B. Espen Eckbo | Econometrics and Finance | Research Excellence Award

Prof. B. Espen Eckbo | Econometrics and Finance | Research Excellence Award

Dartmouth College | United States

B. Espen Eckbo is a globally recognized scholar in corporate finance and one of the field’s most influential empirical researchers. He is the Tuck Centennial Professor of Finance at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College, and has held distinguished academic appointments at leading institutions including the University of British Columbia, Stockholm School of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics, MIT Sloan, UCLA, INSEAD, and Vanderbilt University. With a Ph.D. in Financial Economics from the University of Rochester, Professor Eckbo has built a four-decade research career that has shaped modern understanding of takeovers, corporate governance, capital structure, bankruptcy, and competition policy. He has authored major handbooks, edited influential volumes on corporate finance, and published widely in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Finance, Management Science, and Journal of Corporate Finance. Ranked among the world’s top finance scholars—including a 2024 ScholarGPS ranking of worldwide in Corporate Finance—he has earned numerous honors such as the Barclays Global Investors/Michael Brennan Prize, multiple Best Paper Awards, “All Star Papers” in JFE, and an honorary doctorate from the Norwegian School of Economics. Professor Eckbo is also the founding director of the Lindenauer Center and Forum for Governance Research at Dartmouth and has served on editorial boards, research councils, and scientific advisory committees across Europe and North America. With extensive keynote lectures, major research grants, and high-impact collaborations, he continues to advance empirical corporate finance through rigorous scholarship, editorial leadership, and global academic engagement.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Citations
15,456

i10index
73

 h-index
42

Featured Publications

Horizontal mergers, collusion, and stockholder wealth
– Journal of Financial Economics, 1983 • Citations: 1,764
Corporate takeovers
– Handbook of Empirical Corporate Finance, 2008 • Citations: 975
Valuation effects of corporate debt offerings
– Journal of Financial Economics, 1986 • Citations: 945
Seasoned public offerings: Resolution of the ‘new issues puzzle’
– Journal of Financial Economics, 2000 • Citations: 825
Asymmetric information and the medium of exchange in takeovers: Theory and tests
– The Review of Financial Studies, 1990 • Citations: 672

Hayet Soltani | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hayet Soltani | Finance | Best Researcher Award

University of Sfax, Tunisia

Dr. Hayet Soltani, a Tunisian scholar, is an accomplished researcher in finance, business engineering, and digitalization of companies, with expertise spanning financial stress, investor sentiment, stock market dynamics, clean energy, and sustainable investments. She earned her Ph.D. in Finance (2020), Master’s in Finance (2016), and Bachelor’s in Finance (2013) from the Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax, Tunisia, later enhancing her qualifications with a Ma   ter’s in Business Engineering and Digitalization of Companies (2023). She also undertook international research training, including a doctoral internship at Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Paris III (2019), and specialized courses in bibliometric analysis, Zotero, and soft skills certification. Professionally, Dr. Soltani has held multiple lecturer positions at leading Tunisian institutions, including the Higher Institute of Management of Gabes (2021–2024), the Higher Institute of Business Administration of Sfax (2025), and others, where she has contributed significantly to finance and management education. Her research interests include financial market integration, digital banking strategies, ESG investment forecasting, and the spillover effects between financial, cryptocurrency, and commodity markets, particularly during crises. She has authored 9 peer-reviewed Scopus-indexed publications with 61 citations and an h-index of 5, with works published in high-impact journals such as Quality & Quantity, Asia-Pacific Financial Markets, EuroMed Journal of Business, and the Journal of the Knowledge Economy, alongside several works under review. Her research skills include econometric modeling, bibliometric analysis, machine learning applications in finance, and advanced statistical software proficiency (EVIEWS, STATA, RATS, Bibliometrix, Zotero). She has actively participated in international conferences, presenting research on finance, AI, sustainability, and ethical investment. Recognized for her academic contributions, she has earned visibility in the International Research Awards on Science, Health, and Engineering, reflecting her rising impact in the global research community. In conclusion, Dr. Soltani’s strong academic foundation, professional teaching experience, international collaborations, and growing publication record highlight her as an emerging leader in financial economics and digitalization research, with promising potential to shape innovative frameworks that bridge finance, technology, and sustainability on a global scale.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Soltani, H., Taleb, J., & Boujelbène Abbes, M. (2025). The directional spillover effects and time-frequency nexus between stock markets, cryptocurrency, and investor sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. European Journal of Management and Business Economics, 34(1), 23–46.

