Hatem Belhouchet | Operational Research | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hatem Belhouchet | Operational Research | Best Researcher Award

University Polytechnic Hauts-De-France | France

Mr. Hatem Belhouchet is a physical education and sports science specialist serving as Head of Application Assessment within an engineering-focused academic program in France, recognized for his extensive experience in teaching, coaching, and high-performance sport management. He holds advanced qualifications in physical education and sports science, supported by professional certifications in football coaching, video analysis, and physical activity instruction, which strengthen his multidisciplinary expertise. His career encompasses leadership roles as a physical education instructor across diverse educational and clinical environments, along with substantial international coaching experience as a football manager and technical director in multiple countries, where he consistently contributed to team development, competitive advancement, and strategic performance optimization. His work in training and capacity building includes delivering professional development programs for coaches and journalists on decision-making, technical analysis, and football regulations. As a researcher, he has contributed to scholarly discourse through publications addressing multi-criteria decision-making in sport, sustainability assessment, and psychometric validation in healthcare, with conference contributions further extending his academic reach. His achievements include recognized coaching successes, advancement of youth and professional teams, and the attainment of elite coaching licensure, alongside service contributions that demonstrate leadership, methodological rigor, and a commitment to improving decision-support practices in sport and education. This combination of academic work, applied expertise, international coaching accomplishments, and ongoing research positions him as a distinguished candidate for recognition.

Profiles:  Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Belhouchet, H., et al. (2025). MOORA-based assessment of educational sustainability performance in EU-27 countries: Comparing pre-pandemic (2017–2019) and pandemic-affected (2020–2022) periods. Sustainability.

Mr. Hatem Belhouchet’s work advances evidence-based decision-making in sport and education by integrating analytical methods, performance science, and applied coaching practices. His contributions support stronger institutional decision frameworks, enhance athlete and learner outcomes, and promote innovative, data-driven approaches that positively influence both professional practice and broader societal well-being.

Dr. Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology at University of Zagreb, Croatia

Professor Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb. With a PhD in fuzzy modeling and optimization, and an Executive MBA in Agribusiness, she blends scientific rigor with practical leadership. She has published over 200 scientific articles, including 45 in Q1 journals, and authored multiple book chapters and a specialized textbook. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling, food analysis, nutrition optimization, and biotechnology, often incorporating innovative techniques such as neural networks and non-invasive spectroscopy. She has led or contributed to over 20 research projects and 45 consultancy assignments, and serves as an evaluator for EU projects. With an H-index of 29 on Google Scholar and active involvement in international collaborations, she is widely recognized for her interdisciplinary and applied scientific work. Her contributions significantly advance sustainable food systems, nutrition science, and biotechnological research.

Professional Profile 

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ORCID Profile 

Education

Professor Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić has a comprehensive academic background rooted at the University of Zagreb. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1996, followed by a master’s in 1998, and completed her PhD in 2004 with a dissertation focused on the application of fuzzy modeling and optimization in boarding school planning. Demonstrating a commitment to both science and leadership, she later pursued and completed an Executive MBA in Agribusiness in 2013 at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb. Her educational trajectory combines technical, analytical, and managerial expertise, making her highly equipped for interdisciplinary research. In addition, she undertook over 16 months of international training in leading institutions in Germany, the USA, and the Netherlands, which enhanced her scientific and pedagogical skills. This strong foundation across science and management has been critical in shaping her academic leadership and contributions to food technology, biotechnology, and applied nutrition.

Professional Experience

Professor Gajdoš Kljusurić holds a full professorship at the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, where she has been a key academic figure since 2022. Her professional journey includes more than two decades of teaching, research, and leadership in food science and biotechnology. She has been instrumental in supervising research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including doctoral theses. Beyond academia, she has actively contributed to over 45 consultancy and 10 industry projects, offering expertise in food technology, optimization modeling, and nutrition. She is a trusted evaluator for European Union-funded projects, indicating her authority and recognition at the international level. She also serves on editorial boards, including for the journal Foods and the Croatian Journal of Food Technology, Biotechnology, and Nutrition. Her professional experience seamlessly bridges theoretical research with real-world applications, enhancing the value of her academic work and promoting innovation in food science and biotechnology.

