Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance – Senior Researcher at Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania

Dr. Valentina Diana Rusu is an accomplished Romanian economist and Senior Scientific Researcher (CS I) at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, she has built a distinguished career that bridges economic theory, public policy, and entrepreneurial finance. Dr. Rusu has played a pivotal role in high-impact research projects, contributed extensively to peer-reviewed journals, and participated in national and international scientific events. Her research is recognized for its relevance to contemporary economic challenges, particularly in post-crisis financial environments and emerging entrepreneurship ecosystems. Her academic excellence is complemented by professional expertise as an educator, evaluator, and project leader across multiple EU and nationally funded initiatives.

Academic Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Rusu earned her PhD in Economics (2008–2011) from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, focusing on the intricacies of financing decisions during the financial crisis. She further enriched her doctoral training through a mobility program at Universitat de Barcelona in 2011. Her solid academic foundation includes a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Management (2007–2008) and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking (2003–2007), both from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. She has also completed pedagogical certifications (Level I and II) and participated in professional development programs in project management and data processing through the Romanian Academy.

Experience

Over her career, Dr. Rusu has held progressive research and teaching roles. As a Senior Scientific Researcher (CS I) since 2023, and previously CS II (2019–2023) and CS III (2015–2019), she has consistently delivered impactful interdisciplinary research. She has also contributed to policy implementation as an expert evaluator for the Romanian Ministries of Education and Energy. Her academic involvement began as an Associate Teaching Assistant (2008–2015), delivering seminars on finance-related subjects. She served as Project Manager (2018–2019) for initiatives targeting entrepreneurial competitiveness, and has taken on roles such as beneficiary selection expert and communication specialist for EU-funded research projects. Her international experience includes research visits to the University of Rijeka and the University of Vienna.

Research Interests

Dr. Rusu’s research focuses on economic resilience, financial behavior during crises, entrepreneurship development, and sustainability in public policy. She has made significant contributions to understanding firm-level financing decisions, the socio-economic impact of financial shocks, and the effectiveness of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic revitalization. She is also interested in the interplay between macroeconomic policy and individual financial choices, particularly in transitioning economies. Her interdisciplinary approach has led her to explore the intersection of digital transformation, human capital, and public-sector innovation.

Awards

Dr. Rusu’s academic excellence has been recognized through multiple honors. She has received six research awards from UEFISCDI (Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation in Romania) for publishing papers in Q2 Web of Science-indexed journals. Additionally, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University has honored her twice for outstanding research contributions. These accolades underscore her sustained commitment to producing high-quality, internationally relevant research.

Publications 📚🧠

📈 The nexus between entrepreneurship and economic growth: A comparative analysis on groups of countries. O. Stoica, A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Sustainability, 2020
Cited by: 368
🚀 Entrepreneurial activity in the EU: An empirical evaluation of its determinants. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman
Sustainability, 2017
Cited by: 133
🌍 An empirical analysis of factors affecting competitiveness of CEE countries. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman
Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 2018
Cited by: 122
💹 Financial performance – determinants and interdependencies between measurement indicators. M.B. Tudose, V.D. Rusu, S. Avasilcai
Business, Management and Economics Engineering, 2022
Cited by: 83
💻 Digital Technologies and the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Studies in Business and Economics, 2022
Cited by: 44
🧠 Determinants of entrepreneurial intentions of youth: the role of access to finance. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman, M.B. Tudose
Engineering Economics, 2022
Cited by: 41
🇪🇺 The quality of entrepreneurial activity and economic competitiveness in European Union countries: a panel data approach. V.D. Rusu, A. Dornean
Administrative Sciences, 2019
Cited by: 37
📊 Performance management for growth: A framework based on EVA. M.B. Tudose, V.D. Rusu, S. Avasilcai
Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021
Cited by: 28
💰 Public debt and economic growth in EU countries. M. Onofrei, I. Bostan, B.N. Firtescu, A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Economies, 2022
Cited by: 24
🏦 The Access of Small and Medium Size Enterprises to Banking Financing and Current Challenges: The Case of EU Countries. A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Annales Universitatis Apulensis: Series Oeconomica, 2012
Cited by: 21

Conclusion

Dr. Valentina Diana Rusu exemplifies scholarly dedication, intellectual rigor, and interdisciplinary vision in economics and finance. Her impactful research, extensive publication record, award-winning scholarship, and international collaborations have significantly advanced understanding in financial resilience, entrepreneurship, and public policy. Through her roles as a researcher, educator, evaluator, and project leader, she continues to contribute meaningfully to the academic and policy-making communities in Romania and beyond. Her profile makes her an outstanding nominee for recognition through academic and professional award platforms.

