Abiodun Salawu | Communication | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Abiodun Salawu | Communication | Research Excellence Award

Professor and Research Director | North West University | South Africa

Prof. Abiodun Salawu is a distinguished scholar in communication studies whose work has significantly shaped the fields of indigenous language media, journalism, and development communication across Africa. As a leading academic based at North West University, he directs a major research entity focused on Indigenous Language Media in Africa, demonstrating long standing commitment to promoting multilingualism, minority language preservation, and culturally grounded media practices. His research explores how language, media, and society intersect within complex sociopolitical contexts, and he has contributed extensively to scholarship on African language journalism, media sustainability, digital transformation, communication for development, and the political economy of media. A prolific academic mentor, he has supervised numerous doctoral, master’s, and postgraduate research projects across diverse areas such as health communication, political communication, media policy, social media studies, entertainment-education, and community broadcasting, thereby shaping a new generation of communication scholars across the continent. His leadership extends to major professional bodies in media and communication research, where he holds influential roles that support global scholarly exchange and minority language media advocacy. His professional experience spans academia, editorial leadership, journalism practice, and mentorship engagements, reflecting a deep integration of theory and practice. He has attracted significant research funding for pioneering projects related to African language media development, digital innovation, media sustainability, and community engagement. His scholarly output, academic service, and contributions to communication research continue to advance knowledge on how media can drive cultural vitality, democratic participation, and social transformation within multilingual African societies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publication

Kimu, S. S. K., Mdoka, W. H., & Salawu, A. (2025). Accommodating multilingualism on religious national radio: The case of Radio Islam Malawi. In Reconceptualising multilingualism on African radio: Language and identity.

Adesina, E., & Salawu, A. (2025). Knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and preferred indigenous language information sources among women in Lagos, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies.

Salawu, A. (2025). Press and politics: Contributions of Sol Plaatje to South African journalism. Journal of Asian and African Studies.

Minhas, S., & Salawu, A. (2025). Wikipedia and indigenous language preservation: Analysis of Setswana and Punjabi languages. Frontiers in Communication.

Adesina, E., Salawu, A., & Adeyeye, B. (2025). Bridging cultural gaps in health communication: Indigenous language as a catalyst for combatting monkeypox in Lagos, Nigeria. South African Journal of African Languages.

 

Nadia Shamshad | Wireless Networks | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nadia Shamshad | Wireless Networks | Best Researcher Award

Dalian University of Technoogy | China

Dr. Nadia S. Shamshad is a Software Engineer and Scholar in Software Engineering at Dalian University of Technology, China, with a strong research background in machine learning, reinforcement learning, deep learning, and multi-agent systems. Her work primarily focuses on adaptive control, localization, and optimization in dynamic and underwater sensor network environments, leveraging intelligent algorithms for precision and energy efficiency. She has contributed to several high-impact journals, including Scientific Reports, IEEE Access, and the IEEE Internet of Things Journal, where her research explores neural network-based localization, routing resilience, and machine learning-driven network adaptation. Her technical expertise spans Python, C++, MATLAB, NS 3, and network simulation, complemented by experience in both teaching and applied research. In academia, she has guided students in machine learning and cybersecurity applications, fostering critical thinking and innovation. Her professional experience also includes network administration and IT systems management, emphasizing performance optimization and cybersecurity. Dr. Shamshad’s research aims to bridge theoretical advancements and real world applications, contributing to intelligent, sustainable, and energy aware communication systems. She has received multiple academic honors, including prestigious scholarships and social service awards, and continues to advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, wireless communication, and underwater sensing technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shamshad, N., Sarwr, D., Almogren, A., Saleem, K., Munawar, A., Rehman, A. U., et al. (2024). Enhancing brain tumor classification by a comprehensive study on transfer learning techniques and model efficiency using MRI datasets. IEEE Access, 63, 1.

Ahmad, I., Liu, Y., Javeed, D., Shamshad, N., Sarwr, D., & Ahmad, S. (2020). A review of artificial intelligence techniques for selection & evaluation. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 853(1), 012055.

Shamshad, N., Wang, L., Saleem, K., Sarwr, D., Bharany, S., Almogren, A., et al. (2025). Advanced KNN-based cost-efficient algorithm for precision localization and energy optimization in dynamic underwater sensor networks. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 2182.

Shamshad, N., Wang, L., Sarwr, D., & Mohsan, S. A. H. (2025). Deeploc: A CNN-LSTM framework for NLOS-aware localization in underwater sensor networks. The Journal of Supercomputing, 81(16), 1–24.

Shamshad, N. D. S. (2020). A review of traffic flow prediction based on machine learning approaches. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 11(3), 5.