Sercan Karabulut | Psychiatry | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sercan Karabulut | Psychiatry | Best Academic Researcher Award

Akdeniz University School of Medicine | Turkey

Dr. Sercan Karabulut is a distinguished psychiatrist and academic with a strong educational background from İstanbul Medicine Faculty and earlier training at leading Turkish schools. He completed his residency in psychiatry at İstanbul Medicine Faculty and is fluent in English and German, which has supported his international academic presence. His professional career includes service at prominent state hospitals in Antalya and Van, with his current appointment at Akdeniz University School of Medicine. His research interests span schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, personality traits, psychopharmacology, and the cognitive and clinical aspects of addiction. He has published extensively in national and international journals, addressing key issues such as clozapine use in schizophrenia, cognitive impairments in methamphetamine users, psychiatric outcomes of encephalitis, and the interplay between trauma, empathy, and substance use. His research skills include clinical psychiatry, psychometric evaluation, statistical analysis, study design, and long-term patient follow-up. In addition, he has authored book chapters on addiction and psychiatric care and has actively contributed to scientific congresses through oral presentations, panels, and case reports. Recognized for his academic productivity and dedication, he has received honors in scientific meetings and has gained respect as both a clinician and researcher. Overall, Dr. Karabulut’s career demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing psychiatry through clinical practice, research, and education, making him a valuable contributor to the understanding and treatment of complex psychiatric and addiction-related disorders.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Azzeddine Charki | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Azzeddine Charki | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Azzeddine Charki is a Professor of Cognitive and Biological Psychology at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. Dr. Charki is an esteemed researcher and active member of the Laboratory for Studies and Research in Cognitive and Human Sciences, focusing on psychology and language. With a strong dedication to cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, he supervises numerous research projects and contributes significantly to academic discourse. He has authored and co-authored several publications in high-impact journals on topics such as executive function, mentalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and ADHD. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, he integrates pedagogical expertise with rigorous data analysis and project management. Dr. Charki’s commitment to advancing psychological science is matched by his passion for mentoring and fostering academic growth in his field.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Azzeddine Charki earned his Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his deep specialization in neuropsychology and cognitive sciences, particularly in executive function and mentalizing. Throughout his academic training, he developed a multidisciplinary understanding of brain-behavior relationships, integrating biological, cognitive, and social perspectives. His education emphasized both theoretical models and practical application in clinical and developmental contexts. Dr. Charki also received training in pedagogy, research methodology, and advanced data analysis techniques, which he continues to use in his academic career. His strong educational background has enabled him to contribute to Moroccan and international scholarship in cognitive and neuropsychology. His academic formation has also nurtured a strong inclination toward interdisciplinary research and collaborative knowledge production, particularly in the study of social cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Azzeddine Charki began his academic career as a Temporary Professor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez (2020–2022), where he taught and conducted research in cognitive and neuropsychology. Since November 2023, he has been serving as Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca. Over the years, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and participated in collaborative initiatives within the university’s Laboratory for Studies and Research in Cognitive and Human Sciences. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Charki has contributed extensively to the academic literature with a focus on executive functioning, theory of mind, and developmental psychopathology. His professional experience also includes project management, scientific writing, and dissemination of research findings. His bilingual and multicultural skills have allowed him to reach a wide range of students and researchers across Arabic, Francophone, and Anglophone academic contexts.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Azzeddine Charki has earned recognition primarily through his impactful research publications and academic service in Morocco’s leading institutions. Although specific named awards were not detailed, his repeated inclusion in peer-reviewed international and regional journals such as Applied Neuropsychology: Child, Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology, and the Arab Journal of Psychology signifies scholarly acknowledgment of his research excellence. His work on autism spectrum disorder, theory of mind, and executive functions reflects high intellectual merit and contributes meaningfully to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in neuropsychology. Dr. Charki’s mentorship of numerous student research projects and his active engagement in cross-disciplinary studies also underscore his standing as a respected academic. Being a core member of a cognitive science laboratory at Hassan II University further testifies to his leadership in scientific inquiry and academic collaboration. These contributions collectively demonstrate his respected status and growing impact in the field of cognitive psychology and neurodevelopmental research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Charki’s research centers on cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, with particular interest in executive functions, social cognition, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He investigates mentalizing processes, especially the cognitive and affective domains of theory of mind in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His work explores both typical and atypical development, aiming to identify neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying disorders such as ASD and ADHD. He also delves into comparative frameworks across schizophrenia spectrum disorders, highlighting the neurobiological overlap in social cognition deficits. Dr. Charki integrates developmental psychology, neurobiology, and psychometric assessments to explore how children’s cognitive representations are structured and evolve in different socio-cultural contexts. His scholarly publications demonstrate a strong methodological foundation and innovative contributions to understanding how executive functions interact with social behavior. Furthermore, he actively examines Moroccan sociocultural representations in educational contexts, blending qualitative and quantitative approaches to enrich cognitive psychological theory and practice.

