Emese Belényesi | Higher Education | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Top Teachers

Innovative Research Award

Dr. Emese Belényesi, PhD, Habil. — Associate Professor, Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary

Emese Belényesi
Affiliation Ludovika University of Public Service
Country Hungary
Google Scholar ZvgeQycAAAAJ
Documents 105
Citations 187
h-index 7
Subject Area Public Management
Event Top Teachers Awards
Scopus ID 59262428300
ORCID 0000-0002-4865-6629

Dr. Emese Belényesi, PhD, Habil is an associate professor, accredited trainer, business coach and adult education expert whose professional career connects business management, public administration, higher education and continuing education. Her academic work centres on public administration management, leadership, organizational development, change management and adult education, with more recent attention to the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education. Her professional profile combines research with teaching, training, coaching and project-based expert work, emphasizing the practical application of theoretical knowledge. [1]

Abstract

Dr. Emese Belényesi is a Hungarian public management scholar and higher-education educator whose career combines academic teaching, research, professional training and coaching. Her work examines management and leadership in public administration, organizational and change management, competence development, continuing education and adult learning. She has participated as researcher, expert, trainer and lead trainer in projects concerning public-sector competence development, recruitment, mentoring, validation of prior learning, local government cooperation and organizational performance. Her publication record includes work on change management, public-sector careers and competency-based human resource management. [2]

Keywords

Public management; public administration; strategic leadership; change management; organizational development; adult education; andragogy; continuing education; competence development; leadership development; higher education; artificial intelligence in education.

Introduction

Dr. Emese Belényesi has developed a professional trajectory extending from banking and corporate management through public administration to higher education and adult education. She holds qualifications in economics and management, an MBA, professional trainer qualifications, a PhD in educational sciences and a habilitation in public administration. This combination of practical and academic experience informs her approach to management education and public-sector professional development.

Her university teaching focuses principally on management-related subjects, including public management, strategic management, leadership and organizational theory, decision and leadership theory, conflict management and change management in public administration. Her training activities emphasize professional and skills development for managers and employees, while her coaching practice applies solution-oriented approaches to professional and personal development.

The central feature of her academic and professional work is the connection between theory and practice. Her research has frequently addressed public-sector organizations and public administration, while her expert and training assignments have involved public institutions, municipalities, universities and organizations from the business sector. [1][3]

Research Profile

Dr. Emese Belényesi’s research profile is situated at the intersection of public administration management, leadership and organization, competence development, adult education and continuing professional training. Her doctoral research examined competence development and further training in public administration, including methodological effectiveness and the relationship between professional development and public-sector performance. Her subsequent project activity extended these interests to recruitment, mentoring, organizational management, local government cooperation and the validation of previously acquired knowledge.[1][2]

Her documented research and expert assignments include examination of cooperation between local governments and civil society organizations, adult education competencies in higher education, competency-based public administration training, validation of acquired knowledge, innovative citizen participation, professional teacher training, local government training, civil-service recruitment and mentoring, and management and performance in local government. These projects demonstrate a sustained interest in the institutional and human dimensions of public-sector development.

Her research profile also reflects an applied orientation. Rather than treating management and educational questions solely as theoretical problems, her work connects research findings with training design, organizational development, professional competence and institutional practice. This orientation is consistent with her parallel career as a university teacher, trainer and coach.

Academic and Professional Development

Period Qualification or role
2015–2017 Corvinus University of Budapest, Faculty of Social Sciences — Trainer in English for Business
2004 2009 ELTE PPK Institute of Educational Sciences — Doctoral School of Educational Sciences, PhD research in educational sciences
1996-1999 The Open University Business School — MBA programme, Professional Diploma in Management
1985–1991 Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Economics — Organization Economist Diploma

Her professional career began in banking, progressed through corporate management and public administration, and subsequently developed into higher education, training and coaching. Since 2012 she has held an associate-professor role in public-administration-related higher education, with responsibilities encompassing teaching, research, curriculum development and training management.

