Rameez Raja, Economics, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Rameez Raja: Senior Research Fellow at Aligarh Muslim University, India

Rameez Raja is a doctoral candidate in Economics at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), India, where he focuses on the intersections of Financial Economics, Gender Economics, and Development Economics. His research is centered around exploring the financial inclusion of marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals in Delhi-NCR. He examines the socio-economic barriers these communities face in accessing financial services and aims to propose solutions that foster greater inclusivity. Through his academic and research pursuits, Rameez strives to bring critical attention to the economic empowerment of transgender people in India, contributing to policy discussions aimed at inclusive financial systems.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Rameez is actively involved in the academic community, maintaining profiles on platforms like ResearchGate and Google Scholar, where his research on financial inclusion, gender economics, and marginalized groups is widely recognized. His online presence serves as a platform for engaging with fellow researchers and sharing his work on various socio-economic issues. Through his contributions, he fosters dialogue on the practical applications of his research, particularly on how financial inclusion can transform the lives of transgender individuals in India. His involvement in online academic forums has enabled him to collaborate with scholars worldwide and stay abreast of global research trends.

Education

Rameez holds a Master’s degree in Economics (M.A.) from Aligarh Muslim University (2019), where he earned a CGPA of 7.10, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (B.A.) from the same institution, with an aggregate percentage of 65.85%. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Economics at AMU, where his research focuses on the financial inclusion of the transgender community in the Delhi-NCR region. His academic background and dedication to addressing gender-based economic disparities have shaped his research interests, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in this niche area of economics.

Research Focus

Rameez’s research interest lies at the confluence of Financial Economics, Gender Economics, and Development Economics, with a particular focus on the financial inclusion of transgender individuals in urban India. He investigates the structural, institutional, and socio-cultural factors that prevent the transgender community from accessing financial services. His work also delves into how financial inclusion can contribute to the broader social empowerment of transgender people, examining the role of government policies and financial institutions in promoting inclusive economic practices. Through his research, Rameez aims to provide actionable insights that inform policies aimed at closing the economic gap for transgender individuals in India.

Experience

Rameez has accumulated substantial teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Economics, AMU, where he supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has also worked as a Teaching Assistant at AMU’s Women’s College, contributing to courses in economics. This teaching experience has not only honed his academic skills but has also deepened his understanding of how economic theory can be applied to real-world issues, such as the challenges faced by marginalized groups. His role as a Teaching Assistant has allowed him to engage with diverse student populations and build a foundation for his career as an educator and researcher.

Research Timeline & Activities

Rameez began his research journey in 2017, initially exploring topics related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and agricultural development in India. His current focus on the financial inclusion of transgender individuals began in 2022, and he has since published several papers on the topic. His research timeline has seen significant contributions to the academic literature, with multiple publications in highly regarded journals such as Sexuality, Gender & Policy and Social Sciences & Humanities. Rameez continues to refine his research, with several upcoming publications under review. Additionally, he actively participates in conferences and symposiums, presenting his work and engaging with scholars and policymakers on issues of gender, economics, and financial inclusion.

Awards & Honors

Rameez has earned recognition for his academic excellence and research contributions. Notably, he qualified for the UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) Exam in Economics in 2022, a prestigious achievement that highlights his research potential. He also qualified for the UGC-NET (National Eligibility Test) in Economics in 2019. These honors affirm his academic rigor and position him as a promising researcher in the field of economics, particularly in gender-focused economic research. His commitment to contributing to the academic community is reflected in his consistent pursuit of excellence in both research and teaching.

Top Recent Publication

One of Rameez’s most significant recent publications is “Beyond Binaries: Determinants and Impediments of Financial Inclusion Among Transgender Individuals in Delhi-NCR, India”, published in Social Sciences & Humanities by Elsevier in 2025. This paper investigates the key barriers faced by transgender individuals in accessing financial services in urban India. It examines both the systemic and social obstacles that hinder their economic integration and explores potential solutions to foster financial inclusion. The publication has been well-received in academic circles for its novel approach to financial inclusion and its potential to influence both policy and practice in India. This research has already been cited by scholars in the field and is expected to have a long-lasting impact on studies of financial inclusion and gender economics.

