Gholamreza Mansourfar | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar, Urmia university, Iran.

Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting and Financial Management at Urmia University. With a doctoral degree in Finance from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), earned in 2010, Dr. Mansourfar has been an active faculty member since 1999, playing pivotal roles in both academia and public sector management. His robust experience spans across academic leadership, financial reform, public policy, and technology-based enterprise development. Known for his expertise in financial theory, econometrics, and investment management, he has led several national-level research and implementation projects, including the transition to accrual accounting in higher education and strategic regional development studies. Alongside his university roles, he has served on executive boards and strategic councils in the Maku Free Trade Zone, Science and Technology Parks, and investment bodies. Dr. Mansourfar’s work integrates academic excellence with impactful economic development, making him a deserving nominee for prestigious recognition in research and policy innovation.

👨‍🏫 Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Mansourfar pursued his Ph.D. in Finance from the School of Graduate Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and graduated in 2010. His doctoral research was centered on portfolio diversification and financial optimization in oil and non-oil producing economies, which laid the foundation for his later high-impact publications. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in financial and business-related disciplines, providing him with both theoretical and applied grounding in the field. His academic background reflects a deep commitment to financial sciences, especially international portfolio management and quantitative economics. Through his education, Dr. Mansourfar has mastered advanced financial theories, econometric modeling, and asset allocation strategies, which he applies in both his teaching and his prolific research. His doctoral dissertation evolved into several indexed publications, significantly contributing to MENA region investment research.

🧰 Experience

Dr. Mansourfar’s academic and executive career spans over two decades, beginning in 1999 as a faculty member at Urmia University. His roles have included Associate Professor, internal audit committee chair, and Deputy of Budget and Finance. Beyond academia, he has held high-ranking positions in national institutions—serving as CEO and board member for multiple science and technology enterprises, including the Maku Free Trade Zone. His leadership includes serving as Vice President of Management Development and member of the Supreme Investment Council of Urmia Municipality. He has also chaired the West Azerbaijan Research and Technology Fund and served as Director of the Province’s Science & Technology Park. His administrative excellence is reflected in roles such as Deputy of Finance and Administration (2003–2006) and Program & Budget Director (2012–2021) at Urmia University. His multidisciplinary leadership ensures strategic integration of academia, technology, and economic planning.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Mansourfar’s primary research interests include international portfolio diversification, financial econometrics, metaheuristic optimization, financial decision analysis, and Islamic finance. His scholarly trajectory focuses on how financial theory can be enhanced through quantitative tools such as genetic algorithms and wavelet coherence. His research also delves into industry-level risk analysis within emerging and oil-based economies, especially in the MENA and South-East Asian regions. He has pioneered applications of metaheuristics in optimal portfolio selection, delivering policy-relevant insights for investors in volatile markets. Moreover, Dr. Mansourfar explores how financial markets in Iran and similar regions can benefit from enhanced diversification strategies. His work is both theoretical and applied, often translating into development initiatives and public-sector reforms. This alignment between academic inquiry and national development makes his research highly valuable across academia, government, and industry.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar has earned widespread respect for his academic and executive leadership across Iran. He has been appointed to numerous high-level governmental and institutional committees, including the Permanent Commission of the Board of Trustees at Urmia University, and served as Chair of the Scientific Committee for the West Azerbaijan Strategic Development Plan. Though not focused on accolades, his work has brought institutional reform and has been cited by global scholars in financial economics and development studies. His research on international diversification in MENA and Islamic finance has been widely referenced, helping policymakers and researchers alike. Through his leadership in the Higher Education Planning Committees, his impact is evident in university curriculum modernization and institutional restructuring. His dedication to advancing financial knowledge, governance reform, and economic development positions him as an ideal nominee for national and international academic awards.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Stock price prediction using DEEP learning algorithm and its comparison with machine learning algorithms

Stock price prediction using deep learning and frequency decomposition

Did corporate social responsibility vaccinate corporations against COVID-19?