Conclusion

Dr. Azzeddine Charki is a dedicated cognitive psychologist whose interdisciplinary research on executive function, mentalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorders enhances both scientific understanding and educational practice through a culturally grounded and evidence-based approach.

Publications

  • Charki, A., Zarbouch, B., Bouchala, C., & Meklaui, F., Z . (2024). Neuronal and developmental dimensions of mentalizing and it’s connection with executive functions. Arab Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.57642/AJOPSY911

 

  • Charki, A., Meklaoui, F. Z., Charki, A., & Ettouzani, A. (2025). Examining the association between variation of ASD and cognitive and affective domains of mentalizing in verbal children with ASD. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622965.2025.2504502

 

 

 

 

 

 

Korchia Theo | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Korchia Theo | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Théo Korchia 🇫🇷 is a French psychiatrist specializing in early-onset schizophrenia 🧩, with a passion for innovation in mental health care 💡. Based at Aix-Marseille University and APHM 🏥, he completed a research fellowship at McGill University in Montreal 🇨🇦. His groundbreaking work emphasizes personalizing antipsychotic treatment using pharmacogenetics 🧬, improving patient adherence and quality of life ❤️. His notable contributions include addressing sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia treatment 💔, a topic often neglected. He published a major meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry 📘, shedding light on its prevalence. Winner of the Schizophrenia International Research Society award 🏆, Dr. Korchia advocates for a psychiatry that is humane, patient-centered, and scientifically rigorous 🔬. His work not only enhances clinical outcomes but also builds stronger therapeutic alliances through trust and transparency 🤝. Driven by compassion and innovation, he envisions a future where mental health care is personalized, inclusive, and profoundly impactful 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Théo Korchia began his medical education in France 🎓, obtaining his degree in psychiatry with a focus on early-onset psychotic disorders 🧠. Supported by Aix-Marseille University and APHM 🏥, his academic journey was enriched by international exposure at McGill University 🇨🇦, where he deepened his expertise in psychiatric research and pharmacogenetics 🧬. His commitment to academic excellence led to extensive training in clinical practice, psychopharmacology, and patient-centered care 🩺. Throughout his studies, he explored the intersection of pharmacology, genetics, and psychiatry, aiming to personalize schizophrenia treatment for better efficacy and fewer side effects 🧪. His education was marked by a strong emphasis on translational research, ethics, and therapeutic alliance 🤝. Dr. Korchia continues to be involved in academic teaching and mentoring, sharing his knowledge with students and young professionals 📚. His education forms the bedrock of his mission: to evolve psychiatric care into a more compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized discipline 🌟.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Korchia’s clinical journey began in France 🇫🇷 at APHM and Aix-Marseille University 🏥, where he treated patients with early-onset schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders 🧠. His international experience includes a transformative year of research at McGill University 🇨🇦, focusing on pharmacogenetics and treatment personalization 🧬. In both hospital and research settings, he has contributed to improving psychiatric care through innovative approaches, especially regarding the management of antipsychotic side effects 🩻. With a hands-on approach, he integrates patient voices in treatment plans 🗣️, fostering therapeutic alliance and adherence 🤝. He has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, presented findings at international conferences 🌐, and published in high-impact journals like JAMA Psychiatry 📘. Passionate about breaking stigmas, Dr. Korchia also advocates for the recognition of sexual dysfunction in psychiatric care 💔. His experience bridges cutting-edge science and compassionate care, making him a leading voice in progressive psychiatry 💡.