Janine Hicks | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience |

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Dr. Janine Hicks | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Janine Hicks,  University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Janine Louise Hicks is a distinguished South African academic and human rights advocate with over 30 years of experience in law, gender justice, and community development. Her academic journey includes degrees from the University of Cape Town, UNISA, Sussex University, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, culminating in a Ph.D. focused on participatory development and social change. Currently a Senior Lecturer in Law at UKZN, she has played pivotal roles in both academia and civil society, offering expert legal and policy insights on gender equality, legislative reform, and international development frameworks. Janine has represented South Africa in global gender forums and contributed extensively to the analysis of state compliance with international gender conventions. Her leadership on non-profit boards and her participation in key policy spaces highlight her enduring commitment to transforming legal and social systems for marginalized communities.

Profile

Google Scholar

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Janine Louise Hicks embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in the humanities, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cape Town between 1987 and 1989. Driven by a passion for justice and human rights, she pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from UNISA, completing it in 1994. Her interest in development, social justice, and participatory governance led her to the University of Natal, where she further enriched her legal education from 1995 to 1996. Committed to understanding grassroots development, Janine advanced her studies internationally, obtaining an MA in Participation, Development and Social Change from the Institute of Development Studies at Sussex University in the UK in 2005. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2019–2021), reflecting her commitment to scholarly inquiry in gender and development.

👩‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Janine Hicks’s professional path spans more than three decades in the fields of social justice, community development, and human rights. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she has spent the last eight years mentoring future leaders in law and justice. Her work has been rooted in providing legal insights and academic leadership while bridging theory and practice. Janine’s career also encompasses substantial experience with non-profit and civil society organizations, where she has held leadership roles on several boards, ensuring that gender and participatory approaches remain central to institutional mandates and development strategies.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Janine’s research has focused intensively on the intersections of gender, law, and development, particularly in assessing and enhancing state mechanisms for gender equality. Her work delves into policy and legislative analysis, gender mainstreaming in public planning, and aligning national frameworks with international gender justice protocols. She has contributed significantly to the evaluation of state compliance with global and regional gender conventions, provided critical reports to Parliament, and engaged in global forums such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Through her research and advocacy, she has offered comprehensive recommendations to bridge gender gaps in policy and practice, shaping institutional transformation in South Africa and beyond.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While Janine does not list formal professional memberships, her influence is evident in the high-level positions she has held within civil society. She has served as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at The Valley Trust, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Community Law and Rural Development Centre, and Chairperson of Agenda Feminist Media—testaments to the trust placed in her leadership and strategic vision. Her commitment to justice and equality has made her a respected voice in policy circles and advocacy spaces, especially in the fields of gender rights and participatory development.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Janine’s work has created a lasting impact on the formulation and reform of gender-sensitive legislation, as well as on the capacity of institutions to respond to the needs of marginalized communities. Her gender analysis has shaped development programs, contributed to institutional frameworks, and ensured that women’s voices are amplified in governance processes. Her advisory role at the Denis Hurley Centre reflects her continued influence on public interest law and social equity programming. She has also played a vital role in international dialogue, influencing negotiation and resolution processes at global platforms.

🔍 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an educator, Janine is cultivating a new generation of legal scholars and social justice advocates. Her legacy lies not only in the research she has produced and the reforms she has helped shape, but also in her role as a mentor and thought leader in feminist legal education. Looking ahead, Janine is poised to continue her impactful research and policy engagement, furthering academic discourse around gender justice and participatory governance in both South African and international contexts.

💡 Vision for Inclusive Development

At the heart of Janine Hicks’s work is a vision for an inclusive and equitable society, driven by participation, transparency, and gender justice. Her multidisciplinary expertise—spanning law, development, and social change—positions her as a champion for rights-based development. Whether through academic research, civil society leadership, or international advocacy, Janine continues to be a vital force in ensuring that the principles of justice and equality are upheld in law and lived in practice.

Publication

  • Title: Community development and engagement with local governance in South Africa
    Authors: I Buccus, D Hemson, J Hicks, L Piper
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: Public participation and local governance
    Authors: I Buccus, D Hemson, J Hicks, L Piper
    Year: 2007

 

  • Title: Crafting new democratic spaces: participatory policy-making in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    Authors: J Hicks, I Buccus
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: Strengthening women’s participation in local governance: Lessons and strategies
    Author: J Hicks
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: Assessing the effectiveness of community based involvement
    Author: J Hicks
    Year: 2006

 

  • Title: Democratisation with inclusion: revisiting the role of ward committees
    Authors: I Buccus, J Hicks
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: South Africa: Expanding into
    Authors: D Budlender, J Hicks, L Vetten
    Year: 2002

