Dogan Dursun | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 07/08/202507/08/2025 by Academic Excellence

Prof. Dr. Dogan Dursun | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Dogan Dursun | Social Sciences | Ataturk University | Turkey

Prof. Dr. Doğan Dursun is a distinguished academic in the field of City and Regional Planning at Ataturk University, where he has served since 2012. With a B.S. from Gazi University and a PhD from METU, his career has been marked by cutting-edge work in climate-sensitive urban planning. His expertise encompasses urban adaptation, spatial mapping, and digital simulation, with a special focus on the intersection of urban design and climate change. Prof. Dursun has been an expert consultant for the UNDP since 2019 and has led major EU- and TÜBİTAK-funded projects. His ongoing research explores mental health impacts of climate change, the blue economy, and regional entrepreneurship. He actively integrates sustainable design with policy-based approaches, significantly influencing both academic research and applied planning practices across Türkiye and beyond. With a forward-thinking and systems-based methodology, Prof. Dursun continues to shape the discourse in climate-adaptive urban strategies globally.

Author Profiles

Scopus | Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Dr. Doğan Dursun began his academic journey at Gazi University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in City and Regional Planning. Motivated by a passion for sustainable development, he pursued doctoral studies at the Middle East Technical University (METU), one of Türkiye’s leading institutions, where he completed his PhD in Urban Planning. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his specialization in climate-sensitive design and adaptive urban strategies. During his studies, he cultivated expertise in spatial data analysis, ecological urban design, and environmental policy. He also participated in several academic workshops and research symposiums focusing on regional development and urban resilience. Throughout his educational path, he emphasized a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technology, sociology, and environmental science into planning frameworks. His solid academic foundation has not only shaped his teaching and mentoring style but also positioned him as a thought leader in adaptive and sustainable urban systems.

Experience

Since joining Ataturk University in 2012 as a faculty member in City and Regional Planning, Prof. Dr. Doğan Dursun has contributed immensely to academic instruction, research, and applied planning projects. He has led numerous national and international research initiatives, including TÜBİTAK- and EU-funded programs on urban adaptation, mental health, microclimates, and the blue economy. His consulting roles for UNDP and private sector organizations like HTCD Consulting and Özok Planning have positioned him at the nexus of policy, academia, and industry. Beyond his research and consultancy, Prof. Dursun plays a key role in curriculum development, graduate supervision, and interdisciplinary collaborations. His involvement in projects such as the EU Partnership for Local Climate Action in Türkiye and the Erzurum Climate Action Plan demonstrates his commitment to integrating global sustainability goals into regional planning strategies. He is recognized as a strategic thinker with a practical orientation, driving real-world urban solutions.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Dr. Doğan Dursun has received wide recognition for his impactful contributions to sustainable urban development and adaptive planning. Among his honors is his long-term consultancy with UNDP, a testament to his expertise and credibility in climate-sensitive urban planning. His leadership in securing and executing high-profile EU and TÜBİTAK research grants such as the EU IPA Project on Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation Action has also earned him accolades from institutional and governmental bodies. His work was instrumental in the Erzurum Sustainable Campus Master Plan, which received praise for its environmental innovation. Additionally, he has represented Ataturk University at global venues such as EXPO 2016, highlighting ecological urban design strategies. His international collaborations under the COST Action framework and contributions to the CliMent mental health project further emphasize his role as a global change agent. His honors reflect both academic excellence and policy impact in the social sciences.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Doğan Dursun’s research lies at the intersection of urban planning, environmental sustainability, and social resilience. He focuses on climate-sensitive urban design, using digital simulation and spatial analysis to model adaptation strategies for cities affected by climate change. His projects explore urban microclimates, ecological corridors, and mental health impacts of environmental stressors. With a sharp lens on policy and implementation, he investigates how public measures, creative-class migration, and architectural identity shape resilient urban futures. Prof. Dursun is also pioneering research on the blue economy, analyzing socio-ecological dynamics in port cities and coastal communities. His work is heavily interdisciplinary, drawing from urban sociology, environmental psychology, and GIS-based modeling. Through collaborations with the EU, TÜBİTAK, and UNDP, he advances applied frameworks that link urban theory to climate action. His research agenda contributes to policy innovation, academic discourse, and community-level transformations in urban resilience.

