Silvia Lima Costa | NeuroImmunology | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr. Silvia Lima Costa | NeuroImmunology | Outstanding Scientist Award🏆

Full Professor at Federal University of Bahia,Brazil🎓

Silvia Lima Costa is a Full Professor of Biochemistry and Principal Investigator at the Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cellular Biology, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil. With decades of experience, she specializes in neuroimmunology, neuropharmacology, and cellular biology. A prolific academic and researcher, she is widely recognized for her contributions to neuroscience and biochemistry both in Brazil and internationally.

 

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓:

Silvia holds a VMD in Genetic Toxicology (Honorable) from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil (1990), and an MPhil in Immunology from the same institution (1996). She earned her PhD in Neuroscience with honors from Université de Paris Créteil Val-de-Marne, France, in 2000. Her postdoctoral studies in neuroscience were completed at Université de Paris V, France (2007–2008). Over the years, she has served as an invited senior professor at globally renowned institutions, including Instituto Cajal in Spain (2011), the University of Portsmouth in the UK (2017), Macquarie University in Australia (2022), and the University of Limerick in Ireland (2024).

Work Experience đź’Ľ:

Silvia has been a Professor of Biochemistry at UFBA since 1993, where she has led numerous educational and research initiatives. She coordinated the Post-Graduation Program in Immunology at UFBA during two terms (2012–2015 and 2020–2023). Since 2006, she has been a Productivity Researcher at the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). She is also a passionate advocate for public understanding of science, spearheading programs such as “Neuroscience in the School” and organizing the Annual Summer School in Immunology.

Skills 🔍

Silvia is an expert in neuroimmunology, delving into the complex interactions between the immune and nervous systems. She has advanced knowledge in neuropharmacology, exploring drug interactions with the brain and their effects on neurological conditions. Her expertise in cellular biology includes innovative biochemical approaches to studying cellular mechanisms, particularly in neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, her leadership skills are evident in her mentorship of over 65 MPhil, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Silvia has been honored as an invited senior professor at leading institutions in France, Spain, the UK, Australia, and Ireland, recognizing her global contributions to neuroimmunology and neuropharmacology. She has also received commendations for her groundbreaking research and educational leadership in biochemistry, immunology, and neuroscience.

🤝 Memberships:

Silvia is a member of the Brazilian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBBq) and the Brazilian Society of Immunology (SBI). These memberships underscore her active engagement in advancing biochemistry and immunology through research and collaboration.

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫:

Silvia has been teaching biochemistry at UFBA since 1993, fostering the next generation of scientists through engaging and innovative pedagogy. She has coordinated key educational initiatives, including the “Basic Immunology” course (2020–2023) and the “Advanced School in Neurochemistry” (since 2019). She is also the organizer of the Annual Summer School in Immunology for postgraduate students, which has been running successfully since 2014.

Research Focus 🔬:

Silvia’s research primarily focuses on neuroimmunology, where she investigates the intricate connections between the nervous and immune systems. In neuropharmacology, she explores the biochemical effects of drugs on the brain and their implications for neurological disorders. Additionally, her work in cellular biology emphasizes understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and inflammatory conditions, with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion 

Silvia Lima Costa exemplifies the qualities of an Outstanding Scientist, with her trailblazing research, global academic influence, and dedication to mentorship and public outreach. Her expertise in neuroimmunology and neuropharmacology, combined with her leadership in fostering scientific communities, positions her as a leading contender for this award. Focusing on increasing the visibility of her work through broader collaborations and practical innovations will further solidify her status as a pioneer in her field.

 

đź“š Publilcation

  1. Neuroprotective Effect of Flavonoid Agathisflavone in the Ex Vivo Cerebellar Slice Neonatal Ischemia
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Molecules
    • DOI: 10.3390/molecules29174159
  2. JM-20 administration to animals with lesion of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, partially reverses motor damage and oxidative stress
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Preprint
    • DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.30.605870
  3. Differential Interactions of Flavonoids with the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor In Silico and Their Impact on Receptor Activity In Vitro
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Pharmaceuticals
    • DOI: 10.3390/ph17080980
  4. Methanolic Extract and Brominated Compound from the Brazilian Marine Sponge Aplysina fulva Are Neuroprotective and Modulate Inflammatory Profile of Microglia
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Marine Drugs
    • DOI: 10.3390/md22060235
  5. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Glial Cells as Molecular Target for Parkinson’s Disease
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Cells
    • DOI: 10.3390/cells13060474
  6. The Phytochemical Agathisflavone Modulates miR146a and miR155 in Activated Microglia Involving STAT3 Signaling
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    • DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052547
  7. Flavonoid Rutin Presented Anti-Glioblastoma Activity Related to the Modulation of Onco miRNA-125b Expression and STAT3 Signaling and Impact on Microglia Inflammatory Profile
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Brain Sciences
    • DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010090
  8. Effect of the Flavonoid Rutin on the Modulation of the Myenteric Plexuses in an Experimental Model of Parkinson’s Disease
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    • DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021037
  9. The Flavonoid Agathisflavone Directs Brain Microglia/Macrophages to a Neuroprotective Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant State via Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Pharmaceutics
    • DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051410
  10. Identification of a Novel Dual Inhibitor of Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase: In Vitro and In Silico Studies
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Pharmaceuticals
    • DOI: 10.3390/ph16010095

Ioannis Charalampopoulos | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Ioannis Charalampopoulos
| Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 🏆

Professor of Pharmacology at Medical School, University of Crete,Greece🎓

Dr. Ioannis Charalampopoulos is a distinguished Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Crete’s Medical School and a Group Leader at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation of Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH). With a focus on neuropharmacology and molecular biology, his research has contributed significantly to the study of neurodegenerative diseases, brain development, and regeneration. He has an extensive academic and research career spanning over two decades, with notable achievements in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injury.

