CHENGZU DONG | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof . CHENGZU DONG | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Lingnan University , Hong Kong

Dr. Chengzu Dong is a highly accomplished early-career researcher specializing in cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, IoT, UAVs, and edge computing. Currently an Assistant Professor at Lingnan University, he has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers in prestigious Q1 journals and Core A/A* conferences, showcasing his strong research productivity and interdisciplinary expertise. His collaborations with CSIRO and industry partners reflect a robust blend of academic rigor and applied impact. Dr. Dong has received multiple accolades, including best paper awards, hackathon honors, and scholarships, highlighting his innovation and leadership potential. In addition to research, he has made significant contributions to teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development across several international institutions. While he could further enhance his profile through principal investigator roles and broader international visibility, his achievements and contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in emerging areas of intelligent systems, secure computing, and next-generation network technologies.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Chengzu Dong has a strong and diverse educational background in computer science and information technology. He earned his Ph.D. from Deakin University, Australia, specializing in blockchain, AI, UAVs, edge computing, IoT, Web3, and the Metaverse. During his Ph.D. studies (2021–2024), he conducted extensive research in next-generation technologies, contributing significantly to academic and applied fields. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) at Swinburne University of Technology in 2020, where he deepened his expertise in software development and systems engineering. He also holds a Bachelor of Information Technology from Deakin University (2016–2019), which laid the foundation for his interests in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. His education reflects a consistent focus on interdisciplinary innovation and a strong grounding in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Dr. Dong’s academic journey across top Australian universities has prepared him well for a career in high-impact, technology-driven research and teaching.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Chengzu Dong brings a rich and diverse professional background in academia, research, and industry. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Lingnan University, Hong Kong, where he teaches and develops courses in blockchain, data mining, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Prior to this, he held multiple academic roles at Deakin University, including seminar lecturer, academic tutor, course developer, and capstone mentor, contributing significantly to curriculum innovation and student mentorship. His research experience includes collaborations with CSIRO, Australia’s leading scientific agency, where he worked on blockchain and AI projects. He also held positions as a research assistant at Swinburne University and Deakin University, and worked in software development roles at Artchain Global, Creative Geelong, and FPT Software. These roles highlight his strong technical skills and ability to bridge academia and industry. Dr. Dong’s professional journey reflects a well-rounded portfolio of teaching, research, and applied innovation in emerging technologies.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Chengzu Dong’s research interests lie at the intersection of emerging technologies and intelligent systems, with a strong focus on cybersecurity, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), edge computing, Web3, and the Metaverse. His work aims to address critical challenges in data privacy, secure communication, and decentralized systems through the integration of blockchain and federated learning frameworks. He is particularly passionate about developing secure and efficient architectures for UAV delivery systems and smart edge networks, making his research highly relevant to real-world applications. Dr. Dong’s interdisciplinary approach combines theoretical advancements with practical implementations, as demonstrated by his collaborations with CSIRO and numerous industry partners. His contributions not only advance academic knowledge but also provide innovative solutions to pressing technological issues in digital security and autonomous systems. This diverse and forward-looking research portfolio positions him as a thought leader in next-generation computing and intelligent infrastructure.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Chengzu Dong has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence, research impact, and innovative contributions to emerging technologies. He was the recipient of the prestigious Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship and a CSIRO Top-up Scholarship, supporting his advanced research in blockchain and AI. His work has earned best paper awards at international conferences such as IEEE IAS GLOBCONHT 2023, and he has achieved first runner-up prizes in blockchain hackathons in both Thailand and Australia. Dr. Dong is a certified member of the Australian Computer Society and holds various professional certifications, including Cisco CCNET and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. His academic excellence was further recognized with the Golden Key Top 15% Student Award. He has also received recognition as a journal and conference reviewer, including a free ACM membership. These accolades collectively highlight his leadership, innovation, and dedication to research excellence and professional development.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Chengzu Dong possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span theoretical development, applied experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is highly proficient in blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, federated learning, and cybersecurity frameworks, with a particular focus on secure systems for UAVs and edge computing environments. Dr. Dong demonstrates strong technical expertise in programming languages such as Python, Node.js, and React, along with experience in data analytics, machine learning model development, and system architecture design. His ability to design privacy-preserving frameworks and implement decentralized solutions reflects his strength in combining research theory with practical outcomes. Additionally, his experience working with organizations like CSIRO showcases his capability to collaborate on large-scale, real-world projects. Dr. Dong is also skilled in academic writing and publishing, with over 30 high-quality publications in top-tier journals and conferences. His strong analytical mindset, problem-solving ability, and innovation make him a highly capable and impactful researcher in advanced computing domains.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Chengzu Dong exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and academic, making him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive contributions to cutting-edge areas such as blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, and UAV systems reflect both depth and breadth in research expertise. With over 30 high-impact publications, multiple international awards, and active collaborations with renowned institutions like CSIRO, Dr. Dong has demonstrated consistent research excellence and innovation. His ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions for real-world challenges, especially in emerging technologies, underscores his relevance and leadership in the field. Additionally, his dedication to teaching and mentoring at multiple universities enhances his influence in shaping future researchers and professionals. Dr. Dong’s interdisciplinary skills, academic achievements, and forward-thinking research agenda not only position him as a leader in his domain but also affirm his deserving candidacy for this prestigious recognition.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: BBM: A Blockchain-Based Model for Open Banking via Self-Sovereign Identity
    Authors: C. Dong, Z. Wang, S. Chen, Y. Xiang
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 32

