Lindi Mathebula | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Lindi Mathebula | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Ms Lindi Mathebula, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), South Africa

Ms. Lindi Mathebula is a committed public health scientist and epidemiologist with a strong academic and professional record in vaccine research and disease surveillance in Africa. Currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Stellenbosch University, her doctoral research explores vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and refusal in South Africa. With extensive experience at institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council (Cochrane SA) and the Western Cape Department of Health, Ms. Mathebula has led and contributed to impactful research on tuberculosis, COVID-19, cholera, and clinical trial transparency. Her work is widely published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at global conferences. Known for her leadership in project management and systematic reviews, she also provides expert training and policy guidance to healthcare professionals. Ms. Mathebula’s scholarly commitment, practical contributions, and policy-relevant insights make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Ms. Lindi Mathebula’s academic journey reflects her deep commitment to health research and epidemiology. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Health at Stellenbosch University, with her research focused on childhood vaccination acceptance in Cape Town. She previously completed a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology at Stellenbosch University in 2019, where she conducted a cross-national analysis of tuberculosis treatment trials in BRICS countries. Her foundational academic qualifications include a BTech in Pharmaceutical Science from Tshwane University of Technology (2014), an Honours degree in Physiology (2012), and a BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences (2011), both from the University of Limpopo. Her multidisciplinary education has uniquely positioned her to bridge pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, and public health. Ms. Mathebula’s academic background supports her diverse contributions to evidence-based healthcare, vaccine policy research, and health system strengthening across the African continent.

Experience

Ms. Mathebula brings over a decade of impactful experience in public health research, surveillance, and clinical trials. Since 2021, she has served as Project Manager at the South African Medical Research Council’s Cochrane SA, leading clinical trial evaluations and knowledge dissemination initiatives. Prior to this, she worked as Assistant Director of the Extended Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for the Western Cape Department of Health, focusing on disease surveillance and vaccine policy implementation. From 2016 to 2019, she served as a Scientist at Cochrane SA, contributing to systematic reviews and research capacity-building. Across these roles, she has played a pivotal role in improving data transparency, training health professionals, and managing collaborative projects in vaccine development and public health emergencies. Her ability to integrate research with policy and practice makes her an influential figure in advancing Africa’s clinical research and vaccination programs.

Awards and Honors

While Ms. Lindi Mathebula’s profile does not list specific awards, her selection as a speaker and contributor to high-level policy discussions and international vaccine congresses reflects her standing in the public health research community. She has been invited to present her research at the 16th and 17th Vaccine Congress, the AVAEREF Advisory Committee, and SAHPRA stakeholder engagements, which underscores the impact and relevance of her work. She is also a recognized trainer in evidence-based healthcare, routinely leading workshops for healthcare professionals and students. Her research has appeared in top-tier journals such as BMJ Open, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, and Trials, and her work has contributed to improving vaccine uptake and clinical trial transparency across Africa. Ms. Mathebula’s academic and practical contributions position her as a rising leader in global public health and a worthy candidate for future awards and recognition.

Research Focus

Ms. Lindi Mathebula’s research is centered on vaccine policy, public health surveillance, and clinical trial transparency—critical areas in global health. Her PhD research delves into the social dynamics of childhood vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Cape Town, while her prior work has examined tuberculosis and COVID-19 trials across Africa and BRICS nations. She also studies the effectiveness of clinical trial registration in promoting ethical, transparent, and efficient research, particularly in underrepresented African settings. Her interest extends to health system strengthening, evidence synthesis, and capacity-building in public health. By investigating systemic barriers to vaccine uptake and improving trial registry practices, she contributes to enhancing both access to and trust in vaccines. Her work informs national and regional health strategies, and her leadership in workshops and stakeholder engagement further amplifies her research’s impact on policy and practice.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Mathebula et al., 2023Cholera vaccine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  2. Wiysonge, Ndwandwe & Mathebula, 2023Measles and whooping cough outbreaks: A warning sign. The Conversation. 🔗

