Calin-Adrian COMES | Digital Transformation | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Calin-Adrian COMES | Digital Transformation | Best Academic Researcher Award

George Emil Palade University of Medicine | Romania

Calin-Adrian Comes is an accomplished academic leader serving as the Institutional Director of the Centre for Studies in Law, Economics and Business at George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, where he contributes to advancing interdisciplinary research in economics, finance, migration studies and data-driven social analysis. He has built his educational foundation in economics and quantitative methods, strengthening it through advanced academic training that integrates econometrics, computational modelling and applied analytical techniques. His professional experience spans teaching, research supervision and collaborative engagement across national and international academic networks. His research interests encompass remittances, migration dynamics, financial flows, labour mobility, econometric modelling and data-mining approaches supporting evidence-based policy. He is skilled in quantitative analysis, stochastic modelling, statistical computing, data mining, natural language processing, SQL and NoSQL databases, as well as interdisciplinary methods that connect economic theory with real-world socio-economic challenges. His work includes contributions to books, journal articles and conference proceedings, supported by widespread citations that reflect his academic impact. He is affiliated with professional societies such as IEEE and the Econometric Society, and his achievements have positioned him for recognition through prestigious scientific award platforms. Overall, he stands out as a researcher committed to analytical rigor, collaborative scholarship and advancing knowledge that informs sustainable economic and social development.

Profile: Google scholar

Featured Publications

Comes, C. A., Bunduchi, E., Vasile, V., & Stefan, D. (2018). The impact of foreign direct investments and remittances on economic growth: A case study in Central and Eastern Europe. Sustainability, 10(1), 238.
Citations: 159

Bresfelean, V. P., Bresfelean, M., Ghisoiu, N., & Comes, C. A. (2008). Determining students’ academic failure profile founded on data mining methods. In ITI 2008: 30th International Conference on Information Technology Interfaces (pp. 1–6).
Citations: 102

Stefan, D., Vasile, V., Oltean, A., Comes, C. A., Stefan, A. B., & Ciucan-Rusu, L., et al. (2021). Women entrepreneurship and sustainable business development: Key findings from a SWOT–AHP analysis. Sustainability, 13(9), 5298.
Citations: 97

 

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,