Prof. Dr. Vanessa Cesário | Cultural Heritage | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Vanessa Cesário | Cultural Heritage – Professor at University of Madeira, Portugal

Professor Vanessa Quintal Cesário is a distinguished academic and researcher in the fields of Digital Media and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a career marked by interdisciplinary innovation and a strong commitment to bridging technology with human-centered design. Her work lies at the intersection of communication, media, and interactive systems, where she explores how digital platforms influence user behavior, interaction patterns, and accessibility. With years of academic service, she has cultivated a reputation for leadership, research excellence, and impactful collaboration across national and international projects, contributing significantly to the development of media literacy and technological engagement.

Profile:

Orcid | Scopus | Google Scholar

Education:

Vanessa Quintal Cesário pursued her academic journey through a blend of communication sciences and digital technology. She earned her Doctorate in Digital Media from the University of Porto, a degree conferred in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Lisbon under the auspices of the International Digital Media Program. Her educational background reflects a robust foundation in media studies, enriched by interdisciplinary exposure to HCI, cognitive psychology, and interactive design. This academic trajectory has equipped her with both theoretical depth and practical insights into the evolving landscape of digital communication.

Experience:

Professor Cesário is currently affiliated with the Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI), where she lectures in the Department of Communication, Philosophy, and Politics. Beyond teaching, she has held multiple roles in research and development units, including active participation in LabCom – Comunicação e Artes, a leading Portuguese research center. She has collaborated with international teams on projects funded by the European Union and national funding agencies, contributing to innovations in interactive storytelling, augmented reality, and usability testing. Her experience includes organizing academic conferences, supervising postgraduate research, and contributing to editorial boards, affirming her leadership in both academic and applied settings.

Research Interest:

Her research interests center around digital media interaction, usability, user experience (UX), accessibility, and the application of HCI principles to improve the inclusivity and effectiveness of technological systems. She is particularly passionate about exploring how media design influences cognition, emotional response, and engagement. Her recent work delves into immersive environments and augmented reality, evaluating how emerging technologies can enhance learning and communication. She also investigates the ethical dimensions of digital interface design and advocates for inclusivity and equity in digital content.

Award:

Professor Cesário has been recognized for her academic contributions through various honors and distinctions. She has participated in multiple award-winning research projects and received fellowships from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) for her doctoral and post-doctoral work. Her contributions to digital media research have earned her invitations to keynote events and scientific committees. Moreover, her work on user interface evaluation has been spotlighted in collaborative European research programs, underscoring her impact on advancing media literacy and user-centered design.

Publication:

She has authored a range of scholarly articles and book chapters in renowned journals and conferences. Notable recent publications include:

Bridging Cultural Gaps: Insights from Communication in Migrant-Inclusive Cultural Initiatives
🗓 Year: 2025
📰 Type: Journal Article
📚 Published in: Societies
👩‍💻 Authors: Vanessa Cesário, Pedro Campos
Hearing Heritage: Conveying and Preserving Cultural Expressions
🗓 Year: 2025
📖 Type: Book Chapter
📘 Publisher: Springer
👩‍💻 Authors: Mariana Fernandes, Pedro Campos, Vanessa Cesário
Empowering Cultural Heritage Professionals: Designing Interactive Exhibitions with Authoring Tools
🗓 Year: 2025
📰 Type: Journal Article
📚 Published in: Museum Management and Curatorship
👩‍💻 Authors: Vanessa Cesário, João Freitas, Pedro Campos
The Integrated Museum Engagement Model (IMEM): Bridging Participatory Design, Immersive Storytelling, and Digital Representation
🗓 Year: 2024
📰 Type: Journal Article
📚 Published in: The International Journal of the Inclusive Museum
👩‍💻 Authors: Vanessa Cesário, Pedro Campos
Assessing Stress Reduction of Relaxation Gaming: Investigating the Interrelation of Gamification, Advertising Intrusion and Stress Responses in Master’s Students
🗓 Year: 2024
📖 Type: Book Chapter
📘 Publisher: Springer
👩‍💻 Authors: Catarina Santos Faria, Vanessa Cesário, Pedro Filipe Campos, Muhammad Satar, Teresa Alvadia
Exploring the Intersection of Storytelling, Localisation, and Immersion in Video Games – A Case Study of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
🗓 Year: 2023
📖 Type: Book Chapter
📘 Publisher: Springer
👩‍💻 Authors: Vanessa Cesário, Mariana Ribeiro, António Coelho
Vintage Meets Modern: A Retro-Inspired Audio Guestbook for Event Communication
🗓 Year: 2023
📰 Type: Journal Article
📚 Published in: EUSSET – Computer Supported Cooperative Work
👩‍💻 Author: Vanessa Cesário

Conclusion:

Professor Vanessa Quintal Cesário stands out as a leading figure in Digital Media and HCI research, contributing with clarity, depth, and societal relevance. Her interdisciplinary approach, academic leadership, and devotion to improving digital systems for diverse populations make her a deserving nominee for this award. With a balanced portfolio of teaching, research, and service, she continues to shape the discourse on how technology can be made more inclusive, intuitive, and empowering. Her achievements reflect not just personal excellence but also a broader vision for advancing digital interaction in meaningful ways.

