Na Li | Neurology and Nursing Science | Women Researcher Award

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Mrs. Na Li | Neurology and Nursing Science | Women Researcher Award

Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital  | China

Li Na is a dedicated researcher at Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital in Hohhot, China, recognised for her contributions to clinical pharmacology and evidence-based medicine. Her academic background in medicine and pharmacology has provided a strong foundation for her work in translational research focused on improving therapeutic outcomes for neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Professionally, she has been involved in advanced clinical investigations, particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions such as fingolimod in acute ischemic stroke. Her research interests span drug efficacy evaluation, neuroprotective mechanisms, and the integration of novel pharmacotherapies into clinical practice. Skilled in biostatistics, data synthesis, and the use of analytical tools for evidence evaluation, she demonstrates a methodical and data-driven approach to medical research. With several publications indexed in Scopus and a growing citation record, she maintains an active academic profile and collaborates with national and international teams. Her work has earned recognition within the field, reflecting both scientific rigour and clinical relevance. Committed to advancing modern pharmacology and patient care, Li Na continues to bridge clinical insight with research innovation, contributing meaningfully to the evolving landscape of pharmacological science and translational medicine.

Profile: scopus

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Opeyemi Aniramu | Environmental-Cognitive Science | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Opeyemi Aniramu | Environmental-Cognitive Science | Excellence in Research Award

Obafemi Awolowo University Ife | Nigeria

Dr. Opeyemi Samuel Aniramu is a passionate Nigerian environmental geographer and researcher whose academic and professional career reflect an enduring commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and geospatial innovation. He earned his degrees in Geography and Environmental Control and Management from Obafemi Awolowo University, where he is also pursuing his doctoral studies focusing on spatial assessment of urban flood dynamics and resilience strategies in Lagos Metropolis. His academic journey demonstrates excellence in environmental systems analysis, geoinformatics, and sustainable development. Professionally, he has contributed to academia and environmental education through teaching and research positions in reputable institutions, including Faith Academy and Chrisland Schools, where he served as an educator and GIS instructor. His research interests encompass flood risk management, sustainable tourism, land degradation, and climate change adaptation, with publications in leading international journals such as Sustainable Earth Reviews, Frontiers in Climate, and Journal of Environmental Sustainability. Dr. Aniramu’s research skills include geospatial analysis, GIS and remote sensing, data modeling, and environmental impact assessment. His scholarly excellence has been recognized through a merit-based Ph.D. scholarship from the Ekiti State Scholarship Board and a commendation award for academic contribution from Faith Academy. Through his commitment to teaching, innovation, and applied environmental research, Dr. Aniramu continues to advance sustainable urban development and inspire a new generation of environmental scientists in Nigeria and beyond.

Profile: Scopus

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Yuanjin Zhang | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yuanjin Zhang | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Peking University Third Hospital | China

Dr. Yuanjin Zhang is a distinguished neurologist and chief physician at Peking University Third Hospital, recognized for her pioneering work in neurotherapeutics, neurodegeneration, and digital medicine. Educated and trained at Peking University Health Science Center, she combines strong clinical expertise with innovative research in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and AI-driven healthcare technologies. Her professional journey bridges academic medicine and industry, where she has led numerous multi-center clinical and translational projects focused on diabetic neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Dr. Zhang’s research interests encompass neurological and vascular sciences, digital biomarkers, mHealth platforms, and precision neurorehabilitation. She possesses advanced skills in clinical data analytics, bioinformatics, AI algorithm development, and translational neurotechnology, supported by extensive NIH and NSFC-funded collaborations. Her contributions to journals such as BMC Neurology, Scientific Reports, and JMIR MHealth UHealth highlight her global impact on digital neurotherapeutics. As a reviewer for leading journals and an active member of national neurology and neuroscience societies, she promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across China’s medical and research communities. Honored for her leadership and scientific innovation, Dr. Zhang continues to shape the future of neurology through AI-enabled clinical care and patient-centered neurotechnology, embodying excellence in research, mentorship, and translational impact.

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Alina Diana Zamfir | Brain Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Alina Diana Zamfir | Brain Science | Best Researcher Award

National Institute for R&D in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter | Romania

Dr. Alina Diana Zamfir is a distinguished Romanian physicist and professor known for her pioneering research in biophysics, mass spectrometry, and biomolecular analysis. She earned her academic degrees in physics from leading Romanian universities, including a Ph.D. in Physics and two habilitations in Biophysics and Physics from prestigious institutions in Romania and Germany. Currently serving as a Senior Scientific Researcher at the National Institute for Research and Development in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter and as a Professor at Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, she also mentors doctoral candidates at the West University of Timisoara. Her professional journey includes research and teaching appointments in Germany and collaborations with international universities and corporations. Dr. Zamfir’s research interests focus on mass spectrometry-based proteomics, glycomics, and microfluidics for the analysis of complex biological systems. She is highly skilled in advanced spectrometric analysis, microfluidic platform development, and molecular characterization of biomolecules. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Romanian Academy Prize, the Elsevier Top Cited Article Award, and the Wiley Award, she is also President of the Romanian Society for Mass Spectrometry. Her extensive contributions to molecular biophysics and analytical chemistry continue to advance biomedical innovation and interdisciplinary scientific excellence worldwide.

Profile: Google scholar

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Seyedehsamaneh Shojaeilangari | Stuttering | Most Liked Article Award

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Dr. Seyedehsamaneh Shojaeilangari | Stuttering | Most Liked Article Award

Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) | Iran

Dr. Seyedeh Samaneh Shojaei Langari is an accomplished Iranian scientist and Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering Group at the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, recognized for her expertise in artificial intelligence, image processing, and biomedical signal analysis. She holds advanced degrees in Biomedical Engineering, including a doctorate from Nanyang Technological University with a focus on robust facial emotion recognition, and both master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Amirkabir University of Technology, where she specialized in biological signal pattern recognition and fingerprint identification. Her professional experience spans prestigious institutions such as the Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where she conducted pioneering research on brain activity in stuttering, neurodegenerative biomarkers, and PET scanner data recovery. Dr. Shojaei Langari’s research interests encompass biomedical imaging, cognitive sciences, and machine learning applications in healthcare diagnostics, reflected in her extensive publications on brain structure analysis, cancer detection, and cardiovascular signal modeling. Skilled in data analysis, pattern recognition, and neuroimaging, she has led and collaborated on multiple interdisciplinary projects improving diagnostic technologies. Her achievements include national and international honors, such as the SINGA scholarship and awards from Iran’s National Organization for Exceptional Talents. Dr. Shojaei Langari’s contributions exemplify innovation and leadership in advancing biomedical engineering and intelligent healthcare systems.

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Featured Publications

Joyce Bosmans | Navigation and Spatial Cognition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Joyce Bosmans | Navigation and Spatial Cognition | Best Researcher Award

KU Leuven | Belgium

Dr. Joyce Bosmans is a Belgian cognitive neuroscientist and postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven, specializing in the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying navigation, vestibular function, balance, and spatial cognition. She earned her PhD in Translational Neurosciences from the University of Antwerp, focusing on the relationship between vestibular function, balance, and cognition, and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical and Health Psychology from KU Leuven. Her professional experience includes postdoctoral research in brain and cognition, international research stays at the German Vertigo Center, and extensive teaching at both bachelor’s and master’s levels, covering human brain imaging, neuropsychology, and clinical practicum training. She has supervised multiple master’s students across biomedical sciences, medicine, and psychology, reflecting her mentorship and leadership skills. Her research interests encompass vestibular contributions to navigation, multisensory integration, neuropsychology of stroke and cognitive impairment, and translational applications from fundamental neuroscience to clinical practice. She is highly skilled in advanced MRI analyses, cognitive testing, systematic reviews, experimental design, and stakeholder-driven research implementation. Joyce has received numerous grants and awards, including FWO travel grants, recognition for high-impact publications, and prizes for science communication and outreach, demonstrating her commitment to both scientific rigor and societal impact. In conclusion, Joyce Bosmans combines interdisciplinary expertise, methodological sophistication, and translational vision to advance understanding of human navigation and vestibular-cognitive interactions, bridging neuroscience research with clinical and societal applications.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Bosmans, J., Moyaert, J., van Eetvelde, J., & Gillebert, C. R. (2025). Navigational difficulties after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Clinical Neuropsychologist.

Gommeren, H., Moyaert, J., Bosmans, J., Mertens, G., Cras, P., Engelborghs, S., Van Ombergen, A., Gilles, A., Van Dam, D., & Van Rompaey, V. (2023). Evaluation of hearing levels and vestibular function and the impact on cognitive performance in (pre)-symptomatic patients with DFNA9: Protocol for a prospective longitudinal study (Rosetta study).

