Sonia Abdennadher | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sonia Abdennadher | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Higher Colleges of Technology, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Sonia Abdennadher is an esteemed academic and researcher with a focus on corporate finance, corporate governance, financial management, and fintech applications. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE, where she teaches a diverse range of finance and accounting courses. Dr. Abdennadher earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Corporate Governance from Paris Saclay University in 2009, where her research centered on the impact of internet voting on corporate governance in French listed companies. Her scholarly work has been published in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the fields of blockchain technology, corporate social responsibility, and fintech adoption in governance. Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Abdennadher has held various leadership roles, including positions on promotion committees and as an Applied Research Coordinator, showcasing her dedication to advancing the knowledge and practice of finance and corporate governance through the integration of emerging technologies.

Profile:

Education:

Dr. Sonia Abdennadher holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Corporate Governance, which she earned in July 2009 from Paris Saclay University (Paris Sud University) in France. Her doctoral research focused on analyzing the roles of new technologies in corporate governance, particularly the implementation of internet voting in shareholders’ general meetings within French listed companies. Paris Saclay University is globally recognized, ranked 15th by the Shanghai World University Rankings and 73rd according to the QS World Rankings 2025. Additionally, Dr. Abdennadher has a Master’s degree in Networks Management and Economics, also from Paris Saclay University, and a Master’s degree in International Finance, Trading, and Capital Markets from ISG Paris Business School. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Finance from ISG Tunis Business School in Tunisia. Her diverse educational background reflects her deep expertise in finance, economics, and corporate governance, coupled with a strong emphasis on the integration of technology in financial systems.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Sonia Abdennadher has a distinguished professional background in academia, marked by her significant contributions to teaching and research in finance and accounting. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the UAE, a position she has held since 2017. At HCT, she teaches a wide array of courses, including Financial Accounting, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Corporate Finance, and Auditing. Dr. Abdennadher has also taken on leadership roles, such as Chair of the Promotion Committee for Business Faculty members across HCT branches and member of the Higher Faculty Promotion Committee. Additionally, she has served as the Applied Research Coordinator for Al Ain campuses, overseeing interdisciplinary research efforts, and as the Program Coordinator for the Finance Program at Al Ain Men’s Campus. Before joining HCT, Dr. Abdennadher was a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Rouen in France, where she taught advanced courses in accounting and finance and co-led the Master Program in Insurance and Private Asset Management. Her career also includes a role as an Assistant Professor at the Normandy School of Management, where she was instrumental in the development of the Master Program “Manager of Business Information Systems.” Dr. Abdennadher’s early academic appointments include Research and Teaching Assistant positions at the University of Evry and Paris Saclay University, where she taught financial management, auditing, and corporate finance. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in executive education and the supervision of graduate students, reflecting her dedication to advancing knowledge and practice in her field.

Research Interests:

Dr. Sonia Abdennadher’s research interests are rooted in the fields of corporate finance and governance, with a particular focus on the intersection of technology and financial management. Her work explores the adoption and application of fintech innovations, such as internet voting, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, within corporate governance frameworks. Additionally, she is deeply interested in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and disclosure, investigating how these factors influence organizational performance and sustainability. Dr. Abdennadher’s research also extends to auditing, financial accounting, and reporting, where she examines the impacts of new technologies on the accounting profession and corporate transparency. Her scholarly contributions aim to enhance our understanding of the evolving role of technology in finance and governance, with a particular emphasis on its practical applications in emerging markets and corporate structures.

Skills:

Dr. Sonia Abdennadher possesses a diverse skill set that encompasses both academic and practical expertise in finance and accounting. She is highly proficient in teaching various subjects within these fields, including corporate finance, financial accounting, auditing, and international financial reporting standards (IFRS). Dr. Abdennadher is well-versed in using e-learning platforms and digital tools, such as Blackboard, WileyPLUS, McGraw-Hill Connect, and Pearson MyLab, to enhance the learning experience for her students. Additionally, she is adept at utilizing smart online platforms like Bloomberg, CESIM, MS Teams, Zoom, and Nearpod for course delivery. Her experience extends to executive education, where she has successfully supervised graduate students’ theses and guided their research projects. Dr. Abdennadher’s comprehensive teaching skills, combined with her ability to integrate technology into her pedagogy, make her a valuable educator and researcher in the fields of finance and accounting.

Conclution:

Given her extensive research contributions, robust academic background, and leadership in both teaching and research, Dr. Sonia Abdennadher is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances the academic understanding of corporate governance and fintech but also has significant implications for the practice and implementation of these concepts in real-world financial markets.

