Wael Badawy | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Wael Badawy | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Egyptian Russian University | Egypt

Prof. Wael Badawy, is a distinguished engineer, researcher, and academic leader with over 28 years of experience in higher education, research, technology commercialization, and innovation management. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA, and an equivalent Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering recognized by the Egyptian Higher Council of Universities, complemented by M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Computer Science and Automatic Control Engineering from Alexandria University, Egypt. Prof. Wael Badawy has held senior academic and leadership positions, including Executive Director of ABM College, Canada, Program Head of Data Science and Cybersecurity at the Egyptian Russian University, and professorships at Nile University, Badr University, and the American University in Cairo, where he has taught and supervised students in Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Multimedia Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Management. His research contributions encompass over 400 publications in high-impact journals and conferences, 56 books and proceedings, and 34 co-invented patents, with highly cited work including the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology (2018). Prof. Badawy has received more than 90 prestigious awards and honors, including the QS Reimagine Education Awards (2023, shortlisted), Silicon Review “30 Innovative Brands of the Year” (2022), and multiple distinctions in STEM, business innovation, and leadership. He actively serves on international standardization committees, professional organizations such as IEEE and ACM, and national research councils, contributing to curriculum development, program design, and strategic planning in higher education. Prof. Wael Badawy’s extensive contributions to research, innovation, and education demonstrate his sustained impact on technology, society, and the global academic community, making him an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn | Staff Page

Featured Publications

  • Du, S., Ibrahim, M., Shehata, M., & Badawy, W. (2012). Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR): A state-of-the-art review. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, 23(2), 311–325.

  • Rahman, C. A., Badawy, W., & Radmanesh, A. (2003). A real-time vehicle’s license plate recognition system. In Proceedings of the IEEE Conference on Advanced Video and Signal Based Surveillance.

  • Shehata, M. S., Cai, J., Badawy, W. M., Burr, T. W., Pervez, M. S., Johannesson, R. J., … (2008). Video-based automatic incident detection for smart roads: The outdoor environmental challenges regarding false alarms. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 9(2), 349–360.

  • Ghallab, Y. H., Badawy, W., Kaler, K. V. I. S., & Maundy, B. J. (2005). A novel current-mode instrumentation amplifier based on operational floating current conveyor. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 54(5), 1941–1949.

  • Du, S., Shehata, M., & Badawy, W. (2011). Hard hat detection in video sequences based on face features, motion and color information. In 2011 3rd International Conference on Computer Research and Development, 4, 25–29.

  • Ghallab, Y., & Badawy, W. (2004). Sensing methods for dielectrophoresis phenomenon: From bulky instruments to lab-on-a-chip. IEEE Circuits and Systems Magazine, 4(3), 5–15.

  • Badawy, W., & Gomaa, H. (2015). Analyzing a segment of video. U.S. Patent No. 9,014,429.

  • Ghallab, Y. H., & Badawy, W. (2010). Lab-on-a-chip: Techniques, circuits, and biomedical applications. Artech House.

  • Badawy, W. (2009). Mesh based frame processing and applications. U.S. Patent No. 7,616,782.

  • Badawy, W. (2009). Video based monitoring system. U.S. Patent No. 7,612,666.

Jiajie Gao | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jiajie Gao | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Hebei University of Architecture | China

Gao Jiajie is a highly driven and innovative researcher currently pursuing a master’s degree at Hebei University of Architecture. In just two years, he has demonstrated exceptional research prowess by independently publishing three SCI Q3 journal articles, authoring 16 software patents, and leading a national-level project. His commitment to bridging theoretical AI innovations with real-world applications places him at the forefront of emerging research talent in occupational safety and intelligent detection systems.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Gao Jiajie demonstrates exceptional research performance, particularly notable given his status as a master’s student. His achievements include publishing three SCI Q3 journal articles, securing 16 authorized software patents, and acting as principal investigator on a national-level project—a feat typically rare at this early career stage. His research focuses on applied artificial intelligence in safety-critical systems, such as railway worker compliance, power grid integrity, and smart retail. Gao’s innovation in improving YOLOv5-based detection systems—including integrating CBAM and MPDIoU modules—shows deep technical insight and a solutions-oriented mindset. Moreover, his ability to translate research into real-world industrial collaborations speaks to his applied impact, with outputs in railway safety, insulator fault detection, and retail inventory management. His role as a reviewer for a peer-reviewed journal further highlights his growing reputation in the academic community. 🔍

