Maryam Heidarian | Environmental Economics | Young Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maryam Heidarian | Environmental Economics | Young Researcher Award

Faculty Member at Economic Affairs Research Institute, Iran

Dr. Maryam Heidarian,  Iran, is a distinguished economist specializing in energy economics, public sector policy, and environmental sustainability. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Faculty Member at the Economic Affairs Research Institute, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, Tehran. With an academic journey spanning from a Bachelor’s in Business Economics to a Ph.D. in Public Sector, Urban, and Regional Economics at Razi University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Al-Zahra University, she has established herself as a leading scholar in fiscal stress, environmental economics, and regional development. Dr. Heidarian has authored numerous ISI-indexed articles in high-impact journals, contributing to fields such as governance, innovation, environmental quality, and green growth. She has taught extensively across universities including Razi University, Kermanshah University of Technology, and Al-Zahra University. Recognized for her excellence in both research and teaching, she is actively engaged in national projects, policy consulting, and peer reviewing in top-tier academic journals.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education 

Dr. Maryam Heidarian educational path reflects deep specialization in economic sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics  from Razi University, Kermanshah, where she built strong foundations in economic theory and applied analysis. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Energy Economics , producing a thesis on the impacts of fuel efficiency in the transportation sector, awarded top distinction. Advancing further, she completed her Ph.D. in Economic Sciences  with a focus on the spatial and threshold effects of fiscal stress on regional growth and employment, achieving outstanding results. Her postdoctoral research at Al-Zahra University, Tehran expanded into the intersection of fiscal stress, environmental quality, and the knowledge-based economy. Alongside formal degrees, she has obtained certifications in business, entrepreneurship, and banking services. This educational trajectory, combined with her excellence as an outstanding student researcher, has equipped her with advanced expertise in econometrics, fiscal policy, and sustainable economic development.

Experience 

Dr. Maryam Heidarian has extensive academic and professional experience spanning teaching, research, and policy advisory roles. At Razi University, she taught microeconomics, economic thought, tourism economics, and energy economics, while also mentoring Olympiad students in econometrics. She later joined Kermanshah University of Technology, teaching econometrics, macroeconomics, and general economics, before moving to Al-Zahra University, where she continues to lecture on economics and management-related courses. Professionally, she holds the position of Assistant Professor and Faculty Member at the Economic Affairs Research Institute, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, contributing to national-level economic research and policymaking. She has collaborated on projects for the Tax Office, Social Security Organization, Governorate, Cultural Heritage Organization, and Management and Planning bodies. Additionally, she serves as a peer reviewer for several leading journals, including Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Innovation and Green Development, and Quality & Quantity. Her dual expertise bridges academic rigor with applied policy solutions.

Research Interest

Dr. Maryam Heidarian research lies at the intersection of fiscal policy, regional development, energy economics, and environmental sustainability. Her doctoral and postdoctoral research explored fiscal stress and its threshold effects on growth, employment, and environmental quality, reflecting a deep interest in policy-driven economic challenges. She actively investigates the role of governance, innovation indices, and knowledge-based economy components in shaping green growth and sustainable development. Her studies further analyze technology spillovers, human development indicators, and international cooperation, particularly within developing and science-producing countries. She has published in prestigious journals such as Area Development and Policy, Studies in Economics and Econometrics, Social Indicators Research, and Quality & Quantity. Beyond theory, her work focuses on applying econometric and panel regression models to real-world issues like energy efficiency, pollution, and inequality. Overall, her research contributes to advancing evidence-based policymaking and aligning economic systems with long-term sustainability goals.

Award and Honor

Dr. Maryam Heidarian  academic journey is marked by significant honors and recognitions. she secured admission to the Ph.D. program at Razi University under the brilliant talents quota, a testament to her exceptional performance. she was honored as the Outstanding Student Researcher by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Razi University for her innovative contributions. Earlier, she earned recognition from the National Elite Foundation during the academic year, highlighting her status among Iran’s most promising scholars. Throughout her studies, she achieved top scores in her theses, including a perfect  in her Master’s research. Her research excellence has been further validated through the acceptance of multiple ISI-indexed articles derived from her doctoral and postdoctoral projects. In addition, she has received certifications in entrepreneurship, business skills, and banking services, demonstrating her broad commitment to academic excellence, professional development, and applied economic impact at national and international levels.

Research Skill

Dr. Maryam Heidarian possesses advanced research skills that integrate theoretical economics with applied econometric analysis. She is proficient in using econometric software such as Stata, Matlab, IViews, Macrofit, and Microsoft Office, enabling her to conduct rigorous quantitative modeling and policy simulations. Her skills encompass panel data econometrics, regression analysis, spatial econometrics, and threshold modeling, which she applies to study fiscal stress, governance, and environmental economics. Beyond methodological expertise, she has a strong track record in data-driven policy research, having contributed to provincial and national projects addressing taxation, social security, labor, tourism, and planning. She is also adept at translating complex findings into practical recommendations for decision-makers. With experience in writing and publishing in ISI and Scopus-indexed journals, she demonstrates strong academic communication and peer-reviewing capabilities. Combined, these skills position her as a versatile researcher, bridging academic inquiry with practical solutions for sustainable economic and environmental challenges.

