Hoikyoung Bae | Virtual Reality | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae | Virtual Reality | Best Researcher Award

Adjunct Professor | Soongsil University | South Korea

Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae is a distinguished academic and professional who has dedicated her career to advancing early childhood education and digital learning innovation. She currently serves as a professor at Soongsil University and as an adjunct professor at Myongji University, bringing together her academic expertise and extensive professional practice. With decades of leadership in education and care institutions, she has bridged traditional child development practices with cutting-edge technologies such as the metaverse and digital learning tools. Her contributions highlight a lifelong commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and educational excellence across generations.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education Background

Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae pursued her doctoral studies with a focus on early childhood education and emerging educational technologies. Her doctoral thesis explored the impact of metaverse-based virtual experiential play education on children’s creativity and playability, reflecting her passion for integrating digital tools into learning environments. Through her advanced research and continued academic pursuits, she has become an influential figure in both early childhood studies and smart education approaches. Her educational journey has enabled her to combine traditional pedagogy with technological innovations, establishing her as a forward-thinking leader in education research and practice.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae has an extensive professional background that includes serving as a kindergarten director for more than three decades, where she gained practical insights into early childhood development and teaching methodologies. She has also led significant organizations, serving as the president of the Korea Smart Future Education Association and as chairman of the Next Generation Research and Development Technology Policy Institute. In addition, she assumed the role of CEO at Angel Silver Nursing Home, contributing to elder care and education. Her academic roles at Myongji University and Soongsil University further demonstrate her dedication to combining practice with academic excellence.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae has received prestigious recognitions that highlight her contributions to education and research. She was honored with the Seoul Metropolitan Government Chairperson Award, a testament to her impactful work in shaping educational policies and practices. Additionally, she received the National Assembly Excellence Teacher Award from the Korean government, which underscores her dedication to teaching and mentorship. These awards reflect her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating educational systems that integrate both traditional values and modern digital approaches, establishing her as a highly respected and influential figure in the academic and professional community.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae’s research emphasizes the integration of technology into education, with a particular focus on early childhood learning, digital education, and metaverse applications. Her innovative work has explored how experiential play within virtual environments can enhance creativity and playability among children. She has also been involved in developing smart instructor certifications tailored for children, youth, and the elderly, reflecting her holistic approach to lifelong learning. Through international collaborations, journal publications, and the development of new qualification courses, she continues to expand the boundaries of educational research by aligning pedagogy with technological advancements.

Publications Notes

Title: Study on the Impact of Metaverse-based Virtual Experiential Play Education on Children’s Creativity and Playability
Published Year: 2023
Citation: 12

Title: Development of Smart Education Model for Early Childhood Learning Environments
Published Year: 2022
Citation: 9

Title: Digital Learning Tools and Their Effectiveness in Enhancing Children’s Play-based Education
Published Year: 2021
Citation: 6

Title: Metaverse as a Platform for Early Childhood Digital Learning and Creativity Development
Published Year: 2020
Citation: 8

Title: Innovative Smart Instructor Certification Framework for Lifelong Education
Published Year: 2019
Citation: 5

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae has built a remarkable career that unites professional practice, academic research, and innovative leadership in education. Her lifelong dedication to advancing early childhood education, combined with her vision for integrating digital tools like the metaverse, has positioned her as a pioneer in the field of smart education. With significant contributions through her teaching, leadership roles, publications, and educational certifications, she continues to inspire innovation and creativity in learning. Her achievements and recognitions clearly demonstrate her suitability for prestigious honors such as the Best Researcher Award.

Gwangyong Gim | Virtual Reality | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Gwangyong Gim | Virtual Reality | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Soongsil University | South Korea

Prof. Dr. Gwangyong Gim is a distinguished professor at the Business School of Soongsil University with a strong academic and leadership background. He has served in several administrative roles including dean of the School of Business, dean of the Graduate School of Business, and vice president of Soongsil University. Beyond his university responsibilities, he has contributed significantly as president of professional societies such as the Society of Global Management, the Society of IT Service, and the Next Generation R&D Technology Policy Institute. His career reflects a dedication to academic excellence, research advancement, and global knowledge exchange.

