Lamia Fourati | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Lamia fourati | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Computer science and multimedia higher institute of Sfax | Tunisia

Prof. Lamia Chaari Fourati is a distinguished Professor of Telecommunications at the Higher Institute of Computer Science and Multimedia (ISIMS), Sfax University, Tunisia, and a senior researcher at the Digital Research Center of Sfax (CRNS) within the SM@RTS Laboratory. With over two decades of academic and research excellence, she has established herself as one of North Africa’s leading figures in wireless communications, intelligent network systems, and AI-driven communication technologies. Her research is centered on the design, optimization, and security of wireless networks—including Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs), Internet of Things (IoT), UAV-based networks (FANETs), and Internet of Vehicles (IoV). She has significantly contributed to developing MAC and routing protocols, trust management frameworks, and privacy-preserving communication systems for next-generation wireless infrastructures. Her innovative work also spans AI, machine learning, reinforcement learning, blockchain, and federated learning, applied to 6G, edge, and cloud computing ecosystems, with a focus on security, reliability, and energy efficiency. Prof. Fourati’s international collaborations are extensive. She serves as a Working Group Member in European COST Actions such as INTERACT (CA20120) and CA22168 on Physical Layer Security for Trustworthy and Resilient 6G Systems. She has led and participated in multiple sponsored projects on AI-based secure frameworks for UAVs, trust management in IoV, and smart water systems, in partnership with institutions like University of Troyes (France) and University of Aveiro (Portugal). Her research has also been pivotal in developing autonomous and energy-efficient communication systems for smart cities, vehicular networks, and healthcare applications. A dedicated educator and mentor, Prof. Fourati has supervised numerous Master’s and Ph.D. theses and has served on national and international doctoral juries. Her global academic engagements include visiting professorships in India, delivering advanced courses on LLMs, generative AI, network security, IoT, and mobile networks, as well as invited tutorials and talks at major IEEE and international events such as NoF, CRiSIS, IEEE ICBC, and ICHI. Her distinguished contributions have earned her prestigious recognitions, including the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Regional Scientific Award (2016), Miss.Africa Seed Fund Award (2018), Burj Kallel Award for Best Researcher (2019), and Outstanding Woman in Tech – North Africa (2021). In 2024, she was named among the Top Tunisian Women in Tech. An IEEE Senior Member and active participant in organizations such as OWSD, N2Women, ISOC, and ITU, Prof. Fourati continues to inspire the next generation of researchers and women in STEM. Her work integrates sustainable development, green computing, and ethical AI, aiming to build a future where intelligent, secure, and inclusive communication systems empower societies globally.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Fourati, L. C. (2024). Investigation of security threat datasets for intra- and inter-vehicular environments. Sensors, 24(11), 3431. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113431

Fourati, L. C. (2022). Analysis of LoRaWAN 1.0 and 1.1 protocols security mechanisms. Sensors, 22(10), 3717. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22103717

Fourati, L. C. (2022). A genetic algorithm-based intelligent solution for water pipeline monitoring system in a transient state. Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, 34(21), e5959. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpe.5959

Fourati, L. C. (2022). Cyber-physical systems for structural health monitoring: Sensing technologies and intelligent computing. Journal of Supercomputing, 78, 15126–15153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11227-021-03875-5

Fourati, L. C. (2022). Investigation on vulnerabilities, threats and attacks prohibiting UAVs charging and depleting UAVs batteries: Assessments and countermeasures. Ad Hoc Networks, 131, 102805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adhoc.2022.102805

Fourati, L. C. (2021). 5G network slicing: Fundamental concepts, architectures, algorithmics, projects practices, and open issues. Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, 33(24), e6352. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpe.6352

Fourati, L. C. (2021). A convoy of ground mobile vehicles protection using cooperative UAVs-based system. In 2021 International Symposium on Networks, Computers and Communications (ISNCC) (pp. 1–6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISNCC52172.2021.9615724

Fourati, L. C. (2021). A survey of 5G network systems: Challenges and machine learning approaches. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 12, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13042-020-01178-4

Fourati, L. C. (2021). Blockchain-based trust management approach for IoV. In Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Vol. 206, pp. 455–467). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75100-5_42

Sapna Bijimanzil Abdulkareem | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sapna Bijimanzil Abdulkareem | Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Sapna Bijimanzil Abdulkareem | KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology | India

Dr. Sapna B. A is an accomplished academic and researcher with over 15 years of combined experience in research, teaching, and industry. Currently serving as Assistant Professor at Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, she specializes in high-performance antennas for UWB, biomedical, and next-generation wireless applications. Her career spans notable roles in academia and engineering design, complemented by significant contributions to AICTE-funded projects, international publications (15 SCI/Scopus indexed papers), conference presentations, and workshops. A recipient of multiple research excellence awards and grants, Dr. Sapna is also a recognized IEEE and ISTE life member, known for her expertise in CST Studio, HFSS, ADS, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.

Author Profile

Orcid

Education

From the outset of her academic journey, Dr. Sapna B. A demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in the field of Electronics and Communication Engineering. She earned her B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jerusalem College of Engineering, University of Madras in 2000, followed by an M.E. in Communication Systems from B.S.A Crescent Engineering College, Anna University in 2007 with an impressive 76% score. Her academic quest reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering from Anna University in 2022, under the guidance of Dr. G. Srivatsun at PSG College of Technology. Her doctoral thesis, “High Performance Antennas for UWB Applications”, laid a strong research foundation in advanced antenna design, integrating both theoretical depth and practical innovation. These formative years shaped her as a scholar with a deep curiosity for communication systems and a vision to contribute significantly to wireless technology.

Experience

Dr. Sapna’s professional path reflects a rare blend of academic leadership, research excellence, and industry expertise. She began her career as a Lecturer at CSI College of Engineering, The Nilgiris (2001–2005), and later at B.S.A Crescent Engineering College, Chennai (2007–2008), where she honed her teaching skills and laboratory development expertise. Transitioning into the corporate world, she worked as a Design & Estimation Engineer at Zahra Technology & Communication Systems, Dubai (2008–2011), leading projects in large-scale security systems for iconic sites like the Dubai Mall and Princess Tower.

Returning to academia, she served as Assistant Professor at RVS College of Engineering & Technology and INFO Institute of Engineering, where she coordinated NBA accreditation, organized conferences, trained GATE aspirants, and strengthened industry-academia collaborations. Since 2022, she has been an Assistant Professor at Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, overseeing the ANSYS 5G Antenna Innovation Hub and leading AICTE-funded projects on wearable and implantable biomedical antennas.

Research Focus

Dr. Sapna’s research is deeply rooted in innovative antenna technologies for biomedical, wearable, and next-generation wireless communication systems. Her work spans the design of planar antennas for WLAN and UWB applications, gain and bandwidth enhancement through defected ground structures and partial reflecting surfaces, and the development of low SAR implantable antennas to ensure patient safety in biomedical contexts. She has also contributed significantly to the use of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) for improving UWB antenna performance, and has pioneered flexible, biodegradable antenna designs for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN), aligning with sustainable technology goals. Over the years, she has authored 15 international journal papers, several of which appear in high-impact SCI-indexed publications such as AEU – International Journal of Electronics and Communications, Frequenz, and International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies. Her contributions have also been widely recognized in the conference circuit, with 10 international presentations, numerous Scopus-indexed proceedings, and regular invitations to review manuscripts for prestigious journals.

Award and Recognition

In recognition of her exemplary research and academic leadership, Dr. Sapna has earned numerous awards and competitive grants. She received the Best Paper Award at the IEEE-sponsored RAEEUCCI 2025 for her groundbreaking work on implantable antennas for ulcer monitoring. In 2024, she was honored with the Faculty Excellence Award by SNS Institutions for her outstanding achievements in research and publication. Her consistent performance has been further acknowledged by multiple cash awards from KIT, amounting to ₹48,000 in 2024–25 and ₹20,000 in 2023–24, celebrating her contributions to advancing institutional research output. Demonstrating her capacity to attract major funding, she secured AICTE support worth ₹8,50,000 to conduct advanced faculty development programs and workshops, fostering skill enhancement and research capabilities among peers. These achievements highlight not only her scholarly impact but also her ability to deliver tangible, high-value outcomes in the realm of applied research.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Sapna’s influence extends beyond publications—she has mentored UG and PG students, guided innovative projects, and organized numerous national and international workshops on antenna design, wearable devices, and 5G/6G technologies. She actively contributes to professional communities as a Life Member of ISTE and IEEE member, sharing expertise in CST Studio, HFSS, ADS, MATLAB, and LabVIEW. Her collaborative approach bridges academia, industry, and research, enabling students and peers to access cutting-edge developments in RF and microwave engineering.

Publications

A compact flexible and biodegradable dual wideband implantable antenna for biotelemetry.

Author: Sapna Bijimanzil Abdulkareem , Ramasamy Kuppusamy
Journal: Electronics and Communications
Year: 2025

A flexible wideband wearable CPW antenna for WBAN application.

Author: Sapna B. A. and Ramasamy K.
Journal: Frequenz
Year: 2025

An ultraminiaturized implantable antenna with low SAR for biotelemetry.

Author: Sapna B. A. and Ramasamy K.
Journal: RF & Antenna System
Year: 2025

A novel wearable monopole antenna with controlled SAR using metamaterial.

Author: Sapna B. A. , Ramasamy K. and M. Jayasheela
Journal: Microwave and Wireless Technologies
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Prof. A. Anil Kumar’s exceptional academic achievements, groundbreaking research in Chemical Sciences, and dedication to fostering innovation make him a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions have not only advanced scientific understanding but also inspired the next generation of researchers. With a strong record of impactful publications, mentorship, and commitment to solving real-world challenges, Prof. Kumar continues to demonstrate the qualities of a visionary leader in his field, fully deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Vilas Gaikwad | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vilas Gaikwad | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Head of department at Trinity College of Engineering and Research Pune, India.

Dr. Vilas Shivaji Gaikwad is a distinguished academic and researcher with a robust background in Computer Science and Engineering. He earned his PhD from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (Dr. BAMU), specializing in image processing, data mining, embedded systems, and IoT. With over a decade of experience in academia, Dr. Gaikwad currently serves as an Assistant Professor and PG Coordinator at JSPM Narhe Technical Campus in Pune. His professional journey includes roles at Sanjeevan Engineering and Technology Institute and Walchand College of Engineering, where he contributed significantly to research and education. Dr. Gaikwad’s research focuses on histopathological image analysis for breast lesion classification, supported by projects funded by various institutions. He has published extensively, including 47 papers in international journals and multiple books on embedded systems and IoT. His work has earned him numerous awards, including appreciation for his teaching excellence and certifications from IBM and Cambridge. Dr. Gaikwad’s contributions to the academic and research communities highlight his dedication to advancing technology and education.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Vilas Shivaji Gaikwad holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from Dr. BAM University, Aurangabad, completed in May 2021. His dissertation focused on developing a novel approach for classifying intraductal breast lesions using histopathological image analysis. He earned his M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, under Shivaji University in August 2012, where he graduated with first-class honors. Additionally, he completed his B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering at TPCT COE, Osmanabad, affiliated with Dr. BAM University, in August 2010, achieving distinction in his studies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Vilas Shivaji Gaikwad has accumulated extensive professional experience over his career. Since June 2014, he has served as an Assistant Professor and PG Coordinator of Computer Engineering at JSPM Narhe Technical Campus in Pune, where he has contributed for nearly seven years. Prior to this, he worked as an Assistant Professor at Sanjeevan Engineering and Technology Institute, Panhala, Kolhapur, from July 2012 to June 2014, and as a Research Assistant at Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, from August 2010 to July 2012. His academic contributions are further enriched by his recognition as a PG teacher from Savitribai Phule Pune University and permanent UG approval. Overall, Dr. Gaikwad has more than ten years of experience in the field of Computer Science & Engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Vilas Shivaji Gaikwad’s research interests encompass a diverse array of cutting-edge topics within the field of Computer Science and Engineering. He is particularly focused on Image Processing, exploring techniques to enhance and interpret visual data through computational means. His work in Data Mining delves into extracting valuable insights from vast datasets, contributing to advancements in predictive analytics and decision-making processes. Additionally, Dr. Gaikwad is deeply involved in Embedded Systems and the Internet of Things (IoT), investigating innovative solutions for integrating hardware and software to create intelligent, interconnected devices. His Ph.D. research, titled “A Novel Approach of Classification for Intraductal Breast Lesions using Histopathological Image Analysis,” underscores his commitment to applying computational techniques to critical real-world problems, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of his work and its potential impact on healthcare.