  3. Mathebula et al., 2022TB trials in BRICS countries. BMJ Open. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  4. Mathebula et al., 2022Clinical trial registration in Africa during COVID-19. Trials. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  5. Wiysonge et al., 2022COVID-19 vaccine trials in Africa. SAJS. 🔗

  6. Ndwandwe et al., 2022Trends in Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. BMJ Open. 🔗

  7. Hohlfeld et al., 2021TB intervention trials in Africa. PLoS ONE. 🔗

  8. Ndwandwe et al., 2020COVID-19 diagnostics review. PAMJ. 🔗

  9. Iwu et al., 2020Vaccine stock-level mobile reporting. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗

  10. Mathebula et al., 2019Vaccines against Ebola: Systematic review protocol. BMJ Open. 🔗

  11. Ndwandwe et al., 2020Vaccine trials in Africa: A review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗

  12. Jaca et al., 2018Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination. Vaccine. 🔗

 

María Sanz-Remacha | Physical activity | Best Researcher Award

María Sanz-Remacha | Physical activity | Best Researcher Award

María Sanz-Remacha, University of Zaragoza, Spain

Dr. María Sanz-Remacha is a dedicated academic at Universidad de Zaragoza, specializing in physical education and health promotion 📘🏃‍♀️. With 15 publications, including high-impact JCR journals (2 in Q1), she has accrued 154 Google Scholar citations and holds an H-index of 7 📊. She supervises doctoral theses and has contributed to over 70 international conferences 🌍. Accredited by ANECA as Contratado Doctor, she actively reviews peer-reviewed journals and leads national and international research projects. Dr. Sanz-Remacha also co-authored the FITeens Toolkit, advancing health education 📚🌱, and is committed to fostering well-being through research and education.

Publication profile

Orcid

Education

M. Sanz-Remacha holds an extensive academic background in education and sports sciences, completed at the University of Zaragoza, Spain 🇪🇸. Starting with a Bachelor’s in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences (2010-2014) ⚽📚, they went on to earn a Master’s in Secondary School Training, specializing in Physical Education (2014-2015) 🏫. Later, they pursued a Master’s in Lifelong Learning in Multicultural Contexts (2015-2017) 🌍🎓, deepening their expertise in inclusive education. Their academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Education from the Department of Musical, Plastic, and Corporal Expression (2016-2021) 🎶👩‍🎓, showcasing a commitment to interdisciplinary education and lifelong learning.

Experience

📚 At Universidad de Zaragoza, a range of courses are offered for the Graduado en Magisterio en Educación Primaria degree, emphasizing various aspects of physical education. From 2022 to 2025, students explore Educación Física en Educación Primaria, focusing on foundational skills for young learners. Starting in 2023, courses like Actividades Físicas Artístico Expresivas, Actividades Físicas de Oposición y Cooperación, and Actividades Físicas Individuales encourage artistic expression, teamwork, and individual sports. In 2024, Actividades Físicas Colectivas enhances group activities. Additionally, the Máster Universitario en Profesorado includes Diseño de Actividades de Aprendizaje de Educación Física for secondary educators, running from 2022 to 2025. 🎓💪

Mentorship and Leadership 

Dr. Sanz-Remacha is a dedicated mentor and leader, guiding the next generation of researchers through her extensive supervision of academic projects, including doctoral theses and master’s projects 📚👩‍🏫. Her commitment to fostering growth in academia has made a lasting impact on her mentees, empowering them with critical skills and knowledge to excel in their fields 🌱🔬. Through her mentorship, Dr. Sanz-Remacha cultivates an environment of learning and discovery, underscoring her role as an inspirational figure in academic circles 🎓🌟. Her influence continues to shape aspiring scholars and drive innovation across various research disciplines.

Professional Activities and Recognition 

Dr. Sanz-Remacha is highly engaged in national and international research projects, enriching her field with over 70 presentations at international conferences 🌍📊. Her active role in scientific committees, including the International Congress on Active Schools and Health, highlights her leadership and dedication to advancing academic discourse 🏫💼. Through these efforts, Dr. Sanz-Remacha has established herself as a respected figure within the academic community, fostering collaboration and innovation 🧬🤝. Her commitment to education and health-related initiatives underscores her influence and commitment to positive change across borders 🌐🌱.

