Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

apl. Prof. Dr. med. habil. Gerd Fabian Volk (👶1978, Wertheim am Main) is a leading German otolaryngologist 👨‍⚕️, currently serving as Senior Physician and Head of the Facial Nerve Center in Jena 🏥. With a deep commitment to clinical excellence, academic teaching 📚, and innovative research 🧪, he has significantly contributed to the fields of neurolaryngology, facial nerve disorders, and ultrasound diagnostics 🧠🗣️. His work bridges cutting-edge imaging 🖼️ and functional diagnostics for head-neck disorders. Living in Jena with his family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧, he actively supports patient education through YouTube 📹, coordinates national workshops, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration 🤝. Volk is a respected speaker 🎤, faculty member at international dissection courses ✂️🧠, and an initiator of hybrid symposia. He balances leadership with education, translating research into real-world clinical impact 🌍💡.

Profile

Education 🎓

Studied human medicine at Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster (1999–2006) 🎓🩺, earning his state exam. In 2007, he completed his doctorate (Dr. med.) with a thesis on axonal regeneration in retinal ganglion cells in primates and rats 🧬🐒🐀. He achieved board certification in ENT (2012) 👂👃🧠 and earned his postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) in 2017 with pioneering research on quantitative imaging of facial muscles 🖼️💪. His venia legendi was granted by Friedrich Schiller University Jena in otorhinolaryngology 📜👨‍🏫. Further qualifications include DEGUM Level II (2018) for ultrasound, clinical trial leadership certification (2009), animal research leadership certification (2002), and interdisciplinary leadership training at UKJ 🏅📊. His broad educational background underpins his medical, scientific, and didactic work, combining clinical care, diagnostics, and teaching for the next generation of ENT specialists 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👨‍🏫.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2013, Dr. Volk leads the Facial Nerve Center in Jena and co-founded the Tinnitus Center 👨‍⚕️🔊. He is currently Senior Physician at the ENT Department, University Hospital Jena and member of the steering committee for the Center for Rare Diseases Jena (since 2024) 🧩🧬. He previously held rotational research fellowships in radiology and neurology (2008–2013) and has organized national ENT courses since 2009 🧠🎓. With consistent academic teaching since 2012, he has led cadaver dissection courses, neurolaryngology workshops, and ultrasound diagnostics trainings 🧑‍🏫💻. He is an active contributor to ethics commissions and rare disease networks 👥⚖️. His work merges clinical ENT practice, surgical skill, and educational outreach through digital platforms (e.g., YouTube, www.lemg.org) 🌐📹. A devoted mentor, he organizes monthly PhD symposia and integrates hybrid teaching formats, balancing high-level medical care with forward-thinking academic initiatives 📚🏥🎯.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recipient of multiple national prizes, including the 1st Poster Prize by the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (2019) 🥇📊 for Parkinson-related facial muscle imaging, and the DEGUM Head-Neck Section Award for his habilitation research (2018) 🧠🏅. Awarded competitive IZKF research fellowships in neurology and radiology (2008–2013) 🧬🔬. Recognized leader in rare disease diagnostics and member of Germany’s CRANIO-Net for rare craniofacial disorders (since 2022) 🧩👶. Since 2020, he contributes to the Ethics Commission of the University Hospital Jena ⚖️. He is speaker for ENT indications in the Botulinumtoxin Working Group of the German Society of Neurology (since 2022) 💉🧠. Nominated for professorial posts in Bielefeld, Halle, and Charité Berlin between 2019–2023 🏛️📚. Volk’s sustained excellence across clinical care, diagnostics, research, and education has earned him national recognition and leadership roles in academic ENT medicine 🧠🏥✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Volk’s research centers on facial nerve diagnostics and therapy 🧠🧑‍⚕️, neurolaryngology, and ultrasound imaging of head-neck structures 🖼️. He specializes in quantitative imaging of facial muscles for conditions like facial paralysis and Parkinson’s disease 🤖🧠. His work combines clinical neurophysiology, MRI analysis, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) 📈💬. He also pioneers educational innovations in hybrid learning, simulation-based teaching, and cadaver dissection techniques for ENT and neurology professionals 🧑‍🏫🧪. Through platforms like www.lemg.org and dedicated YouTube channels 📹, he disseminates knowledge on advanced diagnostics such as salivary duct endoscopy, voice disorders, and botulinum toxin use 💉. A strong advocate for interdisciplinary networks and rare disease research, he leads initiatives in patient-centered care, including organizing the “Fazialis-Nerv-Tag” and supporting patient education 🤝❤️. His translational research aims to enhance diagnostic precision and develop novel rehabilitation strategies for complex craniofacial disorders 🧬🔧.

