Mr. Zaikun Hou | Health Economics | Best Researcher Award
Mr. Zaikun Hou, Institute of Blue and Green Development Shandong University, China
Zaikun Hou is a dedicated PhD student at the Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University. His academic journey is centered at the crossroads of environmental economics and health economics, with a specific emphasis on understanding the multifaceted effects of air pollution on public health, individual behavior, and societal well-being. Zaikun’s pioneering research investigates how pollution influences commercial health insurance choices and safety-related liabilities. He has presented his findings at major international conferences and has been published in top-tier SSCI/SCI journals, including an ABS 3-star journal. With a deep commitment to promoting policy-relevant research, his work supports improved environmental regulations and enhances the quantitative understanding of societal welfare losses due to pollution. His contributions aim to create sustainable development pathways through interdisciplinary approaches. Zaikun is a rising voice in the field of health economics, helping bridge economic analysis with environmental policy for a healthier, more equitable future.
Professional Profile
Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award – Zaikun Hou
Zaikun Hou, currently a PhD student at the Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University, is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to the fields of environmental economics and health economics. His research focuses on pressing global issues, particularly the impacts of air pollution on public health, individual behavior, and societal welfare. This research aligns with contemporary global priorities, highlighting the intersection between environmental degradation and human well-being.
Zaikun has demonstrated a strong academic track record, including first-author papers published in high-impact SSCI/SCI-indexed journals. Notably, his paper in Journal of Environmental Management (SCI, 2024) explores the socioeconomic consequences of air pollution, with a specific focus on defensive expenditures related to health insurance. His work contributes valuable insights into how air pollution affects both individual decision-making and societal welfare, providing a critical foundation for more effective environmental policies. The ongoing research, including the paper on air pollution and safety liability accidents, further extends his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary integration in the study of environmental and health economics.
Education
Zaikun Hou is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental and Health Economics at the Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University, a premier research center fostering interdisciplinary innovation. During his doctoral studies, he has focused on the empirical assessment of air pollution's socio-economic impact, combining economic theory with environmental policy models. Prior to his PhD, Zaikun completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Economics, where he developed a strong foundation in econometrics, public policy, and behavioral economics. His academic excellence is complemented by hands-on research experience, including the design and execution of econometric models assessing pollution’s impact on human decision-making. Through workshops, seminars, and global academic forums, Zaikun continues to refine his skills and collaborate internationally. His academic journey reflects a firm commitment to producing research that matters—supporting evidence-based policymaking and enriching the evolving discourse of health and environmental economics.
Professional Experience
Zaikun Hou has gained robust research experience through academic projects and international collaborations while pursuing his PhD. His work with the Institute of Blue and Green Development has enabled him to conduct impactful research at the intersection of air pollution, public health, and economic behavior. Notably, he authored the paper “The Effect of Air Pollution on Defensive Expenditures: Evidence from Individual Commercial Health Insurance in China”, published in the SCI-indexed Journal of Environmental Management in 2024. He also developed a working paper titled “Devil Particles: Air Pollution and Safety Liability Accidents”. In addition to publication efforts, Zaikun actively contributes to international conferences, sharing empirical findings and policy insights. His collaborations span academia, public institutions, and research networks that focus on environmental regulation and public health economics. As a budding economist, Zaikun’s professional trajectory shows a strong alignment with solving real-world environmental and societal challenges.
Awards and Recognition
Zaikun Hou’s scholarly contributions have been acknowledged through first-author publications in internationally recognized SSCI and SCI-indexed journals, including ABS 3-star-rated outlets. His research paper published in the Journal of Environmental Management has already garnered citations, reflecting its academic impact in the field of environmental and health economics. His participation in international academic conferences has earned him accolades for insightful presentations and empirical rigor. In recognition of his contribution to air pollution impact assessment and its economic implications, Zaikun has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award, a testament to his growing influence in interdisciplinary research. His work is increasingly referenced by peers exploring environmental policy, public health expenditures, and economic modeling. Through his commitment to high-quality, policy-relevant research, Zaikun has positioned himself as a thought leader of tomorrow. His innovative methodologies and cross-sector collaborations further underline his potential to lead transformative research in health economics and sustainability.
Research Skill On Health Economics
Zaikun Hou brings a sophisticated analytical toolkit to the field of health economics, combining empirical methods with policy evaluation frameworks. He excels in econometric modeling, data-driven impact assessments, and quantitative policy evaluation, with a particular focus on the socio-economic consequences of air pollution. His research skillset includes Stata, R, and Python for data analysis, and he is proficient in handling large-scale datasets involving health, insurance, and pollution metrics. Zaikun’s ability to translate statistical outcomes into meaningful policy insights allows him to contribute effectively to interdisciplinary debates. He also possesses strong academic writing and peer-review skills, reflected in his successful publications and conference papers. His strategic thinking enables him to conceptualize research questions that bridge gaps between environmental science, public policy, and economic behavior. Overall, his research skills embody innovation, rigor, and a keen understanding of how to optimize policies that promote both public health and environmental well-being.
Publication Top Notes
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Title: The effect of air pollution on defensive expenditures: Evidence from individual commercial health insurance in China
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Authors: Z. Hou, G. Zhang, P. Lohmann, A. Kontoleon, N. Zhang
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Citation: Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 370, Article 122379
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Year: 2024
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Title: Air Pollution, Defensive Behaviors and Medical Expenditures
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Authors: Z. Hou, M.J. Kim, N. Zhang
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Citation: Journal of Asian Economics, Article 101931
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Year: 2025
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Title: The Impact of Digital Financial Inclusion on Household Commercial Insurance for Sustainable Governance Mechanisms under Regional Group Differences
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Authors: Z. Hou, J. Xu, Y. Choi, Y. Ma
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Citation: Sustainability, Vol. 16(9), Article 3596
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Year: 2024
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