journal of Food Properties.

Xia, W., … Pan, S., Huang, X. (2017). Formation of amyloid fibrils from soy protein hydrolysate: Effects of selective proteolysis on β‑conglycinin. Food Research International.

Qi, L., … Pan, S., Huang, X. (2016). Yield improvement of exopolysaccharides by screening of the Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC and optimization of the fermentation and extraction conditions. EXCLI Journal.

Pan, Y., Huang, X., Shi, X., … Du, Y. (2015). Antimicrobial application of nanofibrous mats self-assembled with quaternized chitosan and soy protein isolate. Carbohydrate Polymers.

 

Abdalilah Alhalangy | Computer Science | Innovative Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdalilah Alhalangy | Computer Science | Innovative Research Award

Qassim university | Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdalilah Alhalangy, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Computer Engineering at Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specializing in advanced areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity. His research spans deep learning, ensemble methods, neural networks, computer vision, wireless networks, cloud computing, big data analytics, robotics, augmented reality, mobile applications, image and video analysis, GIS, and e-learning systems. He has a particular focus on artificial neural networks, wavelet neural networks, fuzzy logic, evolutionary algorithms, and computational intelligence, applied to enhancing the security and functional performance of intelligent systems. Dr. Al-Halangy has published 6 documents cited by 59 Scopus-indexed papers, achieving a Scopus h-index of 3 and an i10-index of 2 on Google Scholar, with a total of 131 citations. His work has earned recognition in fields ranging from Arabic speech emotion recognition and fake account detection in mobile networks to generative AI-driven cybersecurity systems and the evaluation of e-learning effectiveness. Dr. Al-Halangy’s research is characterized by its innovative integration of AI techniques to solve complex real-world problems, positioning him as a leading contributor to modern computing challenges. He has received accolades including the Innovative Research Award for his contributions to the development of secure, intelligent, and efficient computational systems. His work continues to impact both academic research and practical applications, advancing the state of intelligent and adaptive technologies globally.

Publication Profile

Scopus Orcid Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Alhalangy, A., & AbdAlgane, M. (2023). Exploring the impact of AI on the EFL context: A case study of Saudi universities.

  • Alhalangy, A. (2024). Deep learning, ensemble and supervised machine learning for Arabic speech emotion recognition. Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, 14, 1-10.

  • Hassan, A., & Alhalangy, G. I. A. (2023). Fake accounts identification in mobile communication networks based on machine learning. SSRN.

  • Alhalangy, A., Elhadi, O. A. M., & Mohamed, E. H. G. (2025). E-learning effectiveness and efficiency in Kassala and Gedaref universities: An IS-impact evaluation. UtilitasMathematica, 122(2), 1301-1317.

  • Alhalangy, A. (2025). Generative AI-driven information system for behavioral detection of zero-day cyber attacks. UtilitasMathematica, 122(2), 1194-1210.

Konstantinos Azis | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Konstantinos Azis | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Democritus University of Thrace | Greece

Dr. Konstantinos Azis is an accomplished environmental engineer and postdoctoral researcher whose work focuses on advanced wastewater treatment technologies, membrane bioreactor systems, and intelligent process control for sustainable water management. His research integrates biological, physicochemical, and automated monitoring approaches to optimize the performance of aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic treatment processes, particularly in membrane systems and intermittently aerated bioreactors. He specializes in the design and operation of high-efficiency treatment units, development of real-time control strategies using programmable logic controllers, simulation-driven optimization with STOAT, and monitoring of key environmental parameters through continuous online sensors. His contributions extend to biological degradation studies of micropollutants, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemical contaminants, as well as post-treatment polishing processes such as activated carbon adsorption, sand filtration, ultrafiltration, and advanced oxidation. His research output demonstrates strong international visibility, with publications addressing membrane fouling mitigation, nutrient removal enhancement, biofouling dynamics, and energy-efficient aeration strategies. Dr. Azis has contributed significantly to environmental biotechnology by combining laboratory experimentation, field-scale evaluation, and computational modeling, offering practical solutions for water reuse and circular economy applications. His work has earned recognition through contributions to high-impact journals, service as a reviewer for numerous international scientific journals, and involvement as a Guest Editor in thematic issues focusing on sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. His scholarly influence is reflected in Scopus metrics: 118 citations and h-index 7, and Google Scholar metrics: 163 citations, h-index 8, i10-index 8, demonstrating the growing impact and relevance of his research across the wastewater engineering and environmental science communities. His scientific record and active research engagement position him as a strong candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Azis, K., Mavriou, Z., Karpouzas, D. G., Ntougias, S., & Melidis, P. (2021). Evaluation of sand filtration and activated carbon adsorption for the post-treatment of a secondary biologically-treated fungicide-containing wastewater. Processes, 9(7), 1223.

