Azzeddine Charki | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Azzeddine Charki | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Azzeddine Charki is a Professor of Cognitive and Biological Psychology at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. Dr. Charki is an esteemed researcher and active member of the Laboratory for Studies and Research in Cognitive and Human Sciences, focusing on psychology and language. With a strong dedication to cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, he supervises numerous research projects and contributes significantly to academic discourse. He has authored and co-authored several publications in high-impact journals on topics such as executive function, mentalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and ADHD. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, he integrates pedagogical expertise with rigorous data analysis and project management. Dr. Charki’s commitment to advancing psychological science is matched by his passion for mentoring and fostering academic growth in his field.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Azzeddine Charki earned his Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his deep specialization in neuropsychology and cognitive sciences, particularly in executive function and mentalizing. Throughout his academic training, he developed a multidisciplinary understanding of brain-behavior relationships, integrating biological, cognitive, and social perspectives. His education emphasized both theoretical models and practical application in clinical and developmental contexts. Dr. Charki also received training in pedagogy, research methodology, and advanced data analysis techniques, which he continues to use in his academic career. His strong educational background has enabled him to contribute to Moroccan and international scholarship in cognitive and neuropsychology. His academic formation has also nurtured a strong inclination toward interdisciplinary research and collaborative knowledge production, particularly in the study of social cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Azzeddine Charki began his academic career as a Temporary Professor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez (2020–2022), where he taught and conducted research in cognitive and neuropsychology. Since November 2023, he has been serving as Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca. Over the years, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and participated in collaborative initiatives within the university’s Laboratory for Studies and Research in Cognitive and Human Sciences. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Charki has contributed extensively to the academic literature with a focus on executive functioning, theory of mind, and developmental psychopathology. His professional experience also includes project management, scientific writing, and dissemination of research findings. His bilingual and multicultural skills have allowed him to reach a wide range of students and researchers across Arabic, Francophone, and Anglophone academic contexts.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Azzeddine Charki has earned recognition primarily through his impactful research publications and academic service in Morocco’s leading institutions. Although specific named awards were not detailed, his repeated inclusion in peer-reviewed international and regional journals such as Applied Neuropsychology: Child, Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology, and the Arab Journal of Psychology signifies scholarly acknowledgment of his research excellence. His work on autism spectrum disorder, theory of mind, and executive functions reflects high intellectual merit and contributes meaningfully to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in neuropsychology. Dr. Charki’s mentorship of numerous student research projects and his active engagement in cross-disciplinary studies also underscore his standing as a respected academic. Being a core member of a cognitive science laboratory at Hassan II University further testifies to his leadership in scientific inquiry and academic collaboration. These contributions collectively demonstrate his respected status and growing impact in the field of cognitive psychology and neurodevelopmental research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Charki’s research centers on cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, with particular interest in executive functions, social cognition, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He investigates mentalizing processes, especially the cognitive and affective domains of theory of mind in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His work explores both typical and atypical development, aiming to identify neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying disorders such as ASD and ADHD. He also delves into comparative frameworks across schizophrenia spectrum disorders, highlighting the neurobiological overlap in social cognition deficits. Dr. Charki integrates developmental psychology, neurobiology, and psychometric assessments to explore how children’s cognitive representations are structured and evolve in different socio-cultural contexts. His scholarly publications demonstrate a strong methodological foundation and innovative contributions to understanding how executive functions interact with social behavior. Furthermore, he actively examines Moroccan sociocultural representations in educational contexts, blending qualitative and quantitative approaches to enrich cognitive psychological theory and practice.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Azzeddine Charki is a dedicated cognitive psychologist whose interdisciplinary research on executive function, mentalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorders enhances both scientific understanding and educational practice through a culturally grounded and evidence-based approach.

