Bhavesh Kataria | AI and Machine Learning | AI & Machine Learning Award

Dr. Bhavesh Kataria | AI and Machine Learning | AI & Machine Learning Award

Post-Doctoral Fellow at Emory University | United States

Dr. Bhavesh Kataria is a highly accomplished academician, researcher, and innovator in Computer Engineering, recognized globally for his leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Digital Image Processing. His professional journey spans academia and research institutions across India and the United States, including his role at Emory University, where he contributes to advanced AI-driven healthcare analytics and digital pathology solutions. With a Ph.D. focused on Optical Character Recognition of Sanskrit Manuscripts using Convolutional Neural Networks, Dr. Kataria has combined technical precision with deep domain expertise to address challenges in multilingual text recognition and medical imaging. His scholarly portfolio includes numerous publications in reputed international journals, multiple granted patents, and several authored books covering cutting-edge topics in AI, cloud computing, and web technologies. An active member of prestigious organizations such as IEEE and ACM, he serves on editorial boards of international journals and as a reviewer for globally recognized publishers like Springer Nature and Science Publishing Group. He has also chaired sessions and reviewed Ph.D. theses, contributing significantly to the academic ecosystem. Dr. Kataria’s pioneering innovations, such as AI-based network visualization tools, smart teaching devices, and healthcare monitoring systems, underscore his commitment to translational research and practical AI applications. Honored with awards including the Best Researcher Award and Teaching Excellence Award, he exemplifies a blend of scholarly excellence, innovation, and mentorship. His dedication to advancing intelligent systems and promoting interdisciplinary research continues to inspire global collaboration in emerging computational technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Kataria, B., & Jethva, H. B. (2024, September 30). Decentralized security mechanisms for AI-driven wireless networks: Integrating blockchain and federated learning.

Kataria, B. (2024, June 2). Automated detection of tuberculosis using deep learning algorithms on chest X-rays.

Shivadekar, S., Kataria, B., Hundekari, S., Wanjale, K., Balpande, V. P., & Suryawanshi, R. (2023). Deep learning based image classification of lungs radiography for detecting COVID-19 using a deep CNN and ResNet 50.

Shivadekar, S., Kataria, B., Limkar, S., Wagh, K., Lavate, S., & Mulla, R. (2023, June 15). Design of an efficient multimodal engine for preemption and post-treatment recommendations for skin diseases via a deep learning-based hybrid bioinspired process.

Kataria, B., Jethva, H. B., Shinde, P. V., Banait, S. S., Shaikh, F., & Ajani, S. (2023, April 30). SLDEB: Design of a secure and lightweight dynamic encryption bio-inspired model for IoT networks.

Dr. Santosh Jagtap | AI and ML | Microsoft AI Award

Dr. Santosh Jagtap | AI and ML | Microsoft AI Award

Assistant Professor, Prof. Ramkrishna More Arts, Commerce & Science College, India

Dr. Santosh Jagtap, Assistant Professor at Prof. Ramkrishna More College (Autonomous), is a highly accomplished researcher and academic in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity, with extensive expertise in applying AI to smart agriculture, healthcare security, IoT-enabled educational systems, and AI-driven safety solutions. Dr. Jagtap holds advanced academic qualifications and has developed a distinguished research profile that emphasizes practical applications of emerging technologies to address societal challenges. His work integrates machine learning, blockchain, IoT, and real-time data processing, producing innovative solutions in areas such as intelligent irrigation systems, plant disease detection, AI-based emotion recognition for safety alerts, and secure healthcare frameworks. Over his career, Dr. Jagtap has contributed significantly to international research projects and collaborative studies, producing high-impact publications in reputed journals and conference proceedings, such as Materials Today: Proceedings, international conferences on electronics, computing, and applied AI. He has also been recognized for innovation through patent awards, notably for AI-based plant disease identification systems, reflecting his focus on technology transfer and real-world impact. Dr. Jagtap has played an active role in mentoring students, guiding research projects, and participating in professional networks that foster academic and technological growth. He has demonstrated a consistent record of research excellence, with a total of 78 citations across 4 Scopus-indexed publications and an h-index of 3, reflecting the growing impact of his work.

Profile: GOOGLE SCHOLAR | SCOPUS

Featured Publications

  • Jagtap, S. T., Phasinam, K., Kassanu. (2022). Towards application of various machine learning techniques in agriculture. Materials Today: Proceedings, 51, 793–797. 70 citations.

  • Jagtap, S. T., Thakar, (2021). A framework for secure healthcare system using blockchain and smart contracts. Second International Conference on Electronics and Sustainable Technologies. 22 citations.

  • Jagtap, S. T., Jagdale, K. C., & Thakar, C. M. (2023). Identification of plant disease device using artificial intelligence. IN Patent 391523-001. –

  • Pratiksha Bhise, D. S. J., & Jagtap, S. T. (2024). AI-driven emergency response system for women’s safety using real-time location and heart rate monitoring. IJRPR. –

  • Keskar,  A., Jagtap, S. T., et al. (2021). Big data preprocessing frameworks: Tools and techniques. Design Engineering, 1738–1746.

Dr. Pankaj Kumar | Machine learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pankaj Kumar | Machine learning | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur

Dr. Pankaj Kumar is a researcher specializing in operations research, optimization methods in finance, interval optimization, machine learning and crop area planning. He earned a Ph.D. in Optimization Methods in Finance from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur with his thesis on interval optimization methods for portfolio selection, and holds earlier advanced degrees in operations research and mathematics. Dr. Pankaj Kumar has served in research and teaching roles—most recently as Assistant Professor—focusing on modelling of portfolio optimization, multi-objective programming, time-series forecasting, and risk measures such as mean-VaR. His professional experience includes supervising research students, contributing to international and national collaborative projects, participating in workshops and conferences, and Dr. Pankaj Kumar’s scholarly output includes more than thirty peer-reviewed papers published in high-impact journals indexed by SCIE, Scopus, and Web of Science, and his work has attracted more than 360 citations with an h-index of 10, reflecting consistent academic influence. His research skills include mathematical modelling, statistical methods, algorithm design, programming in C and R, use of optimisation tools and applying machine learning regression techniques in finance contexts. Among his awards and honors are travel grants, junior/senior research fellowships, editorial board membership, and recognition for teaching and research excellence at his institution. In conclusion, Dr. Pankaj Kumar is positioned to further impact the fields of financial optimization and decision science through high-quality publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and mentoring, likely to increase his citation profile, visibility, and leadership in both academic and applied settings.

Profile: GOOGLE SCHOLAR | SCOPUS | ORCID

Featured Publications

Behera, J., & Kumar, P. (2025). An approach to portfolio optimization with time series forecasting algorithms and machine learning techniques. Applied Soft Computing, 170, 112741.

Sahu, B. R. B., & Kumar, P. (2025). Portfolio rebalancing model utilizing support vector machine for optimal asset allocation. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50(14), 10939–10965.

Sahu, B. R. B., Bhurjee, A. K., & Kumar, P. (2024). Efficient solutions for vector optimization problem on an extended interval vector space and its application to portfolio optimization. Expert Systems with Applications, 249, 123653.

Behera, J., & Kumar, P. (2024). Implementation of machine learning-based sparse Sharpe ratio portfolio optimization: A case study on Indian stock market. Operational Research, 24(4), 62.

Patel, M., Behera, J., & Kumar, P. (2024). Parametric approach for multi-objective enhanced interval linear fractional programming problem. Engineering Optimization, 56(5), 740–765.

Abdultaofeek Abayomi | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdultaofeek Abayomi | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

ABDULTAOFEEK ABAYOMI, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic and researcher with a rich career in Information Technology and Computer Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Durban University of Technology, South Africa, and has been an influential figure in various educational institutions, including Mangosuthu University of Technology, where he served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Lecturer. His extensive experience spans roles in teaching, research, and industry, with a specific focus on ICT, machine learning, and telecommunications. Dr. Abayomi’s contributions extend beyond academia, having held positions in major banks and IT firms, where he influenced projects in system analysis, IT infrastructure, and banking operations.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Abayomi’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where he graduated with a Second Class Upper Division. This was followed by a Master’s in Technology (Computer Science) and an MBA from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Information Technology at Durban University of Technology, South Africa, where his doctoral research explored real-time tracking of individuals in distress situations using physiological signals, a significant contribution to the field of IT and human-centered computing.

Experience

Dr. Abayomi’s professional career spans teaching, research, and leadership roles in the technology sector. He has lectured and conducted research at various universities, including Durban University of Technology and Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa. Additionally, he has worked as a system analyst and instructor for IT certifications such as MCSE and MCSA at JIT Solutions in Akure, Nigeria. His career in the banking sector includes roles as a Profit Centre Manager and ICT System Administrator at United Bank for Africa Plc., where he contributed to improving operational efficiency and implementing IT solutions. Dr. Abayomi has also been involved in research projects aimed at addressing pressing issues in ICT and society, particularly focusing on the intersection of technology and human needs.

Research Interests

Dr. Abayomi’s research interests lie at the convergence of Information Technology, machine learning, and network systems. His work has explored deep learning, cognitive radio networks, spectrum sensing, and software-defined networks. He is particularly interested in the application of artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems, such as dynamic spectrum access and health insurance prediction. Dr. Abayomi’s research aims to improve the way technology interacts with human and environmental factors, making significant contributions to both academic and applied research.

Awards

Dr. Abayomi has received numerous accolades in recognition of his academic and research excellence. He was honored with the Research Award for Most Productive Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2022 at Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa. He has also been an active participant in international conferences, serving as a session chair for various events such as the 22nd International Conference on Hybrid Intelligent Systems in 2022 and the 13th International Conference on Soft Computing and Pattern Recognition in 2021. His contributions to research are further exemplified by his involvement in winning the South African National Research Foundation’s Infrastructure Bridging Funding in 2016.