  • Title: A Novel Security Framework for Edge Computing Based UAV Delivery System
    Authors: A. Yao, F. Jiang, X. Li, C. Dong, Y.X. Jia, X.L. Gang Li
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 28

  • Title: Enhancing Quality of Service Through Federated Learning in Edge-Cloud Architecture
    Authors: J. Zhou, S. Pal, C. Dong, K. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 22

  • Title: A Blockchain-Aided Self-Sovereign Identity Framework for Edge-Based UAV Delivery System
    Authors: C. Dong, F. Jiang, X. Li, A. Yao, G. Li, X. Liu
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 20

  • Title: Optimizing Performance in Federated Person Re-Identification Through Benchmark Evaluation for Blockchain-Integrated Smart UAV Delivery Systems
    Authors: C. Dong, J. Zhou, Q. An, F. Jiang, S. Chen, L. Pan, X. Liu
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Continuous Authentication for UAV Delivery Systems Under Zero-Trust Security Framework
    Authors: C. Dong, F. Jiang, S. Chen, X. Liu
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 15

  • Title: A Privacy-Preserving Location Data Collection Framework for Intelligent Systems in Edge Computing
    Authors: A. Yao, S. Pal, X. Li, Z. Zhang, C. Dong, F. Jiang, X. Liu
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 11

  • Title: A Framework for User Biometric Privacy Protection in UAV Delivery Systems with Edge Computing
    Authors: A. Yao, S. Pal, C. Dong, X. Li, X. Liu
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 11

Rachid Elazouzi | Networking | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi | Networking | Best Research Article Award

Professor at Avignon University, France

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi, a tenured full professor at Avignon University, is a distinguished researcher with extensive contributions in federated learning, reinforcement learning, networking games, and complex systems. His prolific academic output includes over 200 publications, 8 books, and 2 patents, supported by an H-index of 34 and over 4600 citations. He has received multiple international best paper awards and led numerous national and international research projects in collaboration with leading industry players like Orange Labs and Huawei. His editorial roles in top-tier journals and leadership in organizing global conferences further underscore his academic influence and visibility. With visiting scholar roles at renowned institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and UC Berkeley, Prof. Elazouzi exemplifies global research excellence. His work bridges theoretical innovation and practical application, making him a strong contender for the Best Research Article Award, provided the submitted article reflects the same high standards evident throughout his distinguished career.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi has cultivated a strong academic foundation in computer science and engineering, which underpins his successful research career. He earned his doctoral degree in computer science, followed by post-doctoral research at the prestigious INRIA Sophia Antipolis, France—one of Europe’s leading research institutes in digital science and technology. His academic journey reflects a commitment to both depth and breadth in advanced computing disciplines. Throughout his education, he has specialized in areas such as performance evaluation, networking, and complex systems, which later evolved into cutting-edge domains like federated learning and artificial intelligence. His continuous academic growth is also marked by international exposure, including scholarly visits to the University of California at Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon University, where he engaged with world-renowned researchers. Prof. Elazouzi’s educational background has not only equipped him with robust technical expertise but also laid the groundwork for a globally recognized research career in computer science.

Professional Experience📝

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi possesses over two decades of rich professional experience in academia and research, demonstrating leadership and innovation across various domains of computer science. He currently serves as a full professor at Avignon University, France, and has previously held a tenured associate professorship at the same institution. From 2016 to 2023, he directed the Federation Research FR 3621 Agorantic, overseeing nine laboratories, showcasing his strategic and managerial capabilities. His professional journey includes prestigious international engagements, such as a Scholar Visitor at the University of California, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University, where he collaborated on advanced research in artificial intelligence and complex networks. Prof. Elazouzi has also led numerous national and international research projects in partnership with major industry players like Huawei and Nokia. His role as an editor and committee member for top-tier journals and conferences reflects his active involvement and influence in the global research community.