Azis, K., Zerva, I., Melidis, P., Caceres, C., Bourtzis, K., & Ntougias, S. (2019). Biochemical and nutritional characterization of the medfly gut symbiont Enterobacter sp. AA26 for its use as probiotics in sterile insect technique applications. BMC Biotechnology, 19(Suppl 2), 90.

Azis, K., Ntougias, S., & Melidis, P. (2021). NH4+-N versus pH and ORP versus NO3−-N sensors during online monitoring of an intermittently aerated and fed membrane bioreactor. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(26), 33837–33843.

Azis, K., Ntougias, S., & Melidis, P. (2019). Fouling control, using various cleaning methods, applied on an MBR system through continuous TMP monitoring. Desalination and Water Treatment, 167, 343–350.

Papazlatani, C. V., Kolovou, M., Gkounou, E. E., Azis, K., Mavriou, Z., & others. (2022). Isolation, characterization and industrial application of a Cladosporium herbarum fungal strain able to degrade the fungicide imazalil. Environmental Pollution, 301, 119030.

Stylianos Bourmpoutelis | Health Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Stylianos Bourmpoutelis | Health Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Dr. Stylianos Bourmpoutelis is an emerging researcher in Internal Medicine whose work is strongly centered on HIV medicine, antimicrobial resistance, and the clinical–microbiological interfaces shaping modern infectious disease care. His research activity reflects a sustained commitment to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based clinical strategies, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations such as people who inject drugs. His contributions include data collection, clinical evaluation, and outcome-driven analysis that support impactful publications in peer-reviewed journals. Bourmpoutelis has participated in multidisciplinary research networks, contributing to studies that integrate public health, infectious diseases, and microbiology in order to optimize care pathways and improve treatment adherence. His scholarly visibility continues to grow through citations in reputable databases and the ongoing expansion of his indexed publications. He maintains active research profiles and consistently updates citation-related documents to ensure transparency and accessibility for the scientific community. Current citation metrics include an estimated Scopus h-index of 2 and a Google Scholar h-index of 3, reflecting the early yet steadily increasing influence of his work. His documented contributions demonstrate strong methodological engagement, rigorous data interpretation, and a readiness to collaborate across clinical and scientific teams. Bourmpoutelis’s research record aligns with the ideals of the Young Scientist Award, showcasing innovation, academic promise, and meaningful contributions to public health research. His scientific outputs emphasize integrated care models, real-world clinical outcomes, and microbiological investigations that collectively advance understanding within internal medicine and infectious disease research. With a growing portfolio of indexed publications and documented research contributions, he continues to establish himself as a dedicated early-career scientist advancing impactful, ethically grounded, and methodologically robust medical research.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Roussos, S., Protopapapas, K., Mastrogianni, E., Totsikas, C., Moschopoulos, C. D., Bourmpoutelis, S., Resta, P., Procter, K., Kokolesis, E., Antoniadou, A., et al. (2025). Rapid ART initiation with BIC/FTC/TAF in people who inject drugs in Greece: Results from a pilot single-arm study of an integrated care model. Microorganisms, 13(12), 2697.