Publications

  • Charki, A., Zarbouch, B., Bouchala, C., & Meklaui, F., Z . (2024). Neuronal and developmental dimensions of mentalizing and it’s connection with executive functions. Arab Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.57642/AJOPSY911

 

  • Charki, A., Meklaoui, F. Z., Charki, A., & Ettouzani, A. (2025). Examining the association between variation of ASD and cognitive and affective domains of mentalizing in verbal children with ASD. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622965.2025.2504502

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camille Blackman | Neurology and Gender-Affirming Care | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Camille Blackman | Neurology and Gender-Affirming Care | Best Researcher Award

Camille Blackman is a dedicated medical student and multidisciplinary researcher with a passion for advancing gender-affirming healthcare and surgical education. Currently pursuing her MD at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, she brings a diverse background in anthropology, emergency medicine, and clinical research. Camille’s clinical experiences range from working as an EMT and physical therapist assistant to serving as a medical assistant in dermatology. Her current research at Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health centers on surgical outcomes, educational innovation, and health equity. She has published and presented nationally on topics like craniofacial surgery, sexual medicine, and transgender health. Outside of medicine, she is a nationally competitive runner and co-founder of Nameless Track Club. Camille also contributes to mentoring, leadership development, and medical education reform. Fluent in English and French, she exemplifies a well-rounded, compassionate, and forward-thinking physician in training.

Profile

🎓 Education

Camille Blackman’s academic journey reflects her interdisciplinary strength and commitment to health equity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Northwestern University (2012–2016), where she was also a Division 1 athlete. To transition into a medical career, she completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at DePaul University (2016–2017). Camille is currently a Doctor of Medicine (MD) candidate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, expected to graduate in 2026. Her medical education is enhanced by participation in the Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) program and leadership in multiple mentorship initiatives. Her academic excellence is evidenced by her involvement in high-impact research, her role as an M3 mentor, and her selection for honors like Academic All-Big Tens. Throughout her academic path, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusion, excellence in scholarship, and innovation in clinical care, especially for underserved populations such as the transgender and gender-diverse community.

🧪 Experience

Camille Blackman has built a robust portfolio of healthcare experience over nearly a decade. As a current research trainee at the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, she contributes to cutting-edge projects focused on surgical outcomes and health equity. Prior to that, she worked as a medical assistant at the Illinois Dermatology Institute (2020–2023), a physical therapist assistant at RUSH Rehabilitation (2018–2021), and an EMT at Medical Express Ambulance (2018–2020). Her roles have spanned both emergency and outpatient care, giving her a comprehensive clinical foundation. In addition to her hands-on experience, she’s actively involved in medical education as a mentor and peer leader at UICOM. Camille also volunteers in both clinical and community settings, including Face the Future Foundation and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. Her practical and research experience across diverse settings reinforces her trajectory as a future physician-leader in gender-affirming and reconstructive surgery.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Camille Blackman has been recognized for both academic and athletic excellence. She is a recipient of the prestigious Academic All-Big Ten award (2013–2016) and earned the John and Rita Canning and Dinn Brothers Student-Athlete Scholarships while at Northwestern University. In athletics, she is a Tracksmith-sponsored elite runner and has posted competitive times in major races, including a 2:48 marathon and top finishes in the Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle. Her early accolades include the Western Massachusetts Athlete of the Year and the Tommy Cochary High School Mile Grant. As a medical student, she was selected for the Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) program and received a $25,000 pilot grant from the Hopkins Business of Health Initiative as a co-investigator for transgender health systems innovation. Her honors reflect a rare combination of scientific acumen, athletic discipline, and community impact, affirming her multifaceted contributions to medicine and public health.

🔬 Research Focus

Camille Blackman’s research centers on gender-affirming care, surgical education, and health disparities. At the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, she explores clinical outcomes related to chest masculinization and hormone therapy, and contributes to the development of transgender health infrastructure. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on subjects such as craniofacial surgery techniques, body mass index implications in gender-affirming surgeries, and innovative educational approaches like clay modeling in anatomy instruction. Camille’s forthcoming book chapters on vaginoplasty and transgender care centers further establish her as an emerging scholar in surgical education and gender health equity. She has presented her work at high-profile conferences, including the Plastic Surgery Research Council and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Through her research, Camille aims to enhance inclusivity, clinical outcomes, and the surgical learning experience, particularly in areas where historically marginalized populations have faced significant healthcare gaps.

✅ Conclusion

Camille Blackman is a future physician and trailblazer in gender-affirming healthcare whose interdisciplinary expertise, clinical compassion, and research innovation are advancing inclusive medicine, educational reform, and equity in surgical outcomes.