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Théo Korchia was honored by the Schizophrenia International Research Society 🏆 for his pioneering research in early-onset schizophrenia treatment 🧠. He was supported by Aix-Marseille University and the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille 🎓🏥, which facilitated his international research fellowship at McGill University 🇨🇦. His impactful publication in JAMA Psychiatry 📘—a meta-analysis involving 21,000+ patients—highlighted sexual dysfunction prevalence in schizophrenia, earning him global recognition 🌍. His work addressing often-ignored dimensions of psychiatric care, such as sexual health 💔, has been lauded for its clinical relevance and humanistic perspective. Known for combining scientific rigor 🔬 with empathy ❤️, he is frequently invited to share insights at conferences and symposiums worldwide 🎤. These accolades reflect not only academic excellence but also his commitment to enhancing patient-centered care 🧩. Dr. Korchia’s recognition symbolizes a growing awareness of the holistic needs of individuals with mental illness 🌟.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Korchia’s research centers on early-onset schizophrenia 🧠, with a sharp focus on pharmacogenetics 🧬 to personalize antipsychotic treatments and minimize side effects. He addresses the often-overlooked issue of sexual dysfunction 💔 in schizophrenia, a side effect that significantly impacts quality of life and treatment adherence 📉. His landmark meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry 📘 quantified this burden, influencing clinical guidelines and public discourse. He explores how integrating patient perspectives and improving therapeutic alliances 🤝 can enhance outcomes. His work bridges biological psychiatry and patient-centered care 🩺, emphasizing that innovation is not just drug development, but rethinking care models to reflect human experience 🧠❤️. He champions the inclusion of sexual health in risk-benefit analysis of psychiatric medications 💡. Ultimately, Dr. Korchia’s goal is to evolve psychiatry into a more humane, personalized, and effective field—where each treatment plan respects the unique biology and lived experience of the individual 🌍.

Publications 
  • Impact of perceived side-effects of psychotropic treatments on quality of life in patients with severe mental illness

    Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
    2025-12-31 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Théo Korchia; Mélanie Faugère; Vincent Achour; Eloïse Maakaron; Christelle Andrieu-Haller; Guillaume Fond; Christophe Lançon
  • Lifetime sexual violence experienced by women asylum seekers and refugees hosted in high-income countries: Literature review and meta-analysis

    Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
    2024-01 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Laura Cayreyre; Théo Korchia; Anderson Loundou; Maeva Jego; Didier Théry; Julie Berbis; Gaëtan Gentile; Pascal Auquier; Jérémy Khouani
  • Sexual Dysfunction in Schizophrenia

    JAMA Psychiatry
    2023-11-01 | Journal article
    Part ofISSN: 2168-622X
    CONTRIBUTORS: Théo Korchia; Vincent Achour; Mélanie Faugere; Ali Albeash; Dong Keon Yon; Laurent Boyer; Guillaume Fond
  • Utilizing pharmacogenetics when treating first episode psychosis

    Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
    2023-01-03 | Journal article
    Part of ISSN: 1180-4882
    CONTRIBUTORS: Theo Korchia; Ridha Joober; Raphaelle Richieri; Priyadharshini Sabesan; Lena Palaniyappan

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Asst. Prof. Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez is a neuroscientist at İstanbul Nişantaşı University, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases, neuroprotection, and the gut-brain axis. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Istanbul University in 2013 and has been a faculty member since 2014. Her research spans Alzheimer’s, autism, and Parkinson’s disease, focusing on stem cell therapies and functional foods for cognitive enhancement. She has led TÜSEB-approved projects and holds patents on bioactive functional foods. Aynur teaches Neurology, Cognitive Neurophysiology, and Industrial Biotechnology. She actively contributes to cutting-edge innovations, particularly in prebiotic-microbiota interactions.

