Linda Weintraub | Sustainability Strategies | Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award

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Ms. Linda Weintraub | Sustainability Strategies | Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award 

Linda Weintraub | Hartford University | United States 

Ms. Linda Weintraub is an influential author, curator, artist, educator, and homesteader whose work bridges contemporary art, ecology, and environmental ethics. With academic training in fine arts from Rutgers University, she has spent decades shaping the discourse around eco-art and sustainable creative practices. Her teaching career spans several distinguished institutions, where she inspired generations of artists through an environmentally conscious and interdisciplinary approach to art education. She has lectured and held academic appointments at colleges and universities across the United States, nurturing an understanding of art as a catalyst for ecological awareness and cultural transformation. Weintraub’s leadership in museum and curatorial practice has been equally significant. As director and curator at leading art centers and institutes, she organized numerous exhibitions that explored the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability. Her curatorial vision often foregrounds the material, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of artistic practice, inviting audiences to reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Through her exhibitions, she has elevated eco-art from a marginal concern to a central theme in contemporary artistic discourse. With a scholarly record of 10 publications, 98 citations across 96 documents, and an h-index of 2, Linda Weintraub’s contributions resonate across disciplines. Her lifelong commitment to integrating art with environmental consciousness has established her as a pioneering voice in contemporary eco-art, education, and curatorial practice—demonstrating that art, at its most transformative, is a dialogue with life itself. Beyond writing and curation, Weintraub is an active artist whose installations and participatory works embody her philosophy of ecological interdependence. Her art engages themes of consumption, decay, regeneration, and multispecies relationships, offering audiences immersive experiences that challenge conventional boundaries between human and non-human life. Through exhibitions and public lectures, she continues to inspire critical thought and creative action toward a more sustainable future.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications :

Weintraub, L. (1996). Art on the edge and over: Searching for art’s meaning in contemporary society (with A. Danto & T. McEvilley). Art Insights.

Weintraub, L. (2003). In the making: Creative options for contemporary art. D.A.P. / Thames & Hudson.

Weintraub, L. (2012). To life! Eco art in pursuit of a sustainable planet. University of California Press.

Weintraub, L. (2019). What’s next? Eco materialism & contemporary art. Intellect Books / University of Chicago Press.

Weintraub, L. (2024). Beyond death: Reflections on the afterlife. Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts.

Jiabin Wang | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Jiabin Wang | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology | China

Mr. Jiabin Wang is a scholar specializing in Marxist theory with a focus on the construction of ecological civilization, green productive forces, and the Sinicization of Marxism, particularly as it relates to agricultural development and rural communities. His research explores the dynamics of Chinese modernization and the building of a cohesive national community, with particular attention to ethnic regions in Northwest China. Wang has contributed to national-level research projects, including studies on mechanisms to prevent relapse into poverty in frontier ethnic areas and investigations into strengthening national community consciousness in Qinghai. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Civil Affairs Policy and Theory Research Achievement Award and the National Ethnic Affairs Commission Social Science Achievement Award for his research on rural governance and poverty prevention. Wang has an h-index of 1, with 48 citations across 48 documents, reflecting his growing influence in the field of social science research. Wang Jiabin is a scholar at Nanjing University of Science and Technology with expertise in ecological civilization construction, green productive forces, and the Sinicization of Marxism, particularly in the context of rural development, agricultural modernization, and building a cohesive Chinese national community. His research focuses on the driving factors and impact mechanisms of green new quality productive forces in high-tech retail enterprises under China’s dual carbon goals, integrating socio-economic, environmental, and policy perspectives to inform sustainable development strategies. Wang holds a Doctor of Law in Marxist Theory and has led and participated in national-level projects, including studies on poverty prevention in frontier ethnic regions and strengthening national community consciousness in Qinghai.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications : 

Wang, J. (2021–present). Research on monitoring, early warning, and assistance mechanisms to prevent relapse into poverty in western frontier ethnic areas. National Social Science Foundation Project, China.

