INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Prof. Liesel Ebersöhn

University of Pretoria, South Africa

Prof Ebersöhn is the Director of the Centre for the Study of Resilience and a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology in the Faculty of Education. An NRF-rated researcher, Prof Ebersöhn is a leading scholar in resilience and interventions in high-risk school settings. Her research focuses on pathways to resilience in the context of an emerging economy. She combines methodologies to investigate human-ecological and cultural responses to adversity. She coined the term 'flocking' to describe indigenous psychology pathways to resilience. Prof Ebersöhn serves as Secretary-General of WERA and Chair of the International Research Committee of AERA. She presented at the Global Development Network Conference and the American Psychological Association. She was a visiting professor at Yale University and Edith Cowan University. Her research has influenced teacher training curricula in South Africa. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and books.

Professor M.S. Rao

India

Professor M.S. Rao is the Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India, with over three decades of experience in leadership development. He authored 17 books, including "Secrets of Your Leadership Success: The 11 Indispensable E’s of a Leader," and is an esteemed educator, editor, speaker, mentor, and consultant in leadership, learning, and soft skills. Professor Rao has published over 250 papers in esteemed international publications such as Leadership Excellence, T+D Magazine, and Chief Learning Officer Magazine. He introduced innovative teaching tools like Meka’s Method and developed leadership frameworks like the 11E Leadership Grid and Soft Leadership Grid. Recognized globally, he serves as an Advisor for the Board of Global Leadership Awards Committee in Malaysia and has chaired panels for the Global Leadership Awards. He is a distinguished member of the American Institute of Business Psychology and is ranked as the top speaker in India by Speakerwiki.org. Professor Rao also serves on the editorial boards of prestigious international journals and reviews for esteemed publications such as Blackwell Publishing and Sage Publications.

Professor JiHyang Kweon

Konkuk University, Korea

JiHyang Kweon is a professor in Department of Environmental Engineering and the Director of Engineering Education Research Center at Konkuk University. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of advanced treatment processes including membrane technology and advanced oxidation processes and of formation of by-products in disinfection during drinking water production. She is a member of the Korean Society of Environmental Engineers, Korean Society of Water and Wastewater, and Korean Society of Water Environment.

ANDREA M. BERLIN

Boston University, USA

Andrea M. Berlin is an archaeologist and the James R. Wiseman Chair in Classical Archaeology in the Department of Archaeology at Boston University. She also holds a faculty position in the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies at Boston University.[2] Before that she held positions at academic institutions, among which were (from 2004 to 2010) the Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Archaeology in the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Minnesota. She received her PhD in 1988 from the University of Michigan.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Milev

Bulgaria

Graduating from UACEG, Sofia (1956), Prof. Milev joined BAS as a Research Associate in 1960, later becoming an Associate Professor (1976), then Professor (1985), and a Cor. Mem. of BAS (2008). He attained his PhD from Stuttgart University in 1973. Since 2001, he lectures on Geodesy and Engineering. Prof. Milev's extensive activities span scientific, educational, international, and managerial realms, with over 580 publications including monographs, books, and scientific papers. He's been recognized by Stuttgart University and is an honorary member of FIG and FSTUB. Prof. Milev has chaired various organizations and serves as Editor in Chief of a scientific journal. He's also involved in space research at BAS.

Dr. Eng. Ivan Kalchev

Bulgaria

Dr. Eng. Ivan Kalchev completed his secondary education specializing in "Geodesy, Photogrammetry, and Cartography" in 1986 at Construction Technical College "Hristo Botev" - Sofia. Graduating from the University of Architecture, Construction, and Geodesy (UASG) in 1993, he earned his PhD in geodesy in 2002 with a dissertation on "Modeling and monitoring of engineering infrastructure in industrial enterprises using a geographic information system." From 1995 to 2007, he headed the "Geodesy and Cadastre" group at Kozloduy NPP, implementing modern geodetic technologies and GIS for monitoring infrastructure. Since 2007, he leads "GEO PLUS" EOOD, focusing on monitoring significant objects in energy and mining industries. Since 2012, hes been utilizing unmanned aerial systems for aerial photogrammetry, a pioneer in Bulgaria. Hes also involved in deriving the geoid in Bulgaria and has served as chairman of the Union of Surveyors and Land Managers in Bulgaria since 2014.

