Abu Shonchoy | Health | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abu Shonchoy | Health | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abu Shonchoy, Florida International University, United States

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy is a distinguished economist and Associate Professor at Florida International University (FIU), USA. With a deep-rooted passion for development and labor economics, his research explores innovative policy interventions addressing poverty, migration, and digital finance. He has held key research affiliations with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT and the IZA Institute of Labor Economics. A prolific academic, Dr. Shonchoy has significantly contributed to understanding the socio-economic impact of technology adoption, financial inclusion, and education policies. His work is widely published in high-impact journals, making him a leading voice in global economic research. With a PhD from the University of New South Wales, his expertise spans across continents, shaping economic policies in both developed and developing nations. He continues to advance impactful research that drives socio-economic transformations worldwide.

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Suitability for the "Research for Best Researcher Award" – Abu S. Shonchoy

Abu S. Shonchoy stands out as an exemplary candidate for the "Research for Best Researcher Award" due to his profound contributions to Development and Labor Economics. As an Associate Professor at Florida International University (FIU), his career trajectory is marked by significant academic achievements, particularly in the areas of poverty, migration, health economics, and social identity, which directly align with the award's focus on impactful research.

Shonchoy's research interests span behavioral and experimental economics, with a strong focus on real-world challenges, such as understanding the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on neonatal mortality, promoting digital financial technology adoption in crises, and the impacts of early childhood human capital formation. His work has consistently led to high-quality publications in top-tier journals like Journal of Health Economics, Nature Scientific Reports, and World Development, cementing his standing as a thought leader in his field.

Education

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication to economic research. He earned his PhD in Economics from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, in 2011, specializing in development and labor economics. Prior to this, he completed a Master of Economic Policy from the Australian National University (ANU) in 2005, where he was awarded the prestigious Neil Vousden Memorial Scholarship. His foundational studies include a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics (First Class Honors) from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2003. His academic training, enriched by global exposure, laid the groundwork for his extensive contributions to economic research. Dr. Shonchoy's educational background has enabled him to drive impactful research in poverty alleviation, financial technology, and labor markets, significantly influencing policy decisions worldwide.

Professional Experience

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy has built an illustrious academic career, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Economics (tenured) at Florida International University (FIU) since 2021. He is also an Affiliated Professor at Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and a Research Fellow at IZA and GLO. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at FIU (2018-2021), a Research Fellow at IDE-JETRO, Japan (2010-2018), and a Visiting Scholar at New York University (2016-2018). His experience also includes teaching roles at the University of Tokyo and National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). With a global research footprint, Dr. Shonchoy has been instrumental in shaping policies in financial inclusion, poverty reduction, and labor economics. His interdisciplinary approach and collaborations have positioned him as a thought leader in economic development.

Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades. In 2024, he received the prestigious FIU Top Scholar Award and the ADB-IEA Innovative Policy Research Award. His earlier recognitions include the Albert Berry Prize from the Canadian Economic Association (2016) and the Best Young Researcher Presentation Award at the ADB-3ie conference (2014). His excellence in teaching was acknowledged with the Highest Student Evaluation Score at the University of Technology Sydney (2010). A recipient of the Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship and Neil Vousden Memorial Scholarship, Dr. Shonchoy has consistently demonstrated academic and research excellence. His work has been recognized internationally, reinforcing his influence in economic policy development. These accolades highlight his impactful research in labor economics, digital finance, and socio-economic policy interventions.

Research Skills On Health

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy’s research expertise encompasses development economics, labor economics, behavioral economics, and financial inclusion. He specializes in designing and evaluating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the impact of financial technology and education policies. His work integrates quantitative analysis, big data methodologies, and experimental approaches to derive actionable policy insights. His research on digital financial inclusion has shaped policies in emerging economies, and his interdisciplinary studies have contributed to social mobility, migration, and economic resilience. As an editorial board member for Nature – Scientific Reports, he continuously advances the frontiers of knowledge in his field. His ability to translate complex economic theories into practical policy recommendations makes him a key influencer in global economic research.