Publications

Dr. Abayomi’s scholarly work is well-regarded in academic circles, with several impactful publications in peer-reviewed journals. His notable publications include:

Ukpong, U.C., Idowu-Bismark, O., Adetiba, E., Kala, J.R., Owolabi, E., Oshin, O., Abayomi, A., Dare, O.E. (2025). “Deep reinforcement learning agents for dynamic spectrum access in television whitespace cognitive radio networks.” Scientific African, 27, e02523.

Dare, O.E., Okokpujie, K., Adetiba, E., Idowu-Bismark, O., Abayomi, A., Kala, R.J., Owolabi, E., Ukpong, U.C. (2024). “Development of a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network Model for Television Spectrum Radio Environment Mapping.” IEEE Access, 12, 197632-197644.

Mavundla, K., Thakur, S., Adetiba, E., Abayomi, A. (2024). “Predicting Cross-Selling Health Insurance Products Using Machine-Learning Techniques.” Journal of Computer Information Systems.

Adetiba, E., Uzoatuegwu, P.C., Ifijeh, A.H., Abayomi, A., Obiyemi, O. (2024). “NomadicBTS-2: A Network-in-a-Box with Software-Defined Radio and Web Based App for Multiband Cellular Communication.” International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems, 15(1), 1-16.

Aroba, O.J., Abayomi, A. (2023). “An Implementation of SAP Enterprise Resource Planning – A Case Study of the South African Revenue Services and Taxation Sectors.” Cogent Social Sciences.

These publications reflect his diverse research interests and his significant impact on fields ranging from telecommunications to machine learning and health technology.

Conclusion

Dr. Abayomi’s academic and professional journey is a testament to his dedication to advancing knowledge in Information Technology and its application to solving societal challenges. His work has influenced both the academic community and industry practices, particularly in the areas of cognitive radio networks, machine learning, and ICT solutions for societal development. His numerous accolades and impactful publications underscore his standing as a leading researcher in his field, and his continued contributions promise further advancements in the intersection of technology and human development.

Mohsen Saroughi | Machine Learning | Best Scholar Award

Mr. Mohsen Saroughi | Machine Learning | Best Scholar Award

Researcher | university of tehran | Iran

Mohsen Saroughi is an accomplished water resource management professional with a passion for research and innovation. With expertise in machine learning, groundwater modeling, and hydrology, Mohsen has established himself as a leading figure in applying artificial intelligence and optimization techniques to water resource challenges.

Profile

Google scholar

Education 🎓

  • Master’s in Water Resource Management (2018–2021): University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran (CGPA: 3.5/4)
  • Bachelor’s in Water Engineering (2014–2018): University of Bu-Ali Sina, Hamedan, Iran (CGPA: 3.1/4)

Experience 💼

Mohsen has served as a teaching assistant and research mentor, guiding students on projects in hydrology and groundwater management. His professional experience includes roles as a language editor, GIS consultant, and intern, where he demonstrated expertise in modeling, remote sensing, and IT solutions.

Research Interests 🔬

Mohsen’s research spans groundwater management, machine learning, climate change, and systems dynamics. He excels in applying artificial intelligence to water resource optimization and hydrological modeling.

Publications 📚

“A novel hybrid algorithms for groundwater level prediction”

  • Authors: M Saroughi, E Mirzania, DK Vishwakarma, S Nivesh, KC Panda, …
  • Journal: Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 31

“Hybrid COOT-ANN: a novel optimization algorithm for prediction of daily crop reference evapotranspiration in Australia”

  • Authors: E Mirzania, MH Kashani, G Golmohammadi, OR Ibrahim, M Saroughi
  • Journal: Theoretical and Applied Climatology 154 (1), 201-218
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 7

“Shannon entropy of performance metrics to choose the best novel hybrid algorithm to predict groundwater level (case study: Tabriz plain, Iran)”

  • Authors: M Saroughi, E Mirzania, M Achite, OM Katipoğlu, M Ehteram
  • Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 196 (3), 227
  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 5

“Prediction of monthly groundwater level using a new hybrid intelligent approach in the Tabriz plain, Iran”

  • Authors: E Mirzania, M Achite, N Elshaboury, OM Katipoğlu, M Saroughi
  • Journal: Neural Computing and Applications, 1-16
  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 1

“Evaluate effect of 126 pre-processing methods on various artificial intelligence models accuracy versus normal mode to predict groundwater level (case study: Hamedan-Bahar …”

  • Authors: M Saroughi, E Mirzania, M Achite, OM Katipoğlu, N Al-Ansari, …
  • Journal: Heliyon 10 (7)
  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

Awards 🏆

  • Ranked 1% in Official Judicial Experts Water Exam (2024)
  • 6th in Iranian University Entrance Master Exam (2018)
  • 2nd in Provincial Chemistry Competition (2012)

Conclusion 🌍

Mohsen Saroughi is a highly competent and accomplished researcher with strengths in advanced modeling, machine learning applications, and groundwater management. His technical expertise, leadership in mentoring students, and significant contributions to both academic literature and practical tools position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. To further enhance his impact, expanding his international collaborations and engaging in projects that directly affect societal challenges could bolster his already impressive academic and professional trajectory.