Haipeng Yan | Mechanical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Haipeng Yan | Mechanical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Hebei University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Haipeng Yan is a dynamic mechanical engineering researcher whose work spans bearing dynamics, mechanical product design, digital design methodologies, and advanced product performance analysis. His research integrates theoretical models, computational simulations, and experimental validation, contributing significantly to high-speed ceramic bearings, nano-grinding mechanisms, digital twin systems, and intelligent manufacturing. With more than 30 academic publications in SCI-indexed and Chinese journals as first or corresponding author, he has demonstrated sustained productivity and rising influence in his field. His scholarly impact is reflected in 248 citations from 232 citing documents and an h-index of 10, underscoring his expanding international research visibility. His recent research advances include digital-twin-driven commissioning systems for intelligent detection lines, tribological and dynamic characteristics of full-ceramic ball bearings under extreme operating conditions, nano-scratching mechanisms in monocrystalline silicon, and surface engineering inspired by biological microstructures. Dr. Yan’s interdisciplinary collaborations bridge materials science, mechanical design, automation, and micro-manufacturing, leading to innovative solutions in precision machining, product reliability, and smart processing equipment. His works are extensively indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar, demonstrating consistent growth in citation metrics supported by an increasing h-index and i10-index, as well as recognition across international conferences and high-ranking journals. His research is frequently cited by scholars in nonlinear dynamics, intelligent manufacturing systems, micromachining, and digital engineering, further validating the relevance of his contributions. In addition, he has advanced intelligent production technologies through work on machine-vision-based detection, automated processing equipment, and functional surface engineering. His publications show methodological depth by integrating numerical simulations, experimental analysis, digital modeling, and structural optimization. With a strong cross-disciplinary portfolio and rising global impact, Dr. Haipeng Yan stands out as a promising contributor to mechanical engineering innovation, and his expanding scholarly footprint positions him as a strong candidate for distinctions such as the Research Excellence Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Niu, H. L., Yang, S., Yan, H. P., Wu, P., Zhang, J. Y., & Yang, J. J. (2025). Digital twin-driven virtual commissioning system research for the intelligent detection production line of sleeves. Equipment Intelligent Operation and Maintenance: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Equipment Intelligent Operation and Maintenance (Iceiom 2023).

  • Zhang, K., Li, K., Sun, Z., Yan, H., Song, Q., & Zhi, Z. (2025). Experimental study on sound field characteristics of circular and elliptic cyclone separators. Powder Technology.

  • Yan, H., Zhang, H., Cao, S., & Wang, C. (2025). Study on nano-grinding characteristics and formation mechanism of subsurface damage in monocrystalline silicon. Micromachines.

  • Xia, Z., Wu, Y., Sun, J., Yan, H., Tian, J., Wang, H., & Li, S. (2024). Analysis of cage dynamic characteristics for high-speed full ceramic ball bearing under non-lubrication condition. Nonlinear Dynamics.

  • Tian, H., Yan, S., Sun, Z., Wang, H., & Yan, H. (2024). Effect of nano-scratch speed on the removal behavior of single-crystal silicon. Diamond and Abrasives Engineering.

Tuniyazi Abudoureheman | Information Technology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Tuniyazi Abudoureheman | Information Technology | Research Excellence Award

