KM Rinki | Virtual Reality Systems | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. KM Rinki | Virtual Reality Systems | Research Excellence Award 

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow | India

KM Rinki is a dedicated Library and Information Science professional with a strong academic background and practical experience in library management. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Library & Information Science from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, she has previously completed an M.Lib.I.Sc. and B.Lib.I.Sc. from the same university, along with a P.G.D.L.I.M. from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, achieving consistently high grades. She has also earned a diploma in Library and Information Science and has qualified the NTA UGC-NET. Her dissertation focused on the evaluation of field-specific collections at the Gautam Buddha Central Library, BBAU, highlighting her research skills. Professionally, she has served as an Assistant Librarian at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Lucknow, and as a Librarian at Ankerite Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, gaining hands-on experience in acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, subscription management, and library administration. She has also undergone training at the Central Library of Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur. Technically proficient, Rinki is skilled in KOHA Integrated Library Management System, DSpace, Zotero, and various computer applications, including MS Office, Tally, and internet tools. She has actively participated in international and national conferences on library and information science, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Rinki brings a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and technical competence, aiming to utilize her knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the growth of any organization while advancing her professional career. She is highly motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about enhancing library services and supporting academic research and development.


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Xiulan Sun | AI in Virtual Environments | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Xiulan Sun | AI in Virtual Environments | Research Excellence Award

Jiangnan University | China

Professor Xiulan Sun, PhD, is a distinguished food scientist currently serving as Dean of the School of Food Science and Technology at Jiangnan University, China, with nearly two decades of academic, research, and leadership experience. She earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Northwest A&F University and completed her PhD at Jiangnan University, where she has progressed from Assistant Professor to Professor, holding senior leadership roles including Vice Dean (2018–2025) and Dean (since 2025). Her international academic exposure includes visiting scholar appointments at Purdue University, USA, and the University of Georgia, USA. Professor Sun’s research focuses on food safety and risk assessment, particularly the screening, identification, and control of biotoxins, foodborne pathogens, heavy metals, and mycotoxins in food processing systems. Her work also addresses the relationship between molecular structure and toxicity of food contaminants, the physiological effects of functional and bioactive food components, and the development of chemical, biological, and physical strategies to degrade or remove hazardous substances. She has made substantial contributions to the understanding of concealed mycotoxins and large-scale risk analysis through database development. Professor Sun has published over 180 peer-reviewed journal articles, edited or co-edited four scientific books, and holds 4 U.S. and 40 Chinese patents as primary inventor. Her research has received over USD 3.20 million in funding from national, provincial, and industrial sources and has been cited more than 4,900 times with an H-index of 39. Her work has gained wide public attention through major international media outlets. She has supervised 23 PhD and 52 master’s graduates and received numerous prestigious honors, including the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China, reflecting her outstanding impact on food safety science, innovation, and education.

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Masoud Sistaninezhad | Human–Computer Interaction | Research Excellence Award

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Masoud Sistaninezhad | Human–Computer Interaction | Research Excellence Award 

Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) | Iran

Masoud Sistaninezhad is a researcher from Iran whose work focuses on the application of machine learning and deep learning techniques in biomedical signal processing, medical image analysis, and intelligent healthcare systems. His research portfolio demonstrates a strong emphasis on using data-driven approaches to improve health monitoring, diagnosis, and safety-critical applications. Among his recent journal contributions is a 2025 article in Computers that presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of machine learning and ensemble techniques for classifying drowsiness and alertness states using EEG signals, aiming to enhance road safety through reliable fatigue detection systems. His conference work at the 10th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (QICAR 2024) explores optimized machine learning models for recognizing heart disease severity using spectrophotometric analysis, highlighting his interest in clinical decision-support systems. In addition, his 2024 book chapter published by Springer investigates morning anxiety detection using smartphone-based photoplethysmography signals, reflecting his engagement with wearable and mobile health technologies. Sistaninezhad has also contributed to neuroengineering research through a journal article in the Journal of Information Systems and Telecommunication, where he evaluates Xception networks combined with short-time Fourier transform spectrograms for motor imagery classification, relevant to brain–computer interface applications. Earlier, his 2023 review article in Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine provides a structured overview of deep learning methods for medical image analysis, summarizing advances, challenges, and future research directions in the field. Collectively, his publications illustrate an interdisciplinary research trajectory that integrates artificial intelligence, signal processing, and healthcare, with practical implications for medical diagnosis, mental health assessment, human–machine interaction, and safety enhancement.

