Se Hoon Park | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Se Hoon Park | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Se Hoon Park, Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, South Korea

Se Hoon Park is a distinguished urban planning expert from South Korea, currently serving as Director and Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS). With a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from Seoul National University, his research focuses on state-society relations in urban development, culture-led urban regeneration, and planning history. He has collaborated with organizations like UN-Habitat, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Dr. Park has held notable roles, including Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Director of KRIHS’s Global Development Partnership Center. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and influential policy reports, contributing extensively to urban policy advancements. His dedication has earned him several awards, including the Excellent Paper Award from the Korea Planning Association.

Publication Profile

Scopus

📚 Education

Se Hoon Park earned his Ph.D. in Urban Planning from Seoul National University in 2001, focusing on urban social policies in colonial Korea. His dissertation explored the intricate relationships between neighborhood associations, moral indoctrination, and district welfare commissioners under the guidance of Professor Tai-Joon Kwon. Prior to his doctorate, he completed a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Seoul National University in 1994. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Ceramic Engineering from Yonsei University in 1992. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Park has deepened his expertise through international research experiences, including a visiting scholar role at the University of Tokyo and a Senior Visiting Fellowship at the London School of Economics in 2023, further contributing to his comprehensive understanding of urban development challenges and solutions.

🏢 Experience

Dr. Se Hoon Park has over two decades of experience in urban planning and policy. Since 2003, he has served as Associate Researcher, Research Fellow, and Senior Research Fellow at KRIHS. His leadership roles include Director of the Urban Research Division and Director of the Global Development Partnership Center. Dr. Park’s international experience includes a Senior Visiting Fellowship at the London School of Economics and a consultancy with UN-Habitat. He has also served as a consultant to the Office for Government Policy Coordination in South Korea and worked as an Associate Researcher at the Seoul Development Institute. Additionally, his academic engagements include serving as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Tokyo. His extensive experience in advising urban policy reforms, promoting sustainable urban development, and fostering international partnerships makes him a leading figure in the field of urban planning.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Se Hoon Park has received numerous accolades for his impactful contributions to urban planning. His awards include the Excellent Paper Award from the Korea Planning Association in 2018 and the International Activity Award in 2016 for his research on urban growth regimes. In 2016, he received an Official Commendation from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport for his policy contributions. He was also honored with the Book of the Year Award by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2014 for his edited volume, Beyond Creative Cities: From Cultural Developmentalism to Creative Community. In addition, he earned an Official Commendation from the Minister for Cabinet Office in 2008. These accolades reflect his dedication to advancing urban policies and fostering inclusive, sustainable urban environments.

🧪 Research Focus

Dr. Se Hoon Park’s research spans state-society relations in urban development, culture-led urban regeneration, and planning history, particularly in Korea and East Asia. He critically analyzes the impacts of government-led cultural districts and explores how urban policies shape societal dynamics. His work often investigates creative city strategies and their implications for urban resilience. Additionally, he examines international development cooperation from an urban perspective, contributing to sustainable urban growth frameworks. Dr. Park’s recent publications address participatory urban governance, urban regeneration in Incheon, and marketization’s influence on North Korean urban planning. His interdisciplinary research bridges urban sociology, policy analysis, and cultural geography, making significant contributions to both academic scholarship and policy implementation.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📝 Park, S.H. (2025)New Urban Governance and the Dilemma of Participatory Planning in South Korea, International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Forthcoming.

  • 🖼️ Park, S.H. and Shin, H.R. (2024)The Entrepreneurial Creative City and Its Discontents: The Politics of Art-led Urban Regeneration in Incheon, South Korea, Urban Studies, [Cited By: ].

  • 🏙️ Park, S.H. and Kim, J.E. (2018)Constructing ‘Participating Citizen’: Urban Regeneration Activists and Changing State-Civil Society Relation in Seoul, Space and Environment, 28(3), pp. 9-39, [Cited By: 15].

  • 🌆 Park, S.H. and Song, J.E. (2017)Marketization and its Impact on Urban Planning Practices in North Korea, Journal of Korea Planners Association, 52(7), pp. 55-71, [Cited By: 22].

  • 🏢 Sonn, J.W., Shin, H.R., and Park, S.H. (2017)A Mega Urban Project and Two Competing Accumulation Strategies: Songdo International Business District Development, International Development Planning Review, 39(3), pp. 299-317, [Cited By: 38].

  • 🎨 Park, S.H. (2016)Can We Implant an Artist Community? Government-led Cultural Districts in Korea, Cities, 56, pp. 172-179, [Cited By: 29].

  • 📍 Joo, Y.M. and Park, S.H. (2016)Overcoming Urban Growth Coalition: Culture-Led Urban Revitalization in Busan, South Korea, Urban Affairs Review, 53(5), pp. 1-15, [Cited By: 31].

  • 🏛️ Park, S.H. (2016)Understanding the New Urban Agenda of Habitat III: Background, Features and Implications for Korean Cities, Space and Society, 26(4), pp. 9-39, [Cited By: 12].

  • 🌉 Shin, H.R., Park, S.H., and Sonn, J.W. (2015)Multi-scalar Growth Regime and Scalar Tension in Songdo New City, Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 33, pp. 1618-1638, [Cited By: 44].

  • 🧩 Park, S.H. (2015)Operational Characters of Intermediary Organizations in Community Planning, Journal of the Korean Urban Management Association, 28(3), pp. 75-104, [Cited By: 10].

Azadeh Safadoust | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Azadeh Safadoust | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Azadeh Safadoust, Bu-Ali Sina University, Iran

Dr. Azadeh Safadoust is a distinguished graduate from Iran University of Medical Sciences, holding a Master of Science in Mental Health, where she focused on domestic violence risk prediction using machine learning and social media analysis. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kharazmi University, graduating with honors. Dr. Safadoust is actively involved in research, having authored several publications on topics such as intimate partner violence and treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her commitment to mental health research is complemented by her leadership roles in student organizations. 🌍📊💻

Publication profile

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Safadoust holds a PhD in Soil Science from Bu Ali Sina University (2011), where she focused on the transport of E. coli and bromide through soil columns, under the supervision of Prof. Ali Akbar Mahboubi. Her educational foundation also includes an MSc in Soil Physics (2005) and a BSc in Agriculture-Soil Science (2001), both from Bu Ali Sina University. This strong academic background underpins her research expertise in soil management and environmental impacts.

Teaching and Supervising Experience 

Since 2011, Dr. Safadoust has served as an Assistant Professor at Bu Ali Sina University, where she teaches various undergraduate and graduate courses related to soil science. Her roles include supervising PhD and master’s theses on advanced topics such as the transport of contaminants through soil and the effects of soil amendments on soil properties. This demonstrates her commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers and her expertise in complex soil science issues. 

Research Contributions 

Dr. Safadoust has authored numerous publications, including journal articles and book chapters, that highlight her research on soil physics, contaminant transport, and soil management practices. Notable publications include: 

  • “Bacterial filtration rates in repacked and weathered soil columns” (2011) in Geoderma. 
  • “Effect of regenerated soil structure on unsaturated transport of Escherichia coli and bromide” (2012) in Journal of Hydrology. 
  • “Least limiting water range as affected by soil texture and cropping system” (2014) in Agricultural Water Management. 

These publications reflect her contributions to understanding the dynamics of soil health and water management, which are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. 

Publication top notes

Comparison of three models describing bromide transport affected by different soil structure types

Long-term cultivation and landscape position effects on aggregate size and organic carbon fractionation on surface soil properties in semi-arid region of Iran

Temperature effect on the transport of bromide and E. coli NAR in saturated soils

Bromide and lithium transport in soils under long-term cultivation of alfalfa and wheat

Least limiting water range as affected by soil texture and cropping system

Conclusion 

Dr. Azadeh Safadoust’s blend of educational credentials, teaching experience, and significant research contributions make her an exceptional candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances academic knowledge in soil science but also has practical implications for agricultural sustainability and environmental management. 

Yismaw Ayelign Mengistu | Development Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yismaw Ayelign Mengistu | Development Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yismaw Ayelign Mengistu, Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia

Dr. Yismaw Ayelign Mengistu is an accomplished academic from Ethiopia, currently serving as the Coordinator of Research and Community Services at the College of Business and Economics, Debre Tabor University. He holds a PhD in Development Economics from Punjabi University, India, and has extensive experience in teaching and research leadership. With a strong background in urban management and economic planning, he is proficient in econometrics and data analysis using STATA and SPSS. Dr. Mengistu is fluent in Amharic and English, demonstrating excellent communication skills. He is dedicated to advancing research and community engagement in economics. 📚🤝

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Professional Background

Dr. Yismaw Ayelign Mengistu is an accomplished academic and researcher from Ethiopia, with a significant background in development economics. He currently serves as the Coordinator of Research and Community Services at the College of Business and Economics at Debre Tabor University. His extensive experience in various academic and administrative roles demonstrates his leadership capabilities and commitment to fostering research and community engagement.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Mengistu holds a PhD in Development Economics from Punjabi University in India, along with multiple degrees in related fields, including a Master’s degree in Urban Management from the Ethiopian Civil Service University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Hawasa University. This robust educational foundation equips him with a comprehensive understanding of economic theories and applications, making him well-suited for research in his field.