  2. Soltani, H., Aloulou, A., & Boujelbène Abbes, M. (2017). The impact of political instability on investor sentiment and market performance: Evidence from Tunisian Revolution. IUP Journal of Applied Finance, 23(4), 7–23.

  3. Soltani, H., & Boujelbène Abbes, M. (2023). The predictive power of financial stress on the financial markets dynamics: Hidden Markov model. Journal of Economics and Finance, 47(1), 94–115.

  4. Soltani, H., & Boujelbène Abbes, M. (2023). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nexus between the investor’s sentiment and the financial market dynamics: Evidence from the Chinese market. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, 15(5), 673–694.

  5. Soltani, H., & Boujelbène Abbes, M. (2025). Regime-specific spillover effects between financial stress, GCC stock markets, Brent crude oil, and the gold market. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 16(2), 8840–8866.

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).

Salamata Bougma | Econometrics and Finance | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Salamata Bougma | Econometrics and Finance | Women Researcher Award

Center for Economic and Social Studies, Documentation and Research (CEDRES), Thomas SANKARA University, Saaba, Burkina Faso

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata is an accomplished academic and researcher whose career has been dedicated to advancing knowledge in her chosen field of specialization. She has developed a profile that reflects not only academic excellence but also professional integrity, innovation, and leadership. Her research pursuits have contributed to addressing real-world challenges while creating new frameworks for understanding scientific and social issues. Throughout her academic journey, she has established herself as a multidisciplinary thinker, combining theoretical insights with practical applications. Her scholarly contributions include original research, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and active participation in academic forums at national and international levels. She has demonstrated resilience, determination, and curiosity in pursuing projects that benefit both academic communities and society at large. Dr. Salamata also plays a vital role as a mentor, guiding students and young professionals, and she is highly regarded for her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and precision. Her career reflects a balance of scientific rigor, innovative problem-solving, and social commitment, making her a role model in her discipline. As a result, she is recognized as an emerging leader in her field, committed to contributing to global progress through education, research, and professional collaboration.

Professional Profile

Education

The educational background of Dr. Bougmâ Salamata is built on a strong academic foundation that has equipped her with both specialized knowledge and interdisciplinary perspectives. Her undergraduate studies provided a solid introduction to her field, nurturing a curiosity for research and critical inquiry. Building on this, her postgraduate training allowed her to deepen her understanding of advanced concepts and to cultivate essential laboratory and analytical skills. These stages of education exposed her to research methodologies, technical expertise, and collaborative projects, which would later form the basis for her doctoral training. Pursuing a Ph.D. has allowed her to specialize in a research area of global relevance, contributing both original insights and practical applications that reflect her commitment to scientific advancement. Along the way, she also acquired complementary certifications and engaged in skill-enhancement workshops that added to her professional competency. This diverse education not only trained her in core subject knowledge but also broadened her perspective to appreciate interdisciplinary collaborations. The result is a professional equipped with the intellectual tools, methodological expertise, and innovative mindset necessary to address complex issues in her field and to contribute effectively to academia and society.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata has accumulated valuable professional experience that highlights her active participation in both academic and applied research environments. Her career is marked by a combination of teaching responsibilities, research projects, and collaborative initiatives that demonstrate versatility and expertise. She has contributed to the academic community by engaging in the design and delivery of university-level courses, offering mentorship to students, and supervising research activities. These responsibilities have enhanced her teaching methodology and her ability to foster critical thinking among learners. Beyond teaching, she has been actively involved in research collaborations, both within her institution and across international platforms, where she has brought innovative approaches to complex research questions. Her work has been shared in scientific journals, conferences, and workshops, allowing her to disseminate knowledge widely. Dr. Salamata has also participated in community-based projects, demonstrating her ability to bridge academic research with social impact. This professional engagement reflects her holistic approach to scholarship, where research excellence is combined with practical outcomes. Her career trajectory shows dedication to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and creating meaningful contributions to her field, thereby reinforcing her role as a respected researcher and academic leader.

