Prof Kuan-Chen Chen | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Prof Kuan-Chen Chen | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taiwan

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Kuan-Chen Chen embarked on his academic journey with a profound interest in the intricate dynamics of finance and its intersection with health care systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from National Chengchi University, one of Taiwan’s most prestigious institutions known for excellence in business and social sciences. During his doctoral studies, Professor Chen exhibited a keen aptitude for analytical reasoning, quantitative modeling, and an interest in macro and micro-level financial systems. This formative academic experience laid the foundation for a career that would eventually bridge the worlds of finance and healthcare management—a rare and essential confluence in today’s complex health economies.

His early academic work reflected a deep engagement with both theoretical models and empirical data, which allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of how financial principles could be applied to optimize healthcare operations. These academic roots inspired him to explore the evolving financial challenges of healthcare institutions and to delve into research that could influence not only academic scholarship but also real-world practices.

đź’Ľ Professional Endeavors

Currently a Professor in the Department of Health Care Management at the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences (NTUNHS), Professor Chen brings years of academic rigor and practical insight into the classroom and research laboratory. At NTUNHS, he is deeply involved in teaching, research, and academic leadership, offering specialized courses such as financial management, healthcare management, and hospital performance evaluation. These courses are designed not only to impart knowledge but to cultivate critical thinking among future healthcare managers and policymakers.

In parallel with his academic role, Professor Chen has successfully led multiple government-funded research projects, showcasing his ability to secure competitive grants and apply findings to public policy and institutional reforms. He maintains close ties with the healthcare industry, acting as a collaborative partner and advisor, which reinforces the relevance and applicability of his research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Chen’s research portfolio reflects a rich blend of finance, healthcare systems, and policy evaluation. His scholarly work has notably explored working capital management, agency costs, economies of scope, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) within hospital settings.

One of his notable research projects, funded by Taiwan’s National Science Council, titled “The Impact of Working Capital Management on Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from Hospitals in Taiwan”, addressed critical concerns surrounding liquidity and resource allocation in healthcare institutions. By empirically assessing how hospitals manage their short-term financial assets and liabilities, this study provided strategic insights into improving financial efficiency and service delivery.

Another significant project, “Agency Costs, Economies of Scope, and Corporate Social Responsibility in Hospitals,” reflects his forward-thinking approach toward integrating CSR into the operational fabric of healthcare organizations. This research explores how broader social objectives can coexist with fiscal accountability and institutional efficiency.

His citation metrics further affirm his scholarly influence:

  • Total Citations: 506

  • Citations since 2020: 309

  • h-index: 13 (10 since 2020)

  • i10-index: 15 (12 since 2020)

These figures highlight the continued relevance and reach of his research across academic and policy-making communities.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While Professor Chen’s career is marked by impactful research and educational contributions, he has also received recognition for his academic leadership and policy relevance. Being entrusted with multiple government-backed projects is a testament to his credibility and the confidence that both academia and public institutions place in his expertise. His role as a principal investigator in projects that examine the financial underpinnings of Taiwan’s hospital system has further established him as a thought leader in health finance.

Moreover, his active engagement with the healthcare industry reflects not just theoretical depth but also practical understanding—an invaluable combination that places him in demand as a consultant, advisor, and speaker.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Professor Chen’s work resonates not just within Taiwan but also has implications for the global discourse on healthcare economics and management. By addressing the dual imperatives of financial sustainability and quality patient care, his research contributes to international conversations on how healthcare systems can navigate the challenges of limited resources, aging populations, and rising costs.

His insights into CSR in hospitals underscore the evolving expectations of healthcare institutions—not merely as providers of clinical services but as socially responsible entities accountable to a wider array of stakeholders, including communities, regulators, and investors.

Through teaching and mentorship, Professor Chen has also cultivated a new generation of scholars and practitioners, many of whom go on to apply his models and methods in diverse institutional settings, thereby multiplying the reach of his impact.

đź”® Legacy and Future Contributions

As a respected academic and a prolific researcher, Professor Kuan-Chen Chen is poised to continue his influential work at the nexus of healthcare and financial management. His future research is likely to further explore the digital transformation of healthcare finance, value-based care models, and the role of data analytics in improving hospital performance.

With Taiwan and other nations grappling with health financing reforms, Professor Chen’s work will undoubtedly remain central to shaping policy decisions and institutional strategies. His balanced approach—grounded in rigorous analysis yet attentive to real-world application—ensures that his legacy will not only be scholarly but also deeply practical and socially relevant.

Looking ahead, he is set to expand his collaborations, possibly leading cross-national studies, and contributing to global best practices in hospital financial governance. His journey exemplifies how academic excellence, when combined with a sense of purpose, can leave an enduring imprint on both institutions and society at large. 🌟

đź“ťNotable Publications

Healthcare utilization and costs for patients with Parkinson’s disease in Taiwan

Authors: Kuan-Chen Chen, Li-Jung Elizabeth Ku, Ya-Hui Hu, Yu Sun, Alexis Elbaz, Pei-Chen Lee

Journal: BMC Neurology

Year: 2025

Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

Author Profile

Google Scholar 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi’s academic journey began with a profound curiosity about the natural world and the unseen microbial forces that influence health, agriculture, and biotechnology. She pursued her Master of Science in Microbiology from 1999 to 2002, laying a solid foundation in microbial research techniques and plant-based bioactivity studies. However, it was during her doctoral studies from 2006 to 2011 at the University of Isfahan—one of Iran’s most prestigious institutions—that her academic pursuits took a distinctive direction. Selected through a talent-based acceptance program by Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, she joined the Ph.D. program with high academic merit.

Her doctoral thesis, entitled “Investigation of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of plant peptides and extracts,” marked a critical phase in her scientific formation. Throughout her five-year, full-time Ph.D. program, she delved deeply into the bioactive potential of over 20 plant species. By mastering sophisticated analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), and various bioassays, she became an expert in isolating and characterizing antimicrobial peptides and phytochemicals. Her research was not only academically rigorous but also practically innovative, yielding peer-reviewed publications and multiple international conference presentations.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator based in Evin, Tehran, Iran, Dr. Aliahmadi holds an academic appointment at Shahid Beheshti University. Her career has blended academic scholarship with applied research. Notably, she was awarded a scholarship and appointed a lecturer at the Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute during her Ph.D., underscoring her early recognition as a promising scientist.

In her role as principal investigator, she has led interdisciplinary projects that integrate microbiology, phytochemistry, and biotechnology. She focuses on harnessing plant and microbial natural products, both primary and secondary metabolites, for applications ranging from food safety to pharmaceuticals. Her research translates laboratory findings into real-world applications such as essential oil-based nano-emulsions for the food and healthcare industries, and plasma, ozone, and microwave decontamination technologies for edible products including spices, vegetables, and saffron.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Aliahmadi’s research portfolio is impressively broad yet interconnected by a central theme: the discovery and utilization of bioactive natural compounds for health and industrial benefits. She has made significant strides in the areas of antimicrobial and anti-biofilm compound identification, specifically targeting the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. One of her notable scientific pursuits involves elucidating the mechanisms of natural antibacterial agents using advanced analytical tools, particularly in discovering inhibitors of bacterial efflux pumps—key mechanisms by which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

Her interest in nanotechnology is equally groundbreaking. She has developed essential oil-based nano-emulsions that enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of plant compounds, particularly in food preservation and medical applications. Furthermore, she has expanded her work to the field of recombinant protein development, contributing to diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Aliahmadi’s academic excellence and innovative research have not gone unnoticed. Her talent-based admission into a competitive Ph.D. program and subsequent scholarship from Shahid Beheshti University reflect early and sustained recognition of her potential. During her Ph.D. candidacy, her contributions to both research and academia were rewarded with a lecturing position, a rare accomplishment that attests to her capabilities and dedication.

Her academic output—comprising peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations—has bolstered her reputation as a thought leader in natural product microbiology and applied biotechnology. Her work stands at the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science, a niche that commands growing relevance in today’s healthcare and environmental contexts.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond publications and projects, Dr. Aliahmadi’s work has practical implications that resonate globally. With antibiotic resistance rising as a global health crisis, her investigations into plant-derived efflux pump inhibitors provide valuable alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Her decontamination methods using plasma radiation, ozone, and microwave technologies have direct applications in improving food safety, an essential issue for public health in both developing and developed nations.

Moreover, her nanotechnology research has opened new frontiers in natural product delivery systems, influencing food science, nutraceuticals, and drug development. As a mentor and principal investigator, she also shapes the next generation of researchers through training, supervision, and academic guidance.

đź”® Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Aliahmadi’s legacy is likely to be marked by the continued integration of nature and technology to solve pressing health and industrial problems. She is poised to further contribute to sustainable healthcare through plant-based innovations and environmentally friendly food processing technologies. With the increasing demand for safe, effective, and natural alternatives in pharmaceuticals and food industries, her multidisciplinary expertise will remain crucial.

Her future endeavors may include collaborative international projects, patentable innovations in natural antimicrobial agents, and possibly the commercial scaling of some of her decontamination and nano-emulsion technologies. Dr. Aliahmadi’s career exemplifies how deeply rooted academic inquiry, when paired with a visionary application, can yield both scientific progress and societal benefit.

Notable Publications

Superior antibacterial activity of nanoemulsion of Thymus daenensis essential oil against E. coli

Authors: R. Moghimi, L. Ghaderi, H. Rafati, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2016

Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus

Authors: F. Mirzajani, A. Ghassempour, A. Aliahmadi, M.A. Esmaeili
Journal: Research in Microbiology
Year: 2011

Antibacterial hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose edible films containing nanoemulsions of Thymus daenensis essential oil for food packaging

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, H. Rafati
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
Year: 2017

Alteration of hepatic cells glucose metabolism as a non-cholinergic detoxication mechanism in counteracting diazinon-induced oxidative stress

Authors: F. Teimouri, N. Amirkabirian, H. Esmaily, A. Mohammadirad, A. Aliahmadi, et al.
Journal: Human & Experimental Toxicology
Year: 2006

Investigations of the effectiveness of nanoemulsions from sage oil as antibacterial agents on some food borne pathogens

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements, H. Rafati
Journal: LWT – Food Science and Technology
Year: 2016