Zhi Li | Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Dr. Zhi Li | Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Henan Agricultural University | China

Dr. Zhi Li is a distinguished academic and researcher in forestry sciences, specializing in soil conservation, plant nutrition, and eco-engineering of forest ecosystems. Serving as a Professor and M.S. tutor at Henan Agricultural University, he has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge in forest soil management and land restoration. As Deputy Director of the Tourism Management Department at the College of Forestry, he bridges interdisciplinary approaches that combine ecological conservation with sustainable land use practices. His research spans soil microbiological dynamics, erosion control, and the reconstruction of degraded forestland. Beyond teaching and mentorship, Dr. Li has actively contributed to forestry development through leadership roles in professional societies, including the China Society of Forestry. Recognized for his scholarly contributions and administrative service, he continues to influence forestry practices both nationally and internationally. His academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to sustainable forestry, resource management, and ecological restoration.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Zhi Li built a strong academic foundation in forestry and management, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Xinyang Normal University. His keen interest in natural resource conservation and ecosystem sustainability led him to pursue advanced studies in forestry. He completed a Master’s degree at Jiangxi Agricultural University, focusing on soil and water conservation as well as desertification control. Driven by a desire to deepen his expertise, he earned his Ph.D. from the same institution, where his doctoral dissertation examined the variation of soil microbiological characteristics and their ecological influencing factors in meadow systems. This research provided new insights into the microbial processes that drive soil fertility and forest health. His multidisciplinary educational background, integrating tourism management, forestry, and environmental science, equipped him with the knowledge and tools to address both scientific and practical challenges in ecosystem conservation, land management, and forestry sustainability.

Experience

Dr. Zhi Li’s professional career has been marked by excellence in teaching, research, and institutional service. Since joining Henan Agricultural University, he has served as a Lecturer and later as a Postdoctoral researcher, contributing significantly to both academic development and scientific innovation. Currently, as a Professor and M.S. tutor, he mentors graduate students, guiding them in advanced forestry research. His leadership role as Deputy Director of the Tourism Management Department highlights his ability to integrate ecological research with broader applications in tourism and land use. Beyond teaching, Dr. Li actively contributes to forestry science as Director of the Office of the Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Cultivation, under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. He also serves as a Standing Committee Member of the Under-Forest Economy Branch of the China Society of Forestry. His career reflects a balance of scholarly research, academic mentorship, and service to the forestry profession.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhi Li’s dedication to forestry science and education has earned him recognition through academic, professional, and leadership honors. His membership in the China Society of Forestry underscores his standing in the national academic community, while his appointment as Standing Committee Member of its Under-Forest Economy Branch reflects his expertise in sustainable forestry economics. As Director of the Office of the Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Cultivation, he contributes to shaping national-level research in forest conservation and resource management. His achievements are also reflected in his service as Deputy Director of the Tourism Management Department, a role that recognizes his leadership in combining ecological conservation with applied management fields. These distinctions honor not only his research contributions but also his ability to build bridges between academia, policy, and practical forestry solutions. His accolades represent a career marked by academic distinction, scientific innovation, and professional service at multiple levels.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhi Li’s research focuses on the ecological and environmental sustainability of forest ecosystems, with an emphasis on soil, plant nutrition, and erosion control. He is particularly interested in forestland nutrition management and the mechanisms that regulate soil fertility and forest productivity. His work explores the interactions between soil microbiology, plant growth, and ecological restoration in degraded or erosive forestlands. By studying soil microbiological variations and their influencing factors, he contributes valuable knowledge to improving soil health and resilience in forestry systems. Another key area of his research involves eco-engineering approaches, which integrate biological, ecological, and engineering principles to restore degraded landscapes and promote long-term ecological balance. His investigations extend to forest plant nutrition, resource conservation, and land reconstruction strategies. Collectively, his research supports sustainable forestry practices, informs policy decisions, and advances the development of environmentally responsible methods for managing forest resources in diverse ecosystems.

