Thabang Molokomme | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 05/11/2026 by Forensic Scientist Awards

Best Researcher Award

Thabang Molokomme
Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

Thabang Molokomme
Affiliation	Vaal University of Technology
Country	South Africa
Scopus ID	59558428200
Documents	4
Citations	14
h-index	3
Subject Area	Social Sciences
Event	International Forensic Scientist Awards

Thabang Molokomme is a South African researcher affiliated with Vaal University of Technology, whose scholarly work addresses contemporary challenges in higher education, digital learning and educational development. His research examines the relationship between technological accessibility, institutional preparedness and the experiences of students and academic staff. Through investigations into emergency remote teaching and learning, his work contributes to discussions about educational resilience, inclusive digital transformation and the sustainability of higher education systems. His research achievements and scholarly contributions form the basis of recognition under the Best Researcher Award at the International Forensic Scientist Awards. [1]

Contents

Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Research Profile
Research Contributions
Publications
Research Impact
Award Suitability
Conclusion
External Links
References

Abstract

Thabang Molokomme’s research focuses on challenges affecting higher education institutions in South Africa, particularly the transition towards digital and emergency remote teaching and learning. His 2025 publication investigates how technological limitations, institutional readiness and socioeconomic disruptions influence educational continuity during crises. Using qualitative phenomenological research and the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, the study examines the experiences of students and lecturers in the Vaal region. Its findings highlight the importance of reliable digital infrastructure, institutional policies and human-centred support systems in strengthening educational resilience. [2]

Keywords

Higher Education; Emergency Remote Teaching; Digital Learning; Educational Technology; Online Learning; Institutional Preparedness; Social Sciences; Educational Resilience; South African Higher Education.

Introduction

Digital transformation has become an important consideration in contemporary higher education. However, maintaining accessible and effective teaching during emergencies remains a significant institutional challenge. In South Africa, electricity interruptions, technological inequalities and differences in institutional capacity create additional difficulties for students and educators. Molokomme’s research addresses these interconnected issues by examining the practical challenges associated with emergency remote education and identifying considerations for improving institutional preparedness. [2]

Research Profile

Molokomme’s scholarly profile is associated with social sciences and higher education research, particularly the investigation of digital learning environments and institutional responses to educational disruption. His research considers how technology, organisational conditions and external environmental factors influence teaching and learning outcomes.

An important aspect of this work is its attention to the experiences of both students and academic staff. Rather than examining digital education exclusively as a technological process, the research considers the institutional and human factors that influence its effectiveness. This perspective provides a broader understanding of educational accessibility, participation and continuity during periods of disruption.

Research Contributions

A significant contribution of Molokomme’s research is its examination of emergency remote teaching within the specific socioeconomic and technological circumstances of the Vaal region. The 2025 study incorporates the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and a qualitative phenomenological approach to investigate the experiences of ten purposively selected students and lecturers.

The findings identify technological constraints, inadequate institutional preparedness and unpredictable electricity interruptions as important barriers to effective remote education. The study also recognises the psychological pressures experienced by participants and recommends greater consideration of human factors within the analytical framework. These contributions provide practical insights for educational institutions developing more inclusive and adaptable digital learning strategies. [2]

Publications

One documented publication highlighting Molokomme’s research direction is:

Molokomme, R. T., & Mahlakwana, M. (2025). Understanding Difficulties of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Preparing Institutions in the Vaal Region for Future Crises. [3]

Research Impact

According to the supplied Scopus researcher information, Molokomme’s academic profile records four indexed documents, 14 citations and an h-index of 3. These indicators provide quantitative information about his indexed research output and citation activity. His publication on emergency remote teaching also contributes to scholarly discussions concerning educational technology, institutional resilience and digital inclusion in developing educational contexts. [1]

Award Suitability

The Best Researcher Award recognises researchers demonstrating meaningful scholarly contributions, research development and academic impact. Molokomme’s documented publication, research approach and indexed scholarly indicators provide relevant evidence for consideration. His investigation of educational challenges addresses issues of practical importance to higher education institutions and supports discussions about sustainable and accessible learning environments. His research demonstrates the relevance of context-specific investigation in addressing contemporary social and educational challenges.

Conclusion

Thabang Molokomme’s research contributes to understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with digital transformation in higher education. His investigation of emergency remote teaching highlights the importance of technological accessibility, institutional readiness and human-centred educational strategies. Through his scholarly work and documented research performance, he demonstrates an active contribution to the Social Sciences. His academic profile provides a relevant foundation for consideration for the Best Researcher Award at the International Forensic Scientist Awards.

