Prof. Xinhong Zhu | Psychiatric Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Director at Pazhou Lab, China

Prof. Xinhong Zhu is an accomplished neuroscientist and expert in integrative medicine, with a career dedicated to advancing brain health and mental health research. He earned his M.D. from Henan Traditional Chinese Medical College (1991), followed by an M.S. in Chinese Integrative Medicine (2002) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (2005) from The First Military Medical University, China. Currently, he serves as a Professor at the School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, and as Distinguished Professor and Director of the Research Center for Brain Health, Pazhou Lab. With over 30 years of professional experience, Prof. Zhu has held leadership roles at Southern Medical University and contributed to groundbreaking studies on antidepressant mechanisms, neuroprotection, and psychological resilience. His achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Outstanding Youth Fund and multiple Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Progress Awards. A prolific researcher and educator, Prof. Zhu is a member of leading neuroscience societies and continues to make significant contributions to the field through his impactful publications and innovative research.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓:

Prof. Xinhong Zhu’s academic journey is marked by exceptional accomplishments in medicine and neuroscience. He earned his M.D. from Henan Traditional Chinese Medical College, China, in 1991, laying a strong foundation in traditional Chinese medicine. He advanced his expertise with an M.S. in Chinese Integrative Medicine from The First Military Medical University in 2002, where he also completed his Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2005. His global perspective was further enriched during his tenure as a visiting scientist at the IMMAG, Medical College of Georgia, USA, from January 2009 to August 2010, where he expanded his research capabilities in advanced neuroscience. This diverse and comprehensive education has equipped him to make pioneering contributions in medicine and neurobiology.

Work Experience 💼:

Prof. Xinhong Zhu has a distinguished career spanning clinical practice and academic leadership in neuroscience and integrative medicine. He is currently a Professor at South China University of Technology and Director of the Research Center for Brain Health at Pazhou Lab. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Institute of Mental Health and Professor of Neurobiology at Southern Medical University. With roles ranging from clinician to educator and researcher, Prof. Zhu has significantly advanced neuroscience and brain health research.

Skills 🔍

Prof. Xinhong Zhu possesses exceptional skills in neuroscience research, particularly in studying neurobiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for mental health disorders. His expertise includes integrative medicine, with a strong foundation in traditional Chinese medical practices combined with modern biomedical approaches. He excels in advanced neurophysiology techniques, molecular biology, and pharmacological investigations. Additionally, Prof. Zhu has proven leadership and project management skills, directing multidisciplinary research centers and collaborative teams. His capabilities extend to teaching, mentoring, and publishing impactful scientific work, showcasing his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical applications.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Prof. Xinhong Zhu has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career, reflecting his significant contributions to neuroscience and integrative medicine. He was a recipient of the National Outstanding Youth Fund (2013) and was recognized among the Leading Talents in the Ten Thousand Talents Plan (2017). Prof. Zhu was honored as one of the Young and Middle-Aged Experts with Outstanding Contributions to National Health (2019). His groundbreaking research earned him the Second Prize in National Natural Science (2019) for work on new mechanisms and targets for antidepressants. He also secured the First Prize of Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award twice, for his research on neuroprotective targets for ischemic stroke (2010) and novel antidepressant targets and methods (2016). These accolades underscore his influential role in advancing brain health and therapeutic innovations.

Research Interests:

Prof. Xinhong Zhu’s research interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience, integrative medicine, and brain health. He focuses on uncovering new mechanisms and therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and autism. His work also explores neuroprotective strategies for ischemic stroke and innovative methods for antidepressant development. Prof. Zhu’s interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional Chinese medicine and modern neuroscience, aiming to enhance psychological resilience and neurobiological understanding through cutting-edge research.

📚 Publications

Title: Discovery of Glycosidated Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives: Natural Product-Based Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors
- Authors: Q. Liu, Y.-X. Wang, Z.-H. Ge, X.-H. Zhu, J.-H. Liang
- Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
- Year: 2024
- Volume/Issue: 280, 116937
- Citations: 0
Title: Discovery of Orally Active Phenylquinoline-Based Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors with Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity
- Authors: J. Ding, M.-Z. Zhu, S.-M. Liu, X.-H. Zhu, J.-H. Liang
- Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
- Year: 2024
- Volume/Issue: 67(20), 18412–18447
- Citations: 0
Title: Discovery of a Novel Lead Characterized by a Stilbene-Extended Scaffold Against Sepsis as Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors
- Authors: Z.-Q. Feng, J. Ding, M.-Z. Zhu, X.-H. Zhu, J.-H. Liang
- Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
- Year: 2024
- Volume/Issue: 266, 116113
- Citations: 3
Title: Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Ameliorates Autistic-Like Phenotypes in Mice
- Authors: Y.-D. Pan, Y. Zhang, W.-Y. Zheng, Q.-Q. Wen, X.-H. Zhu
- Journal: Journal of Neuroscience
- Year: 2024
- Volume/Issue: 44(7), e1665232023
- Citations: 0
Title: Enhancing HIF-1α–P2X2 Signaling in Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Neurons Promotes Psychological Resilience
- Authors: Y. Zhang, Y.-D. Pan, W.-Y. Zheng, N. Mechawar, X.-H. Zhu
- Journal: Redox Biology
- Year: 2024
- Volume/Issue: 69, 103005
- Citations: 1
Title: Hepatic Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Activity Regulates Cerebral Aβ Metabolism and the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease in Mice
- Authors: Y. Wu, J.-H. Dong, Y.-F. Dai, Y.-Q. Li, X.-H. Zhu
- Journal: Neuron
- Year: 2023
- Volume/Issue: 111(18), 2847–2862.e10
- Citations: 21
Title: Deletion of Transferrin Receptor 1 in Parvalbumin Interneurons Induces a Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia-Like Phenotype
- Authors: W. Xiong, L. Jin, Y. Zhao, Y. Pan, X. Zhu
- Journal: Journal of Neuroscience
- Year: 2023
- Volume/Issue: 43(27), 5092–5113
- Citations: 0
Title: A Thalamic-Primary Auditory Cortex Circuit Mediates Resilience to Stress
- Authors: H.-Y. Li, M.-Z. Zhu, X.-R. Yuan, Y.-Q. Li, X.-H. Zhu
- Journal: Cell
- Year: 2023
- Volume/Issue: 186(7), 1352–1368.e18
- Citations: 19

