Silvia Castro | Development Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Silvia Castro | Development Economics | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Munich | France 

Dr. Silvia Castro is a postdoctoral researcher in Organizational Economics, set to join INSEAD . She recently completed her Ph.D. in Economics at LMU Munich, where she also earned her Master’s degree in Quantitative Economics. Her academic path began with a double bachelor’s degree in Economics and Law at Universidad Carlos III, laying the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to development and organizational research. Silvia’s work focuses on the intersection of economics, organizations, and human behavior, with field experiments serving as a central method of inquiry. Her published research addresses critical issues such as menstrual health adoption, cultural taboos, psychological safety in teams, and gendered access to finance. She actively contributes to global policy discussions, delivering talks at international conferences and engaging with organizations to advance solutions in health, development, and workplace climate. With numerous grants, fellowships, and awards, Silvia stands out as a dynamic researcher dedicated to impactful economic science.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Silvia Castro educational journey reflects strong training in economics with an interdisciplinary foundation. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics at LMU Munich in, where she specialized in Organizational Economics, Development Economics, and experimental methods. During her doctoral studies, she contributed to cutting-edge research on menstrual health, organizational behavior, and team dynamics, while also teaching courses in economics and supervising graduate students. Prior to her Ph.D., Silvia completed her M.Sc. in Quantitative Economics at LMU Munich in , equipping her with advanced skills in econometrics, mathematical modeling, and data analysis that later supported her empirical research. She began her academic career with a double bachelor’s degree in Economics and Law at Universidad Carlos III in, which provided her with a unique ability to approach economic issues through both analytical and legal perspectives. This solid educational background underpins her interdisciplinary research and commitment to advancing evidence-based policy solutions.

Experience 

Dr. Silvia Castro has developed a rich portfolio of academic and research experience that spans teaching, publications, and international collaborations. She will begin her role as a postdoctoral researcher at INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools, where she will continue advancing her research in organizational and development economics. She has published in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Development Economics and World Development, while also contributing working papers and policy reports that bridge academia and practice. Silvia has held fellowships and worked with organizations like Elrha and Oxfam, contributing to large-scale projects on menstrual health and workplace well-being. She has presented at top international conferences, including the Academy of Management, CEPR, and NBER meetings, sharing insights on innovation adoption, team cooperation, and psychological safety. In addition to her research, Silvia has significant teaching experience, mentoring students and delivering seminars on economics, incentives, and organizational practices.

Research Interest

Dr. Silvia Castro research interests lie at the intersection of Organizational Economics, Development Economics, and Field Experiments. Her work focuses on how organizations and teams function, particularly in diverse and resource-constrained environments. She investigates issues such as psychological safety in workplace settings, supportive leadership, and cooperation among knowledge workers, often employing experimental and behavioral methods. In development contexts, her research examines the adoption of health innovations, gender equity in access to finance, and the impact of social norms on technology use. By integrating micro-level behavioral insights with organizational structures, Silvia’s work contributes to both theory and practice, offering solutions for businesses, policymakers, and non-profit organizations. Her ongoing projects also expand into contemporary themes such as the role of generative AI in knowledge work and the design of interventions to improve menstrual health outcomes. Collectively, her research agenda highlights her commitment to understanding and improving human-centered economics in global contexts.

Award and Honor

Dr. Silvia Castro has received numerous awards and grants recognizing her innovative research and contributions to development and organizational economics. She was honored with the Schmidt Sciences AI in the Workplace Development Award and the Siemens Foundation MenstruAction Research Grant, supporting her work on AI applications and menstrual health. She also secured grants from SurveyCTO, ESSEC Africa Research, and the German Research Foundation (DFG), reflecting her ability to attract competitive funding for impactful projects. Earlier achievements include the Joachim Herz Transfer Grant   and the Hans Riegel Foundation Connex Grant, both highlighting her success in knowledge transfer and applied research. She has also been a Joachim Herz Fellow , contributing to a vibrant international research community. In addition, Silvia’s project on compliance and ethics earned the Best Project Award at the European Compliance and Ethics Conference , underscoring her interdisciplinary excellence.