 

Publications

 

Title: Changes in the Quality of Idesia polycarpa Maxim Fruits from Different Ecotypes During the Growth Process
Year: 2025

Title: Investigation of Biomass and Carbon Storage of Tree Species in Zhengzhou, a Megacity in China
Year: 2025

Title: Identification and Chemical Control of Stem Canker Pathogen of Idesia polycarpa
Year: 2025

Title: Research on Urban Forest Park Management Based on Recreation Concept
Year: 2025

Title: Study on Phenotypic Variation in Wild Populations of Prunella vulgaris
Year: 2024

Title: Sex-Dependent Rhizosphere Microbial Dynamics and Function in Idesia polycarpa through Floral and Fruit Development
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Zhi Li is an accomplished forestry scientist, educator, and leader whose contributions to soil science, plant nutrition, and ecological restoration reflect a deep commitment to sustainable forestry, academic excellence, and the integration of research with practical applications for resource conservation and land management.

Sarah Leibowitz | Behavioral Neurobiology | Most Cited Article Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

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.

Profile

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.

 

Sirotkin Alexander V | Biology of Reproduction | Outstanding Scientist Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Sirotkin Alexander V | Biology of Reproduction | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. RNDr. Alexander Sirotkin, PhD, DrSc, born in 1954 in Slovakia, is a globally recognized authority in reproductive biology and endocrinology. He serves as a Professor and Project Leader at the Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia. With a profound academic background and decades of international collaborations, Prof. Sirotkin has made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of hormonal and cellular regulation in animal reproduction. His prolific career spans extensive research, teaching, and leadership roles across Russia, Germany, the UK, Spain, Greece, Sweden, China, and beyond. He has supervised numerous doctoral and postgraduate students and led various international research projects. A committed academician and scientist, Prof. Sirotkin’s work integrates advanced molecular techniques with practical applications in animal biotechnology, earning him multiple international honors. His innovations and publications continue to influence reproductive science globally, marking him as one of the leading experts in his domain.

Profile

🎓 Education

Prof. Sirotkin’s academic journey began at the State University of Leningrad, Russia (1970–1976), where he earned the RNDr. degree with a thesis on seasonal regulation in woodpeckers. He continued his postgraduate studies (1979–1983) at the Research Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, focusing on the role of nonapeptide hormones in avian reproduction, earning his PhD. Later, in 1997, he received the prestigious DrSc. degree from the Institute of Genetics, Research Institute of Animal Production, Nitra, Slovakia, with a dissertation on ovarian cell regulation. He has also received specialized training at numerous elite institutions across Europe, including in Germany, the UK, Sweden, Spain, Greece, and China. These academic pursuits built the foundation for his expansive expertise in neuroendocrinology, reproduction, and molecular biology, combining classic biological training with advanced biotechnological methodologies that inform his teaching and research across multiple countries and generations of students.

🧪 Experience

Prof. Sirotkin has over four decades of academic and research experience. He began as a Research Scientist at the All-Union Research Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics (1976–1988, USSR), followed by a Senior Research Scientist role at the International Laboratory for Biotechnology in Slovakia (1988–1992), and later at the Research Institute of Animal Production, Nitra (1992–2016). Since 2014, he has served as Professor at Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra. His teaching spans undergraduate to postgraduate levels in Russia, Slovakia, and multiple international universities, including Nottingham, Cordoba, Uppsala, Athens, and Taipei. His pedagogical expertise includes endocrinology, cytology, animal biotechnology, and reproductive biology. He has supervised 44 undergraduate and 28 PhD students and mentored researchers across Europe and Asia. His lab skills and techniques range from cell culture and microscopy to RNA interference and Western blotting, positioning him as a versatile, innovative, and impactful figure in life sciences.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Prof. Sirotkin has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his scientific excellence. These include early honors in Leningrad (1976, 1983) and the Serono Investigator Award (1993, USA). He was acknowledged by the Society of the Institute of Small Animals (Germany, 1994) and received the RBI Best Paper Award (USA, 1995). Further accolades include the Ferring Arzneimittel GmbH award (Germany, 1996), Journal of Reproduction and Development Outstanding Paper Award (Japan, 2004), and the Slovak Ministry of Education Award (2005). He has also received repeated Rector and Dean Awards from Slovak universities for his outstanding monographs and international publications (2009–2023). The IASTEM Best Paper Award (India, 2017) and the Slovak Award for Science and Technics (2020) underscore his global influence. These honors reflect his pioneering research in reproductive endocrinology and his dedication to academic leadership, scholarly publishing, and impactful international collaborations in biology and biotechnology.