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Michael Crawford | VR in Healthcare | Lifetime Achievement in Virtual Reality Award

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Prof. Michael Crawford | VR in Healthcare | Lifetime Achievement in Virtual Reality Award 

Imperial College, London | United Kingdom

Michael Angus Crawford, BSc (Edinburgh), PhD (London University), FRSB, FRSC, FRCPath, is a distinguished British scientist and academic specializing in brain chemistry, human nutrition, and clinical pathology. He is the founder of the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition and a founder trustee of both the William Little Foundation and the Mother and Child Foundation, reflecting his long-standing commitment to advancing medical research and public health. In addition, he serves as President of the McCarrison Society, promoting scientific inquiry in nutrition and health. Educated at Fort Augustus School in Inverness-shire, where he excelled in sports leadership as Captain of Cricket and Rugby, he earned his BSc in Chemistry from Edinburgh University in 1952, followed by a PhD in Chemical Pathology from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith, University of London in 1960, including a Diploma in Clinical Pathology. His professional recognition includes Fellowships of the Institute of Biology (1988), the Royal College of Pathologists (1994), and the Royal Society of Chemistry (2020), along with certification in Good Clinical Practice (2019) at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, NHS. He holds an academic position at Imperial College London within the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynecology, based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Michael Crawford has a rich personal history, including two marriages—first to Sheilagh Inglis, with whom he had four children (two adopted), and later to Mandy Walton. He resides in Primrose Hill, London, and maintains active professional correspondence through his email and Imperial College profile, also listed on ORCID (0000-0002-8770-753X). Throughout his career, Crawford has combined scientific rigor with leadership in research, education, and public service, making significant contributions to the understanding of human nutrition, metabolism, and clinical pathology.

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Hamraz Javaheri | VR in Healthcare | Women in VR Research Award

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Ms. Hamraz Javaheri | VR in Healthcare | Women in VR Research Award 

German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) | Germany

Hamraz Javaheri is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Germany, and a researcher at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), with a strong interdisciplinary background in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and human-centered augmented reality systems. His research focuses on wearable and mixed reality, human–computer interaction, and AI-assisted systems, particularly in high-stakes domains such as surgery, medical training, education, and skill acquisition. He holds an M.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern and a B.Sc. in Electronic and Communication Engineering from Yildiz Technical University, and he gained international experience through the European Union Student Exchange Program at Aalto University, Finland. Since 2016, he has contributed to multiple research projects at DFKI and the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, spanning embedded intelligence, augmented vision, and educational technologies. His work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including an Honorable Mention Paper Award at ACM Designing Interactive Systems (DIS) 2025, a Best Demo Award at UbiComp/ISWC 2024, and the Young Talent Award from the Saarland Association of Surgeons in 2025. He has published extensively in leading journals such as the International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, JMIR XR and Spatial Computing, Annals of Surgery Open, Scientific Reports, and Surgical Endoscopy, as well as top-tier conferences including CHI, DIS, ISMAR, VRST, UbiComp, and ISWC, often emphasizing real-world deployment and clinical validation of augmented reality systems. His research has also received international media coverage from outlets such as DW News, ARD, and Saarbrücker Zeitung.