 

  • Title: Bringing women into local governance: a review of enabling mechanisms in South Africa
    Author: J Hicks
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: Civil society and participatory policy making in South Africa: Gaps and opportunities
    Authors: I Buccus, J Hicks
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: ‘The wages are low but they are better than nothing’: The Dilemma of Decent Work and Job Creation in South Africa
    Authors: M Williams, E Webster, K von Holdt, N Southern, R Southall, K Skinner, …
    Year: 2011

 

✅ Conclusion

Janine Hicks’s career reflects a powerful blend of scholarship, advocacy, and leadership. Her deep-rooted expertise in gender and development, combined with her legal acumen, has positioned her as a vital contributor to South Africa’s democratic and feminist legal discourse. Through education, research, and civic engagement, she continues to shape more inclusive policies and empower future changemakers. Her legacy is one of courage, compassion, and commitment to social justice—an inspiring model for interdisciplinary and impactful work in human rights and development.

 

Bo Chen | Additive manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Bo Chen | Additive manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Bo Chen, Zhejiang University of Technology, China.

Dr. Bo Chen is a dynamic and innovative academic specializing in additive manufacturing, robotics, fluid transmission and control, and metal powder atomization. With a solid educational foundation from Yanshan University, he has advanced rapidly in his career at Zhejiang University of Technology, progressing from Lecturer to Associate Professor. His research is driven by solving real-world industrial challenges, particularly in the field of supersonic nozzles and multi-phase flow systems. Backed by numerous national and provincial research grants, Dr. Chen has established himself as a leader in his field, blending advanced simulation techniques with hands-on engineering solutions.

Profile

Scopus

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Bo Chen embarked on his academic journey with a profound interest in engineering and materials science. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Material Processing and Control Engineering from Yanshan University in 2013. His strong foundation and passion led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Material Processing Engineering, which he successfully completed in 2015. Eager to deepen his expertise, he earned his Doctorate in Fluid Transmission and Control in 2018, also from Yanshan University. His early academic years were marked by a steady focus on engineering principles, laying a strong groundwork for his future endeavors in advanced manufacturing technologies.

🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Chen’s professional journey is rooted in Zhejiang University of Technology, where he has steadily grown through academic ranks. Beginning as a Lecturer in April 2019, his dedication and innovation in the fields of additive manufacturing and robotics earned him the position of Associate Professor by April 2021. As a faculty member at the College of Mechanical Engineering and a contributor to the Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, he has consistently been involved in pioneering research and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

A multifaceted researcher, Dr. Chen’s core research interests span additive manufacturing, metal powder atomization, robotics, fluid transmission and control, and advanced manufacturing processes for composites. His work is often rooted in the application of finite element methods to solve complex engineering problems. He is particularly noted for his innovative contributions to the development and control of supersonic nozzles, where multiphase dynamics and coupled field interactions are analyzed to enhance performance and efficiency in high-precision manufacturing systems.

🧠 Pioneering Projects and Innovation

Dr. Chen has led and participated in numerous prestigious research projects funded by national and provincial institutions. His ongoing projects include investigations into multiphase coupling damage mechanisms in aero-engine nozzles, interfacial behavior in supersonic environments, and multi-field coupled atomization mechanisms. These projects, funded by organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, demonstrate the national importance and technical depth of his research. His innovations aim to address real-world industrial challenges, especially in aerospace and high-performance manufacturing sectors.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Recognized for his impactful research, Dr. Chen has received continuous support from competitive funding agencies. His ability to secure grants from both national foundations and postdoctoral programs reflects his excellence in research proposal writing, technical feasibility, and scientific relevance. These recognitions not only affirm his standing in the academic community but also support his long-term research and development activities, enabling him to lead cutting-edge projects in fluid power systems and mechanical design.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Chen’s research resonates across the global scientific and industrial community, particularly in the areas of advanced manufacturing and control systems. His studies on nozzle design and fluid control have implications for aerospace propulsion, robotics, and smart manufacturing. Through his role as a professor and researcher, he influences both academic peers and students, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific curiosity. His publications and project outcomes contribute to knowledge dissemination and technology advancement in critical engineering domains.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As he continues his academic and research pursuits, Dr. Bo Chen is poised to further enhance the understanding and application of fluid dynamics in engineering systems. His future contributions are likely to include intelligent control methods for manufacturing equipment, environmentally efficient atomization technologies, and expanded applications of robotics in material processing. With a solid foundation, a forward-looking research agenda, and a growing body of impactful work, Dr. Chen is establishing a legacy that bridges fundamental science with real-world industrial advancements.