Books, Chapters

Dr. Sanz-Remacha has significantly expanded her academic footprint through the authorship of two books 📚 and six book chapters 📖, showcasing her deep expertise beyond research articles. Her editorial work with leading journals ✍️ further underscores her dedication to advancing quality scholarship. As a well-rounded researcher, Dr. Sanz-Remacha’s contributions strengthen her influence in the academic community, bridging diverse fields with a commitment to intellectual rigor and excellence 🌟. Through her varied publications, she continues to inspire, contribute, and elevate scholarly standards, leaving a lasting impact on readers and fellow researchers alike 🌐.

Research focus

Based on the provided publications, the research focus of María Sanz Remacha and her collaborators primarily revolves around promoting health-related behaviors in educational and community contexts. Their work emphasizes the development and evaluation of educational tools and interventions aimed at improving health outcomes, particularly among disadvantaged groups, such as women and school-aged children. The studies explore the impact of qualitative approaches in physical education and health promotion, assessing how societal changes, like those brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, affect teaching methodologies and student engagement. This research is crucial for fostering healthier lifestyles and promoting effective health education. 📚💪🌍

Publication top notes

Joseph Forson | Development Finance | Best Researcher Award

Joseph Forson | Development Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr Joseph Forson, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA, Ghana

Dr. Joseph Forson appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to several key factors that demonstrate his qualifications, contributions, and leadership in academia and research.

Publication profile

google scholar

Current Positions and Roles

Dr. Forson holds multiple important positions, including Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Applied Finance and Policy Management at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ghana. His role as an external examiner for Blue Crest College showcases his influence and recognition in the academic community.

Extensive Experience

With a career spanning several years in academia and consulting, Dr. Forson has accumulated a wealth of experience. His previous roles include Graduate Coordinator, Vice-Dean, and Faculty Exams Officer, highlighting his leadership and administrative skills within the educational institution. His consultancy role with Dataking Consulting Firm further emphasizes his practical application of research in real-world scenarios.

Educational Background

Dr. Forson earned a Ph.D. in Development Administration from the National Institute of Development Administration, Thailand, in 2016. He also holds a Master’s in Economics (Applied Finance) and a Bachelor’s in Development Planning. This solid educational foundation contributes to his expertise in various research areas.

Research Interests and Contributions

His research interests span a range of crucial topics, including Development Finance, Public Policy, Economics of Corruption, and Financial Resilience. Dr. Forson has published numerous articles in reputable journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in these fields. Some of his notable publications include studies on the impact of corruption on economic growth, the relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock market movements, and employee motivation in the education sector.

Editorial and Review Contributions

Dr. Forson actively participates in the academic community as an editorial team member for several journals, including the Vidyodaya Journal of Management and the World Journal of Social Science Research. His experience as a freelance reviewer for various international journals demonstrates his commitment to maintaining academic integrity and quality.

Leadership in Conferences and Workshops

His involvement as a facilitator in conferences and workshops further illustrates his dedication to fostering knowledge sharing and professional development among students and peers. He has contributed significantly to academic events at both national and international levels.

Publication top notes

Employee motivation and job performance: a study of basic school teachers in Ghana

Selected Macroeconomic Variables and Stock Market Movements: Empirical evidence from Thailand

Genuine Wealth Per Capita as a Measure of Sustainability and the Negative Impact of Corruption on Sustainable Growth in Sub-Sahara Africa

Corruption, EU Aid Inflows and Economic Growth in Ghana: Cointegration and Causality Analysis

Impact of income diversification strategy on credit risk and market risk among microfinance institutions

Causes of corruption: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

Peer effects in R&D investment policy: Evidence from China

Conclusion

Dr. Joseph Forson exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient through his extensive research contributions, leadership roles, and commitment to academic excellence. His multifaceted approach to research and education, along with his impactful publications and involvement in academic activities, positions him as a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Masoud Mahdianpari | Environmental Science | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Masoud Mahdianpari | Environmental Science | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Dr Masoud Mahdianpari, Memorial University of Newfoundland/C-CORE, Canada

Based on the provided information, Dr. Masoud Mahdianpari is indeed a strong candidate for the Research for Research Hypothesis Excellence Award. His extensive educational background, professional experience, and contributions to the field of remote sensing and data science highlight his qualifications.