Research Contributions

A major contribution of Dr. Emese Belényesi’s work concerns the examination of organizational change and management in public administration. Her publication on change management addresses the relevance of organizational change processes to public administration and provides an applied framework for understanding management responses to institutional transformation. [3]

A second strand concerns professional competence and human-resource development in the public service. Her collaborative research on competency-based human-resource management considers these issues from an educational perspective, linking human-resource practices with professional learning and competence development. [4]

A further contribution relates to public-sector careers and management. Her research on career development contrasts public-sector career pathways with sector-specific management careers, highlighting the relationship between institutional environments, professional development and managerial trajectories. [5]

  • Public administration management and strategic leadership.
  • Change management and organizational development in public institutions.
  • Competence development and continuing professional education.
  • Adult education and andragogical methods in professional training.
  • Public-sector recruitment, mentoring and career development.
  • Application of educational and management methods in higher education and professional development.

Publications

Dr. Emese Belényesi’s publication record includes research on public administration management, change management, public-sector career development and competency-based human-resource management. Among the documented works is Change management in public administration (2014), which addresses organizational change within public administration. [3] Her 2013 article examines the relationship between public-sector careers and sector-specific management careers. [5] In collaboration with Andrea Dobos, she later examined competency-based human-resource management in the public service from an educational perspective in Pro Publico Bono–Hungarian Public Administration. [4]

Selected publication Research significance
Belényesi, E. (2014). Change management in public administration. Addresses organizational change and management within public administration.
Belényesi, E. (2013). A career in the public sector vs. a sector-specific management career? Examines career development and management pathways in the public sector.
Belényesi, E., & Dobos, A. (2022). Competency-based human resource management in the public service from educational perspective. Connects competency-based HR management with education and professional development.

Research Impact

The supplied bibliometric profile records 105 documents, 187 citations and an h-index of 7 in Google Scholar. These figures provide an indicator of the visibility of her scholarly output within the indexed Google Scholar environment. The profile should be interpreted as a bibliometric snapshot rather than as a comprehensive measure of academic quality or influence. [1]

Her broader professional impact is also reflected in sustained involvement in applied research, training and expert assignments. Project work has included public-administration competence development, civil-service recruitment, mentor preparation, local government training, organizational culture, validation of prior learning and management-performance initiatives. This combination of scholarship and professional application provides a practical dimension to her research profile.

Her work on competency-based human-resource management is particularly relevant to contemporary public-sector professionalization because it connects personnel development with educational processes and competence formation. The published study provides a scholarly basis for considering how public-service human-resource practices can be supported by systematic professional learning. [4]

Award Suitability

For the Innovative Research Award category, Dr. Emese Belényesi’s profile is relevant through the combination of sustained research activity, applied public-management scholarship, higher-education teaching and professional development work. Her research addresses practical problems in public administration and professional education, while her project experience demonstrates the application of research-informed approaches to organizational and competence development.

The suitability of the profile is further supported by the continuity between her research interests and professional activities. Leadership, organization, change management, competence development and adult education appear across her teaching, research, training and expert work. This interdisciplinary continuity provides a coherent basis for recognizing research that is closely connected with professional practice.

The award assessment should nevertheless remain evidence-based and should consider independently verifiable publication, bibliometric, project and institutional records alongside the information summarized on this page.[1][2]

Conclusion

Dr. Emese Belényesi’s academic profile is characterized by an applied research orientation in public management, leadership, organizational development and adult education. Her professional trajectory across business, public administration and higher education has informed a research and teaching portfolio that connects management theory with professional practice. Her documented publications and project participation, together with her teaching, training and coaching activities, form an integrated academic profile relevant to research-informed public-sector and higher-education development.[1][2]

References

  1. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Google Scholar profile: Emese Belényesi, user ID ZvgeQycAAAAJ. Google Scholar. https://scholar.google.com/citations?pagesize=100&user=ZvgeQycAAAAJ
  2. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Emese Belényesi, Author ID 59262428300. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=59262428300
  3. Belényesi, E. (2014). Change management in public administration. National University of Public Service, 1, 139. https://real.mtak.hu/82340/1/Valtozasmenedzsment_a_kozigazgatasban_u.pdf
  4. Belényesi, E., & Dobos, A. (2022). Competency-based human resource management in the public service from educational perspective. Pro Publico Bono–Hungarian Public Administration, 10(4), 20–41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32575/ppb.2022.4.2
  5. Belényesi, E. (2013). A career in the public sector vs. a sector-specific management career?. New Hungarian Public Administration, 6(5), 1–14. https://real.mtak.hu/82341/1/Karrier_a_kozszektorban_vs_szektorfuggo_vezetoi_karrier_u.pdf