Business sustainability performance and corporate financial performance: The mediating role of optimal investment

Financial leverage, debt maturity, future financing constraints and future investment

The ability of support vector machine (SVM) in financial distress prediction

Information content of Islamic private debt announcement: Evidence from Malaysia

Earning volatility, capital structure decisions and financial distress by SEM

Optimum portfolio selection using a hybrid genetic algorithm and analytic hierarchy process

The behavior of MENA oil and non-oil producing countries in international portfolio optimization

Benja Fagerland | Corporate Social Responsibility | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Benja Fagerland | Corporate Social Responsibility | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Benja Fagerland, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway

Prof. Benja Stig Fagerland is a globally award-winning strategist, system architect, and transformational thought leader in leadership, innovation, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). Renowned for reshaping governance structures and inspiring inclusive innovation across the globe, she is the visionary mind behind the Corporate Diversity Responsibility (CDR™) model and founder of SHEconomy®. Her groundbreaking IMSD Framework, co-developed with Stanford University, is now redefining ESG frameworks by integrating adaptive leadership and social sustainability. A dynamic keynote speaker, she has inspired global audiences at Stanford, UN Women, Google HQ, and more. With features in The New York Times, BBC, and Le Figaro, Benja stands as a prominent voice in future governance and gender equity worldwide. 🌍✨

👩‍💼 Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Prof. Fagerland has pursued rigorous academic training that mirrors her forward-thinking leadership style. She holds an Executive Master of Management from BI Norwegian Business School (2016), equipping her with strategic and leadership acumen. In 2019, she completed pedagogical training at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), earning credits in education in the digital era and assessment in higher education—reinforcing her commitment to inclusive and innovative teaching practices. 📚🎓

💼 Experience

With an illustrious career spanning academia, business, and global advisory roles, Prof. Fagerland currently serves as a Full-Time Associate Professor at the USN School of Business. She is also a board member at GoForIT and a researcher at Copenhagen Business School’s ESG Think Tank. Her previous academic positions include assistant professorships at OsloMet, BI Norwegian Business School, Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, and Campus Kristiania. In the corporate and policy spheres, she has held strategic roles at Oracle, Telenor, NHO, and MarkUp Consulting. As a trusted advisor, she has consulted for UN ILO, Nordic ministries, and international chambers of commerce, championing board diversity and gender equity. 🧠🌐

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Fagerland’s research is deeply rooted in inclusive governance, sustainable transformation, gender equity, and ESG leadership. She is a pioneer in institutional foresight and systemic innovation, often working at the intersection of leadership education, DEIB strategy, and adaptive systems thinking. Her recent research efforts have focused on embedding inclusive leadership within institutional frameworks via projects like ST3AM, SUSTAIN-DI, and the IMSD Framework—driving resilient, people-centered change in education and policy. 🧭🔍

🏆 Awards & Honors

Prof. Fagerland’s groundbreaking work has earned her global acclaim and multiple prestigious recognitions. She was named “Woman Inspiring Europe” by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), and received the UN Women Global Shining Star award. Her advocacy has also garnered honors such as Highly Commended Campaigner of the Year (European Diversity Awards), Norway’s Most Impressive Women, and finalist positions for Society Builder of the Year and Norway’s Best Lecturer. Her voice and leadership are widely respected across the academic, policy, and corporate arenas. 🏅🌟

📄 Publication Top Notes

Leadership transformation through inclusive foresight frameworks. Journal of Inclusive Policy & Governance.

Embedding ESG in academic governance: A case study approach. International Journal of Educational Strategy,

Corporate Diversity Responsibility (CDR™): Rethinking equity in organizational leadership. European Review of Social Innovation,

Fagerland, B.S., & Johansen, M. (2021). The SHEconomy effect: Driving gender equity in policy and business. Journal of Gender Economics,

 

Ubaldo Comite | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Ubaldo Comite | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ubaldo Comite, University “Giustino Fortunato”, Italy

Prof. Dr. Ubaldo Comite is a distinguished Italian academic and researcher with a multifaceted background in economics, law, and public administration. Born in Cosenza 🇮🇹 on June 14, 1971, he has built a remarkable career that blends rigorous scholarship with practical expertise. He holds multiple degrees, including Law ⚖️, Economics and Commerce 💼, Banking Economics 🏦, and Statistics 📊. His academic journey is complemented by advanced Masters’ degrees in Healthcare Management 🏥 and Business Administration 📈, showcasing a commitment to interdisciplinary learning. As a Professor at Università della Calabria 🎓, he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and public administration consulting. His work emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in public and non-profit sectors 🌍. Prof. Comite’s blend of deep theoretical knowledge and real-world impact underscores his status as a leading figure in economic and managerial sciences. 🏆

