Hisham AbouGrad | Artificial intelligence | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Hisham AbouGrad | Artificial intelligence | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Hisham AbouGrad , Senior Lecturer , University of East London – UEL , United Kingdom.

Dr. Hisham AbouGrad is a dynamic academic and industry expert in computer science and digital technologies. Currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London, he brings over two decades of experience in higher education and IT. Known for bridging theory with practice, he has supervised innovative projects in AI, FinTech, and mobile app development. Dr. AbouGrad also leads international academic collaborations and contributes to top-tier journals. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an active member of the British Computer Society, with a passion for enhancing digital learning, scientific problem-solving, and sustainable technology.

Publication Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google scholar

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Hisham AbouGrad earned his Doctorate in Professional Studies (DProf) from London South Bank University, focusing on Workflow Information Systems Performance using BPM methodologies. He also holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Software Engineering from the University of Bradford and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the University of Lincoln. Additionally, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PGCHEP) from the University of Plymouth. His academic credentials are enhanced by certifications in project management and IT, including CITP from BCS and PMP qualifications, reinforcing his foundation in both pedagogy and technical leadership.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. AbouGrad’s career spans prestigious academic institutions and industry roles. Since 2021, he has served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London, where he also fosters international collaborations. Previously, he held teaching and leadership roles at ICON College, QA Higher Education, GSM London, and the University of Plymouth. From 2011 to 2019, he was a doctoral researcher at London South Bank University. With vast teaching experience in computing, business management, and information systems, Dr. AbouGrad has mentored numerous PhD and DProf students while shaping curricula aligned with technological advancements and practical industry applications.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Hisham AbouGrad has been recognized for his commitment to academic excellence and professional contribution. He is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (FHEA), a Certified IT Professional (CITP) with the British Computer Society (BCS), and has received qualifications in IT Quality Management (ITQM). He is a founding member of UEL’s FinTech Centre and contributes actively to academic committees and journal editorial boards. As a reviewer for reputed journals like IEEE TCE, SAGE, Elsevier, and Emerald, he consistently upholds research quality, earning professional credibility and trust in the global academic and scientific communities.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. AbouGrad’s research integrates Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, Machine Learning, Information Security, and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) with Business Process Management (BPM) and Workflow Systems. His work aims to create scalable, secure, and intelligent digital solutions. Projects under his supervision include AI-based financial prediction systems, eCommerce fraud detection using neural networks, and mobile payment technologies. His recent studies explore AI-driven stock prediction, sentiment analysis, and fake review detection—highlighting his goal to solve real-world problems through data science, machine learning, and performance analysis. He also researches Decision Support Systems (DSS), ECM, GIS, and user-centered eCommerce design.

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Hisham AbouGrad is a passionate educator, strategic researcher, and technology advocate whose career is marked by innovation, collaboration, and impact. His multifaceted expertise across academia and industry supports students, institutions, and global communities in adapting to digital transformation. Through research, mentorship, and leadership, he contributes to solving complex challenges in AI, FinTech, and Information Systems. With a forward-thinking mindset, he continues to influence academic practices, elevate IT performance, and foster global academic relationships. His legacy reflects both the rigor of scholarly inquiry and the relevance of applied science in the 21st century.

📚 Top Publications with Details

  1. AI-Framework to Detect eCommerce Fake Reviews: A Hybrid Neural Network Machine Learning Model
    Published: 2024, Book: Artificial Intelligence and Computational Technologies
    Cited by: 1

  2. Financial Decision-Making AI-Framework to Predict Stock Price Using LSTM Algorithm and NLP-Driven Sentiment Analysis Model
    Published: 2025, Conference: Annual International Congress on Computer Science
    Cited by: 1

  3. Decision Making by Applying Machine Learning Techniques to Mitigate Spam SMS Attacks
    Published: 2023, Conference: International Conference on Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
    Cited by: 5

