Luisa López Banet | Education | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Luisa López Banet | Education | Best Researcher Award

Permanente at Universidad de Murcia, Spain

Luisa López-Banet is a dedicated scholar and educator specializing in science education. With a dual doctoral background in Chemistry and Education Sciences, she brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to her research and teaching. Currently a tenured professor at the University of Murcia in Spain, she works within the Department of Science Education at the Faculty of Education. Her academic journey reflects a progressive engagement with the challenges of secondary and primary science education, particularly in promoting argumentation, scientific literacy, and critical thinking among students and teachers. Over the years, she has collaborated extensively on national and international research projects, published numerous peer-reviewed articles, and presented at prestigious conferences. Her commitment to science didactics, teacher training, and the integration of socioscientific issues into classroom practice distinguishes her as a forward-thinking leader in her field. She actively contributes to curriculum development and teacher preparation programs, fostering innovation and equity in science education.

Professional Profile 

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Education 

Luisa López-Banet holds two doctoral degrees, exemplifying a rare combination of expertise in both scientific content and pedagogy. She earned her first PhD in Chemistry from the University of Murcia in 2012, where she investigated complex scientific processes through experimental research. Her second doctoral degree, obtained in 2023 from the University of Granada, focused on Education Sciences, enabling her to explore the cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of teaching and learning science. In addition to her doctoral training, she is a graduate in Chemistry from the University of Murcia. This academic foundation supports her specialized work in science education, where she combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research. Her academic trajectory provides the intellectual rigor and flexibility necessary to design effective science education programs, particularly in the preparation of future science teachers. Her educational background has laid the groundwork for her multifaceted research contributions and deep understanding of classroom learning environments.

Experience 

Luisa López-Banet has accumulated a robust and diverse portfolio of professional experience in both teaching and research. Since 2017, she has served as a permanent faculty member at the University of Murcia as a “Profesora Contratada Doctora” in the Department of Science Education. Previously, she held multiple academic positions, including Assistant Professor and Associate Professor roles at the Universities of Granada and Murcia. Her professional journey began in 2008 with a predoctoral research contract, allowing her to gain early exposure to educational research. She has contributed significantly to teacher education programs, secondary and primary science curriculum development, and didactic innovation. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in supervising student research, designing science education modules, and delivering courses related to didactics and scientific literacy. Her hands-on experience across various academic roles has equipped her with the skills to mentor new educators and lead interdisciplinary educational initiatives effectively.

Awards and Honors 

While formal award distinctions are not extensively listed in the available record, Luisa López-Banet’s career is marked by significant academic recognition through her leadership in research publications, conference presentations, and collaborative projects. Being the first author and corresponding author on multiple peer-reviewed articles in respected journals such as Frontiers in Education, Sustainability, and EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, she demonstrates scholarly authority and research leadership. Her consistent invitations to speak and present at national and international conferences, including ESERA and the Encuentros de Didáctica de las Ciencias, underscore her recognition as an expert in science education. Additionally, her role in EU- and Spain-based collaborative research teams reflects a high level of peer trust and academic esteem. Although explicit individual honors or institutional awards are not enumerated, her research impact, academic appointments, and scholarly productivity clearly highlight her as a highly respected member of the science education community.

Research Focus on Education

Luisa López-Banet’s research primarily centers on science education, with a strong emphasis on teacher training, argumentation in science classrooms, and socioscientific issues such as climate change and biotechnology. Her work investigates how students and pre-service teachers develop scientific competencies, particularly in interpreting, evaluating, and constructing arguments based on real-world science problems. She explores cognitive and emotional engagement strategies to improve science learning outcomes, especially through inquiry-based and model-based instructional approaches. Her recent publications delve into how future teachers understand complex scientific phenomena like greenhouse gases and chemical reactions, as well as how they can integrate this understanding into educational practices. López-Banet is also deeply involved in textbook analysis, assessing how bilingual and mainstream texts present key scientific concepts. Her interdisciplinary lens—bridging Chemistry and Education Sciences—enables her to produce research that not only advances academic knowledge but also informs classroom practices and policy in science teacher education.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Conocimientos de los estudiantes de secundaria sobre herencia biológica: implicaciones para su enseñanza
    Authors: C. Ruiz-González, E. Banet, L. López-Banet
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 40

  • Title: Conocimientos de estudiantes que inician el Bachillerato sobre nociones básicas de genética y aplicaciones de la biotecnología
    Authors: C.R. González, E.B. Hernández, L.L. Banet
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Hydrogen Bonding and Anion Binding in Structures of Tris(pyrazolyl)boratenickel(II) and Phosphate Esters
    Authors: M.D. Santana, L. López‐Banet, G. García, L. García, J. Pérez, M. Liu
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 13

