Zakari Tsiga | Strategic Planning | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Zakari Tsiga | Strategic Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zakari Tsiga, Spacial Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program, Nigeria.

Dr. Zakari Danlami Tsiga is a seasoned professional with a decade of impactful experience in IT-enabled project operations, business intelligence, and portfolio monitoring. Based in Abuja, Nigeria, he is recognized for driving digital transformation initiatives and aligning multi-stakeholder programs with institutional and donor strategies. With a career that spans government and multilateral agencies—including the African Development Bank (AfDB), IFAD, and ISDB—Dr. Tsiga has consistently delivered innovative solutions in financial systems, risk management, and process automation. His leadership at the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program (SAPZ) has transformed project operations through tools like SAP and Power BI. A dedicated scholar and practitioner, Dr. Tsiga blends academic rigor with real-world impact, evidenced by numerous conference presentations and publications. His passion lies in fostering financial inclusion, institutional efficiency, and sustainability through digital governance.

👨‍💼 Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Zakari Tsiga’s academic journey is distinguished by excellence and interdisciplinary knowledge. He holds a PhD in Project Management and an MSc in Financial Systems Engineering from the prestigious University College London (UCL). He also earned an MSc in Management Information Systems (Merit) and a BSc in Network Computing (First Class) from Coventry University, UK. His foundation in Business Information Technology was laid at INTI International University, Malaysia, while his IGCSE credentials from Manarat International School, Saudi Arabia, highlight strong early academic performance. These diverse academic experiences, across countries and disciplines, have equipped Dr. Tsiga with a global perspective, technical mastery, and analytical rigor essential for navigating the complex challenges of project governance, digital transformation, and strategic innovation in developing economies.

💼 Experience

Over the last ten years, Dr. Tsiga has held pivotal roles in Nigeria’s public sector and donor-funded programs. As Program Operations Manager for the SAPZ Program, he manages a multi-state portfolio funded by AfDB, IFAD, and ISDB—delivering real-time monitoring tools, budgeting frameworks, and digital transformation strategies. At the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), his roles evolved from Business Analyst to Program Manager for IT Risk and Security, where he led enterprise risk controls and privacy initiatives. During his tenure at NNPC, he provided technical and procurement support during his NYSC. His work consistently bridges technology and policy, focusing on operational efficiency, data governance, and stakeholder engagement. With experience managing cross-functional teams and coordinating international stakeholders, Dr. Tsiga exemplifies leadership and innovation in public sector transformation.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Zakari Tsiga’s research interests lie at the intersection of project management, digital governance, IT risk control, and strategic operations. He is particularly passionate about integrating data visualization tools, such as Power BI and SAP, into project delivery systems to enhance monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for development programs. His work explores the implementation of business intelligence frameworks within governmental and multilateral agency operations. Moreover, he delves into risk simulation tools, decision-making algorithms, and critical success factors for infrastructure and petroleum projects. His research is deeply rooted in real-world application, contributing to Nigeria’s policy landscape, development finance strategies, and international project governance literature. Dr. Tsiga aims to continuously contribute to sustainable digital ecosystems, where strategic management meets technological advancement for socioeconomic development.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Zakari Tsiga has been widely recognized for his contributions to governance reform, innovation, and digital transformation. Notably, he received a Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) in 2012 and was awarded a National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate for his contributions to the Nigerian energy sector. His leadership in project modernization earned him accolades for facilitating Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business Reforms in 2020. In 2024, he received an industry collaboration certificate from UCL and Microsoft for his role in digital transformation. A frequent speaker at international conferences, including the ProjMan series in Europe, Dr. Tsiga is known for translating academic insights into practical solutions. His awards reflect not only technical proficiency but also leadership in promoting governance, institutional capacity building, and sustainable development.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Navigating Complexity: Challenges and Insights in Implementing the SAPZ Phase 1 Program in Nigeria

Decision Making in Engineering Projects

Risk Management Practice in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry

Implementation of a Risk Management Simulation Tool

Critical Success Factors for Projects in the Petroleum Industry

Cornelia Marja van Duijn | Strategic Planning | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Ms. Cornelia Marja van Duijn – Strategic Planning – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Professor van Duijn’s career exemplifies excellence in biomedical research, innovation, and translational impact. Her work bridges fundamental genetic discoveries with practical public health applications, aligning strongly with the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Lifelong Scientific Achievement category.

