Assoc Prof Dr. Mohan Li | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Mohan Li | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Guangdong University of Finance and economics, China

Author profile

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Professional Endeavors 🧑‍🏫

Currently serving as a lecturer in Tourism Management at the School of Cultural Tourism and Geography, Guangdong University of Finance & Economics, Mohan Li has taken on multifaceted responsibilities that extend far beyond classroom instruction. He plays a key role in delivering comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate modules that span tourism marketing, tourist behavior, wine tasting, visual culture in tourism, and research methods. His teaching is marked by a clear commitment to academic excellence and pedagogical innovation.

Mohan is also deeply engaged in student support outside the classroom. He supervises academic projects and guides students through professional placements, national tourism competitions, and other experiential learning activities. His mentoring has inspired numerous students to pursue tourism studies more passionately, helping them bridge the gap between theory and industry practice. His vibrant teaching style and approachable demeanor have earned him a reputation as a respected and supportive educator among students and colleagues alike.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

At the heart of Mohan Li’s academic identity lies a strong commitment to research. His areas of inquiry are diverse yet interconnected, encompassing mobilities, tourism marketing, tourist behavior, material culture, and the aesthetics and politics of tourism visuality. His scholarly work examines how tourists perceive and interact with destinations, how visual and material cues affect tourist decisions, and how tourism marketing shapes both place identity and tourist expectations.

Mohan’s current research investigates the nuanced interplay between material culture and tourist experience, especially within the context of visual representation and digital media. By delving into how destinations are constructed, consumed, and remembered visually, he contributes to the evolving discourse on the image-based consumption of places in the age of Instagram and TikTok. This focus is timely and essential, given the increasing role that visuals play in global tourism narratives.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

While Mohan remains modest in demeanor, his efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has gained respect within the academic community for his contributions to innovative teaching and his forward-looking research. His involvement in national tourism student competitions as a mentor has led to student recognition at various levels. His dedication to curriculum development and student-centered teaching has also contributed significantly to the academic reputation of his faculty.

Though early in his academic career, Mohan has been praised for his interdisciplinary research perspectives and for introducing contemporary themes into tourism education, such as visual storytelling, digital tourism marketing, and the emotional geography of travel experiences.

Impact and Influence 🌏

Mohan Li’s influence is felt not only within the university but also in the broader field of tourism studies in China. His teaching has shaped the perspectives of future tourism professionals, marketers, and researchers. By equipping students with critical analytical tools and encouraging them to explore both traditional and modern dimensions of tourism, he plays a pivotal role in shaping tourism education in Guangdong and beyond.

In addition, his research is beginning to resonate with wider academic audiences, especially those interested in cultural geography, visual studies, and consumer behavior. Mohan’s focus on the aesthetics and affective dimensions of travel experiences reflects a progressive and culturally informed approach to tourism studies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, Mohan Li is poised to make further contributions to tourism academia and practice. His ongoing projects are set to expand current understandings of how visual representation and materiality intersect with tourist behavior. He is likely to play an important role in bridging the gap between academic research and the operational realities of tourism marketing, offering insights that are both theoretically grounded and practically applicable.

Moreover, Mohan’s collaborative spirit and interdisciplinary vision position him well for future leadership in research networks, curriculum reform, and tourism consultancy. His legacy will not only be in his publications or accolades, but also in the students he inspires, the colleagues he uplifts, and the industry practices he helps to innovate.

Notable publications 

Understanding the airborne experiences of passengers with depression in long-haul air travels