Publication Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education Background

Prof. Dr. Gwangyong Gim has pursued advanced education in business, management, and technology-related disciplines that shaped his interdisciplinary expertise. His academic training enabled him to bridge traditional management with modern computational approaches, allowing him to combine theoretical insight with applied research. Over the course of his educational journey, he cultivated a strong foundation that allowed him to guide graduate students, mentor young researchers, and develop international collaborations. His academic development reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, and it has been the cornerstone of his professional and scholarly contributions in the fields of business and artificial intelligence.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Gwangyong Gim’s professional journey spans academia, research, and global collaborations. At Soongsil University, he has played critical roles in both teaching and administration. As a chief editor and reviewer, he has guided scholarly publications, ensuring high-quality research dissemination in fields like IT service, risk, and software engineering. He has actively engaged in collaborative research projects supported by national and international organizations, including UNESCO, and worked closely with private companies. He has also mentored numerous graduate students, particularly from countries such as Vietnam and regions of Africa, offering opportunities for academic growth and global perspectives in advanced research.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Dr. Gwangyong Gim’s contributions have been recognized by multiple prestigious honors. He received the Order of Service Merit from the Korean government, highlighting his influence on academic and social development. International recognition includes being listed among the Top 100 Educators by IBC, acknowledgment in Marquis Who’s Who, and the Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards underline his outstanding academic leadership, scholarly excellence, and contributions to global research communities. His recognition from both domestic and international platforms reflects his status as a respected academic and thought leader who bridges business knowledge with innovative technology-based approaches in research and practice.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Gwangyong Gim has built his research expertise around artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning, and digital transformation. His projects explore the convergence of AI, blockchain, metaverse, and human-computer interaction, often addressing critical challenges in education, governance, and business innovation. His current research includes affective computing for emotion extraction, AI-driven distribution structures, and applications of VR/AR in learning environments. His work also extends into organizing international conferences on big data, cloud computing, and emotional AI, further disseminating advanced knowledge globally. His research reflects a balance between theoretical development and applied innovation, shaping both academic thought and practical technological transformation.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Affective Computing Multimodal Research for Human Emotion Extraction
Published Year: 2020
Citation: 45

Title: Convergence Research of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain in Metaverse Applications
Published Year: 2021
Citation: 52

Title: Improving the Distribution Structure of AI-Created Works
Published Year: 2022
Citation: 33

Title: Utilization of Smart Devices in Educational Settings with VR and AR
Published Year: 2023
Citation: 28

Title: Data Science Approaches for Innovative Business Modeling
Published Year: 2024
Citation: 19

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Gwangyong Gim represents a dynamic blend of educator, researcher, and leader. Through his teaching, mentoring, and innovative projects, he has nurtured global talent and advanced interdisciplinary fields. His contributions span business management, AI, and metaverse research, and he continues to bridge global academic networks by organizing international conferences and publishing significant works. Recognized nationally and internationally, his career embodies service, innovation, and dedication. As a highly accomplished scholar, his focus remains on building future-ready research in artificial intelligence and data science while guiding the next generation of academics, researchers, and industry leaders across the world.

Ziwen Zhao | Technology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ziwen Zhao | Technology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Researcher | Northwest A&F University, China

Ziwen Zhao, is a Chinese associate researcher at Northwest A&F University, specializing in hydropower system stability, pumped storage, and renewable energy integration. With an H-index of 12 and over 390 citations, he is a prolific contributor to high-impact journals like Applied Energy, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Renewable Energy. His scholarly pursuits focus on enhancing the flexibility and decarbonization potential of hydropower systems during China’s energy transition. Zhao actively engages in national research projects funded by NSFC and other major foundations and serves as an editorial board member and reviewer for top journals. He also contributes to national standards and co-authored a widely used textbook. Besides research, he supports engineering projects on turbine upgrades and renewable energy deployment in major Chinese provinces. Recognized for his academic and professional service, Zhao was named an Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Advisor in 2023.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Ziwen Zhao pursued his entire higher education at Northwest A&F University. He earned a Ph.D. in Hydraulic Engineering between September 2019 and June 2023, building on a Master’s degree in the same field (September 2017 – June 2019). His graduate and doctoral studies laid the foundation for his research in pumped hydro storage, energy transition modeling, and the coordination of hydropower with renewable energy systems. His academic rigor and technical proficiency were evident early on, leading to multiple high-impact publications even before completing his Ph.D. His solid educational background in hydraulic engineering has positioned him to contribute both theoretically and practically to the optimization of multi-energy systems and hydropower technologies. Throughout his academic journey, Zhao demonstrated a blend of fundamental engineering knowledge and data-driven analysis, which now underpins his postdoctoral and faculty-level research. His involvement in curriculum development also reflects a strong academic orientation.

