Amir Hossein Zarifkar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Amir Hossein Zarifkar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 🏆

Faculty member at Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Dr. Amir Hossein Zarifkar is a dedicated researcher in the field of neurophysiology, specializing in Alzheimer’s disease models, memory impairment, and the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation. He holds a Ph.D. in Physiology, and his expertise includes stereotaxic surgery, cognitive testing, and advanced biochemical and histological techniques. His research contributions are evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, prestigious awards, and active participation in scientific conferences. As a teacher, he has guided students across multiple disciplines in physiology, further demonstrating his commitment to academia.

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Education 🎓:

Dr. Zarifkar’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biology from Shiraz University, Iran (2010), where he laid the foundation for his passion in life sciences. He pursued his M.Sc. in Physiology at Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences (2014), conducting a thesis on the protective effects of agmatine in memory impairment models. Building upon this expertise, Dr. Zarifkar earned a Ph.D. in Physiology from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (2019). His doctoral research, titled “Investigating the effect of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) paradigms on beta-amyloid-induced memory impairment and hippocampal CA1 structural changes in male rats,” received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to addressing Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout his education, Dr. Zarifkar consistently ranked among the top of his cohort, achieving first rank in the national Ph.D. entrance exam and being honored as a top student at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

Work Experience 💼:

Dr. Zarifkar has over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and experimental neurophysiology. As an educator, he delivers comprehensive courses in nervous system, kidney, gastrointestinal, and endocrine physiology to students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing. His hands-on laboratory sessions emphasize practical applications of physiology, fostering a deeper understanding among students. On the research front, Dr. Zarifkar specializes in Alzheimer’s disease, memory impairment, and innovative therapeutic approaches, utilizing advanced methodologies such as transcranial electrical stimulation, immunohistochemistry, and stereotaxic surgery. His expertise extends to conducting behavioral and cognitive experiments in animal models. Dr. Zarifkar’s findings have been presented at national and international conferences, enhancing the global understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of Iran’s National Elites Foundation, he actively contributes to academic and research communities, solidifying his role as a leader in the field of neurophysiology.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Zarifkar has received multiple awards and recognitions for his academic excellence and contributions to neuroscience. Notably, he ranked first in the national Ph.D. entrance exam in Physiology, demonstrating his exceptional knowledge in the field. During his M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies, he was honored as a top student at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. His groundbreaking research on Alzheimer’s disease earned him accolades at national and international scientific conferences. Dr. Zarifkar is also a proud member of Iran’s National Elites Foundation, a prestigious acknowledgment of his academic and research achievements. His dedication to teaching and mentoring has further earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and students alike. These honors reflect Dr. Zarifkar’s unwavering commitment to advancing the field of physiology and contributing to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Research Interests:

Dr. Zarifkar’s research centers on understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. His Ph.D. work investigated the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) on memory impairment and structural changes in the hippocampus, providing insights into non-invasive treatments for Alzheimer’s. Dr. Zarifkar’s expertise extends to studying the impact of neuroprotective agents like agmatine on cognitive functions and neural plasticity. He employs advanced methodologies, including behavioral and cognitive assessments in animal models, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and stereotaxic surgery, to unravel the complexities of memory impairment. His findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders and pave the way for potential clinical applications. By bridging experimental neuroscience with translational research, Dr. Zarifkar aims to develop effective interventions for enhancing cognitive health and mitigating the effects of aging-related neurological conditions.

📚 Publications 

Agmatine protects against intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced water maze memory deficit, hippocampal apoptosis, and Akt/GSK3β signaling disruption

Authors: M. Moosavi, A.H. Zarifkar, Y. Farbood, M. Dianat, A. Sarkaki, R. Ghasemi

Citations: 46

Year: 2014

Treatment with edaravone improves the structure and functional changes in the hippocampus after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats

Authors: G.H. Meftahi, M. Bayat, A.H. Zarifkar, S. Akbari, A.B. Haghighi, M. Naseh

Citations: 18

Year: 2021

Ameliorative effects of different transcranial electrical stimulation paradigms on the novel object recognition task in a rat model of Alzheimer disease

Authors: A.H. Zarifkar, A. Zarifkar, M. Nami, A. Rafati, H. Aligholi, F. Vafaee

Citations: 12

Year: 2019

Effect of recombinant insulin-like growth factor-2 injected into the hippocampus on memory impairment following hippocampal intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Authors: F. Vafaee, A. Zarifkar, M. Emamghoreishi, M.R. Namavar, M. Shahpari

