Irini Konta | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Irini Konta | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dr Irini Konta, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr. Irini Konta is a linguist specializing in bilingualism, second language acquisition, and morphology. She completed her PhD in Linguistics (2013) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where she focused on Greek language acquisition by Turkish-speaking children. Currently, she is Laboratory Teaching Staff at the Department of Linguistics, Aristotle University, emphasizing applied linguistics. She has also served at the Greek Language Center and lectured on special education. Dr. Konta’s research, published in journals like Ampersand, explores language teaching, grammar acquisition, and language assessment. She has authored various papers and books on Greek language proficiency and morphology. 📚🧑‍🏫🌐

Publication profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Irini Konta is a linguist with a robust academic background from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She earned her PhD in Linguistics in 2013, focusing on The Acquisition of Greek by Children with a Turkish Mother Tongue: Evidence from Nominal Agreement and Morphology. This research sheds light on bilingual language acquisition and linguistic structure. She also holds an MA (2000) in Teaching Modern Greek as a Foreign/Second Language, showcasing her dedication to language education. Her academic journey began with a BA in Greek Philology in 1997, specializing in Linguistics. Dr. Konta’s expertise lies in bilingualism and language pedagogy. 📘🗣️🌍

Experience

Dr. Irini Konta is an accomplished educator and linguist with extensive experience in teaching and promoting the Greek language. 📘 She served as a Laboratory Teaching Staff member in the Department of Linguistics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in General and Applied Linguistics. 🗣️ From 2013 to 2020, she was a Scientific Staff member at the Greek Language Center in Thessaloniki, focusing on the support and promotion of Greek language initiatives. 🌐 Dr. Konta also lectured part-time on a postgraduate program in Special Education, addressing language challenges, at Hellenic Open University in collaboration with the University of Thessaly. ✍️ Her teaching journey began in secondary education and included roles teaching Greek as a foreign language at Aristotle University and the Black Sea’s Center for Greek Cultural Development. 🏛️

Research Interests

Dr. Irini Konta specializes in linguistics, focusing on bilingualism and foreign/second language acquisition. She is particularly adept in teaching methodologies for foreign languages, with a strong emphasis on grammar instruction 📝. Dr. Konta’s research also covers the nuances of language assessment and how individuals acquire a second language, exploring both theoretical and practical aspects 🌍. Additionally, her expertise includes inflectional and derivational morphology, examining how words are formed and modified within languages 🔍. Through her work, Dr. Konta contributes to enhancing language learning and assessment practices, supporting more effective and inclusive educational experiences. 📚

Research focus

Irini Konta’s research primarily focuses on language acquisition, with a particular interest in Greek as a second language (L2) for children and heritage learners. Her work explores how young learners acquire grammatical structures, such as past tense and gender, and how they develop skills in derivational morphology. By comparing different instructional methods, like Processing Instruction and Production-Based Instruction, Konta aims to improve understanding of effective strategies for language teaching in Greek. Her research is valuable for linguists, educators, and language acquisition specialists who focus on bilingual education and heritage language preservation. 📚🗣️👧👦

Publication top notes

The effectiveness of Processing Instruction and Production-Based Instruction on the acquisition of the past tense in Greek by child heritage learners: A preliminary study

Η κατάκτηση της ελληνικής από παιδιά με μητρική γλώσσα την τουρκική

Conclusion 

Dr. Irini Konta’s expertise in language acquisition, bilingualism, and applied linguistics positions her as a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her research addresses critical aspects of language learning and teaching, especially for bilingual and heritage speakers, making significant contributions to linguistics and language education. 

Miral AlAshry | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Miral AlAshry | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Professor at  The European Universities in Egypt (EUE), Egypt.

Dr. Miral Sabry AlAshry is a prominent academic and media professional whose work bridges academia, journalism, and practical applications in media safety and communication. She holds multiple influential positions, including Professor and Director of the Media and Communication BA program at the University of East London’s European Universities in Egypt (EUE) campus. Dr. AlAshry co-leads the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division at the Centre for Freedom of the Media, University of Sheffield, and serves as an academic expert on journalist safety at the University of Liverpool. Her extensive contributions range from research and publication to active participation in media initiatives focused on journalism safety, media ethics, and freedom of information. Dr. AlAshry’s work is recognized internationally, making her a notable figure in media studies, with significant contributions to policy discussions on media freedom and cybersecurity in journalistic contexts.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. AlAshry’s academic journey has equipped her with a strong foundation in media and communication studies. She has completed advanced degrees in journalism and mass communication, with a focus on social sciences, from reputable institutions. Her education laid the groundwork for her interdisciplinary approach to media studies, allowing her to effectively examine complex topics like media freedom, cybersecurity, and journalistic safety within conflict zones. Her academic background has not only informed her research methodologies but also underpins her teaching philosophy, allowing her to lead degree programs and mentor students with a well-rounded perspective on contemporary media issues.

 

Experience

With a career spanning academia, media, and research, Dr. AlAshry has extensive experience in media studies and journalism. She holds the position of professor and director for the Media and Communication BA program at the University of East London (EUE). Additionally, she co-leads the MENA region at the Centre for Freedom of the Media at the University of Sheffield, where she focuses on media freedom and safety. Dr. AlAshry is also actively engaged as a reporter, covering conflict in regions like Libya for Eurasia Review. Her hands-on involvement in media and journalism, combined with her academic expertise, provides a unique lens for her research on freedom of information, the impact of media regulations, and the safety of journalists.