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Sirotkin’s research focuses on reproductive biology, particularly the cellular and molecular regulation of ovarian function. His studies explore the roles of hormones, growth factors, transcription factors, and intracellular messengers in controlling folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, atresia, and reproductive pathologies including ovarian cancer. He investigates hormone synthesis, receptor interactions, and signaling pathways involving protein kinases and RNA interference. His laboratory utilizes advanced techniques such as in vitro culture, gene silencing, confocal microscopy, Western blotting, and biochip analysis to dissect regulatory mechanisms in both mammalian and avian reproductive systems. His research bridges basic science with applied biotechnology, enhancing fertility management and livestock production. He has led multiple international projects across China, the UK, Germany, Russia, and the US, fostering innovation in endocrine and genetic regulation. His integrative approach contributes to both academic understanding and practical improvements in animal health, making him a key contributor to the field of reproductive molecular biology.

✅ Conclusion

Prof. Alexander Sirotkin is a globally respected reproductive biologist whose extensive research, international collaborations, and academic leadership have significantly advanced our understanding of endocrine and molecular mechanisms in animal reproduction.

Publications

Crhistiane Andressa da Silva | Chronobiology and Memory | Neurocognitive Breakthrough Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Crhistiane Andressa da Silva | Chronobiology and Memory | Neurocognitive Breakthrough Award

 

Estúdio Amanhecer, Brazil

Profile

Education

She earned her Doctorate in Psychology from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil, in 2012, with a Sandwich Doctorate at the Universitat de Barcelona under the supervision of Antoni Díez-Noguera. Her doctoral research, titled SAGUIS (Callithrix jacchus) SOB CICLO CLARO-ESCURO DE 21 H: UM MODELO DE DESSINCRONIZAÇÃO FORÇADA EM PRIMATA DIURNO, was conducted under the guidance of John Fontenele Araujo, with Carolina Virgínia Macedo de Azevedo as a co-advisor. She received a scholarship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil.

She completed her Master’s in Pharmacology at UFRN in 2007, with a thesis titled EFEITOS DE VOCALIZAÇÕES DE CO-ESPECÍFICOS E DO ESCURO SOBRE O RITMO CIRCADIANO DA ATIVIDADE MOTORA EM SAGÜIS (Callithrix jacchus), under the supervision of Carolina Virgínia Macêdo de Azevedo. Her research was supported by a CAPES scholarship.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UFRN in 2003, with a thesis titled Perfil Diário do Comportamento de Autocatação Durante Um Ciclo Ovariano em Díades de Saguis (Callithrix jacchus), under the supervision of Carolina Virgínia Macêdo de Azevedo. She received a scholarship from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil.

Work experience

She worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) from 2014 to 2017 under a full-time and exclusive contract. She then continued her postdoctoral research at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) from 2017 to 2018 under the same work scheme.

In 2018, she served as a part-time Professor at Faculdade Escritor Osman da Costa Lins (FACOL), where she taught the course Práticas Integrativas Complementares em Saúde for the Physiotherapy program.

Since 2021, she has been the owner and full-time instructor at Estúdio Amanhecer, where she teaches yoga.

Areas of Expertise

She specializes in Public Health within the broader field of Health Sciences, as well as Physiology and General Biology within Biological Sciences. Her expertise also extends to Zoology, with a focus on Animal Behavior.

Scientific, Technological & Academic Production

She has contributed to bibliographic research and publications in her fields of study.

Citations

Her research has been cited in various academic databases:

  • Web of Science: 44 citations across 3 articles (as of June 2, 2024), with an H-index of 3.
  • Google Scholar: 26 citations across 9 articles (as of January 17, 2017).

The citation search included variations of her name: Silva, C.A.; da Silva, C.A.; CA da Silva; CA Silva; C da Silva, Crhistiane Andressa da Silva; Christiane Andressa da Silva; da Silva, Christiane Andressa; da Silva, Crhistiane Andressa

Awards & Recognitions

  • 2023 & 2024: TOP MASTER GOLD award by popular vote, recognized as a distinguished professional in her field in Rio Grande do Norte for her contributions to local development.
  • 2022: Named Best Yoga Teacher of 2022 in Natal and awarded Best of the Year in Natal.
  • 2017: Secured second place in the Banner category on the theme Chronobiology at the IX Symposium of Psychobiology.

Publication