Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Sustainability Strategies | Best Review Paper Award

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Dr. Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Sustainability Strategies | Best Review Paper Award 

Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Expono d.o.o. | Croatia 

Ivona Gudac Hodanić is a Croatian civil engineer and researcher with extensive experience in architectural and construction project management. She has built a versatile career that bridges the technical, creative, and administrative dimensions of engineering practice. Currently serving as a Project Associate at EXPONO d.o.o., she contributes to architectural design development, technical documentation, and project coordination, ensuring compliance with building standards and regulations. Her role integrates multidisciplinary collaboration between architecture and construction, enhancing project functionality, aesthetics, and technical feasibility. Beyond design, she plays an important part in administrative operations, including bid preparation for public tenders, documentation management, and communication with investors and institutions. Earlier in her career, Ivona served as a teaching and research assistant at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka. Fluent in English and proficient in several other languages, she combines strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills with advanced technical proficiency in software tools such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Microsoft Office, and project management applications. With her balanced background in academia, research, and professional practice, Ivona contributes to advancing sustainable and efficient construction practices. Her scholarly record includes 2 indexed publications with 13 citations across 13 documents, reflecting her growing influence in the field. She holds an h-index of 2. Ivona holds a Doctor of Science degree from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, where her doctoral research focused on developing a model for assessing the lifecycle costs of pontoons to support marina management systems. She also earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rijeka. Her additional professional training covers internal auditing, public procurement, project management, and leadership development.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications : 

Gudac, I., Marović, I., & Hanak, T. (2014). Sustainable optimization of winter road maintenance services under real-time information. Procedia Engineering, 85, 183–192.

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., & Gudac, I. (2010). You will be able to organize your own projects and programs in the future. Zbornik radova (Građevinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci), 13, 225–243.

Marović, I., Bošković, D., & Gudac, I. (2012). Process approach in modeling Croatian construction contract management practice. International Journal for Engineering Modeling, 25(1–4), 19–26.

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., & Gudac, I. (2014). Comparison of budget and PPP model in financing public structures in posttransition environment. In Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference “People, Buildings and Environment” (pp. 90–99).

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., Gudac, I., & Medvedec, D. (2015). Prioritization of public investment projects: Case study of GSC portfolio. In Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Organization and Technology in Construction.

Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award 

Rachana Lunawat | Kingston University | United Kingdom 

Ms. Rachana Lunawat is an emerging scholar and finance professional with a strong academic foundation and practical experience in financial control, reporting, and sustainability-driven investment analysis. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance with Distinction from Kingston University, London, and a Master of Commerce from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Her academic and professional journey reflects a blend of analytical expertise and sustainability-oriented research. Having worked across the UK and India, Rachana has contributed to financial control, reconciliations, and audit preparedness in both public and private sectors, demonstrating her capability in enhancing reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and corporate financial performance. She co-authored a peer-reviewed article titled “Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors into the Investment Returns of American Companies,” published in MDPI’s international journal Sustainability. The study, indexed in Scopus and the Web of Science, employs panel data regression models using Bloomberg and Refinitiv datasets to assess how ESG engagement influences market valuation and long-term financial outcomes. This publication underscores her commitment to bridging sustainable finance and empirical financial analysis, offering insights that inform corporate strategy and responsible investment practices. Beyond research, Rachana has been actively involved in industry-oriented financial analysis projects, including portfolio optimization and ESG-financial performance evaluation of S&P 500 firms. These projects reflect her ability to translate academic concepts into data-driven decision-making relevant to global markets. Her collaborations with scholars from the University of St Andrews and Aston Business School have further enriched her interdisciplinary perspective on corporate sustainability and financial performance dynamics.

Profiles : ORCID | Linked In

Featured Publication : 

Lunawat, R. M., Elmarzouky, M., & Shohaieb, D. (2025). Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the investment returns of American companies. Sustainability, 17(19), 8522.

Antigoni Voudouri | Climate Change Mitigation-Adaptation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Antigoni Voudouri | Climate Change Mitigation-Adaptation | Best Researcher Award 

Head of Directorate at Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency | Greece 

Dr. Antigoni Voudouri is a distinguished environmental physicist and climate expert from Greece, recognized for her extensive contributions to meteorology, sustainable development, and climate change policy. She currently serves as the Head of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Directorate at the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, where she leads a multidisciplinary team in the implementation of national climate law and the coordination of EU-funded projects on climate adaptation and resilience. Her leadership extends to international collaborations, policy consultation, and the integration of scientific research into environmental governance. Voudouri holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Physics, a Master’s in Environmental Physics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Atmospheric Research, Atmosphere, and Sustainability, addressing topics ranging from mercury transport modeling and air pollution to climate mitigation and numerical model calibration. Her work has earned 206 citations from 185 documents, with an h-index of 6, underscoring her influence in the field. She has actively participated in several major European and international research initiatives, including HORIZON 2020, LIFE-IP AdaptInGR, and COSMO projects such as CALMO and CALMO-MAX. Her project leadership has been instrumental in advancing climate resilience, environmental forecasting, and sustainable policy frameworks. As a reviewer for international journals and a long-standing member of the Hellenic Meteorological Society, she continues to contribute to the scientific community and policy development.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Linked In

Featured Publications : 

Roussos, O., Grigoriadou, E. T., Voudouri, A., Papadopoulou, L., Gkogkou, T., Basdeki, A., & Papadopoulou, M. P. (2025). Sustainability, 17, 8454.

Voudouri, A., Metheniti, K., & Oikonomou, A. (2025). Mitigation measures towards net zero carbon emissions. Environmental Earth Sciences Proceedings, 35, 42.