  • Title: Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Nickel Complexes with Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate Ligand and Double Bridged by Phosphate Esters
    Authors: L. López-Banet, M.D. Santana, G. García, L. García, J. Pérez, T. Rojo, et al.
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Structure and Spectroscopic Properties of Nickel Benzazolate Complexes with Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate Ligand
    Authors: L. López-Banet, M.D. Santana, M.J. Piernas, G. García, J. Cerezo, A. Requena, et al.
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Antiferromagnetic Cu-Gd interactions through oxime bridge
    Authors: J.P. Costes, C. Duhayon, S. Mallet-Ladeira, L. Vendier, J. García-Tojal, et al.
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Solid State Conformational Features of Homodinuclear Nickel Complexes Double Bridged by Phosphate Esters and Related Ligands
    Authors: J. Pérez, L. García, R. Carrascosa, E. Pérez, J.L. Serrano, G. Sánchez, et al.
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Conocimientos de futuros docentes de Educación Infantil sobre categorización animal
    Authors: L.B. López
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Cotos escolares: espacios educativos para la enseñanza de las ciencias en la escuela española del siglo XX
    Authors: J.D.L. Martínez, L.L. Banet
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Networks based on hydrogen-bonds containing phosphorus anions and tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate nickel(II) moieties
    Authors: L. López-Banet, M.D. Santana, G. García, J. Pérez, L. García, L. Lezama, et al.
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Blocking and bridging ligands direct the structure and magnetic properties of dimers of pentacoordinate nickel(II)
    Authors: L. López-Banet, M.D. Santana, G. García, J. Pérez, L. García, L. Lezama, et al.
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Crystal Structures and Spectroscopic and Theoretical Properties of Pentacoordinate Nickel(II) Complexes Containing Tris(pyrazolyl)borate and Quinolinate Ligands
    Authors: L. López‐Banet, M.D. Santana, G. García, M.J. Piernas, L. García, J. Pérez, et al.
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 3

Conclusion

Luisa López-Banet exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, innovative, and impactful researcher in the field of science education. Her interdisciplinary academic background, spanning both Chemistry and Education Sciences, allows her to contribute meaningfully to both scientific knowledge and pedagogical advancement. Her body of work demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing teacher education, fostering scientific literacy, and integrating real-world socioscientific issues into educational contexts. With numerous first-author publications, international conference presentations, and collaborative projects, she has established herself as a respected voice in science didactics. Her research is not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant, addressing key educational challenges such as climate change, argumentation skills, and curriculum design. While further international collaborations and competitive grants could elevate her profile even more, she has already made a profound contribution to her field. Overall, Luisa López-Banet stands out as a highly deserving candidate for recognition as a Best Researcher.

P. P. A. Wasantha Athukorala | Education | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. P. P. A. Wasantha Athukorala | Education | Best Researcher Award

Director, PGIHS, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Dr. Wasantha Athukorala is a distinguished economist and academic, currently serving as the Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS) at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Athukorala has made significant contributions to economics, particularly in agricultural economics, environmental economics, and development studies. He holds a PhD in Economics from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and has held various teaching and research positions at both national and international institutions. His research addresses vital issues such as irrigation, farm production, energy demand, and climate change, with a focus on empirical analysis. A highly cited researcher, Dr. Athukorala has earned numerous national and international awards, including being ranked the 2nd best economist in Sri Lanka. His contributions have shaped academic thought and policy in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Profile

Education 

Dr. Wasantha Athukorala’s educational journey reflects his commitment to advancing economic research and knowledge. He earned his PhD in Economics from Queensland University of Technology, Australia (2007-2011), with a thesis titled Essays on Irrigation Development, Farm Production, and Unaccounted Costs: Theory and Empirical Evidence. His academic excellence was recognized when his thesis was nominated for an Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award. Prior to this, he completed an M.Phil. in Agricultural Economics at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2001-2004), focusing on Estimation of Household Demand for Electricity in Sri Lanka. He also holds a B.A. First Class (Honours) Degree in Economics from the University of Peradeniya (1996-2000), with a thesis on Profitability and Comparative Advantages of the Rice Growing Sector in Sri Lanka. Dr. Athukorala’s academic training laid the foundation for his substantial contributions to economics and development studies.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Wasantha Athukorala’s outstanding academic achievements have earned him numerous prestigious awards and honors. He received the Presidential Award for Scientific Research in 2023, recognizing his substantial contributions to the advancement of knowledge in economics. In 2021, he was ranked as the 2nd best economist in Sri Lanka by the AD Scientific Index. Dr. Athukorala has also been awarded the Tier 4* Lifetime Researcher Award in 2022 for his consistent and impactful research output. His work has garnered national recognition, including the National Research Council (NRC) Merit Award for Scientific Publication in 2014. Dr. Athukorala’s dedication to research excellence has also been acknowledged with NCAS Awards for Research in Higher Education in 2006. As a Visiting Fellow at Queensland University of Technology in 2017, he further solidified his reputation as a globally recognized scholar in the field of economics.

Research Focus 

Dr. Wasantha Athukorala’s research spans several critical areas of economics, with a particular emphasis on agricultural economics, environmental economics, and development studies. His work explores the complexities of irrigation development, farm production, and the unaccounted costs associated with these sectors, providing valuable empirical evidence for policymakers and practitioners. His studies have focused on the economic implications of climate change, energy demand, and environmental sustainability, with a specific interest in the socio-economic effects of natural disasters, water demand, and energy pricing policies. Additionally, Dr. Athukorala’s research on the economic impacts of foreign direct investment, agricultural efficiency, and the distributional effects of privatization in developing countries showcases his commitment to addressing real-world economic challenges. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of market distortions, energy policy, and public goods, influencing both academic discourse and policy decisions in Sri Lanka and internationally.