Research Skill

Dr. Silvia Castro brings a strong skillset in experimental economics, econometrics, and field-based research design. Her expertise lies in designing and executing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to study organizational behavior, leadership, and development outcomes. She is skilled in advanced statistical analysis, including causal inference, program evaluation, and econometric modeling, which she applies to large-scale datasets and experimental results. Silvia also has experience with survey design, data collection in complex field environments, and the use of digital platforms such as Survey CTO for robust and ethical research practices. Her interdisciplinary background equips her to integrate organizational theory with development economics, producing practical insights that influence policy and business strategy. Beyond quantitative methods, Silvia engages in qualitative fieldwork to understand cultural norms and behavioral drivers, particularly in health and gender-related studies. These combined skills allow her to pursue impactful research that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Fostering Psychological Safety in Teams: Evidence from an RCT
Year: 2022
Citations: 29

Title: Breaking the Silence – Group Discussions and the Adoption of Menstrual Health Technologies
Year: 2024
Citations: 21

Title: Cultural Taboos and Misinformation about Menstrual Health Management in Rural Bangladesh
Year: 2025
Citations: 16

Title: Gendered Access to Finance: The Roles of Team Formation, Idea Quality, and Implementation Constraints in Business Evaluations
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Title: Cooperation in the Workplace: Experimental Evidence from Knowledge Workers
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Silvia Castro is an emerging scholar in organizational and development economics whose research bridges rigorous experimentation with pressing real-world challenges. Her work advances our understanding of psychological safety in teams, cooperation among knowledge workers, and gendered access to finance, while also tackling critical issues in menstrual health management and misinformation in developing countries. By combining organizational economics with development-focused field experiments, she contributes to both theory and practice, offering insights that inform workplace dynamics, public policy, and social innovation. Her publications in leading journals such as Journal of Development Economics and World Development highlight her growing impact, while her ongoing projects on AI in knowledge work and supportive leadership show her forward-looking research trajectory. Recognized with prestigious grants and awards, Castro exemplifies the integration of scientific excellence with societal relevance, positioning her as a promising voice shaping the future of organizational and development economics.

Tayyaba Rani Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Tayyaba Rani | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Tayyaba Rani,Xi’an jiaotong University,China

Dr. Tayyaba Rani 🇵🇰 is a dynamic researcher in the field of Applied Economics 🎓, with a keen focus on sustainable development 🌱, energy economics ⚡, and environmental economics 🌍. Currently pursuing her PhD at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China 🇨🇳, she combines academic excellence with practical insights. With a rich academic background and numerous international publications 📚, she strives to create impactful research for a better future. Her dedication to education, policy development, and sustainability makes her a promising scholar ✨. She is also a passionate educator and active participant in global seminars and conferences 🌐.

Profesessional Profile:

ORCID

✅ Summary of Suitability

Dr. Tayyaba Rani is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🎖️ due to her strong academic foundation, impactful publications 📚, and focus on urgent global challenges such as environmental degradation 🌱 and energy economics ⚡. Her research not only addresses critical issues in South Asia but also proposes sustainable development strategies 🌍. She bridges the gap between theory and practice through robust modeling and data analysis 📊. With over 12 published articles in top-tier journals and active involvement in international seminars 🌐, her scholarly contributions make her a well-rounded and deserving nominee.

Education and Experience

Tayyaba holds a PhD in Applied Economics from Xi’an Jiaotong University, China 🇨🇳, focusing on Energy and Environmental Economics. She earned an MPhil and Master’s in Commerce from Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰, with top grades 🎓. Tayyaba also completed her Bachelor of Commerce from University of Punjab. Professionally, she worked as an Assistant Accountant in Pakistan’s Population Welfare Department 💼 and lectured in financial management and marketing at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels 🏫. Her combined experience bridges academia and applied finance, making her a well-rounded expert in sustainable economic practices.

Professional Development

Tayyaba actively enhances her skills through workshops and conferences such as Energy Management for Sustainable Development in Malaysia 🇲🇾, and Regional Cooperation for Economic Growth 🌏. She has attended sessions on Research Excellence, Review Article Writing, and Renewable Energy across China, Malaysia, Pakistan, and India 📚. Her continual learning journey reflects her dedication to advancing knowledge in energy economics and sustainability 🔋. Tayyaba’s professional growth is complemented by her teaching and research roles, fostering strong communication, data analysis, and economic modeling skills 📊.

Research Focus Category

Tayyaba’s research primarily revolves around Energy Economics ⚡, Environmental Economics 🌿, and Sustainable Development 🌍. She explores the interplay between financial development, globalization, and environmental impact, aiming to promote policies that balance economic growth with carbon emission reduction 🌱. Her studies include the effects of remittances on fossil fuel consumption and energy shortages in South Asia 🔥. Tayyaba’s work contributes to understanding how economic activities affect environmental sustainability, providing valuable insights for developing greener and more resilient economies 🌐.