Publications

Forshing Lui | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Forshing Lui | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. For-Shing Lui, a U.S. citizen and licensed neurologist in California, the UK, and Hong Kong, is an esteemed academic and clinician with over four decades of international experience in neurology and internal medicine, currently serving as Professor of Neurology at California Northstate University College of Medicine (CNUCOM), where he contributes significantly to medical education, curriculum development, and professional regulatory boards.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Lui completed his M.B.B.S. from the University of Hong Kong in 1978, followed by an internal medicine residency (1978–1982) at the same institution; he then undertook neurology fellowship training at Newcastle General Hospital, UK (1982–1984), and a neurology residency at UC Davis (1995–1999), also serving as Chief Resident; his qualifications include being a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Lui has served as Expert Consultant and Reviewer for the Medical Board of California, Professor and Course Director at CNUCOM since 2014, Chair of Clinical Sciences, and Vice Chair of Education; formerly, he was Staff Neurologist and Chief of Neurology at Kaiser Permanente, Clinical Professor at UC Davis, and practiced as a neurologist and internist in Hong Kong; his roles spanned clinical practice, academic leadership, curriculum design, quality assurance, and international consultancy.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Lui received the 2022 A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award from the American Academy of Neurology, the ITLE University Distinguished Teacher Award in 2021, and multiple CNUCOM Professor of the Year Awards (2019–2023); his national recognitions include listings in America’s Top Physicians and Sacramento Magazine’s Top Doctors; he won the Croucher Fellowship (1982), John Anderson Gold Medal (1978), and several medical school scholarships for academic excellence, including the Li Shu Fan Prize in Pharmacology.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Lui’s academic and clinical interests lie in neurology education, vascular neurology, neuroimaging, and multiple sclerosis, with a deep commitment to medical pedagogy and curriculum leadership; his research integrates neurodiagnostic techniques with clinical neurology, particularly in imaging-based teaching, and he has presented regularly at neuroradiology conferences and contributed to educational innovation in neurology training at both Kaiser Permanente and CNUCOM, reflecting a lifelong dedication to mentoring, patient care, and advancing neurologic knowledge.

Publications

Lucas Muñoz-Lopez | Neuroscience | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Lucas Muñoz-Lopez | Neuroscience | Best Academic Researcher Award