Research Interest🔎

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi’s research interests span a dynamic and interdisciplinary range of fields within computer science, reflecting his forward-thinking approach and adaptability to emerging technologies. His primary focus lies in federated learning and reinforcement learning, where he explores decentralized machine learning systems and intelligent decision-making frameworks. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to networking games, wireless and computer networks, and the performance evaluation of complex systems. His work in cloud computing and big data further exemplifies his ability to integrate theoretical models with scalable, real-world applications. Prof. Elazouzi’s research is marked by a deep interest in the interplay between network efficiency, game theory, and optimization techniques, aiming to enhance the robustness and intelligence of digital infrastructures. His recent pivot toward large language models and cryptomonies underscores his commitment to staying at the cutting edge of AI innovation. This broad, impactful research portfolio highlights his role as a thought leader in computational science.

Award and Honor🏆

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi has been recognized globally for his exceptional contributions to computer science through numerous awards and honors. He has received multiple Best Paper Awards at prestigious international conferences, including NETYS (2015), Netgcoop (2016), IEEE Globecom (2007), and MSN in Beijing (2007), reflecting the high quality and impact of his research. In addition, he was awarded the Scientific Excellence Award by French national evaluation bodies in 2009, 2013, and 2017, each time earning an “A” ranking—one of the highest distinctions in academia. His reputation as a leading researcher is further cemented by his editorial roles in high-impact journals such as IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering and IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking. His work has not only advanced theoretical knowledge but has also influenced practical developments across industries. These accolades demonstrate Prof. Elazouzi’s sustained excellence, innovation, and leadership in the global research community.

Research Skill🔬

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi possesses a comprehensive and advanced set of research skills that span theoretical modeling, algorithm design, data analysis, and interdisciplinary innovation. He is highly proficient in developing and analyzing complex systems, with deep expertise in performance evaluation, network optimization, and game theory. His skill in applying these methods to areas such as wireless networks, cloud computing, and federated learning showcases his ability to bridge theory with real-world applications. Additionally, Prof. Elazouzi demonstrates strong capabilities in managing large-scale research initiatives, having coordinated over 20 national and international projects involving academic and industry collaboration. His experience supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers—many of whom have advanced to prominent academic positions—further reflects his mentorship and leadership skills. With a solid command of cutting-edge domains like reinforcement learning, big data, and artificial intelligence, Prof. Elazouzi exemplifies a modern researcher adept at both foundational and application-driven innovation in computer science.

Conclusion💡

Prof. Rachid Elazouzi is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Research Article Award, given his prolific publication record, global research engagement, and multiple best paper recognitions. If the article in question reflects the same level of innovation, clarity, and contribution as his past award-winning works, he would be a top-tier candidate for the award.

Publications Top Noted✍️

  • Title: A survey on networking games in telecommunications
    Authors: E. Altman, T. Boulogne, R. El-Azouzi, T. Jiménez, L. Wynter
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 768

  • Title: Analytical model for connectivity in vehicular ad hoc networks
    Authors: S. Yousefi, E. Altman, R. El-Azouzi, M. Fathy
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 413

  • Title: Evolutionary games in wireless networks
    Authors: H. Tembine, E. Altman, R. El-Azouzi, Y. Hayel
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 231

  • Title: Slotted Aloha as a game with partial information
    Authors: E. Altman, R. El Azouzi, T. Jiménez
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 231

  • Title: Introducing hierarchy in energy games
    Authors: S. Lasaulce, Y. Hayel, R. El Azouzi, M. Debbah
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 130

  • Title: Mean field asymptotics of Markov decision evolutionary games and teams
    Authors: H. Tembine, J.Y. Le Boudec, R. El-Azouzi, E. Altman
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 108

  • Title: Telecommunications network equilibrium with price and quality-of-service characteristics
    Authors: R. El Azouzi, E. Altman, L. Wynter
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 98

  • Title: Constrained cost-coupled stochastic games with independent state processes
    Authors: E. Altman, K. Avrachenkov, N. Bonneau, M. Debbah, R. El-Azouzi, et al.
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 88

  • Title: Improving connectivity in vehicular ad hoc networks: An analytical study
    Authors: S. Yousefi, E. Altman, R. El-Azouzi, M. Fathy
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 84

  • Title: TCP optimization through FEC, ARQ, and transmission power tradeoffs
    Authors: D. Barman, I. Matta, E. Altman, R. El Azouzi
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 83

  • Title: Forever young: Aging control for hybrid networks
    Authors: E. Altman, R. El-Azouzi, D.S. Menasche, Y. Xu
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 82

  • Title: Evolutionary forwarding games in delay tolerant networks: Equilibria, mechanism design and stochastic approximation
    Authors: R. El-Azouzi, F. De Pellegrini, H.B.A. Sidi, V. Kamble
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 76

Siliang Ma | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Siliang Ma | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Algorithm Engineer at School of Computer Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, China

