Forshing Lui | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

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.

Kadir Uludag | Educational Psychology | Educational Psychology Impact

Dr. Kadir Uludag | Educational Psychology | Educational Psychology Impact

Dr. Kadir Uludag is a postdoctoral researcher in psychology with a Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research bridges schizophrenia, brain imaging, and educational psychology. Dr. Uludag is passionate about disseminating scientific knowledge through his personal website (ifx0.com/psychology), YouTube channel (youtube.com/boooringlearning), and as the founder of the open-access journal Novelty in Psychology. He has published extensively, including 12 Web of Science (Q1) and 21 Scopus-indexed works, and serves on the editorial boards of 24 international journals. With over 670 manuscript reviews listed on ORCID, he has received multiple awards recognizing his scientific contributions. Dr. Uludag also manages four ongoing book projects. Skilled in Python-based machine learning and data analysis tools, he is eager to collaborate on innovative research that contributes meaningfully to psychology and society.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Uludag earned his Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2019–2023, GPA 3.93), focusing on brain imaging and mental health. He completed an M.A. in Forensic Sciences (Social Sciences) from Istanbul University (2016–2018, GPA 3.61), where he developed a strong foundation in psychological evaluation in legal settings. His undergraduate degree in Psychological Counseling and Guidance was obtained from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (2012–2016, GPA 3.30), complemented by an associate degree in Laboratory Assistant and Veterinary Sciences from Eskisehir Anatolian University (2013–2015, GPA 3.79). He has also pursued training in TESOL, SPSS, machine learning (random forest, SVM, logistic regression, neural networks), Python programming, web development, and data visualization. His education has been guided by distinguished scholars including Prof. Xiang Yang Zhang, Prof. Erdinc Ozturk, and Prof. Neylan Ziyal. These experiences shaped his multidisciplinary approach to psychological research.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Kadir Uludag is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2023–Present) and has been appointed for a future role at Capital Medical University, Beijing (2025–). His expertise spans schizophrenia, neuroimaging, and educational psychology. Previously, he served as a special education teacher for autistic children at Karabük Municipality Autistic Children Education Center (2017), applying cognitive-behavioral and humanistic therapeutic approaches. He also completed internships as a psychological counselor at Toki Anadolu Lisesi (2016) and a veterinary technician at Safranbolu Veterinary Clinic (2015). He brings in-depth knowledge of psychological development and intervention techniques across diverse settings. In academia, Dr. Uludag serves on the editorial boards of 24 journals and has edited four book projects. His dynamic involvement in teaching, research, editing, and mentoring reflects a holistic commitment to the field of psychology and science communication.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Uludag has received numerous accolades, including the “Highest Number of Views” award (2023–2024) from the Journal of Clinical and Basic Psychosomatics for his narrative review on smoking and schizophrenia. He earned reviewer awards from Imeta Journal and Imetaomics for reviewing more than five papers each. Additionally, he holds a Certificate of Excellence from the Shanghai Table Tennis Museum and the American Chemical Society Reviewer Lab Certificate. His extensive peer-review contributions (over 670 reviews) are recognized by ORCID and editorial teams worldwide. His editorial involvement includes serving on boards of journals like Health Policy and Technology, Plos One, and Asean Journal of Psychiatry, among others. He has received invitations for guest editorships and honorary memberships in various scholarly outlets. These honors reflect his impactful presence in academia and his dedication to advancing global psychological research.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Kadir Uludag’s primary research interests include schizophrenia, neuroimaging (fMRI and EEG), and educational psychology. His doctoral work applied Python-based machine learning (random forest, SVM, logistic regression) to brain imaging data, emphasizing computational psychiatry and precision diagnostics. He has published in Q1 journals such as Asian Journal of Psychiatry, American Chemical Neuroscience, Psychology Research and Behavior Management, General Psychiatry, and Antioxidants. His Scopus-indexed contributions span educational psychology, forensic science, and neuroscience. His research applies interdisciplinary tools—Python, Psychopy, SPSS, R, NLP, and image processing libraries—to explore psychiatric conditions. He integrates theory and practice through data visualization, cognitive-behavioral therapy models, and open-science advocacy. Dr. Uludag actively shares findings via his YouTube channel and academic website, fostering transparency and education. His work aims to bridge gaps between neuroscience, education, and technology to improve mental health outcomes and knowledge dissemination.

Publications

Faheem Arshad | Cognitive Neurosciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Faheem Arshad | Cognitive Neurosciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Faheem Arshad is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. A leading cognitive neurologist in India, he specializes in dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. He played a pivotal role in establishing India’s first cognitive disorders registry at NIMHANS, integrating clinical and research excellence. Dr. Arshad is a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the first fellow from South Asia. His research integrates neurogenetics, biomarkers, imaging, and clinical trials, with a focus on inclusivity and low-literacy populations. He actively contributes to national and international collaborations and holds leadership roles within Indian and global neurology communities. Committed to early diagnosis, caregiver support, and prevention strategies, his work aims to improve brain health equity in diverse settings. His ongoing studies explore social interaction, bilingualism, and digital tools in dementia management.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Arshad received his foundational training in Internal Medicine (MD, 2014) at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Kashmir. He served as Registrar in Internal Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi until 2016. He pursued advanced neurological training at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, earning a DM in Neurology (2019) and completing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive Neurosciences (2020). He furthered his expertise with a prestigious international fellowship in Global Brain Health Equity at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA in 2021. Dr. Arshad also holds the MRCP(UK) Neurology credential (2020), reflecting global competence. His multidisciplinary training spans cognitive neurology, imaging, biomarkers, and dementia prevention, equipping him with a holistic approach to brain health research and patient care.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Faheem Arshad’s professional journey spans over a decade of clinical, academic, and research excellence. He is currently Assistant Professor of Neurology at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, where he has led initiatives in cognitive neurology since 2021. His early training included roles as Junior and Senior Resident in Internal Medicine at SKIMS and AIIMS, followed by Neurology Residency and Postdoctoral Fellowship at NIMHANS. He became a faculty leader and Convener of the Cognitive Neurology subsection of the Indian Academy of Neurology in 2023. Internationally, he served as an Atlantic Fellow at UCSF’s GBHI (2020–2021), developing leadership in brain health equity. Dr. Arshad is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and other prestigious forums. He has published widely, initiated clinical trials, and built registries that bridge clinical insights with translational research. His work integrates social science, neurobiology, and global health in addressing dementia across underserved populations.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Faheem Arshad has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to neurology and dementia research. He was awarded the Bursary Award at the TSS International Neuropsychiatry Conference (2018) for his work on social cognition in Frontotemporal Dementia. As the first South Asian to become a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at UCSF’s GBHI, he has been globally recognized for championing equity in dementia care and research. His appointment as Convener of the Cognitive Neurology subsection by the Indian Academy of Neurology in 2023 highlights his leadership within the national academic community. He holds the MRCP(UK) in Neurology and is an active member of prestigious societies, including the American Academy of Neurology. These honors reflect his ongoing commitment to research innovation, community-based care models, and international collaboration in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Faheem Arshad’s research focuses on dementia, particularly Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Alzheimer’s Disease, and related neurodegenerative conditions. He investigates cognitive reserve, biomarkers, social cognition, neuroimaging, and bilingualism in dementia resilience. His landmark projects include exploring the role of social interaction in FTD (GBHI-AA), plasmapheresis in Alzheimer’s (ICMR), cognitive testing in low-literacy settings, and bilingualism’s impact on cognitive reserve (NIH-funded). He co-leads a SERB-funded project using speech features for early dementia detection and a DBT-funded imaging study for vascular dementia diagnosis. He established India’s first cognitive disorders registry at NIMHANS, integrating socio-demographics, imaging, and biomarker data. His work bridges clinical neurology and public health, emphasizing inclusive research for underrepresented populations. A strong advocate for clinical trials in LMICs, his studies integrate AI tools, cross-cultural data, and longitudinal analyses to improve early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies in dementia care.