Publication Top Notes

  • Poverty and migration in the digital age: Experimental evidence on mobile banking in Bangladesh

    • Authors: JN Lee, J Morduch, S Ravindran, A Shonchoy, H Zaman

    • Citations: 215

    • Year: 2021

  • Migration, externalities, and the diffusion of COVID-19 in South Asia

    • Authors: JN Lee, M Mahmud, J Morduch, S Ravindran, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 81

    • Year: 2021

  • Can solar lanterns improve youth academic performance? Experimental evidence from Bangladesh

    • Authors: Y Kudo, AS Shonchoy, K Takahashi

    • Citations: 66

    • Year: 2019

  • Determinants of government consumption expenditure in developing countries: A panel data analysis

    • Author: AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 50

    • Year: 2010

  • Narrowing the gender gap in mobile banking

    • Authors: JN Lee, J Morduch, S Ravindran, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 49

    • Year: 2022

  • The informal labour market in India: Transitory or permanent employment for migrants?

    • Authors: A Shonchoy, PNR Junankar

    • Citations: 48

    • Year: 2014

  • Impact of electrification on children’s nutritional status in rural Bangladesh

    • Authors: T Fujii, AS Shonchoy, S Xu

    • Citations: 47

    • Year: 2018

  • Fertility and rural electrification in Bangladesh

    • Authors: T Fujii, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 38

    • Year: 2020

  • The impact of a computer-based adult literacy program on literacy and numeracy: Evidence from India

    • Authors: A Deshpande, A Desrochers, C Ksoll, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 37

    • Year: 2017

  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Bangladesh: Achievements and challenges

    • Authors: H Kono, Y Sawada, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 30

    • Year: 2018

Sarah Depallens | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sarah Depallens | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

👤 Dr. Sarah Depallens, CAN team Lausanne CHUV, Switzerland

Dr. Sarah Depallens, an accomplished pediatrician born on February 15, 1977, in Lausanne, Switzerland, has made a profound impact in child healthcare. Serving as an Associate Physician at CHUV, she leads the CAN Team (since 2017), the General Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic (since 2023), and the Migratory Pediatrics Consultation (since 2024). Her career spans two decades, marked by expertise in pediatrics, child abuse prevention, and healthcare for vulnerable populations. Dr. Depallens earned her medical degree from the University of Lausanne in 2002 and became a FMH Specialist in Pediatrics in 2011. Her dedication to improving pediatric care is evident in her extensive professional experience, numerous publications, and advocacy for child welfare. Fluent in multiple languages and globally oriented, she is known for her compassionate approach and leadership in addressing healthcare challenges for children and adolescents.

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🌟  Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Sarah Depallens

Dr. Sarah Depallens exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and academic leader, making her a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her extensive professional experience in pediatrics, public health, and migration health reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field and addressing complex societal challenges. As a Médecin Associé and leader of multiple pediatric initiatives at the CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois), Dr. Depallens demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Research Contributions and Professional Impact : Dr. Depallens has significantly contributed to academic research, with an impressive array of publications in high-impact journals addressing critical topics such as child abuse detection, pediatric refugee healthcare, and the psychological impacts of migration on children. Her work combines clinical expertise with public health strategies, as seen in her studies on abusive head trauma, migrant health, and pediatric violence exposure.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Sarah Depallens’ academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence in medicine. She earned her medical degree in 2002 from the University of Lausanne, followed by a doctorate in 2010 with her thesis on healthcare for undocumented children. Dr. Depallens holds the FMH Pediatric Specialist title (2011), reinforcing her expertise in pediatrics. Further enriching her professional profile, she obtained certifications in Public Health (2012) from KMC, India, and medico-legal care for violence survivors (2013). Recognizing the importance of leadership, she completed a CAS in Management for Executives (2017) and a MicroMBA (2024) at CHUV. Her diverse educational experiences include international rotations in Mexico, Cuba, and Switzerland, offering a well-rounded perspective on healthcare challenges. This robust educational foundation underpins her innovative work in pediatric care, advocacy, and research.