External Links

References

Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Thabang Molokomme, Author ID 59558428200. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=59558428200
Molokomme, R. T., & Mahlakwana, M. (2025). Understanding Difficulties of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Preparing Institutions in the Vaal Region for Future Crises. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(5), 155–173.
https://www.ijlter.net/index.php/ijlter/article/view/2310
Crossref/DOI record. (2025). Understanding Difficulties of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Preparing Institutions in the Vaal Region for Future Crises. DOI: 10.26803/ijlter.24.5.8.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.5.8
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. (2025). Volume 24, Issue 5: May 2025. Journal publication archive.
https://www.ijlter.net/index.php/ijlter/issue/view/145
Vaal University of Technology. (n.d.). Institutional affiliation of the researcher.
International Forensic Scientist Awards. (n.d.). Official awards website.
forensicscientist.org

Yasin Sesen | Social Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Published on 29/10/202629/10/2026 by Forensic Scientist Awards

Research Excellence Award

Yasin Sesen
Bartın University, Turkey

Yasin Sesen
Affiliation	Bartın University
Country	Turkey
Scopus ID	57679593700
Documents	2
Citations	3
h-index	1
Subject Area	Social Sciences
Event	International Forensic Scientist Awards
ORCID	0000-0001-6896-0567

Yasin Sesen of Bartın University, Turkey, is recognized in connection with the Research Excellence Award at the International Forensic Scientist Awards. His listed scholarly work addresses information and records management, forensic document examination, institutional cultural heritage, and sustainability. These topics illustrate connections between information sciences and applied research, including the organization of documentary evidence and the preservation of institutional knowledge. His research record can be considered through the relevance of these themes, the dissemination of scholarly work, and the potential application of information-management methods across disciplines. The bibliographic information presented here provides the basis for this academic recognition profile.[1]

Contents

Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Research Profile
Research Contributions
Publications
Research Impact
Award Suitability
Conclusion
External Links
References

Abstract

This profile summarizes Yasin Sesen’s research themes and documented scholarly outputs in information and records management, forensic document examination, sustainability, and cultural heritage. The supplied publication records include a journal article on institutional cultural heritage, a conference paper concerning green data centres in Turkey, and a book chapter examining the contribution of information and records management to forensic document examination. Together, these works indicate an interdisciplinary orientation connecting documentary resources, institutional memory, sustainability, and forensic practice. Research metrics are presented as supplied and should be interpreted in relation to the coverage and timing of the underlying bibliographic database.[1]

Keywords

Yasin Sesen; research excellence; forensic document examination; information and records management; institutional cultural heritage; green data centres; sustainability; Social Sciences; bibliographic analysis.

Introduction

Information management supports the systematic organization, retrieval, interpretation, and preservation of records. In forensic contexts, these functions can contribute to the handling and contextual understanding of documentary materials. Related approaches also support institutional heritage research and the study of sustainable information infrastructure. Sesen’s listed outputs provide examples of these intersecting areas, although publication metadata alone does not establish the specific findings or practical outcomes of each study.[2]

Research Profile

The available record suggests a research profile spanning documentary information, records-based inquiry, institutional publications, and sustainability. The work connects conventional information-management concerns with specialized applications in criminalistics and cultural heritage. This combination provides a basis for interdisciplinary investigation involving archival resources, bibliographic evidence, and institutional knowledge. Further assessment of methods and findings would require access to the full texts.

Research Contributions

The supplied publications identify three principal research directions:

Forensic information management: examining how information and records management may contribute to forensic document examination.
Environmental sustainability: considering the sustainability of green data centres in Turkey and the goals relevant to 2030.
Institutional cultural heritage: analyzing bibliographic material associated with the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works technical bulletin journal.

These themes offer potential value for documentary research, institutional knowledge preservation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The extent of each contribution should be established from the published studies themselves.[3]

Publications

“Adli belge incelemesi (kriminalistik) bilimine bilgi ve belge yönetimi disiplininin katkıları” [Contributions of the information and records management discipline to forensic document examination]. Book chapter, listed for 31 December 2026.
“Türkiye’de yeşil bilgi merkezlerinin sürdürülebilirliği: 2030 yılında hangi noktada olunmalı?” [The sustainability of green data centres in Turkey: Where should we be by 2030?]. Conference paper, associated with a symposium scheduled for November 2026.
“Sustainability of institutional cultural heritage: Analysis of bibliography of the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works General Directorate (DSI) Technical Bulletin Journal.” Eurasian Journal of Science Engineering and Technology, listed as published 30 July 2026.[4]

The first two records carry future publication dates relative to 29 October 2026 and should be treated as forthcoming or scheduled records rather than confirmed published outputs.