El Dr. Lucas Muñoz-López 🎓 es logopeda neurológico especializado en rehabilitación logopédica en daño neurológico 🧠, con amplia experiencia clínica y académica 👨‍🏫. Tras graduarse en Logopedia por la Universidad de Granada en 2015, combinó práctica profesional y formación de posgrado, incluyendo dos másteres y un doctorado con mención Cum Laude 🏅. Ha ejercido como docente universitario en Melilla y Ceuta, y colabora en investigación con publicaciones en revistas como Frontiers in Psychology 📖. Además, ha tutorizado numerosos TFG y TFM 🎓. Su trabajo integra logopedia clínica, investigación sobre alteraciones de la comunicación y neurociencias, aportando al avance académico y a la rehabilitación de pacientes. Es autor de un libro publicado y miembro activo en proyectos de evaluación y tratamiento en contextos educativos y sanitarios 🏥. Su pasión por la docencia y la terapia lo posiciona como referente en logopedia clínica e investigación 📈.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Muñoz-López 🧠 inició su carrera académica con el Grado en Logopedia (2015) en la Universidad de Granada 🎓, complementándolo ese mismo año con un Máster en Logopedia Clínica en Daño Cerebral (Isep Clinic, Madrid) 💡. En 2017 completó su segundo máster en Neurociencias Básicas y Aplicadas y Dolor en la Facultad de Medicina de Granada 🔬. Culminó su formación con un Doctorado en Psicología y Logopedia en la Universidad de Granada (2021) con mención Cum Laude 🏅, convirtiéndose en experto en alteraciones de la comunicación y rehabilitación neurológica 🧬. Su formación académica combina sólidos conocimientos clínicos, teóricos y metodológicos para abordar con éxito la intervención logopédica y la investigación científica 🏛️. Además, su trabajo refleja una constante actualización y compromiso con la excelencia educativa y terapéutica 💯.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Desde 2015, el Dr. Muñoz-López 🩺 ha desarrollado una sólida trayectoria profesional como logopeda clínico, combinando práctica asistencial con docencia universitaria 👨‍🏫. Ha ejercido en el Centro de Valoración y Orientación de Granada como Auxiliar Técnico en Logopedia 🏥, además de impartir clases en los campus de Ceuta y Melilla de la Universidad de Granada 📚. Ha sido tutor de TFG y TFM en varias universidades, incluyendo la Universidad de Granada y la Universidad Internacional de La Rioja ✍️. Su experiencia docente abarca asignaturas de logopedia, neuropsicología y psicopedagogía en grados y másteres universitarios 🎓. Además, colabora activamente en proyectos de intervención educativa, rehabilitación y formación de futuros profesionales. Su enfoque multidisciplinar y experiencia en contextos clínicos y penitenciarios 🏛️ le permiten aplicar soluciones eficaces e innovadoras en su área.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Muñoz-López ha recibido mención Cum Laude 🎖️ por su tesis doctoral en Psicología y Logopedia en la Universidad de Granada (2021) 🏅. Su tesis fue publicada como libro 📗, reafirmando su valor académico. Ha logrado publicar en la revista Frontiers in Psychology (Q2, JCR 2.99) 🧠, destacándose en el área de psicología y neurociencias. También ha publicado en la revista Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers, indexada en bases relevantes como Scopus y Dialnet 📖. Su libro fue editado por la Editorial Académica Española, con índice ICEE de 0.299 📘. Estos reconocimientos consolidan su reputación científica, reflejando la calidad y relevancia de su producción académica, así como su compromiso con la excelencia investigadora y docente 🧑‍🔬✨.

Research Interests 🔬

El Dr. Muñoz-López centra su investigación en la rehabilitación logopédica de alteraciones de la comunicación 🗣️, disfagia 🥄 y terapia miofuncional 💪, con especial atención a contextos neurológicos y penitenciarios 🏛️. Su trabajo profundiza en la intersección entre neurociencias, psicología y logopedia 🧠, explorando tanto enfoques clínicos como educativos. Ha contribuido al avance del conocimiento en alteraciones del lenguaje, evaluación cognitiva y técnicas de intervención para pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido 🧬. Además, participa en estudios sobre integración social, intervención educativa en contextos de riesgo y psicología forense ⚖️. Su enfoque combina metodología cuantitativa, intervención basada en evidencia y aplicación clínica, orientado siempre a mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con trastornos de la comunicación 💬💡.

Publications

  • Validation and Spanish Adaptation of the Resilience Scale ER-23 in a University Population

    Healthcare
    2025-04-12 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13080886
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabel Ramírez-Uclés; Julia Otero; F. Pablo Holgado-Tello; Lucas Muñoz-López; María B. Sánchez-Barrer

  • Analysis of writing in personality disorders in prison population

    Frontiers in Psychiatry
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1391463
    EID:
    Part ofISSN: 16640640
    CONTRIBUTORS: Muñoz-López, L.; Fernández-García-Valdecasas, B.; López-Rodríguez, S.; Sánchez-Barrera, M.B.

  • Transformation of Higher Education: Discussion of the Dimensions, Trends and Scenarios of Change in Ibero-America

    Education Sciences
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/educsci14050523
    Part ofISSN: 22277102
    CONTRIBUTORS: Fernández Cruz, M.; Fernández García Valdecasas, B.; Muñoz López, L.; López Rodríguez, S

  • Associations of Reversal Learning Performance With Personality Disorder Profile and Drug Abuse History in a Sample of Prison Inmates

    2024-09-18 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1177/10731911241278307
    CONTRIBUTORS: Raquel Martín-Ríos; José C. Perales; Francisca López-Torrecillas; Lucas Muñoz Lóp