Publication

Title: Atomization process of GH4099 superalloy powder prepared by dual-gas nozzle
Authors: B. Chen, Zheyuan Zhang, Wenying Li, Yilong Zhong, Yanbiao Li
Year: 2025

Title: Effect of soft magnetic particles content on multi-physics field of magnetorheological composite gel clutch with complex flow channel excited by Halbach array arrangement
Authors: Guang Zhang, Jiahao Luo, Min Sun, Teng Shen, Zheng Zhang
Year: 2025

Title: Multi-Physics Coupled Acoustic-Mechanics Analysis and Synergetic Optimization for a Twin-Fluid Atomization Nozzle
Authors: Wenying Li, Yanying Li, Yingjie Lu, Li Zhang, Yanbiao Li
Year: 2024

 

✅ Conclusion

Through his academic rigor, research excellence, and dedication to innovation, Dr. Bo Chen continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of mechanical engineering and manufacturing science. His work not only enriches the scientific community but also addresses critical technological needs in aerospace and precision manufacturing. As he looks to the future, Dr. Chen is well-positioned to influence the next generation of smart manufacturing systems, leaving a lasting impact on both academia and industry.

 

Meysam Safari-Gezaz | Biomaterials-Implants | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Meysam Safari-Gezaz | Biomaterials-Implants | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Meysam Safari-Gezaz, University of Tabriz, Iran

Meysam Safari-Gezaz is a dedicated researcher in nanophysics, specializing in nanoparticle synthesis, electrochemistry, and biomedical applications. With a B.Sc. from the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili and an M.Sc. from the University of Tabriz, Meysam has developed expertise in various analytical techniques, including electrochemical impedance and nanoparticle synthesis. His research has resulted in several notable publications exploring biomaterials, coatings, and supercapacitor applications. Meysam is also experienced in academic settings, having served as both a teaching and research assistant at the University of Tabriz, where he supervised students and managed lab operations.

 

profile

scholor

🎓 Education and Training

B.Sc. in Nanophysics University of Mohaghegh Ardabili (2010 – 2014) Aedebil, Iran.M.Sc. in Nanophysics University of Tabriz (2015 – 2018)Tabriz, Iran.Thesis: Synthesis and investigation of physical and structural properties of nanohydroxyapatite as a new material to repair damaged teeth.

🛠️ Skills and Research Interests

Technical Skills: Electrochemical analysis (e.g., impedance spectroscopy, cyclic polarization). Nanoparticle synthesis (sol-gel, co-precipitation, hydrothermal).Nanostructure coatings (Ti-6Al-4V, quartz, FTO).Software proficiency: Nova, Zview, Microsoft Office, OriginPro, X’Pert HighScore, Digimizer, Nanosurf CoreAFM, Mendeley, MathType

Research Interests:

Biomaterials Magnetic materials Supercapacitors  Coatings and corrosion resistance

Work Experience

University Teaching Assistant (2023 – 2024) University of Tabriz Teaching Fundamentals of Physics for Bachelor’s students (David Halliday, Jearl Walker, Robert Resnick) University Research Assistant (2019 – Present)  University of Tabriz  Lab management, master’s student supervision, equipment setup.

📚 Publications

Title: Investigation of structural properties of hydroxyapatite/zinc oxide nanocomposites; an alternative candidate for replacement in recovery of bones in load-tolerating areas
Authors: M.S. Gezaz, S.M. Aref, M. Khatamian
Year: 2019

Title: The incorporation of cobalt ions into hydroxyapatite nanostructure for a novel range of electrochemical energy storage applications
Authors: M. Safari-Gezaz, M. Mirzaei-Saatlo, E. Asghari, M. Parhizkar
Year: 2024

Title: Investigation of the structural properties of Si4+-doped HAP coatings on Ti-6Al-4V substrate as a corrosion barrier in biomedical media
Authors: M. Safari-Gezaz, M. Parhizkar, E. Asghari
Year: 2024

Title: Synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles by the Sol-Gel method, investigation of its morphology and comparison of its structure with intact tooth
Authors: S. Mohammadi Aref, M. Safari-Gezaz, M. Khatamian
Year: 2020

 

Conclusion

Meysam Safari-Gezaz’s strong academic background, hands-on research experience, and array of technical skills underscore his commitment to advancing nanotechnology in biomedical and energy-storage fields. His collaborative approach and effective leadership in independent research projects highlight his potential for contributing to impactful, multidisciplinary research. With a focus on innovation and practical applications, Meysam is well-positioned to make significant contributions in nanoscience and its real-world applications.