🎓 Education

Gao Jiajie is presently a master’s student at Hebei University of Architecture, where he is actively involved in cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and its applications in safety systems. His academic journey is marked by a strong focus on practical innovations and scholarly contributions, showcasing an excellent balance between theory and implementation.

💼 Experience

In his short academic career, Gao Jiajie has already led one national-level project as the principal investigator and served as a key contributor in multiple collaborative initiatives. His leadership resulted in eight authorized software patents and several AI-based detection systems. He also actively participates in academic review processes as a reviewer for the Journal of Electronic Imaging (JEI).

🧠 Research Interest On Computer Science

Gao’s research centers on Artificial Intelligence, particularly in the development of advanced detection algorithms that enhance occupational safety and industrial automation. His innovative approach integrates attention mechanisms (CBAM), improved loss functions (MPDIoU), and real-time object detection models (YOLOv5/YOLOv8), delivering significant accuracy improvements in challenging environments such as railways, power grids, and retail sectors.

🏅 Awards

While still early in his academic journey, Gao Jiajie’s work has garnered national recognition. His role as Principal Investigator of a national-level project, along with his multiple patents and peer-reviewed publications, highlight his merit for the Best Researcher Award. His work stands as a testament to innovation, application, and academic excellence. 🏆

📚 Publications

Gao Jiajie has published three peer-reviewed SCI Q3 journal articles, each making notable contributions to AI-based visual detection systems:

  1. Gao, Jiajie, et al. Safety equipment compliance analysis for occupational safety, Signal, Image and Video Processing, Vol. 19, Article 720, 2025.
    📈 Cited by: Article recently published; citation data forthcoming.

  2. Gao, Jiajie, et al. Enhanced YOLOv8 for high-precision retail cabinet product recognition, Signal, Image and Video Processing, Vol. 19.7, 2025.
    📈 Cited by: 2 articles.

  3. Gao, Jiajie, et al. Research on the algorithm of detecting insulators in high-voltage transmission lines using UAV images, Signal, Image and Video Processing, Vol. 18, Suppl 1, 2024.
    📈 Cited by: 5 articles.

These publications emphasize Gao’s skill in applying deep learning techniques to complex detection challenges in infrastructure and retail environments.

✅ Conclusion

Gao Jiajie exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher, blending deep technical knowledge with practical implementation in AI-based safety systems. His rapid output of publications, patents, and leadership in a national project underscores a rare level of maturity, innovation, and commitment at an early academic stage. With outstanding contributions in detection algorithm design, academic reviewing, and cross-sector collaboration, Gao is a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Sam Clarke | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sam Clarke | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Canterbury Christ Church University | United Kingdom

Sam Clarke is a dynamic and forward-thinking educator with over eight years of experience as a class teacher across Key Stages 1 and 2, and a key contributor to senior leadership teams. With a career rooted in both classroom practice and strategic educational leadership, Sam has transitioned seamlessly into higher education as a Lecturer of Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. His expertise spans teaching, mentoring, research, and academic innovation, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. A passionate advocate for equity and ethical innovation, Sam combines classroom experience with pioneering research, curriculum design, and community outreach. His professional philosophy echoes Nelson Mandela’s powerful belief that “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.”

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Innovative Research in AI and Education
    Sam Clarke’s work sits at the intersection of two rapidly evolving fields: education and artificial intelligence. His research addresses critical questions about GenAI’s impact on pedagogy, curriculum design, and interdisciplinary learning. His publication “Education in the Age of GenAI” and his co-edited journal BQIL demonstrate a commitment to pioneering research.

  2. Leadership in Academic Initiatives
    Sam is not just a participant but a leader in several academic and professional settings. As Founding Co-Editor of BQIL, Peer Reviewer for research funding, and Lecturer at CCCU, he has shown initiative and scholarly leadership.

  3. Policy-Relevant Contributions
    His guest lectures at UCL, Cambridge, and the Association of Citizenship Teaching suggest his work resonates beyond academia. He connects research to practice, influencing national discourse on AI in education.

  4. Community Engagement and Equity
    Through outreach in underprivileged schools and staff CPD on AI literacy, Sam applies his research to reduce educational inequities, making a tangible social impact.

  5. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Work
    Clarke’s collaboration with prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford and his emphasis on interdisciplinary knowledge building demonstrate a wide-ranging and cooperative research ethos.

  6. Strong Publication Record with Open Access & Accessibility
    His commitment to knowledge dissemination is evident in his open-access publications and engagement in practitioner journals, ensuring that research reaches a diverse audience.

🎓 Education

Sam’s educational journey reflects a consistent trajectory of academic excellence and professional growth. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies and Geography (First Class, 2014), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS (Distinction, 2015), and a Master of Arts in Education (Merit, 2024)—all from Canterbury Christ Church University. Most recently, he achieved a University Certificate of Advanced Practice (Distinction, 2025), further cementing his commitment to lifelong learning and pedagogical excellence.

👨‍🏫 Experience

Sam began his teaching career in 2015, serving in various roles including KS1 and KS2 Teacher, Mathematics Lead, and Computing Lead. His leadership capabilities emerged early, culminating in a place on the Senior Leadership Team at Sussex Road Primary School, where he managed appraisals, led curriculum initiatives, and coached newly qualified teachers. From 2017 to 2019, Sam also contributed as a School Improvement Facilitator for the Education Development Trust. Transitioning into higher education in 2024, he now lectures at Canterbury Christ Church University, shaping future educators with research-informed teaching and innovation-driven curriculum design.

🔬 Research Interests On Computer Science

Sam’s primary research interests lie in the ethical and educational implications of Generative AI within primary and higher education settings. He is especially passionate about exploring how AI can foster interdisciplinary learning, democratize access to education, and promote epistemic insight. His involvement with the Professoriate Group on AI and as a board member of the AI Ethics Committee at UCL underscores his commitment to ethical innovation. Sam also co-founded the academic journal Big Questions and Interdisciplinary Learning, promoting complex thinking and boundary-crossing knowledge creation.

🏆 Awards

Sam has not only received academic distinctions across all his university qualifications, but has also been repeatedly entrusted with leadership and mentoring roles that reflect his excellence. His invitation to prestigious conferences and involvement in ethics committees, editorial boards, and university strategic roles stands as a testament to the recognition of his thought leadership within the educational community.

📄 Publications

Sam Clarke has authored and co-authored several impactful publications exploring the intersections of education and AI:

  • Clarke, S. and Billingsley, B. (2024). Education in the Age of GenAI. Cambridge Generative AI in Education Conference Booklet of Abstracts.
    Published in 2024 | Cited by 3 articles

  • Clarke, S. (2024). A General Election and My Classroom in the Age of AI. Teaching Citizenship, Issue 59, pp. 8–9.
    Published in 2024 | Cited by 1 article

  • Clarke, S., Billingsley, B., & Heath, L. (Eds.) (2024). Big Questions and Interdisciplinary Learning. Zenodo.
    Published in 2024 | Cited by 2 articles

  • Clarke, S., Billingsley, B. and O’Leary, S. (2024). Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Catalyse Further Interdisciplinarity Across Higher Education. Graduate College Working Papers, CCCU. Read paper
    Published in 2024 | Cited by 4 articles

✅ Conclusion

Sam Clarke embodies the ideal fusion of practitioner expertise and academic innovation. His contributions to AI in education—through teaching, research, publication, and community outreach—are both timely and transformative. With a consistent record of academic achievement, leadership, and ethical vision, Sam is poised to continue shaping the future of education at the intersection of pedagogy and technology. His work reflects a profound dedication to empowering educators and learners alike in a rapidly evolving digital world. 🌟