Tran Chau My Thanh | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Tran Chau My Thanh | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Tran Chau My Thanh, a dedicated researcher at Duy Tan University, Vietnam 🇻🇳, holds a medical degree and Ph.D. from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy 🎓. Her work bridges the gap between clinical medicine and molecular biology 🧬. With a strong passion for translational research, she focuses on using bioinformatics and genomic tools for early diagnosis and targeted therapy development for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders 💉. Through CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA networks, she aims to revolutionize patient-specific treatment pathways 🚀. Her extensive lab experience, scholarly publications, and ongoing innovations make her a promising leader in biomedical science 🏅.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Thanh earned her Medical Degree (M.D.) from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy 🏥 and went on to complete her Doctorate (Ph.D.) in the same prestigious institution 🎓. Her education was deeply rooted in both clinical and research training, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of human health and disease 🧠. Throughout her academic journey, she focused on genomics, molecular medicine, and biotechnology 🔬. The rigorous curriculum and hands-on exposure in advanced labs trained her in modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic innovations ⚙️. She also mastered computational biology and molecular interactions, forming a solid foundation for her groundbreaking work in RNA regulation and gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 🧪.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Thanh brings rich experience as a medical doctor and academic at Duy Tan University 🏫. Her research career spans multiple roles in molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and therapeutic innovation 🧬. She has led studies on disease biomarkers, participated in international collaborations 🌐, and worked extensively with cell lines, recombinant DNA, and next-gen sequencing data 🔍. Her proficiency in wet lab and dry lab environments empowers her to integrate experimental biology with computational modeling 🧫💻. Alongside mentoring students and publishing SCI-indexed research, she contributes to translational medicine by connecting bench science to bedside applications, helping advance precision medicine for critical illnesses 💡.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Thanh is a nominee for the Young Scientist Award by the International Cognitive Scientist Awards 🧠🏆. Her impactful work on circular RNAs, miRNAs, and disease biomarker networks has garnered international recognition 🌍. She’s been acknowledged in high-impact journals for discoveries related to coronary heart disease and cancer diagnostics 📖. Her scholarly articles are indexed in SCI and Scopus, and she continues to influence the biomedical community through conference presentations, peer reviews, and academic collaborations 🤝. As a rising figure in molecular biology, her research promises transformative outcomes for early disease detection and targeted therapies 🧬✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Thanh’s research explores circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactions, protein-protein networks, and gene function analysis 🧬🧠. She is driven by the quest to discover novel biomarkers for early diagnosis of complex diseases such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes 💊. Her focus includes CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, molecular docking, and simulations for drug discovery and target validation 💻🧪. She also builds interaction networks to map LncRNA/CircRNA/miRNA/gene/protein-drug relationships, contributing to personalized medicine approaches 🎯. Through bioinformatics, she decodes gene expression dynamics and immune infiltrations to enable efficient diagnostics and therapeutics 💡. Her ultimate goal is to bridge computational biology with translational research for global health improvement 🌐💚.

Publications 

1. Hsa_circRNA_0000284 acts as a ceRNA to participate in coronary heart disease progression
by sponging miRNA-338-3p via regulating the expression of ETS1
2. Identification of hsa_circ_0001445 of a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network as
potential biomarker for coronary heart disease
3. Potential diagnostic value of serum microRNAs for 19 cancer types: a meta-analysis of
bioinformatics data

said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

 

Profile

  • Googlescholar
  • Researchgate

Education

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 1993 from The American University in Washington, D.C., where he also completed his Master of Arts in Psychology in 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Distributive Science from the same institution, which he obtained in 1986. Fluent in English and German, he also has familiarity with French. He can be reached via email at spournaghash@yahoo.com or by telephone at 011-98-09122074388.

Work experience
  • Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has extensive academic and research experience in psychology. He served as a Research Associate in 2001 at the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. In 2002, he took a sabbatical as a researcher at the Department of Psychology, Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, focusing on cross-cultural studies related to Iranian attitudes towards the West. Since 2002, he has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Tehran University, having previously held the same position at Azzahra University in Tehran from 1996 to 2001. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Council on Energy and Economic Studies at the Institute for International and Political Studies (IPIS) from 1998 to 2000, where he also worked as a political researcher. His early academic career included serving as a Teaching and Research Assistant at The American University’s Department of Psychology from 1987 to 1990, where he contributed to courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience Seminar, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, and Learning and Behavior.

