Silvia Krúpová | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Ms Silvia Krúpová | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Silvia Krúpová,  Department of Managerial Theories, Faculty of Management Science and Informatics, University of Žilina, Slovakia

Ms. Silvia Krúpová is a dynamic and results-driven doctoral researcher in the Department of Management at the University of Žilina, Slovakia. Born on November 3, 1998, in Žilina, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in the fields of IT management, sustainability, and smart city innovation. Silvia possesses a strong multicultural perspective gained through her Erasmus+ exchange in Germany and work with international teams across Europe and North America. Her expertise lies at the intersection of urban sustainability, electromobility, and IT-enabled management processes. Known for her adaptability, problem-solving skills, and collaborative mindset, Silvia actively engages in academic, industrial, and volunteer activities. In addition to her academic journey, she has held impactful roles in companies such as Siemens Mobility and msg life Slovakia. She is fluent in German (C1), English (B2), and Slovak (native), and is recognized for her commitment to advancing sustainability through smart technologies and information systems.

👨‍🎓 Profile

scopus

🎓 Education

Ms. Silvia Krúpová holds an Engineer’s degree in IT Management (2023) and a Bachelor’s degree in Management (2021) from the Faculty of Management Science and Informatics at the University of Žilina. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the same faculty, focusing on smart city solutions. As part of her academic development, she participated in the Erasmus+ exchange at Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft in Dresden, Germany, where she studied International Business. Her educational path blends strong management principles with technical IT competencies, preparing her to address real-world challenges in urban sustainability and public infrastructure. Throughout her studies, Silvia has consistently shown a commitment to excellence and innovation, taking part in advanced training like the Cisco Cyber Security course. Her academic foundation is a testament to her interdisciplinary approach and passion for digital transformation and sustainable city management.

💼 Experience

Ms. Silvia’s professional journey is marked by a blend of academic rigor and practical industry engagement. Since August 2024, she has been employed as a Business Process IT Consultant at msg life Slovakia. Previously, she worked as a System Engineer at Siemens Mobility (2023–2024), where she gained hands-on experience in digital transport solutions. From 2020 to 2022, she served as a Software Delivery Manager at Scheidt & Bachmann Slovensko, coordinating software projects across the DACH region, the US, and Canada. Earlier roles include Customer Support for Notino and Store Manager at FernBlau GmbH in Germany. Her experience spans IT consultancy, system engineering, customer service, and project management, equipping her with a robust skillset in global communication, agile methodologies, and digital transformation. Silvia is known for being reliable, adaptable, and team-oriented—thriving in high-pressure environments and cross-functional roles.

🔬 Research Interests

Ms. Silvia’s research centers on enhancing urban sustainability through the integration of IT in city management processes. Her doctoral focus is on the Smart City concept, particularly how information systems can support city operations in areas such as waste policy, mobility, and electromobility. She collaborates with municipalities in Slovakia to implement data-driven and environmentally friendly solutions. Her interdisciplinary work involves cooperation between management and technical departments, and includes active contributions to teaching in management information systems and presentation skills. Silvia is passionate about leveraging technology to drive positive environmental change, making cities more livable and sustainable. Her research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also translates into practical applications in public infrastructure and digital governance. She continues to engage in collaborative projects that address real-world challenges in waste management and smart mobility innovation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ms. Silvia is in the early stage of her academic career, she has already begun to make notable contributions to sustainability and smart city research. Her selection for the Erasmus+ mobility program in Dresden reflects her academic merit and international potential. She has actively participated in academic conferences and been invited to co-deliver university courses. Silvia is a well-regarded member of the UNI FRI Club and has contributed to various high-impact events such as the Pohoda Festival and Spartan Race as a volunteer—showcasing her dedication beyond the academic realm. Her publications in indexed journals underscore her commitment to advancing sustainability through digital solutions. Silvia’s research has already begun attracting citations and is poised to grow in relevance as cities worldwide pursue green and smart transformation. Her growing academic profile makes her an excellent candidate for recognition in research excellence and sustainability leadership.

📚 Publications

“Public Transport Infrastructure with Electromobility Elements at the Smart City Level to Support Sustainability”


“The Importance of Electromobility in the Logistics Industry”

Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

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