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.

Tayyaba Rani Economics | Best Researcher Award

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.

 

Prof Weiying Zhang | Economics | Best Paper Award

Prof Weiying Zhang | Economics | Best Paper Award

Professor at Beijing University , China

Weiying Zhang is a distinguished economist and Boya Chair Professor at the National School of Development, Peking University. Born in 1959 in Shaanxi Province, he has significantly influenced economic thought in China, advocating for free-market reforms and ownership restructuring. His insights and critiques of China’s economic policies have earned him recognition both nationally and internationally.

Profile

orcid

Education 🎓

Weiying Zhang received his undergraduate and graduate training in economics from Northwest University in China. His academic journey continued at Oxford University, where he obtained his D.Phil. in Economics in 1994. His education has equipped him with a profound understanding of economic theories and practices, shaping his influential career.

Experience 💼

Since 1994, Professor Zhang has taught at Peking University, where he has held several key positions, including Dean of the Guanghua School of Management from 2006 to 2010. He returned to the National School of Development in July 2014 and has served as the Chief Economist for the China Entrepreneurs Forum since 2001. His extensive experience has positioned him as a leading voice in Chinese economic reform.

Research Interest 🔍

Professor Zhang’s research primarily focuses on free market advocacy, the theory of the firm, and ownership reform. He is known for his critical insights into China’s economic reforms and has contributed significantly to discussions on market dynamics and economic policy.

Awards 🏆

In recognition of his pioneering contributions, Professor Zhang received the China Economic Theory Innovation Award in 2011 for his work on dual-track price reform. His influence and thought leadership have earned him several prestigious awards in China.

Publications 📚

Economics

Weiying Zhang has made substantial contributions to the field of economics through a variety of publications, including books and academic papers that explore critical issues in economic reform, market theory, and the structure of firms. Here is a detailed list of his notable works:

  1. The Logic of the Market: An Insider’s View of Chinese Economic Reform (Cato Institute, 2015)
    • Description: This book provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s economic reforms from an insider’s perspective, arguing for the importance of market mechanisms in driving economic growth.
    • Awards: Finalist for the Hayek Prize in 2016 and 2017.
  2. The Road Leading to the Market (Routledge, 2016)
    • Description: Zhang outlines the trajectory of China’s market reforms, detailing the challenges and successes encountered along the way.
  3. The Origin of the Capitalist Firm: An Entrepreneurial/Contractual Theory of the Firm (Springer, 2017)
    • Description: This work presents a theoretical framework for understanding the capitalist firm through an entrepreneurial lens, examining the contractual relationships that shape firm behavior.
  4. Ideas for China’s Future (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020)
    • Description: A collection of essays that address the future of China’s economic policies, emphasizing innovative ideas for sustainable growth and reform.
  5. “A New Perspective on Ownership Reform” (Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2018)
    • Description: This paper critiques traditional views on ownership structures in China, advocating for reforms that enhance efficiency and accountability.
  6. “The Role of Entrepreneurs in China’s Economic Transition” (China Economic Review, 2019)
    • Description: An exploration of the crucial role that entrepreneurs play in facilitating China’s economic transition from a planned economy to a market-oriented system.
  7. “Market Dynamics and Economic Policy in China” (World Development, 2021)
    • Description: This article analyzes how market dynamics influence economic policy decisions in China, with implications for future reforms.
  8. “Price Reform and Economic Efficiency: Evidence from China” (Journal of Asian Economics, 2015)
    • Description: A study examining the impact of price reform on economic efficiency, drawing lessons from China’s experiences.