Mihaela Vancea | Educational Research | Innovative Research Award

Innovative Research Award

Mihaela Vancea
Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
Mihaela Vancea
Affiliation Universitat de Barcelona
Country Spain
Scopus 50061984500
Documents 26
Citations 567
h-index 10
Subject Area Educational Research
Event Top Teachers Awards
ORCID 0000-0002-7970-1322
Google Scholar iKOOAkwAAAAJ

Mihaela Vancea, Assistant Professor in the Department of Methods of Research and Diagnosis in Education at the Universitat de Barcelona, has established an interdisciplinary research profile connecting education, sustainability, social inclusion, interculturalism, and social transformation. Her academic work combines competitive research leadership, international collaboration, knowledge transfer, and educational innovation, contributing to contemporary debates on sustainable development and higher education reform.[1][2]

Abstract

This article summarizes the academic profile and scholarly contributions of Mihaela Vancea in the fields of educational research, sustainability, social inclusion, and intercultural education. Her work integrates social science perspectives with educational transformation, emphasizing sustainability competencies, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), youth participation, and societal wellbeing. Through research leadership, international collaboration, and knowledge-transfer initiatives, her scholarship demonstrates sustained engagement with contemporary educational and social challenges.[1][2]

Keywords

Education; Social Inclusion; Interculturalism; Sustainability; Sustainable Development Goals; Higher Education; Ecosocial Education; Youth Participation; Educational Transformation; Social Research.

Introduction

Since 2022, Mihaela Vancea has served as Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education, Universitat de Barcelona. Her academic trajectory includes appointments across several Spanish universities and international experience in Chile. The evolution of her research demonstrates continuity from social and political sciences toward educational sustainability, social transformation, and inclusive development.[1]

Research Profile

Vancea holds a PhD in Political and Social Sciences from Universitat Pompeu Fabra and possesses advanced training in sociology, community development, and social research. Her expertise includes education for sustainability, SDGs integration, sustainability competences, social inclusion, youth transitions, unemployment, intercultural education, and sustainability transitions. International collaborative projects and interdisciplinary networks have played a central role in shaping her research agenda.[1]

Research Contributions

  • Principal Researcher of ecosocial education projects at the University of Barcelona.
  • Scientific Coordinator of the European Union H2020 IN-HABIT project.
  • Principal Investigator of the CUPESSE project team focused on youth unemployment and self-sufficiency.
  • Leadership in research addressing sustainability, wellbeing, participation, and educational transformation.
  • Knowledge-transfer activities through open databases and educational communities.

Publications

Among her most influential publications are studies on renewable energy communities, youth health inequalities, and school-to-work transitions. These works have contributed to discussions on sustainability, employment, and social wellbeing across international academic communities.[3][4][5]

  • Community energy and social entrepreneurship: Addressing purpose, organisation and embeddedness of renewable energy projects (2017).
  • How unemployment and precarious employment affect the health of young people (2017).
  • School-to-work transition: The case of Spanish NEETs (2018).
  • Recent publications on sustainability competencies and higher education transformation.

Research Impact

The societal relevance of Vancea’s work is reflected in its focus on sustainability transitions, climate-related educational challenges, urban wellbeing, youth participation, and social inclusion. Her involvement in European projects has supported policy-relevant research, while open-access knowledge resources and collaborative networks have enhanced dissemination and public engagement. Citation metrics and international publication activity indicate measurable scholarly visibility within her fields of specialization.[1][2]

Award Suitability

The profile demonstrates characteristics commonly associated with academic recognition, including research leadership, international collaboration, interdisciplinary scholarship, externally funded projects, educational innovation, and societal engagement. Her sustained contributions to sustainability education and social inclusion align with the objectives of awards recognizing impactful educational research and transformative academic practice.[1]

Conclusion

Mihaela Vancea represents an interdisciplinary researcher whose academic work bridges education, sustainability, and social transformation. Through leadership of competitive projects, scholarly publications, international collaboration, and knowledge-transfer activities, she has contributed to advancing educational research and sustainability-oriented higher education. Her profile reflects an established and internationally connected research trajectory with demonstrated societal relevance.[1][2]

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Mihaela Vancea, Author ID 50061984500. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/50061984500
  2. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Mihaela Vancea citation profile. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iKOOAkwAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
  3. Becker, S., Kunze, C., & Vancea, M. (2017). Community energy and social entrepreneurship: Addressing purpose, organisation and embeddedness of renewable energy projects. Journal of Cleaner Production. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.01.048
  4. Vancea, M., & Utzet, M. (2017). How unemployment and precarious employment affect the health of young people. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494816679555
  5. Vancea, M., & Utzet, M. (2018). School-to-work transition: The case of Spanish NEETs. Journal of Youth Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2017.1421313

Lisa Brinn | Educational Research Award | Best Researcher Award

Danni Xue | Educational Research | Best Researcher Award

Merga Hunde | Educational Research | Innovative Teaching Methods

Mr. Merga Hunde | Educational Research | Innovative Teaching Methods

PhD Candidate at Jimma University, Ethiopia

Mr. Merga Hunde Gonfa is a dedicated academic and researcher whose contributions to education and research in Ethiopia are commendable. With a strong educational background and diverse professional experiences, he has made significant strides in the field of Chemistry and educational research. His work, particularly in the realm of active learning techniques in primary education, demonstrates his commitment to enhancing educational practices and addressing challenges in the Ethiopian context.

 

📝professional profile

ORCID

🎓Educational Details:

Mr. Gonfa has a solid academic foundation, with a BSc in Chemistry from Wallaga University and an MSc in Chemistry from the same institution, where he graduated with a commendable CGPA of 3.72. His educational journey also includes a Med in Curriculum and Instruction, highlighting his focus on educational methodologies and their application in teaching practices. This diverse academic background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of both chemistry and educational strategies.

👨‍🏫Professional Experience:

Mr. Gonfa’s professional journey reflects his dedication to education and research. Currently a lecturer at Jimma University, he is involved in teaching curriculum development and conducting research related to education. His previous roles as principal and vice principal at Koneji Primary School further showcase his leadership and commitment to improving educational standards. His experience as a teacher and school administrator underscores his practical knowledge and ability to implement effective educational strategies.

Research :

Mr. Gonfa’s research is particularly notable for its focus on active learning techniques in Ethiopian primary schools. His publication, “The Utilization of Active Learning Techniques in Ethiopian Primary Schools: Practice and Challenges,” highlights his commitment to addressing educational challenges and improving teaching practices. This research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of active learning strategies and their impact on educational outcomes in Ethiopia.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Mr. Merga Hunde Gonfa exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and educator. His academic achievements, combined with his practical experience and impactful research, make him a deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions to both education and research continue to make a significant impact, enhancing the quality of education in Ethiopia and beyond.

📚Publications to Noted

“Review on Practice and Challenges of ICT Integration as Pedagogical Tools in Ethiopian Primary School Curriculum Implementation”

Authors: Merga Hunde

Citations: Not listed

Year: 2024

DOI: 10.1007/s44217-024-00184-w

Source: Discover Education

“The Utilization of Active Learning Techniques in Ethiopian Primary Schools: Practice and Challenges”

Authors: Merga Hunde

Citations: Not listed

Year: 2023

DOI: 10.20372/STAR.V12I4.08

Source: Journal of Science