Publication Tob Noted:

  • The Effects of Blockchain Technology on the Accounting and Assurance Profession in the UAE: An Exploratory Study
    • Authors: S. Abdennadher, R. Grassa, H. Abdulla, A. Alfalasi
    • Published in: Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, 20(1), 53-71
    • Cited by: 59
    • Year: 2022
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Antecedents and Practices as a Path to Enhance Organizational Performance: The Case of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in an Emerging Economy
    • Authors: W. Cheffi, C. Malesios, A. Abdel-Maksoud, S. Abdennadher, P. Dey
    • Published in: Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 28(6), 1647-1663
    • Cited by: 29
    • Year: 2021
  • Investors’ Mood and Herd Investing: A Quantile-on-Quantile Regression Explanation from Crypto Market
    • Authors: G. Rubbaniy, K. Tee, P. Iren, S. Abdennadher
    • Published in: Finance Research Letters, 47, 102585
    • Cited by: 23
    • Year: 2022
  • The Effectiveness of E-Corporate Governance: An Exploratory Study of Internet Voting at Shareholders’ Annual Meetings in France
    • Authors: S. Abdennadher, W. Cheffi
    • Published in: Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, 20(4)
    • Cited by: 14
    • Year: 2020
  • Executives’ Behaviour and Innovation in Corporate Governance: The Case of Internet Voting at Shareholders’ General Meetings in French Listed Companies
    • Authors: W. Cheffi, S. Abdennadher
    • Published in: Journal of Business Ethics, 156, 775-798
    • Cited by: 12
    • Year: 2019
  • L’impact du Web 2.0 sur les organisations
    • Authors: A. David, N. Monomakhoff, A. Hasnaoui, S. Damart, L. Zibara, S.A. Cheffi, et al.
    • Published in: Springer
    • Cited by: 9
    • Year: 2013
  • L’adoption du Vote par Internet aux Assemblées Générales des Actionnaires de Sociétés Cotées en France: Une Perspective Institutionnaliste
    • Authors: S. Abdennadher, W. Cheffi
    • Published in: Systèmes d’information et management, 16(2), 35-71
    • Cited by: 9
    • Year: 2011
  • Feasibility and Exploratory Study of Implementing the Blockchain Technology in the UAE Financial Markets
    • Authors: S. Abdennadher, M. Salem, S.A.S. Alkaabi, A.S. Alshebli
    • Published in: Contemporary Research in Accounting and Finance: Case Studies from the MENA Region
    • Cited by: 8
    • Year: 2022
  • Financial Market Determinants of Dynamic Herding in North-American Energy Market
    • Authors: G. Rubbaniy, S. Ali, S. Abdennadher, C. Siriopoulos
    • Published in: Available at SSRN
    • Cited by: 1
    • Year: 2022
  • Performance Analysis of a Blockchain Process Modeling: Application of Distributed Ledger Technology in Trading, Clearing and Settlement Processes
    • Authors: S. Abdennadher, W. Cheffi, A.H.M. Amin, M. Naveed
    • Published in: Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 100348
    • Cited by: (Not available)
    • Year: 2024
  • Toward a Smart Corporate Governance Scorecard: A Case Review of the UAE Listed Companies
    • Authors: S. Abdennadher
    • Published in: International Journal of Business Excellence
    • Cited by: (Not available)
    • Year: 2023

 

Shafi Md Mostofa | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shafi Md Mostofa, Cybersecurity, Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. Shafi Md Mostofa (PhD) is an esteemed theologian and security studies scholar with a diverse array of research interests spanning political Islam, authoritarianism, modern South Asian history and politics, and international relations, particularly focusing on the clash of civilizations. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor of World Religions and Culture at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Arts, where he imparts his expertise to students. Additionally, he holds the position of Adjunct Lecturer at the University of New England, Australia, contributing to the academic community on an international scale.