Profile 👨‍🏫🌟

Scopus

Education 🎓📖🧑‍🎓

Prof. Dr. Comite’s educational path is distinguished by excellence and diversity. He graduated with top honors from Liceo Ginnasio B. Telesio 🏫 with a High School Diploma in Classics, scoring 60/60 🏅. He earned degrees in Law ⚖️, Economics and Commerce 💼, Banking Economics 🏦, and Statistics 📊, all from the Università degli Studi di Messina. His postgraduate journey includes two Masters’ degrees in Management of Healthcare Authorities 🏥 and Business Administration 📈 from the prestigious FOR.COM Consortium in Rome, both with highest marks (110/110 with honors). He also holds a specialized Master’s in Sustainable Development Economics 🌱 from Università Magna Graecia. His continuous pursuit of knowledge is marked by advanced training courses and summer schools in regulatory economics, cooperative enterprises, and public accounting 🧾. This robust academic foundation enables him to tackle complex economic and managerial challenges with a holistic approach. 📚

Experience 💼🏛️📊

Prof. Dr. Ubaldo Comite has accumulated extensive experience in academia, research, and public administration. Since 2002, he has actively contributed to research projects focused on management control in public sectors, especially airports and healthcare authorities 🛫🏥. His PhD research on municipal unions examined development strategies and economic efficiency for local governments 🏙️. He has been awarded significant research grants and bursaries, including projects on local authority budget reforms and fundraising in non-profit organizations 🤝. Currently, he collaborates with the Research Institute of Certified Accountants in Rome and is a member of international research networks such as ATINER in Athens 🇬🇷. His roles extend beyond teaching to impactful consultancy and knowledge dissemination in economic governance and public financial management 🏛️. His work consistently bridges theory with policy application, contributing to better governance and public resource optimization. 🔍

Research Interests 🔬📈🌍

Prof. Dr. Comite’s research interests lie at the intersection of public administration, economics, and sustainable development. He focuses on management control systems 🛠️, performance measurement in public entities, and economic reform of local government finance 🏛️💰. Another key area is the nonprofit sector’s fundraising systems and organizational efficiency 🤲. He explores innovative governance models, such as municipal unions and cooperative enterprises, aiming for enhanced social cohesion and economic sustainability 🌿. His interdisciplinary approach includes regulatory economics, public accounting, and human resource integration in public institutions 👥. Sustainability economics and environmental regulatory frameworks also form a core part of his inquiry, reflecting a commitment to balancing economic growth with social responsibility 🌎. This breadth of interests positions Prof. Comite as a forward-thinking scholar influencing public sector reform globally. 🌐

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️🎓

Prof. Dr. Comite has earned several prestigious recognitions throughout his career. His outstanding academic performance in multiple Masters’ programs with top marks (110/110 with honors) highlights his intellectual excellence 🎓🏅. He received a significant research grant in 2005 for pioneering work on local authority budget reforms 💼💡 and was awarded a bursary in 2008/09 for impactful research on fundraising in non-profits 🤝. His membership in leading research institutions like ATINER and collaboration with the Research Institute of Certified Accountants underscores his respected status in the academic community 🌍📜. Moreover, his participation in high-level training seminars and summer schools in economics and public management reflects continuous professional development and recognition of his expertise. These accolades attest to his dedication to advancing knowledge and practical improvements in public administration and economic governance. 🏅

Publications 📚📝🔗

Does green entrepreneurial orientation impact entrepreneurial success through green innovation capability in the manufacturing and services sector of emerging economies?