Andreas Behr | Regional Economics | Best Paper Award

Prof Dr.Andreas Behr | Regional Economics | Best Paper Award 

Professor Universität Duisburg-Essen Germany

Evaluation of Prof. Dr. Andreas Behr for the Research for Best Paper Award

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic Background: Prof. Dr. Andreas Behr’s academic journey is robust, with degrees in both Economics and Business Administration from reputable institutions, including Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University and the University of Southampton. His academic prowess is further solidified by his Habilitation in Economics and Statistics, highlighting his expertise and contribution to the field.
  2. Research Experience: Prof. Dr. Behr’s long-standing experience in research, particularly in the field of statistics and mathematics, is impressive. His roles as a Research Assistant, Assistant Professor, and Professor at leading universities showcase his deep involvement in academic research and teaching. His experience as a Visiting Researcher at Kyushu University in Japan also adds an international dimension to his research profile.
  3. Recognition and Awards: Prof. Dr. Behr has been recognized with scholarships and awards, including multiple German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships and a Thesis Award from the Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt. These accolades underline his research excellence and contributions to his field.

Areas of Improvement

  1. Publication Record: While Prof. Dr. Behr’s academic and research background is strong, the information provided does not include specific details about his publication record. To strengthen his candidacy for the Best Paper Award, a detailed list of peer-reviewed publications, particularly those that have made a significant impact in the field of statistics, would be beneficial.
  2. Research Impact: The impact of Prof. Dr. Behr’s research on the academic community and industry is not explicitly mentioned. Including information on citations, collaborations, and the practical applications of his research would further enhance his profile and demonstrate the broader significance of his work.
  3. Recent Achievements: The CV does not provide recent information on Prof. Dr. Behr’s achievements or ongoing research projects. Highlighting recent advancements, awards, or contributions to contemporary issues in statistics could reinforce his suitability for the award.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Andreas Behr is a highly qualified candidate with a strong academic and research background in economics, business administration, and statistics. His extensive experience in research and teaching, coupled with his recognition through various scholarships and awards, makes him a strong contender for the Best Paper Award. However, to fully support his nomination, additional details on his publication record, research impact, and recent achievements would be advantageous. With these enhancements, Prof. Dr. Behr’s candidacy would be further strengthened, aligning well with the criteria for the Research for Best Paper Award

Prof. Dr. Andreas Behr is a distinguished academic in the field of statistics, currently serving as a Professor of Statistics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. With a career spanning several decades, his expertise lies in economics and statistics, which has been recognized through numerous academic positions and awards.

Profile

Scopus

Education

📚 Prof. Behr completed his Diplom-Volkswirt (equivalent to a Master’s degree in Economics) from Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt in 1993, followed by a Diplom-Kaufmann (Master’s in Business Administration) in 1995. He earned his doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) in 1998 and later habilitated in Economics and Statistics from the same university in 2003, under the supervision of prominent professors including Prof. W. Neubauer.

Experience

🧑‍🏫 Prof. Behr has held various academic positions throughout his career. He began as a Research Assistant at the Institute for Statistics and Mathematics at Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt from 1994 to 1998. He then became an Assistant Professor at the same institute until 2003. He has also served as a Lecturer at Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany from 2003 to 2008. Since 2009, he has been a Professor of Statistics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, where he continues to contribute to the field.

Research Interest

🔍 Prof. Behr’s research interests are deeply rooted in the fields of economics and statistics, with a focus on statistical methodologies, economic theory, and their applications in various domains. His work often intersects with business administration and quantitative analysis.

Awards

🏆 Prof. Behr has received several prestigious awards and scholarships throughout his academic journey, including multiple scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in 1990-1991 and 1999. His thesis also earned recognition from the Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2000.

Publications

📖 Prof. Behr has contributed significantly to academic literature. Some of his notable publications include: