Mehrdad Arabestani | Social Sciences | Breakthrough Research Award

Published on 28/08/202528/08/2025 by Forensic Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani | Social Sciences | Breakthrough Research Award

University of Tehran | Iran

Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Tehran and also serves as an Adjunct Faculty at the Institute for Cultural, Social, and Civilization Studies. Over the course of his distinguished academic career, he has established himself as one of the leading voices in cultural anthropology and ethnographic studies in Iran. His research extends across identity, intersubjectivity, religion, ritual practices, and the anthropology of migration, providing deep insights into both Iranian society and wider global cultural dynamics. Through his extensive teaching, prolific publications, and international collaborations, Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has continually shaped anthropological discourse and has become an influential figure in both regional and international scholarship.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani pursued his academic journey through a combination of interdisciplinary training that bridges the social sciences and the health sciences. He began with a foundation in the biological sciences, later advancing his studies to explore the complex dynamics of culture, identity, and society. His graduate research developed critical expertise in anthropology, particularly in examining how symbolic systems, rituals, and intersubjective practices shape human experience. His doctoral research was conducted with a strong focus on ethnography, giving him direct exposure to diverse cultural contexts and cementing his reputation as an innovative researcher who integrates theoretical and field-based insights.

Experience

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has served as a faculty member in anthropology, engaging in teaching, mentoring, and supervising a wide range of students and research projects. His role at the University of Tehran has been pivotal in shaping future anthropologists, while his adjunct appointment at the Institute for Cultural, Social, and Civilization Studies has allowed him to contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives. Beyond Iran, he has been invited as a guest lecturer and presenter at renowned universities and conferences across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His professional experience is not confined to academia; he has also participated in national-level cultural studies programs, contributed to encyclopedic knowledge systems, and collaborated in cross-cultural research projects that emphasize both theory and applied anthropology.

Research Interests

Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani’s research interests encompass a wide spectrum within cultural anthropology, including identity formation, ritual and religious practices, symbolic anthropology, and the lived experiences of minority groups. He has conducted extensive ethnographic studies among the Mandaeans and indigenous communities, as well as research into intersubjectivity, cultural precarity, and the anthropology of desire. His scholarship also addresses the intersections of migration, cultural change, and social integration, with an emphasis on how symbolic systems influence community resilience and transformation. By critically engaging with major anthropological theories while advancing original perspectives, his work continues to shape both academic debates and policy-relevant understandings of cultural life.

Awards

Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has been recognized for his contributions to advancing the field of anthropology in Iran and beyond. His works are frequently cited in both Persian and international academic forums, and he has authored books, encyclopedia entries, and translated foundational texts that have broadened the accessibility of anthropological knowledge. His role as a translator and editor of seminal works in anthropology has positioned him as a mediator between global scholarship and local intellectual traditions. Through his scholarship, teaching, and engagement with diverse audiences, he has built a reputation as an intellectual leader committed to innovation, interdisciplinarity, and the promotion of cultural understanding.

Publications

Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has published widely in leading international and national journals, books, and encyclopedias, addressing themes of cultural identity, ritual, religion, and intersubjectivity. His works are frequently cited and recognized as significant contributions to contemporary anthropology.

1. Title: Ritual purity and the Mandaeans’ identity
Journal: Iran and the Caucasus
Published on: 2012
Citation: 22

2. Title: The Semai’s response to missionary work: From resistance to compliance
Journal: Anthropological Notebooks
Published on: 2011
Citation: 20

3. Title: The Mandaeans’ Religious System: From Mythos to Logos
Journal: Iran and the Caucasus
Published on: 2016
Citation: 17

4. Title: The Mandaean Identity Challenge
Journal: In Crises and (Edited by Elizabeth Morrell & Michael D. Barr)
Published on: 2010
Citation: 8

5. Title: Cosmology, identity and food related rituals among the Mandaeans
Journal: Archives de sciences socials des religions
Published on: 2020
Citation: 4

6. Title: The fatherless society: Discourse of the hysteric in Iran
Journal: Psychoanalysis, Culture & Society
Published on: 2019
Citation: 3

7. Title: Changing world of the Mandaeans
Journal: Iranian Journal of Anthropological Research
Published on: 2019
Citation: 3

Conclusion

Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani’s career reflects a rare combination of academic rigor, interdisciplinary vision, and a commitment to advancing cultural anthropology both in Iran and globally. His work has opened critical spaces for dialogue on identity, ritual, and intersubjectivity while simultaneously addressing pressing social issues such as migration, cultural transitions, and minority rights. By bridging theory and practice, as well as global and local perspectives, he has consistently contributed to reshaping the landscape of anthropological inquiry. His scholarly excellence, extensive publications, and international influence make him a highly deserving candidate for the Breakthrough Research Award, which recognizes individuals who have made transformative contributions to their fields.