1. Economic Duality and Transgender Inclusion in Urban India: Evidence from Delhi-NCR
Published in Sexuality Research and Social Policy
Date: August 15, 2025
DOI: 10.1007/s13178-025-01180-x
Contributors: Rameez Raja, Mohd Azam Khan
This paper explores the concept of economic duality and its effect on the transgender community in urban India, specifically in the Delhi-NCR region. It delves into the socio-economic disparities that contribute to the exclusion of transgender individuals from mainstream financial systems. By analyzing the barriers to economic participation, the paper provides insights into how inclusive policies can help bridge the gap between marginalized groups and the broader economy.

2. Unveiling the Pandemic’s Shadow: A Ground Report on COVID-19 Impact on the Transgender Community in India
Published in Sexuality, Gender, and Policy
Date: December 19, 2024
DOI: 10.1002/sgp2.12118
Contributors: Rameez Raja
This research provides a detailed report on the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transgender community in India. Through qualitative and quantitative data, the study uncovers how the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, including economic instability, health inequalities, and social stigma. Rameez Raja was involved in every stage of this project, from conceptualization to data analysis, contributing to its comprehensive approach. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted recovery policies for marginalized groups during global crises.

Bidisha Chakraborty, Economics, Best Researcher Award

Professor Bidisha Chakraborty: Professor at Jadavpur University, India

Prof. Bidisha Chakraborty is a senior academic in the field of Development Economics and currently serves as Professor at the Department of Economics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Over the past two decades, she has built a robust portfolio of theoretical and policy-relevant research on human capital, growth, inequality, and child labour. Her scholarly work integrates complex mathematical modeling with real-world socio-economic challenges, particularly those faced by developing countries. A widely published economist, she has co-authored several influential papers and contributed to interdisciplinary studies on mental health, education systems, and welfare policy. She is also actively involved in teaching and mentoring postgraduate students and doctoral candidates.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

Prof. Chakraborty’s academic profile is accessible via the Jadavpur University Economics Department, which outlines her research interests, institutional affiliations, and contact details. While no direct links to ORCID, ResearchGate, or Google Scholar are currently listed, her publications are available through academic databases such as Springer, Elsevier, and JSTOR. She frequently collaborates with Indian and international scholars and presents at major economic conferences globally, making her a well-networked researcher in the field.

  • Total Documents: 18

  • Total Citations: 55 (from 49 citing documents)

  • h-index: 4

Education

Prof. Chakraborty completed her Ph.D. in Economics from the Indian Statistical Institute in December 2008, focusing on growth dynamics, human capital formation, and policy interventions in dual economies. Her doctoral research, under the supervision of Prof. M.R. Gupta, contributed novel theoretical frameworks to the field of endogenous growth. Her academic journey reflects a strong quantitative and analytical background, grounded in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, dynamic systems, and applied econometrics. She has also been associated with premier institutions during her research training years.

Research Focus

Her research interests lie at the intersection of macroeconomic theory and developmental policy, particularly focusing on endogenous growth, education, public policy, labour markets, inequality, and child labour. She is especially known for her work on integrating human capital into dynamic growth models and evaluating the role of education subsidies, landholding patterns, and government policies on economic outcomes. In recent years, she has expanded into interdisciplinary areas such as socioeconomics and mental health, addressing how institutional and behavioral factors influence well-being and productivity in low-income settings.

Experience

Prof. Chakraborty began her career as a Junior and then Senior Research Fellow at the Economic Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, where she engaged in advanced theoretical modeling and empirical analysis. Since joining Jadavpur University, she has been involved in academic administration, curriculum development, and graduate-level instruction, along with guiding M.Phil. and Ph.D. research. She has participated in policy discussions and presented her work at international conferences in the U.S., U.K., China, and Russia. Her experience spans pure theoretical research to field-based socio-economic studies, reflecting a well-rounded academic career.

Research Timeline

Her academic publication record began in 2006, marked by foundational work on dual economy models and the inclusion of human capital in growth frameworks. Between 2006 and 2010, she published extensively on macroeconomic models of education and inequality. From 2011 onward, her work diversified to include public-private partnerships, service sector dynamics, and taxation in growth models. In the last decade, her research has increasingly integrated empirical work—on child labour, urban mental health, and happiness metrics—adding depth to her theoretical background. This timeline reflects a steady evolution from formal modeling to interdisciplinary applications.

Awards & Honors

While formal awards are not explicitly mentioned, Prof. Chakraborty’s contributions have been recognized through invitations to major academic conferences such as the Midwest Econometrics Group, DEGIT, and the Asian Meeting of the Econometric Society. Her paper presentations at Boston University, the University of Iowa, and University of Lincoln reflect international recognition. She has also received funding support from institutions like ICSSR and has collaborated with researchers from reputed Indian institutions and international universities, underlining her status as a leading researcher in development and policy economics.

