Mr. Jawad Mahroof | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jawad Mahroof | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan

Author Profile

Google Scholar 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Jawad Mahroof’s academic foundation is marked by a strong interdisciplinary orientation, rooted in business, accounting, and leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with Honors in Supply Chain Management, which provided him with essential insights into procurement, logistics, and strategic sourcing. He further pursued an M.Phil. in Leadership and Management Studies from the National Defense University, Islamabad. His thesis focused on Digital Transformation and Change Management, showcasing his keen interest in organizational development and emerging technologies. His consistent academic performance, evidenced by a CGPA of 3.55, reflects not only academic excellence but also a commitment to understanding contemporary challenges in management and leadership.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Jawad’s professional journey is as diverse as it is impactful. Starting his early career in the United Kingdom, he worked as an Accounts Assistant at Customs Clearance Services Centre, and later as an Accountant at KBM Accountants and Auditors. These roles provided him practical exposure to accounting systems like Sage Line 50 and QuickBooks, while also enhancing his analytical, financial, and regulatory compliance skills in a multicultural environment.

From 2008 to 2012, Jawad served as a Section Coordinator at Marks & Spencer, where he managed a team of 25 staff members, showcasing his leadership, team management, and customer service capabilities in a high-demand retail environment. Upon returning to Pakistan, he took on the role of Manager Finance at Road Rage, Islamabad (2016–2022), where he oversaw procurement, logistics, and financial operations—blending his financial acumen with operational oversight.

In his transition to academia, Jawad has contributed as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Health Sciences, Islamabad, and Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, where he currently teaches ICT, Public Procurement, and Entrepreneurship. His classes integrate modern digital tools and focus on applied learning, thus equipping students with real-world skills relevant to the public and private sectors.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Jawad Mahroof’s intellectual pursuits have centered around digital transformation, ICT in education, and public procurement systems. His research, including his M.Phil. thesis, delves into how organizations can adapt to digital disruption and foster change readiness. As a lecturer, he has been instrumental in integrating digital tools into curriculum delivery, particularly in the field of entrepreneurship—guiding students in developing viable, tech-driven business models. His teaching reflects a balance of theoretical frameworks and practical application, especially within the realm of e-governance, procurement reforms, and digital capacity building in the public sector.

He is also known for mentoring students on business development projects and encourages innovation-led thinking in the classroom. His dual exposure to industry and academia enhances his pedagogical strategies and ensures relevance in rapidly evolving sectors.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Jawad’s entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking mindset have been acknowledged in multiple national platforms. Notably:

🏅 LIFT Pakistan Entrepreneurial Challenge 2019: Presented a SMART Traffic Management idea, reflecting his tech-savvy approach to urban challenges.

🏅 Annual Business Plan Competition 2018: Recognized for his project on Digitalizing Local Brands, demonstrating his dedication to promoting indigenous enterprise through innovation.

🧠 Invited speaker in seminars such as “Trends in HRM”, contributing thought leadership in human resource dynamics and digital adaptation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Jawad’s influence extends beyond the classroom. His industry experience in finance, accounting, and retail operations, combined with his academic pursuits, allows him to mentor students and young professionals with practical insights and foresight. By promoting the adoption of ICT in education and business, he advocates for a digitally empowered workforce. His teaching approach encourages collaboration, creativity, and strategic thinking, contributing to capacity building in academic institutions.

Moreover, his leadership roles in operational teams, especially at Marks & Spencer and Road Rage, illustrate his ability to foster collaboration, align teams toward shared goals, and improve performance efficiency.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Jawad Mahroof is poised to become a significant contributor to Pakistan’s academic and public policy landscapes, particularly in digital governance, e-procurement, and entrepreneurial education. His blend of local and international experience, along with his academic rigor, positions him to spearhead initiatives focused on curriculum modernization, digital literacy, and policy integration for public sector innovation.

Looking forward, Jawad aims to pursue further research in blockchain in public procurement, AI-driven learning platforms, and digital competency frameworks for educators. His potential to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial practice ensures his growing relevance in both educational institutions and policy forums.