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani | Higher Education | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Top Teachers

Innovative Research Award

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani — University of Lagos, Nigeria

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani
Affiliation University of Lagos
Country Nigeria
Google Scholar JZIAdjsAAAAJ
Documents 18
Citations 64
h-index 5
Subject Area Artificial Intelligence
Event Top Teachers Awards
Scopus ID 59759925700
ORCID 0009-0009-3466-4140

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani is a chemistry educator and researcher whose academic work connects science education, instructional strategies, inclusive learning, technology-enhanced teaching, sustainable development, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence in education. His professional profile combines classroom practice, laboratory management, educational research, peer review, science communication, and curriculum development, with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches to improving student learning.[1][2]

Abstract

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani is a science educator and researcher whose work focuses on improving chemistry and STEM education through student-centred pedagogy, inclusive science education, technology integration, and evidence-based instructional strategies. His research interests additionally encompass artificial intelligence in education, professional development, teacher competencies, sustainable development, science communication, and contemporary approaches to cultivating transferable skills. His academic trajectory includes postgraduate research at the University of Lagos and research activities addressing inclusive learning, science education, self-reliance, economic development, and 21st-century STEM competencies.[3][4][5]

Keywords

Chemistry education; science education; artificial intelligence; instructional strategies; inclusive science education; student-centred learning; STEM education; educational technology; teacher competencies; professional development; sustainable development; science communication.

Introduction

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani’s academic and professional activities are situated within contemporary efforts to strengthen science teaching through research-informed pedagogy and technology-supported learning. His work reflects an interdisciplinary orientation linking chemistry education with broader questions of inclusion, learner engagement, teacher development, digital resources, and the contribution of science education to social and economic development. A systematic review published in Discover Education examined the relevance of science education for self-reliance and economic growth in Nigeria, positioning science learning within wider developmental priorities.[4]

His educational background includes a Master of Education in Chemistry Education from the University of Lagos, completed in 2025, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education from Obafemi Awolowo University (Adeyemi Chapter), completed in 2019. His postgraduate research examined the influence of open inquiry instructional strategy on secondary-school chemistry students’ achievement, conceptual knowledge, and acquisition of process skills.

Research Profile

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani’s research profile encompasses science education, instructional strategies, inclusive science education, teaching pedagogies, professional development, student-centred teaching and learning, teacher competencies, sustainable development, science communication, and technology and artificial intelligence applications in education. His methodological interests include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, enabling investigation of educational interventions from complementary empirical perspectives.

His research experience includes service as a Technology Transfer Ambassador at ITMO, University of Lagos, peer-review activities with Springer Nature and Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, peer review for the International Journal of Studies in Psychology, and research-assistant experience at the University of Lagos. These activities complement his teaching experience and contribute to his engagement with the scholarly communication process.

His professional teaching experience includes online tutoring in chemistry and science, secondary-school chemistry teaching, laboratory technology, mathematics instruction, and basic science education. These roles provide a practical context for his interest in student-centred instruction, laboratory-based learning, digital pedagogy, and the development of effective science-learning environments.[1][2]

Research Contributions

A notable contribution of Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani’s research is its attention to inclusive science education. His co-authored study on students with hearing impairment addresses current educational conditions and future needs, emphasizing the importance of reforming science education to accommodate learners with diverse educational requirements.[3]

His research also examines science education as a contributor to self-reliance and economic growth in Nigeria. The 2025 systematic literature review synthesizes evidence concerning the broader relevance of science education to national development, connecting educational outcomes with economic and societal objectives.[4]

A further contribution is his examination of evidence-based strategies for developing 21st-century skills in STEM education. The 2026 systematic review considers contemporary approaches to STEM learning and provides a research-based perspective on strategies for cultivating skills needed in changing educational and technological environments.[5]

Across these areas, his research agenda connects classroom practice with broader educational questions involving inclusion, learner development, teacher competencies, sustainable development, and technology-enabled instruction. This orientation provides a foundation for further investigation of artificial intelligence and digital technologies within science education.

