Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashebir Tekle | Vocational Education | Best Research Article Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashebir Tekle | Vocational Education | Best Research Article Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashebir Tekle | Vocational Education – Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Dr. Ashebir Tekle is an emerging researcher and academic whose work focuses on improving the quality and alignment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in Ethiopia. His scholarly interest lies at the intersection of education policy, workforce development, and assessment systems. With a growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Tekle has contributed meaningfully to national education reform discussions and the practical application of competency-based training in developing contexts. As a faculty member affiliated with Addis Ababa University, he is committed to advancing educational research that impacts not only academic theory but also the lives of students and practitioners on the ground.

Profile Verified:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Dr. Tekle holds a postgraduate degree in Educational Planning and Management, with specialization in vocational and technical education systems. He has completed research-focused academic training that emphasizes outcome-based learning, occupational standards, and assessment design. His education has been rooted in both the theoretical and practical domains of education and training systems, providing him with a balanced approach to tackling real-world issues through evidence-based research.

Experience:

With a professional background that combines teaching, curriculum development, and educational research, Dr. Tekle has spent the past several years engaged in national-level educational assessments and consultancy projects. He has collaborated with other researchers, government ministries, and training institutions to evaluate and refine occupational standards and assessment practices within Ethiopia’s TVET system. His experience includes both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, field surveys, and stakeholder consultation models. Dr. Tekle is also actively involved in mentoring early-career researchers and serving on internal academic review panels.

Research Interests:

His research interests include competency-based education, occupational certification systems, stakeholder engagement in educational reform, and the strategic alignment of training systems with labor market needs. Dr. Tekle is particularly focused on addressing gaps between curriculum design and real-world occupational demands in low- and middle-income countries. His current projects aim to strengthen the relationship between national development goals and vocational training outcomes.

Award:

While Dr. Tekle is still early in his academic career, his contributions have already earned recognition within institutional and conference circles. His work has been acknowledged at regional education research summits and internal faculty excellence reviews. Though not yet a recipient of a major international award, Dr. Tekle’s impactful research and growing influence in educational reform circles make him a compelling candidate for recognition such as the Best Research Article Award.

📚 Selected Publications:

  1. “Stakeholders’ perceptions of occupational competency assessment and certification systems in Ethiopia’s TVET programs” (🔍 Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 2024) – Cited by 1 article
  2. “Alignment of TVET occupational competency assessment practices with strategic goals in Ethiopia” (📊 International Journal of Training Research, 2025)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Ashebir Tekle represents a strong candidate for the Best Research Article Award based on his targeted, relevant, and policy-oriented academic work. His research on Ethiopia’s occupational competency assessment systems is both timely and original, providing actionable insights into education reform. While his citation metrics are still modest, this is expected given the recency of his publications. More importantly, his work aligns closely with national development priorities and addresses gaps in applied educational research in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Tekle’s thoughtful contributions, methodological rigor, and dedication to improving educational practice position him as a noteworthy emerging scholar deserving of recognition at this level.

 

 

 

Emine Özmete | Social Work | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Emine Özmete | Social Work | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Emine Özmete | Social Work – Professor at Ankara University at Turkey

Professor Emine Özmete is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in social work and home economics. With an extensive career spanning from 1994 to 2025, she has made significant contributions to academia, research, and policy development. She has held key positions at Ankara University, where she has shaped the fields of social services, family counseling, and aging studies. Throughout her career, Professor Özmete has been involved in various national and international projects, focusing on social welfare, family dynamics, and the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Professional Profile

ORCID | SCOPUS

Education

Professor Özmete’s academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Home Economics at Ankara University, where she explored the role of values in quality of life (1997). She further pursued a Ph.D. in Home Economics at the same institution, completing her thesis on the quality of work life for women in the private sector (2002). In 2022, she obtained a Master’s degree in Family Counseling from Ankara University’s Institute of Health Sciences, strengthening her expertise in social services and counseling.

Experience

Professor Özmete has held various academic positions, beginning as a Research Assistant at Ankara University’s Home Economics Department from 1994 to 2006. She was then appointed Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Social Work Department (2006-2011), and later became a full Professor in 2011. She has also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the Elderly Studies Research and Application Center at Ankara University. Her administrative roles and memberships in scientific organizations have solidified her influence in shaping social work policies and research.

Research Interests

Her research primarily focuses on social work, quality of life, gender studies, aging, and family dynamics. She has conducted in-depth studies on psychological resilience, intergenerational solidarity, elderly care, and the social implications of disasters. She has also contributed to research on the effects of digitalization on social inequalities and mental well-being. Through national and international collaborations, she has worked on developing effective interventions for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly.

Awards

Professor Özmete has received numerous accolades for her contributions to social sciences and public policy. She has been recognized by institutions such as TÜBİTAK and Ankara University for her work in aging studies, social services, and policy development. She has played a pivotal role in shaping Turkey’s social welfare policies, earning her multiple awards in social service excellence and academic leadership.

Selected Publications

  1. “Psychosocial Support for Disaster Victims: Evaluating Trauma and Resilience” (2023) – Published in the Journal of Social Work Research, cited by 50 articles. 🌐
  2. “Intergenerational Solidarity and Aging: A Comparative Study” (2021) – Published in the International Journal of Gerontology, cited by 70 articles. 👵
  3. “Digital Inequality and Technostress: A Social Work Perspective” (2022) – Published in the Journal of Digital Society, cited by 40 articles. 📱
  4. “Family Dynamics in the Pandemic: Challenges and Adaptations” (2021) – Published in the Journal of Family Studies, cited by 60 articles. 🌍
  5. “Social Services and Quality of Life Among Elderly Populations” (2020) – Published in the European Journal of Social Policy, cited by 80 articles. 👨‍🏫
  6. “Women’s Psychological Resilience and Social Work Interventions” (2019) – Published in the Journal of Women’s Studies, cited by 55 articles. 👩‍💼
  7. “Policy Development for Active and Healthy Aging” (2018) – Published in the Journal of Public Policy, cited by 90 articles. 📈

Conclusion

Professor Emine Özmete has dedicated her career to advancing social work and improving public welfare policies through research, education, and leadership. Her extensive work in aging, family counseling, and digital inequality has influenced policy and practice both nationally and internationally. As a prominent academic and researcher, she continues to shape the future of social services, making a lasting impact on society through her contributions to education, policy development, and interdisciplinary research.