Publication Titles

To What Extent Are Public Policies and Measures Effective in Determining Regional Entrepreneurship?
Climate Change Impacts on Mental Health in Europe (CliMent): Adaptive Strategies for Affected Groups
EU Partnership for Local Climate Action in Türkiye
Rethinking the Blue Economy: Socio-Ecological Impacts and Climate Change (WG5)
Rethinking the Blue Economy: Port Cities and Coastal Communities (WG3)
Strategies for Identity-Oriented Urban Design in Erzurum
Stay-or-Leave Preferences of the Creative Class in a Shrinking City: Erzurum
Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation Action in Türkiye
Modeling Ecological Corridors on Microclimate and Pollution in Erzurum
Closed Stream Beds and Urban Microclimates: Adaptation Perspectives
Ecological Urban Design Modeling for Erzurum
International (Bio)Climate Change Symposium
Preparing Erzurum’s Climate Action Plan
Scenario-Based Provincial Development Strategies
Sustainable Campus Master Plan for Ataturk University
Ataturk University at EXPO 2016
Ecological Corridor Scenarios for Air Pollution: Erzurum

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Doğan Dursun exemplifies scholarly leadership and actionable innovation in the field of social sciences, particularly in climate-sensitive urban planning. His cross-disciplinary research, impactful consultancy roles, and global collaborations demonstrate his unwavering commitment to sustainable development. With a growing portfolio of high-impact projects and a forward-looking approach, Prof. Dursun is an ideal candidate for recognition through prestigious research awards.

Madhubrota Chatterjee | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 01/07/202501/07/2025 by Academic Excellence

Ms. Madhubrota Chatterjee | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Madhubrota Chatterjee, Institute for Social and Economic Change, India

Madhubrota Chatterjee is a dynamic Ph.D. scholar at the Population Research Centre, Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru. With a strong foundation in Development Studies, Population Studies, and Geography, he has developed an interdisciplinary perspective essential to addressing India’s demographic and social transitions. His research spans critical areas such as aging, gender disparities, and population health. Through his thoughtful commentary in national platforms like Down To Earth, Deccan Herald, and Counter Currents, he has brought scholarly insight into public discourse. A recipient of multiple prestigious fellowships from the Indian Council of Social Science Research and the UGC, he is also a recognized contributor to peer-reviewed research on health security and socio-demographic analysis. Madhubrota’s commitment to impactful research, policy engagement, and public outreach makes him a promising figure in social sciences, especially in domains where data and empathy converge to shape equitable outcomes.

Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

🌟 Suitability Evaluation for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Madhubrota Chatterjee

Madhubrota Chatterjee, currently a Ph.D. scholar at the Population Research Centre, Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, emerges as a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her academic journey, grounded in Population Studies and Development Studies, reflects a well-defined and steadily advancing research trajectory focused on critical societal themes such as ageing, gender dynamics, and public health.

Her research work stands out in terms of societal relevance and policy implications. Her doctoral dissertation on “Ageing and Care Needs: A Study in Kolkata” addresses one of the most pressing demographic transitions in India, while her master’s thesis on gender differentials in nutrition among children illustrates her early commitment to uncovering inequalities within the Indian context. Her publications span reputed platforms such as Down To Earth, Deccan Herald, Counter Currents, and peer-reviewed academic journals like Aging and Health Research (Elsevier)—demonstrating her ability to blend scholarly insight with public communication.

🎓 Education

Madhubrota Chatterjee’s academic trajectory reflects a deep engagement with population dynamics and development challenges. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, where his dissertation explores “Ageing and Care Needs: A Study in Kolkata.” Prior to this, he earned a Master of Arts in Population Studies from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, where he examined “Gender Differentials in Food Intake and Nutrition Among Children in India.” His academic roots trace back to Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Geography (Honours). This educational blend of geography, demography, and development uniquely equips him to assess the spatial, social, and policy dimensions of demographic shifts, particularly in ageing and gender equity. His educational journey is backed by fellowships and merit recognition from prestigious Indian academic institutions.

💼 Professional Experience

As a Ph.D. scholar at the Population Research Centre, ISEC, Madhubrota Chatterjee has immersed himself in interdisciplinary research on population ageing, gender studies, and health systems. He has worked on diverse projects involving secondary data analysis from large-scale surveys like NFHS, showcasing proficiency in quantitative tools and demographic modeling. Madhubrota also contributes to national dialogues through articles in prominent platforms, providing data-driven perspectives on COVID-19, education, care economy, and public health. His professional training includes participation in high-level seminars and webinars organized by the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), Ashoka University, and others. Through his involvement in collaborative academic environments and public engagement platforms, he bridges research with policy and public understanding. His professional portfolio is defined by analytical depth, writing clarity, and a commitment to solving real-world social challenges through data, discourse, and action-oriented scholarship.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Madhubrota Chatterjee has been recognized with several prestigious fellowships and awards that reflect his academic merit and research promise in social sciences. He received the Junior Research Fellowship (2022) through the UGC-NET in Population Studies, a mark of distinction in India’s academic landscape. His doctoral research is supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research Fellowship (2021), underscoring the relevance of his work on ageing and care. Madhubrota was also awarded the UGC-NET qualification in Population Studies (2020) and secured the Government of India Fellowship for his Master’s at IIPS (2018). These accolades are testament to his consistent academic performance and research excellence. They have enabled him to pursue socially relevant inquiries that align with national demographic priorities and policy needs. These recognitions not only affirm his scholarly commitment but also signal his capacity to contribute significantly to the evolving field of social sciences.

🌍 Research Skill On Social Sciences

Madhubrota Chatterjee possesses a robust research skill set centered around demographic analysis, social policy research, and health equity. He demonstrates advanced competency in working with large-scale datasets like NFHS, applying statistical tools to derive policy-relevant insights. His interests span ageing, gender disparities, and population health, with a growing specialization in the economics of care and insurance uptake. His ability to synthesize academic research into accessible formats—visible in his publications in Down To Earth, Counter Currents, and Deccan Herald—underscores his science communication expertise. He actively engages with global discourses through participation in IUSSP and other international research forums, enhancing his interdisciplinary orientation. Madhubrota’s research is data-informed and policy-sensitive, enabling actionable conclusions on issues affecting vulnerable populations. He blends quantitative rigor with social empathy, making him a valuable contributor to the intersection of social sciences and development policy.

Publication Top Notes

📱 Transitioning classes into electronic gadgets: Life of students in lockdown
Authors: M Chatterjee, S Saha, M Jha
Citation: Health
Year: 2020
🩺 Health Security Across the Spectrum: Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Health Insurance Uptake in India
Authors: M Chatterjee, A Aditya, PK Choudhary
Citation: Aging and Health Research, Article ID: 100244
Year: 2025
🍽️ The Effect of Socio-Economic & Demographic Determinants on Children’s Solid Food-Intake in India: A Study Based on NFHS-4
Author: M Chatterjee
Citation: Authorea Preprints
Year: 2024
👵 As India greys, care economy blooms.
Authors: M Chatterjee, K Mishra
Citation: Deccan Herald
Year: 2023
🌏 Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis amidst Covid
Authors: PK Choudhary, M Chatterjee
Citation: Deccan Herald
Year: 2022
🚻 Gender roles and their Blurred Envision
Authors: M Chatterjee, K Mishra
Citation: Counter Currents
Year: 2022
📉 Sri Lankan Economic Crisis amidst the Pandemic
Authors: PK Choudhary, M Chatterjee
Citation: Counter Currents
Year: 2022
😷 Is India ready for the third COVID-19 wave?
Authors: PK Choudhary, M Chatterjee, A Jaiswal
Citation: DownToEarth
Year: 2021

Chee Tan | Social Sciences | Academic Endeavor Award

Published on 04/06/202504/06/2025 by Academic Excellence

Mr. Chee Tan | Social Sciences | Academic Endeavor Award

Mr. Chee Tan, University of Stirling, United Kingdom

Dr. Victor C. S. Tan is a responsible, adaptive, and motivated professional with over a decade of experience in special education and counseling. He began his career as a Teacher/Educator and Subject Head at Pathlight School for Autism, where he led curriculum development and managed multidisciplinary teams. Over the past three years, he has taught at the University of Stirling, contributing as a field research assistant, peer reviewer, and tutor in Sociology and Social Policy. He holds an Associate Fellowship with Advance HE (AFHEA) and is an allied member of the Singapore Association of Counseling. Dr. Tan is passionate about bridging research and practice to improve outcomes for individuals with special needs. His interdisciplinary approach combines behavior therapy, positive behavior support, and applied behavioral analysis, making him a sought-after researcher and educator. He actively collaborates with international colleagues, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, and mentors emerging scholars.

Professional Profile

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Suitability Summary for Research for Academic Endeavor Award

The candidate, Victor Tan, demonstrates a strong and well-rounded profile that aligns closely with the spirit of the Research for Academic Endeavor Award, which typically recognizes individuals who exhibit outstanding commitment, impactful research, and academic contributions in their field.

