Zhengyi Yao | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Mr. Zhengyi Yao | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Sichuan Normal University |China

Zhengyi Yao, from Neijiang, Sichuan, China, is a dedicated researcher affiliated with Sichuan Normal University, holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science and Technology. His work primarily focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, cryptography, and artificial intelligence (AI). With a growing presence in academic publishing, he has contributed to several high-impact journals indexed in SCI and Scopus. Mr. Yao has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing secure, intelligent systems, particularly in logistics and industrial applications. His interdisciplinary approach blends theoretical research with practical implementation, contributing to emerging technologies such as blockchain-enabled IIoT and quantum cryptography. In addition to publishing five journal articles and securing seven patents, he actively contributes to the field through applied innovations aimed at enhancing privacy protection and data security. As a passionate technologist, Mr. Yao is continually exploring transformative solutions in smart systems, emphasizing the ethical and secure integration of AI in modern digital infrastructure.

Profile

Education

Zhengyi Yao completed his academic training at Sichuan Normal University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science and Technology. His undergraduate studies provided a solid foundation in software development, algorithms, and system architecture, while his postgraduate work emphasized advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cryptographic methods. During his graduate years, he engaged deeply with interdisciplinary studies, aligning computer science with real-world applications in logistics, IoT, and secure communication systems. His academic performance has been marked by consistent excellence and a proactive engagement in research-driven projects. While enrolled, he also explored the practical aspects of emerging technologies, developing tools and frameworks to support digital transformation in industrial systems. His education has been instrumental in shaping his scientific outlook, fostering a commitment to ethical innovation and robust digital security. These academic experiences continue to inform his contributions to academic research and patent development in the tech and security domains.

Experience

Zhengyi Yao has gained substantial experience as a researcher and innovator in the fields of IoT, cybersecurity, cryptography, and AI. While at Sichuan Normal University, he actively participated in multiple collaborative research efforts that examined the integration of blockchain with IIoT systems and privacy-focused AI applications in logistics. Despite limited consultancy and editorial appointments, his practical contributions are demonstrated through five SCI/Scopus-indexed journal publications and seven patents. He has co-authored research tackling challenges in smart logistics security, 5G-based blockchain sensors, and quantum cryptography, showcasing his capability to bridge theoretical and applied computing. Through independent and team-driven efforts, Mr. Yao has contributed to designing secure systems that support data integrity and user privacy in dynamic industrial environments. His hands-on research experience, supported by solid academic training, underpins his drive to innovate in secure computing technologies and has positioned him as a promising young professional in China’s growing digital research landscape

Research Focus

Zhengyi Yao’s research centers on the intersection of emerging technologies like IoT, blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity, with a strong focus on intelligent logistics systems. He explores secure device communication, privacy-preserving data protocols, and cryptographic models for industrial systems. His work on blockchain-enabled IIoT platforms aims to fortify command operations against cyber threats, while his investigations into quantum cryptography are pushing the boundaries of next-generation digital security. One of his key contributions is the development of 5G-based universal blockchain smart sensors, combining speed, scalability, and trust for dynamic logistics applications. His research also examines how AI can be ethically and securely integrated into cyber-physical environments to optimize data flow, user privacy, and system integrity. Through published works and patented innovations, he is shaping solutions to critical security challenges facing smart logistics and industrial platforms. His forward-thinking approach promotes safer, more resilient infrastructures in an increasingly connected digital world.

Publications

Sensitive Data Privacy Protection of Carrier in Intelligent Logistics System
Year: 2024
Citation:2

Blockchain-enabled device command operation security for Industrial Internet of Things
Year: 2023
Citation:12

5G-BSS: 5G-Based Universal Blockchain Smart Sensors
Year: 2022
Citation:2

Conclusion

Zhengyi Yao exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and innovative researcher, with notable contributions to smart logistics, cybersecurity, and cryptographic technologies. His blend of academic rigor and applied invention positions him as a rising leader in secure digital systems.