Anil Bhukya | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 28/08/202528/08/2025 by Forensic Scientist

Mr. Anil Bhukya | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Central University of Karnataka | India

Mr. Anil Bhukya is a dedicated social work researcher and development professional whose scholarship is rooted in understanding the lived realities of tribal and marginalized populations in India. His career reflects a deep commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and ground-level interventions. He has consistently integrated social work theory with practical engagement, advancing participatory approaches that empower communities to improve their health, education, and social development outcomes. His trajectory demonstrates an unwavering focus on the intersection of healthcare systems, tribal welfare, and inclusive development, positioning him as an emerging leader in his field.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Mr. Anil Bhukya’s academic foundation reflects an exceptional commitment to research excellence in social work and development studies. He completed his doctoral research at the Central University of Karnataka, where his thesis examined the social development impact of healthcare systems on tribal communities, a project that integrated both empirical field research and conceptual analysis. His M.Phil. at the Gandhigram Rural Institute focused on the living conditions of the Konda Reddis tribe, building an early reputation for conducting detailed ethnographic and socio-economic assessments. He pursued his master’s degree at the Central University of Tamil Nadu, where he explored participatory research methods with tribal communities in the Nilgiri region, further developing his interest in collaborative approaches to social welfare. His undergraduate degree in social work from Osmania University laid the groundwork for his later achievements, giving him both theoretical and practical exposure to community-based interventions.

Experience

Mr. Anil Bhukya professional journey has been marked by a series of roles that combine research rigor with field leadership. Currently serving as Project Lead Officer at the Indigenous Development Organization, he has taken charge of adolescent awareness and health capacity-building initiatives among tribal communities in Telangana. His role involves designing participatory action frameworks, preparing culturally sensitive educational materials, and training local health workers to act as facilitators within their own villages. Prior to this, he served as Field Supervisor for a primary healthcare research initiative under the Affordable Quality Health Project, where he managed large-scale data collection across multiple districts, trained and guided field investigators, and ensured high standards of data integrity and ethical compliance. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Hyderabad, contributing to a nationally funded project on elderly health and family support systems. Across these experiences, he has demonstrated a unique ability to translate academic inquiry into actionable development practices, while fostering collaborations with government bodies, non-profits, and community leaders.

Research Interest

Mr. Anil Bhukya research interests lie at the confluence of tribal welfare, healthcare systems, and social development. His work focuses on understanding the structural barriers to healthcare access for indigenous communities, with a particular interest in how socio-economic factors, cultural practices, and policy frameworks shape health outcomes. He is committed to developing innovative participatory action research models that ensure community voices are at the center of intervention design and implementation. His scholarship extends to thematic areas such as adolescent health awareness, the role of education in social upliftment, the impact of poverty on healthcare delivery, and the importance of culturally sensitive health policy. He also engages deeply with mixed-methods research, systematic literature reviews, and bibliometric analyses, thereby contributing both empirical insights and theoretical advances to his field.

Awards

Mr. Anil Bhukya has been recognized for his academic potential and research commitment through prestigious national research fellowships that supported his doctoral studies. His academic journey has been further enriched by numerous faculty development programs, specialized training modules, and capacity-building workshops that strengthened his expertise in research methodology, data analysis, and community engagement. He has delivered lectures and participated in national seminars on tribal cultural issues and healthcare rights, where his insights have been well-received by both academic peers and community organizations. His consistent dedication to advancing the health and well-being of marginalized groups, along with his innovative use of participatory research approaches, has earned him recognition as an emerging scholar in social work and tribal development.

Publications

Mr. Anil Bhukya has published extensively on tribal health and social development, with his work appearing in reputed national and international journals. His contributions include:

1. Assessing Tribal Health Challenges and Their Impact on Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Bhadradri Kothagudem
Journal: Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science
Published on: 2025

2. Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on the Health Outcomes of the Lambada Community: A Multi-State Review Analysis
Journal: International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT)
Published on: 2024

3. Antecedents of Children Dropout in Tribal Schools of India: A Systematic Review
Journal: Horizons of Holistic Education
Published on: 2024

Conclusion

In summary, Mr. Anil Bhukya is a dynamic researcher whose academic training, professional experience, and publication record highlight his commitment to social justice and indigenous development. His focus on participatory approaches and community-led health interventions reflects an innovative research philosophy that emphasizes sustainability and empowerment. By combining rigorous scholarship with practical engagement, he has established himself as a promising voice in social work research. His contributions make a significant impact on both academic circles and grassroots communities, establishing him as a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

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