Nadia Catenazzi | Educational Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nadia Catenazzi | Educational Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Ricercatrice at Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland

Nadia Catenazzi is an Italian researcher and educator with expertise in educational technologies, open science, and user experience (UX). With a PhD in Information Science from the University of Strathclyde (UK), she has a strong academic and professional background in technology development for learning. She currently works at SUPSI, Switzerland, focusing on educational technologies, mixed reality, and learning management systems. Passionate about advancing open science, her work includes publishing books and articles on ICT and mobile learning. She is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, and has contributed to various educational initiatives. 📚💻🎓

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

Education and Experience:

  • 1983 – 1989: University of Milan, Degree in Information Science (110/110) 🎓📘

  • 1990 – 1994: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (UK), PhD in Information Science 🧑‍🎓🌍

  • 1994 – 1997: Universidad Carlos III, Madrid (SP), Lecturer & Researcher in Computer Science 🖥️📚

  • 1998 – 2003: Mediatech S.r.l., Uta – Cagliari (IT), Researcher 🔬🖥️

  • 2002 – Present: SUPSI, Lugano (CH), Researcher & Head of Educational Technologies Area 📍🎓

  • 2002 – 2010: University of Insubria, Varese (IT), Contract Professor 🎓🧑‍🏫

Professional Development:

Nadia Catenazzi has been a prominent figure in the development of educational technologies, serving as a researcher at SUPSI, where she leads projects on mixed reality, open science, and learning systems. She collaborates in the creation of training programs and workshops focusing on ICT, learning management, and user experience. Her work has extended internationally, contributing to the integration of innovative technologies in education. Through publications, presentations, and continuous engagement with global research, Catenazzi has become a key advocate for the evolution of educational and scientific technologies. 🌍📚🖥️

Research Focus:

Nadia Catenazzi’s research revolves around educational technologies, specifically the integration of micro-credentials, Open Badges, and Mixed Reality for learning. She explores how Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Open Educational Resources (OERs) can revolutionize education and improve accessibility. Catenazzi also delves into user experience (UX), including human-computer interaction (HCI) and web accessibility. Her interest extends to semantic web technologies like RDF and OWL, aiming to enhance the structure and use of knowledge in educational contexts. Her work aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and educational applications. 🌐📚💡

Awards and Honors:

  • 2019: Co-editor of ICT for Adult Educators 📚🏅

  • 2019: Co-editor of ICT per educatori di adulti (SUPSI) 🏆📖

  • 2013: Contributor to ISTUS REPORT on social media in adult education 🌍📊

  • 2011: Contributed to the book Digital Factory for Human-oriented Production Systems 📘👩‍🏫

Publication Top Notes

1. A Comprehensive Methodology for Curriculum Development, Training Delivery and Certification Using Learning Outcomes and Digital Badges

  • Type: Journal Article

  • Journal: Computers and Education: Open

  • Date: June 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.caeo.2025.100248

  • Source: Crossref

  • Summary:
    This paper outlines a structured methodology integrating learning outcomes with digital badges for curriculum development and certification. It emphasizes competency-based training and provides a framework applicable across educational and vocational contexts.

2. Mixed Reality Affordances for Skill Development

  • Type: Conference Paper

  • Conference: IEEE EDUCON 2024

  • Date: May 8, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1109/EDUCON60312.2024.10578579

  • Source: Crossref

  • Summary:
    This study explores the role of Mixed Reality (MR) technologies in skill acquisition. It investigates how specific MR affordances—like immersion and interaction—enhance practical learning experiences in technical and vocational training.

3. The Tangram Study for Mixed Reality Affordance Comparison

  • Type: Conference Paper

  • Conference: EDULEARN23

  • Date: July 2023

  • DOI: 10.21125/edulearn.2023.0889

  • Source: Crossref

  • Summary:
    This paper presents a comparative study of Mixed Reality affordances using the Tangram puzzle task. It evaluates user interaction, engagement, and skill development in physical vs. MR-enhanced learning environments.

