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

Edward Beimborn | Rural transport | Excellence in Research

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Dr. Edward Beimborn – Rural transport – Excellence in Research

 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | United States

      Profiles

📍Current Position

He is a distinguished figure in the field of urban transportation. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee) in the Department of Civil Engineering. His extensive career at UW-Milwaukee includes serving as the Director of the Center for Urban Transportation Studies, where he played a pivotal role in advancing transportation research and education. Even after retiring from active teaching, Professor Beimborn continues to contribute to the academic community and the field of urban transportation through his research, consultancy, and civic service.

📝Publication Achievements 

Journals Published

He has made significant contributions to the academic and professional literature in transportation engineering. His research publications span various topics, including the planning and operation of mass transit systems, the environmental impacts of transportation systems, and the design and evaluation of transportation facilities. His work is highly regarded in the transportation community, as evidenced by his numerous citations and the application of his research in practical transportation planning and policy. Throughout his career, he has published in respected journals and contributed to books that have influenced transportation research and practice.

🔍Ongoing Research 

Even in his emeritus status, He remains actively involved in research. His ongoing work focuses on improving methodologies for transportation planning, evaluating the performance of transportation systems, and understanding the environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure. His current projects involve collaborations with various federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring that his research continues to have a direct impact on urban transportation policy and practice.

 🔬Research Interests 

His research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing various aspects of urban transportation. Key areas include: Mass Transit Systems: Planning, operation, and evaluation of mass transit systems, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and accessibility. Environmental Impact Assessment: Analyzing the environmental implications of transportation projects and developing strategies to mitigate adverse effects. Transportation Facility Design: Innovating in the design of transportation infrastructure to improve functionality and sustainability. Transportation Planning Methodologies: Developing and refining methods for effective transportation planning and policy-making.

🎓Academic Background 

His academic journey is rooted in excellence and dedication. He received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering (Transportation) from Northwestern University. His academic credentials are complemented by his experience as a visiting fellow at Oxford University in England and a visiting professor at the Technion in Israel. This rich academic background has been foundational to his successful career in transportation engineering.

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Throughout his career, He has been recognized with several awards for his contributions to transportation engineering and education. These accolades reflect his commitment to advancing the field and his impact on both academic and professional communities.

🌐Professional Associations 

He is a respected member of several professional organizations. He is a long-standing member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). His leadership roles within these organizations, including past chair of the Transportation Planning section of ITE and current chair of the Transit Planning and Development Committee of TRB, highlight his influence and commitment to the field.

 📚Training & Workshops 

With over 35 years of teaching experience, He has also taught more than 50 continuing education courses. These courses cover topics such as environmental impact assessment, urban transportation planning, and transit management. He has played a key role in initiating transportation outreach programs at UW-Milwaukee and has shared his expertise through workshops at other universities both in the U.S. and internationally.

 🎤Oral Presentations 

He is a seasoned speaker, regularly presenting his research and insights at conferences, workshops, and professional gatherings. His presentations are known for their clarity, depth, and practical relevance, making complex transportation issues accessible to a wide audience.

 🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Throughout his career, he has served as project director or participant in over 50 research and training contracts. His projects have addressed a wide range of transportation issues, from mass transit systems to environmental impact analysis, and have involved collaborations with numerous governmental and private organizations.

 🚀Success Factors 

His success can be attributed to his deep expertise, commitment to education, and ability to bridge the gap between research and practice. His interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with various stakeholders have made his work both impactful and relevant to contemporary transportation challenges.

 🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

His extensive publication record and hands-on laboratory experience underscore his contributions to transportation engineering. His work in the lab and in the field has led to innovations in transportation facility design and evaluation, as well as advancements in transportation planning methodologies.

Citations
Citations        1137

h-index           17

i10-index        29

 📚Publications

Enhancing rural transportation services for older adults: Bridging customer-provider perspectives

   Authors: Yu, J., Liu, Y., Beimborn, E.

   Journals: Research in Transportation Business and Management

 

Exploring the feasibility of mobility as a service in small urban and rural communities: Lessons from a case study

   Authors: Liu, X., Yu, J., Trisha, S., Beimborn, E.

   Journals: Journal of Urban Planning and Development

Elements of Successful Universal Student Transit Pass Programs from Planning to Implementation: A Benchmark Study

   Authors: Han, D., Yu, J., Beimborn, E., Jin, Z., Tan, W.

   Journals: Transportation Research Record

Examination of process of innovation at transit systems

  Authors: Hikichi, L.K., Beimborn, E.A.

  Journals: Transportation Research Record

Engineer-in-Residence: Strategy for Increasing Relevance in Transportation Education

  Authors:  Pritchard, D., Beimborn, E.A.

  Journals: Transportation Research Record