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Himanshu Sekhar Panda | VR in Arts & Media | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Himanshu Sekhar Panda | VR in Arts & Media | Research Excellence Award

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | India

Himanshu Sekhar Panda is a dedicated and accomplished researcher and academician specializing in Economics with a focus on Econometrics. Currently pursuing a PhD at IIT Kharagpur, he has a strong educational foundation with a B.A. in Economics from Khaira Degree College, and both M.A. and M.Phil. degrees in Analytical and Applied Economics from Utkal University, Odisha. He has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, having qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) for Assistant Professor three times and secured high ranks in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exams, most recently achieving AIR‑91 in 2023. Himanshu possesses robust technical skills, including proficiency in SPSS, STATA, R, Python, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications, which complement his analytical and research capabilities. His scholarly contributions include publications in reputed journals on topics such as catastrophic health expenditure, non-performing assets, ecological footprints, CO₂ emissions inequality, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on trade and renewable energy. He has presented his research at prominent international conferences, including IIT Bhubaneswar, IRMA Anand, Cambridge UK, and Madrid, Spain, often recognized as best international conference presentations by IIT Kharagpur. Alongside his academic pursuits, Himanshu has professional experience as a Subject Matter Expert in Economics for Chegg and Bartleby, where he has honed his ability to communicate complex economic concepts effectively. He is known for his strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and collaborative spirit, with a passion for continuous learning and tackling challenging tasks. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys listening to music, playing cricket, reading, and engaging in social interactions. Fluent in Odia, Hindi, and English, Himanshu combines rigorous analytical expertise with effective communication, a commitment to knowledge dissemination, and a drive to contribute meaningfully to both academia and the broader field of economic research.

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Tania Gonzalez | Future of VR Research | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Tania Gonzalez | Future of VR Research | Research Excellence Award 

Centro de Investigación Cientifica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California | Mexico

Tania Maribel González Mendoza is a dedicated Marine Ecologist with over five years of experience in research and monitoring of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems, with a specialization in reef fish ecology. She possesses strong expertise in scientific diving, marine organism collection, biological sample processing, and both field and laboratory data analysis. Throughout her academic career, including her current Ph.D. candidacy at CICESE, she has been actively involved in national research projects addressing critical issues such as ocean acidification, climate change, and reef ecology, contributing to several peer-reviewed publications. Her professional experience includes research assistant roles at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and active participation in projects like the deep-reef refuge hypothesis, Punta Colonet Port development, and reproductive ecology of damselfish, where she has conducted fieldwork, laboratory analyses, database management, and scientific reporting. She has also contributed to reef restoration and carbonate budget assessments, highlighting her hands-on approach to marine conservation. In addition to research, she is experienced in teaching and technical training, offering courses such as Reef Fish Ecology and Underwater Survey Techniques, and has provided workshops and seminars for scientific outreach. Tania is proficient in statistical and ecological software including RStudio, PRIMER+PERMANOVA, Past, and Statistica, and is certified in scientific and recreational diving (PADI Open Water and Advanced Diver). Fluent in Spanish and competent in English, she combines strong organizational skills, proactivity, responsibility, and teamwork with a commitment to advancing marine science. Her work integrates rigorous scientific methodology with field-based ecological insights, positioning her as a skilled researcher and educator dedicated to the conservation and understanding of coral reef ecosystems.


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Ali Hainoun | Simulation & Training | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Ali Hainoun | Simulation & Training | Research Excellence Award 

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH | Austria

Dr. Ali Hainoun is a senior scientist and internationally recognized energy systems expert at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Centre for Energy, with more than three decades of experience in integrated energy systems analysis, sustainable energy strategy development, and the clean energy transition. He holds a Dipl.-Ing. in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering from KIT Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Bochum University. His career includes impactful roles across leading institutions such as KIT, FZJ, HZDR, AECS, ESCWA, UNDP, GIZ, RCREEE, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Since 2003, he has served as an “Expert on Mission” for the IAEA, delivering high-level training, capacity building, and policy guidance to more than 15 countries in the MENA region, GCC, Africa, and South Asia, focusing on long-term energy demand analysis, supply optimization, GHG mitigation, and frameworks aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. At AIT, Dr. Hainoun leads research activities on urban energy systems, specializing in spatio-temporal energy modelling for climate-neutral cities, Positive Energy Districts, and the monitoring and evaluation of integrated energy solutions. He actively contributes to and coordinates major EU and national R&D projects, including PLENTY-LIFE, ASCEND, CREATE, DIGICITIES, BIPED, and GOES. Previously, he served as Director of Research and Head of the Energy Systems Analysis Division at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, where he established the national energy planning group and contributed significantly to the development and application of IAEA’s global energy planning tools such as MESSAGE, MAED, WASP, and SIMPACTS. Author of over 80 scientific publications and a member of multiple international editorial and advisory boards, Dr. Hainoun is widely regarded for his leadership, technical depth, and contributions to sustainable energy transitions and integrated urban energy planning worldwide.