  4. Developing the Business Process Management Performance of an Information System Using the Delphi Study Technique
    Published: 2019, Conference: EAI International Conference on Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Education
    Cited by: 5

  5. Applying the Delphi Method to Measure Enterprise Content Management Workflow System Performance
    Published: 2022, Journal: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Springer)
    Cited by: 1

  6. The Impact of Business Process Management Values on Enterprise Content Management Workflow Systems Performance
    Published: 2020, Thesis: London South Bank University
    Cited by: 1

  7. Intelligent Computing, Proceedings of the 2022 Computing Conference
    Published: 2022, Publisher: Springer International Publishing
    Cited by: 23

  8. Key Digital Trends in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Proceedings of ICDLAIR 2022
    Published: 2023, Publisher: Springer International Publishing
    Cited by: 1

 

Prof. Dr. Otilia Manta | Artificial Intelligence | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Otilia Manta | Artificial Intelligence | Innovative Research Award

Professor PhD, Romanian Academy, Romania

Prof. Dr. habil. Elena Otilia Manta  is a renowned economist, academic, and scientific researcher, currently serving as a Professor at the Romanian-American University and a Scientific Researcher at the Romanian Academy. With over two decades of experience in economic sciences, she is widely respected for her expertise in finance, FinTech, AI integration, and sustainable development. She also holds various leadership roles in international organizations, including Vice President of EUExperts in Brussels, reflecting her strong influence in policy and academic circles globally. 🌍💼

Publication Profile

🎓 Education Background

Prof. Manta holds a Ph.D. in Economics and the academic title of “habilitation,” enabling her to supervise doctoral research. Her education has been complemented by continuous development in areas like finance, international economic relations, and technological integration, laying a solid academic foundation for her contributions in both national and international academic communities. 🎓📖

💼 Professional Experience

Since 2014, Prof. Manta has been a Scientific Researcher at the Romanian Academy and since 2019, a full Professor at the Romanian-American University in Bucharest. She also serves as Vice President of the European Union Experts (EUExperts) and the International Research Institute for Economics and Management (IRIEM), among others. As founder and CEO of The Romanian Group for Investments and Consultancy (RGIC), she combines academic depth with real-world financial leadership. She has also served as an EU Expert and Rapporteur with the European Commission. 🌐🏛️📊

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Manta has received numerous honors, including the “2006 Woman of the Year Commemorative Medal” by the American Biographical Institute. She is a respected honorary member of the Romanian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and holds various affiliations with prestigious academic, financial, and developmental organizations such as the UN HLPF Mechanism and the Financial Stability Oversight Council (NY). 🥇🎖️🌟

🔬 Research Focus

Her research focuses on FinTech, artificial intelligence integration in banking, sustainable economic development, academic transparency, and financial innovation. As an active participant in multidisciplinary fields, Prof. Manta is a frequent contributor to leading journals and conferences, continuously shaping discussions on the future of finance and digital transformation. 💡📈🤖

🔗 Publications – Top Notes

Banking Transformation Through FinTech and the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Payments – FinTech, 2025 | DOI: 10.3390/fintech4020013 – A highly impactful paper exploring AI’s role in revolutionizing payment systems.

FinTech and AI as Opportunities for a Sustainable Economy – FinTech, 2025 | DOI: 10.3390/fintech4020010 – Widely cited for linking technology to green and inclusive finance.

The Transfer of Managerial Expertise in Romanian Companies through the Application of the DEMATEL Method – Journal for Future Society and Education, 2025 – Emphasizes decision science in corporate governance.

Ensuring Academic Integrity: Tools and Mechanisms for a Transparent Educational Environment – Preprints, 2025 – Focuses on digital tools fostering academic ethics.

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. habil. Otilia Manta is a distinguished leader, bridging the worlds of academia, finance, and international consultancy. Her career reflects a strong commitment to innovation, transparency, and global collaboration in economics. Through her scholarly research, institutional leadership, and consultancy, she continues to inspire future generations in both Romania and abroad. 🌟📘🌍