Books

–Fundamentals of Clinical Psychopharmacology, (2007); Samt Publications
-Drugs and Behavior, (2004); Samt Publications.
-Physiological Psychology, Tehran University Publication.
-Intimacy; Alzahra University Publication.
-Theories of Addiction, Alzahra University Publication.

Conference Presentations

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has contributed extensively to neuroscience and psychology research, presenting his findings at prestigious conferences such as the Society for Neuroscience and the Eastern Psychological Association. His work has focused on drug discrimination learning, conditioned taste aversion, and the effects of opioids and their antagonists. In 1987, he co-authored studies assessing the discriminative stimulus properties of naloxone and the failure of cholecystokinin to counteract morphine sulfate’s effects. His later research explored the antagonism of morphine stimuli, the role of buprenorphine in opiate-naive and dependent animals, and the impact of RO15-4513 on ethanol-induced taste aversion. He has collaborated with notable researchers, including A.L. Riley, contributing to investigations on diazepam exposure and behavioral toxicology. His presentations in New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Boston, and other major research venues highlight his significant role in advancing psychopharmacology and behavioral neuroscience.

Publication

Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

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prof. Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

 

Universität Würzburg, Germany

Profile

Education

She studied Psychology at Humboldt-University in Berlin, Germany, and City College in New York, USA, completing her diploma in 1999 with a grade of “very good.” She earned her doctorate in 2002 at the Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig and Humboldt-University in Berlin. Her academic and professional career progressed through various prestigious positions. In 2002, she began as a research associate at MRC Cambridge, UK, and the University Hospital Frankfurt/M. She then received a DFG-Research Stipend in 2006, conducting research at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of Berkeley, USA. In 2008, she was awarded the Society-in-Science Stipend and became a Principal Investigator in an independent research project at the University of Zürich, Switzerland. She completed her habilitation and obtained her Venia Legendi in Psychology at Goethe-University Frankfurt/M. in 2014. She later served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bern, Switzerland, in 2015. In 2017, she was appointed as a Heisenberg Professor at JMU Würzburg, where she continued to advance her research. In 2021, she became a Professor of Translational Social Neuroscience at JMU Würzburg and a Steering Committee Member of the Research Training Group RTG 2660, working alongside Professor Dr. Matthias Gamer in Psychology.

Work experience

Since 2024, she has served as the President of the European Social and Affective Neuroscience Association (ESCAN) – Special Interest Group Social Neuroscience and as the spokesperson for the Neuroscience section at the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS), JMU. Previously, from 2021 to 2024, she held the position of Vice President of ESCAN. Since 2022, she has been a board member of the China-Competence Center at JMU, and since 2021, she has been an Executive Board and Steering Committee Member of the Research Training Group RTG 2660. Her engagement in the research system extends further, as she has been a board member of ESCAN since 2019 and a member of the mentoring program for young female scientists at UKW, JMU. Additionally, she holds a double affiliation with both the Medical Faculty and the Faculty of Human Science at JMU. Since 2018, she has contributed as a panel member of the Hillary Green Research Fund at the University of Birmingham, a standing member of the dissertation committee at UKW, JMU, and a member of the Degree Subject Committee of the Elite Graduate Program in Translational Neuroscience at JMU. She has also supervised numerous early-career researchers, including Anne Saulin, who completed her PhD in 2023 with magna cum laude and is now a DFG postdoctoral fellow at the University of Birmingham, UK; Marthe Gründahl, who also earned her PhD in 2023 with magna cum laude and is now a consultant at Bain & Company; and Dorothee Bruch, who obtained her MD in 2022 with magna cum laude and is currently practicing as a gynecologist.

She has received several prestigious academic distinctions throughout her career. In 2023, she was honored with an award for her extraordinary contribution to teaching by the Medical Faculty and the President of JMU. In 2015, she was awarded the Heisenberg Fellowship by the German Research Foundation, recognizing her outstanding research achievements. Earlier in her career, she received the Branco-Weiss Fellowship from ETH Zürich in 2008 and the Emmy-Noether Fellowship from the German Research Foundation in 2005, both of which supported her innovative research endeavors.

Publication