Publications 

  • Electromyography as an Objective Outcome Measure for the Therapeutic Effect of Biofeedback Training to Reduce Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis

    Healthcare
    2025-03-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13050550
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Evaluation of the Effects of an Electromyography-Based Bio-Feedback Training of Patients with Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis Using Electromyography Amplitudes as Objective Outcome Measure

    2024-12-16 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.20944/preprints202412.1326.v1
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Deceleration of denervated facial muscle atrophy through functional electrical stimulation: a sonographic quantification in patients with facial nerve paralysis

    European Journal of Translational Myology
    2024-11-13 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2024.13162
    CONTRIBUTORS: Gabriel Meincke; Johannes Krauß; Maren Geitner; Anna-Maria Kuttenreich; Dirk Arnold; Jonas Ballmaier; Thomas Lehmann; Winfried Mayr; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

Mehmet Okur | Working Memory Intervention | Memory Mastery Award

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Dr. Mehmet Okur | Working Memory Intervention | Memory Mastery Award

Dr. Mehmet Okur is a researcher and educator specializing in special education, learning disabilities, and cognitive interventions. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Special Education and a Ph.D. in Special Education. As the founder of the Mega-Cognition Center, he develops innovative tools to support cognitive development, attention, and learning difficulties. His research includes early screening tools for learning disabilities, ADHD interventions, and processing speed assessments. Dr. Okur has contributed significantly to special education, collaborating with experts worldwide to advance cognitive and educational research. His work bridges theory and practice, enhancing learning outcomes for individuals with diverse needs.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Mehmet Okur holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Special Education, providing a strong foundation in both analytical and educational sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Special Education, focusing on cognitive development, learning disabilities, and ADHD. His doctoral research contributed to the development of innovative assessment tools for early detection of learning disabilities. His academic journey includes interdisciplinary studies, integrating cognitive neuroscience with educational psychology. He continuously enhances his expertise through professional training and collaborative research, ensuring his contributions to special education remain cutting-edge and impactful.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Mehmet Okur has extensive experience in special education, cognitive research, and intervention program development. As the founder of the Mega-Cognition Center, he designs educational tools for children with learning disabilities and ADHD. His work includes developing the ÖGEBTÖ screening tool, processing speed interventions, and attention assessment tests. He collaborates with institutions and researchers to enhance cognitive and learning strategies. Additionally, he has consulted on educational projects, conducted training workshops, and contributed to national and international research initiatives, making a significant impact on special education and cognitive science.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Mehmet Okur’s research revolves around learning disabilities, ADHD, cognitive interventions, and early screening tools. He has developed innovative assessment methods like ÖGEBTÖ for early detection of learning disabilities and interventions to improve processing speed. His work also focuses on executive function training, attention development, and working memory enhancement. He collaborates with cognitive scientists and educators to refine assessment tools and intervention strategies. His research bridges neuroscience and education, aiming to create effective solutions for children with learning challenges, ultimately enhancing their cognitive and academic performance.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Mehmet Okur has received recognition for his contributions to special education and cognitive research. His development of the ÖGEBTÖ screening tool earned industry and academic acclaim. He has been honored for his work in cognitive interventions, receiving nominations for prestigious awards like the Memory Mastery Award. His contributions to learning disability research, ADHD interventions, and cognitive assessment tools have been acknowledged by professional societies. His dedication to advancing educational methodologies and his commitment to improving cognitive development continue to earn him accolades in the field.