Dr. Olufemi Adebayo | Literature and Culture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Olufemi Adebayo | Literature and Culture – Senior Lecturer at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

Dr. Abidemi Olufemi Adebayo is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of English and Humanities, currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Redeemer’s University in Nigeria. With a profound commitment to exploring cultural and literary dynamics, Dr. Adebayo’s work is characterized by a deep engagement with contemporary issues surrounding Nigerian society and the broader African context. His multifaceted research spans themes of feminism, cultural identity, and social change, contributing significantly to the discourse in African literature and social media studies. Dr. Adebayo’s extensive involvement in university governance and extracurricular activities, particularly in debate and public speaking, exemplifies his dedication to nurturing critical thinking and intellectual discourse among students and peers alike.

Profile Verification

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Adebayo obtained his Ph.D. in English from the University of Ibadan in 2014, complementing his academic journey with a Master of Arts in English, with a focus on literature, in 2007. His foundational education includes a Bachelor of Arts in English, which he completed in 2005 at the same institution. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Adebayo has demonstrated a consistent pursuit of knowledge and excellence, earning commendations for his leadership in debate and his contributions to academic conferences. His educational background provides a solid framework for his research interests and pedagogical approaches, enabling him to bridge theory and practice effectively.

Experience

Dr. Adebayo has garnered a wealth of experience in various educational institutions. Before his tenure at Redeemer’s University, he held several teaching positions, including at the University of Ibadan and Lifeforte International High School, where he honed his teaching skills and cultivated a passion for mentoring students. Since joining Redeemer’s University in 2015, he has taken on significant roles, including Acting Head of the Department of English and Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. His administrative expertise is complemented by his role as a coordinator for postgraduate programs, reflecting his commitment to advancing academic standards and facilitating student success. Furthermore, Dr. Adebayo’s involvement in various committees underscores his dedication to enhancing the university’s academic environment.

Research Interests

Dr. Adebayo’s research interests are diverse and reflect his engagement with contemporary cultural issues. His work delves into the intersection of culture and technology, exploring topics such as the Nigerian situation in social media, the impact of COVID-19 on cultural practices, and the role of music in feminist agitation. His scholarly inquiries also extend to traditional African narratives and their relevance in modern contexts, such as postmodernism and globalization. Dr. Adebayo’s investigations into Yoruba culture, social decadence, and literary creativity contribute significantly to the understanding of African identities and their evolution in response to global influences. His commitment to examining these critical areas positions him as a leading voice in the discourse on cultural representation and social dynamics in Africa.

Awards

Dr. Adebayo’s exemplary contributions to academia and extracurricular activities have earned him several commendations. Notably, he received a Vice-Chancellor’s commendation for leading the university’s debate delegation to the Covenant University Debate Invitational in 2020, where Redeemer’s University achieved remarkable success in public speaking. Additionally, he has been recognized by the Dean for his role in training the university’s contingents at various debate competitions, showcasing his ability to inspire and cultivate talent in young scholars. These accolades not only reflect Dr. Adebayo’s dedication to academic excellence but also his commitment to fostering critical dialogue and public speaking skills among students.

Publications

Loves and Homes (2021) – Redeemer’s University Press.

**The Pressured Conditions of the Modern African Child in the Context of Societal Complexities and Cultural Stereotypes (2024) – In M. Oladejo et al. Childhood Identities and Wellbeing in Nigeria.**

**A Reconceptualization of Yoruba African Culture in the Age of Globalization and COVID-19 (2023) – In The Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Change.**

**Postmodernist Re-conceptualization of Nigerian Society and Gender Culture (2022) – In Postmodernism and Biblical Hermeneutics.**

African Literary Creativity, Digitalization, and Entrepreneurial Prospects in the Age of Globalization (2021) – In a Festschrift for Prof. Nelson Fashina.

**Culture Shift and Simisola Ogunleye’s Conception of the Millennial African Woman (2018) – In Literary and Linguistic Perspectives on Orality, Literacy and Gender Studies.**

Conclusion

Dr. Abidemi Olufemi Adebayo stands out as a formidable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive academic credentials, diverse research interests, and impactful contributions to the field of English and Humanities. His commitment to fostering intellectual growth among students, combined with his innovative research on pressing cultural issues, exemplifies the qualities of a leading scholar in contemporary academia. Dr. Adebayo’s accolades and contributions underscore his potential to continue making significant advancements in research and education, further solidifying his place as a notable figure in the academic community. His dedication to enriching the discourse on African literature and culture, coupled with his practical engagement in nurturing debate and critical thinking, makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.