Christian Schachtner | Data Science | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Christian Schachtner | Data Science | Research Excellence Award

Full Professor at Hochschule RheinMain, Germany

Prof. Dr. Christian Schachtner has made significant scholarly contributions through his monographs and editorial work in the fields of smart governance, smart cities, and digital transformation in the public sector. In 2025, he edited Smart Public Governance, a volume in the Kohlhammer Publishing series, scheduled for publication in the first quarter of 2026. He also co-edited, with M. Brunzel, the Handbook Smart Cities / Smart Regions, likewise forthcoming from Kohlhammer Publishing in early 2026. His edited book The European Smart City Movement  Case Studies from Around Europe, published by Springer in Chur, presents comprehensive insights into smart city practices across Europe. In the same year, he authored CDOs im öffentlichen Sektor – Perspektiven auf Chief Digital Officers und Strategien zur digitalen Transformation, published by Springer, which explores the evolving role of Chief Digital Officers in public administration. Collectively, these works highlight his expertise in digital governance, urban innovation, and strategic public-sector transformation.

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Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman | Data Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman | Data Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman | Yeungnam University | South Korea

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman began his academic journey with a strong foundation in information and communication engineering, culminating in a PhD from Yeungnam University, Korea. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his later contributions in machine learning, multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL), and data-science. His academic excellence and early engagement with algorithmic design and optimization established his trajectory as a dedicated researcher and educator in computational intelligence.

Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Raza ur Rehman pursued a postdoctoral research position in Korea, focusing on sensor calibration for autonomous vehicles (AVs). Over 5.5 months, he conducted high-level interdisciplinary work aimed at improving the precision and reliability of AV sensor systems. He also gained substantial teaching experience 9 months as an Assistant Professor where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and data-science. In addition, his collaboration with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Korea, on a US Air Force–funded project, exemplified his ability to contribute to large-scale international research efforts.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Raza ur Rehman’s research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary integration. His primary focus areas include multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL), autonomous vehicle systems, natural language processing (NLP), and optimization algorithms. He has authored a patent centered on MARL techniques and published several impactful journal and conference papers. Key publications include “QsOD: MARL-based QMIX with Grey Wolf Optimization” and “Prediction-Based Model for Chemical Compounds.” Moreover, he has presented research such as “Camera Calibration with CNN” at IEEE conferences and six additional papers at Korean academic venues. His current research extends to seven articles under review in internationally reputed journals, reinforcing his commitment to advancing data-science and intelligent systems.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Raza ur Rehman’s interdisciplinary research bridges theory and application spanning from algorithmic optimization to real-world technological integration. His MARL-related patent and publications contribute significantly to the growing body of knowledge in intelligent agent systems. By integrating data-science with advanced computational models, his work influences emerging fields such as autonomous navigation, machine learning-based control systems, and intelligent automation. As a mentor, he continues to inspire students through hands-on projects, fostering innovation and critical thinking in the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Academic Cites

His scholarly output includes publications in peer-reviewed international journals, conference presentations, and ongoing submissions to high-impact outlets. The QsOD study and the chemical compound prediction model have attracted interest in computational optimization and artificial intelligence research circles. His IEEE presentation on CNN-based camera calibration further strengthened his academic visibility and recognition within the AI research community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman aims to expand his research on multi-agent reinforcement learning, autonomous systems, and optimization-driven AI architectures. His future work is poised to contribute substantially to global research in data-science, particularly in developing adaptive, intelligent algorithms for complex real-world problems. Through continued teaching, mentorship, and publication, he aspires to leave a lasting legacy in both academia and applied research bridging the gap between theoretical innovation and practical technological advancement.

Featured Publications

Raza, S. N., ur Rehman, H. M., Lee, S. G., & Choi, G. S. (2019). Artificial intelligence-based camera calibration. 2019 15th International Wireless Communications & Mobile Computing Conference (IWCMC), 32. IEEE.