Avgoustoglou, E., Carmona, I., Voudouri, A., Levi, Y., Will, A., & Bettems, J. M. (2022). Calibration of COSMO model in the Central-Eastern Mediterranean area adjusted over the domains of Greece and Israel. Atmospheric Research, 279, 106362.

Voudouri, A., Avgoustoglou, E., Carmona, I., Levi, Y., Bucchignani, E., Kaufmann, P., & Bettems, J. M. (2021). Objective calibration of numerical weather prediction model: Application on fine resolution COSMO model over Switzerland. Atmosphere, 12, 1358.

Bucchignani, E., Voudouri, A., & Mercogliano, P. (2020). A sensitivity analysis with COSMO-LM at 1 km resolution over South Italy. Atmosphere, 11, 430.

Silvia Krúpová | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

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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”

Esin Hazneci | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Esin Hazneci | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Esin Hazneci, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Turkey.

Dr. Esin Hazneci is a dedicated academic and accomplished researcher at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey 🌿. Since 2011, she has served as a lecturer, contributing extensively to the advancement of agricultural sciences. With her strong commitment to education and innovation, she plays a pivotal role in shaping future professionals in agriculture. Dr. Hazneci’s passion lies in understanding and improving the economic frameworks that govern agricultural production, marketing, and digital technologies. Her multidisciplinary approach enables a comprehensive perspective on agricultural systems, integrating management, statistics, and economics. A forward-thinking educator, she champions sustainable practices and risk analysis in agricultural policy. Her scholarly contributions and dedication to academic excellence position her as a distinguished figure in agricultural economics. As a female academic, she also contributes to increasing gender equity in agricultural research and higher education 🌍.

👩‍🏫 Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Esin Hazneci’s academic journey reflects a solid foundation in agricultural sciences and economic research 📘. She pursued her higher education in Agricultural Economics, culminating in a doctoral degree that deepened her expertise in production economics and agricultural planning. Her studies emphasized quantitative research, policy analysis, and sustainability in agriculture—skills which she now imparts to her students. Her educational background includes comprehensive training in macroeconomic theory, agricultural management systems, and statistical methodologies. This foundation has allowed her to engage critically with emerging topics such as digital agriculture and climate-resilient farming. Dr. Hazneci continuously upgrades her knowledge through academic collaborations and participation in specialized training, ensuring her skills remain current and impactful. Her education not only equips her for teaching but also enhances her ability to conduct multidisciplinary research that addresses real-world agricultural challenges. 📚 Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her continuous professional development and scholarly pursuits.

🧪 Experience

With over a decade of academic and research experience, Dr. Esin Hazneci has played a vital role in agricultural economic education and innovation in Turkey 🌱. Since 2011, she has lectured at Ondokuz Mayis University, delivering courses in agricultural management, planning, marketing, statistics, and macroeconomics. Her practical teaching approach is complemented by hands-on research experience in production economics, risk analysis, and agribusiness strategies. Dr. Hazneci has collaborated on multiple research projects exploring the economic impacts of modern agricultural technologies and policy reforms. She actively contributes to both national and international academic forums, publishing impactful studies and engaging in scholarly discussions that shape agricultural policy. Her blend of classroom instruction, research leadership, and mentorship has significantly enhanced her faculty’s academic reputation. As a seasoned educator and researcher, Dr. Hazneci’s experience positions her as an authoritative voice in shaping future agricultural economics policies and educational practices, benefiting both students and policymakers alike. 🌾

🔍 Research Interests

Dr. Esin Hazneci’s research interests lie at the intersection of agricultural economics and sustainable development 🌾. Her work primarily addresses agricultural management and planning, risk analysis in farming systems, production economics, and market strategies. She also investigates the socio-economic implications of digital agricultural technologies, exploring how innovation can boost productivity and sustainability. Dr. Hazneci is particularly passionate about analyzing the economic behaviors of rural producers and identifying policies that enhance agricultural efficiency and resilience. Her focus on evidence-based research allows her to quantify risks and returns across agricultural value chains. Recently, her work has expanded to include data-driven agricultural policies, precision farming economics, and the integration of climate-smart practices. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, she aims to build a robust framework that supports the transformation of traditional agricultural practices into sustainable models. Her research ultimately seeks to contribute to national and global food security efforts and rural economic development. 📊

🏆 Awards

Dr. Esin Hazneci has earned recognition for her commitment to academic excellence and impactful research in agricultural economics 🏅. While formal awards are modestly noted, her distinction comes from consistently being selected for competitive research initiatives and funded academic projects. Her contribution to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and rural economic policies has been acknowledged through invitations to international conferences, research workshops, and reviewer boards of peer-reviewed journals. Her teaching excellence has also been reflected in positive student feedback and mentorship outcomes. Dr. Hazneci’s scholarly impact is steadily gaining momentum, with increasing citations and collaborations across European research networks. As her reputation grows, she is being positioned for larger recognitions in agricultural innovation and educational leadership. Her role as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field also positions her as a candidate for gender equity and mentorship awards within academia. 🥇

📚 Publication Top Notes

Possible Effects of Licensed Warehousing System on Hazelnut Producers’ Incomes in Türkiye

Does Organic Production and Marketing Training Improve the Agricultural Business Skills of Rural Women Farmers? A Case Study from Türkiye

The Effects of Agricultural Monitoring and Information System on Producers

The Effects of Agricultural Drone Use on Agricultural Production, Yield and Profitability: The Case of Samsun Province

Potential Use of Postharvest Tomato Wastes as a Growing Media in Soilless Culture