Publication Top Notes

Title: “Cogitating the role of technological innovation and institutional quality in formulating the sustainable development goal policies for E7 countries: Evidence from quantile regression”
Authors: Ahsan Anwar, Summaira Malik, Paiman Ahmad
Journal: Global Business Review (abbreviated as Glob. Bus. Rev.)
Year: 2022

Conclusion

Dr. Maryam Heidarian highlights the crucial role of governance in promoting green growth across both emerging (E-7) and advanced (G-7) economies. Using panel quantile regression, the results confirm that the quality of governance measured through institutional effectiveness, regulatory capacity, and control of corruption exerts heterogeneous impacts across the distribution of green growth. For lower-performing countries, stronger governance serves as a foundational driver to overcome structural barriers to sustainability, while in higher-performing economies, good governance reinforces technological innovation and environmental policy effectiveness.

Maurice Kesonga Nsele | Economy | Best Paper Award

Assist.Prof.Dr.Maurice Kesonga Nsele| Economy | Best Paper Award

Post-doctoral researcher at University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dr. Maurice Kesonga Nsele  is a distinguished post-doctoral researcher at the University of Lubumbashi  and an associate professor at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. He earned his Ph.D.  in Agricultural Sciences and Biological Engineering from the University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech , specializing in rural economics and development. Currently affiliated with the Regional Postgraduate School of Integrated Management and Development of Tropical Forests and Territories, his research spans sustainable rural development , agricultural value chains , and socio-economic dynamics in biodiversity-rich regions . With an enduring commitment to addressing challenges in Congo’s agricultural sector, he integrates academic rigor with field-based realities to create practical, community-driven solutions . His contributions to rural livelihoods, environmental conservation , and policy analysis mark him as a dedicated scientist and academic leader.  He is a promising candidate for international awards celebrating innovation, research excellence, and socio-environmental impact .

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education & Experience 

Dr. Nsele’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in Agricultural Sciences, culminating in a Ph.D.  From the prestigious University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Belgium . His doctoral research focused on rural development and economic systems, preparing him for a multidimensional academic and research career . He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Regional Postgraduate School for Integrated Tropical Forest Management  and serves as an associate professor at the University of Lubumbashi . With over a decade of academic engagement , he has supervised research, published articles, and participated in key development projects focused on community-based conservation, sustainable farming , and economic transformation. His work is well-regarded both nationally and internationally , reflecting his ability to merge theoretical knowledge with grassroots implementation . This rich blend of education and field experience positions him as an expert in sustainable agronomy, rural transformation, and forest-territory development .

Professional Development 

Dr. Maurice Nsele’s professional development reflects his continuous dedication to rural transformation and sustainable agricultural practices . Through his postdoctoral research at a regional postgraduate institute for tropical forest management , he deepened his expertise in environmental sustainability, conservation strategy, and policy analysis . He actively participates in academic collaborations, research networks, and developmental projects that engage communities in resource conservation . His project on the conservation of historical rubber plantations in Sankuru Province underscores his ability to connect scientific research with cultural heritage and economic resilience 🌱. Dr. Nsele has contributed to peer-reviewed journals  and maintains a presence on platforms like ORCID and ResearchGate for academic transparency and collaboration . As a thought leader and educator, he fosters interdisciplinary research and trains future agricultural scientists . His trajectory shows consistent professional growth, marked by real-world impact, international collaboration , and knowledge dissemination for sustainable development goals .

Research Focus 

Dr. Nsele’s research focus lies at the intersection of sustainable rural development, agricultural economics, and tropical forest conservation . He specializes in the analysis of agricultural value chains  and economic structures in regions with rich natural potential, particularly in Central Africa . His work addresses community-based conservation, emphasizing participatory methods to preserve biodiversity while enhancing rural livelihoods . The project on rubber plantation conservation in Sankuru Province highlights his approach to integrating socio-cultural and environmental dynamics. He also investigates economy policies that influence agricultural productivity and land-use management . With a deep understanding of development economy, Dr. Nsele contributes to strategic planning and the formulation of policies aimed at equitable resource distribution and long-term sustainability . His research aligns with global priorities such as climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and eco-governance, making his work invaluable to both academia and development agencies .