💼  Professional Experience 

Dr. Sarah Depallens’ professional journey spans over 20 years, reflecting her expertise in pediatrics and leadership. She began as a Medical Assistant in General Pediatrics (2003-2004) and expanded her experience through roles in Pediatric Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Neonatology at CHUV and HEL in Lausanne. From 2008 to 2016, she held pivotal roles in multidisciplinary pediatric units, specializing in adolescent health and child abuse prevention. Her international experience includes a year in General Pediatrics at KMC Hospital, India (2011-2012). Since 2017, Dr. Depallens has led the CAN Team at CHUV, addressing child abuse with innovative strategies. She also heads the General Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic and Migratory Pediatrics Consultation, emphasizing healthcare for marginalized children. Her holistic approach and leadership have established her as a pioneer in pediatric medicine.

🏅 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Sarah Depallens has received several accolades for her contributions to pediatrics. Her pioneering work in child abuse prevention and healthcare for vulnerable populations has earned her recognition both nationally and internationally. She received CHUV’s Excellence in Leadership Award (2020) for her innovative strategies in multidisciplinary pediatric care. Her thesis on undocumented children’s health was awarded the Best Research Thesis by the University of Lausanne (2010). Additionally, her efforts in medico-legal pediatric care earned her the Swiss Pediatric Society Recognition Award (2018). Dr. Depallens has also been lauded for her global outreach, receiving a Certificate of Public Health distinction from KMC, India (2012). Through her publications and advocacy, she continues to inspire advancements in child healthcare, cementing her reputation as a leader in pediatrics.

🌍 Research Skills On Medicine 

Dr. Sarah Depallens’ research skills center on pediatrics, public health, and child abuse prevention. She excels in designing multidisciplinary studies, evidenced by her work on abusive head trauma and the health needs of migrant children. Proficient in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, she collaborates with experts in pediatrics, psychology, and law to develop comprehensive insights into child welfare. Dr. Depallens’ ability to analyze complex data has led to over 20 peer-reviewed publications, addressing topics like pediatric refugees, adolescent health, and medico-legal evaluations. Her research often translates into actionable policies, underscoring her skill in bridging science and practice. Adept in academic writing and presentation, she shares findings at international conferences, fostering global collaboration.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Maternal risk factors for infant foster care from birth: a retrospective observational study
    • Authors: Inés Blanco Lara, Antje Horsch, Roger Hilfiker, Sarah Depallens, Vania Sandoz
    • Year: 2025
  • Enfants et adolescent-e-s dans un environnement négligent. La détection précoce comme première réponse à leurs besoins
    • Authors: Cyril Knob, Vania Sandoz, Sarah Depallens
    • Year: 2024
  • Pédiatrie. Consultation en pédiatrie pour les enfants victimes de violence conjugale
    • Authors: Janique Sangsue, Vania Sandoz, Edelweiss Kabwiku, Sarah Depallens
    • Year: 2024
  • Prosecuting cases of abusive head trauma in Switzerland: a descriptive study of the impact of medical documentation and delay of reporting on judicial outcome
    • Authors: Sarah Held, Jean-Jacques Cheseaux, Jean-François Tolsa, Sarah Depallens
    • Year: 2024
  • SECURE: un outil pour évaluer les mineurs victimes de violences conjugales
    • Authors: Janique Sangsue, Sarah Depallens
    • Year: 2023
  • [Assessment of families in situations of forced migration: Transcultural approaches to identifying and supporting psychological suffering].
    • Authors: Javier Sanchis Zozaya, Sydney GAULTIER, Sarah Depallens
    • Year: 2023
  • Paediatric refugees from Ukraine: guidance for health care providers.
    • Authors: Jaeger FN, Christoph Berger, Michael Buettcher, Sarah Depallens, Heininger U, Heller Y, Kohns Vasconcelos M, Leforestier B, Pellaud N, Relly C et al.
    • Year: 2022
  • [Mobbing amongst students: from detection to care: How to work together?]
    • Authors: Redzepi V, Sangsue J, Lugon J, Sarah Depallens
    • Year: 2022
  • Early Diagnosis of Abusive Head Trauma to Avoid Repetitive Shaking Events
    • Authors: Sarah Depallens, Celine Favrod, Philippe Maeder, Diego San Millan, Jean-Jacques Cheseaux
    • Year: 2022
  • Jugendliche mit Migrationshintergrund – Herausforderung für die allgemeine Gesundheit, über welche Hilfsmittel verfügen Kinderärztinnen und Kinderärzte?
    • Authors: Sarah Depallens, Caroline Heiniger, Karine Tzaud
    • Year: 2021