Emese K. Nagy | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Emese K. Nagy, University of Miskolc, Hungary

Dr. Emese K. Nagy is a habilitated doctor of education and a leading figure in Hungarian teacher training and talent support. Currently serving as Director General of the Teacher Training Center and Director of the Teacher Training Institute at the University of Miskolc, she is known for her innovative work on the Complex Instruction Program (CIP). Her research addresses equity in education, particularly the academic success of disadvantaged students. Over two decades, she has built a nationwide educational network impacting nearly 200 schools and thousands of teachers. Through practice-oriented reforms and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Nagy continues to transform the pedagogical landscape of Hungary. Her academic and professional excellence has been recognized through numerous national awards, including the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit and the Prima Primissima Prize.

Education

Dr. Nagy’s academic foundation is both multidisciplinary and robust. She earned her habilitation degree in education from Eszterházy Károly University in 2016, following her Ph.D. from the University of Debrecen in 2007. Her academic journey began with a degree in agricultural engineering from the Agricultural University of Debrecen in 1980, followed by a teacher of engineering qualification from Gödöllő in 1988. In 1996, she graduated as a language and literature teacher from the University of Miskolc, and completed her Public Education Manager certification in 1999 at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Her diverse educational background has significantly influenced her interdisciplinary and inclusive approach to educational reform, especially in combining technical, pedagogical, and administrative competencies to develop sustainable, research-based solutions in teacher training and student support.

Experience

Dr. Emese K. Nagy brings over four decades of multifaceted professional experience. Since 2021, she has held dual leadership roles at the University of Miskolc, heading both the Teacher Training Center and the Institute. From 2018 to 2021, she served as Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy at Eszterházy Károly University. Earlier, she was the long-serving Head of the IV. Béla Primary School in Hejőkeresztúr (2000–2022), where she pioneered the Hungarian adaptation of the Complex Instruction Program. She has also been a lecturer at Eötvös Loránd University and an associate professor at both the University of Miskolc and Eszterházy Károly University. Her initial career as an agricultural engineer and teacher of engineering laid the groundwork for her analytical and practice-oriented approach to pedagogy. Her leadership across institutions has been instrumental in shaping contemporary Hungarian teacher education and school-based innovation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Nagy has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her groundbreaking work in education. Among the most notable are the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary (2010) and the Prima Primissima Award (2016), given to the Hejőkeresztúr school under her leadership. Other honors include the Ambassador of Hungarian Talent (2018), Pro Universitate Award (2015), and the Mentor of the Year Award (2009) from the Hungarian Innovation Association and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. She was also awarded the Medal of Merit by the University of Miskolc in 2023. These accolades reflect her unwavering dedication to talent development, inclusive education, and professional mentorship, affirming her status as a national leader in educational reform and teacher training.

Research Focus

Dr. Nagy’s research is grounded in social justice and educational equity, with a focus on supporting disadvantaged and underperforming students. She investigates the disconnect between teacher instruction and student understanding, and the systemic causes behind educational underachievement. Her most significant research-led innovation is the Complex Instruction Program (CIP)—a national adaptation of Stanford University’s method—designed to foster cooperative learning and eliminate status differences in heterogeneous classrooms. Since 2021, she has prioritized the transformation of teacher training, advocating for practice-oriented models to better prepare educators for real classroom challenges. Her work bridges research, policy, and classroom practice, resulting in tangible improvements in student outcomes, teacher development, and school effectiveness. Her initiatives have become best practices in Hungary’s public education system and are frequently referenced in academic and policy discussions alike.

Wahbie Long | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Wahbie Long, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished psychologist whose research bridges social psychoanalysis, indigenous psychology, and the history of psychology. As a Professor at the University of Cape Town, his work has profoundly influenced decolonial and theoretical psychology. His groundbreaking studies on South African psychology’s historical relevance, class struggles, and psychoanalytic dimensions of violence have earned him international acclaim. With numerous publications, editorial roles, and prestigious fellowships, continues to shape psychological discourse worldwide. His impactful contributions to academia, coupled with significant research achievements, make him a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town (2013) 🏛️📚, where he explored the evolution of psychology in South Africa in his dissertation, “A History of ‘Relevance’: South African Psychology in Focus.” He earned his M.A. in Clinical Psychology (Cum Laude) from Stellenbosch University (2003) 🎖️🧠 and his B.Soc.Sci. Hons in Psychology (First Class) from the University of Cape Town (2001) 🏆🔬. His academic journey began with a B.A. in Psychology & Economics (Distinction) from the same university in 2000 🎓📊. Prior to that, he excelled at Hoërskool Groote Schuur, obtaining a Senior Certificate with Distinction and Full Matric Exemption (1997) 🎖️🏫. With a strong foundation in both psychology and economics, has contributed significantly to psychological research and practice, focusing on the intersection of history, relevance, and clinical application in South Africa’s evolving psychological landscape. 🌍📖

Experience

Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished professor at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Psychology (2023–Present) 🎓📚, where he currently serves as the Head of Department (2025–Present) 🏛️🔬. Previously, he was the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities (May–July 2023) 🏫📖 and Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Studies & Funding (2021–2023) 🎓💰, playing a key role in academic leadership. His dedication to mental health and child psychology was evident during his tenure as Director of the Child Guidance Clinic (2017–2022) 🏥👶. Progressed through the academic ranks at UCT, serving as an Associate Professor (2018–2022) 📖🧠, Senior Lecturer (2015–2017) 📚🎙️, and Lecturer (2010–2014) 🎓👨‍🏫. His career reflects a commitment to teaching, research, and service, with a focus on advancing psychological well-being and education. His leadership and contributions continue to shape the field of psychology and postgraduate mentorship at the university. 🌍📖

Awards & Honors

Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished scholar recognized for his contributions to psychology and the humanities. He received the UCT Meritorious Book Prize (2024) 📖🏆 and earned a B2 Rating from the National Research Foundation (2022–2027) 🎖️🔬 for his impactful research. His book Nation on the Couch was longlisted for both the Sunday Times Non-Fiction Award (2022) 📚🌍 and the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) Award (2022) 🏛️📖. He was honored with the Rika van den Berg Prize for Psychoanalytic Practice (2018) 🥇🧠 and held a Fellowship at the Institute of Advanced Study, Durham University (2017) 🏛️🎓. His early career achievements include the APA Division 26 Early Career Achievement Award (2016) 🌍🔬, the Best Article Prize in History of Psychology (2015) 🏆📜, and the prestigious Mandela Mellon Fellowship at Harvard University (2015) 🎖️📚. His work continues to shape interdisciplinary scholarship worldwide.

Research Focus

Dr. Wahbie Long’s research explores social psychoanalysis, indigenous psychology, and the history of psychology. His work critically examines decolonial psychology, the relevance of psychology in South Africa, and the psycho-political dimensions of violence. Through his award-winning books and journal articles, he delves into class struggles, alienation, and the intersection of psychology with societal transformation. His interdisciplinary approach integrates theoretical psychology, philosophical discourse, and social critique to advance indigenous perspectives. His influential contributions continue to reshape global psychological paradigms and enhance our understanding of human behavior in diverse sociocultural contexts.