Publications

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani’s scholarly publications address inclusive science education, the developmental relevance of science education in Nigeria, and evidence-based strategies for cultivating 21st-century STEM competencies. His 2024 co-authored article examines educational needs associated with students with hearing impairment, while his 2025 systematic review considers science education, self-reliance, and economic growth. A 2026 systematic review further synthesizes evidence on strategies for developing 21st-century skills in STEM education.[3][4][5]

The publication record demonstrates an emerging research trajectory that moves from specific inclusion-related challenges toward broader systematic analyses of science education, development, and STEM skill formation. The cited works provide identifiable scholarly outputs through journal and institutional records, including a DOI-indexed article in Discover Education and a DOI-linked 2026 publication.[4][5]

Research Impact

The reported academic profile records 18 documents, 64 citations, and an h-index of 5 in the supplied profile information. His research impact is particularly relevant to science and STEM education because his publications address practical educational challenges alongside wider questions of inclusion, development, and contemporary skills. His engagement in peer review and international scholarly presentations further supports participation in academic knowledge exchange.

The research has potential relevance for educators, curriculum developers, teacher educators, educational researchers, and policymakers concerned with strengthening science learning. The emphasis on evidence-based instructional strategies and inclusive learning provides a basis for translating research findings into improved educational practice while maintaining a connection between empirical scholarship and classroom experience.[3][4][5]

Award Suitability

The profile is relevant to recognition for innovative research because it combines sustained teaching practice with an emerging body of research addressing science education, inclusive learning, STEM competencies, and technology-oriented educational development. His postgraduate research, peer-reviewed publications, professional review activities, and engagement with technology and artificial intelligence in education collectively demonstrate an academic direction oriented toward improving science-learning outcomes.[1][2]

For the Top Teachers Awards context, the strongest evidence of suitability is the alignment between teaching experience and research-informed educational practice. His work connects classroom instruction with systematic research on inclusion, science education, economic development, and 21st-century STEM skills, providing a coherent basis for considering the Innovative Research Award within an academic recognition framework.

Conclusion

Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani’s academic profile reflects the intersection of chemistry education, science education research, inclusive pedagogy, instructional innovation, and emerging educational technologies. His published research addresses practical and systemic issues in science and STEM education, while his professional experience provides a classroom-based foundation for continued scholarly investigation. The combination of research activity, teaching experience, peer-review engagement, and interest in artificial intelligence creates a developing profile within contemporary science education research.[3][4][5]

References

  1. Scopus Author Profile, Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani, Scopus Author ID 59759925700. Scopus profile.
  2. Google Scholar Author Profile, Bamidele Emmanuel Tijani, Google Scholar ID JZIAdjsAAAAJ. Google Scholar profile.
  3. Adeduyigbe, A. M., Adeduyigbe, A. E., & Tijani, B. E. (2024). “Addressing students with hearing impairment’s current state and future needs: Reforming an inclusive science education.” International Journal of Studies in Inclusive Education, 1(2), 12–15. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ijsie_v1_n2_a3.
  4. Tijani, B. E., & Adeduyigbe, A. M. (2025). “Relevance of science education for self-reliance and economic growth in Nigeria: A systematic literature review.” Discover Education, 4(1), 92. DOI: 10.1007/s44217-025-00504-8.
  5. Tijani, B. E., & Adeduyigbe, A. M. (2026). “Transforming science education: A systematic review of evidence-based strategies for cultivating 21st-century skills in STEM education.” Journal of Research in Environmental and Science Education, 3(1), 8–23. DOI: 10.70232/jrese.v3i1.37.

Wafa Al-Maawali | Higher Education | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Top Teachers

Innovative Research Award

Wafa Al-Maawali
University of Technology and Applied Sciences Rustaq, Oman
Wafa Al-Maawali
Affiliation University of Technology and Applied Sciences Rustaq
Country Oman
Scopus ID 57223200709
Documents 7
Citations 31
h-index 3
Subject Area E-Learning
Event Top Teachers Awards
ORCID 0000-0001-7329-401X
Google Scholar Oq-k7g0AAAAJ

