Dr. Zhaoping Wu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award |

Dr. Zhaoping Wu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award |

Hangzhou City University, China

Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓📖

Dr. Zhaoping Wu’s academic journey began with a deep-seated interest in urban development and sustainability. Born in December 1994, he pursued higher education with a passion for understanding the complexities of urban ecosystems, inequality, and sustainability challenges. His early academic years were marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary research, blending environmental science, urban planning, and policy studies.

During his postgraduate studies, Dr. Wu honed his expertise in urban metabolism and sustainable production and consumption, focusing on the intricate relationships between human activities and natural ecosystems. His doctoral research provided valuable insights into the dynamics of urban ecosystem services, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable city development.

Professional Endeavors and Academic Contributions 🏛️📚

Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Dr. Wu has been instrumental in advancing research on urban sustainability. His work delves into urban inequality and ecosystem services, addressing crucial challenges faced by rapidly growing cities worldwide.

Dr. Wu collaborates with policymakers, urban planners, and researchers to develop data-driven strategies for sustainable urbanization. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he actively engages in public policy discussions, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and resilient urban planning.

His research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating insights from economics, environmental science, and social policy to develop sustainable frameworks for urban development. Through his numerous publications in high-impact journals, Dr. Wu has made significant contributions to the fields of urban metabolism and sustainable consumption patterns.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬📊

Dr. Wu’s research spans several critical areas, including:

  • Urban Sustainability: Exploring how cities can transition toward greener, more resilient infrastructures.
  • Urban Ecosystem Services: Investigating how natural systems within urban environments provide essential benefits to human populations.
  • Urban Inequality: Analyzing disparities in resource distribution, housing, and environmental justice.
  • Urban Metabolism: Understanding the flow of energy, materials, and resources through urban systems.
  • Sustainable Production and Consumption: Developing policies that promote responsible consumption and minimize environmental footprints.

His studies often employ quantitative modeling and spatial analysis techniques, providing empirical evidence to guide sustainable urban policy-making. By leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, Dr. Wu has contributed to a deeper understanding of how cities can balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆🎖️

Dr. Wu’s dedication to research has earned him multiple awards and recognitions in urban planning and sustainability studies. He has been invited to present his findings at prestigious international conferences, where his insights on urban ecosystem services and social equity have been widely appreciated.

Several of his research papers have been cited extensively, highlighting their relevance to contemporary urban challenges. His work has also influenced policy frameworks and sustainability guidelines, reinforcing his position as a thought leader in the field.

Impact and Influence on Urban Sustainability 🌱🏗️

Dr. Wu’s research has had a profound impact on both academia and practical urban planning. His findings have been utilized by government agencies, urban developers, and environmental organizations to craft policies that promote equitable and sustainable cities.

Through mentorship and collaborative projects, he has also shaped the next generation of sustainability researchers. His interdisciplinary approach has paved the way for new methodologies that integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions of urban planning.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀🌏

Looking ahead, Dr. Wu envisions a future where cities are not only economically prosperous but also environmentally and socially inclusive. His upcoming research aims to develop AI-driven models for predicting urban sustainability trends, leveraging big data and machine learning to enhance urban resilience planning.

He is also working on initiatives that focus on climate adaptation strategies for urban environments, ensuring that cities remain livable in the face of climate change. By fostering cross-sector collaborations and engaging in policy dialogues, Dr. Wu continues to push the boundaries of urban sustainability research.

His legacy lies in his ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing actionable insights that shape the future of urban landscapes. As an advocate for sustainable urban transformation, Dr. Wu remains committed to driving meaningful change in how cities evolve and adapt to global challenges.

