Nasser Mansour | Science Education and STEM | Best Paper Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Nasser Mansour | Science Education and STEM | Best Paper Award

Qatar University | Qatar
Prof. Dr. Nasser Mansour is a distinguished scholar in STEM education and science education, currently serving at Qatar University. He has built an outstanding academic career with a global impact, focusing on curriculum development, teacher training, and innovative pedagogies. He previously directed the STEM Centre at the University of Exeter, UK, and played a central role in international accreditation initiatives for Thinking Schools. As a curriculum developer for Cambridge International Examinations, he has contributed significantly to advancing physics, chemistry, and STEM education worldwide. With numerous books, journal articles, and international conference presentations, his work is highly cited and widely respected in the academic community. His collaborations extend across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, particularly in integrating sociocultural and religious perspectives into science education. Prof. Mansour’s leadership in international projects, funded by prestigious organizations, reflects his ability to blend research excellence with societal relevance, making him a global thought leader in education.

Profile

Google scholar | ORCID

Education

Prof. Dr. Nasser Mansour educational journey began with a degree in physics and chemistry from Tanta University, Egypt, followed by advanced studies in education, where he specialized in curriculum and instruction of science. He excelled in both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies, earning high distinctions. His master’s research focused on developing innovative approaches for enhancing student achievement and creativity through advanced organizers in science education. His academic pursuit culminated in a doctorate at the University of Exeter, UK, where he investigated science-technology-society (STS) education and explored science teachers’ beliefs and practices in Egypt. This research laid the foundation for his long-term interest in the cultural and pedagogical aspects of science education. In addition to his PhD, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice and was awarded fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in the UK, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence in higher education teaching and research.

Experience

Prof. Dr. Nasser Mansour has accumulated vast teaching, research, and leadership experience across prestigious institutions worldwide. He served as professor and associate professor at Tanta University in Egypt before moving to the University of Exeter, UK, where he held several academic positions, including MSc Programme Director and Director of the STEM Centre. At Exeter, he led teacher professional development initiatives and contributed to groundbreaking educational research projects. He later joined Qatar University as a professor, where he continues to lead research and teaching in science and STEM education. Beyond academia, he has acted as an evaluator, scientific committee member, and curriculum designer for global organizations and universities. His experience also includes leading European Union-funded projects and mentoring PhD candidates who have gone on to successful academic careers. With expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research, his academic and professional journey demonstrates his versatility, leadership, and dedication to advancing global education.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Dr. Mansour’s contributions have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors. Early in his career, he received the Best Paper Award from the European Educational Research Association, acknowledging his innovative research in science education. At the University of Exeter, he was honored with the Merit Award and the Above & Beyond Award for his exceptional academic and leadership achievements. More recently, he received the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Educational Research Award, reflecting his impact on education in Qatar and the wider region. His international recognition is also evident through invitations to deliver keynote addresses at high-profile conferences across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Furthermore, he serves on editorial boards of international journals, including Editor-in-Chief of Social Science and Humanities Open (Elsevier) and Associate Editor for Thinking Skills and Creativity. His fellowships, awards, and leadership roles collectively highlight his stature as a world-class academic leader.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Mansour’s research explores multiple dimensions of science and STEM education, integrating cultural, pedagogical, and technological perspectives. His work emphasizes science-technology-society (STS) education, curriculum innovation, teacher professional development, and inquiry-based approaches. A central theme in his research is the integration of scientific literacy with cultural and religious contexts, particularly in the Arab world. He has advanced scholarship on teacher beliefs, alternative conceptions, controversial issues in science, and the use of ICT and e-learning in educational settings. His studies also address creative thinking, argumentation, and dialogue as essential tools in developing critical and reflective learners. As a project leader, he has successfully secured international funding for major educational initiatives, including EU and QNRF projects, that promote science for all and sustainable STEM practices. Through his publications, books, and international collaborations, Prof. Mansour continues to shape global discourse on science education, linking theory, practice, and policy for transformative impact.

Publications

Global patterns in students’ views of science and interest in science
Year: 2015
Citation: 1312

Science teachers’ beliefs and practices: Issues, implications and research agenda
Year: 2009
Citation: 780

Consistencies and inconsistencies between science teachers’ beliefs and practices
Year: 2013
Citation: 282

Science teachers’ perceptions of STEM education: Possibilities and challenges
Year: 2015
Citation: 238

Context of STEM integration in schools: Views from in-service science teachers
Year: 2017
Citation: 235

Science-technology-society (STS) a new paradigm in science education
Year: 2009
Citation: 193

The experiences and personal religious beliefs of Egyptian science teachers as a framework for understanding the shaping and reshaping of their beliefs and practices about …
Year: 2008
Citation: 19

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Nasser Mansour is a globally recognized leader in STEM and science education whose academic excellence, international collaborations, curriculum innovations, and influential research have advanced educational theory and practice worldwide.

Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

Rodrigo Silva Mendes 🇵🇹, an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, is a dynamic young researcher and educator in Sports Sciences 🏋️‍♂️📚. Starting his academic journey with a Degree in Sports Training and a MSc in Physical Education 🎓, Rodrigo entered scientific publishing at only 18 🧑‍🔬, marking an early breakthrough in academia. At 20, he became one of Portugal’s youngest university professors 🎓⚡. His commitment to research has led to 19 publications, numerous collaborations, and a robust research profile 🧬🌍. Currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Education 🏆, Rodrigo is studying the visual behavior of Physical Education teachers, aiming to bridge cognitive and sports training gaps through innovative methodologies 🔬👁️‍🧠. A dedicated scholar and active member of Applied Sports Sciences Research Unit, Rodrigo blends theory with practice, empowering the next generation of sports professionals and contributing significantly to cognitive and sports science fields 🏅📖.

Profile

Education 🎓

Rodrigo Silva Mendes holds a Degree in Sports Training 🏋️‍♂️ from a Portuguese institution and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education 🎓, reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and sports expertise 🏆💪. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Physical Education 📖🔬, focusing on teacher visual behavior analysis, potentially becoming one of the youngest PhDs in Portugal and the first born in the 21st century 🎯🇵🇹. His educational journey has blended academic rigor with hands-on coaching in tennis 🎾, demonstrating a rare fusion of practice and theory. From his teenage years, Rodrigo showed intellectual curiosity and brilliance 🌟, publishing his first scientific paper at just 18 🧠📝. As a lifelong learner, Rodrigo continues to expand his knowledge through research projects, scientific event organization, and collaboration with renowned institutions like the University of Coimbra 🧑‍🏫📊. His education highlights determination, vision, and passion for lifelong learning 📚🚀.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Rodrigo Silva Mendes, with a dual passion for research and teaching, began his academic career remarkably early as a published author at 18 and a university professor by 20 🧠📈. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra 👨‍🏫, Rodrigo has balanced teaching and research seamlessly. His professional experiences also include working as a tennis coach 🎾🧑‍🏫, reinforcing his practical sports background. Rodrigo has actively participated in 3 research projects 🧪🔬 and co-organized 8 scientific events 🎤📋. His interdisciplinary collaborations with the Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Coimbra 🌍🏫, showcase his commitment to advancing sports science knowledge. Besides publishing 19 scientific articles and 5 books 📖✍️, Rodrigo’s teaching philosophy emphasizes innovation, cognitive engagement, and bridging research with real-world applications 🎯💡. His professional timeline is marked by early achievement, research passion, and inspiring educational leadership ⚡🏅.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Rodrigo Silva Mendes’s academic journey is defined by distinction, starting as one of the youngest scientific authors in Portugal at age 18 📄🏆. His exceptional performance earned him early teaching roles, becoming a university professor at 20 👨‍🏫💫. His ongoing PhD pursuit may soon make him one of Portugal’s youngest PhDs and the first 21st-century-born graduate 🎓🎯. Rodrigo has been actively nominated for international recognitions like the Young Researcher Award, Young Scientist Award, Best Scholar Award, and Young Innovator Award 🏅🌍. As a researcher with 19 publications, 5 authored books 📚, and key collaborations, Rodrigo’s scholarly impact is widely acknowledged in sports and cognitive sciences 🧠⚽. His active role in organizing scientific events and shaping young minds through teaching has further established him as an emerging thought leader 🏆🔥. Rodrigo embodies academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in sports science education 🧬🚀.

Research Interests 🔬

Rodrigo Silva Mendes’s research focuses on Physical Education and Sports Training 🏋️‍♂️🔬, with a special interest in the cognitive and visual behavior of Physical Education teachers 👁️🧠. His PhD explores how teachers’ visual attention patterns correlate with students’ individual characteristics, using a pioneering multidisciplinary approach 🌐📊. Rodrigo’s contributions aim to close key research gaps in the educational training of sports instructors and cognitive load theory application in real-life teaching environments 💡🏫. With 3 ongoing/completed research projects, 19 publications, and 5 authored books 📚, his work blends sports science, cognitive psychology, and pedagogy seamlessly 🧠⚽. His innovative research fosters a deeper understanding of perceptual-cognitive skills in education and sports performance, potentially redefining teaching strategies and training programs 🎯🔍. Through cross-institutional collaborations and international conferences, Rodrigo’s research impact continues to grow, setting a high standard for young researchers in the sports and cognitive sciences communities 🏅🌍.