Dr. Simona Pajaujiene

Lithuanian Sports University, Lithuania

Dr. Simona Pajaujiene, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the Department of Coaching Science, Lithuanian Sport University. Her expertise spans over 30 years in the fitness sector, where she focuses on health-enhancing physical activity, personal training, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. She has been a Visiting International Professor at institutions in Latvia and Poland. Dr. Pajaujiene is a certified Advanced Health and Exercise Specialist, Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor. She is an active promoter of sport science through various media platforms and international events. Additionally, she serves as the Programme Director of EuropeActive’s accredited vocational training school and is a member of the Technical Expert Group at EuropeActive, Brussels. Dr. Pajaujiene has extensive experience participating in European Projects and contributes to the development of fitness industry standards at the European level.

Dr. Timur Kanapyanov

L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan

Dr. Timur Kanapyanov serves as the Deputy General Director for International Cooperation at the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR) in Kazakhstan. Previously, he held a position as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of History of the State of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan. With a Master's degree in Comparative Politics from the University of Bucharest, Romania, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan, his expertise spans various fields including quality assurance in higher education, parliamentary development, post-communist legislative studies, and democratization. Dr. Kanapyanov has authored over 20 publications in international and Kazakh academic journals, focusing on education and quality assurance. He holds exclusive copyrights to IAAR accreditation standards and serves as a reviewer for the journal "Qogam jane Dauir." Additionally, he is actively involved in various international projects and organizations such as the Russian Expert Guild for Professional Education, ENQA, and WFME. Dr. Kanapyanov's leadership has been instrumental in IAAR's participation in international networks and registries, including ENQA, WFME, EQAR, APQR, IREG, and YOKAK.

Mag.a Diane Freiberger, MBA

Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Germany

Mag.a Diane Freiberger has been working in the higher education sector for almost 20 years and has spent 10 years working on quality assurance. As Vice Rector at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, she was particularly responsible for the area of quality in studies and teaching and was also Head of Programme and Quality Management at the Business School.

Professor Zahir Irani

University of Bradford, England

As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), I am accountable through internal governance for the four academic Faculties (via Deans), Directorate of Outreach, Recruitment and Marketing (via Associate Directors), Directorate of Student & Academic Services (via Registrar, Head of Career Services and Head of Counselling) and, the Directorate of Learning and Teaching and Quality Enhancement (via Pro Vice Chancellor). As DVC, he is also lead the transformation and growth of the University’s undergraduate, postgraduate (taught and research) educational portfolio through Faculty and Professional services by driving innovation and enhancing the quality of student experience, teaching practice, curriculum development (including market insight) and support for student learning and success. Responsible as Chief Academic Officer for overseas office in China and, regional teaching and administrative hub in Dubai.

H. A. Abdul-Rashid

H. A. Abdul-Rashid is interested in design and fabrication of modified silica host for rare-earth doped fibers for better up-conversion. Some applications include Thulium S-band amplifiers and visible wavelength up-conversion fiber lasers. Besides this I have done some work in optical amplifiers, fiber lasers, SCM, Optical OFDM, LPG, Microfibers and Optical Antennas. Collaborating with radiation physicist, we have ventured into radiation dosimetry using our custom made fibers, utilising TL, OSL and RL

Ahmad Riza Ghazali

Delft University of Technology, Netherlands

Ahmad Riza Ghazali has over 22 years of experience in the oil and gas industry especially in R&D and technology development. He championed and advised various technology projects for PETRONAS in the area of subsurface imaging and reservoir characterization. He serves on the Industry Advisory Panel for the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. He is an active member of EAGE and SEG and sits as Asia Pacific Advisory Panel for SEG.

Prof. Dr. Çingiz Abdullayev

Professor Abdullayev has been the President of the German-Azerbaijani Friendship Society since 1994.

Since 2011, Professor Chingiz Abdullayev, who has been working as an advisor at AZERSU, an official institution, is also an international peace ambassador of Azerbaijan and an Honorary member of the Azerbaijan Journalists and Writers' Unions.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Higashitotsu Kutluk

Ankara Social Sciences University, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Higashitotsu Kutluk earned his undergraduate degree in Uyghur Literature from Xinjiang University, China, and completed his MA and PhD studies in English and American Literature at Kagoshima University, Japan. He holds the title of Associate Professor in International Cultural Studies at Kagoshima University. Previously, he taught at the International University of Kagoshima, covering various topics such as Japanese history and culture, Turkey-China relations, and Middle East-Japan relations. Currently, he is a faculty member at Ankara University of Social Sciences, Turkey, focusing on Uyghur and Chagatai Language and Literature, as well as American Literature. His research now centers on the conflicts faced by Uyghur Turks under Chinese rule. He has received awards for his scholarly contributions, including the "Trigandağı Uyghur Literature Award" from the Chinese Writers Association and an honorary award from the Kazak Institute of Literature in Kazakhstan. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Higashitotsu Kutluk is currently a member of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Department of Japanese Translation and Interpretation at Ankara Social Sciences University.

DATO' PROF. IR. DR. Mohammed Rafiq Bin Dato' Abdul Kadir

University Malaya, Malaysia

Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Malaya, Malaysia

Prof. Dr. Elnor Roa

Mindanao State University, Philippines

Prof. Dr. Elnor C. Roa is a distinguished leader, educator, and researcher in the Philippines. She has held numerous positions and is known for her mentorship of aspiring minds, publishing extensively in international journals. Her academic journey, from undergraduate to doctorate, was completed at Mindanao State University, where she currently serves. Graduating in Chemical Engineering in 1986, she pursued her Master's and PhD, culminating in a doctoral thesis at Queensland University of Technology in Australia. Specializing in heavy metals, she has received accolades for her research and presentations. With 35 years of experience, she's admired for her gentle demeanor. Notably, she was elected as the 6th Rector of Mindanao State University-Naawan in 2018. Prof. Dr. Roa, married with two children, continues to excel in academia and research.

Prof. Dr. Germán F. de la Fuente

Spanish National Research Council, Spain

Dr. Germán F. de la Fuente, Ph.D., is a Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), affiliated with the Institute for Nanoscience and Materials of Aragón (INMA) at the University of Zaragoza. With expertise in surface coating and modification, he has pioneered methods for ceramics, glasses, metals, and carbon nanostructures. Dr. de la Fuente established the Laser Applications Laboratory at INMA over 30 years ago, pioneering Laser-induced Zone Melting techniques for solidification control in superconductors and eutectic ceramics. He further developed Laser Ablation facilities for large-area surface coatings on various materials and innovative carbon nanostructure preparation methods. His work has garnered industry interest, leading to numerous collaborative projects at local, national, and European levels. Dr. de la Fuente holds 11 patents, co-authored over 180 scientific papers, and coordinated multiple public and industrially funded projects leveraging laser technology.

Prof. Dr. Masashi Maita

Tokyo University, Japan

Prof. Dr. Masashi Maita is the Executive Vice Rector at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT-Japan), overseeing Education and International Affairs. His research spans risk assessment, aquatic toxicology, fish pharmacology, physiology, and food safety. Formerly Dean of the Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, he teaches Marine Bioengineering and Fish Health Management. At the graduate level, he lectures on Applied Marine Biosciences, focusing on fish health influences, management, and safety. His research interests include aquaculture economics, fish disease treatment, molecular genetics, and innovative feeding methods. With over 100 publications, Prof. Dr. Maita is a prominent figure in marine science. Currently, he serves as Vice Rector at TUMSAT.

Prof. Dr. Emmanouil Varvounis

University of Athens, Greece

Emmanouil Varvounis, born in 1966 on Samos, Greece, completed his education at the University of Athens, specializing in folklore and earning a doctorate in the field. He pursued post-doctoral research in Belgium and currently serves as a Professor and Department Chairman at Democritus University of Thrace. A member of various scholarly societies globally, his extensive works in folklore have been translated into multiple languages. He has received numerous honors, including from religious leaders and academic institutions. Varvounis has been recognized internationally for his contributions to Greek culture and academia, receiving awards such as the Giuseppe Sciacca Prize.

Assoc. RNDr. Marek Sedlacik, Ph.D.

University of Defence, Czech Republic

Born on 23 December 1975 in Zlín. After graduating from the Gymnasium J. A. Komenský in Uherský Brod, he studied at the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University in Brno. He defended his dissertation in the field of General Mathematics in 2006 at the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University in Brno and his rigorous thesis in Statistics and Data Analysis at the Masaryk University in Brno. Since 2008 he has completed internships at the Institute of Statistics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Malta, Malta, National University of Public Service, Budapest, Hungary, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia, University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Munich, Germany and General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania. He currently works at the University of Defence as Head of the Department of Quantitative Methods at the Faculty of Military Leadership. He started his career at the University of Defence in 2004, was appointed Head of the Department of Econometrics in 2010, and since 2014 he has held the position of Vice-Dean for Studies and Teaching at the Faculty of Military Leadership.