Publications

Tran Chau My Thanh | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

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

Yuanyuan Li | Movement Disorder | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yuanyuan Li | Movement Disorder | Best Researcher Award

🧠 Dr. Yuanyuan Li is a dedicated neurologist and researcher specializing in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and REM sleep behavior disorder. She obtained her Ph.D. in Neurology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and has been actively involved in cutting-edge research at Ruijin Hospital’s Department of Neurology. As a project leader, she has explored the role of α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons, investigating its transport pathways and impact on cell viability. Dr. Li has authored multiple high-impact publications in renowned journals such as Neurology and J Neuroinflammation. Her work has contributed significantly to understanding the early biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders. She has received prestigious awards, including the National Scholarship for Doctoral Students and the Outstanding Graduate Award from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With numerous conference presentations and accolades, Dr. Li continues to drive forward advancements in neurodegenerative disease research. ✨📚

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Dr. Yuanyuan Li completed her Ph.D. in Neurology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, where she focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and REM sleep behavior disorder. Her doctoral research emphasized the role of α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons, uncovering its impact on neurodegeneration. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Li consistently demonstrated excellence, earning the First-Class Academic Scholarship and the Meritorious Student Award. She was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate and received the prestigious National Scholarship for Doctoral Students. Beyond coursework, she actively engaged in translational research, bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications. Her education has provided a strong foundation in neurobiology, molecular neuroscience, and clinical neurology. With a passion for uncovering early biomarkers of neurodegeneration, Dr. Li’s educational background has shaped her into a leading researcher in the field. 📖🧬

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Yuanyuan Li has extensive research experience at Ruijin Hospital’s Department of Neurology, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. As a principal investigator, she led the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Doctoral Innovation Fund project, studying α-synuclein’s transport mechanisms in dopaminergic neurons and its effects on cell viability. Her expertise spans biomarker discovery, neuroinflammation, and disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders. She has collaborated on numerous high-impact studies published in Neurology, J Neuroinflammation, and NPJ Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Li has also presented her findings at major conferences, including the National Neurology Conference and the Oriental Neurology Conference. Her experience in both basic and clinical research allows her to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient applications, advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. 🏥🧠

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Yuanyuan Li has received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to neurology and neuroscience research. She was awarded the National Scholarship for Doctoral Students, recognizing her academic excellence and groundbreaking research. She also received the Outstanding Graduate Award and the Meritorious Student Award from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Her outstanding academic performance earned her the First-Class Academic Scholarship, demonstrating her dedication to advancing neurological research. Dr. Li has been recognized for her contributions at major conferences, winning the “Excellent Paper Presentation” award at the Oriental Neurology Conference. Additionally, she secured First Prize for Poster Presentation at the “Bo Ji Yi Yuan” Academic Forum. Her accolades reflect her commitment to advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease. These honors highlight her as a rising star in the field of neurology. 🏅📜

Research Interests 🔬

🧪 Dr. Yuanyuan Li’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on Parkinson’s disease, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and α-synuclein pathology. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms driving these disorders, particularly the role of α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons, its transport pathways, and its impact on cell viability. She has also investigated immune biomarkers, neuroinflammation, and genetic variants associated with Parkinson’s progression. Dr. Li’s studies have contributed to identifying predictive markers for early-stage neurodegenerative diseases, aiding in early diagnosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Through her publications in top journals like Neurology, J Neuroinflammation, and NPJ Parkinson’s Disease, she has advanced knowledge in the field. Her work integrates clinical and experimental neuroscience, bridging gaps between laboratory findings and real-world applications. Dr. Li’s research continues to shape the understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and their early detection. 🧬🔍

 

4Publications 
  • Gene Polymorphisms of Parkinson’s Disease Risk Locus and Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

    Biomedicines
    2025-03-24 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Min Zhong; Yang Jiao; Aonan Zhao; Mengyue Niu; Jinjun Ran; Jun Liu; Yuanyuan Li
  • Understanding Causal Relationships Between Imaging-Derived Phenotypes and Parkinson’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization and Observational Study