Conclusion

Prof. Xinhong Zhu’s extensive academic qualifications, leadership in neuroscience, impactful research, and global recognition make him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work exemplifies excellence, innovation, and real-world impact, aligning perfectly with the award’s objectives.

Dr Davide Arillotta | Mental health | Best Researcher Award

Resident doctor at University of Florence; University of Hertfordshire,Italy

Davide Arillotta, MD, is a dynamic psychiatrist from Torino, Italy, with a strong passion for life sciences and mental health. Throughout his career, Dr. Arillotta has focused on substance use disorders, clinical toxicology, and the intersection of mental health and addiction. His work spans across clinical settings, research, and harm reduction initiatives, making significant contributions to both local and international communities.

professional profile

scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Arillotta holds a Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery (2014) from the University of Turin, Italy, where he also completed his psychiatric residency (2015-2019) at the University of Catania. He is currently enrolled in a Master’s programme in Cognitive Psychotherapy at Centro Clinico Crocetta, Turin. His academic journey includes several international experiences, including studies in Coimbra, Portugal, and research placements in the UK.

💼 Work Experience

Dr. Arillotta has served as a Clinical Toxicology Resident at the University of Florence since November 2021. He has extensive experience as a psychiatrist with various institutions, including NHS Trusts in Italy. He also worked as a freelance psychiatrist and collaborated on harm reduction projects in leisure environments. His clinical work spans general psychiatry, dual diagnosis, and substance use disorders.

🧠 Skills

Dr. Arillotta possesses expertise in clinical toxicology, psychiatric care, and cognitive psychotherapy. He is skilled in the application of harm reduction strategies, tapering/switching protocols for chronic pain, and has significant experience in research and clinical trials related to novel psychoactive substances.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Arillotta has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, winning the poster competition at the “New Challenges in Psychiatry” conference in Rome (2019) and securing a scholarship for a development cooperation project in Burkina Faso (2015).

👥 Memberships and Affiliations

He is affiliated with the Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. Additionally, he was a delegate at the European Forum of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) in 2018.

📚 Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. Arillotta has contributed to the training of medical students and psychiatric trainees through workshops and scientific courses. His teaching is enhanced by his diverse clinical and research experiences, particularly in the fields of neuroethics and toxicology.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Arillotta’s research is centered on the psychopathological dimensions of substance abuse, biomarkers associated with cravings, and the adverse health effects of novel psychoactive substances like MDPHP. He is also exploring the potential impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on mental health and addiction.

publication

“Exploring the Potential Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Substance Use, Compulsive Behavior, and Libido: Insights from Social Media Using a Mixed-Methods Approach”
- 🗓 Year: 2024
- 📜 Journal: Brain Sciences
- 🔬 Topic: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and their impact on substance use, compulsive behavior, and libido.
- 🌐 Method: Mixed-Methods and Social Media Analysis
“Exploring the Association Between Suicidal Thoughts, Self-Injury, and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Weight Loss Treatments: Insights from Pharmacovigilance Measures and Unmasking Analysis”
- 🗓 Year: 2024
- 📜 Journal: European Neuropsychopharmacology
- 🔬 Topic: Suicidal thoughts, self-injury, and GLP-1 receptor agonists in weight loss treatments.
- 🚨 Focus: Pharmacovigilance and risk analysis
“Clinical Manifestations and Analytical Reports for MDPHP Acute Intoxication Cases”
- 🗓 Year: 2024
- 📜 Journal: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
- 🔬 Topic: MDPHP acute intoxication and clinical manifestations.
- 💉 Focus: Toxicology and substance abuse
“Semaglutide as a Possible Calmodulin Binder: Ligand-Based Computational Analyses and Relevance to Its Associated Reward and Appetitive Behaviour Actions”
- 🗓 Year: 2024
- 📜 Journal: Scientia Pharmaceutica
- 🔬 Topic: Semaglutide, calmodulin binding, and its effects on reward and behavior.
- 🧠 Focus: Computational analysis and psychopharmacology
“GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Related Mental Health Issues; Insights from a Range of Social Media Platforms Using a Mixed-Methods Approach”
- 🗓 Year: 2023
- 📜 Journal: Brain Sciences
- 🔬 Topic: Mental health effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- 🌐 Method: Social media and mixed-methods analysis
“Psilocybin for Depression: From Credibility to Feasibility, What’s Missing?”
- 🗓 Year: 2023
- 📜 Journal: Pharmaceuticals
- 🔬 Topic: Psilocybin as a treatment for depression.
- 🍄 Focus: Psychedelics and mental health
“Covid-19 Pandemic Impact on Substance Misuse: A Social Media Listening, Mixed Method Analysis”
- 🗓 Year: 2021
- 📜 Journal: Brain Sciences
- 🔬 Topic: Impact of Covid-19 on substance misuse.
- 🦠 Focus: Social media analysis and substance use during the pandemic

Xinhong Zhu | Psychiatric Disorders | Best Researcher Award