Research Interest

Professor Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić’s research interests lie at the intersection of food science, biotechnology, nutrition, and applied mathematics. Her primary focus areas include mathematical modeling, fuzzy logic, neural networks, and optimization techniques as applied to food processing and nutritional planning. She has demonstrated expertise in the use of non-invasive analytical techniques such as Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Partial Least Squares (PLS) models for evaluating bioactive compounds and food quality. Her work also explores diet therapy, ethical considerations in health sciences, and the intelligent management of biotechnological processes. With over 200 published articles and numerous book chapters, her research bridges science and technology with practical applications in sustainable food systems. She actively collaborates on national and international projects related to wine aroma, plant bioactives, and nutrient optimization. Her interdisciplinary approach and innovative methods contribute meaningfully to advances in both academic research and industrial food processing.

Award and Honor

While the specific awards are not detailed in the application, Professor Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić’s professional record speaks volumes about her credibility and recognition in the scientific community. She has been entrusted as a project evaluator for the European Union, indicating a high level of trust in her expertise and judgment. Her appointment as a full professor in a permanent position reflects both academic distinction and institutional recognition. Furthermore, her extensive participation in over 20 research projects, authorship of a scientific book, and numerous high-impact journal publications — including 45 in Q1-ranked journals — signal excellence in research. She has been invited to contribute to multiple international book chapters published by renowned publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley, which is a mark of scholarly recognition. Through her editorial roles and collaborations across Europe and the U.S., she continues to build a profile of international distinction and thought leadership in food and nutrition sciences.

Conclusion

Professor Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding academic, researcher, and innovator in the fields of food technology, biotechnology, and nutrition. With a robust academic background, a wealth of professional and international experience, and a research portfolio that blends scientific rigor with practical relevance, she has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining advanced modeling techniques with food science and ethical health practices, demonstrates her commitment to sustainable and impactful research. While her profile could benefit from more visibility in terms of formal awards or patents, the depth and quality of her contributions are indisputable. Her work supports global challenges in food security, nutrition, and biotechnology innovation. Overall, she stands out as a highly qualified and influential figure deserving of recognition such as the Best Researcher Award, and her continued work promises further advancements in both scientific knowledge and real-world applications.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Gas phase plasma impact on phenolic compounds in pomegranate juice
    Authors: Z. Herceg, D.B. Kovačević, J.G. Kljusurić, A.R. Jambrak, Z. Zorić, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 202

  • Title: Recovery of anthocyanins from grape pomace extracts (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Mitos) using a polymeric adsorber resin
    Authors: D. Kammerer, J. Gajdoš Kljusurić, R. Carle, A. Schieber
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 163

  • Title: Stability of polyphenols in chokeberry juice treated with gas phase plasma
    Authors: D.B. Kovačević, J.G. Kljusurić, P. Putnik, T. Vukušić, Z. Herceg, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 153

  • Title: Gas permeability and DSC characteristics of polymers used in food packaging
    Authors: J. Gajdoš, Ž. Kurtanjek, N. Ciković
    Year: 2000
    Citations: 132

  • Title: Kinetics and thermodynamics of the solid-liquid extraction process of total polyphenols, antioxidants and extraction yield from Asteraceae plants
    Authors: A.J. Tušek, M. Benković, A.B. Cvitanović, D. Valinger, T. Jurina, J.G. Kljusurić
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 130

  • Title: Young consumers’ perception of functional foods in Croatia
    Authors: J. Markovina, J. Čačić, J. Gajdoš Kljusurić, D. Kovačić
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 103

  • Title: Determination of histamine in fish by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy using silver colloid SERS substrates
    Authors: T. Janči, D. Valinger, J.G. Kljusurić, L. Mikac, S. Vidaček, M. Ivanda
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 96

  • Title: Detection of honey adulteration – The potential of UV-VIS and NIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis
    Authors: D. Valinger, L. Longin, F. Grbeš, M. Benković, T. Jurina, J.G. Kljusurić, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 78

  • Title: Cooking at home and adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the COVID-19 confinement: the experience from the Croatian COVIDiet study
    Authors: D. Pfeifer, J. Rešetar, J. Gajdoš Kljusurić, I. Panjkota Krbavčić, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 74

  • Title: Trehalose improves flavour retention in dehydrated apricot puree
    Authors: D. Komes, T. Lovrić, K. Kovačević Ganić, J. Gajdoš Kljusurić, M. Banović
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 67

  • Title: Optimization of bleaching parameters for soybean oil
    Authors: D. Škevin, T. Domijan, K. Kraljić, J.G. Kljusurić, S. Neđeral, M. Obranović
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 64

  • Title: Optimizing bioactive compounds extraction from different medicinal plants and prediction through nonlinear and linear models
    Authors: A.J. Tušek, M. Benković, D. Valinger, T. Jurina, A. Belščak-Cvitanović, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 57