Top-Noted Publication

Among her numerous contributions, the paper titled “Human Capital Accumulation and Endogenous Growth in a Dual Economy”, published in the Hitotsubashi Journal of Economics (2006), is considered one of her most impactful. Co-authored with Prof. M.R. Gupta, the paper developed a dynamic model linking dual-sector structures with educational investments and long-term growth. It remains frequently cited in studies analyzing the structural transformation of economies and the role of educational subsidies in fostering equitable development. The model has influenced both theoretical discourse and policy considerations on human capital and development in emerging economies.

Article

Women Empowerment, Parental Education and Future Human Capital Formation (Evidences from Urban Slum Area in India)

  • Focus: The study explores how women’s empowerment and parental education influence the future human capital of children in urban slums.

  • Key insights: Women’s decision-making power significantly affects children’s school enrollment and nutrition outcomes.

  • Publication: Journal of Quantitative Economics, 2025

Zhiqun Li, Economics, Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhiqun Li: PhD Candidate at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China

Zhiqun Li, also known as Alice Lee, is a rising scholar in applied microeconomics and labor economics. Her research focuses on pressing societal challenges such as household energy poverty and its impact on personal time allocation and overall economic well-being. Known for her innovative approach, Zhiqun combines econometric analysis with machine learning techniques to derive meaningful insights from complex data. Her dedication to research and academic excellence has been recognized through her publications in high-impact journals and her leadership roles in various projects.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Education

Zhiqun Li has demonstrated academic excellence throughout her educational journey. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Economics at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China, in an English-medium program. With a GPA of 86.5/100, she ranks first in her cohort. She previously earned a Bachelor of Management at Harbin University of Commerce, graduating as the top student in her class with a GPA of 93.43/100. Zhiqun’s academic foundation equips her with the knowledge and skills to excel in advanced economic research.

Research Focus

Zhiqun’s research is rooted in applied microeconomics and labor economics, with a specific focus on understanding household behaviors under economic constraints. Her work examines the relationship between energy poverty and personal time allocation, uncovering its broader implications for quality of life and socioeconomic equity. Leveraging econometric methods and machine learning tools, she provides innovative insights that inform public policy and contribute to improving societal outcomes.

Experience

Zhiqun has gained significant experience through research and industry roles. At the School of Economics, Peking University, she served as a Research Assistant, contributing to projects on household economic behavior and public policy analysis. Her responsibilities included data analysis, model development, and manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals. In the private sector, she has interned with Grant Thornton International Ltd. and Pfizer China, where she applied her analytical skills in auditing and marketing strategies. These experiences have honed her ability to bridge theoretical research and practical applications effectively.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Changzhi Li has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Min Enze Energy and Chemical Engineering Award and the Excellence in Research Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also a Highly Cited Chinese Researcher, reflecting his significant contributions to catalytic biomass conversion and green technologies. His innovative work earned him the Innovation in Green Chemistry Award, highlighting his leadership in sustainable scientific advancements.

Research Timeline

Zhiqun’s research timeline showcases her consistent contributions to the field of economics:

  • 2022-2023: Initiated research on household energy poverty during her master’s program.
  • 2023: Published her first major paper, “Household Energy Poverty and Personal Time Allocation,” establishing her expertise in this niche field.
  • 2023-Present: Collaborating on interdisciplinary projects integrating econometric models with machine learning techniques for policy analysis.
  • 2024: Planned completion of her master’s thesis on the socioeconomic impacts of energy accessibility, with a focus on regional disparities in China.

Top-Noted Publication

Zhiqun’s most notable publication is her paper titled “Household Energy Poverty and Personal Time Allocation: Empirical Evidence from China,” published in Utilities Policy. As the lead and corresponding author, she spearheaded the study’s design, empirical analysis, and manuscript development. The paper explores how energy poverty influences personal time use and productivity, offering valuable insights for policymakers. This work has been praised for its methodological rigor and practical implications, solidifying Zhiqun’s reputation as a thought leader in applied economics research.

Household Energy Poverty and Personal Time Allocation: Empirical Evidence from China
Published in Utilities Policy (April 2025), this journal article examines the intricate relationship between household energy poverty and personal time allocation, with a focus on empirical evidence from China. The research explores how limited energy access affects individuals’ productivity, well-being, and time-use patterns, providing critical insights for policymakers addressing energy inequality and socio-economic disparities.

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