University of Oxford | United Kingdom

Profile
Orcid

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Professor Cornelia Marja van Duijn began her academic journey in the Netherlands, earning her Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition from the Agricultural University of Wageningen in March 1987. She then proceeded to pursue a Ph.D. in Genetic Epidemiology at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, which she completed in January 1991. Her doctoral studies laid the groundwork for her future research focus, particularly in unraveling the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases. Shortly after completing her Ph.D., Van Duijn engaged in a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University between 1991 and 1992, deepening her expertise in genetic epidemiology. Her formative academic and research training at internationally renowned institutions helped establish her as a future leader in the field.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Over the years, Van Duijn has held various significant academic and research positions. She began her career as a Research Fellow with the Dutch Childhood Leukaemia Study Group in 1987, and from there, rose through the academic ranks at Erasmus University Medical School Rotterdam—starting as a Ph.D. student, and eventually becoming a full professor of Genetic Epidemiology in 2001. She also served as Full Professor of Translational Epidemiology at Leiden University in 2016. Since 2018, she has held the esteemed position of Professor of Epidemiology at the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK. In this role, she continues to conduct pioneering research and mentor emerging scholars in the field. In addition to her academic appointments, Van Duijn has also undertaken foreign research training at prestigious institutions including Stanford University Medical School, MRC Biostatistics Unit Cambridge, and Boston University School of Medicine.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Strategic Planning

Van Duijn’s scientific contributions are both broad and profound, with her early work centering on the genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease. She has played a pivotal role in discovering genetic mutations such as those in the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene and linking APOE4 allele to early-onset Alzheimer’s. Her work in genome-wide association studies has identified multiple risk loci, including rare coding variants like TREM2 and PLD3, underscoring the role of microglial-mediated innate immunity. She has actively contributed to leading scientific consortia such as CHARGE, ENGAGE, IGAP, IGGC, and EAGLE, and led multiple large-scale projects under the European Framework Programs, Horizon 2020, and the Netherlands Genomic Initiative. Her publication record—over 1300 scientific papers—reflects her sustained impact, and she has supervised and graduated 56 Ph.D. students, many of whom have gone on to successful academic careers.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Van Duijn’s work has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors. She received the Pioneer Grant Award from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO/ZonMw) in 1998 and the Herman Boerhaave Award from Leiden University in 1996. In recognition of her research on aging and neurodegenerative disorders, she was awarded the Junior Research Award by the Gerontology and Geriatrics Society and the Research Award from Erasmus University. More recently, she was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK, and a Fellow of St. Cross College, Oxford. She is also a Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences of the Netherlands and has served as the Chair of the Advisory Board at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM).

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Van Duijn’s influence extends beyond academic circles into international public health policy and biomedical infrastructure. She was instrumental in establishing the BBMRI-NL (Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure) and the Netherlands Consortium on Healthy Aging (NCHA). She has served on global scientific committees including the European Research Council (ERC) and the European Society for Human Genetics. Her research has significantly influenced our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, and cardiovascular disease through genomics and biostatistics. She has brought new insights into how polygenic risk scores and environmental interactions contribute to neurodegeneration, offering pathways for preventive strategies and early diagnosis.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Van Duijn’s legacy is marked by her visionary leadership in the field of genetic epidemiology. One of her notable achievements includes founding and directing the international MSc and Ph.D. program in Genetic Epidemiology at ErasmusMC Rotterdam, which has become a model for similar programs worldwide. Looking ahead, Van Duijn continues to lead research at the intersection of genomics, neurodegeneration, and population health, particularly through her work at Oxford. Her active involvement in global consortia like AMP-AD, EADB, and STREGA signals ongoing contributions to data-sharing frameworks and harmonized research methodologies in precision medicine.