Citations: 10

Year: 2018

Interactive Effects of Swimming High-Intensity Interval Training and Resveratrol Supplementation Improve Mitochondrial Protein Levels in the Hippocampus of Aged Rats

Authors: M. Amirazodi, F. Daryanoosh, A. Mehrabi, A. Gaeini, M. Koushkie Jahromi

Citations: 6

Year: 2022

The Comparison of the Effects of Different Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) Paradigms on Beta-Amyloid (Aβ 25–35)-Induced Memory Impairment upon Morris Water Maze Task

Authors: A.H. Zarifkar, A. Zarifkar, M. Nami, A. Rafati, H. Aligholi

Citations: 5

Year: 2018

Different paradigms of transcranial electrical stimulation improve motor function impairment and striatum tissue injuries in the collagenase-induced intracerebral hemorrhage model

Authors: A.R. Heidarzadegan, A. Zarifkar, N. Sotoudeh, M.R. Namavar, A.H. Zarifkar

Citations: 4

Year: 2022

The protective effect of agmatine against intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced memory impairment in male rats

Authors: Y. Farbood, A.H. Zarifkar, M. Dianat, A. Sarkaki, M. Moosavi

Citations: 1

Year: 2014

Resistance Training and Resveratrol Supplementation Improve Cancer Cachexia and Tumor Volume in Muscle Tissue of Male Mice Bearing Colon Cancer CT26 Cell Tumors

Authors: M. Samadi, F. Daryanoosh, Z. Mojtahedi, A. Samsamy Pour, H. Nobari

Citations: Not yet cited

Year: 2024

Alterations in FoxO3a, NF-κB, and MuRF1 Expression in the Soleus Muscle of Male Rats Following High-Intensity Interval Training and Detraining

Authors: S. Sheibani, F. Daryanoosh, A.H. Zarifkar

Citations: Not yet cited

Year: 2024

Different paradigms of transcranial electrical stimulation induce structural changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease

Authors: A.H. Zarifkar, A. Zarifkar, S. Safaei

Citations: Not yet cited

Year: 2024

P62: Agmatine Protects Against Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin-Induced Water Maze Memory Deficit, Hippocampal Apoptosis and Akt/GSK3β Signaling Disruption

Authors: M. Moosavi, A.H. Zarifkar, Y. Farbood, M. Dianat, A. Sarkaki, R. Ghasemi

Citations: Not listed

Year: 2018

Conclusion 

Dr. Amir Hossein Zarifkar demonstrates an exceptional commitment to advancing neurophysiology research and teaching. His strengths, including rigorous experimental skills, teaching proficiency, and recognized achievements, position him as a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award. Addressing areas like international visibility, grant acquisition, and translational focus could further strengthen his profile. Overall, his impactful contributions to Alzheimer’s research and academic excellence make him a deserving nominee.

 

 

Niki Vassilaki | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Niki Vassilaki | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award  🏆

Researcher at Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece

Dr. Niki Vassilaki is a leading expert in Molecular Virology, specializing in the replication of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and viral infections such as those caused by Flaviviridae and SARS-CoV-2. She holds a PhD in Molecular Virology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and completed postdoctoral research at Heidelberg University with Professor Ralf Bartenschlager. Dr. Vassilaki’s research focuses on the role of dopamine metabolism in viral infections and the development of antiviral drugs. With over 60 publications and more than 110 conference presentations, she has secured over €1 million in competitive funding and is a key partner in the European EXPAND-EV program.

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ORCID

Education 🎓:

Dr. Niki Vassilaki completed her PhD in Molecular Virology at the Biology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), where she focused on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her deep expertise in viral pathogenesis. She further expanded her knowledge and research capabilities during her postdoctoral studies at Heidelberg University, working in the world-renowned virology laboratory of Professor Ralf Bartenschlager. This experience allowed her to contribute to the development of robust infectious models for studying HCV replication, solidifying her reputation in the virology research community.

Work Experience 💼:

Dr. Niki Vassilaki has extensive experience in molecular virology, focusing on viral replication and pathogenesis. She pursued her PhD at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) under the mentorship of Professor Mavromara, where she specialized in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication. Following this, Dr. Vassilaki conducted postdoctoral research at Heidelberg University with Professor Ralf Bartenschlager, contributing to the development of a robust infectious model for HCV. Her current research explores the role of dopamine biosynthesis and metabolism in viral infections, particularly Flaviviridae and SARS-CoV-2, with an emphasis on antiviral drug discovery. She has also held leadership roles, including coordinator of multiple international research programs and membership in various virology and molecular biology committees.

