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Grace Akello, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology at Gulu University’s Faculty of Medicine in Uganda, where she coordinates the pioneering Master of Medical Anthropology Programme—the first of its kind in East and Central Africa. She earned her doctorate in Medical Anthropology from Leiden University in the Netherlands and holds advanced degrees in Medical Anthropology and Gender Studies from the University of Amsterdam and Makerere University, respectively. Akello’s work focuses on humanitarianism, pandemic preparedness, and health policy in complex emergencies and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). She has held visiting academic positions at institutions such as the London School of Economics and Martin Luther University in Germany. With over 60 research items, more than 1,100 citations, and a Research Index of 19, she is a widely published scholar whose work appears in leading journals and edited volumes. Akello is also a UKRI College member and has contributed significantly to graduate teaching, research, and curriculum development in medical anthropology across Africa.
Dr. Grace Akello has established herself as one of the most impactful researchers in the field of Medical Anthropology, particularly within the context of global health, pandemic preparedness, conflict, and humanitarian responses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With 66 research items, over 1,140 citations, a research score of 1464, and a Research Index of 19 on ResearchGate, her scholarly contributions demonstrate both breadth and depth. Her research outputs are consistently featured in high-impact international journals and edited volumes.
🎓 PhD in Medical Anthropology – Leiden University, Netherlands (2009)
📘 Master’s in Medical Anthropology – University of Amsterdam, Netherlands (2003)
🧠 Master of Arts in Gender Studies – Makerere University, Uganda (2000)
🧪 BSc. in Education (Hons) – Makerere University, Uganda (1997)
👩🏫 Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology – Gulu University, Faculty of Medicine (2016–Present)
📌 Coordinator of the Master of Medical Anthropology Program
🧪 Focus on research, curriculum development, and postgraduate mentorship
🌍 Ruth Glass Fellow & Visiting Professor – London School of Economics (LSE) (Jan–June 2018)
🗣 Mentorship, research presentations, and independent writing
🇩🇪 Visiting Research Fellow – Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany (Sept–Dec 2017)
💡 Engaged in social science research on Ebola and mentored students
🧑🏫 Senior Lecturer – Gulu University, Faculty of Medicine (2008–2016)
🧠 Head of Mental Health Department; conducted extensive field research
🌍 Lead Researcher – World Bank Project in Uganda, Kenya, Burundi (2012–2013)
🕊 Studied returnees and amnesty certificate holders
🧑🔬 Coordinator – First Master of Medical Anthropology Program in East and Central Africa
🌐 UKRI College Member – Recognized for research in pandemics & humanitarianism
📊 ResearchGate Impact:
📄 66 research items
🔁 1,143 citations
📈 Research Score: 1,464
🔍 Research Index (h-index): 19
Sex differences in mate preferences across 45 countries: A large-scale replication
Cited: 370
Cited: 137
Affective interpersonal touch in close relationships: A cross-cultural perspective
Cited: 114
Cited: 113
Cited: 99
Dr. Grace Akello is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her sustained record of impactful, policy-relevant, and ethically grounded research, combined with her leadership in advancing medical anthropology education and interdisciplinary scholarship, exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence. Recognizing Dr. Akello with this award would not only honor a remarkable researcher but also highlight the vital contributions of African scholars to global research dialogues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professor at University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Croatia
Technical at Portuguese Ceramic Industry Association (APICER), Portugal