Kun He | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Kun He | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award 

Renmin University | China

Dr. Kun He is an accomplished computer scientist and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Renmin University of China (since January 2023). His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in theoretical computer science, backed by extensive research experience across leading Chinese institutions. Before joining Renmin University, he worked at the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), first as an Assistant Researcher (2021–2022) and later as an Associate Researcher (2022). He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Shenzhen University between 2019 and 2021. Dr. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from ICT, CAS in 2019 under the supervision of Prof. Xiaoming Sun. He also holds a Master’s degree from ICT, CAS and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Wuhan University. His research centers on the theory of computing, with particular emphasis on probabilistic methods, sampling algorithms, quantum computing, combinatorial structures, and theoretical machine learning. His work has significantly advanced algorithmic techniques related to the Lovász Local Lemma (LLL), Holant problems, and random constraint satisfaction. Over the years, Dr. He has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing the impact and quality of his research. These include the New Hundred Stars of ICT (2021), the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award of the China Computer Federation (2020), the Special Award for the President of CAS (2019), and the National Scholarship of China (2018). These honors highlight his early and sustained contributions to theoretical computer science. Dr. He has published extensively in top-tier venues such as SODA, STOC, FOCS, ITCS, and Random Structures & Algorithms. His notable works include breakthroughs on the Moser–Tardos algorithm, deterministic counting versions of the Lovász Local Lemma, sampling solutions to random CNF formulas, and quantum extensions of classical combinatorial frameworks. Several of his papers have been widely cited and recognized, including a top-downloaded publication in Random Structures & Algorithms (2020). Recently, his research continues to push theoretical boundaries, with upcoming papers on the phase transition of the Sinkhorn–Knopp algorithm and efficient approximation schemes for Holant problems. Dr. He also actively works on emerging topics involving perfect sampling and permutation constraints within the Lopsided LLL regime, with multiple manuscripts currently under submission. With strong expertise, a prolific publication record, and multiple high-impact contributions, Dr. Kun He stands as a leading figure in modern theoretical computer science.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

He, K., Li, L., Liu, X., Wang, Y., & Xia, M. (2025). Variable version Lovász Local Lemma: A tale of two boundaries. Information and Computation, 105386.

He, K. (2025). Phase transition of the Sinkhorn-Knopp algorithm. arXiv preprint arXiv:2507.09711.

He, K., Li, Z., Qiu, G., & Zhang, C. (2025). FPTAS for Holant problems with log-concave signatures. In Proceedings of the 2025 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Qiu, G., & Sun, X. (2024). Sampling permutations satisfying constraints within the lopsided local lemma regime. arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.02750.

He, K., Qiu, G., & Sun, X. (2024). Sampling permutations satisfying constraints within and beyond the local lemma regime. arXiv e-prints, arXiv:2411.02750.

He, K., Li, Q., & Sun, X. (2023). Moser-Tardos algorithm: Beyond Shearer’s bound. In Proceedings of the 2023 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Wang, C., & Yin, Y. (2023). Deterministic counting Lovász Local Lemma beyond linear programming. In Proceedings of the 2023 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Wu, K., & Yang, K. (2023). Improved bounds for sampling solutions of random CNF formulas. In Proceedings of the 2023 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Wang, C., & Yin, Y. (2022). Sampling Lovász Local Lemma for general constraint satisfaction solutions in near-linear time. In 2022 IEEE 63rd Annual Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science (FOCS).

Marzieh Ronaghi | Governance, Environment, IT | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marzieh Ronaghi | Governance, Environment, IT | Best Researcher Award 

University of virginia, United States

Profile

Orcid 

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Marzieh Ronaghi began her academic journey in Agricultural Economics, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2009, followed by a Master of Science degree in 2012. Her passion for the field led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics-Production Management at Ferdowsi University, successfully completed in 2020. Her educational path reflects a consistent commitment to understanding the complex relationship between economics, agriculture, governance, and development.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ronaghi’s professional trajectory showcases an impressive blend of research, teaching, and applied consulting. She served as a postdoctoral researcher at Michigan State University (2022–2024) focusing on governance and local government. She was a researcher at the University of Kentucky (2017–2020) and contributed to the Kentucky Research Center in 2024. Currently, she is actively engaged in Local Government Financial Research and Consulting at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. In addition to her academic career, she gained private sector experience as a Property Manager at Parisim Company in 2024.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ronaghi's research primarily focuses on agricultural governance, local government finance, production management, and environmental economics. Her dedication is evident through her numerous projects, notably her 2025 collaboration with Eric Scorsone on the validity and reliability of financial indices for local governments in Virginia. Her work bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world policy application, particularly in the realm of financial health assessment for local governments.

🌎 Impact and Influence

Marzieh’s scholarly contributions have influenced both academic circles and governmental practices. Through her research, she has helped policymakers better understand how financial indices can be crafted to reflect local governance realities. Her interdisciplinary work integrating economics, public policy, and governance has established her as a rising figure in agricultural and public sector economics.

📖 Research Publications and Academic Cites

Dr. Ronaghi is also an accomplished author. She has published multiple books including:

  • "GREENHOUSE GAS" (2020), co-authored with Michael Reed and Sayed Saghaian.

  • "Agricultural Governance" (2020), alongside Mohammad-Hossein Ronaghi and Mohammadreza Kohansal.

  • "Governance" (2023).

These works have contributed to the discourse on sustainable agricultural practices, environmental policy, and governance structures. Her publications are increasingly cited in both academic research and applied governmental studies, reflecting her growing influence.

💻 Technical Skills

Marzieh possesses strong technical proficiencies essential for modern economic analysis. She has hands-on experience with statistical analysis, mathematical programming, and econometrics, using tools such as Stata, Excel, PSL, GAMS, R, Eviews, and Power BI. Additionally, she has a background in computer programming, with skills in C++, Matlab, and R on Windows platforms, reinforcing her ability to engage in high-level data analysis and modeling.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Teaching has been a cornerstone of Dr. Ronaghi's career. Her experience spans several prestigious institutions:

  • Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Training Center (Farm Management, Natural Resources and Environment, 2019–2021)

  • Department of Business Management, Neyshabur Branch (Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, 2015–2017)

  • Department of Economics, Zand University (Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, 2014–2017)

  • Shiraz University (Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, 2013)

  • Agriculture Organization (Farm Management, Rural Economy, Rural Cooperative, 2019–2021)

With over a decade of combined research and teaching experience, Dr. Ronaghi has impacted hundreds of students and researchers, nurturing the next generation of agricultural economists.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Marzieh Ronaghi aims to continue bridging the worlds of academic research, public governance, and economic consulting. Her ongoing projects at the University of Virginia promise to deliver new insights into local government financial health. By combining a strong academic foundation with real-world consulting and teaching experience, she is poised to leave a lasting legacy in agricultural economics, public sector governance, and economic development initiatives worldwide.

 Notable Publications

  • Publication: The Impact of Governance and Economic Factors on Biocracy in the Committed Countries in COP28

  • Authors: Marzieh Ronaghi; Eric Scorsone

  • Journal: Sustainable Social Development

  • Year: 2025

  • Publication: How Does the Use of Artificial Intelligence Affect Sustainability Rating in Middle Eastern Universities?

  • Authors: Mohammad Hossein Ronaghi; Marzieh Ronaghi

  • Journal: Asian Education and Development Studies

  • Year: 2025

  • Publication: Investigating the Effect of Cultural Factors (Religious Orientation) on Social Indifference and Critical Thinking in Educational Institutions

  • Authors: Marzieh Ronaghi

  • Journal: (Journal name not specified)

  • Year: 2024

  • Publication: The Impact of Individual, Scientific and Organizational Factors on the Adoption of AR in University Education

  • Authors: Marzieh Ronaghi; M.H. Ronaghi; E. Boskabadi

  • Journal: (Journal name not specified)

  • Year: 2024

  • Publication: The Impact of Governance and Economic Factors on Biocracy in the Committed Countries in COP28 (Preprint)

  • Authors: Marzieh Ronaghi

  • Journal: Preprint (Research Square)

  • Year: 2024