Julia Barczyk | Simulation & Training | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Julia Barczyk | Simulation & Training | Research Excellence Award 

University of Wroclaw | Poland

Julia Barczyk is an ornithologist and ecological researcher with extensive experience in field biology, statistical modelling, and biodiversity monitoring across Europe, Asia, and South America. She is completing her PhD at the University of Wrocław, where her dissertation focuses on evaluating methods of forest bird abundance estimation using hierarchical models and long-term field studies in Białowieża National Park. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from Jagiellonian University, with research spanning natal dispersal in blue tits and physiological responses to fasting in zebra finches. Her professional and internship experience includes advanced laboratory and molecular work, extensive bird monitoring, and international field research, such as metabarcoding of aquatic insects in Poland, modelling forest bird abundance at the Swiss Ornithological Institute under Marc Kéry, ecological fieldwork in Ecuador for Senckenberg Research Centre, and multiple ornithological and ecological projects in Poland, Sweden, and tropical environments. She has undertaken diverse workshops and specialist courses, including capture-recapture analyses in R, avian parasitology, GPS and geolocator data visualisation, tropical ecology field methods, and licensed bird ringing training. Julia is the author and co-author of several peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Oikos, Ecological Indicators, Journal of Ornithology, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, and Journal of Avian Biology, addressing topics from distance sampling and abundance estimation to gut microbiome diversity and functional evolution of avian traits. She has presented her work at major international conferences, including the European Ornithologists’ Union Congress, Bird Numbers conference, and the International Ornithological Congress. A dedicated member of the scientific community, she serves on the board of Association Carpatica – Birds Ringing Station and has previously chaired student naturalist and ornithology organisations at Jagiellonian University.

Profile: Google Scholar

Rasool Abedanzadeh | Virtual Reality Systems | Best VR Researcher Award

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prof. Rasool Abedanzadeh | Virtual Reality Systems | Best VR Researcher Award

Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz | Iran

Rasool Abedanzadeh is an Associate Professor of Motor Behavior at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, specializing in motor control and learning, sport and exercise psychology, motor development, and cognitive performance. He holds academic degrees in Sport Sciences and Motor Behavior, with graduate research focused on psychological factors influencing perceived exertion and the role of sensory information and age in bimanual coordination. As an experienced educator, he teaches a wide range of subjects, including motor learning, motor control, motor development, motor skills acquisition, sport psychology, advanced statistical methods, and specialty English. His research spans attentional focus, neurocognitive mechanisms of movement, feedback strategies, developmental and neurological conditions, aging, brain stimulation, stereotype threat, and motor-skill acquisition in both typical and special populations. Dr. Abedanzadeh has produced an extensive body of scholarly work, authoring more than 45 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals. His studies address topics such as normative feedback, mirror neuron involvement, active and interactive video-game-based training, brain-gym exercises, transcranial direct current stimulation, coordination patterns, balance, and learning processes in children with autism, individuals with intellectual disabilities, elderly adults, and novice performers. He has also contributed numerous presentations to national and international conferences, highlighting advancements in feedback mechanisms, attention, brain stimulation, motor development, and applied motor behavior. Beyond publications and teaching, he has led several funded research projects focused on cognitive-motor performance, motivational climate, goal orientation, and sports-talent development for students. His innovative work includes registered inventions such as an eye-tracking system for anxiety and stress assessment, a mirror-tracking device, and a Stroop-based auditory stimulus tool for examining psychological refractory periods. Dr. Abedanzadeh also contributes to the academic community as a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Sport Sciences and Educational Applied Researches without Border and serves as an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE. Collectively, his expertise, research, and inventions reflect a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in motor behavior, enhancing training and learning strategies, and applying scientific insights to sport, health, and cognitive performance.

Mario Covarrubias | Automotive & Manufacturing VR | VR Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr Mario Covarrubias | Automotive & Manufacturing VR | VR Research Excellence Award 

 Politecnico di Milano | Italy

Dr. Mario Covarrubias Rodríguez is a distinguished multidisciplinary researcher whose academic and professional pursuits span the intersection of virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), human–computer interaction (HCI), and inclusive design. His research is driven by a vision to harness immersive technologies for the advancement of education, rehabilitation, and cultural heritage preservation. Through his work, Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez seeks to bridge the gap between digital innovation and human experience, ensuring that technological progress contributes meaningfully to learning, recovery, and social inclusion. A central focus of Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez’s research lies in developing immersive and interactive environments that support cognitive and physical rehabilitation. His studies in VR-based stroke rehabilitation have demonstrated how virtual environments can assist patients in regaining motor skills, improving engagement, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. By integrating engineering design principles with biomedical and psychological insights, he has contributed to the creation of adaptive systems that personalize therapy according to individual needs, making rehabilitation more motivating and effective. Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez has contributed to the creation of virtual tours, 3D reconstructions, and interactive museum experiences that allow users to explore historical sites and artifacts in immersive detail. By combining computer-aided design (CAD), 3D visualization, and VR storytelling, he helps safeguard intangible and tangible heritage for future generations while making it accessible to global audiences. He has published widely in renowned journals and conference proceedings such as Computer-Aided Design and Applications, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS), and IEEE Rehabilitation Robotics. His work is characterized by methodological rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a focus on real-world applicability. To date, he has authored or co-authored nearly 484 publications, with over 98 citations and an h-index of 10, reflecting both the breadth and depth of his contributions to the field. Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Covarrubias Rodríguez actively promotes the integration of inclusive design and accessibility in emerging digital systems. His overarching goal is to ensure that innovations in virtual and mixed reality are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and human-centered. Through his pioneering work, he continues to inspire a new generation of researchers, educators, and engineers committed to creating immersive digital technologies that empower individuals, enrich learning, and enhance human well-being across diverse communities.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Covarrubias, M. (2024). Enhancing inclusive education for young students with special needs through mixed reality: Exploring the potential of CNC milling machine application. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 21(3), 522–535. (Q1, IF 3.1, CiteScore 6.5).

Covarrubias, M. (2024). Exploiting virtual reality to design exercises for the recovery of stroke patients at home. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 21(3), 463–473. (Q1, IF 3.1, CiteScore 6.5).

Covarrubias, M. (2024). Rapid prototyping in engineering education: Developing a hand exoskeleton for personalized rehabilitation. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 21(3), 474–486. (Q1, IF 3.1, CiteScore 6.5).

Covarrubias, M. (2023). Google Earth in VR for students with special needs. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS 14219), Springer Nature, 3–14. (Q2, IF 2.4, CiteScore 4.1).

Covarrubias Rodriguez, M. (2023). Tintoretto Unveiled: Interactive virtual experience for artworks. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, Springer Nature, 1352–1363. (Q2, IF 2.2, CiteScore 3.8).