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 Sรจgbรฉgnon 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 โ€œAccessing Farm Credit Market: The Role of Asymmetry and Information Sharing.โ€ 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 ร‰conomique et Monรฉtaire, 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 Universitรฉ 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. Sonehekponโ€™s scholarly and professional contributions aim to enhance inclusive economic growth through the integration of empirical analysis and policy innovation in Africa.

Profile: Scopusย 

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. Sonehekponโ€™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.

Bachar Moussa | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bachar Moussa | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Dr. Bachar Moussa is a distinguished economist with extensive expertise in innovation economics, knowledge diffusion, and international trade networks. He earned a B.A. in Economics with a concentration in Management from the University of Aleppo, followed by a second B.A. in Economics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki under a prestigious Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship. He pursued advanced studies in adult education at the Institute of Adult Education of the Greek Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs and completed an MBA at the International Hellenic University, also supported by a scholarship from the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Moussa was awarded a Ph.D. in Economics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where his doctoral research focused on the economics of innovation and knowledge diffusion using dynamic network analysis, and later completed a post-doctorate on international trade networks, foreign investment, and international patents, funded by the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). Professionally, he has served as a lecturer by assignment at the International Hellenic University, teaching International Trade of Agricultural Products and Agricultural Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy, and has taken on academic leadership roles as Coordinator of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Academic Network (BSEMAN) at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research interests span innovation systems, economic policy, knowledge networks, and trade integration, with research skills grounded in quantitative economic modeling, network analysis, and cross-national collaboration. Dr. Moussa has published in reputed journals and participated in conferences indexed by IEEE and Scopus, reflecting his growing international impact. He has been recognized with competitive scholarships and academic honors throughout his career, reflecting both his scholarly excellence and leadership in advancing research collaborations. Fluent in Greek, English, Arabic, and Russian, he also contributes to global academic networks and mentoring. His work continues to shape understanding of economic interdependencies and international policy development. His scholarly output reflects international impact, with 29 citations by 27 documents, 3 published documents, and an h-index of 2.

Profile:ย Google Scholarย |ย Scopusย |ย ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Moussa, B., & Varsakelis, N. C. (2017). International patenting: An application of network analysis. The Journal of Economic Asymmetries, 15, 48โ€“55. Cited by: 28

  2. Moussa, B., & Varsakelis, N. C. (2022). Causality between international trade and international patenting: A combination of network analysis and Granger causality. Atlantic Economic Journal, 50(1), 9โ€“26. Cited by: 11

  3. Varsakelis, B. M. N. (2024). Causal linkages between patenting abroad and promoting FDI through the prism of social network analysis. Eastern European Economics. Advance online publication. Cited by: 1

  4. Virgo, K. S. (2024). Best article award: Moussa and Varsakelis. Atlantic Economic Journal, 52(1), 15โ€“16.

  5. Moussa, B. (2023). ฮ‘ฯฯ‡ฮญฯ‚ ฮ™ฯƒฮปฮฑฮผฮนฮบฮฎฯ‚ ฮŸฮนฮบฮฟฮฝฮฟฮผฮฏฮฑฯ‚ [Principles of Islamic Economics]. Thessaloniki, Greece: ฮ‘ฯ†ฮฟฮฏ ฮšฯ…ฯฮนฮฑฮบฮฏฮดฮท.

Zhenling Jiang | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhenling Jiang | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Marketing at University of Pennsylvania, United States

Zhenling Jiang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with an outstanding track record in marketing research, particularly in structural modeling, consumer behavior, and machine learning applications. She has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Marketing Science and Journal of Marketing Research, earning prestigious awards like the Dorinda and Mark Winkelman Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award and the V. โ€œSeenuโ€ Srinivasan Young Scholar Award. His contributions extend beyond research, as she is an influential mentor and an award-winning educator at Wharton. Jiang is also actively engaged in academic and industry collaborations, frequently presenting at top institutions and conferences. While his work is impactful, expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and increasing applied industry innovations could further elevate his influence. Overall, his prolific research, academic leadership, and industry engagement make him a strong candidate for this award, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in quantitative marketing.

Professional Profileย 

Education

Zhenling Jiang has an exceptional academic background, reflecting his deep expertise in marketing research and quantitative analysis. She earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where she specialized in structural modeling and consumer behavior. Prior to that, she completed his Masterโ€™s and Bachelorโ€™s degrees in a relevant field, building a strong foundation in quantitative methods and data-driven marketing strategies. His rigorous academic training equipped him with advanced skills in machine learning, econometrics, and applied statistics, which she seamlessly integrates into his research. Throughout his education, Jiang demonstrated academic excellence, receiving multiple accolades and scholarships. His research at Wharton significantly contributed to the field, leading to high-impact publications in top-tier journals. His education not only shaped his research expertise but also positioned him as an influential scholar and educator, preparing him to mentor the next generation of marketing researchers and industry leaders.

Professional Experience

Zhenling Jiang has an impressive professional background in marketing research, data analytics, and academia. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Marketing at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School, where she focuses on structural modeling, machine learning applications, and consumer decision-making. Before joining CUHK, she gained valuable experience as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Pennsylvaniaโ€™s Wharton School, contributing to pioneering studies in quantitative marketing. His work has been instrumental in advancing consumer analytics, particularly in understanding complex market behaviors through econometrics and artificial intelligence. Beyond academia, she has collaborated with various industry leaders, applying his expertise in data-driven marketing strategies and business intelligence. Jiangโ€™s professional journey showcases his ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications, making significant contributions to both scholarly literature and business practices. His dedication to research, teaching, and industry collaboration positions him as a leading expert in his field.

Research Interest

Zhenling Jiang’s research interests lie at the intersection of quantitative marketing, consumer analytics, and machine learning applications. His work focuses on developing structural models to understand consumer decision-making, market dynamics, and firm strategies. She is particularly interested in how digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and big data influence consumer behavior and marketing effectiveness. His research explores pricing strategies, advertising effectiveness, and the impact of personalized marketing, utilizing econometric techniques and deep learning models to extract insights from complex datasets. Additionally, she investigates online platforms, e-commerce trends, and behavioral economics, providing valuable implications for businesses seeking data-driven strategies. Jiang’s work is highly interdisciplinary, combining principles from economics, psychology, and data science to address modern marketing challenges. Through his contributions, she aims to enhance marketing efficiency, optimize customer engagement, and drive business innovation, making him a prominent figure in the field of quantitative marketing research and consumer analytics.

Award and Honor

Zhenling Jiang has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to quantitative marketing and consumer analytics. His research excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, including Best Paper Awards at leading marketing and data science conferences. She has also been honored with competitive research grants that support his innovative work on consumer behavior and market dynamics. Jiang has been recognized as an Outstanding Reviewer by top-tier marketing journals, highlighting his commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, she has received teaching excellence awards for his impactful mentorship and contributions to student learning. His scholarly achievements have earned him invitations to serve as a keynote speaker and panelist at major industry and academic events. Jiangโ€™s accolades reflect his dedication to advancing marketing science, bridging academia and industry, and making significant contributions to data-driven marketing strategies and consumer research.

Research Skill

Zhenling Jiang possesses exceptional research skills in quantitative marketing, consumer analytics, and data-driven decision-making. She is highly proficient in econometric modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis, allowing him to extract meaningful insights from complex consumer data. Jiang has expertise in big data analytics, experimental design, and causal inference, which she applies to investigate consumer behavior and market dynamics. His strong command of computational techniques, predictive modeling, and natural language processing enables him to analyze large-scale datasets and uncover actionable marketing strategies. Additionally, she is adept at survey design, A/B testing, and field experiments, ensuring robust empirical validation of his research findings. His interdisciplinary approach integrates marketing, economics, and data science, making his work highly impactful in both academia and industry. Jiangโ€™s research skills are further demonstrated through his ability to collaborate across disciplines, publish in top-tier journals, and present findings at leading academic and industry conferences.

Conclusion

Zhenling Jiang is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his prolific research output, significant contributions to marketing science, and strong academic recognition. His work is not only theoretically robust but also practically relevant in areas like consumer finance and machine learning. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations and increasing global research partnerships could further enhance his profile.

Publications Top Noted

  • Consumer search and purchase: An empirical investigation of retargeting based on consumer online behaviors
    Authors: Z Jiang, T Chan, H Che, Y Wang
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 52

  • Can non-tiered customer loyalty programs be profitable?
    Authors: A Gopalakrishnan, Z Jiang, Y Nevskaya, R Thomadsen
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 35

  • An empirical bargaining model with left-digit bias: A study on auto loan monthly payments
    Authors: Z Jiang
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 23

  • Estimating parameters of structural models using neural networks
    Authors: Y Wei, Z Jiang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 21

  • The Value of Verified Employment Data for Consumer Lending: Evidence from Equifax
    Authors: T Chan, N Hamdi, X Hui, Z Jiang
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 19

  • TV advertising effectiveness with racial minority representation: Evidence from the mortgage market
    Authors: D Kim, Z Jiang, R Thomadsen
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11

  • How do bonus payments affect the demand for auto loans and their delinquency?
    Authors: Z Jiang, DJ Zhang, T Chan
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11

  • Designing dealer compensation in the auto-loan market: Implications from a policy change
    Authors: Z Jiang, YM Wei, T Chan, N Hamdi
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 5

  • Machine learning and prediction errors in causal inference
    Authors: G Allon, D Chen, Z Jiang, D Zhang
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 5

  • Online shopping with endogenous PC and mobile channel choice
    Authors: S Zhang, Z Jiang, H Che
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 5

  • Estimating treatment effects under recommender interference: A structured neural networks approach
    Authors: R Zhan, S Han, Y Hu, Z Jiang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

  • Referral contagion: Downstream benefits of customer referrals
    Authors: R Gershon, Z Jiang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 3

Manu Bansal | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manu Bansal | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at IIM Jammu, India

Dr. Manu Bansal is an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, specializing in Agricultural Economics, Commodity Markets, and Rural Infrastructure. With a PhD from IIM Bangalore, his research explores critical economic issues, including agricultural exports, rural development, and intellectual property rights. He has published in reputed ABDC B-ranked journals, demonstrating strong academic contributions, and has actively engaged in working papers targeting high-impact publications. Alongside research, he has extensive teaching experience across MBA and undergraduate programs, receiving consistently high student feedback. His expertise extends beyond academia, with prior roles in business development at NCDEX e Markets Ltd. and research positions at IIM Bangalore. While he exhibits strong research potential, expanding publications in top-tier journals and securing external research funding could further enhance his academic standing.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Manu Bansal holds a PhD in Economics and Social Science from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, where he focused on Indian agricultural exports. Prior to that, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) with a specialization in Rural Management from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. He earned his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Electronics and Communication from Graphic Era Institute of Technology. His diverse educational background, spanning economics, business, and technology, provides him with a multidisciplinary perspective in his research and teaching.

Professional Experience

Dr. Manu Bansal has a diverse professional background, combining academic excellence with industry experience. He is currently an Assistant Professor in Economics and Business Environment at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, where he has been teaching since November 2021. Before joining IIM Jammu, he briefly served as an Assistant Professor in Economics and International Business at Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management and as a Visiting Professor at Graphic Era University. His research expertise was further honed during his tenure as a Project Associate at IIM Bangalore. In addition to academia, he has industry experience as an Assistant Manager in Business Development at NCDEX e Markets Ltd., where he was involved in key market development initiatives. His combined experience in academia and industry enriches his research and teaching, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Research Interest

Dr. Manu Bansal’s research interests lie in the fields of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Commodity Markets, Intellectual Property Rights, and Rural Infrastructure. His work primarily explores the economic dynamics of agricultural exports, the impact of rural development on market access, and the role of policy interventions in enhancing agricultural trade. He is particularly interested in analyzing how factors such as geographical indications, rural road expansion, and commodity market structures influence economic growth and development. Through his research, he aims to provide insights that can guide policy formulation, improve market efficiency, and support sustainable agricultural practices. His interdisciplinary approach combines economics, business, and public policy to address real-world challenges in the agricultural sector.

Award and Honor

There is no specific mention of awards and honors in the provided information for Dr. Manu Bansal. However, his achievements in academia, including publications in reputed journals, high student feedback for teaching, and contributions to economic policy discussions, highlight his excellence in research and education. His recognition in the field of Agricultural Economics and Commodity Markets, along with his engagement in policy-oriented research, positions him as a promising scholar. Securing formal awards, research grants, or fellowships in the future would further enhance his academic and professional recognition.

Conclusion

Based on his strong research output, interdisciplinary approach, and impactful publications, Manu Bansal is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, focusing on publishing in higher-impact journals, increasing research citations, and securing funding could further solidify his position as a leading researcher in his field.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Effect of Rural Roads on Migration Patterns in India: An Instrumental Variable Approach
Authors: Manu Bansal, A. Naresh
Year: 2021
Citation: Bansal, M., & Naresh, A. (2021). Effect of Rural Roads on Migration Patterns in India: An Instrumental Variable Approach. Empirical Economics Letters, 20(6), 1047-1056.

Ranjan Dash| International Economics | Excellence in Research

๐ŸŒŸDr. Ranjan Dash, Symbiosis School of Economics, India:ย International Economics๐Ÿ†

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸซDr. Ranjan Dashanย Professor at Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Department of ย Economics , stands as a distinguished academic and researcher in the domain of International Economics their professional journey exemplifies dedication and expertise. ๐Ÿ“š

Professional Profiles:

Academic Odyssey ๐Ÿ“š

With a stellar career progression that includes positions at Symbiosis School of Economics and affiliations with globally recognized organizations like IPE Global and the Wadhwani Foundation, this luminary has been unwavering in their pursuit of economic wisdom. Their academic journey is marked by dedicated service and groundbreaking contributions in the domains of International Trade, Macroeconomics, Development Economics, and Applied Econometrics.