Skills 🔍

Dr. Niki Vassilaki possesses a broad range of skills in molecular virology, viral pathogenesis, and antiviral drug discovery. She has expertise in the molecular biology of Flaviviridae, Hepadnavirus (HBV), and SARS-CoV-2, with a strong focus on viral replication mechanisms and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Vassilaki is skilled in advanced laboratory techniques, including PCR, RNA sequencing, and virus culture systems, as well as in designing and executing antiviral assays. Additionally, she has extensive experience in securing competitive funding, managing international research collaborations, and leading research teams focused on innovative antiviral solutions.

Research Interests:

Dr. Niki Vassilaki’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular virology, viral pathogenesis, and antiviral drug discovery. Her work primarily focuses on the replication mechanisms of Flaviviridae viruses, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and SARS-CoV-2. She is particularly interested in understanding the molecular interactions that govern viral replication and the development of novel replication inhibitors. Additionally, her research explores the role of dopamine biosynthesis and metabolism in viral infections, aiming to uncover how these pathways influence viral pathogenesis. Dr. Vassilaki is also dedicated to the discovery of antiviral agents, with her team developing an ISO-certified pipeline for screening and testing potential therapeutics.

📚 Publications 

  • Title: Alternate translation occurs within the core coding region of the hepatitis C viral genome
    • Authors: A Varaklioti, N Vassilaki, U Georgopoulou, P Mavromara
    • Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    • Volume: 277, Issue 20, Pages: 17713-17721
    • Cited by: 238
    • Year: 2002
  • Title: Role of the Hepatitis C Virus Core+1 Open Reading Frame and Core cis-Acting RNA Elements in Viral RNA Translation and Replication
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, P Friebe, P Meuleman, S Kallis, A Kaul, G Paranhos-Baccala, …
    • Journal: Journal of Virology
    • Volume: 82, Issue 23, Pages: 11503-11515
    • Cited by: 130
    • Year: 2008
  • Title: Two alternative translation mechanisms are responsible for the expression of the HCV ARFP/F/core+1 coding open reading frame
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, P Mavromara
    • Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    • Volume: 278, Issue 42, Pages: 40503-40513
    • Cited by: 122
    • Year: 2003
  • Title: The HCV ARFP/F/core+1 protein: production and functional analysis of an unconventional viral product
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, P Mavromara
    • Journal: IUBMB Life
    • Volume: 61, Issue 7, Pages: 739-752
    • Cited by: 91
    • Year: 2009
  • Title: Low oxygen tension enhances hepatitis C virus replication
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, KI Kalliampakou, I Kotta-Loizou, C Befani, P Liakos, G Simos, …
    • Journal: Journal of Virology
    • Volume: 87, Issue 5, Pages: 2935-2948
    • Cited by: 65
    • Year: 2013
  • Title: Impact of age and sex on antibody response following the second dose of COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in Greek healthcare workers
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, AN Gargalionis, A Bletsa, N Papamichalopoulos, E Kontou, …
    • Journal: Microorganisms
    • Volume: 9, Issue 8, Article: 1725
    • Cited by: 60*
    • Year: 2021

Conclusion 

Dr. Niki Vassilaki’s academic credentials, groundbreaking research, leadership in international committees, and professional affiliations make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to molecular virology, antiviral discovery, and global scientific collaborations highlight her excellence and dedication to advancing the field.

Yuandong Gu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award   🏆

Vice President at National Innovation Center par Excellence, China

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu is a distinguished researcher and innovator in microelectronics and sensor technology. He serves as the Vice Dean of the Shanghai Yangtze Delta Innovation Institute and was the Founding Dean of the School of Microelectronics at Shanghai University. With a PhD from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2003), his research focuses on piezoelectric MEMS sensors, photonic metamaterials, and their transformative applications. Prof. Gu has held key leadership roles, including Deputy Executive Director at Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics and Principal Scientist at Honeywell International Inc. He is the author of over 180 peer-reviewed publications and holds 55 USA/SGP patents. His groundbreaking work has earned him prestigious accolades, such as the Shanghai Talent Program Award (2018) and the Engineering Achievement Award from the Institution of Engineers Singapore.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓:

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu earned his PhD in 2003 from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, specializing in advanced sensor technologies and microelectronics. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his illustrious career in piezoelectric MEMS sensors and photonic metamaterials, fields where he has made groundbreaking contributions. His strong academic background is complemented by his ability to bridge theoretical research with industrial applications, making him a leader in innovative technology development.