Research Focus

Dr. AlAshry’s research encompasses media freedom, the safety of journalists, cybersecurity, and the ethical dimensions of journalism, particularly in conflict zones. Her work critically examines how legal and regulatory frameworks in regions like Egypt influence information access and media freedom. Additionally, her studies delve into young people’s perceptions of risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting her interest in social behavior and media’s role in shaping it. She has also explored internal communication’s impact on organizational performance, as well as media’s ethical responsibilities amid crises. Dr. AlAshry’s interdisciplinary research aligns with her active roles in promoting journalist safety and analyzing media’s societal influence, positioning her work at the intersection of academia, policy, and real-world media challenges.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. AlAshry’s accomplishments in media research have garnered numerous awards. In 2024, she received the Best Researcher Award at the International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cryptography for her analysis of Egyptian media laws. In 2023, she earned the Egyptian State Prize in social sciences, and her film “To Hell” secured top recognition at the MEDCOM International Short Film Festival. Dr. AlAshry’s papers on media risk perceptions and internal communication also won the Emerald Literati and Future University in Egypt awards. Her awards underscore her contributions to advancing media studies, ethics, and policy, affirming her as a key figure in the global media research community.

Conclusion

Dr. Miral Sabry AlAshry is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her diverse roles, impactful research contributions, and significant recognition through awards and grants. Her interdisciplinary work, particularly in media freedom, social sciences, and the safety of journalists, has both academic and societal relevance, making her research widely applicable. Addressing areas such as more focused specialization and longitudinal research could further elevate her academic impact. Overall, Dr. AlAshry’s profile reflects a commendable blend of academic rigor, practical engagement, and a commitment to advancing knowledge and solutions in media and communication studies.

 

Publication Top Notes  

“Arab journalists have no place: Authorities use digital surveillance to control investigative reporting”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2024
Journal: Communication and Society, 37(1), pp. 61–77
Citations: 3

“From restrictions on freedom of expression and access to COVID-19: Open-source data in investigative Arab journalism”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2024
Book Chapter: Data Journalism and the COVID-19 Disruption, pp. 193–208
Citations: 0

“Arab authorities use digital surveillance to control press freedom: journalists’ perceptions”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2023
Journal: Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, 25(3), pp. 250–266
Citations: 2

“Journalistic censorship during COVID-19 by using the Egyptian Communicable Diseases Law” | Censura Jornalística Durante a COVID-19 Usando a Lei Egípcia de Doenças Transmissíveis
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Brazilian Journalism Research, 19(3), pp. 524–549
Citations: 3

“Contrasting the COVID-19 Effects on Tourism Safety Perceptions and Coping Behavior among Young People during Two Pandemic Waves: Evidence from Egypt”
Authors: Caldeira, A.M., Seabra, C., & AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(12), 7492
Citations: 6

“A critical analysis of journalists’ freedom of expression and access to information while reporting on COVID-19 issues: a case of selected Arab countries”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 20(2), pp. 193–212
Citations: 5

“Investigating the efficacy of the Egyptian Data Protection Law on Media Freedom: Journalists’ perceptions”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Communication and Society, 35(1), pp. 101–118
Citations: 5

OKOA SIMILE | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

OKOA SIMILE | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dr OKOA SIMILE, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Evaluation of Dr. Okoa Simile for the Best Researcher Award

Publication profile

google scholar

Educational and Professional Qualifications

Dr. Okoa Simile has an extensive academic background, holding a Ph.D. in Linguistics, a Master’s in Linguistics, and a Bachelor of Arts with Education from the University of Dar es Salaam. His qualifications demonstrate a strong foundation in linguistics, with specialized knowledge in African languages, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics. This academic journey equips him with the expertise required for in-depth research in his field.

Working Experience

Dr. Simile’s experience spans over a decade, with roles as a Lecturer and Researcher in Linguistics and Sociostudies at the University of Dar es Salaam (DUCE Campus) and various other institutions. His teaching portfolio includes a wide array of linguistics courses, indicating his ability to impart knowledge effectively and contribute to the academic community. His work as a freelancer in translation and editing further showcases his versatility and command over linguistic skills.

Research Interests and Contributions

Dr. Simile’s research focuses on theoretical and applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, semantics, pragmatics, and Tanzanian languages. His scholarly contributions include multiple publications, such as his Ph.D. thesis on the Morphosyntax and Discourse Pragmatics of the Kɨbhwanɉi Determiner Phrase, and articles in reputable journals. These works highlight his dedication to advancing knowledge in linguistics, particularly in the study of African languages.

Conferences and Workshops

Dr. Simile has participated in international conferences, such as the Swahili Colloquium and the South-East African Languages and Literature Forum, presenting his research to global audiences. These engagements underscore his active involvement in the academic community and his commitment to contributing to linguistic scholarship on a global scale.

Conclusion

Dr. Okoa Simile’s strong academic qualifications, extensive teaching experience, and significant research contributions make him a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His focus on African languages, coupled with his active participation in international linguistic forums, demonstrates his commitment to advancing linguistic research, particularly in the context of Tanzanian languages.

Publication top notes

‘Hapa ni wapi?(Where is this?)’: a linguistic and discursive examination of students-teacher dynamics in education

A Minimalist Approach to the Analysis of the Structure of the KܺbhwanᏋi Determiner Phrase

Segmental aspects of Kɨbhwanɉi Phonology: A Non-Linear Representation