Conclusion

Professor Cornelia Marja van Duijn stands as a luminary in the field of epidemiology and genetic research. From her early academic roots at Wageningen and Erasmus University to her current leadership role at Oxford, she has consistently pushed the frontiers of scientific understanding. Her work has transformed how we approach the genetic basis of complex diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease, and has fostered global collaboration across disciplines. With her unwavering commitment to education, innovation, and public health, Van Duijn’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of genetic epidemiology for generations to come.

📚Publications

Mendelian randomization identifies proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases

 Authors: Lazaros Belbasis; Sam Morris; Cornelia van Duijn; Derrick Bennett; Robin Walters

Journals: Brain

Integration of genetic testing into diagnostic pathways for cardiomyopathies: a clinical consensus statement by the ESC Council on Cardiovascular Genomics

Authors: Perry Elliott; Heribert Schunkert; Antoine Bondue; Elijah Behr; Lucie Carrier; Cornelia Van Duijn; Pablo García-Pavía; Pim van der Harst; Maryam Kavousi; Bart Loeys et al.

Journals: European Heart Journal

Treating Hypertension: Important for Heart Health, Fundamental for Brain Health

Authors: Sanjula D. Singh; Jasper R. Senff; Cornelia M. van Duijn; Jonathan Rosand

Journals: Stroke

Xiaoyan Pan | Digital Transformation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Xiaoyan Pan – Digital Transformation Strategy – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Pan’s research aligns well with the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Innovation category. Her focus on strategic innovation in the context of digital transformation reflects an advanced understanding of emerging trends and their applications in management. Her contributions to teaching reform, municipal and provincial research projects, and her ability to integrate theoretical insights with practical applications further validate her candidacy

Taizhou University | China

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Pan Xiaoyan, a distinguished scholar in the field of management, laid the foundation for her academic excellence with a robust educational journey. Her passion for management studies led her to specialize in strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pan’s academic rigor culminated in her dissertation, “A Study of the Relationship Between Strategic Orientation and New Product Development Performance in the Context of Digital Transformation: The Mediating Role of Digital Capabilities and Dual Innovation.” This dissertation not only reflects her profound understanding of the complexities of digital transformation but also sets the stage for her future contributions to the field.

 

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Currently, Dr. Pan Xiaoyan serves as a faculty member at the School of Economics and Management, Taizhou University. She has established herself as an expert in her discipline by teaching pivotal courses such as Management Information Systems. Her professional qualifications, including the National Informatization Engineer Certification in Project Management (Advanced Faculty Level), Accounting Qualification, and Vocational Core Competency Teaching Qualification, underline her dedication to academic and professional excellence. Dr. Pan has also contributed significantly to teaching reform, leading a university-level project aimed at improving educational methodologies. Her involvement in municipal and provincial research projects further highlights her active engagement in addressing regional and national challenges in the field of management.

 

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Digital Transformation Strategy

Dr. Pan Xiaoyan’s research focuses on strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of digital transformation. Her groundbreaking work explores how digital capabilities and strategic orientation influence new product development performance. She has published extensively in international, national, and provincial-level journals, with eight notable papers to her credit. Key contributions include: Strategic Orientation, Digital Capabilities, and New Product Development in Emerging Market Firms: The Moderating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility (Sustainability, 2021) – This study examines how corporate social responsibility moderates the relationship between strategic orientation and digital capabilities in emerging markets. The Rise of Corporate Digital Transformation and Government Regulatory Innovation (East Asian Journal of Business Economics, 2021) – This paper highlights the interplay between corporate innovation and government regulations in the digital era. Digital Supply Chain: Green Synergy Effects of Intelligent Technology and Dynamic Capabilities—An Empirical Study Based on 200 Manufacturing Enterprises (Supply Chain Management, 2023) – This empirical study emphasizes how intelligent technology fosters green synergy in supply chain management.

