Nasser Mansour | Science Education and STEM | Best Paper Award

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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.

Atiye Erbas | Virtual Realty Simulation Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Atiye Erbas | Virtual Realty Simulation Education | Best Researcher Award

Duzce University | Turkey

Dr. Atiye Erbaş is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Surgical Nursing at Düzce University, Türkiye, with extensive academic and clinical expertise. With over a decade of experience in higher education and clinical nursing, she has established herself as a dedicated educator, researcher, and innovator. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing nursing education through modern pedagogical methods, with a particular emphasis on simulation-based learning and immersive virtual reality. She has contributed to national and international projects that enhance both technical competence and interpersonal skills of nursing students. Her scholarly work includes research publications, book chapters, and an authored book focused on designing virtual reality simulation scenarios for nursing education. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Erbaş is also engaged in exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare education, making her a pioneering figure in bridging nursing science with advanced technology-driven approaches.

Profile

Googlescholar

Education

Dr. Atiye Erbaş holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Sciences, strengthening her foundation as both a researcher and academic leader. She enhanced her expertise through international training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA, focusing on pre-licensure and graduate nursing didactic and clinical simulation. To support her pedagogical innovations, she has earned multiple professional certifications, including “SIM Educator I and II,” “Sim Connect: Using Think Aloud to Capture Clinical Reasoning During Clinical Simulation,” and “Designing Simulation Scenarios Certification” under Prof. Guillaume Alinier. She has also participated in international conferences such as SESAM’s Virtual Annual Meeting, highlighting her active role in global knowledge exchange. Alongside her advanced degrees, she has continually invested in professional development to keep pace with evolving trends in healthcare education, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Her educational journey reflects her dedication to evidence-based teaching and lifelong learning as a cornerstone of academic excellence.

Experience

Dr. Atiye Erbaş brings a unique combination of 14 years of academic teaching and 13 years of clinical nursing practice. At Düzce University, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering innovative nursing curricula, emphasizing experiential learning and simulation-based methods. Her clinical expertise in surgical nursing enriches her teaching, allowing her to mentor students with both theoretical rigor and practical insight. She has led and participated in numerous funded projects, including immersive virtual reality applications for colorectal surgical nursing education and high-fidelity simulations for postoperative care. Additionally, she has supervised and provided consultancy for master’s theses, nurturing future scholars and practitioners. Dr. Erbaş’s work extends beyond the classroom through scholarly publications, international collaborations, and authorship of academic book chapters. Her career demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing nursing education, promoting safe patient care, and integrating emerging technologies such as AI and VR into healthcare training and research.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Atiye Erbaş has received recognition for her outstanding contributions to nursing education, simulation, and applied research. She has earned multiple academic certificates and international training credentials, including professional certifications in simulation-based education and scenario design, which underscore her specialized expertise. Her research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as TÜBİTAK have significantly advanced immersive learning methodologies in surgical nursing. She has authored a forthcoming book, Designing Virtual Reality Simulation Scenarios in Nursing, and contributed to five academic book chapters published by respected publishers. With a citation index reflecting growing global impact, including Web of Science citations and H-index achievements, Dr. Erbaş is gaining recognition within the international research community. Her active participation in international conferences, such as SESAM’s annual meetings, further demonstrates her commitment to excellence and innovation. These honors reflect her role as a transformative leader advancing evidence-based and technology-enhanced nursing education.

Research Focus

Dr. Atiye Erbaş’s research is centered on transforming nursing education through advanced simulation methods, immersive virtual reality, and emerging artificial intelligence applications. Her studies focus on evaluating how these innovations influence student learning, knowledge acquisition, clinical competence, and patient safety. She has conducted randomized controlled trials examining VR-based surgical nursing education, simulation-enhanced postoperative care, and web-based applications for life support training. Her research also emphasizes often-overlooked factors such as “sense of presence” and “cybersickness,” which are crucial for ensuring effective and sustainable VR use. By combining rigorous clinical knowledge with cutting-edge technology, she is developing frameworks that bridge the gap between traditional nursing practices and digital learning environments. Her recent work integrates AI to optimize simulation design, learner assessment, and adaptive teaching strategies, marking her as a pioneer in digital transformation of nursing education. Her research not only enhances local practices but also contributes to global educational innovations.

 

Publications

Title: Nursing professional pride scale: Turkish adaptation and psychometric properties

Conclusion

Dr. Atiye Erbaş is a visionary nursing scholar and educator whose pioneering work in simulation, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence bridges clinical expertise with innovative teaching strategies, advancing global standards in healthcare education and preparing the next generation of nurses for safe, effective, and patient-centered care.