Publications 📚

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Asst. Prof. Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez is a neuroscientist at İstanbul Nişantaşı University, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases, neuroprotection, and the gut-brain axis. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Istanbul University in 2013 and has been a faculty member since 2014. Her research spans Alzheimer’s, autism, and Parkinson’s disease, focusing on stem cell therapies and functional foods for cognitive enhancement. She has led TÜSEB-approved projects and holds patents on bioactive functional foods. Aynur teaches Neurology, Cognitive Neurophysiology, and Industrial Biotechnology. She actively contributes to cutting-edge innovations, particularly in prebiotic-microbiota interactions.

Profile

Education 🎓

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Istanbul University in 2013. Her academic journey emphasized neurobiology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Her doctoral research focused on neuroprotective compounds in Alzheimer’s disease. Before her Ph.D., she pursued studies in molecular biology and biotechnology, refining her expertise in cellular neuroscience. Throughout her education, she collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, integrating neurophysiology with pharmacological advancements. Her postdoctoral research extended into translational neuroscience, bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications. Aynur’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for her extensive research on cognitive function, stem cell therapy, and the gut-brain axis.

Experience 👨‍🏫

With over a decade of experience, Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez has been an Assistant Professor at İstanbul Nişantaşı University since 2014. She has led multiple national and international neuroscience projects, including TÜSEB-approved research on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Aynur has played a pivotal role in developing functional foods aimed at cognitive enhancement and has secured patents for novel bioactive compounds. She actively collaborates with industry and academia, integrating neuroscience with biotechnology. Her teaching portfolio includes Neurology, Cognitive Neurophysiology, and Industrial Biotechnology. She has also mentored numerous graduate students in neuropharmacology and neurodegenerative research.

Research Interests 🔬

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, neuroprotection, and the gut-brain axis. She explores innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism, with a strong emphasis on stem cell applications. Her work investigates the neuroprotective potential of bioactive compounds and functional foods, aiming to enhance cognitive function. She has pioneered research on the microbiota-brain relationship, particularly the role of prebiotics in neurodegeneration. Aynur’s projects also include SNP-based qPCR diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s risk assessment. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she integrates neuroscience with biotechnology, advancing the understanding of cognitive disorders and potential therapeutic interventions.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez has received multiple awards for her contributions to neuroscience, including national research grants and innovation awards for her work on functional foods for neuroprotection. She was honored by TÜSEB for her groundbreaking research in stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Her patented functional chocolate enriched with bioactive compounds received recognition for its cognitive benefits. Aynur has also been awarded project grants from TÜBİTAK for her research on neurodegeneration. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at international neuroscience conferences and has been recognized for her contributions to cognitive science.

Publications 📚

  • Attila Altunel, Aynur Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez, Alparslan Onder, Ozlem Altunel, Ali
    Sever, Ihsan Kara, Efficacy of ACTH therapy in children with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
    and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A retrospective analysis, Epilepsy & Behavior,Vol
    165,2025,110308, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.11030
  • Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez A, Cati C, Onder A, Aydin S, Kara I. Investigation of the acute
    impact of rosemary consumption on brain activity in healthy volunteers. Nutr
    Neurosci. 2024 Jul 6:1-12. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2024.2370729. Epub ahead of print.
    PMID: 38970803.
  • Biliz Y, Hasdemir B, Başpınar Küçük H, Zaim M, Şentürk AM, Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez
    A, Kara İ. Novel N-Acyl Hydrazone Compounds as Promising Anticancer Agents:
    Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies. ACS Omega. 2023 May 20;8(22):20073-
    20084. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02361. PMID: 37305237; PMCID: PMC10249086.
  • Aydin S, Erözden AA, Tavşanlı N, Müdüroğlu A, Çalışkan M, Kara İ. Anthocyanin
    Addition to Kefir: Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community Structure. Curr
    Microbiol. 2022 Sep 20;79(11):327. doi: 10.1007/s00284-022-03017-x. PMID:
    36125585
  • Altunel Atilla, Müdüroğlu Kirmizibekmez Aynur, Altunel Emine Özlem (2022).
    Hypsarrhythmia Paroxysm Intensities that Initiate and Render Physical & Mental
    Retardation Irreversible in West Syndrome. International Journal of Neuroscience,
    DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2078208 (Publication No: 7685958)

Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

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Dr. Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

Gerardo Abel Fernández 🇦🇷, born on October 29, 1976, in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, is a researcher specializing in neuroscience and cognitive science 🧠. He is a professor and adjunct researcher at CONICET, focusing on eye movement-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases 👀. His work integrates philosophy, cognitive psychology, and technology to advance Alzheimer’s diagnosis 🏥.