 

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Pan has been recognized for her exemplary work through various academic and professional accomplishments. Her leadership in research projects—spanning university-level teaching reform, municipal innovation, and provincial management strategies—has cemented her reputation as a thought leader in her field.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Pan’s work has had a profound impact on both academia and industry. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, her research offers actionable insights for businesses navigating the challenges of digital transformation. Her studies on digital supply chains and the value realization path of data as a factor of production have significantly influenced how organizations approach innovation and strategic management in the digital age.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Pan Xiaoyan’s legacy lies in her ability to address contemporary challenges in management through innovative research and practical applications. Moving forward, she is well-positioned to continue her contributions to the field, particularly in exploring the intersection of digital transformation, sustainability, and strategic innovation. Her research projects and publications serve as a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and industry leaders alike.

Conclusion

Dr. Pan Xiaoyan’s unwavering commitment to advancing strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurship makes her a leading figure in her discipline. Her academic rigor, professional achievements, and impactful research reflect her dedication to addressing the evolving challenges of the digital era. As a scholar, educator, and researcher, Dr. Pan exemplifies the qualities of a visionary leader, leaving an indelible mark on her field and paving the way for future advancements in management and digital transformation.

📚Publications

  • What Drives Firms to Go Green in China? The Role of Digitalization

    Authors: Pan, X., Xiao, S.

    Journals: Sustainability 

  • Strategic orientation, digital capabilities, and new product development in emerging market firms: The moderating role of corporate social responsibility

    Authors: Pan, X., Oh, K.-S., Wang, M.

    Journals:  Sustainability 

Blessing Guembe | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Blessing Guemb – Innovation Strategy – Best Researcher Award

 

University of Milano | Italy

Profiles 

Scholar

📍Current Position

Since April 2024, he has been serving as a Research Fellow at the University of Milan. In this role, she focuses on developing explainable knowledge-based solutions to address critical issues related to privacy and information security. Her research aims to empower users to manage their personal data and access reliable content while safeguarding freedom of expression. She is actively involved in the KURAMi Project under the guidance of Prof. Giovanni Livraga, working on innovative solutions in privacy protection and data security.

📝Publication Achievements 

“Trustworthy Machine Learning Approaches for Cyberattack Detection: A Review” Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2022 Workshops, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-10548-7_20. “The Emerging Threat of AI-Driven Cyber Attacks: A Review” Applied Artificial Intelligence, 36(1) doi:10.1080/08839514.2022.2037254 “Cloud Applications Management – Issues and Developments. Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2018 doi:10.1007/978-3-319-951713_54

 

🔍Ongoing Research 

Explainable AI: Developing methods to make AI systems more interpretable and understandable to users. Federated Learning: Enhancing privacy and security in distributed learning environments. Misinformation: Tackling the spread of false information on social media platforms. Privacy: Ensuring that users’ personal data is protected and managed effectively.

 

🔬Research Interests 

Explainable AI: Techniques that make machine learning models transparent and understandable. Federated Learning: Collaborative learning methods that maintain data privacy and security. Misinformation: Strategies to detect and mitigate false information in digital media. Privacy and Security: Protecting personal data and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

🎓Academic Background 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science Covenant University, 2023 . Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science
Covenant University, 2019.  Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science Niger Delta University, 2012

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Throughout his academic and professional career, Blessing has been recognized for her contributions to computer science and technology. His achievements are indicative of her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in her field.

🌐Professional Associations 

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). IEEE Computer Society . International Association for Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

 📚Training & Workshops 

Advanced Machine Learning Techniques, Federated Learning and Privacy-Preserving Technologies , Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection

🎤Oral Presentations 

He has delivered presentations at numerous conferences and workshops, sharing insights on her research in AI, cybersecurity, and privacy. These presentations have contributed to her reputation as a thought leader in her field.

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Implemented Federated Learning Models: Developed and deployed federated learning models for healthcare applications. Applied Homomorphic Encryption: Secured research datasets through advanced encryption techniques. Conducted Privacy Risk Assessments: Evaluated privacy risks associated with social media platforms and proposed protective measures.

🚀Success Factors 

His success can be attributed to her dedication to research, her ability to stay abreast of technological advancements, and her collaborative approach to problem-solving..

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

His publications highlight her contributions to the fields of machine learning and cybersecurity. Her laboratory experience includes working on innovative projects related to data security, federated learning, and privacy-preserving techniques.

📚Publications: