Keerthiraj, Political Science, Best Researcher Award

Dr. Keerthiraj: HOD & Assistant Professor of Political Science at GFGC Punnjalakatte (Affiliated to Mangalore University), India

Title/Designation: Dr
Name: Keerthiraj
Current Role/Designation: HOD and Assistant Professor of Political Science
Organization/Institution Details: GFGC Punjalakatte (Affiliated to Mangalore University)
Country: India
Subject Track: Political Science
Key Areas of Expertise: Politics, Policy, Strategy, International Politics, Ideologies
Award Categories: Best Researcher Award

Dr. Keerthiraj is an Assistant Professor at GFGC Punjalakatte under Mangalore University, with a rich background that bridges grassroots experience and academic excellence. Born in a remote forest village in coastal Karnataka, he overcame early life challenges working as a laborer before embarking on his academic journey. His personal journey deeply informs his teaching and research philosophy, which centers on connecting theoretical frameworks with lived social realities. His scholarship explores political ideologies, diplomacy, public policy, and media discourse with a focus on making complex knowledge accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. Dr. Keerthiraj is committed to nurturing critical thinking among students and fostering research that contributes meaningfully to society.

ONLINE PROFILE

Google Scholar Profile

Since 2020, Dr. Keerthiraj has received 64 citations, contributing to a total of 69 citations across his academic career. His research impact is reflected in an h-index of 5, indicating that five of his publications have been cited at least five times each. Additionally, he has an i10-index of 4, demonstrating that four of his papers have been cited ten or more times. These metrics underscore the growing recognition and influence of his scholarly contributions in political science and related fields.

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D. in Political Science, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga (2024)
    Doctoral research focused on intersections of media, public policy, colonial consciousness, and political identity.

  • M.A. in Political Science, Mangalore University (2015)
    Graduated with distinction, specializing in political ideologies, diplomacy, and comparative politics.

  • B.A. in History, Economics, and Political Science, Sacred Heart College, Madanthyar (2013)
    Developed a multidisciplinary foundation in social sciences that informs his research approach.

  • Completed international certificate courses from prestigious institutions including University of London, University of Geneva, University of California, Irvine, and others, focusing on topics such as Political Economy, Public Policy, Teaching English, and Human Rights.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Keerthiraj’s primary research interests include:

  • Political ideologies and their evolution in postcolonial contexts.

  • Diplomacy and international relations with a focus on India’s foreign policy.

  • Public policy analysis and governance in democratic settings.

  • The role of media discourse in shaping political culture and public opinion.

  • Colonial and postcolonial consciousness and its impact on contemporary identity politics.

  • Intersections of knowledge, power, and technology in digital sovereignty and AI governance.
    His interdisciplinary research aims to unravel how political communication influences policy-making and societal transformation.

EXPERIENCE

  • Assistant Professor, Government First Grade College Punjalakatte, Mangalore University (Nov 2024–Present)
    Teaching undergraduate courses in Political Science and related subjects, supervising research projects, and engaging in community outreach.

  • Assistant Professor, Alliance University, Bengaluru (Jul 2016–Nov 2024)
    Developed and delivered courses on Political Theory, International Relations, Public Policy, and Media Studies. Coordinated departmental activities and mentored students.

  • Visiting Faculty, Alliance University, Bengaluru (Jul 2015–Jun 2016)
    Taught introductory political science courses and assisted in curriculum development.

  • Served as resource person and guest speaker in national and international workshops and seminars.

RESEARCH TIMELINE & ACTIVITIES

  • 2018–2024: Conducted doctoral research on media influence on public policy and colonial consciousness under supervision at Kuvempu University.

  • 2020–2025: Presented research papers at over a dozen national and international conferences including seminars on political communication, diplomacy, and digital governance.

  • 2017–2024: Served as resource person in workshops on translation studies, content development, and political discourse analysis.

  • 2019–2023: Active participation in faculty development programs, curriculum innovation workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.

  • Ongoing peer reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and editorial board member roles enhancing scholarly communication.