Work Experience 💼:

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu has extensive experience in academia, research, and industry, serving as the Vice President of the Shanghai Yangtze Delta Innovation Institute and Chairman of Shanghai Melon Technology Co., Ltd. He was the Founding Dean of the School of Microelectronics at Shanghai University and a Senior Vice President at SITRI, driving technology commercialization and innovation strategies. At A-STAR Singapore, he led advanced MEMS research as Deputy Executive Director, and at Honeywell International, he managed multi-million-dollar MEMS projects and established the Shanghai Sensors Lab, showcasing his global leadership in microelectronics and sensor technologies.

Skills 🔍

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu is a highly skilled researcher and leader with expertise in microelectronics, piezoelectric MEMS technologies, and photonic metamaterials. He excels in strategic planning, technology incubation, and the development of cutting-edge sensor platforms, including pMUTs and MEMS-based force sensing modules. His proficiency in project management, cross-functional team leadership, and research-to-market transformation has been demonstrated through his successful execution of multimillion-dollar projects and the commercialization of innovative technologies. With a strong foundation in intellectual property generation, holding 55 patents, and an extensive publication record, he combines technical expertise with visionary leadership to drive impactful advancements in the field.

Research Interests:

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu’s research interests encompass cutting-edge advancements in piezoelectric MEMS sensors, photonic metamaterials, and their diverse applications. His work focuses on developing innovative sensing technologies, such as piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs), and exploring the integration of photonic metamaterials to enhance device performance in various fields. These research efforts aim to address challenges in miniaturization, high precision, and energy efficiency, contributing to advancements in areas such as healthcare, robotics, and communication systems. His dedication to translating research into impactful technologies underscores his contributions to the global microelectronics and sensors community.

📚 Publications 

A 16-channel Si Probe Monolithically Integrated with CMOS Chips for Neural Recording

  • Authors: Gou, G.-Y., You, C., Yao, P., Xue, N., Zhao, M.
  • Journal: Sensors and Actuators Reports
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 8
  • Article Number: 100206
  • Open Access

Improved Performance of Acoustically Actuated Magnetoelectric Antenna with FeGa/FeGaB Bilayer

  • Authors: Li, K., Zhang, Q., Chang, Y., Zhang, S., Gu, Y.
  • Journal: Micromachines
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 2
  • Article Number: 190
  • Open Access

Effect of Humid Environment on Electromechanical Performance of Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (PMUTs)

  • Authors: Tong, Z., Wu, Z., Gu, Y.A., Lou, L.
  • Journal: Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 366
  • Article Number: 114821

MHorUNet: High-Order Spatial Interaction UNet for Skin Lesion Segmentation

  • Authors: Wu, R., Liang, P., Huang, X., Zhu, H., Chang, Q.
  • Journal: Biomedical Signal Processing and Control
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 88
  • Article Number: 105517
  • Citations: 13

Enhancement in Performance of SAW Resonator on LN/SiC Substrate by Taking Slowness Asymmetry into Account

  • Authors: Liu, H.L., Zhang, Q.Z., Sun, H., Gu, Y.D., Wang, N.
  • Journal: Journal of Physics: Conference Series
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 2822
  • Issue: 1
  • Article Number: 012174

A Miniaturized Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeter Based on ScAlN Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers for Small-Diameter Applications

  • Authors: Gao, Y., Chen, M., Wu, Z., Gu, Y.A., Lou, L.
  • Journal: Microsystems and Nanoengineering
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 1
  • Article Number: 49
  • Citations: 15

A Highly Integrated 3D MEMS Force Sensing Module With Variable Sensitivity for Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery

  • Authors: Hou, C., Wang, K., Wang, F., Chen, T., Sun, L.
  • Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Volume: 33
  • Issue: 43
  • Article Number: 2302812
  • Citations: 12

Conclusion 

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu’s extensive contributions to advanced sensor technology, impactful industrial innovations, and dedication to academic mentorship make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His balance of academic rigor, innovation, and leadership perfectly aligns with the award’s criteria, reflecting his global stature as a transformative researcher.