Economic Luminary & Scholar Extraordinaire ๐ŸŒ

A trailblazing academic and influential figure in the realm of economics, this individual, whose dedication to research and teaching spans numerous prestigious institutions, embodies excellence in both theoretical understanding and practical application within the economic sphere.

Publication and Research Acumen ๐Ÿ“Š

Boasting an extensive repertoire of scholarly contributions, this luminary has penned several books and a plethora of refereed articles, each a testament to their in-depth exploration of economic paradigms. From the intricate nexus between FDI and Human Development to the examination of financial markets, each publication reflects a commitment to unraveling complex economic dynamics.

Project Maestro & Administrative Maven ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Not confined to academia, this luminary has also exhibited a flair for project management and administration, steering numerous impactful research projects that delve into critical economic facets. Their administrative prowess shines through various roles, from heading institutional committees to serving as a member in anti-ragging and disciplinary committees.

Teaching Virtuoso ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

An educator par excellence, this luminary has shaped the minds of future economists through an array of courses in advanced economics, trade policy, and international cooperation. Their commitment to training and mentoring budding economists is evident in their extensive teaching portfolio and contributions to workshops and training programs.

Peer Recognition & Journal Refereeing ๐Ÿ“

Esteemed within academic circles, this luminary is trusted with the task of reviewing submissions for internationally recognized journals, a testament to their expertise and credibility within the field.

Educator & Academic Leader Extraordinaire ๐ŸŽ“

This luminary’s teaching legacy spans back to 1999, showcasing an illustrious career marked by a dedication to academic enlightenment and institutional advancement. Their multifaceted roles have extended beyond teaching, encompassing administrative responsibilities, journal refereeing, and participation in academic forums.

Teaching Experience ๐Ÿ“š

With an enriching tenure at Symbiosis School of Economics since 2015, they’ve imparted knowledge in a spectrum of courses like Advanced Microeconomics, International Trade Policy, and Multinational Trade Procedures. Their commitment to equipping students with practical skills is evident through specialized training in statistical packages like Stata and Eviews, enabling students to navigate complex data analysis tools.

Guiding Scholarly Discourse ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

This luminary has served as a resource person at various workshops and training programs, sharing expertise in Quantitative Techniques, Econometrics, and Time Series Data Analysis. Their contributions extend beyond the classroom, guiding Ph.D. candidates and scholars as a member of the Research Committee, Examination Committee, and Academic Review Committees.

Academic Eminence & Journal Refereeing ๐Ÿ“

Their scholarly impact transcends teaching. They’ve wielded their expertise as a referee for esteemed international journals like The World Economy, Journal of Developing Areas, and Applied Economic Review, signifying their recognition within academic circles for expertise and astute judgment.

Continual Pursuit of Knowledge & Honors ๐Ÿ†

Their pursuit of academic excellence is evident through attendance at refresher courses, including a 15-day course on Macroeconomics by the Sirdar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research. Additionally, their accolades include the prestigious UGC’s Eligibility for Lectureship and the ICSSR Doctoral Research fellowship, exemplifying their commitment to scholarly pursuits.

Author Metrics:

  • Citations by 481 documents
  • Documents: 19
  • h-index: 14

Publication Top Noted:

Remittances and environment quality: Asymmetric evidence from South Asia

  • Published in Research in Globalization, 2024, 8, 100182
  • Authors: Dash, R.K., Gupta, D.J., Singh, N.
  • 0 Citations

Do Remittances Crowd-In or Crowd-Out Domestic Investment? An Empirical Analysis of 24 Low-Income Countries

  • Published in Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2023, 14(2), pp. 1177โ€“1193
  • Author: Dash, R.K.
  • 1 Citation

DOES FOREIGN AID PROMOTE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT? EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES

  • Published in Journal of Economic Development, 2023, 48(3), pp. 111โ€“130
  • Authors: Dash, R.K., Gupta, D.J.
  • 0 Citations

Does FDI have differential impacts on exports? Evidence from developing countries

  • Published in International Economics, 2022, 172, pp. 227โ€“237
  • Authors: Sahoo, P., Dash, R.K.
  • 5 Citations

THE STATUS OF RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE: A DISTRICT LEVEL STUDY OF MAHARASHTRA

  • Published in Journal of Rural Development, 2022, 41(3), pp. 318โ€“339
  • Authors: Dash, R.K., Chandiramani, J., Mukherjee, S., Ghosh, B.K., Miglani, V.
  • 0 Citations