AWARDS & HONORS

  • Young Academic Excellence Award in Political Science, Karnataka Political Science Association (2020) recognizing outstanding contributions in research and teaching.

  • Successfully cleared CBSE-UGC NET (2014) and Karnataka TET (2014), qualifying for Assistant Professor roles in higher education.

  • Received multiple scholarships and fellowships for advanced research and international certificate courses.

  • Recognized for community engagement initiatives connecting academic research with local development.

TOP NOTED PUBLICATION

Keerthiraj, & Misra, A. (2025). Who owns the future? AI, digital sovereignty, and the politics of knowledge. AI & SOCIETY, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-025-02641-y
This article critically examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, and global knowledge politics, highlighting implications for policy and governance in emerging technologies.

  • Keerthiraj. (2021). E-Governance in India: Challenges and Strategies.
    NG Devaiah, Orange Books Publication.
    Citations: 18

  • P Kumar, N Maurya, Keerthiraj, SH Krishna, G Manoharan, A Bharti. (2024). Evaluating the Impact of Healthcare 4.0 on the Performance of Hospitals.
    Human Cancer Diagnosis and Detection Using Exascale Computing, Vol. 1, Issue 1.
    Citations: 12

  • Keerthiraj. (2023). Law and Legal Methods.
    SG Bhup, S Mangal, VP Tran, Evincepub Publishing.
    Citations: 12

  • S Donthu, B Acharya, Keerthiraj, DSP Misbah Hassan, SK Mahapatro. (2024). HR Analytics: Leveraging Big Data to Drive Strategic Decision-Making in Human Resource Management.
    Journal of Informatics Education and Research, Vol. 4 (1).
    Citations: 11

  • Keerthiraj, T Sekiyama. (2023). The Rise of China and Evolving Defense Cooperation between India and Japan.
    Social Sciences, Vol. 12 (6), Article 333.
    Citations: 5

  • Keerthiraj, SK Golle, R Ambethkar, NG Devaiah. (2022). Research and Teaching in Political Communication: Ideological Asymmetries Determining Media Discourse in India.
    Webology (ISSN: 1735-188X), Vol. 19 (3).
    Citations: 5*

Strengths for the Best Researcher Award

Interdisciplinary Research Excellence
Dr. Keerthiraj has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to conduct interdisciplinary research, bridging political science with media studies, digital governance, public policy, and international relations. His work uniquely combines theoretical rigor with practical relevance, addressing complex societal issues such as postcolonial identity, digital sovereignty, and the evolving geopolitical landscape. This broad yet focused approach enriches academic discourse and sets a benchmark for integrative scholarship.

Impactful and High-Quality Scholarly Contributions
With a steadily growing citation record (69 citations overall, h-index of 5, and i10-index of 4), Dr. Keerthiraj’s publications reflect both scholarly depth and real-world impact. His research is published in reputed peer-reviewed journals and academic books, demonstrating originality, analytical precision, and significant contribution to contemporary political science, particularly in areas like AI governance, healthcare policy, and diplomatic relations.

Innovative Focus on Emerging and Relevant Issues
Dr. Keerthiraj’s research portfolio highlights his foresight in identifying and addressing emerging global challenges. His critical investigations into artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, healthcare innovation (Healthcare 4.0), and evolving defense cooperation underscore his commitment to exploring the frontier of political and technological change. This positions him as a thought leader capable of shaping future policy and governance frameworks.

Exemplary Academic and Teaching Leadership
Beyond research, Dr. Keerthiraj excels as a dedicated educator and mentor. His academic roles at reputed institutions showcase his commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars. He effectively integrates his research insights into teaching, encourages critical thinking, supervises student research projects, and contributes to curriculum innovation, thereby fostering a vibrant intellectual environment.

Active Scholarly Engagement and Community Outreach
Dr. Keerthiraj actively engages with the academic community and broader society through participation in over a dozen national and international conferences, serving as a peer reviewer for multiple journals, and holding editorial board memberships. His involvement in workshops and seminars on political communication, translation studies, and policy analysis further demonstrates his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity-building. Additionally, his community engagement initiatives reflect a strong dedication to applying academic insights to local development and societal betterment.

Recognition and Commitment to Excellence
His receipt of the Young Academic Excellence Award by the Karnataka Political Science Association and successful qualifications such as the CBSE-UGC NET and Karnataka TET exams underscore his dedication and recognized competence in research and teaching. These accolades reflect his consistent pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth.

Global Perspective and Collaborative Spirit
By completing international certificate courses from prestigious universities like London, Geneva, and California, Irvine, Dr. Keerthiraj brings a global perspective to his research and teaching. His collaborative publications with international co-authors further illustrate his ability to work across cultures and disciplines, enriching his research outcomes and expanding academic networks.

Nargiz Hajiyeva, Political Science, Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nargiz Hajiyeva: Political Scientist, Academic lecturer, Weiser Scholar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ludovika Scholar, Ludovika UPS, Hungary,Chair of Women Researchers Council, Head of Organization of Scientific Activities Unit at Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), Azerbaijan

Dr. Nargiz Hajiyeva is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in political science, international law, and intellectual property rights. With a strong academic background and a career enriched by various international collaborations, Dr. Hajiyeva has contributed significantly to research and discourse on issues related to geopolitical dynamics, energy diplomacy, and intellectual property within the South Caucasus region and beyond. She has held prominent positions, including as a visiting guest lecturer and project coordinator for several global programs, and actively participates in high-level academic and diplomatic forums.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

ORCID Profile

Citations & Publications:

  • Citations: 6
  • Documents: 9

Dr. Nargiz Hajiyeva maintains an active presence in the academic community, participating in online platforms and research conferences. She engages with fellow researchers, scholars, and institutions through various online conferences, collaborations, and workshops, contributing her expertise on topics such as political science, intellectual property, and the social sciences. She also utilizes platforms like LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and academic university portals for sharing research outputs and ongoing projects.

Education

Dr. Hajiyeva’s academic journey includes a distinguished educational background. She completed her Ph.D. Research Fellowship at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, under the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (ESKAS). She holds an M.A. degree from Vytautas Magnus University in Lithuania and a B.A. from Baku State University, Azerbaijan. Over the years, she has attended multiple international workshops, summer schools, and seminars in Europe, Asia, and the United States, further enhancing her expertise in political science, international law, and intellectual property.

Research Focus

Dr. Hajiyeva’s research focuses on the intersection of international law, intellectual property rights (IPR), political economy, and regional security, particularly in the context of the South Caucasus. Her work explores the politicization of IPR, energy diplomacy, and the role of women in entrepreneurship, particularly in Azerbaijan. She is deeply interested in examining the socio-political dynamics of post-conflict regions, the legal frameworks surrounding intellectual property violations, and the impact of international law in resolving regional conflicts.

Experience

Dr. Hajiyeva has extensive experience in both academia and international projects. As a researcher, she has coordinated significant projects such as the Business in Eurasia Programme and led initiatives aimed at strengthening research capacity and enhancing the role of women in entrepreneurship. She has held leadership roles at prominent institutions, including the University of St. Gallen, University of Siegen, and Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), where she also teaches and supervises students. Her work as a guest lecturer and keynote speaker spans numerous international conferences and universities.

Research Timeline

  • 2023: Published key works on intellectual property rights and the post-conflict region of Nagorno-Karabakh, alongside delivering lectures and serving as a keynote speaker at international conferences.
  • 2022: Coordinated and participated in international workshops and projects like the “Business in Eurasia Programme” and a book project on women entrepreneurs in community-based tourism in Azerbaijan.
  • 2021: Awarded multiple grants and participated in research activities and conferences focused on the intersection of intellectual property and conflict resolution.
  • 2020: Worked on socio-economic integration research, focusing on Azerbaijan’s role in European energy policy and its relations with the EU.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Hajiyeva has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, a Distinguished Winning Award on IP Skills Development by WIPO, and the MIRAI Scholarship from the Government of Japan. She has also been honored with the DAAD funding for international projects and earned first-place awards in academic essay competitions, including those related to the Eastern Partnership Program and the UN Security Council Resolution 1540.

Top-Noted Publication

The Politicization of Intellectual Property Rights in the Context of Karabakh

Cogent Social Sciences | 2024-12-31
DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2024.2386710
Contributors: Adalat Jalal Muradov, Nargiz Hajiyeva
This article addresses the politicization of intellectual property rights (IPR) in the context of the Karabakh conflict, exploring how geopolitical tensions shape and influence legal and economic systems in post-conflict regions. It also delves into the challenges and implications of enforcing international IPR frameworks in areas affected by territorial disputes. The research contributes to the broader discourse on international law and the intersection of intellectual property with political instability.

The War in Ukraine and the EU’s Policy of Economic Globalisation: New Security Challenges and Issues

Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacionals | 2024-12-24
DOI: 10.24241/rcai.2024.137.2.14/en
Contributor: Nargiz Hajiyeva
In this article, Dr. Hajiyeva analyzes the geopolitical and security implications of the ongoing war in Ukraine on the European Union’s policy of economic globalization. She assesses how the conflict challenges existing EU policies, particularly those related to energy security, economic integration, and international cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world order.

Fostering Green Entrepreneurship Education and the Socioeconomic Inclusion of Women in the South Caucasus Region

Marketing and Resource Management for Green Transitions in Economies | 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-3439-3.ch007
Contributors: Nargiz Hajiyeva, Zarina Burkadze, Saida Khalil
This book chapter explores the role of green entrepreneurship in promoting sustainable economic development in the South Caucasus region. It highlights the importance of including women in the green economy and providing them with the necessary education and resources to contribute effectively. The authors argue for a paradigm shift that promotes environmental sustainability while fostering the socioeconomic inclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women.

The Impact of Economic Growth on the Ecological Environment and Renewable Energy Production: Evidence from Azerbaijan and Hungary

Journal of Risk and Financial Management | 2024-06-30
DOI: 10.3390/jrfm17070275
Contributors: Sugra Ingilab Humbatova, Nargiz Hajiyeva, Monika Garai Fodor, Kiran Sood, Simon Grima
This research examines the relationship between economic growth, ecological sustainability, and renewable energy production in Azerbaijan and Hungary. The article provides valuable insights into how these two countries manage their energy policies and environmental challenges, offering comparative analysis and recommendations for future green energy strategies.

The Politicization of Intellectual Property Rights in the Context of Karabakh

Przeglad Strategiczny | 2022
DOI: 10.14746/ps.2022.1.25
Contributors: Adalat Jalal Muradov, Nargiz Hajiyeva
This earlier version of the publication from 2022 further explores the impact of intellectual property rights on the Karabakh region amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. It provides an analysis of IPR violations and their implications for economic recovery in post-conflict zones, drawing attention to how the international legal system addresses such challenges in the context of regional disputes.

Economic and Legal Assessment of the Violation of Property Rights During the Occupation of Azerbaijani Territories

Business & IT | 2021
DOI: 10.14311/bit.2021.01.05
Contributors: Nargiz Hajiyeva, Irshad Karimli
This article examines the economic and legal repercussions of property rights violations during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. It focuses on the financial and legal implications for the affected communities and the international community’s role in addressing such violations through legal frameworks and restitution mechanisms.

Economic and Legal Assessment of Illicit Activities During the Occupation of Karabakh and Its Adjacent Districts

Societate si Politica | 2020
Contributors: Adalat Jalal Muradov, Nargiz Hajiyeva
This publication provides an in-depth analysis of the illicit economic activities that occurred during the occupation of the Karabakh region, examining the legal violations and the broader impacts on international law, regional security, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

The Current Dynamics of International Migration in Europe: Problems and Perspectives

Eastern European Journal of Transnational Relations | 2018
DOI: 10.15290/eejtr.2018.02.02.02
Contributor: Nargiz Hajiyeva
This article focuses on the evolving dynamics of international migration in Europe, highlighting the challenges posed by migration policies, security concerns, and the social integration of migrant populations. Dr. Hajiyeva evaluates the effectiveness of EU migration strategies and their implications for transnational relations.