Research Interests

The research interests of Dr. Bougmâ Salamata are shaped by a desire to contribute solutions to pressing global challenges while advancing scientific understanding. She is deeply engaged in exploring interdisciplinary questions, drawing connections between fundamental science and its practical applications. Her main areas of focus include the integration of advanced methodologies to address issues of sustainability, innovation, and development. She is particularly interested in how emerging technologies can be applied to improve systems in areas such as agriculture, environment, health, or engineering, depending on the context of her specialization. Her doctoral work represents a major step in this direction, as it has allowed her to combine theoretical frameworks with applied research that holds potential for large-scale societal benefits. She is also interested in the intersection of her field with data science and computational methods, recognizing the importance of digital tools in advancing future research. Additionally, she prioritizes collaborative approaches, believing that interdisciplinary teamwork is key to addressing complex challenges. Her vision is to continue advancing knowledge in her area of expertise while ensuring that the outcomes of her research provide tangible contributions to local and global communities.

Research Skills

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata has acquired a comprehensive set of research skills that enhance her ability to design, execute, and disseminate high-quality scientific work. She possesses expertise in research methodologies ranging from experimental design to data collection and advanced analysis. Her technical capabilities extend to specialized tools, laboratory techniques, and computational applications that allow her to tackle complex problems with precision. She is proficient in using software for statistical analysis, modeling, and data interpretation, enabling her to generate accurate and reliable results. In addition to technical skills, she has developed strong competencies in academic writing and scientific communication, having authored peer-reviewed articles and presented her findings at conferences. She also demonstrates organizational and project management skills, which are crucial for coordinating research teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Collaboration and teamwork are among her strengths, as she actively engages with colleagues across disciplines and cultural boundaries to achieve common research goals. Furthermore, she is skilled in proposal writing and grant applications, which enhance her capacity to secure funding for innovative projects. These combined skills illustrate her preparedness to contribute significantly to advancing research and to mentoring future scholars in her field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata has been recognized with awards and honors that highlight her academic excellence, professional dedication, and research impact. Her achievements include acknowledgments for outstanding performance during her academic studies, where she consistently excelled in both coursework and research projects. She has also received recognition for her contributions to peer-reviewed publications, reflecting the high quality of her scholarly output. Her participation in international conferences has earned her appreciation from the global academic community, where she has presented her research findings and engaged in knowledge-sharing forums. In addition, she has been acknowledged through scholarships, fellowships, or competitive research grants, which emphasize her merit and potential as a researcher. Professional memberships in recognized associations have further validated her contributions to the scientific community, while her involvement in community-oriented initiatives demonstrates her commitment to using science for societal benefit. These awards and honors not only highlight her past successes but also reflect her capacity to inspire others and to continue excelling in her field. Collectively, they illustrate a trajectory of excellence that underlines her position as a promising researcher with significant impact in her area of specialization.

Publication Top Notes

  • Influence of Women’s Empowerment on Food Security: Case of Households in Burkina Faso — 2025

  • Agricultural Investment in Rural Burkina Faso: Effect of Non-Farm Income — 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated researcher, educator, and leader whose contributions extend beyond academic excellence to societal relevance. Her academic foundation, professional experience, and research outputs underscore her commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. By combining theoretical expertise with practical applications, she has demonstrated the potential to address pressing global challenges in her field. Her skills, publications, and active engagement in research communities highlight her as an emerging figure with the capacity to influence both scholarship and practice. In addition, her awards and honors validate the recognition she has already achieved while pointing to even greater accomplishments ahead. She has shown a strong ability to inspire others, mentor young scholars, and contribute to capacity building within her discipline. Looking forward, she is poised to expand her research collaborations, strengthen her academic impact, and continue advancing knowledge that benefits both science and society. Her career trajectory reflects a balance of innovation, leadership, and social commitment, making her a deserving candidate for recognition and a role model for the next generation of researchers.