📝Notable Publications

 Improving the sustainability of milk production across different climate regions in China

Authors: Z. Wu, Zhaoping; Y. Du, Yuanyuan; G. Yang, Guofu; Y. Ge, Ying; J. Chang, Jie
Journal: Sustainable Production and Consumption
Year: 2024

Ms. Minxian Sun | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Minxian Sun | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Germany

Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Cornelia Storz embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in both economics and Japanese studies. She earned her Master of Arts in Business Administration and Japanese Studies from the University of Bonn in 1992, demonstrating an early interdisciplinary approach that would define her career. Her passion for understanding economic structures led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, which she completed in 1996. During this period, she deepened her engagement with Japanese economic systems through multiple research opportunities in Japan, including at the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). These formative years shaped her expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within the context of Japan and East Asia.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Following her doctoral studies, Storz quickly ascended the academic ranks. She began her teaching career as a Lecturer at the University for Applied Sciences, Bremen, in 1996. By 1997, she had secured a tenured professorship in Japanese Economy and Society at the same institution. Her deep knowledge of Japan’s business and economic structures made her a sought-after scholar, leading her to Philipps University, Marburg, in 2001, where she chaired the Japanese Economy department. Finally, in 2007, she joined Goethe University Frankfurt as a Professor and Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a focus on Japan and East Asia. Over the years, she has held numerous visiting research positions at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Stanford University, Hitotsubashi University, and the University of Tokyo, solidifying her status as a leading expert in her field.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Storz’s research sits at the intersection of digital innovation, high-tech entrepreneurship, and institutional change. Her work explores how innovation ecosystems evolve, how firms collaborate within networks, and how institutional frameworks shape entrepreneurship, particularly in East Asia. She has extensively examined the role of established firms and their ability to innovate within structured institutional environments. Additionally, she has investigated the significance of university-industry linkages in emerging economies, particularly in China. Her interdisciplinary approach incorporates insights from economics, management, and institutional theory, making her research highly influential in both academic and policy-making circles.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her career, Storz has been the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants, and awards. Her most recent research projects include a 2024–2026 grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for her work on the “Visual Turn in Management Research” and a 2021–2024 collaborative project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), examining European firms’ cooperation with Chinese universities. These prestigious grants underscore her continued contributions to the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. Her ability to secure competitive funding highlights her research’s impact and relevance in contemporary economic and business studies.

Impact and Influence 📈

Storz’s influence extends far beyond academia. Her research has played a crucial role in shaping policy discussions on innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly regarding East Asia. By bridging theoretical frameworks with empirical research, she has provided valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and fellow scholars. Her collaborations with leading institutions and researchers worldwide have fostered cross-cultural academic dialogue and influenced the broader discourse on innovation systems and economic development. Moreover, her mentorship of students and young researchers has contributed to the next generation of scholars in entrepreneurship and innovation studies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌐

Looking ahead, Storz’s legacy is poised to continue growing. With her ongoing projects exploring new dimensions of institutional change, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial networks, she remains at the forefront of research in her field. Her ability to adapt to evolving economic landscapes and integrate emerging technologies into her studies ensures that her work remains relevant and impactful. As digital transformation accelerates globally, her insights into how institutions and firms navigate these changes will continue to be invaluable. Through her dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering international collaboration, Cornelia Storz’s contributions will leave a lasting imprint on the study of innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan, East Asia, and beyond.

 

📝Notable Publications

Digital creatives and digital engineers: entrepreneurial firms, institutional context, and the organization of innovation

Authors: Miozzo, M., Storz, C., Casper, S.

Journal: Socio-Economic Review

Year: 2024

The emergence of an entrepreneurial ecosystem: the interplay between early entrepreneurial activity and public policy in the Korean online gaming industry

Authors: Casper, S., Miozzo, M., Storz, C.

Journal: Industry and Innovation

Year: 2024

Why do some entrepreneurs thrive? A network content perspective

Authors: Zou, N., Storz, C.

Journal: Journal of Business Research

Year: 2023

University satellite institutes as exogenous facilitators of technology transfer ecosystem development

Authors: Conlé, M., Kroll, H., Storz, C., ten Brink, T.

Journal: Journal of Technology Transfer

Year: 2023

Innovation in emerging economies: How do university-industry linkages and public procurement matter for small businesses?

Authors: Storz, C., ten Brink, T., Zou, N.