With over a decade of experience in special education, counseling, and therapy, combined with several years in higher education teaching, Victor has shown sustained dedication to advancing academic knowledge and practical applications within social sciences and education. His active engagement in research, highlighted by his current doctoral studies in Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling, further underscores his commitment to deepening understanding and expanding the boundaries of knowledge.

Victor’s research portfolio includes recent impactful publications that intersect technology, education, and social policy, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach and adaptability to contemporary academic challenges. His work on professional understanding in special needs education and the sociological implications of AI tools in language learning demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset and responsiveness to evolving educational landscapes.

🎓 Education

Dr. Tan completed his Bachelor of Counseling (2010–2013) and Master of Counseling (2013–2015) at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), where he focused on therapeutic approaches for children with special needs. He then pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education (2016–2018) at the National Institute of Education (NIE), developing expertise in adapted physical education and inclusive teaching strategies. Currently, he is a Doctoral candidate in Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling (2021–present), investigating sociological perspectives on technology’s role in education and society. Throughout his studies, he has maintained high academic standing and contributed to research projects examining interdisciplinary interventions for individuals on the autism spectrum. His academic journey reflects a commitment to blending practical counseling skills with rigorous research methodologies. Dr. Tan’s educational background equips him to design evidence-based interventions and inform policies that enhance inclusion in educational settings.

💼 Professional Experience

From 2011 to 2020, Dr. Tan served as Teacher/Educator and Subject Head at Pathlight School for Autism, where he developed the Health and Outdoor Education curriculum, led a team of 12 staff members, and participated in the Crisis Response Team for student management. At Cheers Learning and Assessment (2015–2021), he worked as a Counsellor/Educational Therapist, delivering targeted therapy and counseling services for children aged 3–10 and adolescents aged 9–20, specializing in anxiety and anger management. Since 2021, he has been affiliated with the University of Stirling, initially as a field research assistant on the “Games of Stones” project (2022–2023), then as a peer reviewer for SPARK (Stirling International Journal of Postgraduate Research). Concurrently, he has tutored Sociology and Social Policy (SPCU901–SPCU9PA) and Criminology (CRMU9T4) modules (2021–2024), guiding undergraduate and postgraduate students in research and academic writing. His roles reflect a blend of hands-on therapeutic practice, curriculum leadership, and higher-education teaching.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Tan holds multiple certifications and honors recognizing his expertise and commitment to professional excellence. He earned a Certificate in Autism (CIA) and a qualification in Adapted Physical Education, underscoring his dedication to specialized instructional methods. He is First Aid trained and certified in the Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA), equipping him to handle crisis situations safely and effectively. As a Member of the Interdisciplinary Research Network, he collaborates with scholars across fields to advance inclusive research. He is also an Allied Member of the Singapore Association of Counseling (E0099), demonstrating his standing within the counseling community. In 2023, he was awarded Associate Fellowship (AFHEA, PR290136) by Advance HE, recognizing his contributions to teaching and learning in higher education. Dr. Tan’s memberships and credentials highlight his dual focus on evidence-based practice and academic leadership within the social sciences.

🌍Research Skill On Social Sciences

Dr. Tan’s research expertise spans Behavior Therapy (BT), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Positive Behavior Support (PBS), enabling him to design and evaluate interventions for individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges. He applies these methodologies in both educational and clinical settings, tailoring approaches to meet diverse learner needs. His leadership and organizational skills facilitate large-scale collaborative projects, such as the “Games of Stones” field research at the University of Stirling. He is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design, thematic analysis, and statistical modeling. Dr. Tan’s experience as a peer reviewer for SPARK and contributor to interdisciplinary research networks reflects his ability to critically appraise and disseminate scholarly work. He leverages technology—such as language generative AI tools—in his investigations into educational innovations. His research portfolio demonstrates a commitment to translating empirical findings into practical strategies for inclusive education and social policy.

Publication Top Notes

Education in the Technological Age: The Conflux of Technology, Education, and Science

Author: Chee Shien Tan
Year: 2025

A Sociological Take on Language Generative AI Tools

Author: Victor Tan Chee Shien
Year: 2024 (published on 2024-09-24)

Professional Understanding of a Special Needs Educator: Roles, Expectations, and Implications

Author: Chee Tan
Year: 2023 (published on 2023-06-07)

From The Future To The Present: Socioecological Transformation

Author: Chee Tan
Year: 2022 (published in October 2022)

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