    Biomedicines
    2025-03-18 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yichi Zhang; Min Zhong; Zhao Yang; Xiaojin Wang; Zhongxun Dong; Liche Zhou; Qianyi Yin; Bingshun Wang; Jun Liu; Yuanyuan Li et al.
  • Understanding Causal Relationships between Imaging-Derived Phenotypes and Parkinson’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization and Observational Study

    2025-02-05 | Preprint
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yichi Zhang; Min Zhong; Zhao Yang; Xiaojin Wang; Zhongxun Dong; Liche Zhou; Qianyi Yin; Bingshun Wang; Jun Liu; Yuanyuan Li et al.
  • Network disruption based on multi-modal EEG-MRI in α-synucleinopathies

    Frontiers in Neurology
    2024 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Wang, Chunyi; Hu, Jiajia; Li, Puyu; Zhang, Ming; Zhou, Liche; Luo, Ningdi; Zhu, Xue; Yin, Qianyi; Zhong, Min; Zhou, Xinyi et al.

Elsa Pittaras | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Elsa Pittaras | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Elsa Pittaras is a Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University, specializing in neuroscience, cognition, and sleep research. With expertise in molecular biology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, and behavior, she has extensively studied decision-making processes in mice. Her research has contributed significantly to understanding sleep deprivation’s effects on cognition and memory in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease models. She has published multiple papers as both first and last author, showcasing her leadership in neuroscience. Elsa’s goal is to advance research on mood disorders, cognition, and neurochemistry, aspiring to become an independent researcher in the U.S. 🇺🇸🔬🧠

Profile

Education 🎓

Elsa Pittaras earned a B.S. in Physiology from the University of Caen (2010), an M.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Paris Sud and ENS Cachan (2012), and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Neuro-PSI and the Biomedical Research Unit of the French Army (2016). Her multidisciplinary foundation in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics from Châtelet, Douai (2009) laid the groundwork for her neuroscience expertise. Throughout her education, she focused on decision-making, sleep deprivation, and neurochemical mechanisms in cognition. 🧠📚🎓

Experience 👨‍🏫

Elsa Pittaras has been a Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University since 2022, focusing on cognitive enhancement in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease models. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford (2017-2022), investigating sleep and circadian rhythms’ effects on memory. Previously, she conducted research at the Biomedical Research Unit of the French Army (2016-2017) and completed her Ph.D. at Neuro-PSI. Her career includes internships in neuroscience at Neuro-PSI (2011-2012) and clinical observations at CHU Caen (2010). 🏛️🧬🧪

Research Interests 🔬

Elsa’s research explores decision-making, memory, and sleep in neurodevelopmental disorders. She pioneered the Mouse Gambling Task, revealing individual decision-making strategies. Her Ph.D. identified neurochemical markers of decision-making behaviors and the effects of sleep deprivation. At Stanford, she investigates sleep’s impact on cognition in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s models, aiming to improve memory and sleep quality through pharmacological interventions. Her work bridges behavioral neuroscience with neurochemistry to enhance cognitive function. 🧠💡🛌

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Elsa has received prestigious grants, including the Jerome Lejeune Research Grants (2019, 2020), the Fyssen Foundation Research Grant (2017), and travel awards for conferences such as T21RS (2021) and Advances in Sleep and Circadian Science (2019). She was also recognized by the French Society for Research and Sleep Medicine (2014) and received a European Neuroscience Federation travel award (2016). 🏅

Publications 

  • Selectively Blocking Small Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels Improves Cognition in Aged Mice.

  • Short-term γ-aminobutyric acid antagonist treatment improves long-term sleep quality, memory, and decision-making in a Down syndrome mouse model

  • Behavioral and Neuronal Characterizations, across Ages, of the TgSwDI Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease.