  • Title: Wine with geographical indication – awareness of Croatian consumers
    Authors: J. Čačić, M. Tratnik, J. Gajdoš Kljusurić, D. Čačić, D. Kovačević
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 54

  • Title: Use of spectroscopic techniques to monitor changes in food quality during application of natural preservatives: A review
    Authors: A. Hassoun, M. Carpena, M.A. Prieto, J. Simal-Gandara, F. Özogul, Y. Özogul, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 51

  • Title: Integrated approach for bioactive quality evaluation of medicinal plant extracts using HPLC-DAD, spectrophotometric, near infrared spectroscopy and chemometric techniques
    Authors: A. Belščak-Cvitanović, D. Valinger, M. Benković, A.J. Tušek, T. Jurina, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 45

Chourouk Ouerghemmi | Business | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chourouk Ouerghemmi | Business | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Canada

Docteure Chourouk Ouerghemmi is a dedicated researcher and educator currently serving as a research and teaching assistant at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC). With a strong academic background in marketing, sustainability, and consumer behavior, she brings interdisciplinary expertise to both her research and pedagogical activities. Her work spans data analysis (SPSS, Nvivo, AMOS), ethics certifications, research design, and scientific writing. She actively contributes to projects promoting the circular economy and digital responsibility in Québec, and is engaged in science communication through workshops, training videos, and digital content creation. Her teaching experience includes undergraduate and graduate instruction in Canada and Tunisia, where she has developed and delivered innovative, student-centered curricula. In addition to her academic achievements, she plays a vital role in community outreach, policy initiatives, and the organization of scientific events. Her dynamic, cross-cultural experience and commitment to societal impact position her as a rising leader in research and education.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Docteure Chourouk Ouerghemmi holds a Ph.D. in Marketing, supported by a solid academic foundation in management and consumer behavior. She completed her doctoral studies under the framework of an international academic exchange, culminating in a research internship at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Canada. Her academic journey includes formal education and training in both Tunisia and Canada, allowing her to build expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of marketing, sustainability, and innovation. Her educational background is complemented by certifications in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including advanced proficiency in tools such as SPSS, AMOS, and Nvivo. Her academic path reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning, combining insights from economics, technology, and behavioral sciences. This blend of diverse academic experiences has provided her with the skills to analyze complex problems and contribute meaningfully to both academic and societal debates on responsible innovation and sustainable consumption.

Professional Experience

Chourouk Ouerghemmi has developed a rich and diverse professional portfolio across research, teaching, and academic service. She currently serves as a research and teaching assistant at UQAC, where she designs experimental research protocols, analyzes complex data sets, drafts grant proposals, and delivers lectures in marketing and consumer behavior. Her past experiences include teaching at the undergraduate level in Tunisia and Canada, delivering tailored support to master’s and doctoral students, and co-organizing high-level academic events. She has also contributed extensively to public outreach, including producing training capsules and managing digital platforms for research dissemination. Her professional roles reflect versatility, ranging from data-driven research to practical teaching applications. Moreover, she has actively participated in government-funded projects related to sustainability and digital responsibility in Québec, emphasizing her engagement with real-world challenges. These experiences position her as a well-rounded academic professional capable of integrating research, teaching, and community service in meaningful and impactful ways.

Research Interest

Dr. Ouerghemmi’s research interests lie at the intersection of marketing, sustainability, consumer behavior, and digital responsibility. She focuses on how consumer choices are shaped by environmental, technological, and ethical factors, particularly in the context of circular economy and responsible innovation. Her work often applies both qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine behavior patterns, assess marketing strategies, and design sustainable consumer engagement models. She has also explored themes such as sobriety, ethical digital practices, and societal resilience, contributing to forward-thinking research agendas such as Québec’s roadmap toward a circular economy and a sustainable digital future. In addition, her interests extend to pedagogy and science communication, especially through digital tools and open-access training resources. By engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations and public policy discussions, her research contributes to addressing complex societal problems through a behavioral science lens, making her work not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant and impactful.