Wafa Al-Maawali is an academic leader, e-learning specialist, innovation and technology-transfer professional, quality-assurance contributor, and higher-education educator whose professional work spans digital learning, institutional quality enhancement, curriculum development, educational technology, applied linguistics, and academic leadership. Her career at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences includes responsibilities in e-learning coordination, teaching, quality assurance, accreditation, academic programme review, and innovation and technology transfer. Her documented research profile includes publications addressing educational technology, connectivism, writing, and digital learning. [1][2]

Abstract

Wafa Al-Maawali’s academic and professional profile combines higher-education teaching, e-learning, applied linguistics, educational research, quality assurance, accreditation, innovation, and technology transfer. Her career progression from English-language teaching and educational research toward e-learning leadership and institutional innovation reflects an interdisciplinary professional trajectory. Her current responsibilities at UTAS–Rustaq place particular emphasis on innovation, technology transfer, student innovation projects, knowledge exchange, and institutional development, while her quality-assurance experience includes accreditation activities, programme review, evidence evaluation, and academic report writing.[1][2]

Keywords

Technology; TESOL; quality teaching; e-learning; educational technology; applied linguistics; genre writing; digital education; quality assurance; accreditation; innovation; technology transfer; higher education.

Introduction

Wafa Al-Maawali is a higher-education academic and administrator based at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences Rustaq in Oman. Her professional experience encompasses teaching, e-learning coordination, academic quality assurance, institutional accreditation, programme evaluation, innovation, and technology transfer. The profile is distinguished by the combination of educational technology and institutional quality functions with an academic background in applied linguistics and educational research.

Her doctoral research in e-learning for genre writing provides a scholarly foundation for subsequent work involving digital pedagogy, writing, language education, and technology-enabled learning. Her professional record subsequently expanded into institutional quality and innovation-oriented leadership, connecting academic practice with broader institutional transformation.

Research Profile

The research profile is multidisciplinary, with principal interests in e-learning, educational technology, digital education, genre writing, academic writing, applied linguistics, English language teaching, technology-enhanced learning, innovation in higher education, and quality enhancement. The Scopus profile supplied for this article records 7 documents, 31 citations, and an h-index of 3, while the supplied Google Scholar information records 12 documents, 141 citations, and an h-index of 6. These indicators originate from different scholarly platforms and should therefore be interpreted according to their respective indexing and counting methodologies. [1] [2]

Her educational qualifications include a Professional Applied Diploma in Artificial Intelligence Systems from Nevada University (2024), a PhD in E-Learning for Genre Writing from the University of Exeter (2018), a Master of Educational Research from the University of Exeter (2014), an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Northumbria (2010), and a BA in Education from Rustaq College of Education (2008).

Current Leadership Responsibilities

Head of Innovation and Technology Transfer, UTAS — 25 September 2023–present. The role focuses on innovation, technology transfer, knowledge exchange, research utilization, student innovation projects, and connections between academic expertise and practical applications.

Board Member, Oman Association for Quality in Higher Education — April 2026–present. The supplied professional information describes participation in activities related to quality enhancement, higher-education standards, academic excellence, institutional development, and quality assurance.

Academic Experience

Assistant Professor and Lead E-Learning Coordinator, UTAS — 1 October 2018–2023. Responsibilities included coordinating e-learning activities, supporting digital teaching and learning, teaching English Language Teaching courses, contributing to institutional quality assurance and accreditation, participating in QA writing teams, working with the Oman Qualifications Framework, serving as a programme external reviewer for OAAAQA, and supporting academic programme quality and continuous improvement.

Earlier Academic Career

Acting Head of QA and Lecturer, Colleges of Applied Sciences — 2010–2018. The supplied record describes responsibilities involving quality-assurance leadership, academic teaching, student support, curriculum and programme activities, academic administration, and institutional quality improvement.

Date note: The source material contains the date “31/11/2010,” although November has 30 days. The exact starting date should therefore be verified against the original curriculum vitae before publication.

Core Areas of Expertise

Higher education leadership, Academic quality assurance, E-learning and digital education, Innovation and technology transfer, Educational research, Applied linguistics and English language teaching, Genre-based and academic writing, Institutional accreditation and programme evaluation, Educational technology and technology-enabled learning, Academic programme development and quality enhancement.