🧪 Experience

Ziwen Zhao has accumulated substantial academic and practical experience in hydropower engineering. Since June 2023, he has served as an Associate Researcher at Northwest A&F University. Prior to this, he contributed to research and teaching activities during his doctoral and master’s studies, often leading publications as the first or corresponding author. Zhao is deeply involved in major research initiatives, serving as the principal investigator for projects funded by NSFC, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and regional innovation centers. His practical expertise includes evaluating turbine upgrades and contributing to renewable energy transmission strategies in provinces like Chongqing. He lectures on Hydropower Plant Engineering and is the deputy editor of a national-level hydraulic turbine textbook. His engineering applications span vibration analysis in hydrogenerators and optimization of pumped storage systems. Zhao also holds multiple patents related to dynamic regulation and power generation, exemplifying his ability to bridge academic research and industrial practice.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Ziwen Zhao has received several prestigious accolades in recognition of his academic and professional excellence. He was awarded the “Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Advisor” title by Northwest A&F University in 2023. His technical expertise also earned him co-authorship on China’s national standard GB/T 44786-2024 for hydropower automation. Zhao is actively involved in professional societies, serving on the Youth Editorial Board of Water Resources Development Research, the Editorial Board of Discover Energy, and as a reviewer for leading journals such as Applied Energy, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conversion and Management. His leadership roles include organizing committee member for international conferences and Technology Manager for the “Kechuang China” innovation initiative. As deputy editor of a nationally endorsed textbook and a recognized university lecturer, Zhao’s impact spans research, education, and policy. These honors reflect his outstanding contribution to hydropower engineering, multi-energy system integration, and academic service.

🔬 Research Focus

Ziwen Zhao’s research centers on the safe, stable, and flexible operation of hydropower and pumped storage units, particularly their integration with renewable energy systems. His work addresses rapid transitions between pumping and generation modes, low-frequency vibration control, and coordination of multi-energy systems under uncertainty. He has proposed novel models and optimization frameworks to enhance hydropower’s role in China’s decarbonization goals. Zhao also investigates energy storage technologies’ capacity to stabilize electricity during coal phase-outs and renewable variability. His interdisciplinary approach fuses hydraulic mechanics, data-driven simulation, and energy systems modeling. As principal investigator on NSFC and postdoctoral-funded projects, Zhao is developing mechanism-data fusion methods for performance enhancement in pumped storage. His research supports national strategies for power system transition and infrastructure modernization. Through publications in top-tier journals and patents on control methods, Zhao contributes cutting-edge solutions for improving energy resilience and sustainability.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Ziwen Zhao exemplifies academic excellence, technical innovation, and societal relevance in energy systems research. His multidisciplinary contributions—spanning flexible hydropower operation, renewable integration, and system stability—are not only timely but also transformative. With his strong publishing record, research leadership, and practical engineering applications, Dr. Zhao is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award and is poised to become a global thought leader in sustainable energy engineering.

📚 Top Publications with Notes

Title: Overcoming the uncertainty and volatility of wind power: Day-ahead scheduling of hydro-wind hybrid power generation system by coordinating power regulation and frequency
Year: 2023
Authors: S. Han, M. He, Z. Zhao, D. Chen, B. Xu, J. Jurasz, F. Liu, H. Zheng
Citations: 60

Title: Stability and efficiency performance of pumped hydro energy storage system for higher flexibility
Year: 2022
Authors: Z. Zhao, Y. Yuan, M. He, J. Jurasz, J. Wang, M. Egusquiza, E. Egusquiza, …
Citations: 41

Title: The potential assessment of pump hydro energy storage to reduce renewable curtailment and CO₂ emissions in Northwest China
Year: 2023
Authors: J. Li, Z. Zhao, D. Xu, P. Li, Y. Liu, M.A. Mahmud, D. Chen
Citations: 40

Title: The importance of flexible hydropower in providing electricity stability during China’s coal phase-out
Year: 2023
Authors: Z. Zhao, X. Ding, P. Behrens, J. Li, M. He, Y. Gao, G. Liu, B. Xu, D. Chen
Citations: 35

Title: Unlocking potential contribution of seasonal pumped storage to ensure the flexibility of power systems with high proportion of renewable energy sources
Year: 2023
Authors: P. Li, Z. Zhao, J. Li, Z. Liu, Y. Liu, M.A. Mahmud, Y. Sun, D. Chen
Citations: 28

Title: A novel day-ahead scheduling model to unlock hydropower flexibility limited by vibration zones in hydropower-variable renewable energy hybrid system
Year: 2024
Authors: S. Han, Y. Yuan, M. He, Z. Zhao, B. Xu, D. Chen, J. Jurasz
Citations: 24

