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

Luisa Lombardo | Recovery and valorization of inner rural areas | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Luisa Lombardo – Recovery and valorization of inner rural areas – Best Researcher Award

 

University of Palermo – Department of Architecture | Italy

      Profiles

📍Current Position

She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Architecture, Arts, and Planning at the Department of Architecture, University of Palermo. Her research focuses on the revitalization and enhancement of minor centers within the Madonie Park in Sicily, utilizing sustainable strategies. Her doctoral work, which is guided by Professor Tiziana Campisi and co-supervised by Professor Simona Colajanni, explores innovative approaches to recover and valorize internal areas of Sicily.

 

📝Publication Achievements 

Journals Published

she has published extensively in Class A journals and other scientific publications related to the architectural field. Her work includes papers in conference proceedings, collective volumes, and scientific journals under the ICAR/10 SSD. These publications showcase her expertise in sustainable architectural design, particularly in the context of historical buildings and rural revitalization projects.

🔍Ongoing Research 

She is actively engaged in several national and international research projects. Notably, she is part of the Greenwork Project, a PRIN (Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale) 2022 initiative focused on urban health and resilience through greening strategies on buildings and open spaces. This project, supported by the PNRR, reflects her commitment to advancing sustainable architectural practices.

 🔬Research Interests 

Her research interests span across sustainable architecture, urban regeneration, and the integration of modern technologies in traditional settings. Luisa is particularly interested in the use of green building technologies and passive systems to enhance indoor comfort and energy efficiency in historical buildings. Her work contributes to the broader field of bioinformatics by integrating data-driven approaches in architectural planning and environmental sustainability.

🎓Academic Background 

2022-Present: Ph.D. candidate in Architecture, Arts, and Planning, University of Palermo. 2021: Master’s Degree in Innovative Materials and Techniques for Sustainable Building from the University of Palermo, where she focused on the sustainable residential building project in Marsala, analyzing cost-benefit aspects and thermal insulation for the Ecobonus tax incentive.  2019: Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering-Architecture from the University of Palermo, with a thesis on integrated passive systems for improving indoor comfort, specifically focusing on the energy requalification of historic Madonite architecture.  1998: Obtained a diploma from Galileo Galilei State Scientific High School in Palermo

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

She has been awarded the INPS scholarship for her Ph.D. studies, recognizing her outstanding academic achievements and potential to contribute to the field of architecture. Her commitment to excellence is further evidenced by her selection as a Regional Delegate for FAI Sicilia, where she actively works to protect and enhance Italy’s cultural heritage.

🌐Professional Associations 

She is a member of several prestigious professional associations, including the Order of Engineers of the Province of Palermo, where she is registered in the Civil/Environmental sector. She is also a member of Giovani IN APS and FAI Sicilia, playing a significant role in the preservation of Italy’s cultural and architectural heritage.

 📚Training & Workshops 

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Luisa has participated in numerous training programs and workshops, enhancing her expertise in sustainable architecture. As a Master’s level instructor, she has contributed to the training of professionals in innovative materials and techniques for sustainable building.

 🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

She has been an active speaker at both national and international conferences. Her presentations have covered a wide range of topics, from the sustainable rehabilitation of historical buildings to innovative green building strategies. Her ability to effectively communicate complex ideas has made her a sought-after speaker in academic circles.

 🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

As a researcher, She has been involved in various critical tasks, including the development of sustainable architectural models, the evaluation of energy efficiency in historical buildings, and the implementation of green technologies in architectural design. Her contributions to the Smart Rehabilitation 3.0 project, an Erasmus+ initiative, are particularly noteworthy. This project aims to innovate professional skills in the existing building sector, aligning with her research focus on sustainable architecture.

 🚀Success Factors 

Her success as a researcher and professional is driven by her passion for sustainable architecture, her commitment to cultural heritage, and her ability to integrate modern technologies with traditional building practices. Her dedication to enhancing the livability of rural and historical areas in Sicily through innovative architectural solutions is a testament to her vision and expertise.

 🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Her publications have made significant contributions to the field of architecture, particularly in sustainable building practices and the rehabilitation of historical structures. Her laboratory experience includes hands-on research in innovative building materials and energy-efficient technologies. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application underscores her capability as a leading researcher in her field.

 📚Publications

Spent Coffee Grounds-Based Thermoplaster System to Improve Heritage Building Energy Efficiency: A Case Study in Madonie Park in Sicily

Authors: Lombardo, L., Campisi, T., Saeli, M.

Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)

 

Smart technological tools for rising damp on monumental buildings for cultural heritage conservation. A proposal for smart villages implementation in the Madonie mountains (Sicily)

Authors: Lombardo, L., Saeli, M., Campisi, T.

Journal: Sustainable Futures

SMART VILLAGE AND DESIGN FOR ALL DesignTech in the Madonie area | SMART VILLAGE E DESIGN FOR ALL Progettazione tecnologica sostenibile integrata nell’area interna siciliana delle Madonie

Authors: Lombardo, L.

Journal: Sustainable Mediterranean Construction