Hiroshima University | Japan

Dr. Tuniyazi Abudoureheman is an emerging researcher in intelligent imaging technologies whose work integrates high-frame-rate (HFR) video processing, digital signal processing, and intelligent systems to address complex challenges in robotics, motion analysis, and biological detection. His research focuses on developing advanced computational frameworks capable of extracting subtle temporal and spatial features from high-speed visual data, with applications spanning vibration monitoring, multi-joint robotic manipulators, and biological motion recognition. Tuniyazi’s contributions involve creating novel image- and signal-processing algorithms designed to improve the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of automated systems operating in dynamic environments. His work on HFR-video-based vibration analysis offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities for flexible robotic structures, while his research on hornet detection using wing-beat frequency analysis demonstrates the potential of high-speed imaging for environmental and biological applications. Furthermore, his earlier work on multi-person tracking in complex backgrounds reflects his strong foundation in computer vision and predictive filtering. Tuniyazi’s scholarly visibility continues to grow, with citations indexed in Google Scholar and Scopus, reflecting early-stage but steadily increasing academic impact. According to Google Scholar metrics, his work has accumulated citations, maintaining an h-index of 1 and an i10-index of 0, which is consistent with researchers developing specialized expertise in a rapidly advancing technical domain. His research outputs contribute to international conferences and peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating a commitment to scientific rigor and innovation. Tuniyazi’s ongoing research trajectory aligns strongly with the objectives of the Research Excellence Award, showcasing high-impact potential in intelligent video processing, adaptive computational models, and robotics-oriented signal analysis, reinforcing his role as a promising contributor to next-generation smart robotic and imaging systems.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Li, J., Shimasaki, K., Tuniyazi, A., Ishii, I., Ogihara, M., & Yoshiyama, M. (2023). HFR video-based hornet detection approach using wing-beat frequency analysis. IEEE Sensors, 1–4.

  • Abudoureheman, T., Wang, F., Shimasaki, K., & Ishii, I. (2025). HFR-video-based vibration analysis of a multi-jointed robot manipulator. Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics, 37(5), 1205–1218.

  • Tuniyazi Abudoureheman, T., & Abousharara, E. (2018). Multiple people tracking based on Kalman filter in complex background. Proceedings of the Shikoku-Section Joint Convention of Institutes of Electrical and Related Engineers.

Maria Economou | Digital Heritage | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Maria Economou | Digital Heritage | Best Researcher Award

University of Glasgow | United Kingdom

Prof. Maria Economou is a leading scholar in Digital Cultural Heritage, serving as Professor at the University of Glasgow  in a joint appointment between Information Studies and The Hunterian, where she co-founded the Digital Cultural Heritage Arts Lab.  she has held the prestigious British Academy/Wolfson Professorial Fellowship, advancing innovative research on emotional engagement with museum collections through digital storytelling and participatory interpretation. Her distinguished career spans senior academic roles at the University of Glasgow , over a decade at the University of the Aegean as Director of the Museology Research Lab, and earlier positions at the University of Manchester and the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford. She holds a DPhil from Oxford for pioneering work on multimedia in museums, an MA from Leicester, and a BA from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Prof. Economou is internationally recognized for her contributions to digitisation, immersive technologies, and cultural interpretation, delivering invited talks worldwide and serving as European Commission Expert for Digital Cultural Heritage. She has held leadership roles including Vice-Chair of Universeum and membership in the Europeana Impact Task Force, alongside editorial service for major journals such as Memory, Mind & Media and Museum Worlds. Her influence extends across global funding bodies, PhD examinations, scientific committees, and advisory roles for major cultural projects including Unpath’d Waters and CHARTER. With 1,555 citations, an h-index of 17, and landmark publications such as Heritage in the Digital Age and Moving Beyond the Virtual Museum, she remains a driving force in shaping digital heritage scholarship. Prof. Maria Economou is recognized for her outstanding contributions to research excellence and innovation. She is proudly nominated for the Best Researcher Award in honour of her global impact.

Publication Profile

Orcid | Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Economou, M. (2015). Heritage in the digital age. In A companion to heritage studies (pp. 215–228).

  • Economou, M., & Meintani, E. (2011). Promising beginning? Evaluating museum mobile phone apps.

  • Economou, M. (1998). The evaluation of museum multimedia applications: Lessons from research. Museum Management and Curatorship, 17(2), 173–187.

  • Perry, S., Roussou, M., Economou, M., Young, H., & Pujol, L. (2017). Moving beyond the virtual museum: Engaging visitors emotionally. Proceedings of the 23rd International Conference on Virtual System & Multimedia (VSMM), 1–8.

  • Economou, M., & Tost, L. P. (2007). Educational tool or expensive toy? Evaluating VR evaluation and its relevance for virtual heritage. In New Heritage (pp. 258–276).