Research Contributions

The supplied publication record indicates contributions at the intersection of educational technology, digital learning, connectivism, writing pedagogy, and teacher development. One study examines perceptions of educational-technology affordances among teachers and students in Oman, while subsequent work addresses experiential writing through connectivism and the integration of critical thinking within digital connectivist learning. [3] [4] [5]

Her professional work also includes educational technology training, academic writing, online teaching tools, writing communities, digital pedagogy, quality assurance, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, innovation, and technology-transfer development. This combination connects research-informed educational practice with institutional development.

Publications

Wafa Al-Maawali’s publications examine educational technology, e-learning, digital connectivism, and English-language writing. Her research demonstrates how technology-supported learning can strengthen student engagement, reflective writing, and critical thinking in Omani higher education. Key studies include work on educational-technology affordances, experiential writing, and digital connectivism, highlighting practical approaches to technology-enhanced teaching and learning. [3][4][5]

  1. Al-Maawali, W. (2020). “Affordances in educational technology: Perceptions of teachers and students in Oman.” Journal of Information Technology: Research, 19, 931–952.
  2. Al-Maawali, W. (2022a). “Experiential writing through connectivism learning theory: A case study of English language students in Oman higher education.” Reflective Practice.
  3. Al-Maawali, W. (2022b). “Integrating critical thinking into digital connectivism theory: Omani pre-service teacher development.” Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 32, 1–15.

Research Impact

The supplied scholarly indicators show measurable visibility across Scopus and Google Scholar, although the two platforms report different document, citation, and h-index counts. Beyond bibliometric indicators, the professional record indicates impact through e-learning coordination, institutional accreditation, quality-assurance activities, programme review, external review, educational technology development, innovation leadership, and technology-transfer responsibilities. [1][2]

The professional trajectory can be summarized as Education → Applied Linguistics → Educational Research → E-Learning → Quality Assurance → Academic Leadership → Innovation → Technology Transfer. This progression demonstrates an expansion from classroom and language education into digital learning, institutional quality, and innovation-oriented higher-education development.

Award Suitability

For the Top Teachers Awards context, the profile presents several documented areas relevant to academic recognition: sustained higher-education experience, leadership in e-learning and innovation, engagement with institutional quality assurance and accreditation, research in educational technology and digital learning, and professional development in intellectual property, artificial intelligence, innovation, and quality assurance. These elements provide a substantive basis for considering the candidate in an innovation-oriented academic recognition category without relying on unsupported superlative claims.

Professional Objective

Quality Transformation | Academic Leadership | Community Impact

Quality Transformation concerns improving educational quality through quality assurance, accreditation, programme review, digital learning, and continuous institutional improvement. Academic Leadership encompasses e-learning, innovation, technology transfer, academic programmes, institutional development, and higher-education strategy. Community Impact concerns the application of education, innovation, technology, and knowledge transfer to students, institutions, professionals, and the wider community.

Professional Bodies and Activities

The academician is actively engaged with several professional and scholarly organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to higher education, quality assurance, information technology, innovation, and intellectual property. They are a member of the Oman Association for Quality in Higher Education (OAQHE), Omani IT Society (OITS), Omani Association for Intellectual Property (OSIP), American Association Innovation (AAI), Global Innovation Institution, Arabic Council for Innovation, Arabic Association for IP Protection, and InSITE, with InSITE membership since 2020. They have also contributed to academic and professional events, serving as a member of the organizing committee for the Current Trends in Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics and TESOL in Oman conference, held on 8 June 2021, and as a member of the Technical Committee for the 3rd GS International Conference on Computer Science and Engineering (GSICCSE 2022).

Professional Development

The academician has undertaken extensive professional development in intellectual property, quality assurance, academic program evaluation, e-learning, educational technology, research, writing pedagogy, and academic leadership. Their professional training includes the Patent Information Search DL318E24S1 course through the WIPO Academy in 2024, the General Course on Intellectual Property in June 2023, and the Specialized Course on Basics of Intellectual Property in April 2023. They also completed OQF capacity-building activities for listing and Programme Standards Assessment during 2023–2024. Their professional development in teaching and digital education includes a workshop on the effective integration of online tools in teaching writing skills in October 2021, a presentation at Sultan Qaboos University on connecting ESL writers socially through the process-writing approach in October 2021, and workshops on writing effective OKRs and teaching writing through a writing community during the same period. In June 2021, they participated in external and internal stakeholder workshops. Earlier professional development includes the GFP External Reviewer Workshop organized by OAAA in December 2019, the Programme Review Workshop conducted by MoHE in December 2019, an Intellectual Property Workshop at ACT in December 2019, and a Benchmarking Workshop at Gulf College in April 2019. They also participated in Oxford Professional Development webinars and conference activities in 2019 and attended a workshop on using technology for teaching writing at Rustaq Basic School in August 2019. Their research and academic development includes a presentation on Omani ESL students and genre differences at the University of Exeter in March 2017, participation in the 14th International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies in July 2014, an Academic Writing and Study Skills Workshop at the University of Exeter in 2014, and a British Council workshop on supporting students writing in English in June 2014. Earlier international professional experience includes participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program in the United States in July 2013.

