Sonia Cherpe | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sonia Cherpe | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

University of Coimbra | portugal

Dr. Sónia Cherpe is a dedicated researcher whose work has focused extensively on adolescent depression, trauma, and cognitive-behavioural interventions, contributing significantly to the field of psychology and mental health. She pursued her academic career at the University of Coimbra, where she has been affiliated with the Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention. Her education and training positioned her to explore preventive approaches to depression in Portuguese adolescents, supported by funding from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Professionally, she has contributed to multiple national and international projects examining the role of trauma, shame, and emotion regulation in depressive symptomatology, and has been actively involved in psychometric validation of assessment tools adapted for Portuguese populations. Her research interests include adolescent mental health, preventive interventions for depression, cognitive and emotional regulation, and the development of culturally adapted assessment instruments. Skilled in research design, longitudinal analysis, psychometric evaluation, and evidence-based interventions, Cherpe has collaborated with esteemed colleagues both nationally and internationally. She has received recognition through funded projects, conference presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Overall, Sónia Cherpe’s career reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in adolescent mental health, with a focus on prevention and intervention strategies that address psychological vulnerabilities and promote well-being.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

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.

Profile

Google scholar

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.

Han Xi | Problem Solving | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Han Xi | Problem Solving | Best Researcher Award

Han Xi is a dedicated Lecturer at Huanghe Jiaotong University and a doctoral candidate in Traffic Engineering at Chongqing Jiaotong University (expected 2025), currently engaged in cutting-edge research on asphalt aging mechanisms and the development of anti-aging road materials. Since joining the academic faculty in 2020, Han has undertaken significant research, contributing to national-level projects such as the Henan Provincial Social Sciences Association Project. With published articles in reputed journals like Material Guide and Journal of Chongqing Jiaotong University, and patents addressing asphalt UV aging testing, Han’s work bridges theoretical innovation with practical engineering application. Passionate about infrastructure sustainability, she explores microstructural changes in asphalt due to UV exposure and seeks to enhance material performance through novel compositions. Her contributions extend to advancing scientific understanding and industrial applications in pavement material science. Han Xi exemplifies interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of civil engineering and material science.

Profile

Education 🎓

Han Xi began her academic journey at Huanghe Jiaotong University in 2020 and was soon enrolled in the Contractual Doctoral Training Program in Traffic Engineering at Chongqing Jiaotong University in 2021. She is anticipated to complete her doctoral degree by June 2025. Her academic focus is on the intersection of materials science and transportation engineering, especially the impact of ultraviolet (UV) aging on asphalt materials. During her doctoral studies, Han has explored the structural and chemical evolution of asphalt subjected to environmental stressors, contributing to a deeper understanding of material degradation. She integrates theoretical analysis with experimental validation, utilizing advanced testing systems to study rheological and molecular transformations in aged road materials. Her educational path reflects a strong commitment to research excellence, practical innovation, and cross-disciplinary problem-solving, preparing her to address real-world engineering challenges with scientific rigor and methodological precision.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2020, Han Xi has served as a Lecturer at Huanghe Jiaotong University, where she teaches and guides undergraduate students while actively conducting research in road materials engineering. Her experience includes managing a provincial research project and contributing to the design of experimental setups for asphalt aging analysis. Simultaneously, she has undertaken her PhD studies through a contractual training program at Chongqing Jiaotong University, balancing academic responsibilities with doctoral research. Han’s professional journey is marked by innovation, such as her development of patented UV aging testing devices for asphalt. She has presented and published scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals and engaged in collaborations that merge scientific inquiry with practical infrastructure solutions. Her dual roles in teaching and research have allowed her to inspire students while contributing significantly to advancements in road engineering, with a focus on environmental durability and material longevity

Research Interests 🔬

Han Xi’s research centers on the aging mechanisms of asphalt, particularly under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with a goal of developing advanced, anti-aging road materials that improve pavement durability. She investigates the molecular structure changes, rheological behavior, and chemical transformations that occur during UV and coupled aging processes. Her work combines theoretical modeling with practical experimentation using custom-designed devices—evidenced by her two patented innovations—to simulate and measure asphalt degradation. Through her ongoing doctoral research at Chongqing Jiaotong University, Han examines the structure-activity relationship of aged asphalt and correlates macroscopic changes with microscopic composition. This research provides valuable insights for enhancing the lifespan of road infrastructure and supports the development of environmentally resilient transportation systems. Her scientific contributions aim to solve real-world problems in road engineering by integrating material science, environmental factors, and performance analytics into a unified research agenda focused on sustainable infrastructure.