Dr. Mostofa’s contributions extend beyond the classroom, as he serves as a senior visiting fellow at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science. With a commitment to scholarly dissemination, he has published extensively with leading academic publishers such as Routledge, Springer, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, SAGE, Brill, Wiley, and Blackwell. His works have also appeared in esteemed journals including Politics and Religion, Critical Studies on Religion, Politics and Policy, Perspectives on Terrorism, Diaspora Studies, and Asian and African Studies.

profile

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (History and Peace Studies)

  • Institution: University of New England
  • Faculty: Humanities, Arts, Social Science and Education
  • Time Frame: 2016-2020
  • Result: Awarded

Master of Philosophy (First Part)

  • Institution: University of Dhaka
  • Department: World Religions and Culture
  • Year: 2012 (Held at 2013)
  • Result: Passed

Master of Arts

  • Institution: University of Dhaka
  • Department: World Religions and Culture
  • Year: 2010 (Held at 2011)
  • Result: 1st Class First (First Position, Gold Medal)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – 4 Years Program

  • Institution: University of Dhaka
  • Department: World Religions and Culture
  • Year: 2009 (Held at 2010)
  • Result: 1st Class First (First Position)
Professional Experience
Dr. Shafi Md. Mostofa has an extensive professional background and affiliations in teaching and research. He currently serves as a Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science since January 2024, where he holds the prestigious Charles Wallack Fellowship. Additionally, he has been an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of New England, Australia since 2020.

Dr. Mostofa is also actively engaged in academia as an Associate Professor at the Department of World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka, a position he has held since November 30, 2022. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same department from November 22, 2015, to November 29, 2022. He began his academic career as a Lecturer at the Department of World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka, from October 3, 2012, to November 21, 2015.

Beyond academia, Dr. Mostofa has contributed significantly as a Guest Editor for the Journal of World Affairs, published by SAGE in the USA, and as a Country Analyst for The Diplomat Media Limited, also in the USA. Moreover, he has been an active member of the Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue Centre at the University of Dhaka since 2015.

In addition to his teaching and research roles, Dr. Mostofa has served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of New England, Australia since May 2017, and as a Guest Lecturer in Political and International Studies at the same institution in 2017. He also held an adjunct position at Bangladesh University of Textile from 2014 to 2016.

Dr. Mostofa’s teaching expertise spans various subjects, including Comparative Religion, Introduction to Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Religion and International Relations, Sociology of Religion, History of Europe, Christian Religious Tradition, Jewish Religious Tradition, Islam and Some Contemporary Issues, Religious Beliefs and Practice of North America, and Chinese Religious Traditions.

Research Interest

Dr. Shafi Md. Mostofa’s research interests encompass a diverse array of topics within the realms of religious studies, politics, and international relations. His primary areas of focus include religious extremism, Islamism, terrorism, secularism, religion and politics, and the clash of civilizations.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mostofa has held various leadership positions that have further enriched his understanding of these subjects. He served as the President of the Bangladesh Youth Network of Religions for Peace, Bangladesh Chapter, from January 1, 2011, to December 30, 2018, demonstrating his commitment to promoting peace and interfaith dialogue among youth. Additionally, he assumed the role of President at the Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGA), Bangladesh Chapter, from October 6, 2008, to December 30, 2015, where he contributed to fostering leadership skills among the youth.

Furthermore, Dr. Mostofa’s engagement with organizations such as the Student Association for Character Education (SACE) and the World Collegiate Association for the Research Principle (World CARP), both in Bangladesh, underscores his dedication to character development and academic research principles.

As a member of the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue at the University of Dhaka since October 3, 2012, Dr. Mostofa has actively participated in initiatives aimed at promoting understanding and cooperation among different religious and cultural communities.

Moreover, his involvement as the President of the Bangladesh Student Association at the University of New England, Australia, and as the Treasurer of the University of New England Badminton Club reflects his commitment to fostering community engagement and sportsmanship within academic settings.

Through his multifaceted roles and affiliations, Dr. Mostofa continues to explore and contribute to scholarly discourse on pressing issues related to religion, politics, and societal dynamics, with a focus on promoting peace, understanding, and social cohesion.

Publications 

“Rise of Competitive Authoritarianism in Bangladesh”

  • Authors: SM Mostofa, DB Subedi
  • Published in: Politics and Religion
  • Volume: 34
  • Pages: 1-29
  • Year: 2020

“Profiles of Islamist Militants in Bangladesh”

  • Authors: SM Mostofa, DN Doyle
  • Published in: Perspectives on Terrorism
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 5
  • Pages: 112-129
  • Year: 2019

“Understanding Islamist Militancy in Bangladesh”

  • Author: SM Mostofa
  • Published in: Journal of Asian and African Studies
  • Volume: 56
  • Issue: 8
  • Pages: 2036-2051
  • Year: 2021

“A Study of Al-Qaeda’s Propaganda Narratives in Bangladesh”

  • Author: SM Mostofa
  • Published in: Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 2
  • Year: Not provided
  • Pages: Not provided

“Key Drivers of Female Radicalisation in Bangladesh”

  • Author: SM Mostofa
  • Published in: Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 4
  • Pages: 27-33
  • Year: 2020