Bosmans, J., Gommeren, H., zu Eulenburg, P., Gilles, A., Mertens, G., Van Ombergen, A., Cras, P., Engelborghs, S., & Van Rompaey, V. (2023). Is vestibular function related to human hippocampal volume? Preprint.

Gommeren, H., Bosmans, J., Moyaert, J., Mertens, G., Cras, P., Engelborghs, S., Van Ombergen, A., Gilles, A., Fransen, E., & van de Berg, R. (2022). Accelerated cognitive decline associated with hearing loss and bilateral vestibulopathy: Insights from a prospective cross-sectional study using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status adjusted for the hearing impaired in the DFNA9 population. Ear & Hearing.

Bosmans, J., Gommeren, H., Mertens, G., Cras, P., Engelborghs, S., Van Ombergen, A., Gilles, A., & Van Rompaey, V. (2022). Associations of bilateral vestibulopathy with cognition in older adults matched with healthy controls for hearing status. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery.

Natalia N. Kudryavtseva | Neurobiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Natalia N. Kudryavtseva | Neurobiology | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Cytology and Genetics of SB RAS | Russia

Professor Natalia N. Kudryavtseva is a highly distinguished neuroscientist and leading researcher at the I.P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology RAS in Saint Petersburg and the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS in Novosibirsk, with extensive academic and research contributions in behavioral pharmacology, neurogenetics, and biological psychiatry. She completed her education at Novosibirsk State University in physiology and advanced to hold key positions as junior, senior, and leading researcher, later becoming head of the Neurogenetics of Social Behaviour Sector and the Neuropathology Modelling Laboratory. Her professional journey includes visiting research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in the United States, along with teaching as professor of physiology at Novosibirsk State University. Her research interests span behavioral genetics, social biology, psychopharmacology, transcriptomic analysis, and modelling of psychoemotional disorders, particularly through the sensory contact model she developed, widely applied in the study of chronic social conflict and neuropsychiatric mechanisms. She is skilled in neurogenomics, experimental neurobiology, and psychopharmacological correction, with more than one hundred eighty publications and several books. She is an active member of international research societies and has collaborated with institutions across Europe and the USA. Recognized for her pioneering contributions, with a citation index exceeding four thousand and an h-index of thirty-seven, she has received numerous honors for advancing knowledge on the neurobiology of aggression and psychoemotional disorders, making her a truly deserving candidate for international recognition.

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Laura Piccardi | Cognitive Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Laura Piccardi | Cognitive Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Sapienza University of Rome | Italy

Laura Piccardi is a distinguished scholar and full professor in the Department of Psychology at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Renowned for her expertise in spatial cognition, neuropsychology, and individual differences, she has made significant contributions to understanding how humans navigate and process spatial information across the lifespan. Her academic journey has been marked by prestigious positions, extensive research output, and influential collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, including Harvard Medical School, Karolinska Institutet, and the National University of Singapore. With over two hundred peer-reviewed publications, she is recognized for integrating experimental and clinical approaches to explore cognitive decline, hemineglect, and navigational memory. Beyond research, she is a dedicated educator, mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Her work bridges theoretical insight with applied relevance, making her a leading figure in cognitive neuroscience and a sought-after expert in multidisciplinary research on spatial and cognitive processes.

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Education

Laura Piccardi pursued her academic formation at Sapienza University of Rome, where she earned her doctoral degree in cognitive neuroscience. Following her doctoral studies, she engaged in advanced postdoctoral research at the prestigious Collège de France and the Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris, working under world-leading experts in spatial navigation and neuropsychology. She began her academic career as a researcher in the Life, Health, and Environmental Science Department at the University of L’Aquila, where she deepened her focus on spatial memory and cognitive differences. Her progression from researcher to associate professor reflected her outstanding contributions to the field, leading to her eventual appointment as full professor at Sapienza University of Rome. Throughout her academic training, she complemented her formal education with international collaborations, advanced methodological training, and interdisciplinary research experiences, shaping her into a versatile scholar with strong expertise at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuropsychology, and spatial cognition research

Experience

Laura Piccardi’s professional experience spans research, teaching, and clinical practice. She has held faculty positions at the University of L’Aquila and Sapienza University of Rome, where she teaches courses in general psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, spatial cognition, and learning disabilities. Her research has been supported by competitive grants, leading projects on spatial cognition, navigational memory, emotional-cognitive variables, and eco-sustainable decision-making. In addition to academic roles, she has collaborated extensively with rehabilitation and medical institutes, such as the IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia and San Raffaele facilities, integrating clinical work with cognitive neuroscience research. Internationally, she has engaged in partnerships with institutions in Singapore, Spain, Sweden, France, and the United States, expanding her research impact across cultural and methodological contexts. Her experience reflects a balance between laboratory-based research, applied clinical studies, and educational leadership, establishing her as a versatile academic committed to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical applications in psychology

Awards and Honors

Awards and Honors (150 words)
Laura Piccardi’s work has earned recognition through prestigious awards, editorial appointments, and invitations to speak at international conferences. Early in her career, she received the Young Researcher Award from Sapienza University of Rome, highlighting her potential for impactful contributions to cognitive neuroscience. She serves as an associate editor for prominent journals, including Frontiers in Cognitive Neuroscience, and as a guest editor for thematic issues in learning and memory. Her reputation in the field is further underscored by her role as a symposium organizer, invited speaker, and scientific reviewer for leading academic outlets. Her research collaborations with globally renowned universities and medical centers also reflect her standing in the international scientific community. These honors, combined with sustained funding for innovative projects, demonstrate her influence in shaping current discourse in spatial cognition, neuropsychology, and cognitive aging, while also inspiring a new generation of researchers through mentorship and cross-disciplinary engagement.

Research Focus

Laura Piccardi’s research centers on spatial cognition, exploring how individuals perceive, process, and remember spatial information, and how these abilities vary across populations. She investigates individual differences in spatial abilities, the cognitive mechanisms underlying navigation, and the neural bases of these processes in both healthy and clinical groups. Her work encompasses neuropsychological conditions such as hemineglect, multiple sclerosis, and cognitive decline, aiming to identify cognitive markers that could inform rehabilitation strategies. She has developed innovative experimental paradigms using virtual reality to study spatial memory, navigational skills, and the role of emotional and cognitive factors in decision-making. Additionally, her research addresses how environmental, social, and psychological factors influence spatial abilities, particularly in aging populations. By integrating clinical, experimental, and technological approaches, her work contributes to theoretical models of spatial cognition while offering practical implications for education, clinical rehabilitation, and human-environment interaction design

 

Publications

 

Title: Neural bases of personal and extrapersonal neglect in humans
Year: 2007
Citation: 403

Title: Development of neuropsychiatric symptoms in poststroke patients: a cross‐sectional study
Year: 2004
Citation: 321

Title: Gender effects in young road users on road safety attitudes, behaviors and risk perception
Year: 2016
Citation: 314

Title: Where do bright ideas occur in our brain? Meta-analytic evidence from neuroimaging studies of domain-specific creativity
Year: 2015
Citation: 311

Title: The meditative mind: A comprehensive meta‐analysis of MRI studies
Year: 2015
Citation: 278

Title: Walking in the Corsi test: which type of memory do you need?
Year: 2008
Citation: 195

Title: Frontal EEG asymmetry of mood: a mini-review
Year: 2017
Citation: 165

Title: Cognitive reserve in healthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis of fMRI studies
Year: 2016
Citation: 133

Conclusion

Laura Piccardi stands out as a leading figure in spatial cognition and neuropsychology, seamlessly integrating research, teaching, and clinical expertise. Her contributions span fundamental theory, experimental innovation, and applied practice, making her work relevant to both scientific and societal challenges. Through sustained international collaborations, influential publications, and impactful mentorship, she has advanced understanding of spatial memory, cognitive decline, and navigational processes. Her ability to bridge interdisciplinary perspectives ensures her research remains at the forefront of cognitive neuroscience. With a career defined by intellectual rigor, creativity, and collaborative spirit, she continues to shape the future of spatial cognition research worldwide.

Sarah Leibowitz | Behavioral Neurobiology | Most Cited Article Award

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Dr. Sarah Leibowitz | Behavioral Neurobiology | Most Cited Article Award

The Rockefeller University | United States

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz is a Research Associate Professor at The Rockefeller University in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology. With a career dedicated to uncovering the neural basis of addiction, she focuses on how the brain regulates consumption of substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as high-fat and high-sugar foods. Her pioneering work explores the transition from casual intake to substance dependence, linking specific brain mechanisms to addictive behaviors. Dr. Leibowitz’s research also highlights how emotional traits—such as impulsivity and anxiety—influence substance use. In recent years, she has expanded her work to investigate how maternal diet and drug exposure during pregnancy affect the brain development and behavior of offspring. Her studies reveal persistent neural and behavioral changes that may increase vulnerability to addiction later in life. Through her research, she aims to identify early indicators of addiction risk and explore preventive strategies for substance abuse disorders.