Emmanuel Kaboja Magna | Cognitive | Cognitive Rehabilitation Impact

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Dr. Emmanuel Kaboja Magna | Cognitive | Cognitive Rehabilitation Impact

CSIR-Water Research Institute, Ghana

Dr. Emmanuel Kaboja Magna is a Research Scientist at the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Oceanography and Fisheries) from the University of Ghana in 2007, followed by a Master’s degree in Health Informatics from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, in 2014. He completed his PhD in Environmental Science in 2020 at the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), University of Ghana. His doctoral research focused on the ecological and human health implications of contaminants linked to cage aquaculture on the Volta Basin of Ghana. He investigated the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and heavy metals in water, sediment, and cage tilapia, highlighting the ecological risks and pollution status of sediment, as well as the health risks of consuming such fish. Dr. Magna has also conducted research on solid waste, the impact of climatic variables on crop yield, malaria distribution, and a review of Ghana’s mental health policy. His research has resulted in thirteen publications in reputable international journals. Apart from his work at WRI, he has participated in various research activities focusing on pesticides, antibiotics, PBDEs, and PAHs in different environmental matrices, wastewater quality treatment, and reuse. He is known for his innovation, intellectual acumen, and high research curiosity. Dr. Magna has jointly supervised undergraduate students at several Ghanaian universities and serves as a reviewer for the international journal Food Chemistry Advances. He also has about eight years of teaching experience at the senior high school level.

 

Profile

Education

Dr. Emmanuel Kaboja Magna holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Ghana, which he completed between 2016 and 2020. His doctoral thesis focused on the ecological and human health implications of contaminants linked to cage aquaculture in the Volta Basin of Ghana. He earned a Master’s degree in Health Informatics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2014, with his thesis exploring the implementation of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems at Tema General Hospital, addressing the potential benefits and challenges. Dr. Magna obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography and Fisheries from the University of Ghana in 2007, where he completed his dissertation on the application of GIS to coastal tourism in Ghana. He also completed his SSSCE in General Science at St. Mary’s Seminary Secondary School in 2001. In addition to his academic qualifications, Dr. Magna has earned several professional certificates, including a certificate in System Thinking for Sustainable Development in Ghana from the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), University of Ghana, and North Carolina State, in June 2017. He also completed training on pesticide, PAH, PCB, and antibiotic analysis using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS at the Ghana Standard Authority in Accra from December 2017 to April 2018.

MERITORIOUS AWARDS

Dr. Emmanuel Kaboja Magna has received several meritorious awards and recognitions for his academic and professional achievements. In 2000, he was awarded the Distinguished Award for being the 3rd Year Best Mathematics Student at St. Mary’s Seminary Secondary School in Lolobi, Ghana. He has also been actively involved in outreach and community service. In 2023, he earned a Certificate of Excellence as the 1st Runner-up for a poster presentation at the FDA Scientific Forum, where he presented on the risk assessment of antibiotics in cultured Nile tilapia at Tema Roundabout. Additionally, he served as a panel discussant at the 2023 National Fish Festival on promoting safe fish consumption, as well as at the 2023 National Budget Dialogue on Agro-Based Policy Interventions focusing on Fisheries and Aquaculture. Dr. Magna has contributed to the review of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals such as Food Chemistry Advances, Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, and Heliyon. His co-supervision of student dissertations includes work on the physicochemical and heavy metals analysis of the Birim River impacted by illegal small-scale mining, completed by Cecelia Asimah at the University for Development Studies in 2023.

Research Project

Dr. Emmanuel Kaboja Magna is currently involved in several research projects, including assessing the impact of environmental change on freshwater species in River Oti, studying algal dynamics in freshwater ecosystems in the Saboba districts, and conducting a comparative analysis of the nutritional composition of different fish species cultured in Ghana, all under the CSIR-WRI, Ghana. His coursework and research modules cover a wide range of topics, including coastal ecology, freshwater ecology, aquatic biology, aquaculture, biodiversity and conservation, fish stock assessment, coastal hydrology, marine biogeochemistry, environmental management, and coastal management, with a particular focus on community aspects. He has also studied advanced quantitative research methods, emerging environmental issues for the 21st century, coastal ecosystems of West Africa, and the applications of remote sensing and GIS to fisheries and marine science. Dr. Magna is affiliated with the Ghana Chemical Society (GCS) since 2017 and was a member of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) from 2009 to 2016. He holds leadership positions as the Deputy Secretary of the CSIR-Research Staff Association of Ghana since November 2023 and was the President of the St. Mary’s Old Boys Association (UG Charter) from September 2006 to May 2007.

Publications