Vikas Kumar | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Vikas Kumar | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Vikas Kumar, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.

 

🎓 Mr. Vikas Kumar is a passionate architectural and urban planning researcher, currently pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Kharagpur. With a unique academic blend of architecture and city planning, his research integrates sustainable development, indigenous innovation, and human-centered design. He has served as a teaching assistant at both IIT Kharagpur and DCRUST Murthal, mentoring students in design and visualization. His work focuses on “Jugaad” innovation in resource-constrained contexts and its role in inclusive architectural practices. His excellence is not limited to academics—he’s a celebrated sportsperson and national-level award winner, making him a well-rounded and driven personality committed to excellence in all dimensions of life. 🌍🏀📐

👤  Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

📘 Mr. Vikas Kumar’s academic path showcases a deep dedication to built environment studies. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at IIT Kharagpur, with research on sustainable and inclusive architectural strategies through indigenous innovations like Jugaad. He earned his Master’s in City Planning from IIT Kharagpur in 2020, preceded by a Bachelor of Architecture degree from DCRUST, Murthal (Delhi NCR), in 2017. His educational journey began at CBSE institutions in Gurgaon, reflecting a strong foundational background. His Ph.D. thesis, “From Unsystematic to Systematic: Investigating Jugaad as an Approach for Sustainable and Inclusive Architecture,” underscores his commitment to contextual, impactful solutions. 🏫📘✍️

💼 Experience

🏗️Mr. Vikas brings hands-on experience from both academia and industry. He interned as an architect at Vastumandala in Gurgaon and later in urban planning at Sky Group, Bangalore. Since 2018, he has served as a Teaching Assistant at IIT Kharagpur, contributing to design studios, visualization, and communication courses. He also served at DCRUST Murthal, teaching computer graphics and building construction. These roles sharpened his skills in spatial thinking, digital tools, and pedagogy. His professional foundation enables him to bridge theory and practice, turning complex architectural ideas into practical solutions for real-world challenges. 🖥️🏙️🎓

🧠 Research Interests

🔬Mr. Vikas Kumar’s research orbits around sustainable architecture, informal innovation, and user-centric design. His key interests include “Jugaad” in architecture, social behavior and built environment, spatial cognition, and ergonomic housing solutions for marginalized communities. He also investigates how children’s cognitive development can be enhanced through spatial design, reflecting a deep commitment to inclusive built environments. His research is multidisciplinary, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, from spatial analysis to ethnographic studies. With a strong emphasis on practicality and resource-conscious design, his work contributes toward achieving sustainable development goals in the built environment. 🏘️📊🔍

🏆 Awards and Achievements

🥇Mr. Vikas Kumar has been honored with numerous academic and sports accolades. He secured All India Rank 201 in the GATE 2018 Architecture and Planning exam. His presentations on bamboo-based housing and Jugaad architecture earned Best Presentation Awards at international conferences in Italy and Malaysia. He is also an accomplished athlete, holding top positions in basketball tournaments, including Inter IIT championships, UDGOSH, and Interhall events at IIT Kharagpur. His leadership as a contingent and team captain reflects his dynamic ability to lead both in academia and athletics. His excellence spans beyond research into co-curricular brilliance. 🏅🎖️🏀

📚 Publication Top Notes

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2025). Exploring Jugaad in architecture. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101469. DOI Link — Cited by 12 articles

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2025). Triggers, Mediators, and Consequences of Jugaad. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 635. Springer Link — Cited by 9 articles

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2024). Sustainability of bamboo panels. International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 11(5), 39–42. Read here — Cited by 7 articles

Kumar, V., & Mukerji, A. (2024). Jugaad in cooling technologies. International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 11(5), 43–45. Read here — Cited by 5 articles

Kumar, V. (2021). Solid waste management in Varanasi. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 6(3), 48–55. Link — Cited by 10 articles

Vyta Hanifah | rural and economics development | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Vyta Hanifah – rural and economics development – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Vyta’s research aligns exceptionally well with the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Research for Social Impact Award categories. Her work embodies the principles of innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and policy relevance, making her a prime candidate whose contributions extend beyond academia into tangible improvements in livelihoods and development practices.