Award and Honor

While specific award titles are not explicitly detailed, Chourouk Ouerghemmi has received significant recognition through competitive academic placements and participation in prestigious research projects. Her doctoral exchange at UQAC was supported by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education, demonstrating institutional trust in her academic promise. She has also been invited to contribute to high-profile initiatives, such as Québec’s participatory roadmap toward a circular economy (RRECQ) and intersectoral strategies on sustainable digital futures. These roles reflect peer recognition of her expertise and her ability to contribute to policy-shaping efforts. Her selection to evaluate academic posters and scientific papers, along with speaking roles at various colloquia, further underscore the esteem in which she is held by the academic community. Additionally, her leadership in training and mentoring students through tailored workshops and e-learning tools has established her as a respected figure in research knowledge transfer and academic support. These achievements collectively highlight her emerging prominence in her field.

Conclusion

Docteure Chourouk Ouerghemmi stands out as a dynamic and committed researcher with a growing impact in academia and society. Her multidimensional expertise—spanning marketing, sustainability, education, and data analysis—enables her to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application. She brings a rare combination of scholarly depth, pedagogical innovation, and social engagement to her work. From designing rigorous research protocols to delivering inclusive and interactive teaching experiences, she embodies the qualities of a modern academic leader. Her involvement in national and intersectoral research initiatives further demonstrates her capacity to influence systemic change, particularly in the realms of circular economy and digital ethics. With a track record of interdisciplinary collaboration, policy-oriented research, and international exposure, Chourouk Ouerghemmi is well-positioned for future academic honors and leadership roles. Her profile reflects not just academic excellence but a strong dedication to making research a driver of sustainable and ethical societal progress.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Overview of factors influencing consumer engagement with plastic recycling
    Authors: M. Ertz, W. Addar, C. Ouerghemmi, M. Takaffoli
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 27

  • Title: The impact of virtual reality (VR) tour experience on tourists’ intention to visit
    Authors: C. Ouerghemmi, M. Ertz, N. Bouslama, U. Tandon
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 25

  • Title: Virtual Tasting in the Metaverse: Technological Advances and Consumer Behavior Impacts
    Authors: F.A. Moustapha, M. Ertz, C. Ouerghemmi
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

  • Title: Influence of atmospheric cues on the consumers’ behaviour: moderating effects of the aesthetic centrality of the store and the purpose of the visit
    Authors: A.A. Zarrouk, C. Ouerghemmi
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Impact of virtual reality on tourism (Encyclopedia entry)
    Authors: C. Ouerghemmi, M. Ertz, N. Bouslama, U. Tandon
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3*

  • Title: Impact of the metaverse on sustainability in the construction industry
    Authors: M. Ertz, C. Ouerghemmi, Y.N. Njika
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Fostering Sustainability Through Digital Evolution: Evaluating Industry 5.0 Preparedness in Quebec’s Regional SMEs
    Authors: S. Vallée, M. Ertz, C. Ouerghemmi, A. Périn
    Year: 2025

Mario Flores | Computational Biology | Next-Generation Science Trailblazer Award

Assist Prof Dr. Mario Flores | Computational Biology | Next-Generation Science Trailblazer Award

Biomedical, University of Texas at San Antonio, United States

Profile

Google Scholar

Short Bio

Dr. Mario A. Flores is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, specializing in artificial intelligence models for disease phenotype predictions, biomarker identification, and explainable mechanisms. His innovative research integrates various AI techniques to enhance our understanding of disease progression, particularly in oncology.

Education

Dr. Flores holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the Metropolitan Autonomous University, a Master’s in Applied Mathematics, and a PhD in Electrical Engineering (Computational Biology) from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), NIH.

Experience

Since 2020, Dr. Flores has served as an Assistant Professor with joint appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Biomedical Engineering (BME) at UTSA. His prior roles include NIH Postdoctoral Fellow at NCBI and Research Associate at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, showcasing his extensive experience in computational biology and bioinformatics.

Research Interests

Dr. Flores’s research focuses on developing AI tools for disease gene dependence prediction, utilizing spatially resolved transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to analyze tumor microenvironments. His work aims to bridge gaps in understanding disease mechanisms and improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.

Awards

Dr. Flores has received numerous awards for his research, including funding from the NIH for projects on neural circuits inhibiting pain, and recognition from the AIM-AHEAD Fellowship program, supporting his efforts to address health disparities in minority populations.

Publications Top Notes

Dr. Flores has authored several impactful publications, including:

New tools for spatial biology transcriptomics & proteomics in immuno-oncology, Immuno-Oncology Insights, 2023.

Deep learning tackles single-cell analysis—a survey of deep learning for scRNA-seq analysis, Brief in Bioinformatics, 2022.

Transformer for Gene Expression Modeling (T-GEM): An Interpretable Deep Learning Model for Gene Expression-Based Phenotype Predictions, Cancers, 2022.