Author: Mohan Li
Journal: Tourism Management
Year: 2025

 Power and the visual consumption of tourist place in the digital age

Author: Mohan Li
Book: Handbook of Tourism and Consumer Behavior
Year: 2024

The role of air in the sustainable development of urban destinations

Author: Mohan Li
Book: Handbook on Sustainable Urban Tourism
Year: 2024

Chineseness and behavioural complexity: rethinking Chinese tourist gaze studies

Author: Mohan Li
Journal: Tourism Review
Year: 2022

Towards an understanding of Chinese tourist photography: evidence from the UK

Author: Mohan Li
Book: Current Issues in Asian Tourism: Volume II
Year: 2021

Prof Dr. Guangming Yuan | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Guangming Yuan | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Central South University of Forestry and Technology, China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Professor Guangming Yuan’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in engineering, which he pursued at Nanjing Forestry University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Wood-Based Panel in 1983. His dedication to deepening his understanding of materials science led him to continue his education at Central South University of Forestry and Technology, where he earned a Doctor of Engineering degree in 2008. His research in wood science and technology laid the groundwork for a successful career dedicated to innovative material science applications, especially focusing on wood and wood-based composites. This period of education and early training nurtured his passion for research, helping him to develop expertise that he later applied to solving pressing industrial challenges.

Professional Endeavors and Career Development 📚

After completing his doctoral studies, Professor Yuan embarked on a professional career at the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology. He initially worked as a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer at Hunan Forestry School from 1989 to 1999, before moving on to the role of Associate Professor at his current institution in 2000. Over the years, Professor Yuan’s career flourished, culminating in his appointment as a Professor in 2011. His professional journey reflects his unwavering dedication to his field, not only in academia but also in his involvement with industry-oriented research projects aimed at improving the performance of materials like wood and composites. Throughout his tenure, he has played a vital role in fostering collaboration and facilitating knowledge transfer between academia and industry.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Professor Yuan has always been at the forefront of innovations in material science, particularly focusing on wood functional improvement, biomass energy, and materials. His research centers around the application of biomimetic mineralization techniques to enhance the properties of wood and related materials. This research focuses on the development of green composites, fire-resistant materials, and biodegradable products. His groundbreaking work on organo-inorganic hybrid structures, aimed at improving the mechanical and fire-resistant properties of wood through biomineralization, has resulted in notable innovations. Yuan’s contributions to the field have led to multiple patents in areas such as flame-retardant coatings and sol-gel fireproof films, marking a significant impact on both scientific research and practical applications in industries reliant on wood and fiber-based materials.

In addition to these innovative areas, Professor Yuan has led numerous research projects that bridge the gap between materials science and environmental sustainability. His contributions have resulted in several high-impact publications in well-regarded journals, where his work continues to shape the direction of future research in his field.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Professor Yuan’s work has been widely recognized by both his peers and the broader scientific community. His research has earned a notable citation index of 684, underscoring the widespread influence of his work in the scientific literature. Yuan’s contributions have also led to his involvement in various high-profile patents, many of which have direct applications in the manufacturing of advanced composite materials, flame-resistant coatings, and bio-based products. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from construction to energy.

His recognition extends beyond publications and patents to his role as a mentor. Yuan has guided numerous graduate students and researchers, helping them develop critical thinking skills and deep expertise in the field of material science. His dedication to nurturing young scholars has made him an invaluable asset to both his institution and the broader academic community.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Professor Yuan’s research has had a profound impact on the scientific community, not only in the field of wood science and technology but also in the development of sustainable materials. His work has contributed to improving the performance of wood-based products, making them more versatile, durable, and environmentally friendly. Through his collaborations with industry partners, he has helped to translate his research findings into practical applications that benefit society.

The innovative nature of Yuan’s work has positioned him as a leader in the field of biomass materials and green composites. His contributions extend beyond technical achievements to his ability to inspire and empower future generations of scientists, researchers, and engineers. Yuan’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and sustainability continues to shape the future of materials science.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

As Professor Yuan looks to the future, his work continues to be guided by a strong commitment to advancing the field of materials science through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. His future contributions will likely focus on developing more environmentally friendly materials and enhancing the resilience of wood-based products through novel biomimetic techniques. Yuan’s ongoing research promises to address global challenges such as climate change, resource conservation, and the development of sustainable building materials.

The legacy of his work is marked by both the innovations he has introduced and the generations of scholars he has mentored. As a committed educator and researcher, Professor Yuan has cultivated a lasting influence on his field, and his continued efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for even greater advancements in material science and sustainability.

His passion for pushing the boundaries of knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving environmental sustainability ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of research and innovation. Through his dedication, Yuan exemplifies how academic pursuit, innovation, and mentorship can create a lasting impact on both science and society.