Nagulapati, V. M., ur Rehman, H. M. R., Haider, J., Qyyum, M. A., Choi, G. S., & Lim, H. (2022). Hybrid machine learning-based model for solubilities prediction of various gases in deep eutectic solvent for rigorous process design of hydrogen purification. Separation and Purification Technology, 298, 121651.

ur Rehman, H. M. R., On, B. W., Ningombam, D. D., Yi, S., & Choi, G. S. (2021). QSOD: Hybrid policy gradient for deep multi-agent reinforcement learning. IEEE Access, 9, 129728–129741.

ur Rehman, H. M. R., Saleem, M., Jhandir, M. Z., & Hafiz, H. G. I. A. (2025). Detecting hate in diversity: A survey of multilingual code-mixed image and video analysis. Journal of Big Data, 12(1), Article 5.

Younas, R., ur Rehman, H. M. R., Lee, I., On, B. W., Yi, S., & Choi, G. S. (2025). Sa-MARL: Novel self-attention-based multi-agent reinforcement learning with stochastic gradient descent. IEEE Access, 13, Article 5.

Khan, N. U., & ur Rehman, H. M. R. (2025). Real time signal decoding in closed loop brain computer interface for cognitive modulation. Ubiquitous Technology Journal, 1(1), 32–39.

ur Rehman, H. M. R., Haider, S. A., Faisal, H., Yoo, K. Y., Jhandir, M. Z., & Choi, G. S. (2025). A novel framework for Saraiki script recognition using advanced machine learning models (YOLOv8 and CNN). IEEE Access, 13, Article 2.

Taye Mengistu | Machine learning | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Taye Mengistu | Machine learning | Best Researcher Award

IT engineer, Jigjiga University, Ethiopia

Mr. Taye Mengistu is an innovative researcher and lecturer based at Jigjiga University, Ethiopia. With a strong foundation in computer science and information technology, he is making notable strides in applying machine learning to real-world challenges. His pioneering work includes utilizing ensemble convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for the classification of mango diseases, a significant advancement in agricultural technology aimed at enhancing crop health and productivity.

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Education 🎓

Mr. Taye Mengistu holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Jimma University, Ethiopia, where he graduated in January 2022 with a GPA of 3.58. Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at Jigjiga University, Ethiopia, graduating in July 2017 with a GPA of 3.84. His strong academic background underscores his deep understanding and expertise in his field.

Experience 🏢

Mr. Taye Mengistu has been serving as a Lecturer at Jigjiga University, Ethiopia, since October 2017. With over five years of experience, he has played a crucial role in both teaching and research. His responsibilities include delivering lectures, supervising student projects, and conducting research in various domains. His tenure at the university reflects his dedication to academic excellence and his ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.

Research Interests 🔬

Classification of Mango Disease Using Ensemble Convolutional Neural Network

The classification of mango diseases using ensemble convolutional neural networks (CNNs) represents a cutting-edge research area at the intersection of agriculture and artificial intelligence. This research focuses on leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to accurately identify and categorize diseases affecting mango crops, which is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Key Aspects of Research Interests:

Ensemble Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs): Utilizing ensemble methods to combine multiple CNN models to enhance classification accuracy. This approach improves the robustness and reliability of disease detection systems by aggregating predictions from different models.

Disease Classification: Developing algorithms to classify various mango diseases based on visual symptoms captured in images. Accurate classification helps in timely diagnosis and effective management strategies, minimizing crop loss and ensuring better yield.

Image Processing and Analysis: Applying image processing techniques to preprocess and analyze mango leaf and fruit images. This includes noise reduction, feature extraction, and image augmentation to improve model performance.

Machine Learning in Agriculture: Exploring the application of machine learning models to agricultural problems, particularly in disease detection and management. This research aims to bridge the gap between AI technology and practical agricultural needs.

Sustainable Agriculture: Enhancing disease management practices to promote sustainable agriculture. By accurately classifying and managing diseases, farmers can reduce the reliance on chemical treatments, leading to more eco-friendly farming practices.

Awards 🏆

Certification in HDP, Jigjiga University (May 2022) – Recognized for his advanced skills and knowledge in his field.

Publications 📚

Classification of mango disease using ensemble convolutional neural networkJSmart Agricultural Technology 2024. link