📝Notable Publications

Developing Digital Leadership Practices in Military: A Way Forward

Authors: J. Mahroof, R. Javaid
Journal: ISSRA Papers
Year: 2024
Volume/Issue: 16 (1)

Talent Management During Digital Transformation: Role of Transformational Leadership and Resistance to Change

Authors: J. Mahroof, D.A. Rafi
Journal: [Not specified — please confirm or insert journal name]
Year: 2024

Prof Jinn P. Chu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof Jinn P. Chu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

Author Profile

Orchid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits: The Spark of Scientific Excellence

Dr. Jinn P. Chu’s academic journey began with his doctoral studies at one of the world’s most prestigious engineering institutions — the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he pursued a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) from August 1988 to May 1992. This formative period laid the foundation for his lifelong fascination with materials, especially thin-film technologies and metallic glasses. During this time, he honed his expertise in materials behavior, surface modification, and nanostructure fabrication, setting the stage for the exceptional academic and research career that would follow.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors: Climbing the Academic Ladder

After obtaining his doctorate, Dr. Chu returned to Taiwan and began his academic career at the National Taiwan Ocean University in 1993. Over the next 14 years, he rose through the ranks — from Associate Professor to Professor and Chair of the Institute of Materials Engineering. In 2007, he joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), marking the beginning of an era defined by leadership and innovation.

His administrative capabilities were quickly recognized: he held multiple leadership roles at Taiwan Tech, including Vice Dean of the College of Engineering, Dean and Vice Dean of the Office of Research and Development, and even served as Vice President from 2018 to 2021. His deep involvement in institutional growth reflects a commitment not just to research, but also to educational and organizational excellence. Since 2022, he has been serving as a Chair Professor — a position that acknowledges both his stature and sustained impact in the field.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus: The Art of Metallic Glass

Dr. Chu’s work focuses predominantly on thin-film metallic glasses, an area in which he is considered a global pioneer. His research bridges basic materials science and real-world applications, particularly in fields such as energy, healthcare, biosensing, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology.

Among his most impactful works is the development of metallic glass nanotube arrays, which have proven useful in creating highly sensitive biosensors and flexible electronics. His research articles, such as those published in Nature Materials, Materials Today, npj Clean Water, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, demonstrate the range and depth of his scientific explorations — from superelasticity to high-performance separation membranes.

He has also made significant strides in industry-relevant research, acting as Principal Investigator (PI) for collaborations with companies like Foxlink Precision Industry, Dupont Taiwan, and Sino MG Technology. Moreover, his co-leadership in the EU-funded nanoCOOL project highlights his global R&D reach.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition: A Life of Achievement

Dr. Chu’s extensive list of awards is a testament to his academic excellence and innovation. He has repeatedly appeared in the Top 2% Most Influential Scientists rankings by Stanford University (2021–2023), signaling consistent global impact. He has also received the Outstanding Research Award from Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the Taipei Tech Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Tong Ho Steel Foundation Award.

In the realm of invention and innovation, Dr. Chu’s contributions have earned him multiple national innovation awards, two silver medals at the Concours Lépine International in Paris, and accolades from the American Chemical Society during Japan’s nano tech event.

His patent portfolio (50 and counting) includes significant breakthroughs such as needle-sharpness preservation technologies and nano-structured medical tools, which further illustrate his ingenuity and practical focusImpact and Influence: Shaping the Global Materials Community

Beyond his personal research, Dr. Chu has been a pillar in the international materials science community. He has served as Vice President and Fellow of the Materials Research Society–Taiwan (MRS-T), Chair of the AVS-Taiwan Chapter, and President of the Taiwan Association for Coatings and Thin Films Technology (TACT).

He also contributes to the academic publishing world as Associate Editor for the AVS Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, and as a longstanding editorial board member of Thin Solid Films. These roles underscore his influence in shaping the direction of scholarly discourse in materials science.

As a respected reviewer for major national and international funding bodies — including Taiwan’s MOST and Germany’s DFG — Dr. Chu has helped guide the development of research agendas far beyond his own lab.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions: A Vision Still Unfolding

With over 230 peer-reviewed publications, 6,500+ citations, and a Google Scholar H-index of 45, Dr. Chu’s academic footprint is as expansive as it is impactful. His work continues to inspire a new generation of materials scientists, particularly in the innovative use of metallic glasses in next-gen technologies.

As a mentor, leader, and visionary, Dr. Jinn P. Chu’s legacy is firmly established. Yet, his recent works, such as the 2025 publications on energy harvesting nanogenerators and icephobic surfaces, suggest that his most transformative contributions may still be ahead. In the intersection of academia, industry, and innovation, he remains a dynamic force propelling materials science into the future. 🧪🌍

📝Notable Publications

Effects of Processing Parameters on the Corrosion Performance of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Grown Oxide on Commercially Pure Aluminum

Author(s): Getinet Asrat Mengesha, Jinn Chu, Bih-Show Lou, Jyh-Wei Lee

Journal: Metals
Year: 2020

Dr. Hongbang shao | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hongbang shao | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Light Alloy Research Institute, Central South University, China

Profile

Scopus 

Early Academic Pursuits ✨

Hongbang Shao’s journey into the world of engineering and materials science began with a deep-rooted passion for understanding the fundamental properties of light alloys. From the early stages of his academic career, he displayed an innate curiosity about how metals could be manipulated at the microscopic level to achieve superior strength and performance. His academic pursuits culminated in earning a Doctor of Engineering degree, where he honed his expertise in alloy strengthening strategies and advanced manufacturing techniques. Throughout his formative years, he was actively involved in research projects that laid the foundation for his future work in industrial applications.

Professional Endeavors 💪

Currently serving as a lecturer at the Light Alloy Research Institute, Central South University, Hongbang Shao has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of material science. His research focuses on the development and manufacturing of high-performance thin-walled components, a critical area in aerospace and automotive industries. He has actively contributed to six major research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key R&D Program of China, as well as industry-sponsored initiatives. These projects have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, demonstrating the real-world impact of his work.

Contributions and Research Focus 📚

One of Shao’s significant contributions lies in the development of ultra-high strength Al-10.8Zn-2.6-Mg-Cu-Zr-Sc alloy rods, which have shown remarkable mechanical performance under various manufacturing conditions. By utilizing extrusion combined with aging, he meticulously studied the effects of extrusion ratios on the microstructural evolution, recrystallization behaviors, and texture characteristics of these alloys. His findings indicated that an extrusion ratio of 25 resulted in exceptional material properties, boasting a tensile strength of 836 MPa and a yield strength of 835 MPa. These groundbreaking results have been published in Materials Science and Engineering A, reflecting the significance of his research within the scientific community.

Beyond alloy development, his research delves into advanced manufacturing technologies, including strengthening and toughening mechanisms, microstructure characterization, and mechanical performance optimization. His expertise in these domains has led to 16 publications in renowned scientific journals, along with the authorization of two Chinese invention patents and an additional five patents in the pipeline. His work is not only academically rigorous but also practically viable, as it has been successfully implemented in industrial applications such as rocket cabins and automobile bodies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Hongbang Shao’s research has garnered widespread recognition, positioning him as a leading figure in light alloy advancements. With a citation index of 7, his work continues to influence researchers and industry professionals alike. His technical achievement registration further underscores his commitment to innovation. While he has not yet been appointed to editorial boards or professional memberships, his growing body of work speaks volumes about his contributions to materials science. The application of his research findings in industrial manufacturing highlights his ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry, a feat that is often challenging in the field of engineering.

Impact and Influence ⚖️

The impact of Shao’s research extends far beyond the confines of academic journals. His work has contributed to the enhancement of material properties essential for aerospace and automotive applications, ensuring structural reliability and performance efficiency. By focusing on strengthening strategies for light alloys, he has played an instrumental role in advancing materials that are not only lightweight but also incredibly durable. His consultancy work in four industry-sponsored projects further illustrates his ability to translate scientific insights into tangible engineering solutions.

His commitment to scientific progress is also evident in his mentorship of students and researchers who aspire to delve into material science. Through his lectures and research guidance, he has nurtured the next generation of engineers, instilling in them a passion for discovering novel solutions in alloy technology.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As Hongbang Shao continues to expand his research horizon, his future contributions are poised to leave a lasting impact on the field of light alloys and advanced manufacturing. With ongoing research projects and a strong foundation of industrial applications, he is set to further refine strengthening mechanisms and push the limits of high-performance materials. His future work may involve exploring novel alloy compositions, integrating smart manufacturing techniques, and developing eco-friendly production methods that align with sustainability goals.

His dedication to scientific exploration and his ability to seamlessly integrate theoretical advancements with industrial applications place him among the promising innovators in material science. By continuously striving for excellence, Hongbang Shao is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements that will shape the future of high-performance alloys, ultimately contributing to the evolution of aerospace and automotive industries.

📝Notable Publications

Effect of extrusion ratio on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr-Sc alloy

Authors: Junhua Cheng, Hongbang Shao, Jinchuan Wen, Yukuan Huang, Yuanchun Huang
Journal: Materials Science and Engineering A
Year: 2025