Publications 

  • Analysis of Teachers’ Visual Behaviour in Classes: A Systematic Review

    European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
    2025-04-05 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe15040054
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mário Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonçalo Dias

  • Analysis of teachers’ visual behaviour on student performance in classes: A systematic review

    2024-12-20 | Report
    DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2024.12.0086
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mário Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonçalo Dia

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

🔬 Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. 🏫 She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. 🎼 With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. 💻 She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. 🏆 Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Research’s Best Student Research Competition. 🌍 She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. 📖 Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education 🎓

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Master’s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications 📚

  •  Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcci.2025.100726
    CONTRIBUTORS: Grazia Ragone; Judith Good; Kate Howland

  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN: 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Ali, S.A.; Esposito, A.; Good, J.; Howland, K.; Presicce, C.

  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

    Part of ISSN: 23318422
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Buono, P.; Lanzilotti,

Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

📌 Meredith Storey, Ph.D. is a Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), dedicated to advancing business education for sustainable development. 🌱 She has extensive experience in pedagogy, curriculum development, and lifelong learning, integrating play-based learning strategies into management education. 🎓 Before joining PRME, she contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and held academic roles at the University of Limerick. 📚 Her work has been influential in shaping responsible management education (RME), emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 🌍 As a researcher, she has led interdisciplinary projects and collaborated with global institutions to drive innovation in education. ✨ Meredith actively contributes to policy discussions, global education initiatives, and industry collaborations, ensuring the next generation of business leaders is well-equipped for ethical and sustainable leadership. 🚀

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Ph.D. in Responsible Management Education & Sustainability – Focus on integrating SDGs into business curricula and experiential learning models. 🌍 M.A. in Educational Leadership – Specialized in pedagogical innovations and lifelong learning. 🏛️ B.A. in Business & Management – Studied at renowned institutions with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership. 📚 Meredith’s education blends business, education, and sustainability, enabling her to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. 🏆 She has received global recognition for her scholarly contributions, shaping the field of responsible management education. 🔬 With training from institutions like Harvard Graduate School of Education, she remains at the forefront of education policy, curriculum development, and international collaboration in sustainability education. 🌱

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Senior Manager, PRME, UN Global Compact – Leading business education for sustainability initiatives. 🌍 Formerly at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, spearheading research on SDGs integration in education. 🎓 University of Limerick (Kemmy Business School) – Developed curricula on responsible leadership. 📚 Key projects: LEGO Learning Through Play in Business Education, oikos LEAP Programme, Business Education for Sustainable Development. 🔍 Consultancy Experience: Worked with The LEGO Foundation, Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), Sulitest, and PRME Chapters worldwide. 🌱 Active in global forums, industry projects, and research collaborations, Meredith influences policy, curriculum innovation, and business education reform. 🏆 Her expertise spans pedagogical development, corporate sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and digital education strategies. 🚀

Research Interests 🔬

🔍 Responsible Management Education (RME) & Curriculum Development – Innovating pedagogical models for sustainable business leadership. 🌱 Integration of SDGs in Higher Education – Designing curricula that foster ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility. 📚 Experiential Learning & Play-Based Pedagogy – Leveraging LEGO Learning Through Play in business education. 🌍 International Collaboration in Sustainability Education – Engaging with global institutions to shape educational policies. 💻 Digital Learning & Online Pedagogies – Exploring AI-driven education models for global business training. 🌟 Community Building & Stakeholder Engagement – Creating networks of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 PRME Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for advancing sustainability in business education. 🌱 Global Responsible Management Education Innovator Award – Honored for pioneering curriculum strategies integrating SDGs. 📚 Best Research Paper Award (International Journal of Management Education) – Acknowledged for groundbreaking work on transformative pedagogy. 🎖️ LEGO Foundation Learning Through Play Recognition – Applauded for creative pedagogical approaches in management education. 🌍 Higher Education Sustainability Impact Award – Celebrated for influencing education policies worldwide. 🚀 Invited Speaker at Global Sustainability Summits – Shared insights on digital learning, ethics, and sustainability education.

Publications 📚