Dr. Siliang Ma, a Ph.D. candidate at South China University of Technology, is an accomplished researcher specializing in computer science with a focus on image processing and machine learning. With an excellent academic record, including a bachelor’s degree from South China Agricultural University (GPA: 3.99/5), Dr. Ma has made significant contributions to cutting-edge research. His works, published in esteemed journals such as Acta Automatica Sinica and Image and Vision Computing, address topics like calligraphy character recognition, multilingual scene text spotting, and efficient bounding box regression through novel loss functions like MPDIoU and FPDIoU. A skilled programmer proficient in Python, Java, and C#, he has developed robust image processing algorithms and software applications. Dr. Ma also contributes as a reviewer for leading conferences like ICRA and ICASSP, reflecting his commitment to advancing the research community. His innovative and impactful work positions him as a rising talent in computational science.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Siliang Ma has a strong educational background in computer science and engineering. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the South China University of Technology, where he has maintained an excellent GPA of 86.33/100. His doctoral research focuses on cutting-edge topics in image processing, machine learning, and computational algorithms, demonstrating both theoretical depth and practical relevance. Prior to this, Dr. Ma earned his bachelor’s degree from South China Agricultural University, graduating with a remarkable GPA of 3.99/5. His undergraduate studies in mathematics and informatics laid a solid foundation for his advanced research pursuits, equipping him with the analytical and technical skills essential for solving complex computational problems. Through rigorous academic training and dedication, Dr. Ma has excelled in his education, which is further reflected in his extensive publications in high-impact journals and his active engagement in academic conferences and peer reviews.

Professional Experience

Dr. Siliang Ma has gained valuable professional experience through diverse roles in research and industry, complementing his academic achievements. He interned as a Data Analyst at the China Construction Bank Guangdong Branch Technology Center, where he conducted financial data analysis using PostgreSQL, mastering database operations and complex linked table queries. As a Quality Engineer at the China Mobile Guangdong Branch Business Support Center, he developed a JavaWeb-based minimum feature set for user registration, login, and management, and implemented automated quality testing workflows using Jenkins. These roles allowed Dr. Ma to hone his skills in software development, data analysis, and quality assurance, showcasing his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications. Additionally, his expertise in programming and image processing has led to impactful contributions in academia, particularly in algorithm development. This blend of industrial and research experience positions Dr. Ma as a versatile professional in computer science and engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Siliang Ma’s research interests lie at the intersection of computer vision, machine learning, and image processing. He is particularly focused on developing innovative algorithms and techniques for efficient and accurate object detection, scene text recognition, and character recognition. His work explores advanced loss functions, such as MPDIoU and FPDIoU, to optimize bounding box regression for both traditional and rotated object detection. Additionally, Dr. Ma has a keen interest in multilingual scene text spotting, where he leverages character-level features and benchmarks to improve the accuracy of text recognition across diverse languages. His research extends to robust graph learning and hypergraph-enhanced self-supervised models for social recommendation systems, showcasing his ability to address complex, real-world challenges. Through his work, Dr. Ma aims to bridge theoretical advancements with practical applications, contributing to the broader fields of artificial intelligence, data analysis, and computational optimization.

Award and Honor

Dr. Siliang Ma has been recognized for his academic and research excellence through various accolades and contributions. As a Ph.D. candidate at South China University of Technology, his consistent high performance, reflected in his impressive GPA, underscores his dedication to academic rigor. Although specific awards or honors are not explicitly listed in his profile, his role as a reviewer for prestigious conferences such as ICRA and ICASSP highlights his esteemed position within the research community. Dr. Ma’s impactful publications in top-tier journals and conferences, including Acta Automatica Sinica and Image and Vision Computing, further demonstrate the high regard in which his work is held. His innovative contributions to image processing and machine learning have earned him recognition as a rising talent in his field. These achievements reflect Dr. Ma’s commitment to advancing computational science and his growing influence in academic and professional circles.

Conclusion

Siliang Ma is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his impressive academic record, significant publications, and technical expertise. His contributions to advanced image processing algorithms and innovative loss functions for object detection demonstrate technical ingenuity and research excellence. To further strengthen his profile, he could expand his research impact through interdisciplinary work, mentorship roles, and greater industry engagement.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: FPDIoU Loss: A loss function for efficient bounding box regression of rotated object detection
    Authors: Siliang Ma, Yong Xu
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Ma, S., & Xu, Y. (2024). FPDIoU Loss: A loss function for efficient bounding box regression of rotated object detection. Image and Vision Computing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imavis.2024.105381
  • Title: Rethinking Multilingual Scene Text Spotting: A Novel Benchmark and a Character-Level Feature Based Approach
    Authors: Siliang Ma, Yong Xu
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Ma, S., & Xu, Y. (2024). Rethinking Multilingual Scene Text Spotting: A Novel Benchmark and a Character-Level Feature Based Approach. American Journal of Computer Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcst.20240703.12