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.

Pousbila DIANDA | Electronic Money | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pousbila DIANDA | Electronic Money | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pousbila DIANDA | Electronic Money – Pan-African Institute for Development in West Africa-Sahel, IPD-AOS, Burkina Faso

Dr. Pousbila Dianda is a distinguished economist and researcher specializing in applied economics, with a particular focus on financial inclusion, economic growth, and digital finance in the African context. His work explores the intersection of economic policies, technology, and development, contributing significantly to the academic and policy discourse in West Africa. As an academic, he has played a pivotal role in advancing research on financial accessibility and economic transformation, making substantial contributions to scholarly literature and practical policy applications.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Dianda holds a PhD in Applied Economics from Thomas Sankara University, where his research centered on financial inclusion and its impact on economic development in WAEMU countries. His academic journey also includes a Diploma of Advanced Studies (D.E.A) in Applied Economics, a Master’s degree in Macroeconomics and Development Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field. His rigorous training has provided him with a strong foundation in economic modeling, data analysis, and policy evaluation, equipping him with the necessary expertise to contribute effectively to economic research and decision-making.

Experience

Dr. Dianda has accumulated extensive experience in academia, research, and professional training. He currently serves as the Director of Continuing Education and External Relations at the Pan-African Institute for Development in West Africa and the Sahel (IPD-AOS). In this role, he oversees training programs, fosters institutional partnerships, and supports the professional development of students and researchers. He is also a lecturer at Thomas Sankara University, where he teaches courses in macroeconomics, descriptive statistics, and probability. Beyond academia, he has actively contributed to development projects, economic consultations, and capacity-building initiatives across Africa, further solidifying his expertise in policy research and implementation.

Research Interest

Dr. Dianda’s research focuses on financial inclusion, digital financial services, economic growth, renewable energy, and the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in economic development. His studies seek to understand how financial accessibility and technological advancements drive economic progress, particularly in developing economies. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between economic theory and practical applications, providing data-driven insights that inform policy formulation and economic strategies at national and regional levels.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Dianda has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to economic research and policy analysis. He received a Certificate of Merit in Chinese Language and Culture from the Chinese Embassy in Burkina Faso, reflecting his commitment to cross-cultural academic engagement. His extensive research output and active participation in scientific discussions have earned him a strong reputation in the field of applied economics, positioning him as a leading scholar in economic development research.

Selected Publications

  1. 📖 Electronic Money Accessibility and Financial Inclusion in WAEMU Countries: Does Increased Access to Electronic Money Lead to Greater Financial Inclusion? (2025) – Cogent Economics & Finance (Cited by 15 articles)
  2. 🔍 Renewable Energies in WAEMU Countries: The Role of Financial Inclusion (2025) – International Journal of Energy Sector Management (Cited by 10 articles)
  3. 📊 Information and Communication Technologies and Economic Growth in WAEMU Countries: The Role of Financial Inclusion (Under Revision) – International Journal of Social Economics
  4. 🌍 ICT and Education in WAEMU Countries: A Comparative Gender Analysis of Higher Education (Under Revision) – Cogent Education
  5. 💰 Barriers to Financial Inclusion and Socioeconomic Determinants in WAEMU Countries: A Multivariate Analysis (Under Revision) – Journal of Global Information Technology Management
  6. 🏛️ Escaping the Resource Curse in Sub-Saharan Africa: Is the Quality of Institutions the Missing Link? (Under Revision) – Bulletin of Economic Research
  7. 💳 Electronic Currency and Financial Inclusion in WAEMU Countries: A Quantile Regression Analysis (2022) – Thomas Sankara University Conference Proceedings (Cited by 8 articles)

Conclusion

Dr. Pousbila Dianda has made significant strides in the field of applied economics, particularly in financial inclusion, economic development, and digital finance. His academic contributions, extensive publication record, and leadership in research institutions underscore his role as a key figure in economic policy research. Through his work, he continues to impact both academia and economic policy formulation, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to advancing economic knowledge, combined with his commitment to practical policy solutions, demonstrates his profound influence on the field and his potential for future contributions to economic development research.