Profile

Education 🎓

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Istanbul University in 2013. Her academic journey emphasized neurobiology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Her doctoral research focused on neuroprotective compounds in Alzheimer’s disease. Before her Ph.D., she pursued studies in molecular biology and biotechnology, refining her expertise in cellular neuroscience. Throughout her education, she collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, integrating neurophysiology with pharmacological advancements. Her postdoctoral research extended into translational neuroscience, bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications. Aynur’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for her extensive research on cognitive function, stem cell therapy, and the gut-brain axis.

Experience 👨‍🏫

With over a decade of experience, Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez has been an Assistant Professor at İstanbul Nişantaşı University since 2014. She has led multiple national and international neuroscience projects, including TÜSEB-approved research on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Aynur has played a pivotal role in developing functional foods aimed at cognitive enhancement and has secured patents for novel bioactive compounds. She actively collaborates with industry and academia, integrating neuroscience with biotechnology. Her teaching portfolio includes Neurology, Cognitive Neurophysiology, and Industrial Biotechnology. She has also mentored numerous graduate students in neuropharmacology and neurodegenerative research.

Research Interests 🔬

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, neuroprotection, and the gut-brain axis. She explores innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism, with a strong emphasis on stem cell applications. Her work investigates the neuroprotective potential of bioactive compounds and functional foods, aiming to enhance cognitive function. She has pioneered research on the microbiota-brain relationship, particularly the role of prebiotics in neurodegeneration. Aynur’s projects also include SNP-based qPCR diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s risk assessment. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she integrates neuroscience with biotechnology, advancing the understanding of cognitive disorders and potential therapeutic interventions.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez has received multiple awards for her contributions to neuroscience, including national research grants and innovation awards for her work on functional foods for neuroprotection. She was honored by TÜSEB for her groundbreaking research in stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Her patented functional chocolate enriched with bioactive compounds received recognition for its cognitive benefits. Aynur has also been awarded project grants from TÜBİTAK for her research on neurodegeneration. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at international neuroscience conferences and has been recognized for her contributions to cognitive science.

Publications 📚

  • Attila Altunel, Aynur Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez, Alparslan Onder, Ozlem Altunel, Ali
    Sever, Ihsan Kara, Efficacy of ACTH therapy in children with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
    and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A retrospective analysis, Epilepsy & Behavior,Vol
    165,2025,110308, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.11030
  • Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez A, Cati C, Onder A, Aydin S, Kara I. Investigation of the acute
    impact of rosemary consumption on brain activity in healthy volunteers. Nutr
    Neurosci. 2024 Jul 6:1-12. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2024.2370729. Epub ahead of print.
    PMID: 38970803.
  • Biliz Y, Hasdemir B, Başpınar Küçük H, Zaim M, Şentürk AM, Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez
    A, Kara İ. Novel N-Acyl Hydrazone Compounds as Promising Anticancer Agents:
    Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies. ACS Omega. 2023 May 20;8(22):20073-
    20084. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02361. PMID: 37305237; PMCID: PMC10249086.
  • Aydin S, Erözden AA, Tavşanlı N, Müdüroğlu A, Çalışkan M, Kara İ. Anthocyanin
    Addition to Kefir: Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community Structure. Curr
    Microbiol. 2022 Sep 20;79(11):327. doi: 10.1007/s00284-022-03017-x. PMID:
    36125585
  • Altunel Atilla, Müdüroğlu Kirmizibekmez Aynur, Altunel Emine Özlem (2022).
    Hypsarrhythmia Paroxysm Intensities that Initiate and Render Physical & Mental
    Retardation Irreversible in West Syndrome. International Journal of Neuroscience,
    DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2078208 (Publication No: 7685958)