  • Inter-individual differences in cognitive tasks: focusing on the shaping of decision-making strategies

  • Handling, task complexity, time-of-day, and sleep deprivation as dynamic modulators of recognition memory in mice

  • Enhancing sleep after training improves memory in down syndrome model mice

 

Junhui Chen | Stroke | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Junhui Chen | Stroke | Best Researcher Award

Chen Junhui, MD, is an Associate Chief Physician and a postdoctoral researcher at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University. He has also been a visiting scholar at the University of South Florida (USF), USA. He currently serves as the lead researcher in the Neurosurgery Research Group at the 904th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force. He is a member of the Vascular Group of the Neurosurgery Branch of the Jiangsu Medical Association and the Youth Committee of the Translational Medicine Professional Committee of the Chinese Microcirculation Society. He has been recognised as a “Double Hundred” outstanding young talent in Wuxi.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr Chen holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Wuhan University and completed his postdoctoral research at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University. He has a strong medical background and gained international research experience in neurosurgery as a visiting scholar at USF, USA.

Experience 👨‍🏫

He has participated in five National Natural Science Foundation projects and led eight research projects, including those funded by the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation and major military scientific research programmes. Dr Chen has been actively involved in both neurosurgical research and clinical treatment, specialising in endovascular intervention and microsurgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms and ischaemic stroke.

Research Interests 🔬

His research focuses on the mechanisms of neuroinjury in subarachnoid haemorrhage and the clinical and mechanistic study of delirium. Over the past five years, he has published 30 SCI papers, including 10 in top-tier journals classified as Q2 or higher in the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with his findings cited in leading journals such as Stroke.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr Chen has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Second Prize of the Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award, the Third Prize of the Military Science and Technology Progress Award, the Wuhan University Academic Innovation Award, and the Outstanding Paper Award at the World Chinese Neurosurgery Conference.

Publications 📚

Jeevitha Gowda R | Cognitive impairment | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jeevitha Gowda R | Cognitive impairment | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Alliance University, United Kingdom

🧠 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R is a dedicated research scholar specializing in cognitive neuroscience and public health, with a strong focus on dementia prevention. She has expertise in developing cognitive screening tools, conducting neuropsychological assessments, and designing neuroscience-based interventions to enhance brain health. Currently serving as a Guest Faculty and Research Associate, she is passionate about bridging research with real-world applications. With proficiency in EEG, ERP, and data analysis, her work emphasizes cognitive aging, behavioral psychology, and mental well-being. Her research contributions include multiple conference presentations, publications, and cognitive training programs. She has received prestigious recognitions, including Best Paper Awards and research fellowships. Her commitment extends to community mental health programs, where she collaborates with NGOs and research institutions. Through her work, she aims to advance cognitive neuroscience and improve public health outcomes. 📚🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Public Health from Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru (Thesis Submitted), focusing on developing cognitive tools for early dementia detection in primary healthcare settings. She earned a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience from JSS Academy of Higher Education, Mysuru (2018), ranking among the top 3 students, with coursework in neural cognition, psychological assessment, and clinical interventions. Her dissertation explored mental fatigue due to sleep deprivation using EEG and ERP. She completed her Bachelor’s in Life Sciences from JSS College for Women, Mysuru (2016), excelling in biochemistry, microbiology, and environmental psychology. Additionally, she trained at the Defence Institute of Psychological Studies (DRDO) and Narayana Health, Bengaluru, gaining hands-on experience in EEG, neuropsychological assessments, and cognitive therapy. Her interdisciplinary education combines neuroscience, psychology, and public health, preparing her for impactful research and innovation in brain health. 🧠📖

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R has extensive experience as a Research Associate at the Centre for Integrative Health and Well-Being (2020–Present), where she develops neuropsychological intervention tools and conducts cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs. She also serves as a Senior Research Associate at Brighter Minds, focusing on cognitive enhancement and neuroscience-based training programs. As a Guest Lecturer at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (2021–Present), she teaches biostatistics, neurophysiology, and psychology. Her past clinical internships at DRDO and Narayana Health provided her with hands-on expertise in EEG, ERP, and neuropsychological assessments. She has conducted research on cognitive impairment, dementia screening, and sleep deprivation’s effects on cognition. Additionally, she has authored 50+ neuroscience articles, presented at international conferences, and collaborated with NGOs for mental health awareness. Her diverse experience integrates academic, clinical, and research-based expertise to advance cognitive neuroscience and public health. 🏥📊

