Orquidia G Mendez-Flores | Cognition | Best Faculty Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Orquidia G Mendez-Flores | Cognition | Best Faculty Award

Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco | Mexico

Dr. Orquidia G. Méndez Flores is a genetics and molecular biology researcher and professor whose academic foundation includes a biology degree followed by advanced training in molecular neuroscience, emphasizing glial transport systems and glutamate regulation. Her professional experience spans teaching and research roles in universities and scientific institutions, contributing to postgraduate programs, thesis supervision, and academic coordination. She has developed expertise in neurochemistry, molecular nutrition, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration, while her early work explored the protective and nutritional potential of medicinal plants. Her research focuses on mechanisms linking neurotransmission, metabolic imbalance, brain energetics, and neurodevelopment, applying cellular, animal, and human models to understand how metabolic diseases contribute to neurological deterioration. She is skilled in molecular biology techniques, cell culture, biochemical assays, bioinformatics tools, scientific communication, and mentoring emerging scientists. With numerous scientific publications, active participation in national and international congresses, and membership in research systems, she contributes to advancing neuroscience and biomedical knowledge in Mexico. Her honors include recognition as a national researcher and participation in specialized international training programs that strengthen her academic leadership. Overall, Dr. Méndez Flores represents a dedicated scholar committed to integrating molecular research with health sciences education, fostering innovation in understanding and preventing neurodegenerative and metabolic conditions.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Méndez-Flores, O. G., Costa, A. C. R., de Aguiar, A. F. L., Paes-Colli, Y., Batista, C. M., Ribeiro-Resende, V. T., Ortega, A., & de Melo Reis, R. A. (2025). Extracellular matrix proteins differentiate postnatal mouse retina neurospheres into neurons or glia profiles. Neurochemical Research.

Cigarroa-Durán, J., López-Ramírez, G., Martínez-López, M. C., Castro-Quezada, I., Ortega Soto, A., & Méndez-Flores, O. G. (2025). In young adult males, bitterness perception is associated with excess body mass and metabolic dysregulation. Endocrinología, Diabetes y Nutrición.

Méndez-Flores, O. G., Hernández-Kelly, L. C., Olivares-Bañuelos, T. N., López-Ramírez, G., & Ortega, A. (2024). Brain energetics and glucose transport in metabolic diseases: role in neurodegeneration. Nutritional Neuroscience.

Laura Piccardi | Cognitive Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

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.

Hong Wang | Memristors | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Dr. Hong Wang | Memristors | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hong Wang is an accomplished Associate Professor at Hebei University, China, specializing in the field of neuromorphic electronics and low-dimensional ferroelectric materials. With a strong academic foundation in Physics, Integrated Circuits, and Optical Engineering, she has rapidly advanced in her field since earning her doctorate in 2021. Her research has led to 15 SCI-indexed publications as a first author, 8 patents, and over 1300 citations, underscoring her scientific impact. Dr. Wang actively collaborates with leading researchers from institutions such as the National University of Singapore, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Jilin University, achieving multiple experimental firsts in ferroelectricity and memristor behavior. Her innovative work bridges material science and cognitive computing, making significant contributions to optoelectronic sensing and neuromorphic systems. She is a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the Chinese Optical Society. Dr. Wang’s dedication and research excellence make her a standout in cognitive science innovations.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Hong Wang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Beihua University in 2016, which laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to electronic materials. She then earned her Master’s degree in Integrated Circuits from Hebei University in 2018, further refining her expertise in semiconductor and electronic system design. Driven by a passion for optical and neuromorphic technologies, she pursued a PhD in Optical Engineering at Hebei University, completing it in 2021. Her doctoral research focused on the application of low-dimensional ferroelectric materials, contributing valuable insight into the behavior of memristive systems and their implications for artificial neural networks. This strong educational background has enabled her to explore innovative technologies in cognitive sensing and computing, bridging physics, materials science, and neural engineering. Her academic training not only exemplifies depth and rigor but also reflects a unique ability to translate theoretical research into applied cognitive systems.

🧪 Experience

Since 2021, Dr. Hong Wang has served as an Associate Professor at the School of Electronic Information and Engineering, Hebei University. In this role, she has taken on responsibilities spanning research leadership, mentoring graduate students, and leading interdisciplinary projects at the frontier of neuromorphic computing. She has directed five major research projects and collaborated internationally with scholars from Singapore, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Jilin University. Her work has provided novel insights into ferroelectricity in materials like SnSe and ReSe₂, and its application in memristive devices. In addition to her academic duties, Dr. Wang has contributed to two industry consultancy projects, aligning academic innovation with technological advancement. Her ability to bridge material innovation with neural system architecture distinguishes her as a versatile and future-oriented cognitive scientist. Her professional experience is marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to enhancing cognitive systems through novel material applications.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Hong Wang’s impressive research metrics and collaborations signify her recognition within the global scientific community. With 15 SCI-indexed publications as first author and over 1365 citations, her work has garnered significant academic attention. Her successful collaborations with leading institutions like the National University of Singapore and the Chinese Academy of Sciences validate her contributions through groundbreaking experimental confirmations in ferroelectric behavior. Additionally, she holds 8 patents, reflecting the originality and applied potential of her research in neuromorphic computing. Her memberships in the Chinese Optical Society, the Chinese Institute of Electronics, and the Chinese Society for Optical Engineering indicate peer recognition and professional trust. These accomplishments, coupled with her high-impact research output, suggest that Dr. Wang is a strong contender for prestigious awards in cognitive science and materials research, and she is an exemplary nominee for the Best Researcher Award in Cognitive Science.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Hong Wang’s research centers on the design and application of neuromorphic memristors using low-dimensional ferroelectric materials. She explores how novel quantum dots and two-dimensional semiconductors, such as SnSe and ReSe₂, can mimic synaptic behavior for brain-like computing. A notable achievement includes her demonstration of robust dual-mode optical sensing using ferroelectric quantum dots, enabling both short-range and remote synapse-like responses, leading to high-accuracy image recognition systems. Her experimental work debunks traditional notions in electronics, such as the inertness of Pd electrodes, and provides novel insights into conductive filament formation. Her research has practical implications in artificial vision systems, optoelectronic sensing, and cognitive learning circuits. She is pioneering the application of ferroelectric polarization for neuromorphic behavior, with implications for smart sensing and adaptive cognitive devices. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and material innovations, Dr. Wang is shaping the future of neuromorphic computing, advancing cognitive technologies toward higher efficiency and closer brain mimicry.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Hong Wang is an emerging leader in neuromorphic computing, merging ferroelectric material innovation with cognitive system design, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications