Rena Conti | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Rena Conti | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Questrom School of Business, Boston University | United States

Professor Rena M. Conti is a distinguished scholar in health economics and public policy, renowned for her influential contributions to the economics of healthcare markets, pharmaceutical innovation, and drug pricing regulation. With 156 scholarly publications, over 4,890 citations, and an h-index of 31, she has established herself as a global authority in the intersection of healthcare policy, economic analysis, and market dynamics. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms driving biopharmaceutical pricing, access to essential medicines, and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Professor Conti’s work has been featured in leading international journals, including JAMA, Health Affairs, and Nature Biotechnology, where her empirical analyses have informed both academic discourse and practical policymaking. Her collaborations extend across academia, government, and industry, where she has worked with public health agencies, pharmaceutical firms, and think tanks to design evidence-based policies that promote innovation while ensuring patient affordability. A key aspect of her impact lies in her ability to bridge the gap between economic modeling and real-world policy implementation, offering pragmatic solutions for optimizing market efficiency and health outcomes. She has also been actively involved in mentoring young researchers and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives that explore the ethical, economic, and regulatory dimensions of healthcare innovation. Her leadership in shaping policy frameworks related to biosimilars, value-based pricing, and healthcare equity has positioned her as a leading voice in advancing sustainable global health systems. Beyond academia, her work has contributed to public debates on balancing innovation incentives with affordability, influencing policymakers and industry leaders worldwide. Through her rigorous scholarship, collaborative outlook, and commitment to public health, Professor Conti continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the global conversation on healthcare economics, ensuring that economic research serves both scientific advancement and social equity.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Qato, D. M., Alexander, G. C., Conti, R. M., Johnson, M., Schumm, P., & Lindau, S. T. (2008). Use of prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements among older adults in the United States. JAMA, 300(24), 2867–2878.

Epstein, A. M., Ayanian, J. Z., Keogh, J. H., Noonan, S. J., Armistead, N., Cleary, P. D., … (et al.) (2000). Racial disparities in access to renal transplantation—clinically appropriate or due to underuse or overuse? New England Journal of Medicine, 343(21), 1537–1544.

Howard, D. H., Bach, P. B., Berndt, E. R., & Conti, R. M. (2015). Pricing in the market for anticancer drugs. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(1), 139–162.

Dorsey, E. R., Rabbani, A., Gallagher, S. A., Conti, R. M., & Alexander, G. C. (2010). Impact of FDA black box advisory on antipsychotic medication use. Archives of Internal Medicine, 170(1), 96–103.

Dusetzina, S. B., Higashi, A. S., Dorsey, E. R., Conti, R., Huskamp, H. A., Zhu, S., … (et al.) (2012). Impact of FDA drug risk communications on health care utilization and health behaviors: A systematic review. Medical Care, 50(6), 466–478.

Md. Shoriful Islam | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Md. Shoriful Islam | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Zhengzhou University, China

Mr. Md. Shoriful Islam, a Bangladeshi academic and researcher, is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Economics at the Business School of Zhengzhou University, China, where his doctoral thesis focuses on the multidimensional effects of microfinancing on sustainable development, particularly poverty alleviation, unemployment reduction, and environmental sustainability. He holds both BBA and MBA degrees in Finance and Banking from Rajshahi University, where he graduated with top honors, securing first position in his BBA batch and second in MBA, alongside a strong academic foundation from Pabna Zilla School and Govt. Edward College. Professionally, he has accumulated more than 15 years of teaching and academic leadership experience, serving as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Assistant Professor at Northern University Bangladesh before joining Zhengzhou University, with additional responsibilities as Program Coordinator for BBA, MBA, and Internship & Placement Programs. His research interests lie in development economics, social entrepreneurship, renewable energy consumption, and sustainable finance, integrating advanced econometric modeling with policy-relevant insights. Islam is skilled in data analysis software such as STATA, R, Python, EViews, and proficient in curriculum design, student mentorship, program coordination, and academic event management. His scholarly work has appeared in high-impact international journals such as Sustainable Development (Wiley), Journal of Knowledge Economy (Springer), Innovation and Green Development (Elsevier), and Environmental Science & Pollution Research (Springer Nature), contributing to debates on social enterprises, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability, with 6 Scopus-indexed publications, 23 citations, and an h-index of 2. He has presented at international conferences and forums, engaging with scholars and practitioners on finance, social enterprises, and sustainability. Among his honors, he received a Gold Medal from Rajshahi University for his outstanding BBA performance. In conclusion, Md. Shoriful Islam exemplifies a dedicated scholar whose academic excellence, impactful research, teaching contributions, and international collaborations position him as a future leader in applied economics and sustainable development.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Ayoungman, F. Z., Islam, M. S., Chishti, M. Z., & Shawon, A. H. (2024). A pathway towards sustainable development: Analysing the influential role of microfinancing on environmental quality in developing nations. Sustainable Development. Wiley. (SSCI indexed, Impact Factor: 8.2, CiteScore: 14.5, JCR Q1).

Ayoungman, F. Z., Islam, M. S., Zhang, F. L., et al. (2024). Social enterprise’s initiatives for socioeconomic sustainability: Appraisal based on morphogenetic/morphostatic approach and opportunity co-creation theory. Journal of Knowledge Economy. Springer Nature. (ABS 1 indexed, JCR Q1).

Ayoungman, F. Z., Islam, M. S., Masukujjaman, M., Shawon, A. H., & Mahmud, A. A. (2024). Financial factors influencing investment willingness in environment-friendly business: Empirical study on an emerging economy. Innovation and Green Development, 4(1). Elsevier.

Islam, M. S. (2024). Nongovernmental organizations transforming into social enterprises in the process of institutionalizing solutions to major social crises for ensuring sustainable social development. Zakaria Journal of Social Science, 4(1), 41–55. ISSN: 2957-4897.

Ayoungman, F. Z., Shawon, A. H., Ahmed, R. R., Khan, M. K., & Islam, M. S. (2023). Exploring the economic impact of institutional entrepreneurship, social innovation, and poverty reduction on carbon footprint in BRICS countries: What is the role of social enterprise? Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Springer Nature. (SCIE and Scopus indexed Q1 journal, Impact Factor: 6.18).

Ahmed BenSaïda | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ahmed BenSaïda | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Faculty from University of Sousse, Tunisia

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda is a distinguished full professor of finance at Effat University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With over two decades of academic experience, he has significantly contributed to the fields of finance and accounting. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the University of Tunis, Tunisia, and a Master’s degree from Nagasaki University, Japan. Dr. Bensaïda’s research interests encompass financial markets, behavioral finance, chaotic dynamics, risk management, spillovers and contagion, and asset pricing. He has authored numerous publications in these areas, reflecting his deep engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of finance. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. courses, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to education. Dr. Bensaïda has also played vital roles in academic administration, contributing to curriculum development, accreditation processes, and academic councils. His international exposure, combined with his extensive research and teaching experience, positions him as a leading figure in the field of finance education and research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s academic foundation is rooted in a robust international education. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Tunis, Tunisia, where he developed a strong analytical and theoretical understanding of financial systems. Prior to this, he completed his Master’s degree at Nagasaki University in Japan, an experience that provided him with a global perspective on financial practices and economic theories. This diverse educational background has equipped Dr. Bensaïda with a unique blend of Eastern and Western academic philosophies, enriching his teaching and research methodologies. His academic pursuits have been characterized by a commitment to excellence and a continuous quest for knowledge, laying the groundwork for his subsequent contributions to academia and the field of finance.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s professional journey in academia spans over 20 years, marked by progressive roles and responsibilities. He began his career as a contractual lecturer at the Higher Institute of Management, University of Tunis, in 2002. He then served at HEC Sousse, University of Sousse, and FSEG Mahdia, University of Monastir, where he held positions ranging from lecturer to assistant professor, and eventually associate professor. In these roles, he was instrumental in developing course syllabi, managing academic departments, and contributing to scientific councils. In 2019, Dr. Bensaïda joined Effat University as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor in 2020. At Effat, he has been actively involved in student advising, accreditation management, and serving on various academic councils. His extensive experience reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and leadership in higher education.

Research Interests

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, focusing on areas critical to understanding and navigating modern financial systems. His work delves into financial markets, exploring the dynamics that drive market behavior and asset pricing. He has a keen interest in behavioral finance, examining how psychological factors influence investor decisions and market outcomes. Dr. Bensaïda also investigates chaotic dynamics within financial systems, aiming to understand complex, nonlinear behaviors that traditional models may overlook. His research on risk management addresses strategies to mitigate financial uncertainties, while his studies on spillovers and contagion analyze how economic shocks propagate across markets. Through these research endeavors, Dr. Bensaïda contributes valuable insights into the mechanisms that underpin financial stability and efficiency.

Research Skills

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that enable him to conduct rigorous and impactful studies in finance. He is adept at quantitative analysis, employing statistical and econometric methods to model financial phenomena and test hypotheses. His proficiency in data analysis tools allows him to handle large datasets, extract meaningful patterns, and derive actionable insights. Dr. Bensaïda’s expertise extends to developing theoretical frameworks that integrate concepts from economics, psychology, and mathematics to explain complex financial behaviors. He is skilled in academic writing, effectively communicating his findings through scholarly publications. Additionally, his experience in interdisciplinary research equips him to collaborate across fields, enriching his studies with diverse perspectives and methodologies.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda has been recognized for his contributions to finance education and research. While specific awards and honors are not detailed in the available information, his promotion to full professor at Effat University in 2020 signifies a recognition of his academic achievements and leadership. His involvement in key academic councils and accreditation processes further reflects the esteem in which he is held by his peers and institutions. Dr. Bensaïda’s consistent progression through academic ranks and his active participation in shaping academic programs underscore his commitment to excellence and the impact of his work in the field of finance.

Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s distinguished career in finance academia is marked by a blend of international education, extensive teaching experience, and a profound research portfolio. His contributions to understanding complex financial systems, investor behavior, and market dynamics have enriched both academic literature and practical applications in finance. As a full professor at Effat University, he continues to mentor students, lead academic initiatives, and engage in research that addresses contemporary financial challenges. Dr. Bensaïda’s dedication to education and research exemplifies the role of academia in advancing knowledge and informing practice in the ever-evolving field of finance.

Publications Top Notes

  • Hedge and safe haven properties during COVID-19: Evidence from Bitcoin and gold

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, R. Chemkha, A. Ghorbel, T. Tayachi

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 202

  • Herding and excessive risk in the American stock market: A sectoral analysis

    • Authors: H. Litimi, A. BenSaïda, O. Bouraoui

    • Year: 2016

    • Citations: 173

  • Good and bad volatility spillovers: An asymmetric connectedness

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2019

    • Citations: 152

  • Herding effect on idiosyncratic volatility in US industries

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2017

    • Citations: 131

  • Volatility spillover shifts in global financial markets

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, H. Litimi, O. Abdallah

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 116

  • The contagion effect in European sovereign debt markets: A regime-switching vine copula approach

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 81

  • High level chaos in the exchange and index markets

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, H. Litimi

    • Year: 2013

    • Citations: 78

  • Noisy chaos in intraday financial data: Evidence from the American index

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: 70

  • Shapiro-Wilk and Shapiro-Francia normality tests

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2022

    • Citations: 67

  • The shifting dependence dynamics between the G7 stock markets

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, S. Boubaker, D.K. Nguyen

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 59