Niki Vassilaki | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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.

Profile

Scopus

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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

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.

 

ANASTASIA  BOUGEA | Cognitive Aging | Women Researcher Award


Dr ANASTASIA  BOUGEA | Cognitive Aging | Women Researcher Award 

CLINICAL RESEARCHER at  National and Kapodistrian University of Athens ,  Greece

 

Anastasia Bougea was born on February 29th, 1980, in Athens, Greece. She is an accomplished neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. Currently, she serves as a Consulting Specialist Neurologist at the 1st Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for Parkinson’s Disease and Rare Movement Disorders at Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, under the leadership of Prof. Leonidas Stefanis. She is also involved in clinical research at the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), focusing on lysosomal markers in MSA biological fluids.

professional profile 

scopus

Education & Training 🎓

Anastasia completed her medical education at the Medical School of dell’Università dell’Aquila, Italy, and the University of Patras, Greece, obtaining her national license to practice medicine in 2005. She pursued residency training in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Neurology, with board certification in Neurology since December 2015. Anastasia holds a PhD in Neurology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with her thesis focused on alpha-synuclein levels in Parkinson’s Disease. She further enhanced her expertise with a Postdoctoral Thesis on microRNAs and cirRNAs in atypical parkinsonian syndromes and a Master of Science in “Stress Control & Promotion of Health.”

Work Experience 🏥

With a career spanning several prestigious institutions, Anastasia has held various positions, including serving at the Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus and completing her residency at the General Hospital of Molaoi, the Department of Psychiatry at “Korgialenio–Benakio” Hospital, and the Leros Medical-Social Welfare Asylum. Since 2017, she has been a key specialist at Eginition Hospital, focusing on Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders.

Skills & Expertise 💡

Anastasia is highly skilled in neurology, particularly in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and movement disorders. She has a strong background in clinical research, with a focus on biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. Her expertise also extends to acupuncture, stress management, and the emotional freedom technique, as reflected in her MSc thesis on tension-type headaches.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Anastasia has earned recognition for her academic excellence, particularly for her PhD work, where she received an “Excellent” rating. Her contributions to research and clinical practice have made her a respected figure in her field.

Memberships & Affiliations 🌍

She is an active member of the medical community, participating in various professional societies and contributing to the advancement of neurology and movement disorders.

Teaching & Mentorship 📚

Anastasia is involved in teaching and mentoring at the Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she guides the next generation of neurologists. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and experience with students and residents.

Research Focus 🔬

Her research is primarily focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s Disease, with an emphasis on biomarkers such as alpha-synuclein, microRNAs, and cirRNAs. Anastasia is dedicated to advancing the understanding of movement disorders and developing new therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion

Dr. Anastasia Bougea’s combination of clinical expertise, pioneering research in neurology, and her commitment to education and public health make her a strong and deserving candidate for the “Research for Women Researcher Award.” Her contributions are likely to have a lasting impact on the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, making her an exemplary figure in the field of medical research.

Top publication 

  • Unraveling the Potential Underlying Mechanisms of Mild Behavioral Impairment: Focusing on Amyloid and Tau Pathology
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Cells
    • 🧠🧬🔍
  • An Artificial Neural Network Predicts Gender Differences of Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Patients with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease under Levodopa–Carbidopa Intestinal Gel
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Medicina (Lithuania)
    • 🤖🧠💊
  • Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Fluoxetine on Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease: Systematic Review
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    • 🧠💊📝
  • Some Novel Therapies in Parkinson’s Disease: A Promising Path Forward or Not Yet? A Systematic Review of the Literature
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Biomedicines
    • 🧠💡📚
  • Non-Motor Disorders in Parkinson Disease and Other Parkinsonian Syndromes
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Medicina (Lithuania)
    • 🧠🚶📖
  • Digital Biomarkers in Parkinson’s Disease
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Advances in Clinical Chemistry
    • 🧠💻📈
  • Mild Behavioral Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: An Updated Review on the Clinical, Genetic, Neuroanatomical, and Pathophysiological Aspects
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Medicina (Lithuania)
    • 🧠🧬📝
  • Jumping to Conclusions Bias, Psychosis, and Impulsivity in Early Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: *Journal of Neurology