Awards and Honors

Tayyaba has earned several accolades recognizing her academic excellence and teaching prowess 🏆. She secured 1st position academically at Government College for Women Faisalabad 🎓 and received the Prime Minister’s Laptop Award 💻. As an outstanding educator, she won the Excellent Teacher Award at Qasmia College of Commerce & Sciences 👩‍🏫. Additionally, Tayyaba excelled in debating, earning the Best English Debater Award 🗣️. Her academic dedication was further acknowledged with a Silver Medal as the second top scorer in her Master of Commerce program 🥈. These honors reflect her commitment and versatile talents.

Publication Top Notes

1.Shaping sustainable futures in BRICS-T economies: The role of digitalization with moderating effects of green technology innovation and financial inclusion

  • Journal: Technology in Society

  • Publication Date: September 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102879

  • Authors: Tayyaba Rani, Feng Wang, Syed Aziz Ur Rehman, Muhammad Asif Amjad

  • Summary:
    This paper investigates how digitalization drives sustainable development in BRICS-T (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Turkey) economies. It highlights the moderating roles of green technology innovation and financial inclusion, showing how these factors enhance the positive impact of digitalization on sustainability outcomes. The study uses empirical data to provide policy recommendations for leveraging digital technologies in emerging economies.

2. The asymmetric impact of energy shortages on sustainable development, human development and economic growth in South Asian countries: The moderating role of globalization

  • Journal: Energy Policy

  • Publication Date: July 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114554

  • Authors: Feng Wang, Tayyaba Rani, Muhammad Asif Amjad

  • Summary:
    This article explores how energy shortages affect sustainable development, human development, and economic growth asymmetrically in South Asian countries. It further examines how globalization moderates these effects. The findings stress that energy deficits disproportionately hinder development, but increased globalization can mitigate some negative consequences by enhancing resource allocation and technology transfer.

3. Nonlinear Effects of Energy Shortages on Sustainable Development and Economic Growth: Evidence From South Asian Countries

  • Journal: Sustainable Development

  • Publication Date: April 24, 2025

  • DOI: 10.1002/sd.3492

  • Authors: Muhammad Asif Amjad, Tayyaba Rani, Feng Wang

  • Summary:
    Focusing on South Asia, this study models the nonlinear relationship between energy shortages, sustainable development, and economic growth. It demonstrates that minor energy shortages have different effects than severe shortages, which cause disproportionate setbacks. The research suggests nuanced energy policies tailored to severity levels to support growth and sustainability.

4. Resource curse, energy consumption, and moderating role of digital governance: Insights from South Asian countries

  • Journal: Resources Policy

  • Publication Date: November 2024

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105329

  • Authors: Feng Wang, Tayyaba Rani, Asif Razzaq

  • Summary:
    This article addresses the “resource curse” phenomenon, exploring how resource wealth impacts energy consumption and development in South Asia. It evaluates digital governance as a moderating factor that can help mitigate the negative impacts of the resource curse by improving transparency, efficiency, and sustainable management of resources.

5. Digitalization’s role in shaping climate change, renewable energy, and technological innovation for achieving sustainable development in top Asian countries

  • Journal: Energy & Environment

  • Publication Date: June 14, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1177/0958305X241258799

  • Authors: Chao Huang, Chunlei Wang, Tayyaba Rani, Syed Aziz Ur Rehman

  • Summary:
    This study explores how digitalization influences climate change mitigation, renewable energy adoption, and technological innovation across leading Asian economies. The research provides evidence that digital technologies accelerate progress toward sustainable development goals by fostering clean energy and innovation ecosystems.

Conclusion

Tayyaba Rani is a committed and dynamic researcher specializing in energy economics, environmental sustainability, and economic development. With a robust academic foundation including a PhD in Applied Economics and multiple impactful publications in reputable international journals, she demonstrates strong analytical, teaching, and research capabilities. Her professional background combines academic instruction with practical experience in finance and accounting, enhancing her interdisciplinary competence. Recognized for her academic excellence and teaching performance, she is driven by a passion for sustainable development and continuous learning. She seeks to contribute meaningfully to institutions that promote innovation, critical thinking, and collaborative research environments.