Research and Work Experience

His career spans over a decade, including key positions such as Head of the Department of Economics and various coordinator roles in revenue collection and planning. His work in these capacities involves significant research responsibilities, particularly in development economics and local economic development. The experience he has accumulated in both academic and practical settings enhances his qualifications for research-oriented awards.

Conclusion

Dr. Yismaw Ayelign Mengistu’s academic credentials, extensive experience in research and community services, and commitment to continuous professional development position him as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to development economics, combined with his effective communication and leadership skills, make him an excellent choice for recognition in this category.

Publication Top Notes  

The effect of livelihood diversification on food security: evidence from Ethiopia

Short-and long-run technical efficiency analysis: Application to ethiopian manufacturing firms

The Effect of Personal Remittance on Poverty Reduction in Sub Saharan Africa

 

 

Charalampos Tsavdaroglou | migration studies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Charalampos Tsavdaroglou | migration studies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Charalampos Tsavdaroglou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr. Charalampos Tsavdaroglou is a prominent academic specializing in critical and radical geography, urban sociology, and migration studies. He holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Currently, he serves as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, focusing on housing-energy nexus and refugees’ solidarity cities. Dr. Tsavdaroglou has received multiple accolades, including the Wiley Top Cited Article Award and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship. His fieldwork spans cities like Athens, Istanbul, and Thessaloniki, contributing significantly to urban commons and social movements. 🌍🏙️📚

Publication profile

Google Scholar

Research Contributions

Dr. Tsavdaroglou’s research focuses on critical urban theory, migration, and the right to the city, which are highly relevant topics in contemporary social science. His involvement as a Principal Investigator in significant research programs, such as “Refugees’ solidarity city” and post-doctoral projects like “Prototypes for addressing the housing-energy-nexus,” underscores his leadership in addressing pressing societal issues. His work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes the importance of community practices among refugees, showcasing his dedication to socially relevant research.

Academic Achievements

Dr. Tsavdaroglou has been recognized for his scholarly contributions, receiving awards such as the Wiley Top Cited Article for his work on refugees during the pandemic and the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship. His research publications have not only gained academic recognition but also contribute to the policy discourse surrounding refugee integration and urban planning. His thesis, “Commons and Enclosures: Dialectic Approach of Space,” demonstrates a profound understanding of the dynamics of space and social structures.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Tsavdaroglou’s teaching experience spans several reputable institutions, including Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Hellenic Open University. His role as a visiting professor in Human Geography and Sociology of Space reflects his expertise in these fields, while his leadership in course development indicates his commitment to education. His teaching interests align well with his research, allowing him to inspire the next generation of scholars.

Fieldwork and Global Experience

His extensive fieldwork experience in cities such as Athens, Belgrade, and Istanbul enriches his research perspective, grounding his theoretical work in real-world contexts. This practical experience is vital in understanding urban dynamics and the lived experiences of marginalized communities, making his research highly applicable and impactful.

Conclusion

Dr. Charalampos Tsavdaroglou’s robust research profile, significant academic achievements, and diverse teaching experience, he stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His commitment to addressing societal issues through critical urban research and his proven ability to engage with both academic and non-academic audiences make him a deserving nominee. His contributions not only advance academic discourse but also have the potential to influence policy and community practices positively.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • The Newcomers’ Right to the Common Space: The case of Athens during the refugee crisis – Cited by: 67 📚, Year: 2018
  • Urban planning and revolt: a spatial analysis of the December 2008 uprising in Athens – Cited by: 52 📚, Year: 2011
  • The refugees’ right to the centre of the city: City branding versus city commoning in Athens – Cited by: 47 📚, Year: 2022
  • The refugees’ right to the center of the city and spatial justice: Gentrification vs commoning practices in Tarlabaşı-Istanbul – Cited by: 34 📚, Year: 2020
  • ‘The Right to the City’ in Athens during A Crisis Era. Between Inversion, Assimilation and Going Beyond – Cited by: 33 📚, Year: 2015
  • Acts for refugees’ right to the city and commoning practices of care-tizenship in Athens, Mytilene and Thessaloniki – Cited by: 24 📚, Year: 2019
  • The golden ‘salto mortale’ in the era of crisis: Primitive accumulation and local and urban struggle in the case of Skouries gold mining in Greece – Cited by: 22 📚, Year: 2017
  • Housing commons vs. state spatial policies of refugee camps in Athens and Thessaloniki – Cited by: 19 📚, Year: 2020
  • Reimagining a transnational right to the city: No Border actions and commoning practices in Thessaloniki – Cited by: 17 📚, Year: 2019
  • Refugees’ caring and commoning practices against marginalisation under COVID‐19 in Greece – Cited by: 16 📚, Year: 2022