Wang, J. (2020–2021). Research on problems and countermeasures in strengthening the consciousness of the Chinese national community in Qinghai. Key Research Project, National Party School System, China.

Wang, J. (n.d.). Research on the driving factors and impact mechanisms of green new quality productive forces in high-tech retail enterprises under China’s dual carbon goals. Unpublished research, China.

Yanzhi Jin | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yanzhi Jin | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award 

Yanzhi Jin | Xi ‘an University of Technology | China

Dr. Jin Yanzhi is a dedicated scholar and researcher specializing in business administration and sustainable development studies. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing with a double major in Medical Information Engineering from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She later completed her master’s degree in Business Administration at Fuyang Normal University, excelling in courses such as Research Methods in Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Management. Her academic performance has been marked by a strong commitment to excellence and analytical rigor. Jin Yanzhi’s research focuses on regional economic development, carbon emissions, ecological efficiency, and the coordinated growth of energy–economy–environment systems. She has published multiple research papers as first or co-author, contributing valuable insights into sustainable development and environmental economics. Her works include analyses of farmers’ income dynamics, the coupling and coordination of ecological and economic systems, and evaluations of green and low-carbon development across Chinese provinces. Several of her studies have been indexed in international SCI journals, reflecting a growing academic impact with 81 citations by 79 documents, 4 publications, and an h-index of 3. Beyond her research, Jin Yanzhi has actively participated in numerous academic projects, including studies on green development strategies, carbon emission reduction, and low-carbon pathways under national sustainability goals. Her leadership qualities are evident from her roles as Class Monitor, Deputy Secretary of the Youth League Committee, and Executive Chairperson of the Graduate Student Union at Fuyang Normal University, where she organized major academic and cultural events, wrote news releases, and engaged in student governance.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate 

Featured Publications :

Jin, Y. (n.d.). The carbon emission characteristics and reduction potential in developing areas: A case study from Anhui Province, China.

 Jin, Y. (2025). Analysis of the spatial-temporal evolution and driving factors of carbon emission efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

 Jin, Y. (2025). Study on the spatial and temporal variation of the coupling coordination degree between economic development and ecological environment in the Yangtze River Delta and the influencing factors.

Jin, Y. (2025). Research on green technology innovation efficiency of industrial enterprises in the Yangtze River Economic Belt under carbon constraints.

Jin, Y. (n.d.). Spatial evolution and influencing factors of farmers’ income in Anhui Province.

Qichun Wu | Leadership in Business | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof. Dr. Qichun Wu | Leadership in Business | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Qichun Wu, Beijing Institute of Technology, China.

Dr. Qichun Wu (Axlie) is a dynamic scholar and researcher with a multicultural academic and professional journey that bridges Asia, Australia, and North America. With a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Malaya and advanced certification in Data Science from the University of California San Diego, Dr. Wu brings an interdisciplinary edge to his work. He is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Beijing Institute of Technology, focusing on sustainability, ESG, and carbon accounting. As a member of several prominent research networks—including the Hong Kong Young Science Association—Dr. Wu’s work spans environmental economics and energy policy. A prolific academic with international teaching and reviewing experience, he is also a multi-patent holder in AI-assisted medical devices. His global outlook and innovative thinking make him a rising leader in environmental economics. 🌍📚

👨‍🔬 Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Wu’s academic path showcases a remarkable blend of technical, economic, and analytical training. 🧠🎓 He earned his Ph.D. in Economics (Environmental Accounting) from the University of Malaya (2019–2022), where he developed foundational expertise in sustainability metrics. In parallel, he completed a Data Science program at the University of California, San Diego (2020–2021), sharpening his skills in analytics and machine learning. Dr. Wu holds a Master’s in Accounting from Xinjiang University of Finance & Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Anhui Jianzhu University (2014–2016). His academic journey began with a diploma in Asset Valuation and Management from Anhui Business College (2008–2011). This diverse background equips him to bridge financial principles with environmental strategy effectively.