Kihwan Nam | Artificial Intelligence | Best Faculty Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Kihwan Nam | Artificial Intelligence | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Kihwan Nam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management of Technology at Korea University and the founder of Aimtory, a high-technology AI company. With a unique blend of academic expertise and entrepreneurial insight, he specializes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI, Explainable AI, and Digital Transformation. He earned his Ph.D. in Information Systems from KAIST and holds degrees in Industrial Engineering and Statistics from Korea University and Yonsei University, respectively. Dr. Nam has an extensive research record, with publications in top-tier journals such as Journal of Marketing Research, Decision Support Systems, and Knowledge-Based Systems. His professional journey includes leadership roles in startups and significant AI industry contributions. He is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry through impactful, data-driven solutions that transform business strategies, smart factories, and healthcare systems. Dr. Nam is a leading figure in the fusion of cutting-edge AI technologies with business innovation.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Kihwan Nam’s academic background spans statistics, engineering, and management. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Management Engineering from the prestigious KAIST College of Business, where he honed his expertise in AI-driven decision support and business analytics. Prior to his doctorate, he completed his M.S. in Industrial Engineering at Korea University, acquiring strong analytical and system optimization skills. His academic journey began with a B.A. in Statistics from Yonsei University, which laid a solid foundation in data analysis and quantitative modeling. This interdisciplinary academic training enables Dr. Nam to approach complex problems from technical, managerial, and data-driven perspectives. Throughout his studies, he cultivated a deep interest in predictive modeling, econometrics, and the integration of AI technologies in organizational contexts, which continues to shape his academic and industrial research today. His educational path reflects a consistent commitment to excellence and innovation across disciplines.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Nam has a dynamic career in both academia and industry. He currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Management of Technology at Korea University, following a faculty role in Management Information Systems at Dongguk University. In industry, he is the founder of Aimtory, a company focused on cutting-edge AI solutions, and previously led Basbai, an AI solution firm, as CEO. He also co-founded Sentience, reflecting his commitment to tech entrepreneurship. His dual roles have enabled him to conduct collaborative research with top-tier companies, implement AI in real-world applications, and train future innovators. Dr. Nam’s expertise extends across AI project development, big data analytics, and digital business transformation. His work in areas like smart factories, healthcare, and financial markets underscores his versatility. His diverse experience positions him as a thought leader at the intersection of research, innovation, and enterprise AI deployment.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Kihwan Nam has received numerous prestigious accolades for his impactful research and innovation. He was honored with the Best Paper Award from the Korea Intelligent Information System Society (2017) for his work on recommender systems in retail, and again in 2019 by the Information Systems Review Society for a field experiment in recommendation design. His deep learning-based financial distress prediction study was a Best Paper Nominee at the INFORMS Data Science Workshop (2020). In 2022, he secured top honors at the Korea Gas Corporation Big Data Competition and received an innovation award from the Startup Promotion Agency for the Big-Star Solution Platform. In 2023, he earned the Best Researcher Award at Dongguk University. These recognitions reflect his excellence in both theoretical contributions and practical applications of AI, reinforcing his role as a leading figure in AI-driven business analytics and intelligent systems research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Nam’s research lies at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, and Digital Transformation. He specializes in Generative AI, Explainable AI, LLMs, NLP, and Computer Vision, aiming to drive intelligent decision-making in sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. His core research explores predictive analytics, recommender systems, robot advisory, and econometric modeling applied to real-world business and technological challenges. By incorporating econometrics with data mining and machine learning, he investigates user behavior, personalization strategies, and large-scale business optimization. His recent projects include stock and cryptocurrency prediction, smart factory optimization, and curated recommendation engines. He is also advancing research in digital transformation (DX) and blockchain-based token economies. Dr. Nam emphasizes bridging theory and application by applying AI innovations to actual business environments, often in collaboration with international enterprises. His work is deeply rooted in the integration of robust statistical methods with scalable, real-world AI systems.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Kihwan Nam is a visionary academic and AI entrepreneur who merges deep theoretical knowledge with practical applications, shaping the future of AI-driven digital transformation across industries through innovative research, impactful teaching, and real-world solutions