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R’s research bridges cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and public health, focusing on early dementia detection, cognitive aging, and neuropsychological interventions. She specializes in developing culturally relevant cognitive screening tools for primary healthcare, improving accessibility to dementia diagnostics. Her work explores neuropsychological assessments, EEG-based cognitive analysis, and behavioral interventions for enhancing mental well-being. She has conducted studies on sleep deprivation, cognitive impairment, and neurofeedback therapy. She collaborates with institutions like DRDO, Narayana Health, and Brighter Minds to implement neuroscience-driven programs. Her research extends to the psychological well-being of dementia caregivers, neurocognitive training for brain health, and integrating technology into mental health solutions. Through interdisciplinary studies and global research collaborations, she aims to advance early dementia detection methods and improve cognitive health strategies. Her work contributes to policy-making, clinical psychology, and public health initiatives. 🏥📊

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R has received multiple accolades for her contributions to cognitive neuroscience and public health research. She won the Best Paper Award at the Epidemiology Foundation of India Conference (2023, Goa) for her groundbreaking work on dementia screening. Her research paper on cognitive tool validation earned a Special Mention at the International Dementia Conference (DEMCON-2024, IISC Bangalore). During her master’s, she ranked among the top 3 dissertations at JSS Academy of Higher Education. She was awarded the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) by Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (2022–2024) for her Ph.D. research. She has also secured research grants for projects on dementia detection and cognitive enhancement. Recognized for her impactful contributions, she collaborates with prestigious institutions, including DRDO and Narayana Health, to advance neuropsychological research. Her work continues to shape innovations in mental health and aging. 🎖️🧠

Publications 📚

  • Jeevitha Gowda R, Anish Mehta, Krishnamurthy Jayanna. (2025).
    Dementia: A Public Health Challenge in India. South Eastern European
    Journal of Public Health, 29–43. Retrieved from
    hps://www.seejph.com/index.php/seejph/article/view/3295 (Scopus)

  • Jeevitha Gowda R. The Impact of Cultural Beliefs and Stigma on
    Dementia Care and Diagnosis: A Scoping Review, 25 November 2024,
    PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square
    hps://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5519592/v1
  • Jeevitha Ramesh, Parimala Guruprasad (2024) Factors Affecting the
    Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers of Dementia Patients: A
    Thematic Review. Journal of Neurology Research Reviews & Reports.
    SRC/JNRRR-260
  • Development and Validation of Cognitive Screening Tools for
    Dementia Detection in Primary Care Seings: An Exploratory Pilot
    Study – Under review at International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
    (Corresponding Author)
  • Burden of Cognitive Impairment Including Dementia, and Associated
    Risk Factors Among the Rural Population of South Karnataka, India –
    Under review at Journal of Public Health Research. (Corresponding
    Author)
  • Impact of Training Module on Lifestyle and Healthy Behaviours: An
    Exploratory Pilot in India – Under review at Journal Explore.
    (Co-Author)

Carmela Conte | Neurodegenerative diseases | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Carmela Conte | Neurodegenerative diseases | Best Researcher Award

 

Profile

Education

Carmela Conte obtained her Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Perugia on November 3, 1994. She then pursued a Ph.D. in Medical Embryology through a joint program between the Universities of Perugia and Ferrara, completing it between December 30, 1996, and January 19, 2000. Following this, she specialized in Chemistry and Food Technology at the University of Perugia, earning her specialization between November 1, 2000, and November 1, 2002. Most recently, on September 29, 2023, she received National Habilitation as an Associate Professor in Biochemistry. She currently serves as an Aggregate Professor in her field.

Work experience

Since September 7, 2007, Carmela Conte has been serving as an Aggregate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Perugia, where she teaches courses in General and Systematic Biochemistry, Medical Applied Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she participated in a Teaching and Training Mobility Program at VUMC Medical University of Amsterdam from June 24 to July 5, 2019, where she worked on a research project investigating the role of Toll-like receptors in Parkinson’s disease. She has been a member of the European Society for Neurochemistry since 2007 and, since March 17, 2022, has also been affiliated with the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Research Activity

Carmela Conte’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on animal models, signal transduction, molecular biology, and cell biology. Her specific research topics include the role of Toll-like receptors in Parkinson’s disease, neuroinflammation, synucleinopathies, oxidative stress, and Parkinson’s disease. Since September 7, 2007, she has been actively involved in editorial work, serving as a Reviewer Editor for Frontiers in Neuroscience (Neurodegeneration section) and as an ad hoc reviewer for several journals, including Amino Acids, The Cerebellum, Free Radical Research, Biomolecules, PLOS One, Experimental Gerontology, Molecules, Cells, Neurochemical Research, Neuroscience, Pharmacological Reports, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Viruses, and the Journal of Biotechnology. Additionally, she has been a Guest Editor for Molecules and Cells, overseeing special issues and topic collections on neurodegenerative diseases. She has presented her research at numerous scientific meetings and conferences, including the 2009 Meeting of the European Society for Neurochemistry in Leipzig, the 2019 European Biotechnology Congress in Valencia, the 2021 European Biotechnology Congress in Sofia, the 2022 National Meeting of the Sphingolipid Club, and the 2023 Meeting of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, where she discussed findings related to Toll-like receptor 4, alpha-synuclein accumulation, and sphingomyelinase activity in Parkinson’s disease models.

Publication

Suleyman Yildizdal | Craniosynostosis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Suleyman Yildizdal | Craniosynostosis | Best Researcher Award

 

 

Profile

Education

He completed his education at Org. Kenan Evren School from 2000 to 2008, followed by Gaziantep Anadolu High School from 2008 to 2012. He then pursued his medical training at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine from 2012 to 2018. After earning his medical degree, he continued his specialization in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery as a resident at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine from November 2018 to February 2024. In April 2024, he joined Ankara Research and Training Hospital, where he continues to work in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery.

 

Work experience

He has participated in various courses and workshops to enhance his expertise in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. He attended the Resident Ethics Course at Hacettepe University’s Department of History of Medicine and Medical Ethics on January 10-11, 2019. He also completed the 5th Basic Residency School organized by the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery in Bolu, Turkey, from January 22-25, 2020. Further advancing his skills, he took part in the 15th Advanced Residency School in Antalya, Turkey, from April 20-24, 2023. Additionally, he attended the 1st Cadaver Course of Craniofacial Anomaly and Maxillofacial Surgery at Hacettepe University on September 3-4, 2022, and the 1st Cadaver Course of Orthognathic Surgery at Koc University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, on September 7-8, 2022.

In addition to his clinical and surgical training, he has contributed to academic literature by co-authoring book chapters. He co-wrote Age-Related Changes in Trunk Aesthetics in Beauty, Aging, and Anti-Aging (1st ed., Elsevier, 2022) alongside G. G. Üstün and S. Yıldızdal. He also contributed to Dudak ve Damak Yarıkları Hacettepe Ekip Yaklaşım, co-authoring “Apert and Crouzon Syndrome” with İbrahim Vargel.

Awards

He has achieved remarkable academic success, securing 16th place in the National Examination for Specialty in Medicine among over 18,000 participants. Additionally, he ranked 571st in the National Student Selection and Placement Examination out of more than 2 million candidates.

He has actively participated in national meetings within his field, contributing to discussions and advancements in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. He attended the 41st National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Meeting in Samsun, Turkey, from October 26-30, 2019. He also participated in the National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Eastern Mediterranean Meeting on Cleft Lip and Palate, held in Gaziantep, Turkey, from February 7-9, 2020. Furthermore, he attended the 43rd National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Meeting in Antalya, Turkey, from November 10-14, 2021.

 

Publication