Hsiao Peng Wei | E-Learning | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hsiao Peng Wei | E-Learning | Best Researcher Award

Hsiao Peng Wei is a lecturer at the Faculty of Art and Design, Macao Polytechnic University, specializing in interactive design, digital experiences, and cultural sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, where he also served as a research assistant on several national and industry-academic projects. During his doctoral studies, he was an exchange researcher at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia, contributing to virtual 3D environment projects. Previously, he held a faculty position at Macau University of Science and Technology. Hsiao has led multiple funded research projects focused on sustainability, digital heritage, and learning technologies. His interdisciplinary work has been recognized with numerous awards and international collaborations. A prolific academic, he has published in SSCI, Scopus, and EI-indexed journals, with 183 citations. His pedagogical contributions extend to mentoring students in award-winning design competitions across the Greater Bay Area.

Profile

Education 🎓

Hsiao Peng Wei completed his Ph.D. in Design from Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, in 2018. His doctoral studies emphasized interactive media and digital integration with cultural contexts, during which he collaborated internationally as an exchange scholar at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia. There, he engaged in immersive virtual 3D environment research. In addition to his doctoral education, he gained practical experience assisting in five research projects — including three national science and technology projects and two industry-academic partnerships — that shaped his methodological approach and interdisciplinary perspective. His educational path laid a strong foundation for future teaching and research endeavors in digital art, e-learning systems, and cultural heritage. This academic background also led him to assume an editorial role in reputed international conferences and journals, further strengthening his position in the global academic community.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Hsiao Peng Wei has over a decade of academic and research experience in design and digital innovation. Currently a lecturer at Macao Polytechnic University, he teaches digital experience and interactive design courses. Prior to this, he served as an assistant professor at Macau University of Science and Technology, contributing to research and teaching in the Faculty of Humanities and Arts. His career highlights include leading major funded projects on sustainability, intangible cultural heritage, and digital learning. He has collaborated with international academic institutions like Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, as well as industry partners such as Chazence Technology and the Chinese Academy of Forestry. His leadership extends beyond teaching — he has mentored student teams to success in regional and international competitions and plays active roles in academic peer review and professional associations in Taiwan and Macao.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Hsiao Peng Wei has received multiple awards recognizing his academic and creative excellence. He is a seven-time recipient of the international Best Paper Award in design and interactive learning conferences. His research article, published in Interactive Learning Environments, ranked in the top 5% of the Education & Educational Research field. He has guided student teams to win prominent accolades, including the Copywriting Award in the 2023 Greater Bay Area Branding Design Competition, and Champion in the 2023 Carbon Neutral City Creative Competition. He serves as a reviewer for Asia Pacific Viewpoint (SSCI, Q1) and IASDR, reflecting his standing in the scholarly community. He is a director at the Macao International Art and Health Association and a member of the Taiwan Amoeba Design Association. These recognitions demonstrate his consistent contributions to digital design innovation, sustainability, and cultural integration.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Hsiao’s research revolves around interactive design, digital experience, and cultural heritage preservation through technology. He integrates e-learning, multimedia, and gamified platforms with traditional cultural content to promote sustainability and heritage awareness. His recent focus includes blending health, sports, and sustainability into immersive digital learning environments. As the principal investigator, he leads projects such as the FDCT-funded study on surplus food and service design in Macau, a university-funded project on digital art applications for intangible heritage, and the LOHAS digital community revitalization initiative. His work bridges academic research, real-world impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration, involving institutions like the Chinese Academy of Forestry and Chazence Technology. He leverages interactive digital tools to enhance cultural storytelling, educational outcomes, and environmental consciousness, aligning his work with global goals for sustainable development and creative innovation

Publications

  • Integrating Sustainable Concepts into Blended Learning and Interactive Game System Design

    Engineering Proceedings
    2025-05 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025092059
    CONTRIBUTORS: HSiAO; Zheng-Qing Wang
  • Hsiao, P. W., Wang, Z. Q. (2025). Integrating Sustainable Concepts into Blended
    Learning and Interactive Game System Design, Engineering Proceedings, 92(1), 59;
    https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025092059. (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Hsiao, P. W., Kong, L. Q., Ye, Y. L. (2024). Interactive Game Experience: A preliminary
    investigation of the impact of virtual reality on exercise rehabilitation
    behaviors, Interactive
  • Xu, S., Hsiao, P. W., Li C., and Zhang J. Y. (2024). Delicious Cyber Ghost: Using
    Pepper’s Ghost in Computer-Aided Design to Enhance Cantonese Morning Tea
    Education, Engineering Proceedings, 74(1),
    78. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024074078. (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Su, Y., Hsiao, P. W., Fan, K. K. (2023). Investigating the relationship between users’
    behavioral intentions and learning effects of VR system for sustainable tourism
    development, Sustainability, 15 (9), 7277. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097277.
    (SCI & SSCI, Q2, IF:3.9, CiteScore:5.8) (Scopus).
  • Luo Y. J., Hsiao, P. W. (2023). Design of interactive learning materials with concept
    of sustainability integrated into Macau Drunken Dragon Dance, Engineering
    Proceedings, 38(1), 12, 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023038012.
    (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Hsiao, P. W., Su, C. H. (2021). A Study on the Impact of STEAM Education for
    Sustainable Development Courses and Its Effects on Student Motivation and
    Learning, Sustainability, 13 (7), 3772. DOI:
    https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073772. (SCI & SSCI, Q2, IF:3.8,
    CiteScore:5.8) (Scopus).

Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

Zhao Tianjiao is an Associate Professor in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University and a Master’s Degree Supervisor in Industrial Design. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and has extensive experience in research on user experience, design thinking, and deep learning applications in design. His work focuses on emotion-embedded design, creative idea generation, and intelligent design tools. He has published numerous SCI/SSCI-indexed research papers and has led several national research projects in China. 🎨📚🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

Zhao Tianjiao completed his Bachelor’s (2009) and Master’s (2011) degrees in Mechatronics Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology. He pursued his Ph.D. in Design (2015) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He was also a Visiting Scholar (2013-2014) at National Taiwan University, where he explored interdisciplinary research in design and planning. His education provided a strong foundation in integrating engineering, design, and user experience methodologies. 🎓📖💡

Experience 👨‍🏫

Zhao Tianjiao began his academic career as a Lecturer (2016-2020) in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University. He was later promoted to Associate Professor (2021-present) and has been a Master’s Degree Supervisor (2017-present) in Industrial Design. His teaching focuses on User Experience Design, Design Thinking, and Animation Derivative Design. Over the years, he has contributed to curriculum innovation and research-driven education. 🎭👨‍🏫📐

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Zhao Tianjiao has been recognized for his academic excellence and teaching contributions. He received the Tianjin University Elite Scholar Program Award, was selected for the Tianjin 131 Talent Project, and won Second Prize in the Tianjin University Youth Teacher Lecture Competition. Additionally, he was honored with the Excellent Guide Teacher Award at the National College Digital Art and Design Awards. 🏅🎨🎖️

Research Interests 🔬

His research explores emotion-driven design, deep learning applications in creative design, and user experience optimization. He investigates how AI can enhance design processes and has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects on design big data, creative education, and intelligent product development. His work bridges the gap between human emotions and AI-driven design methodologies. 🤖🎨

Publications 

1. Zhao T.J.,Jia J.Y., Zhu T.F.,Yang J.Y.(2023 Accept).Research on emotion-embedded design fow based on deeplearningtechnology. International Journal of Technology and Design Education. (SCI/SSCI)

2. Zhao T.J.,Zhang X.Y.,Zhang H.C.,Meng Y.F.(2023 Accept), A study on users’ attention distribution to product featuresunderdifferent emotions.Behaviour & Information Technology.(SCI/SSCI)

3. Zhao T.J.,Yang J.Y.，Zhang H.C.，Kin Wai Michael Siu (2019).Creative idea generation method based on deeplearning，International Journal of Technology and Design Education,2021,31, 421-440. (SCI/SSCI)

4. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2015). The needs of quality urban rail transit life in an Asian metropolitan city. Applied ResearchinQuality of Life, 10(4):647~665.(SSCI)

5. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). The Boundaries of Public Space: A Case Study of Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway.
International Journal of Design, 8(2), 43-60. (SCI/SSCI )

6. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C., Yang J.Y. (2018). Research on theDesign Form Exploring Method from Daily Life: ExplorationandPractice on the Teaching of Form Design Course. ZHUANGSHI, 306(10), 104-107. (CSSCI)

7. Zhao T.J.,Chen M.J.,Liu W.F.(2022).Research on Image Retrieval Optimization Based on Eye Movement Experiment
Data,Journal of Education and Training Studies, 10(4).

8. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C.,Pan L.(2021).The Teaching Reform of User Experience Design under the NewEngineeringBackground——”Multy Integration”Curriculum Model Practice,Creation and Design,2021(5):7.

9. Yang J.Y.,Zhao, T.J., Zhang H.C.(2020).Visual strategy boosts service design.Tsinghua Publishing.

10. Zhao, T.J., Zhu, T.F.(2019). Exploration of product design emotion based on three-level theory of emotional design, Advancesin Intelligent Systems and Computing, v 1018, p 169-175. (EI Conference)

11. Zhao T.J., Siu K W M, Sun H.(2017). Discovering subway design opportunities using social network data: Theimage-need-design opportunity model. International Conference on Social Computing and Social Media. Springer, Cham, 2017, 451-466. (EI Conference)

12. Zhao, T.J., and Kin Wai Michael Siu (2017). The Production of URT Public Space: People, Occupation, and PracticeintheHong Kong Mass Transit Railway. The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design .11(3): 35-48.

13. Zhao T. J, Gao K, Li X, et al(2017). Deep Learning based Design Image Management: Proceedings of the International
Conference on Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy,Ed.by ZhaoYang Dong[M]// ESSE 2017. 453-461.

14. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). Freedom and Control: A state of balance in public space. Facilities, 32(11/12), 606-623.

15. Zhao T. J., Siu K. W. M.(2012). The role of subway in the urban life: Case study in Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway. Humanities and Social Sciences Review, 2012.

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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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,

Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

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Dr. Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

Gerardo Abel Fernández 🇦🇷, born on October 29, 1976, in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, is a researcher specializing in neuroscience and cognitive science 🧠. He is a professor and adjunct researcher at CONICET, focusing on eye movement-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases 👀. His work integrates philosophy, cognitive psychology, and technology to advance Alzheimer’s diagnosis 🏥.

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Gerardo Abel Fernández obtained a degree in Philosophy (2003) from Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentina, with a specialization in Logic and Epistemology. He later pursued a PhD in Philosophy (2011) at UNS, with his thesis titled “Dynamic word processing during reading: Mental strategies driving visual exploration”, earning a perfect 10/10 with special mention. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research as a fellow at AGENCIA (ANPCYT) and the DAAD Max Planck Institute in Berlin. His educational background bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, forming a solid foundation for his pioneering research in eye movement analysis and Alzheimer’s biomarkers. His expertise in cognitive science and technological innovation has led to the development of diagnostic tools for early neurodegenerative disease detection. 📚🔍🧠

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Dr. Gerardo Abel Fernández has extensive experience in neuroscience research and technological innovation. He served as a Professor of Audiovisual Language at UNS (2011–2013) and is currently an Adjunct Researcher at CONICET, focusing on non-endemic degenerative pathologies. He has worked as a Visiting Scholar at Heriot-Watt University and Strathclyde University (UK), contributing to the development of eye-tracking biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Fernández is also a scientific reviewer for prestigious journals like PlosOne, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, and Neuropsychologia. As CTO of Viewmind, he leads biocognitive and functional performance measurement innovations. He has patented cognitive evaluation methods and received grants from institutions like ANPCYT and DAAD. His interdisciplinary expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, machine learning applications in diagnostics, and technological development for neurodegenerative disease assessment. 🏅🔬👁️

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Dr. Gerardo Abel Fernández specializes in cognitive neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease biomarkers, and eye-tracking technology. His research focuses on early Alzheimer’s detection through oculomotor behavior analysis. He has developed innovative methods to study visual exploration, reading difficulties, and memory impairments in neurodegenerative conditions. His work integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence for cognitive assessment tools. As a Visiting Scholar in the UK, he contributed to developing biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. His patented eye-tracking system has clinical applications in detecting mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, exploring predictive eye movement models and their correlation with cognitive decline. His cutting-edge research bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and technology, offering non-invasive diagnostic solutions for early-stage neurodegeneration. His ultimate goal is to revolutionize cognitive healthcare through technological innovation. 🧠👁️📊

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 Dr. Gerardo Abel Fernández has received numerous awards for his contributions to neuroscience, cognitive evaluation, and Alzheimer’s diagnostics. His eye-tracking research for Alzheimer’s detection earned the Dr. José Borda Clinical Psychiatry Prize at the 22nd International Congress of Psychiatry. He won the Novartis Innovation Award for his work on measuring cognitive performance in health and disease. As CTO of Viewmind, his team received international recognition, including the Fit4Start Luxembourg Award for health applications and the Medica Innovation Prize in Düsseldorf. His research and patented cognitive evaluation equipment have been acknowledged by ANMAT (Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Technology) and INPI (Argentina’s National Patent Office). Dr. Fernández’s groundbreaking innovations in neurocognitive assessments have positioned him as a leading figure in technological advancements for early Alzheimer’s detection. 🏅🧠🔬

Publications 📚

  • Oculomotor behaviors and integrative memory functions in the alzheimer’s clinical syndrome

    Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
    2021 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201189

  • A non-invasive tool for attention-deficit disorder analysis based on gaze tracks.

    ACM International Conference Proceeding Series
    2019 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3309772.3309777

  • Microsaccadic behavior when developing a complex dynamical activity

    Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
    2018 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3233/JIN-170057

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85053731401