Publications

Hong Wang | Memristors | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Dr. Hong Wang | Memristors | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hong Wang is an accomplished Associate Professor at Hebei University, China, specializing in the field of neuromorphic electronics and low-dimensional ferroelectric materials. With a strong academic foundation in Physics, Integrated Circuits, and Optical Engineering, she has rapidly advanced in her field since earning her doctorate in 2021. Her research has led to 15 SCI-indexed publications as a first author, 8 patents, and over 1300 citations, underscoring her scientific impact. Dr. Wang actively collaborates with leading researchers from institutions such as the National University of Singapore, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Jilin University, achieving multiple experimental firsts in ferroelectricity and memristor behavior. Her innovative work bridges material science and cognitive computing, making significant contributions to optoelectronic sensing and neuromorphic systems. She is a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the Chinese Optical Society. Dr. Wang’s dedication and research excellence make her a standout in cognitive science innovations.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Hong Wang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Beihua University in 2016, which laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to electronic materials. She then earned her Master’s degree in Integrated Circuits from Hebei University in 2018, further refining her expertise in semiconductor and electronic system design. Driven by a passion for optical and neuromorphic technologies, she pursued a PhD in Optical Engineering at Hebei University, completing it in 2021. Her doctoral research focused on the application of low-dimensional ferroelectric materials, contributing valuable insight into the behavior of memristive systems and their implications for artificial neural networks. This strong educational background has enabled her to explore innovative technologies in cognitive sensing and computing, bridging physics, materials science, and neural engineering. Her academic training not only exemplifies depth and rigor but also reflects a unique ability to translate theoretical research into applied cognitive systems.

🧪 Experience

Since 2021, Dr. Hong Wang has served as an Associate Professor at the School of Electronic Information and Engineering, Hebei University. In this role, she has taken on responsibilities spanning research leadership, mentoring graduate students, and leading interdisciplinary projects at the frontier of neuromorphic computing. She has directed five major research projects and collaborated internationally with scholars from Singapore, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Jilin University. Her work has provided novel insights into ferroelectricity in materials like SnSe and ReSe₂, and its application in memristive devices. In addition to her academic duties, Dr. Wang has contributed to two industry consultancy projects, aligning academic innovation with technological advancement. Her ability to bridge material innovation with neural system architecture distinguishes her as a versatile and future-oriented cognitive scientist. Her professional experience is marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to enhancing cognitive systems through novel material applications.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Hong Wang’s impressive research metrics and collaborations signify her recognition within the global scientific community. With 15 SCI-indexed publications as first author and over 1365 citations, her work has garnered significant academic attention. Her successful collaborations with leading institutions like the National University of Singapore and the Chinese Academy of Sciences validate her contributions through groundbreaking experimental confirmations in ferroelectric behavior. Additionally, she holds 8 patents, reflecting the originality and applied potential of her research in neuromorphic computing. Her memberships in the Chinese Optical Society, the Chinese Institute of Electronics, and the Chinese Society for Optical Engineering indicate peer recognition and professional trust. These accomplishments, coupled with her high-impact research output, suggest that Dr. Wang is a strong contender for prestigious awards in cognitive science and materials research, and she is an exemplary nominee for the Best Researcher Award in Cognitive Science.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Hong Wang’s research centers on the design and application of neuromorphic memristors using low-dimensional ferroelectric materials. She explores how novel quantum dots and two-dimensional semiconductors, such as SnSe and ReSe₂, can mimic synaptic behavior for brain-like computing. A notable achievement includes her demonstration of robust dual-mode optical sensing using ferroelectric quantum dots, enabling both short-range and remote synapse-like responses, leading to high-accuracy image recognition systems. Her experimental work debunks traditional notions in electronics, such as the inertness of Pd electrodes, and provides novel insights into conductive filament formation. Her research has practical implications in artificial vision systems, optoelectronic sensing, and cognitive learning circuits. She is pioneering the application of ferroelectric polarization for neuromorphic behavior, with implications for smart sensing and adaptive cognitive devices. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and material innovations, Dr. Wang is shaping the future of neuromorphic computing, advancing cognitive technologies toward higher efficiency and closer brain mimicry.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Hong Wang is an emerging leader in neuromorphic computing, merging ferroelectric material innovation with cognitive system design, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications