Emile Segbegnon Sonehekpon | Quantitative Economics | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Emile Segbegnon Sonehekpon | Quantitative Economics | Young Scientist Award

Researcher | Ecole Nationale Superieure de Statistique et d’Economie Appliquee | Benin

Dr. Emile Sègbégnon Sonehekpon is an Economist and Policy Analyst specializing in quantitative and applied economics, with expertise in financial stability, agricultural credit markets, and development policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. He earned his Ph.D. in Quantitative Economics from the National School of Statistics and Applied Economics (ENSEA), Abidjan, in 2024, where his dissertation focused on “Accessing Farm Credit Market: The Role of Asymmetry and Information Sharing.” His research employs advanced econometric and statistical modeling to analyze issues related to banking risk, information asymmetry, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction. Dr. Sonehekpon has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Financial Economic Policy, Agricultural Finance Review, and the Revue Économique et Monétaire, and he is currently developing multiple papers on artificial intelligence in banking, credit market segmentation, and renewable energy financing. He has presented his work at major international conferences such as the Canadian Society for Economic Science Congress (2022) and the Atlantic Canada Economic Association Conference (2023), and has received specialized training in risk modeling and impact evaluation from Université Laval and the J-PAL Laboratory (MIT network). Professionally, he has served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB) and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Abomey-Calavi, contributing to both research and academic instruction. His collaborations with institutions such as Moncton University, the World Bank, and WAEMU research networks reflect his commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking. Fluent in French and English, Dr. Sonehekpon’s scholarly and professional contributions aim to enhance inclusive economic growth through the integration of empirical analysis and policy innovation in Africa.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Sonehekpon, E. S. (2024). Heterogeneity effect of prudential regulation on the stability of banks: Evidence from WAEMU banks using quantile regression with fixed effects. Journal of Financial Economic Policy.

Dr. Emile S. Sonehekpon’s research advances evidence-based economic policymaking by integrating quantitative modeling with real-world development challenges. His work strengthens financial stability, promotes inclusive access to credit, and supports sustainable growth across developing economies through data-driven insights and policy innovation.

Bakyt Syzdykbayeva | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

профессор at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva is a distinguished researcher and professor in the Department of Tourism at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Holding a Doctorate in Economic Sciences, she has made significant contributions to logistics, tourism, and economic development. She has led multiple government-funded research projects on sustainable supply chains, national distribution networks, and economic growth in Kazakhstan. With over 47 Scopus-indexed publications, numerous monographs, and textbooks, her research has had a broad academic and practical impact. As a member of dissertation councils and expert committees, she has played a key role in shaping academic policies and mentoring PhD students. Recognized as the “Best University Lecturer” in 2016, she has developed specialized courses in strategic marketing, logistics, and tourism management. Her work on the Silk Road Economic Belt and Kazakhstan’s logistics infrastructure has gained international recognition, positioning her as a leading scholar in her field.

Professional Profile 

Education

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva pursued her higher education in mechanical engineering, specializing in Machines and Apparatus of Light Industry at the Moscow Technological Institute (now the Russian State University of Tourism and Service). She later expanded her academic expertise in economics and management, focusing on service industries such as tourism, transport, and logistics. She earned her Doctor of Economic Sciences degree, solidifying her position as a leading researcher in logistics, economic development, and tourism management. Her education laid a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary research, integrating engineering principles with economic and business strategies. Over the years, she has combined her technical background with extensive research in service industries, shaping Kazakhstan’s academic and professional landscape. Her contributions extend beyond research, as she has developed and taught specialized courses in strategic marketing, logistics, and economic modeling, further strengthening her impact in academia and industry.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva has an extensive professional background in academia and research, specializing in tourism, logistics, and economic development. She has been a Professor at the Department of Tourism at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University since 2015, previously serving as the Head of the Department from 2012 to 2015. She has also been a member and chair of dissertation councils, contributing to the advancement of academic research in tourism. Prior to her tenure at ENU, she held academic positions at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan State University and M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz State University. She has served as an expert for the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan, evaluating textbooks and educational materials. Additionally, she has successfully supervised multiple PhD candidates. With decades of experience in teaching and research, Prof. Syzdykbayeva has played a crucial role in shaping tourism and logistics education in Kazakhstan.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva’s research interests lie at the intersection of economics, logistics, and tourism, with a strong focus on service industry management. Her work explores the development of sustainable supply chains, logistics infrastructure, and transport systems to enhance economic growth and competitiveness, particularly in Kazakhstan. She has conducted extensive research on optimizing goods distribution networks, urban logistics, and the impact of international trade on economic efficiency. A significant part of her studies also examines the role of tourism in regional development, emphasizing strategic marketing, hospitality management, and quality assurance in the service sector. Her research contributions extend to analyzing the Silk Road Economic Belt’s economic potential and its implications for Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics sectors. Through her numerous government-funded projects and Scopus-indexed publications, she has played a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies for sustainable economic and tourism development in Central Asia.

Award and Honor

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to academia and research. She was honored with the prestigious Gold Medal at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNH) of the USSR in 1982, highlighting her early excellence in research. In 2016, she was recognized as the “Best University Lecturer,” a testament to her dedication to teaching and mentoring students. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she has been an expert council member for business and management under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education and Science, contributing to academic quality assurance. Additionally, she has served as the chair and member of various dissertation councils, playing a vital role in shaping research in tourism, logistics, and economic development. Through her leadership, publications, and academic service, she has gained national and international recognition as a pioneering researcher in her field.

Research Skill

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva possesses exceptional research skills, demonstrated through her extensive contributions to economics, logistics, and tourism management. She excels in economic modeling, strategic analysis, and data-driven decision-making, enabling her to develop innovative solutions for logistics infrastructure, supply chain optimization, and sustainable tourism. Her expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies allows her to conduct in-depth analyses of market trends, economic impacts, and transport efficiency. She has successfully led multiple government-funded research projects, showcasing her ability to manage large-scale studies and collaborate with industry stakeholders. Her proficiency in policy evaluation and regional economic development strategies has significantly influenced Kazakhstan’s logistics and tourism sectors. Additionally, her ability to publish in Scopus-indexed journals highlights her strong academic writing, critical thinking, and peer-reviewed research capabilities. With a focus on interdisciplinary studies, she continues to advance knowledge in service industry management, logistics, and economic development through her rigorous research efforts.

Conclusion

Syzdykbayeva Bakyt Uzakbayevna is highly qualified for the Best Researcher Award, given her substantial academic contributions, leadership in research projects, and impact on logistics and tourism economics. With minor improvements in international collaboration and industry partnerships, she could further solidify her position as a top researcher in her field.

Publications Top Noted

  • Raimbekov, Z.S., Syzdykbayeva, B.U., Rakhmetulina, A., Doltes, L., & Kinasheva, Z.B. (2024). Designing and Improving the Efficiency of Placement of Logistics Infrastructure for Storage, Distribution and Trade of Agri-Food Products. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management.

  • Raimbekov, Z.S., Syzdykbayeva, B.U., Rakhmetulina, A., Rakhmetulina, Z.B., & Kinasheva, Z.B. (2024). Assessment of The Impact of International Trade Intensity on Logistics Efficiency: A Case Study of The EAEU Countries. Journal of Logistics, Informatics and Service Science.

Nikos Loukeris | Econometrics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Nikos Loukeris |  Econometrics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Prof. at University of West Attica & Princeton University,Greece

Dr. Nikolaos Loukeris is a highly accomplished academic and researcher specializing in finance, computational intelligence, and maritime education. As an Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of West Attica and a Visiting Professor of Shipping at the Hellenic Open University, Dr. Loukeris is also the Internships Supervisor in Athens-UniWA and collaborates with Princeton University. His numerous international speaking engagements, significant roles in academic conferences, and reputable publications reflect a strong dedication to advancing interdisciplinary research in finance, artificial intelligence, and maritime studies.

Professional Profile

Education🎓

Dr. Loukeris’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to interdisciplinary expertise. He earned his Ph.D. in Financial Engineering with a specialization in Computational Intelligence from the University of Macedonia in Greece (2015). Prior to this, he was a Doctorate Research Associate at the Athens University of Economics and Business, where he focused on Accounting and Finance, and at Democritus University of Thrace, specializing in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He also holds an MSc in Computational Finance from the University of Essex in the UK and an MPhil in Engineering Management from the Technical University of Crete. Dr. Loukeris’s foundational studies include a Degree (Ptychio) in Economic Sciences from the University of Crete and an Integrated Masters with a specialty in Mechanical Engineering and Production Engineering from the Technical University of Crete. This extensive educational background supports his pioneering work in finance and computational applications.

 Experience💼

Dr. Loukeris brings over two decades of experience in academia and industry, with roles across prestigious institutions worldwide. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of West Attica and serves as a Visiting Professor of Shipping at the Hellenic Open University. His previous teaching appointments include positions at the University of Cyprus, Hellenic Naval Academy, and University of South Wales. He has also worked with Lloyd’s in London, leading research projects on Artificial Intelligence applications in shipping. Additionally, Dr. Loukeris has served on various academic committees and as a speaker at global conferences, covering AI and finance, with contributions in IEEE symposiums and other major forums. His professional background extends to military service as an Officer Engineer and roles in finance and engineering consulting, illustrating his diverse expertise. He has shaped innovative programs in finance, shipping, and computational intelligence across academic and industry settings.