Journal: Asia Pacific Journal of Management

Year: 2022

Ms. Kassandra Zachos | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Kassandra Zachos | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

University of Toronto, Canada 

🔗 Profile

Google Scholar 

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Kassandra Alexis Zachos embarked on her academic journey at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences and Fundamental Genetics. This foundational education provided her with a robust understanding of the intricate relationships between genetics, nutrition, and health. Motivated by her undergraduate studies, Kassandra pursued a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the same institution, guided by Dr. Ana Andreazza. Her transition from genetics and nutritional sciences to pharmacology was driven by a keen interest in understanding the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying chronic diseases. This shift marked the beginning of her focused exploration into mitochondrial dysfunction and its implications for mood disorders and metabolic diseases.

Professional Endeavors 🏥

Kassandra’s professional career reflects a blend of academic rigor and practical application. During her time as a Ph.D. candidate, she has been deeply involved in cutting-edge research related to mitochondrial biomarkers and their role in mood disorders and metabolic diseases. Her work includes significant contributions to the development of novel therapeutics and dietary interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes. Beyond her academic research, Kassandra has also applied her expertise in a broader context, including her role as Vice President of Thomas & Co., an elevated leisure apparel company dedicated to sustainable fashion. This role underscores her commitment to making a positive impact both in and out of the academic sphere.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Kassandra’s research is centered on the intersection of mitochondrial dysfunction, mood disorders, and metabolic diseases. She investigates how mitochondrial biomarkers can be used to enhance the understanding of chronic diseases and develop personalized therapeutic approaches. Her research has led to the completion of several significant projects, including the optimization of mitochondrial isolation techniques and the exploration of mitochondrial genetics in bipolar disorder. Her ongoing work aims to evaluate the role of dietary interventions in managing mitochondrial dysfunction and associated diseases. Through her innovative use of cell-based technologies and biomarker analysis, Kassandra is making strides in the field of nutritional psychiatry and personalized medicine.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Kassandra’s exceptional contributions to her field have been recognized through numerous awards and scholarships. Her achievements include the School of Graduate Studies Conference Grant (2023), the MITO2i Graduate Student Scholarship (2022), and multiple fellowships from the University of Toronto. These accolades not only reflect her academic excellence but also highlight her role as a leader in mitochondrial research. Her publications in prominent journals such as Psychiatry Research and Stem Cell Research & Therapy further underscore her impact on the scientific community.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Kassandra’s work has had a profound impact on the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction and its relation to chronic diseases. By identifying and validating mitochondrial biomarkers, she is contributing to the development of more effective and personalized treatments for mood disorders and metabolic diseases. Her research on the implications of diet and mitochondrial function is paving the way for innovative approaches in nutritional psychiatry. Kassandra’s presentations at international conferences and her involvement in professional collaborations demonstrate her influence in advancing mitochondrial research and improving patient care.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking ahead, Kassandra’s future contributions promise to build on her current research focus. Her dedication to uncovering the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction and developing personalized therapeutics will likely lead to further breakthroughs in the field. Her role as a leader in both academic and professional settings suggests that she will continue to shape the future of mitochondrial research and its applications in chronic disease management. Kassandra’s ongoing efforts in both her academic pursuits and professional endeavors are expected to leave a lasting legacy in the realms of pharmacology, nutrition, and sustainable fashion.

📚 Publications

Lactate in bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

  • Author: Heidi Kuang, Angela Duong, Hyunjin Jeong, Kassandra Zachos, Ana C Andreazza
  • Source:  Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
  • Year: 2018

Lactate in bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

  • Author: Optimization of differential filtration-based mitochondrial isolation for mitochondrial transplant to cerebral organoids
  • Source: David F Bodenstein, Pavel Powlowski, Kassandra A Zachos, Dana El Soufi El Sabbagh, Hyunjin Jeong, Liliana Attisano, Landon Edgar, Douglas C Wallace, Ana Cristina Andreazza
  • Year: 2023

Lactate in bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Author: H Kuang, A Duong, H Jeong, K Zachos, AC Andreazza
  • Source: BIPOLAR DISORDERS Cristina Andreazza
  • Year: 2019