Research Impact

The supplied Scopus profile lists two documents, three citations, and an h-index of one. These indicators describe a limited bibliometric snapshot and do not independently measure research quality, societal relevance, or methodological rigor. The DOI-linked journal article provides a verifiable publication reference, while additional citation activity and the influence of forthcoming work may become clearer as records are updated.[1]

Award Suitability

The Research Excellence Award profile recognizes the documented breadth of Sesen’s research interests and their links to information management, forensic science, sustainability, and cultural heritage. The combination of these themes supports consideration of interdisciplinary research engagement. A comprehensive evaluation should also consider the originality of the findings, the researcher’s precise contribution, peer-reviewed evidence, and demonstrated academic or practical outcomes.

Conclusion

Yasin Sesen’s supplied research record connects information and records management with forensic document examination, sustainable information infrastructure, and institutional cultural heritage. The listed outputs establish a foundation for examining these interdisciplinary interests, while the available bibliometric indicators offer a limited measure of scholarly visibility. Full-text review and updated indexing would provide a stronger basis for evaluating research quality, originality, and broader impact.

External Links

References

Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Yasin Sesen, Author ID 57679593700. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57679593700
5th International Symposium on Information and Records Management, 2026. Symposium information.
Eurasian Journal of Science Engineering and Technology. (2026). Sustainability of institutional cultural heritage: Analysis of bibliography of the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works General Directorate (DSI) Technical Bulletin Journal.
https://doi.org/10.55696/ejset.1964026
DergiPark. (n.d.). Eurasian Journal of Science Engineering and Technology journal page.
ORCID. (n.d.). Yasin Sesen researcher identifier.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6896-0567

Jorge Hugo Villafañe | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 18/11/202518/11/2025 by Forensic Scientist Awards

Prof. Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

European University of Madrid | Italy

Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe is an eminent researcher whose scientific contributions have significantly advanced the fields of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, epidemiology, and global health metrics. With a Scopus-indexed portfolio of 326 publications, he has produced a substantial body of high-quality research that includes randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, book chapters, and collaborative international studies. His work demonstrates exceptional global visibility, reflected in 14,878 citations from 10,899 documents and a robust h-index of 47, underscoring his sustained scholarly influence. Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe is widely recognized for his involvement in major The Lancet Global Burden of Disease (GBD) initiatives, contributing to landmark analyses on disease prevalence, disability, mortality, life expectancy, and risk factor trends across more than 200 countries. Beyond global health, he has published extensively on therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, osteoarthritis, nonspecific neck pain, and rehabilitation outcomes, with several of his papers surpassing 100–200 citations, marking him as a leading authority in musculoskeletal science. His research leadership extends to competitive funding achievements in rehabilitation and participation in large-scale projects that have shaped contemporary clinical guidelines. He has delivered influential findings at international scientific conferences, contributed to editorial and peer-review roles in respected journals, and advanced methodological standards in rehabilitation research. Through his innovative investigations and contributions to high-impact global epidemiological studies, Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe continues to influence clinical practice, public health strategies, and the scientific understanding of musculoskeletal disorders, positioning him among the most impactful researchers in his field.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Ferrari, A. J., Santomauro, D. F., Aali, A., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., Abbastabar, H., … (2024).
Global incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 371 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2133–2161.

Naghavi, M., Ong, K. L., Aali, A., Ababneh, H. S., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., … (2024).
Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2100–2132.

Brauer, M., Roth, G. A., Aravkin, A. Y., Zheng, P., Abate, K. H., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., … (2024).
Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2162–2203.

Steinmetz, J. D., Seeher, K. M., Schiess, N., Nichols, E., Cao, B., Servili, C., … (2024).
Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Neurology, 23(4), 344–381.

Vollset, S. E., Ababneh, H. S., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., Abbasgholizadeh, R., … (2024).
Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: A forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2204–2256.

Mehrdad Arabestani | Social Sciences | Breakthrough Research Award

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

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

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCID

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.

Featured Publications

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