 

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓:

  • 2021-present: Director of the Graduate Program in Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 2010-2023: Lecturer, Assistant and Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 2007-2010: Researcher, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 2005-2007: Post-doctoral Fellow, Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
  • 2001-2005: PhD in Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 1998-2000: Master of Science in Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 1990-1996: BSc, Department of Biology, University of Patras

Work Experience đź’Ľ:

  • 2023-present: Professor of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 2018-present: Researcher/Group Leader, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), FORTH
  • 2021-present: Director, Graduate Program in Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 2010-2023: Lecturer, Assistant and Associate Professor of Pharmacology, University of Crete
  • 2007-2010: Researcher, Medical School, University of Crete
  • 2005-2007: Post-doctoral Fellow, Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

Skills 🔍

Dr. Charalampopoulos is highly skilled in neuropharmacology, molecular biology techniques, and neurodegenerative disease research. His expertise includes:

  • Neurotrophin receptor structure-function analysis
  • Development of therapeutic ligands for brain regeneration
  • Neurogenesis and neuroprotection strategies
  • Animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injury
  • Human iPSC-derived neural platforms for disease modeling
  • Collaborative research in neuroscience and pharmacology

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Charalampopoulos has received multiple recognitions throughout his career, including prestigious grants for his innovative work in neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease treatment:

  • HORIZON-EIC-2022 European Commission Grant: Coordinating a project on soft-robot-assisted therapeutic delivery for neurological disorders (budget: 2.9 million euros).
  • National Flagship Project: Funding for the elucidation of the genetic basis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (budget: 610,000 euros).
  • Numerous research accolades, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals (h-index: 35, citations >3000).

🤝 Memberships:

Dr. Charalampopoulos is a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including:

  • International Society for Neuroscience
  • European Society of Neurochemistry
  • Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
  • Greek Society for Pharmacology

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫:

Dr. Charalampopoulos has been actively involved in educating future generations of neuroscientists, particularly through his role as the Director of the Graduate Program in Neurosciences at the University of Crete. His teaching experience includes:

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and molecular biology.
  • Mentoring and supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in pharmacology and neuroscience.
  • Developing innovative teaching methods, including the use of human stem cell models in neuroscience research.

Research Focus 🔬:

Dr. Charalampopoulos’ research interests revolve around the molecular mechanisms by which growth factors and their receptors regulate the regenerative capacity of the nervous system. Key areas include:

  • Neurotrophins: Their role in brain development, neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and repair during aging.
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases: Investigating novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury.
  • Ligand Development: Creating novel ligands targeting neurotrophin receptors to enhance regenerative and neuroprotective effects.
  • Stem Cell Models: Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platforms to test therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
    His ultimate goal is to decipher the signaling mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and regeneration, leading to the development of novel drugs for brain repair.
Conclusion 

Dr. Ioannis Charalampopoulos is undoubtedly a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional contributions to neuroscience, his innovative approaches in neuropharmacology, and his ability to secure substantial research funding demonstrate that he is not only an accomplished researcher but also a transformative figure in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. His strengths lie in the originality of his work, leadership in research initiatives, and mentorship in education. With slight improvements in public outreach, collaborative networks, and clinical translation, he can further elevate his already remarkable career. Therefore, Dr. Charalampopoulos is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding scientific contributions, leadership, and lasting impact on the field of neuroscience.

đź“š Publilcation

  • “Stimulating myelin restoration with BDNF: a promising therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease”
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
    • Type: Review
    • DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1422130
  • “Editorial: Steroid receptors in neuron and glia”
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology
    • Type: Editorial
    • DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1472908
  • “Comprehensive characterization of the neurogenic and neuroprotective action of a novel TrkB agonist using mouse and human stem cell models of Alzheimer’s disease”
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy
    • Type: Journal Article
    • DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03818-w
  • “Cover Image, Volume 72, Issue 4”
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Glia
    • Type: Journal Article
    • DOI: 10.1002/glia.24399
  • “Dynamics of myelin deficits in the 5xFAD mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease and the protective role of BDNF”
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Glia
    • Type: Journal Article
    • DOI: 10.1002/glia.24505
  • “Multimodal beneficial effects of BNN27, a Nerve Growth Factor synthetic mimetic, in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease”
    • Year: 2024
    • Type: Preprint
    • DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3886007/v1
  • “Development of Pleiotropic TrkB and 5-HT<sub>4</sub> Receptor Ligands as Neuroprotective Agents”
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Molecules
    • Type: Journal Article
    • DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020515
  • “Butanolides and Butenolides from a Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. Exert Neuroprotective Activity through Activation of the TrkB Neurotrophin Receptor”
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Marine Drugs
    • Type: Journal Article
    • DOI: 10.3390/md21090465
  • “Neurotrophin Analog ENT-A044 Activates the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor, Regulating Neuronal Survival in a Cell Context-Dependent Manner”
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    • Type: Journal Article
    • DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411683
  • “Neurotrophin Analog ENT-A044 Activates the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Promoting Cell Death in Mouse and Human Neuronal Cells”
    • Year: 2023
    • Type: Preprint
    • DOI: 10.20944/preprints202306.1633.v1