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shahpar Haghighat | Mixed & Extended Reality | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. shahpar Haghighat | Mixed & Extended Reality | Research Excellence Award

Breast Cancer Research Center | Iran

Dr. Shahpar Haghighat is an Iranian Research Professor in breast cancer epidemiology with over three decades of clinical, academic, and research contributions within ACECR and the Iranian Center for Breast Cancer. She earned her MD and MPH from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and completed her PhD in Epidemiology at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, focusing on cost-effectiveness in breast cancer screening. Since 1996, she has served as a researcher, clinic manager, educator, advisor, and senior leader in multiple breast cancer programs, including Vice Chancellor for Education & Research and Senior Advisor to the Breast Cancer Research Center. A pioneer in Iran, she established the first telephone consulting service for breast disease, the first breast clinic data registration system, the first follow-up service for breast cancer patients, and the first nationwide lymphedema clinic. She has delivered more than 80 workshops on early diagnosis, designed numerous training programs on lymphedema management, and taught epidemiology, family planning, communicable and non-communicable disease epidemiology, and research methods across several universities. Her research spans screening and prevention, lymphedema therapy, quality of life, health economics, cancer survivorship, psychological interventions, symptom management, physical activity, immune function, prediction modeling, and psychometrics; she has led or contributed to more than 50 major projects. Dr. Haghighat has received multiple national and international awards, including the ISL Presidential Prizes (2011, 2013) and several “Prior Researcher” and “Best Article” honors at Iranian Breast Cancer Congresses. She is a long-standing member of key scientific and professional bodies, including the International Society of Lymphology, the Iranian Society of Epidemiology, and the International Epidemiological Association, and has served on scientific committees, ethics boards, and editorial boards—notably as Editor-in-Chief of the Iranian Journal of Breast Cancer. Her academic output includes numerous peer-reviewed publications on breast cancer epidemiology, screening, survivorship, lymphedema, psychosocial factors, and statistical modeling. Fluent in English and Persian, she continues to advance breast cancer research, prevention, and patient-centered care in Iran through leadership, innovation, and sustained scientific engagement.

 

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Andreia Lima | XR Rehabilitation | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Andreia Lima | XR Rehabilitation | Research Excellence Award 

Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo | Portugal

Andreia Lima is a Portuguese nursing scholar and healthcare professional with extensive experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research across the fields of Rehabilitation Nursing, Mental Health, Clinical Supervision, and Health Sciences. She completed a Post-Doctorate at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto in 2024, following a PhD in Nursing Sciences in 2022 at the University of Porto (ICBAS), where her doctoral research focused on autonomy in older adults and rehabilitation interventions. Her academic background also includes a Master’s in Rehabilitation Nursing, post-graduate specializations in Mental Health and Psychiatry Nursing, Clinical Supervision, Nursing Services Management, Health Psychology, and a Licentiate degree in Nursing from the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo. Professionally, she is an Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo and currently coordinates the Nursing Discipline Group, having previously served as Assistant Professor at Universidade Fernando Pessoa and worked for nearly two decades as a nurse in Portuguese healthcare institutions. Her academic output includes 39 scientific articles, 10 book chapters, four books, and participation in 86 scientific events, along with supervising seven master’s dissertations and co-supervising three. She has received four awards or professional distinctions and contributes actively to several research projects, including work on adolescent sexual health, health behaviours, rehabilitation, and technology-mediated interventions. Her scientific interests span virtual reality applications in healthcare, escape rooms and serious games in nursing education, innovative rehabilitation strategies for older adults, and the study of health behaviours such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and physical activity. She works primarily within Medical and Health Sciences, focusing on improving quality of life, functional capacity, and health outcomes across different populations.

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