💼 Experience

Dr. Wu brings over a decade of experience across academia, research, and industry. 🔍🏢 Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology (2024–present). Previously, he was a Visiting Scholar at Macquarie University and served as a Lecturer with EIC Education in Australia. His research journey began as a Research Fellow at the National University of Malaysia and later as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Malaya. He also spent three years as an Accountant at Zhongda Construction Group, applying financial principles in a corporate context. In education, Dr. Wu has supervised theses at Tongren University and led courses in research methodology and accounting across several institutions. His trajectory reflects both academic excellence and practical industry insight.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Wu’s research is centered on the intersection of economics, energy, and sustainability. 🌱💡 He is passionate about Carbon Accounting, Environmental Social Governance (ESG), and Environmental Economics. His studies delve into how corporate behavior, board composition, and investment efficiency influence environmental outcomes. His interest also spans Energy Economics, focusing on how policy and governance shape corporate carbon reduction. Dr. Wu has contributed to global dialogues at Stanford University, Heidelberg University, and the Australian National University. His interdisciplinary lens and commitment to impactful research have made him a thought leader in the evolving field of sustainable economic strategies.

🏆 Awards and Fellowships

Dr. Wu has received numerous accolades for his academic and entrepreneurial achievements. 🏅🎖️ He was awarded a Scholarship by the Chartered Valuation Analyst Institute in 2023 and has twice been a recipient of the University of Malaya Scholarship (2021, 2022). Notably, he won the prestigious Chunhui Cup Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award in 2021, a national recognition in China. He also joined the University Elite Program at the Chartered Valuation Analyst Institute. In 2020, he was recognized as a Young Scholar by the Malaysia International Research Institute-Japan Nippon. These honors affirm his leadership in sustainability, innovation, and economic research.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Does board gender diversity benefit for corporate ESG performance: Evidence from Germany

Implications of Global Carbon Governance for Corporate Carbon Emissions Reduction.

Coupling Efficiency Measurement… in Waste Biorefineries, Apple Academic Press.

Energy for Sustainable Development.

Corporate social responsibility and board gender diversity: a meta-analysis,

Environmental performance vs. financial performance

Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick, Dept of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Saul David Nurick is a dual-national (South African & Spanish) academic and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Construction Economics and Management. A multifaceted professional, he holds degrees in Information Systems, Property Studies, and Construction Economics, and earned his PhD in Psychology in 2023. His work resides at the intersection of built environment and human performance, blending technology, sustainability, and behavioural science. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish, Saul’s diverse cultural and disciplinary background allows him to thrive in global academic and professional contexts.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Saul’s academic journey began with a BCom in Information Systems (2004), followed by an honours BSc in Property Studies (2006), and a MPhil in Construction Economics and Management (2012), all from Cape Town. He capped his formal education by completing a PhD in Psychology (2023) at the University of the Witwatersrand, under Professor Andrew Thatcher. His doctoral research—“Impact of Green Building Features and Initiatives on Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance in Office Buildings”—bridges psychology and built environment studies.

Experience 💼

Since 2012, Dr. Saul has lectured extensively at UCT, becoming a permanent staff lecturer in 2014 and senior lecturer in 2018. He convened over a dozen undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from property investment mathematics to Masters- and PhD-level research supervision. He’s also served as external examiner at several institutions, including WITS and Henley Business School. Further, he’s a registered MRICS professional member since 2014. This blend of teaching, academic administration, industry affiliation, and rigorous supervision ensures Saul’s work remains both applied and scholarly.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr Nurick’s research focuses on the impacts of green building design on human productivity and organizational outcomes. He investigates how sustainable infrastructure and information systems in office environments affect occupant performance, well‑being, and corporate value. His interests also include property finance, construction economics, and the behavioral dimensions of property information systems. By fusing psychology with built environment disciplines, Dr. Saul contributes to interdisciplinary sustainability discourse and evidence‑driven strategies for healthier workplaces.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Saul is a qualified Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since August 2014. While specific personal awards weren’t listed, many of his supervised postgraduate theses were finalists or winners in the Greenovate student awards: e.g., Oratile Masia & Mihlali Solombela (3rd place Greenovate, 2024), Paige Waberski & Kiah Wallace (3rd place, 2024), Isobella van der Merwe & Aiden van Wyk (winner, 2023), Realeboga Lekoma & Tshifhiwa Mudau (finalists, 2023). This consistent record attests to Saul’s mentorship excellence.