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ORCID

Education

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz earned her Ph.D. in behavioral neurobiology, establishing her foundation in neuroscience and psychobiology. Although specific details of her academic institutions are not publicly disclosed, her academic trajectory clearly reflects rigorous training in neurobiology, endocrinology, and developmental neuroscience. Her education emphasized the interplay between brain structure, behavior, and environmental stimuli—especially as related to addiction and nutrition. Over the course of her doctoral and postdoctoral work, she developed specialized expertise in rodent models, neurochemical techniques, and behavioral neuroscience. Her educational background has equipped her to contribute significantly to the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying addiction, impulsivity, and maternal influences on brain development. Dr. Leibowitz’s academic formation has not only shaped her robust research career but also positioned her as a mentor and thought leader in the intersection of behavioral neuroscience, addiction research, and developmental psychobiology.

 Experience

Dr. Sarah Leibowitz brings decades of experience in behavioral neuroscience, serving as a Research Associate Professor at The Rockefeller University. In this role, she leads research exploring how neurochemical circuits in the brain influence the consumption of addictive substances and palatable foods. Her experience spans experimental neurobiology, developmental studies, and translational addiction research, using advanced rodent models to simulate human behavioral patterns. She has worked extensively on characterizing the neural pathways that control emotional traits such as impulsivity and anxiety, which predispose individuals to addiction. In addition, Dr. Leibowitz has pioneered investigations into prenatal programming—studying how maternal substance use affects offspring neurodevelopment and behavior. Her career has been marked by interdisciplinary collaborations, significant grant support, and mentoring emerging scientists. Dr. Leibowitz’s extensive lab-based research experience has positioned her at the forefront of studies on addiction vulnerability, making meaningful contributions to both basic neuroscience and potential clinical applications.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors for Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz are not publicly detailed, her long-standing appointment at The Rockefeller University—a prestigious research institution—attests to her outstanding contributions in behavioral neurobiology. Recognition in the scientific community is reflected through her published research, influential collaborations, and leadership in addiction-related neuroscience. She is frequently cited in peer-reviewed journals, indicating strong academic impact and recognition from fellow researchers. Her studies addressing prenatal influences on addiction vulnerability have garnered widespread attention in developmental neuroscience and public health sectors. In addition to academic merit, Dr. Leibowitz’s role as a mentor and educator suggests acknowledgment of her commitment to training the next generation of scientists. The significance and longevity of her research position imply that she has received competitive research funding and peer-reviewed grants, further recognizing the value of her work in advancing understanding of substance use disorders.

Research Focus

Dr. Leibowitz’s research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, particularly the transition from use to dependence on substances like alcohol, nicotine, and palatable foods. Her laboratory investigates how neurochemical pathways in various brain regions drive compulsive consumption and are influenced by traits such as novelty seeking, impulsivity, and anxiety. A major area of her research explores the developmental origins of addiction: how maternal consumption of drugs or high-fat/high-sugar diets during pregnancy alters brain development and long-term behavior in offspring. These studies reveal that such prenatal exposures can “reprogram” the brain, increasing susceptibility to substance use disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Through rodent models, Dr. Leibowitz aims to identify biomarkers and early-life predictors of addiction risk, as well as investigate potential interventions for prevention. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates behavioral neuroscience, endocrinology, and developmental biology, contributing valuable insights into addiction’s origins, progression, and possible prevention strategies.

Publications

Title: Neurological Disorders Induced by Drug Use: Effects of Adolescent and Embryonic Drug Exposure on Behavioral Neurodevelopment
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Title: Utility of the Zebrafish Model for Studying Neuronal and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Embryonic Exposure to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis
Year: 2023
Citations: 8

Title: Role of Chemokine Cxcl12a in Mediating the Stimulatory Effects of Ethanol on Embryonic Development of Subpopulations of Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons and Their Projections
Year: 2023
Citations: 10

Title: Embryonic ethanol exposure induces ectopic Hcrt and MCH neurons outside hypothalamus in rats and zebrafish: Role in ethanol‐induced behavioural disturbances
Year: 2022
Citations: 18

Conclusion

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz’s work stands at the intersection of neuroscience, behavior, and developmental biology, providing groundbreaking insights into addiction, prenatal brain development, and preventive strategies for substance use disorders, making her a leading figure in behavioral neurobiology and addiction research.