4. Usability Evaluation of Mixed Reality Applications in VET Training

  • Type: Book Chapter

  • Book: Mixed Reality in Education: Case Studies and Practical Applications

  • Year: 2023

  • DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-43401-3_27

  • Source: Crossref

  • Summary:
    This chapter evaluates the usability of Mixed Reality tools in Vocational Education and Training (VET). It discusses design guidelines, user feedback, and the effectiveness of MR in enhancing learner engagement and practical skills.

Conclusion:

Nadia Catenazzi is a fitting candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her groundbreaking work in educational technology and open science, her significant contributions to both theory and practice, and her ability to influence educational practices worldwide. Her leadership in these areas has fostered innovation in adult education and contributed substantially to bridging the gap between education and technology. Her ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, usability, and interaction in educational settings solidify her status as a transformative figure in her field.

Helena da silva santos rodrigues | Education | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Helena da silva santos rodrigues | Education | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Coordenadora at IPVC – Instituto Politécnico d, Portugal

Helena Maria da Silva Santos Rodrigues, born on September 11, 1968, in Massarelos, Portugal, is an esteemed academic and researcher. With a PhD in Business from Vigo University (Spain), she is an Emeritus Professor at the Universidad de Panamá and a renowned specialist in innovation and intellectual capital. She has contributed significantly to the development of educational curricula and specialized teaching materials. Helena has also been a driving force in the creation of numerous academic programs in marketing, business, and tourism at Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo. Her work is marked by deep insight into sustainable business practices 🌍📚🎓.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Education and Experience

  • Emeritus Professor (2016), Universidad de Panamá 👩‍🏫

  • Ph.D. (2008), Vigo University (Spain) – Sobressaliente Cum Laude 🏆

  • Diploma in Advanced Studies (2003), Vigo University (Spain) 📜

  • MBA in Marketing and International Finances (1997-1998), Lusófona University 🌍💼

  • Post-Graduation in Marketing and International Finances (1996-1997), Lusófona University 📊

  • Bachelor’s (5 years) in Administration and Organization Management (1990-1996), Catholic Portuguese University 🏫

Professional Development

Helena Maria da Silva Santos Rodrigues has developed various postgraduate programs in management, sustainability, and quality for Central American universities, including the creation of curricula on innovation, international business, and marketing strategies. Her academic journey also includes the proposal and restructuring of multiple master’s and bachelor’s degrees, such as the Marketing and Business Communication courses at Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo. Through her work, Helena has made a lasting impact on the quality of higher education in business and tourism. Her professional development continues to shape academia and enhance industry connections 🎓🌐🔧.

Research Focus

Helena’s research focuses on intellectual capital, innovation capacity, and their application to business sectors, particularly in the context of the automotive industry in the Euroregion of Galicia – Northern Portugal. She is passionate about understanding how intellectual assets can foster innovation and enhance competitiveness. Her academic interests also extend to the fields of sustainable business practices and marketing strategies, with a special focus on the integration of these concepts in SMEs. Helena’s work aims to bridge theory and practice, advancing both the academic world and the global business landscape 🌱💡🔍.

Awards and Honors

  • PhD Investigation Extraordinary Award (2011), Vigo University 🏅

  • Emeritus Professor (2016), Facultad de Administración de Empresas y Contabilidad de la Universidad de Panamá 🎖️

  • “European PhD” Mention (2008), Vigo University 🎓

Publication Top Notes

Title: The Impact of Structural Capital Components on Management Innovation Implementation: PLS-SEM Application on Portuguese Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Helena Santos-Rodrigues, Beatriz Rodrigues Araújo

Conclusion:

Dr. Helena Maria da Silva Santos Rodrigues stands out for her research achievements, international collaborations, and significant contributions to curriculum development in the fields of business, innovation, and sustainability. Her research, which addresses real-world challenges such as the role of intellectual capital in innovation, coupled with her extensive teaching experience and leadership in developing educational programs, makes her a deserving candidate for the Excellence in Research Award. Her work not only contributes to academia but also has a lasting impact on industry and international educational standards.