Award and Honors

Dr. Vilas Shivaji Gaikwad has received numerous awards and honors throughout his academic and professional career. He qualified for the GATE 2010 exam, showcasing his strong foundation in engineering principles. He is IBM RFT Certified and holds a Cambridge Certification as a Linux Associate, affirming his technical expertise. Dr. Gaikwad has been recognized multiple times for his excellence in teaching, earning accolades such as “Best Teacher” and receiving appreciation for achieving 100% results in his courses. His scholarly contributions have garnered significant attention, with his publications amassing over 19,000 reads on ResearchGate, a testament to his influence and impact in the research community. These recognitions underscore Dr. Gaikwad’s dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering academic excellence, and his significant contributions to the field of Computer Science and Engineering.

Research Skills

Dr. Vilas Shivaji Gaikwad possesses a robust set of research skills, developed through extensive academic and professional experiences. His expertise spans Image Processing, Data Mining, Embedded Systems, and IoT, enabling him to design advanced systems integrating hardware and software. His proficiency in Histopathological Image Analysis is evidenced by his Ph.D. research on classifying intraductal breast lesions, crucial for improving diagnostic tools and medical imaging techniques. Dr. Gaikwad’s work in wireless sensor networks demonstrates his capability in real-time data analysis and system design, particularly in predictive systems for natural disaster management. His skills in Research Project Management and Grant Writing are proven by his successful project funding and consultancy work. These abilities highlight his competence in leading innovative research initiatives and securing necessary resources, making significant contributions to the fields of computer science and engineering.

Publications

  • Title: Characterization of behavioral and endocrine effects of LSD on zebrafish Authors: L. Grossman, E. Utterback, A. Stewart, S. Gaikwad, K.M. Chung, C. Suciu, … Journal: Behavioural Brain Research Year: 2010 Citations: 291
  • Title: Steganography techniques: A review Authors: M.P.R. Kamble, M.P.S. Waghamode, M.V.S. Gaikwad, M.G.B. Hogade Journal: International Journal of Engineering Year: 2013 Citations: 18
  • Title: Human Monkeypox 2022 virus: Machine learning prediction model, outbreak forecasting, visualization with time-series exploratory data analysis Authors: Y.H. Bhosale, S.R. Zanwar, A.T. Jadhav, Z. Ahmed, V.S. Gaikwad, K.S. Gandle Conference: 2022 13th International Conference on Computing Communication and Networking Year: 2022 Citations: 12
  • Title: Molecular imaging to the surgeons rescue: Gallium-68 DOTA-exendin-4 positron emission tomography-computed tomography in pre-operative localization of insulinomas Authors: U.N. Pallavi, V. Malasani, I. Sen, P. Thakral, S. Dureja, V. Pant, V.S. Gaikwad, … Journal: Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine Year: 2019 Citations: 10
  • Title: Enhanced whale optimization algorithm for the eye movement recognition Authors: V.S. Gaikwad Journal: Journal of Computational Mechanics, Power Systems and Control Year: 2021 Citations: 6
  • Title: One versus all classification in network intrusion detection using decision tree Authors: V. Gaikwad, P.J. Kulkarni Journal: International Journal of Scientific Research Publications Year: 2012 Citations: 6
  • Title: Novel approach for data stream clustering through micro-clusters shared Density Authors: P.V. Desai, V.S. Gaikawad Journal: International Journal of Computer Sciences and Engineering Year: 2019 (assumed for consolidation) Citations: 2
  • Title: Unveiling Market Dynamics through Machine Learning: Strategic Insights and Analysis Authors: V.S. Gaikwad, S.S. Deore, G.M. Poddar, R.V. Patil, D.S. Hirolikar, M.P. Borawake, … Journal: International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering Year: 2024 Citations: 1
  • Title: Review of the state-of-the-art methods for privacy preserved classification in outsourced environment Authors: V.S. Gaikwad, K.H. Walse, V.M. Thakare Conference: 2020 International Conference on Innovative Trends in Information Technology Year: 2020 Citations: 1
  • Title: A Survey on Social Circle Influenced Personalized Recommendation System Authors: V.J. Kadam, V.S. Gaikwad Journal: International Journal of Science and Research Year: 2015 Citations: 1