Beyond the Surface: Navigating Sustainability Disclosure in European Union Ports

Healing leaders: Altruism and psychological safety as antidotes to burnout in health care settings

Massimo Contrafatto | Accounting And Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Massimo Contrafatto  –  Accounting And Sustainability – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Contrafatto’s long-standing scholarly dedication, his leadership in internationally funded and collaborative research initiatives, and his sustained contribution to advancing sustainability and ethical accounting practices strongly align with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary methods, commitment to social impact, and record of scholarly excellence position him as a leading figure in sustainability accounting

University of Sussex | United Kingdom

Profile
scopus

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Massimo Contrafatto began his academic journey with distinction, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy, in July 2001 with a perfect score of 110/110. His dedication to excellence in business management and accounting was evident early on. This commitment led him to pursue a PhD in Social and Environmental Accounting and Reporting at the same university. During his doctoral studies, he spent an intensive 21 months as a visiting PhD researcher at Glasgow University, engaging deeply with the Department of Accounting and Finance and the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (CSEAR). Mentored by renowned academics such as Prof. R. Gray and Prof. K. McPhail, Dr. Contrafatto focused on understanding corporate motivations behind social and environmental reporting—an area that would shape his lifelong research agenda.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Dr. Contrafatto’s professional academic career began as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Bergamo and the University of St. Andrews. He collaborated with eminent scholars like Prof. Jan Bebbington and Prof. John Burns to explore sustainability reporting within social enterprises. His early academic positions included Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at the University of Bergamo, where he taught a wide range of accounting and sustainability courses. From 2016 to 2021, he held a tenured position as Associate Professor in Accounting and Accountability. In January 2022, Dr. Contrafatto was appointed Reader in Accounting for Sustainability at the University of Sussex Business School. He also serves as Director of the PhD Programme in Accounting and Finance and as the Convenor of the Research Mobilizing Group in “Sustainability, Accounting, Finance and Economics” (SAFE RMG). Additionally, he maintains honorary affiliations with the University of Dundee and has held teaching roles at Strathclyde and St. Andrews Universities.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Accounting And Sustainability

A leading figure in sustainability accounting, Dr. Contrafatto has made significant contributions to the field of social and environmental accounting. His research encompasses sustainability transformation, decision-making, strategic management accounting, and the institutionalization of sustainability reporting. His interdisciplinary projects unite researchers across Europe, including those at the University Autonoma of Madrid, University of Urbino, Queen’s University Belfast, and University of Sussex. His ongoing projects—such as “Identities, Accounting and Decision-Making for Sustainable Transformation” and “Accounting and Accountability for COVID”—demonstrate his commitment to addressing real-world issues through accounting research. His work is often characterized by a qualitative approach and an emphasis on accountability, ethics, and corporate transparency.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Contrafatto’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He received the prestigious AIDEA Award for an outstanding research article in 2014 from the Italian Management, Accounting, and Finance Academic Association. His work continues to influence both academia and industry, and he regularly acts as a PhD examiner in Italy and the UK. His national academic qualification for full professorship in Italy further underscores his academic standing.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Over the years, Dr. Contrafatto has shaped the academic landscape of sustainability accounting and business ethics. Through his roles as lecturer, supervisor, mentor, and programme director, he has inspired a new generation of researchers and practitioners. His modules—ranging from “Contemporary Issues in Accounting” to “International Corporate Reporting” and “Advanced Qualitative Research Methods”—have empowered students to critically engage with pressing issues in accounting and sustainability. Moreover, his participation in international research projects and his leadership in organizing academic events, such as the 2023 Research Capacity Building Workshop at the University of Sussex, have contributed to the global academic community’s growth and cohesion.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Contrafatto’s legacy lies in his unwavering pursuit of socially responsible accounting practices. He has helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing sustainability transformation and ethical governance in corporate environments. His mentorship of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers ensures that his academic values will continue to thrive. Looking ahead, Dr. Contrafatto aims to deepen his engagement with sustainability transformation in accounting, potentially influencing public policy and business practices on a broader scale. His multidisciplinary research and collaborative spirit are expected to yield further impactful work in both academic and societal contexts.

Conclusion

Dr. Massimo Contrafatto stands as a pioneer in the field of accounting for sustainability. His early academic excellence, expansive professional endeavors, and groundbreaking research reflect a profound commitment to ethical, transparent, and socially responsible accounting. As a teacher, mentor, and scholar, his influence spans continents and academic generations. With ongoing projects focused on sustainability and identity in decision-making, Dr. Contrafatto is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of strategic management, accounting, and corporate governance for years to come.