 University of Adelaide | Indonesia

Profile
Orcid
Scopus

Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Vyta W. Hanifah embarked on her academic journey with a keen interest in agricultural development and rural economics. She earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University) in Indonesia, where she developed foundational expertise in agriculture and rural livelihoods. This early education inspired her to explore global perspectives, leading to a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Her master’s studies sharpened her analytical capabilities in agricultural economics, development policy, and gender inclusion, preparing her for an impactful career in both national and international development contexts.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Vyta W. Hanifah has built a remarkable career spanning government agencies, international development organizations, and academic institutions. She currently serves as a Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, where she contributes to evidence-based policy development and program evaluation in agricultural sectors. Her professional experience includes impactful roles in World Bank-funded projects, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and collaborative research supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Through these roles, Vyta has contributed to strategic initiatives aimed at improving rural livelihoods, developing extension models, and promoting gender-inclusive development in Indonesia.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on rural and economics development

Vyta W. Hanifah’s research is distinguished by its interdisciplinary scope, combining agricultural economics, gender studies, and rural development. Her current PhD thesis investigates women’s empowerment and agricultural extension in dairy farming, a timely topic that addresses gender disparities in agricultural access and decision-making.

She has successfully contributed to or led eight significant research projects, including:

  1. IndoDairy Project (2017–2020): Evaluated and piloted innovative extension models to improve smallholder profitability.

  2. ADB-funded projects with PT Cisarua Mountain Dairy (2021–2023): Focused on gender empowerment through training in dairy farming and financial literacy.

  3. SMARTD Project (2016–2019): Promoted sustainable management and dissemination of agricultural technologies across Indonesia.

  4. Straw-Cow Project (2009–2013): Improved reproductive performance in cattle for low-input systems.

  5. SEZ Impact Assessment in Kendal Regency (2022): Examined regional economic policy impacts.

  6. FEATI and SADI Projects: Strengthened farmer empowerment through information systems and agribusiness development.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

While still in the early stages of her academic career, Vyta has received international recognition for her policy-relevant research and developmental impact. Her involvement with institutions such as ACIAR, the World Bank, and ADB reflects the high level of trust and respect she commands in the development community. Her research projects have been cited in national development strategies, and she continues to be a valued contributor to collaborative research networks in Australia and Indonesia.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Vyta W. Hanifah’s work has had a profound impact on rural development practices, gender-sensitive extension services, and public policy frameworks in Indonesia. Her contributions to designing gender-responsive training modules for dairy farmers have enabled more inclusive participation in agricultural economies. By using participatory approaches and focusing on empirical, data-driven methods, Vyta bridges the gap between field realities and national policy formulation. Her ability to synthesize grassroots experiences into meaningful policy insights is a rare and valuable skill that enhances the relevance and sustainability of development initiatives.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Vyta’s academic and professional journey is defined by her passion for inclusive and sustainable agriculture. As she advances in her doctoral studies at the University of Adelaide, her work is expected to influence the design of gender-responsive agricultural extension systems not just in Indonesia, but globally.

Her research interests will likely continue to focus on:

  • Women’s agency in rural economies

  • Agricultural innovation and productivity

  • Sustainable development policy

  • Evidence-based gender programming

Conclusion

Vyta W. Hanifah is a rising thought leader in the field of agricultural economics and gender-inclusive development. With a robust educational background, extensive fieldwork experience, and a passion for impactful research, she continues to shape the future of sustainable agriculture in Indonesia and beyond. Her journey from IPB University to the University of Adelaide, with significant contributions in World Bank and ACIAR-funded projects, reflects a career built on excellence, empathy, and innovation. Vyta’s vision of empowering rural women and transforming agricultural systems holds immense promise for global development agendas in the years to come.

📚Publications

Does a special economic zone impact the surrounding economy? The case study of Kendal, Indonesia

 Authors:  Irwanda Wisnu Wardhana; Indri Riesfandiari; Erizal Jamal; Vyta W. Hanifah; Pihri Pihri; Felix Wisnu Handoyo; Nugroho Purwono; Rizky Prayogo Ramadhan; Budhi Setyawan; Michal Placek et al.

Journals: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Farmers’ knowledge and practice regarding good agricultural practices (GAP) on safe pesticide usage in Indonesia

Authors: Istriningsih; Yovita Anggita Dewi; Astrina Yulianti; Vyta W. Hanifah; Erizal Jamal; Dadang; Muhrizal Sarwani; Maesti Mardiharini; Iwan Setiajie Anugrah; Valeriana Darwis et al.

Journals: Heliyon

Saluran Komunikasi Lembaga Riset Publik dalam Penyiapan Teknologi Peternakan Mendukung Pengembangan Subsistem Agribisnis Hulu

Authors:  Vyta W. Hanifah; Istriningsih Istriningsih; Yovita Anggita Dewi

Journals: Jurnal Ternak