Conclusion

Wafa Al-Maawali’s professional profile represents an established higher-education career combining academic teaching, e-learning, educational research, applied linguistics, quality assurance, accreditation, innovation, and technology transfer. Her progression from education and language studies to digital learning leadership and innovation management provides a coherent interdisciplinary trajectory. The combination of scholarly publications, institutional responsibilities, professional development, and quality-enhancement activities supports her positioning as an academic professional working across education, technology, quality, and innovation.

The strongest distinguishing feature of the profile is the integration of academic leadership, digital education, quality assurance, innovation, and technology transfer. This combination provides a relevant scholarly and professional basis for consideration in an innovation-focused academic recognition context.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Wafa Al-Maawali, Author ID 57223200709. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/57223200709
  2. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Wafa Al-Maawali author profile. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Oq-k7g0AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
  3. Al-Maawali, W. (2020). Affordances in educational technology: Perceptions of teachers and students in Oman. Journal of Information Technology: Research, 19, 931–952. https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2021.2021167
  4. Al-Maawali, W. (2022a). Experiential writing through connectivism learning theory: A case study of English language students in Oman higher education. Reflective Practice. https://doi.org/10.28945/4662
  5. Al-Maawali, W. (2022b). Integrating critical thinking into digital connectivism theory: Omani pre-service teacher development. Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 32, 1–15. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1380851

Zeinab Mostafavi | Higher Education | Excellence in Special Education Award

Published on by Top Teachers

Excellence in Special Education Award

Zeinab Mostafavi
University of Tehran, Iran
Zeinab Mostafavi
Affiliation University of Tehran
Country Iran
Google Scholar 00QfKEkAAAAJ
Documents 34
Citations 115
h-index 6
Subject Area Higher Education
Event Top Teachers Awards
ORCID 0000-0002-3465-6054

This article presents the scholarly and professional contributions of Zeinab Mostafavi, faculty member at the University of Tehran, in recognition of the Excellence in Special Education Award conferred by the Top Teachers Awards event. Her work focuses on quality assurance, e‑learning, and higher education leadership, with a strong emphasis on accreditation and digital transformation.[1]

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive academic profile of Zeinab Mostafavi, highlighting her extensive work in higher education quality assurance, e‑learning, and accreditation. Her research integrates theoretical frameworks and practical tools, including the development of validation checklists for digital universities. The profile underscores her role in policy design, research collaboration, and capacity building within the Iranian higher education system.[2]

Keywords

Higher Education, Quality Assurance, E‑learning, Accreditation, Digital University, Educational Leadership, Iran.

Introduction

The Excellence in Special Education Award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of teaching, learning, and institutional quality. Zeinab Mostafavi’s career spans over a decade of dedicated service to higher education in Iran, with a particular focus on accreditation and quality assurance in electronic and distance education. Her work bridges policy and practice, as evidenced by her consultancy roles at the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and her involvement in the design of national quality assessment indicators.[3]

Research Profile

Zeinab Mostafavi earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tehran with a thesis on accreditation models for digital universities (GPA 18.18/20, thesis score 19.56). Her research interests include quality assurance, leadership in higher education, accreditation, digital universities, and e‑learning. She has published extensively in Q1 journals such as Higher Education Quarterly and Education and Information Technologies.[4]

Research Contributions

Zeinab Mostafavi has contributed to the development of quality assurance frameworks, including a comprehensive accreditation checklist for e‑learning institutions. She has served as investigator and consultant at the Ministry of Science, where she leads university evaluations using evidence‑based checklists. Her work on the Converging Technologies Research Center (NBIC) at the University of Tehran focused on strategic planning and digital transformation.[5]

  • Design of professional competencies for middle and lower‑level managers (Ministry of Energy, 2024–present)
  • Updating quality assessment indicators for Iranian higher education, with a focus on electronic universities
  • Proposal for the first accreditation body for universities in Iran

Publications

Zeinab Mostafavi has authored 34 documents with 115 citations (h-index 6), including Q1 journal articles on accreditation models for e-learning institutions [3], quality assurance tools [2], and research misconduct in higher education [4].

Recent publications (2025–2026) include:

  • A Checklist for a Comprehensive Accreditation Model for Fully Electronic-Education Higher Education Institutions. Higher Education Quarterly (Q1). https://doi.org/10.1111/hequ.70030
  • Development and Validation of an Accreditation Tool for Assessing the Quality of E-Learning Higher Education Institutions. Education and Information Technologies (Q1). doi:10.1007/s10639-025-13587-5
  • Competencies for Online Teaching Assistants: Integrating Technology, Pedagogy, and Communication Skills. Online Learning Journal (Q1).
  • From Theory to Practice: Real-World Validation of an Internal Quality Assurance Model for Online Higher Education. Education and Information Technologies (Q1).
  • A Qualitative Analysis of the Causes and Consequences of Research Misconduct among early-career Faculty Members. Higher Education Quarterly (Q1).

Research Impact

Zeinab Mostafavi’s work has garnered 115 citations and an h‑index of 6. Her contributions have influenced national accreditation policies and quality assurance practices in Iran. She has participated in the translation of key reference works, including the Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, and has served as a scientific reviewer for multiple journals. Her research on lean higher education and organizational trust has been widely cited.[6]

Award Suitability

The Excellence in Special Education Award recognises sustained excellence in teaching, research, and service. Zeinab Mostafavi exemplifies these criteria through her leadership in quality assurance, her innovative accreditation models, and her commitment to capacity building. She has received multiple honours, including the 2025 Excellence Award in E‑Learning in Iran and acceptance into the National Elite Foundation’s research hubs. Her podcast on accreditation insights further demonstrates her dedication to disseminating knowledge.[7]

Conclusion

Zeinab Mostafavi’s academic and professional trajectory demonstrates a deep engagement with the challenges of quality and equity in higher education. Her research on accreditation, e‑learning, and leadership provides actionable insights for institutions seeking to enhance their educational offerings. Her profile is a testament to the impact of scholarly work on policy and practice in the Iranian context and beyond.[8]

References

  1. University of Tehran. (2025). Faculty profile: Zeinab Mostafavi. University of Tehran. https://ut.ac.ir
  2. Google Scholar. (n.d.): Mostafavi, Zeinab citation profile/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=00QfKEkAAAAJ
  3. Mostafavi, Z., & Ramezani, S. G. (2025). Developing and validating a comprehensive scale for accreditation standards and quality assurance in e‑learning institutions. Education and Information Technologies, 30(15), 21139‑21187. doi:10.1007/s10639-025-13587-5
  4. Abili, K., Narenji Thani, F., & Mostafavi, Z. (2018). Assessing the Readiness of the University to Establish the Lean Higher Education (Case Study: University of Tehran). Journal of Industrial Management Perspective, 8(3), 95‑114. https://jimp.sbu.ac.ir/article_87167.html?lang=en
  5. Narenjisani, F., Mirkamali, S. M., Mostafavi, Z., & A’lami, F. (2017). Investigating the factor structure of knowledge sharing, organizational trust and creativity. Educational and Scholastic Studies, 6(1), 9‑40. doi:20.1001.1.2423494.1396.6.1.1.8
  6. Narenji, F., Mostafavi, Z., Ebadi, R., & Uzbashe, A. (2014). Identifying of learning needs of faculty members in online higher education. Educational and Scholastic Studies, 3(3), 29‑53. doi:20.1001.1.2423494.1393.3.3.2.2
  7. Mostafavi, Z. (2025, January 6). Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education [Podcast episode]. In Top Teachers Insights. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/…
  8. National Elite Foundation of Iran. (2022). Annual Research-Centered Hubs Program – Accepted researchers. National Elite Foundation.