Research Interest📊🔍

Dr. Loukeris’s research is at the forefront of finance and computational intelligence, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence applications in finance and maritime industries. His work explores predictive models, hybrid meta-heuristic approaches, and AI-driven optimization for customer satisfaction in shipping. Dr. Loukeris also investigates the integration of autonomous systems within maritime operations, studying the effects of AI and augmented reality (AR) on the future of shipping. His interest in computational intelligence extends to financial engineering, where he has contributed to methodologies for analyzing complex financial systems and market dynamics. Through his role as a researcher and conference speaker, he addresses crucial topics like ethical considerations in AI and the practical implications of AI for global shipping. Dr. Loukeris’s work has broad applications, influencing policy and practices within finance, shipping, and artificial intelligence, cementing his role as a leading figure in interdisciplinary finance research.

Awards and Honors 🏅

Dr. Nikolaos Loukeris has received numerous honors throughout his career. His academic excellence has been recognized through invitations to speak at prestigious conferences worldwide, including the 6th International Conference on Business Economics and Finance in China and the IEEE European Conference on Electrical & Computer Science in Switzerland. He also serves as a distinguished panelist for the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and was recognized for outstanding tutoring by Lloyd’s. His excellence in teaching was highlighted through high student evaluations for his Computational Finance course at the Athens University of Economics and Business. Additional distinctions include scholarships awarded by the State Scholarships Foundation of Greece, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the European University Institute in Florence. Dr. Loukeris was a Business Attaché on a trade mission with the Greek President, further emphasizing his impact in academia, industry, and government.

Conclusion

Dr. Nikolaos Loukeris’s distinguished career in finance, computational intelligence, and maritime research positions him as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive accomplishments, leadership in academia, and commitment to educational excellence demonstrate the qualities and achievements this award celebrates. Recognizing his contributions would honor his innovative research and dedication to the fields of finance, artificial intelligence, and maritime studies.

Publications top noted 📖

A numerical evaluation of meta-heuristic techniques in portfolio optimisation
Authors: N Loukeris, D Donelly, A Khuman, Y Peng
Citations: 49
Year: 2009

Corporate financial evaluation and bankruptcy prediction implementing artificial intelligence methods
Authors: N Loukeris, N Matsatsinis
Citations: 33
Year: 2006

An empirical evaluation of CAPM’s validity in the British stock exchange
Authors: L Nikolaos
Citations: 26
Year: 2009

Further Higher Moments in Portfolio Selection and A Priori Detection of Bankruptcy, Under Multi‐layer Perceptron Neural Networks, Hybrid Neuro‐genetic MLPs …
Authors: N Loukeris, I Eleftheriadis
Citations: 22
Year: 2015

Radial basis functions networks to hybrid neuro-genetic RBFNs in financial evaluation of corporations
Authors: L Nikolaos
Citations: 21
Year: 2008

Bankruptcy prediction into hybrids of time lag recurrent networks with genetic optimisation, multi layer perceptrons neural nets, and Bayesian logistic regression
Authors: N Loukeris, I Eleftheriadis
Citations: 16
Year: 2012

Customer satisfaction prediction in the shipping industry with hybrid meta-heuristic approaches
Authors: S Bekiros, N Loukeris, N Matsatsinis, F Bezzina
Citations: 13
Year: 2019

Tail-related risk measurement and forecasting in equity markets
Authors: S Bekiros, N Loukeris, I Eleftheriadis, C Avdoulas
Citations: 13
Year: 2019

Hybrid neuro-genetic systems as effective analysis schemes of financial and accounting statements
Authors: N Loukeris, N Matsatsinis
Citations: 11
Year: 2006

Optimal asset allocation in radial basis functions networks and hybrid neuro-genetic RBFNs to TLRNs MLPs and bayesian logistic regression
Authors: N Loukeris, E Livanis, I Eleftheriadis
Citations: 10
Year: 2014

A novel approach on hybrid Support Vector Machines into optimal portfolio selection
Authors: N Loukeris, I Eleftheriadis, E Livanis
Citations: 10
Year: 2013

Default prediction and Bankruptcy hazard analysis into recurrent neuro-genetic hybrid networks to AdaBoost M1 regression and logistic regression models in finance
Authors: L Nikolaos, E Iordanis
Citations: 10
Year: 2010

Portfolio selection in hybrid Radial Basis Functions
Authors: N Loukeris, I Eleftheriadis, E Livanis
Citations: 9
Year: 2014

Optimal Portfolio selection under a new perspective of the Three Factor Model
Authors: N Loukeris, X Wang, I Eleftheriadis
Citations: 8
Year: 2010