Publications

  • The impact of foreign direct investment for economic growth: A case study in Sri Lanka 📊
  • Estimating short and long-term residential demand for electricity: New evidence from Sri Lanka ⚡
  • Do monetary and non-monetary incentives influence environmental attitudes and behavior? Evidence from an experimental analysis 🌍
  • Reality check: the distributional impact of privatization in developing countries 💼
  • Determinants of health costs due to farmers’ exposure to pesticides: an empirical analysis 🚜
  • Climate change and natural disasters: Government mitigation activities and public property demand response 🌪️
  • A GIS based spatial decision support system for analysing residential water demand: A case study in Australia 💧
  • Household demand for electricity: The role of market distortions and prices in competition policy 💡
  • The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Sri Lanka 📈
  • The impact of mining and smelting activities on property values: A study of Mount Isa city, Queensland, Australia 🏞️
  • Impact of wildfires and floods on property values: A before and after analysis 🔥
  • Measuring the impact of pesticide exposure on farmers’ health and farm productivity 🌾
  • Valuing bushfire risk to homeowners: Hedonic property values study in Queensland, Australia 🔥
  • Effectiveness of two pricing structures on urban water use and conservation: A quasi-experimental investigation 💧
  • Non-discretionary residential water use: The impact of habits and water-efficient technologies 🏠
  • Assessing privatization in Sri Lanka: Distribution and governance 📊
  • Identifying the role of agricultural extension services in improving technical efficiency in the paddy farming sector in Sri Lanka 🌾
  • Willingness to pay to ensure a continuous water supply with minimum restrictions 🚰
  • Groundwater overuse and farm-level technical inefficiency: Evidence from Sri Lanka 🌍
  • Emergency teaching–learning methods (Etlm) during COVID-19: Lessons learned from Sri Lanka 📚

Faegheh sadat mortazavi moghadam | lecturer | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Faegheh sadat mortazavi moghadam | lecturer | Best Researcher Award

Consultant/ adjunct assistant professor/ lecturer, university of tehran, Iran

Faeghe Sadat Mortazavi Moghadam is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of wood and paper science and technology. She holds a PhD from the University of Sari and a Master’s degree from the University of Tehran, the best university in Iran. She is currently an adjunct assistant professor at Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Alzahra University, where she teaches a variety of technical courses.

Education

  • PhD in Engineering of Wood and Paper Science and Technology
    University of Sari, Iran (2016-2021)
    GPA: 18.88/20 (A+)
  • MSc in Engineering of Wood and Paper Science and Technology
    University of Tehran, Iran (2012-2015)
    GPA: 18.60/20 (A+)
  • Second BSc in Engineering of Food Science and Technology
    Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran (2005-2011)
    GPA: 15.52/20
  • First BSc in Engineering of Wood and Paper Science and Technology
    University of Tehran, Iran (2005-2009)
    GPA: 16.60/20

Experience

  • Adjunct Assistant Professor
    Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST)
    Alzahra University (2020-present)
    📚 Courses taught: Physics, Technical Design, Mathematics, Basics of Nanotechnology, and Synthesis of Nanomaterials. Her teaching evaluations consistently scored A++.
  • Consultant in the R&D Department
    Arian Saeed Industrial Group
    🏭 Consultant for a leading cellulose industry factory, contributing to over 70% of the country’s production.

Research Interests

  • Nanocomposites and Biomaterials
    🧬 Synthesis of nanomaterials from waste, chemical modification, and applications in bioengineering and biotechnology.
  • Microorganisms
    🦠 Working with pathogens, fungi, probiotics, and fermented microorganisms for various industrial and research applications.

Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 First-place award at a national invention competition in the field of conversion and complementary products.
  • 📚 Ranked first in the entrance exam for MSc and PhD degrees.
  • 🏅 Elected as a scientifically selected MSc student by the University of Tehran.
  • 🎓 Ranked first among graduate MSc and PhD students at the University of Tehran and University of Sari respectively.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Kombucha fungus biocoating for improving mechanical and antibacterial properties of cellulose composites, Materials Today Communications, 2024.
    • Cited by: 15 articles
  2. Recycling kaolin from paper waste and assessment of its application for paper coating, Materials Today Communications, 2024.
    • Cited by: 10 articles
  3. Preparation and physicochemical evaluation of casein/basil seed gum film integrated with guar gum/gelatin-based nanogel containing lemon peel essential oil for active food packaging application, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023.
    • Cited by: 8 articles
  4. New method of producing nanominerals from office paper waste and investigating their microstructural properties, Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 2022.
    • Cited by: 12 articles
  5. Fabrication of high mechanical properties papers coated with CMC-based nanocomposites containing nanominerals synthesized from paper waste, Cellulose, 2021.
    • Cited by: 11 articles