Publication profile

google scholar

Educational Background

Dr. Masoud Mahdianpari holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland (2015-2019), along with a Master’s in Remote Sensing Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Geomatics Engineering, both from the University of Tehran (2010-2013, 2006-2010). His robust academic foundation has equipped him with advanced knowledge in remote sensing and data analysis.

Professional Experience

Currently serving as a Cross-appointed Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Remote Sensing Technical Lead at C-CORE, Ottawa, Dr. Mahdianpari has significant experience in applying machine learning and remote sensing technologies. His previous roles include Remote Sensing Scientist and Research Assistant at C-CORE, where he has developed expertise in image processing, feature extraction, and target detection.

Research Expertise

Dr. Mahdianpari specializes in machine learning, big data technologies, and radar remote sensing. His work encompasses high-resolution image processing, environmental monitoring, and GHG emission estimation. He is leading several projects focused on wetland mapping and methane emission estimation in the Arctic, leveraging advanced remote sensing data and cloud computing platforms.

Professional Appointments

As an associate editor for various journals, including IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters and Frontiers in Environmental Science, Dr. Mahdianpari contributes to the academic community and promotes high-quality research. He is a member of several professional societies, such as IEEE and ASPRS, demonstrating his active engagement in the field.

Recent Honors and Awards

Dr. Mahdianpari has been recognized for his contributions to science, including being ranked in the top 1% of scientists worldwide (2023-2024) and receiving multiple awards for his research excellence. Notably, he has secured grants such as the NSERC Discovery Grant (2022-2027) and the Microsoft AI for Earth grant, highlighting his innovative work in environmental monitoring.

Project Leadership

Dr. Mahdianpari is currently leading the ESA Carbon Science Cluster project, aiming to enhance methane emission estimates from wetlands in the Arctic. This project underscores his leadership in addressing critical environmental challenges and advancing remote sensing methodologies.

Research Interests

His research focuses on environmental monitoring and wetland mapping using remote sensing data, emphasizing machine learning and multi-sensor image classification. Currently, he leads projects related to greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring, showcasing his commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues.

Project Experience

He currently leads a project for the European Space Agency focused on improving methane emission estimates from wetlands, an initiative of significant environmental importance. This role emphasizes his leadership in research that impacts global environmental policies.

Publications and Presentations

Dr. Mahdianpari has authored numerous influential publications, including studies on remote sensing image classification and advanced machine learning applications in environmental monitoring. His research has contributed significantly to the field, evidenced by his citations and presentations at major international conferences.

Conference Contributions

He has presented at several prestigious conferences, showcasing his research on water quality monitoring and electrical potential preservation. His publications in leading journals further establish his reputation as a thought leader in remote sensing and environmental science.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Masoud Mahdianpari’s outstanding qualifications, research contributions, and recognition in the field make him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Research Hypothesis Excellence Award. His dedication to advancing remote sensing technology and addressing pressing environmental issues through innovative research exemplifies excellence in academic and applied research.

Publication top notes

Google Earth Engine for geo-big data applications: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Support vector machine versus random forest for remote sensing image classification: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Very deep convolutional neural networks for complex land cover mapping using multispectral remote sensing imagery

Random forest wetland classification using ALOS-2 L-band, RADARSAT-2 C-band, and TerraSAR-X imagery

The first wetland inventory map of newfoundland at a spatial resolution of 10 m using sentinel-1 and sentinel-2 data on the google earth engine cloud computing platform

Deep convolutional neural network for complex wetland classification using optical remote sensing imagery

A new fully convolutional neural network for semantic segmentation of polarimetric SAR imagery in complex land cover ecosystem

Comparing deep learning and shallow learning for large-scale wetland classification in Alberta, Canada

A systematic review of landsat data for change detection applications: 50 years of monitoring the earth

Bagging and boosting ensemble classifiers for classification of multispectral, hyperspectral and PolSAR data: a comparative evaluation