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Gerardo Abel Fernández obtained a degree in Philosophy (2003) from Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentina, with a specialization in Logic and Epistemology. He later pursued a PhD in Philosophy (2011) at UNS, with his thesis titled “Dynamic word processing during reading: Mental strategies driving visual exploration”, earning a perfect 10/10 with special mention. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research as a fellow at AGENCIA (ANPCYT) and the DAAD Max Planck Institute in Berlin. His educational background bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, forming a solid foundation for his pioneering research in eye movement analysis and Alzheimer’s biomarkers. His expertise in cognitive science and technological innovation has led to the development of diagnostic tools for early neurodegenerative disease detection. 📚🔍🧠

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Dr. Gerardo Abel Fernández has extensive experience in neuroscience research and technological innovation. He served as a Professor of Audiovisual Language at UNS (2011–2013) and is currently an Adjunct Researcher at CONICET, focusing on non-endemic degenerative pathologies. He has worked as a Visiting Scholar at Heriot-Watt University and Strathclyde University (UK), contributing to the development of eye-tracking biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Fernández is also a scientific reviewer for prestigious journals like PlosOne, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, and Neuropsychologia. As CTO of Viewmind, he leads biocognitive and functional performance measurement innovations. He has patented cognitive evaluation methods and received grants from institutions like ANPCYT and DAAD. His interdisciplinary expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, machine learning applications in diagnostics, and technological development for neurodegenerative disease assessment. 🏅🔬👁️

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Dr. Gerardo Abel Fernández specializes in cognitive neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease biomarkers, and eye-tracking technology. His research focuses on early Alzheimer’s detection through oculomotor behavior analysis. He has developed innovative methods to study visual exploration, reading difficulties, and memory impairments in neurodegenerative conditions. His work integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence for cognitive assessment tools. As a Visiting Scholar in the UK, he contributed to developing biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. His patented eye-tracking system has clinical applications in detecting mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, exploring predictive eye movement models and their correlation with cognitive decline. His cutting-edge research bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and technology, offering non-invasive diagnostic solutions for early-stage neurodegeneration. His ultimate goal is to revolutionize cognitive healthcare through technological innovation. 🧠👁️📊

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 Dr. Gerardo Abel Fernández has received numerous awards for his contributions to neuroscience, cognitive evaluation, and Alzheimer’s diagnostics. His eye-tracking research for Alzheimer’s detection earned the Dr. José Borda Clinical Psychiatry Prize at the 22nd International Congress of Psychiatry. He won the Novartis Innovation Award for his work on measuring cognitive performance in health and disease. As CTO of Viewmind, his team received international recognition, including the Fit4Start Luxembourg Award for health applications and the Medica Innovation Prize in Düsseldorf. His research and patented cognitive evaluation equipment have been acknowledged by ANMAT (Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Technology) and INPI (Argentina’s National Patent Office). Dr. Fernández’s groundbreaking innovations in neurocognitive assessments have positioned him as a leading figure in technological advancements for early Alzheimer’s detection. 🏅🧠🔬

Publications 📚

  • Oculomotor behaviors and integrative memory functions in the alzheimer’s clinical syndrome

    Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
    2021 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201189

  • A non-invasive tool for attention-deficit disorder analysis based on gaze tracks.

    ACM International Conference Proceeding Series
    2019 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3309772.3309777

  • Microsaccadic behavior when developing a complex dynamical activity

    Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
    2018 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3233/JIN-170057

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85053731401