Publication Top Notes 📚

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Investigating the Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Green Building Features and Initiatives (GBFIs) in South Africa’s Private Housing Sector

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Examining the impact of indoor environmental quality on individual productivity of knowledge workers in green certified buildings

Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality and the Link to Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance: A Scoping Review

Tony Hou | Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Tony Hou – Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling – Best Researcher Award

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China | China

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Education and Training

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou began his academic journey with a strong foundation in finance and economics. He pursued an MBA and a Ph.D. in Finance, laying the groundwork for a career that would bridge the gap between theoretical finance and its practical applications. His early academic pursuits were characterized by a keen interest in the dynamics of financial markets and the regulatory frameworks that govern them. This period was marked by rigorous research and a dedication to understanding the complexities of financial systems, setting the stage for his future contributions to the field

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Academic Positions

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou joined the faculty of the Management School at National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) in 2007. Over the years, he has held several key positions at NDHU, including Professor of Finance in the Department of Finance, Vice Dean of International Affairs, and Director of the International Foundation Program at the Office of International Affairs. His roles have also extended to leadership positions such as Head of the Department of Finance and Banking and Director of the International Bachelor of Management Science and Finance Program. His professional endeavors reflect a commitment to both academic excellence and administrative leadership, contributing significantly to the growth and development of NDHU’s finance programs.

Contributions and Research Focus on Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling📚

Research and Innovations

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on the regulation of financial markets, innovative financial activities, security valuation, carbon pricing and trading, climate risk financial disclosure, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, and the role of affect in human judgment and decision-making. As the director of the Sustainable Finance Research Centre (SFRC) at NDHU, he has spearheaded research initiatives that explore the intersection of finance and sustainability. His contributions to the field include working papers and journal articles on topics such as corporate social responsibility disclosure, temperature and carbon disclosure, carbon tax impacts, and the influence of independent directors’ networks on corporate social responsibility.

Key Publications

  • “Corporate Carbon Emissions and Firm Performance in South Africa” (with Griffin Msefula and Nokwnda Nokubongwa Dlamini), published in the Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research.
  • “The Correlation between Independent Directors’ Social Networks and Corporate Credit Ratings” (with Wang Chao-xian and Wu Jun-lei), published in the Soochow Journal of Economics and Business.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou has been recognized for his contributions to the field of finance and his commitment to academic excellence. His work has been published in reputable journals and he has been a frequent contributor to market commentary and economic analysis in prominent publications such as the Economic Daily. His expertise and insights are highly regarded, and his academic appointments reflect the trust and respect he has earned within the academic and professional communities.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

Community Impact

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s impact extends beyond his academic and professional achievements. His work in sustainable finance and climate risk financial disclosure has influenced both policy and practice, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental considerations into financial decision-making. His research has provided valuable insights into how financial markets can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and has underscored the critical role of corporate social responsibility in enhancing firm performance.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s legacy is poised to be one of lasting influence in the fields of finance and sustainability. His ongoing research and leadership at NDHU continue to shape the discourse around sustainable finance and the regulatory frameworks needed to support it. As he mentors the next generation of finance professionals and researchers, his contributions are likely to inspire continued innovation and progress in understanding and addressing the financial implications of climate change.

Future Directions

  • Enhancing Sustainable Finance Education: As a professor and director, Tony Chieh-Tse Hou is well-positioned to further integrate sustainability into finance curricula, preparing students to address future challenges in the field.
  • Expanding Research on ESG: His future work will likely continue to explore the role of ESG factors in financial performance, providing critical insights for investors and policymakers.
  • Influencing Policy: Through his research and publications, he will continue to influence policy decisions related to carbon pricing, climate risk disclosure, and corporate governance.

Notable Publications