Vyta Hanifah | rural and economics development | Best Researcher Award

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

José Firmino de Sousa Filho | Interregional Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. José Firmino de Sousa Filho –  Interregional Economics –  Best Researcher Award

State University of Feira de Santana | Brazil

      Profil

Orcid

scopus

 

📍Current Position

José Firmino de Sousa Filho is currently affiliated with the Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para a Saúde (CIDACS) at Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), where he actively participates in research and development initiatives. His role focuses on integrating economic theories with public health data to understand socioeconomic determinants of health. José’s expertise in economic planning and applied social sciences is critical in ongoing projects aimed at reducing health inequities.

 

📝Publication Achievements

José has a strong publishing record, including significant contributions to esteemed journals. His recent works in JAMA Network Open and Science of the Total Environment reflect his interdisciplinary approach, bridging economy and public health. With five articles on Web of Science and a broader portfolio totaling fifteen, his work has accumulated 115 citations, highlighting his research’s impact in fields such as income segregation, cash transfers, and air pollution effects on health in Latin American urban centers.

 

🔍Ongoing Research

His ongoing research centers on the socio-economic impacts of structural economic shifts, particularly post-COVID-19 and the roles of public policies. Through his involvement in CIDACS projects like the SALURBAL initiative, José examines urban health inequalities and environmental health impacts, focusing on Latin American cities.

 

🔬 Research Interests

José’s research spans various economic topics, including BRIC economies, international trade, and industrial organization, with a particular focus on Brazilian economic structures. His interests lie in understanding the intersection of economy and health, the evolution of trade practices, and the socio-economic effects of public health policies.

 

🎓Academic Background

José obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) in 2023, focusing on economic planning under the mentorship of Gervásio Ferreira dos Santos. He also completed his Master’s in Economics at UFBA in 2019, studying Brazilian economic changes. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS).

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

José’s scholarly pursuits have been recognized through scholarships and awards. He received support from FAPESB during his Master’s studies and was awarded first place at the Science Slam 2023 by CIDACS, underscoring his contributions to economic research in public health. Additionally, he secured third place for his presentation at the V Semana de Economia da UEFS, showcasing his early contributions to economic theory and policy.

 

🧬 Bioinformatics

Incorporating bioinformatics into his work, José applies statistical models to analyze socio-economic data with public health variables. His work in projects like SALURBAL requires the integration of bioinformatic tools to analyze large datasets, connecting socio-economic indicators with health outcomes in complex urban settings.

 

🌐Professional Associations 

José is a reviewer for several notable journals, including SSM – Population Health and Social Science & Medicine. His role as a reviewer is a testament to his knowledge and reputation in economics and public health, where he actively contributes to the quality and rigor of research in these fields.

 

 📚Training & Workshops 

José has undertaken various professional development programs to enhance his economic modeling and policy analysis skills. Notable courses include Causal Inference at UFPE and Applied General Equilibrium Models at USP. He also completed training in strategic management, public policies, and advanced Excel, showing a commitment to continuous learning.

 

🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Throughout his academic and professional career, José has delivered numerous presentations. His participation in events like the Science Slam 2023 highlights his effective communication skills and ability to share complex economic and health-related insights with a broader audience.

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

José’s tasks include extensive data analysis and collaborative research within CIDACS. His projects have addressed the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and structural changes in Brazil’s economy post-trade liberalization. His rigorous research methodologies and analytical skills have enabled him to produce valuable insights for policy-making and economic planning.

 

🚀Success Factors 

José attributes his success to a combination of rigorous academic training, continuous professional development, and a collaborative approach to research. His work ethic, combined with his proficiency in multiple languages, enables him to collaborate on international research projects and contribute to a diverse array of publications.

 

🔬Publications & Laboratory Experience

With publications in respected journals and active involvement in CIDACS research laboratories, José has honed his skills in data integration and analysis. His work often involves applying econometric models to study health and economic data, providing a quantitative basis for understanding economic disparities in Brazil and beyond.

 

🔍 Conclusion

José Firmino de Sousa Filho’s academic and professional journey reflects his commitment to advancing economic understanding, particularly in the context of public health. His interdisciplinary expertise in economic planning and data integration offers valuable insights into socio-economic challenges and their impact on public health. José’s continued research and dedication to applying economic models to real-world issues solidify his role as an influential figure in applied social sciences. 🌎

 

📚Publications

  • Global Value Chains and Intra-BRICs Trade in Value-added

     Authors: Crossref

      Journal: Journal of Government and Economics

  • The role of emergency aid in mitigating the local effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Espírito Santo, Brazil

    Authors: Crossref

      Journal: Spatial Economic Analysis

  • Short-term associations between fine particulate air pollution and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in 337 cities in Latin America

    Authors: José Firmino de Sousa Filho

      Journal: Science of The Total Environment

  • Income Segregation, Conditional Cash Transfers, and Breast Cancer Mortality Among Women in Brazil

    Authors: José Firmino de Sousa Filho

      Journal: JAMA Network Open

  • A scaling investigation of urban form features in Latin America cities

    Authors: José Firmino de Sousa Filho

      Journal: PLOS ONE