📚Publications

Audit society, organisational response and (de-)coupling

 Authors: Contrafatto, Massimo, S., Moggi, Sara, D., Gervasio, Daniele, D., Montani, Damiano

Journals: An Italian story

The (non)enactment of intelligent accountability through stakeholder engagement

Authors: Bianchi, Lara, E.E., Passetti, Emilio Emilio, M., Contrafatto, Massimo

Journals: A micro-processual perspective

 

 

Ling yu | corporate finance | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Ling yu – corporate finance –  Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Mrs. Ling Yu’s pioneering research, international collaborations, and high-impact publications position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her commitment to addressing global financial challenges through digital economy and corporate finance research aligns well with the excellence in innovation and research impact criteria required for this award.

 

Peking university | China

Profile
Orcid

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Mrs. Ling Yu, a distinguished scholar from the Buyi ethnic group, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence throughout her educational journey. Born in Guizhou, she embarked on her higher education at Huaqiao University in Fujian, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance (2012–2016). This foundational phase solidified her interest in financial systems, corporate finance, and economic governance. Building upon her undergraduate studies, Mrs. Ling Yu pursued a Master’s degree in Industrial Economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) in Beijing (2017–2020). Under the supervision of Professor Jin Zhesong, she deepened her understanding of economic systems, market regulations, and corporate strategies. Her passion for research and academia led her to a doctoral program at CUFE (2020–2024), where she worked under the guidance of Professors Zhou Zhanqiang and Yin Zhifeng. During this time, she expanded her research scope to include the digital economy, corporate finance, corporate social responsibility, and governance structures.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Mrs. Ling Yu is currently an assistant researcher at the National Development Research Institute of Peking University. She also serves as a postdoctoral assistant researcher at the National School of Development, Peking University (September 2024–June 2026), under the supervision of Professor Yao Yang. Her academic appointments reflect her deep engagement in economic research and policy analysis.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Digital Transformation

Mrs. Ling Yu’s research primarily focuses on the digital economy, corporate finance, corporate social responsibility, and corporate governance. Her work explores the intersection of economic policies, business strategies, and sustainable financial practices. She has made significant contributions to understanding the role of corporate responsibility in financial sustainability. Her publications have been well-received in prestigious journals. Notably, her paper “Contribution to Poverty Alleviation: A Waste or Benefit for Corporate Financing?” co-authored with Guanming He, Zhichao Li, and Zhou Zhanqiang, was accepted in the Journal of Corporate Finance (2025) and the Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions & Money (2023). These papers provide critical insights into how corporate initiatives influence financial outcomes and market stability.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Mrs. Ling Yu’s academic contributions have been widely recognized in the field of corporate finance and governance. Her papers have been presented at high-profile conferences such as the 2023 China Finance Review International & China International Risk Forum Joint Conference, the 57th World Continuous Audit & Reporting Symposium, and the British Accounting and Finance Association conference.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Mrs. Ling Yu’s research has influenced both academic and policy discussions on corporate finance and social responsibility. Her insights on the impact of poverty alleviation initiatives on corporate financing have provided valuable frameworks for policymakers and business leaders to assess financial sustainability. Her work on executive incentives and corporate innovation has also contributed to the discourse on business leadership and economic growth.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

As a rising scholar in corporate finance and economic policy, Mrs. Ling Yu’s future contributions are poised to make a lasting impact. Through her postdoctoral research at Peking University, she aims to deepen her studies on the digital economy and governance mechanisms that drive sustainable corporate growth. Her commitment to fostering academic excellence and international collaboration ensures that her research will continue to shape economic policies and corporate strategies.

Conclusion

Mrs. Ling Yu’s academic and professional journey exemplifies a commitment to excellence, interdisciplinary research, and impactful contributions to corporate finance and governance. As an assistant researcher at Peking University, she continues to push the boundaries of economic research, bridging the gap between academia and real-world financial policies. Her legacy is defined by her scholarly rigor, policy influence, and dedication to fostering sustainable economic development.

📚Publications

Does commercial reform embracing digital technologies mitigate stock price crash risk?

Authors: Guanming He; Zhichao Li; Ling Yu; Zhanqiang Zhou

Journals: Journal of Corporate Finance

Contribution to poverty alleviation: A waste or benefit for corporate financing?

Authors:  Guanming He; Zhichao Li; Ling Yu; Zhanqiang Zhou

Journals: Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money

高管物质激励及非物质激励对中国小微企业创新水平影响研究