Title: Comprehensive benefit evaluations for integrating off-river pumped hydro storage and floating photovoltaic
Year: 2023
Authors: J. Li, Z. Zhao, P. Li, M.A. Mahmud, Y. Liu, D. Chen, W. Han
Citations: 20

Title: Optimal operation of cascade hydro-wind-photovoltaic complementary generation system with vibration avoidance strategy
Year: 2022
Authors: R. Jia, M. He, X. Zhang, Z. Zhao, S. Han, J. Jurasz, D. Chen, B. Xu
Citations: 20

Title: Performance analysis of pumped-storage plant from condenser mode to generating process
Year: 2020
Authors: Z. Zhao, D. Chen, H. Li, H. Wei
Citations: 17

Title: Optimization and decision making of guide vane closing law for pumped storage hydropower system to improve adaptability under complex conditions
Year: 2023
Authors: L. Lei, D. Chen, C. Ma, Y. Chen, H. Wang, H. Chen, Z. Zhao, Y. Zhou, …
Citations: 13

 

Dr. Zinat Ebrahimi | Virtual Reality | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Zinat Ebrahimi | Virtual Reality | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Islamic Azad University, Iran

Zinat Ebrahimi is a dedicated academic and researcher in the field of sport management, currently serving as a Lecturer at the Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Iran . With over 15 years of teaching experience, she specializes in sport policy, community engagement, and the role of physical activity in enhancing public health. Zinat is particularly passionate about promoting elderly well-being, intergenerational interaction, and urban development through the medium of sport 🏃‍♀️🏙️. She combines a strong academic foundation with practical experience, bridging the gap between theory and community-level action.

Publication Profile

ORCID

📚Education Background:

Zinat holds a Master’s degree in Sport Physiology from Al-Zahra University, Tehran (2004–2007) and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sport Sciences from Razi University, Kermanshah (2000–2004) 🎓. Her academic journey laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to sport, health, and social policy, equipping her with both technical expertise and critical insight into contemporary sport-related challenges.

💼Professional Experience:

Since 2009, Zinat has been a faculty member at Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, where she lectures on topics such as sport psychology, leadership, and coaching. From 2009 to 2011, she also served as Vice President of the Badminton Provincial Board under the Department of Sport and Youth of Kurdistan Province 🏸. Her multifaceted career reflects her commitment to teaching, research, and community service.

🏅Awards and Honors:

While specific awards and recognitions have not been individually listed, Zinat’s extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals and participation in international conferences reflect the academic community’s recognition of her impactful work 📖🌐. Her research contributions to journals like Journal of Gerontology, Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing, and Healthcare showcase her respected standing in her field.

🔬Research Focus:

Zinat’s research focuses on elderly well-being and mental health through sport, the quality of sport and recreational facilities, and the sociopolitical dimensions of sport in geopolitically sensitive regions 🌍🧠. She utilizes a mixed-methods approach and tools like SPSS, MAXQDA, and ATLAS.ti to ensure methodological rigor. Her recent work explores sport as a vehicle for diplomacy and social cohesion, making a compelling case for its role in global peacebuilding and policy transformation 🤝🕊️.

📝Conclusion:

Driven by a vision to make sport accessible and impactful, Zinat Ebrahimi exemplifies academic excellence, social responsibility, and innovative thinking in the sport management field. Her interdisciplinary and bilingual expertise, coupled with field experience across Iran’s regions, positions her as a transformative figure in using sport for societal good 🌟📊.

📘Top Publications:

Gamified Exercise in Virtual Reality: A Novel Intervention for Enhancing Mental Health and Reducing Suicidal Ideation in Older Adults
Published in: Healthcare, 2025
Cited by: [Google Scholar – citations may update post-indexing]

Exploring the Process of Improving the Quality of Student Sports in Iran
Published in: Sport Physiology & Management Investigations, 2024
Cited by: [Under review/early indexing]

The Service Quality of Sport-Entertainment Facilities of Mashhad Municipality with the Approach of an Elderly-Friendly City in 2018
Published in: Journal of Gerontology, 2023
Cited by: [Indexing under process – check ResearchGate or Google Scholar]

The Effect of Physical Activity Based on Intergenerational Programs on the Quality of Life of Older Adults
Published in: Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing, 2020
Cited by: 6 articles (via Web of Science)

Effects of Pilates Exercise on Body Image, Body Composition and Body Fat Percentage in Sedentary Women
Published in: Sports Psychology, 2019
Cited by: [Citations pending – journal indexing in progress]

Obsa Gilo Wakuma | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Obsa Gilo Wakuma | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Ass. Prof, Wallaga University, Ethiopia

Dr. Obsa Gilo Wakuma is a dedicated computer scientist specializing in deep learning and domain adaptation. With extensive experience in academia, he has contributed significantly to the field through his research and teaching. Dr. Obsa has held various positions at Wallaga University, Ethiopia, and currently serves as a research scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology Patna, India. His expertise spans multiple programming languages and database management systems, making him a versatile and valuable contributor to the field of computer science.

Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Background: Dr. Obsa Gilo has a robust academic background, culminating in a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering with a focus on deep learning approaches for efficient domain adaptation. His research in domain adaptation, particularly in sensor data and image classification, showcases his innovative contributions to the field.
  2. Publications: Dr. Gilo has a significant number of publications in reputed journals and conference proceedings. Notable among them are:
    • “Kernel bures metric for domain adaptation in sensor data” in Expert System with Applications (2024)
    • “Subdomain adaptation via correlation alignment with entropy minimization for unsupervised domain adaptation” in Pattern Analysis and Applications (2024)
    • “Rdaot: Robust unsupervised deep sub-domain adaptation through optimal transport for image classification” in IEEE Access (2023)
  3. Teaching and Mentoring: His employment history includes roles such as Lecturer and Graduate Assistant at Wallaga University, demonstrating his commitment to education and mentoring the next generation of scholars.
  4. Skills and Competencies: Dr. Gilo possesses strong technical skills in various programming languages, databases, and web development technologies, along with proficiency in English, Afaan Oromoo, and Amharic. This multilingual ability enhances his capacity to engage with diverse communities.
  5. Community Service: His experience includes academic research, teaching, training, consultation, and community service, reflecting a well-rounded professional dedicated to both academic and societal contributions.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Practical Community Impact: While Dr. Gilo has an impressive academic and research portfolio, there could be more emphasis on the practical application of his research directly benefiting local communities. Highlighting specific projects or initiatives where his work has directly impacted community development would strengthen his case.
  2. Collaboration with Local Institutions: Greater collaboration with local institutions and involvement in projects addressing community-specific issues could further enhance his profile. Establishing partnerships with local universities, NGOs, or governmental bodies to implement his research findings in real-world settings would be beneficial.
  3. Visibility and Outreach: Increasing the visibility of his work through public lectures, community workshops, or outreach programs can help in demonstrating the broader societal impact of his research. Engaging with the community through these platforms can showcase the practical benefits of his research.

 

Education: 🎓

Dr. Obsa Gilo Wakuma holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Patna, with a thesis on “Deep Learning Approaches for Efficient Domain Adaptation.” He earned his M.Sc. in Computer Science from Wallaga University, where he developed an Information Extraction Model for Afaan Oromo news texts. Dr. Obsa also holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Wallaga University and has a strong foundation from Sibu Sire Preparatory and High School.

Experience: 💼

Dr. Obsa’s professional journey includes roles such as Recorder and Laboratory Technician at Wallaga University. He progressed to become a Graduate Assistant, Lecturer, and finally a Research Scholar at IIT Patna. His career reflects a blend of administrative, technical, and academic responsibilities, showcasing his diverse skill set and commitment to the field.

Research Interests: 🔍

Dr. Obsa’s research interests lie in deep learning, domain adaptation, and unsupervised learning. He has focused on developing efficient methods for domain adaptation in sensor data and image classification, contributing to several high-impact publications. His work aims to enhance the applicability and robustness of machine learning models in diverse environments.

Awards: 🏆

Dr. Obsa has been recognized for his academic excellence and research contributions throughout his career. He has received accolades for his innovative work in domain adaptation and deep learning, highlighting his role as a prominent researcher in the field of computer science.

Publications

  1. Unsupervised Sub-Domain Adaptation Using Optimal Transport. Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation, 94, 103857. Cited by: 1 article.
  2. Kernel Bures Metric for Domain Adaptation in Sensor Data. Expert System with Applications, 255(Part C), 124725. Cited by: 1 article.
  3. Subdomain Adaptation via Correlation Alignment with Entropy Minimization for Unsupervised Domain Adaptation. Pattern Analysis and Applications, 27(1), 13. Cited by: 1 article.
  4. RDAOT: Robust Unsupervised Deep Sub-Domain Adaptation through Optimal Transport for Image Classification. IEEE Access. Cited by: 1 article.
  5. Integration of Discriminate Features and Similarity Preserving for Unsupervised Domain Adaptation. In 2022 IEEE 19th India Council International Conference (INDICON), pp. 1–6. Cited by: 1 article.