Awards and Honors 

Although specific awards are not yet listed, Dr. Maurice Nsele is a strong candidate for prestigious recognitions such as the Best Researcher Award , Agronomy Innovation Award 🌿, and Sustainable Agriculture Award . His academic achievements, such as earning a Ph.D. from the University of Liège , and his impactful research on rubber plantations and agricultural economics , demonstrate excellence worthy of international acclaim. His publications in indexed journals , leadership roles in university research programs , and collaborations with international institutions  reflect a high level of scholarly integrity and innovation. Dr. Nsele’s postdoctoral engagement in integrated forest and territory management  underlines his commitment to interdisciplinary excellence. He also qualifies for recognitions like Multidisciplinary Agriculture Award, Research Excellence in Crops, and University Research Star Award . As his work gains further visibility, it is expected he will attract both national and global accolades for research impact and innovation .

Publication of Top Notes

1.Title: Community Perceptions and Determinants of the Sustained Conservation of Historical Rubber Plantations in the Lomela and Lodja Territories, Sankuru Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Authors: Maurice Kesonga Nsele, Serge Shakanye Ndjadi, Charles Mumbere Musavandalo, Désiré Numbi Mujike, Israël Muchiza Bachinyaga, John Tshomba Kalumbu, Eli       Mwishingo Mutwedu, Joël Mobunda Tiko, Séraphin Irenge Murhula, François Tshamba Y’onyowokoma et al.
 Year: 2025
  Journal: Conservation
  DOI: 10.3390/conservation5030033

2.Title: Conditions d’acceptabilité des pratiques innovantes par les maraîchers urbains de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo

Author: Maurice Kesonga Nsele
 Year: 2024
 Type: Dissertation/Thesis

3. Title: Unraveling the Role of Informal Mutual Aid Networks in Maintaining Urban Farms in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Authors: Maurice Kesonga Nsele, Thomas Dogot, Kevin Maréchal
Year: 2023
 Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
 DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1248937

4. Title: Factors Influencing the Sustained Adoption of Innovative Techniques by Urban Farmers in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Authors: Maurice Kesonga Nsele, Jules Nkulu Mwine Fyama, Kevin Maréchal, Thomas Dogot
Year: 2022
 Journal: Agriculture
 DOI: 10.3390/agriculture12081157

5 .Title: Understanding the Roles of Street Vendors of Agricultural Commodities during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Informal Economy

 Author: Maurice Kesonga Nsele
 Year: 2020
 Journal: Journal of Social Sciences
 DOI: 10.4236/jss.2020.89008
6. Title: Pesticide Use Practices by Chinese Cabbage Growers in Suburban Environment of Lubumbashi (DR Congo): Main Pests, Costs and Risks
 Author: Maurice Kesonga Nsele
 Year: 2019
 Journal: Journal of Applied Agricultural Economics and Policy Analysis
 DOI: 10.12691/jaaepa-2-1-8
7. Title: Characterization of Household Wastes in D.R. Congo, a Case Study of Lubumbashi

 Author: Maurice Kesonga Nsele
 Year: 2017
 Journal: American Journal of Environmental Sciences
 DOI: 10.3844/ajessp.2017.277.288

Conclusion 

Dr. Maurice Kesonga Nsele’s research is a benchmark in sustainable and community-oriented environmental science, particularly in understudied contexts like Central Africa. His papers provide original data, innovative frameworks, and socially grounded analysis, making them highly suitable for Best Paper Awards.

Prof Franklyn Lisk | Development Economics | Excellence in Research

Prof Franklyn Lisk | Development Economics | Excellence in Research

Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Africa) at University of Warwick, UK , United Kingdom

Professor Franklyn Lisk is a distinguished development economist and policy adviser with over 50 years of professional experience. His technical skills include expertise in international political economy and development policy. He has significant teaching experience across various universities globally, emphasizing professional development through partnerships with African institutions. Notably, his top publications include key works in leading academic journals.

Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Professor Lisk earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Birmingham, UK, where he began his academic career as a lecturer in development economics in 1973.

Professional Experience 🏢

Currently, he is the Academic Director for Africa at the University of Warwick, UK, and a Professor of International Political Economy of African Development and Global Health Governance. Previously, he held various significant roles at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), including Senior Economist and Director. He is also a co-founder of the Center for Research on Political Economy (CREPOL) in Dakar and a visiting professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Research Interests 🔍

Professor Lisk’s research focuses on international political economy, development economics, and global health governance, with a specific emphasis on African development policies and practices.

Awards 🏆

Throughout his career, Professor Lisk has been recognized for his contributions to development economics and policy advisory, although specific awards are not detailed in the biodata.

Top Noted Publications📖

  • The Political Economy of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Global Health Action.(2013)
  • Employment and Labour Market Policies in Africa. African Journal of Economic Policy.(2009)
  • Globalization and Development in Africa: An Overview. Journal of African Economies.(2007)
  • The Role of International Organizations in African Development. Development Policy Review.(2005)
  •  HIV/AIDS and the World of Work: The ILO’s Global Programme. International Labour Review.(2004)