Prof. Dr. Georgios Papazisis | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Georgios Papazisis | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Professor Georgios Papazisis, MD, PhD, is a Full Professor of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. A certified psychiatrist and clinical pharmacologist, he currently serves as Medical Director of the Clinical Research Unit at Papageorgiou Hospital. He also chairs the postgraduate program in Vaccines and Infectious Diseases and leads the Bioethics Committee at the School of Medicine. He is actively involved in national and European pharmacological and bioethics organizations, including the UEMS and CIOMS. Dr. Papazisis plays a central role in coordinating and supervising early-phase clinical trials and pharmacovigilance activities in Greece. He has published over 110 papers, contributed to international book chapters, and has earned over 3500 citations. A seasoned clinical researcher and educator, his international collaborations and numerous awards underline his commitment to advancing pharmacology, psychiatry, and public health through ethical and evidence-based medical research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Georgios Papazisis obtained his MD from the School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1992–1998), followed by a PhD in Pharmacology/Physiology from the same institution (2000–2005). He completed his specialization in Psychiatry at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki (2003–2008), and later obtained board certification in the medical sub-specialty of Clinical Pharmacology (2021). He has also received international training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network, USA (February 2025) and is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) certified provider by the European Resuscitation Council (March 2025). His education emphasizes a strong foundation in both basic science and clinical application, integrating disciplines such as pharmacology, psychiatry, and clinical trial management. This diverse academic background has allowed him to build a career bridging laboratory research, clinical practice, and regulatory science in both national and international settings.

Experience

Professor Papazisis has extensive experience spanning over two decades in psychiatry, pharmacology, and clinical research. Since 2008, he has maintained a private psychiatry practice while actively contributing to academic and institutional research. He became Medical Director of the Clinical Research Unit at Papageorgiou Hospital in 2021 and was appointed Professor of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology in 2023. He has coordinated multiple phase I to IV clinical trials, led vaccine safety evaluations, and participated in EU-funded research including Horizon2020 and the c4c project. His clinical research focuses on drug and vaccine safety, pharmacovigilance, and neuropsychopharmacology. In parallel, he serves as Chair of the Bioethics Committee and leads a postgraduate program on vaccines and infectious diseases. He also acts as Greece’s pharmacovigilance expert for several international studies and is affiliated with global networks such as Vaccelerate, CIOMS, and the World Psychiatric Association’s Evidence-Based Psychiatry section.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Georgios Papazisis has been the recipient of several research, teaching, and mentoring awards from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, recognizing his contributions to medical education and translational research. His international reputation is reflected through invited participation in key regulatory and scientific committees, such as the UEMS and CIOMS. He has completed elite pharmacovigilance training at the WHO’s Uppsala Monitoring Centre and was honored as a pharmacovigilance representative in major EU pediatric and adult trials. Additionally, he is acknowledged for his leadership in the Vaccelerate project, which accelerates COVID-19 vaccine trials across Europe. His publication record, with over 110 articles and a citation count exceeding 3500, demonstrates his scholarly impact. His co-authorship of four book chapters in high-profile publications further reflects his academic excellence. These distinctions underscore his dedication to improving public health, ethical clinical research, and the safety of pharmaceuticals and vaccines worldwide.

Research Focus

Dr. Papazisis’s research focuses on clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, psychotropic and vaccine safety, pharmacoepidemiology, immunopharmacology, and neuropsychopharmacology. He specializes in evaluating the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutics in both adult and pediatric populations. His work integrates psychiatry and pharmacology, addressing critical challenges in drug monitoring, especially in real-world settings. He has contributed significantly to international research initiatives like c4c, JUSTSO, and Vaccelerate, where he led or supported multiple clinical trials in Greece. His interest in ethics is also evident in his leadership roles in medical ethics committees and involvement with CIOMS. His research approach combines regulatory science, clinical pharmacology, and public health. With a particular focus on patient safety and drug effectiveness, he advances evidence-based practices for improved therapeutic interventions. His collaborations with global institutions highlight a commitment to multidimensional, interdisciplinary research that bridges basic science, clinical medicine, and societal needs.

Conclusion

Professor Georgios Papazisis is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional contributions to clinical pharmacology, ethical leadership, and global clinical trials reflect sustained excellence and international impact. His blend of academic productivity, regulatory leadership, and commitment to pharmacovigilance makes him a model candidate. By integrating digital innovation and expanding translational outreach, his already stellar profile could become even more transformative in the future.

 Publications

    • Title: Antipsychotic drugs: from receptor-binding profiles to metabolic side effects
      Authors: S. Siafis, D. Tzachanis, M. Samara, G. Papazisis
      Journal: Current Neuropharmacology, 2018
      Volume/Issue: 16(8), 1210–1223
      DOI: 10.2174/1570159X15666180509113904

    • Title: Eating habits, health attitudes and obesity indices among medical students in northern Greece
      Authors: M. Chourdakis, T. Tzellos, G. Papazisis, K. Toulis, D. Kouvelas
      Journal: Appetite, 2010
      Volume/Issue: 55(3), 722–725
      DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2010.09.008

    • Title: Religious and spiritual beliefs, self‐esteem, anxiety, and depression among nursing students
      Authors: G. Papazisis, P. Nicolaou, E. Tsiga, T. Christoforou, D. Sapountzi‐Krepia
      Journal: Nursing & Health Sciences, 2014
      Volume/Issue: 16(2), 232–238
      DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12101

    • Title: Gabapentin and pregabalin in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review and a meta‐analysis
      Authors: T.G. Tzellos, K.A. Toulis, D.G. Goulis, G. Papazisis, V.A. Zampeli, A. Vakfari, …
      Journal: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2010
      Volume/Issue: 35(6), 639–656
      DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01123.x

    • Title: Comorbidity of obsessive–compulsive disorder with obsessive–compulsive personality disorder: Does it imply a specific subtype of obsessive–compulsive disorder?
      Authors: G. Garyfallos, K. Katsigiannopoulos, A. Adamopoulou, G. Papazisis, …
      Journal: Psychiatry Research, 2010
      Volume/Issue: 177(1–2), 156–160
      DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2009.03.005

    • Title: Efficacy of pregabalin and gabapentin for neuropathic pain in spinal-cord injury: an evidence-based evaluation of the literature
      Authors: T.G. Tzellos, G. Papazisis, E. Amaniti, D. Kouvelas
      Journal: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2008
      Volume: 64, 851–858
      DOI: 10.1007/s00228-008-0515-1

    • Title: Psychological distress, anxiety and depression among nursing students in Greece
      Authors: G. Papazisis, E. Tsiga, N. Papanikolaou, I. Vlasiadis, D. Sapountzi-Krepia
      Journal: International Journal of Caring Sciences, 2008
      Volume/Issue: 1(1), 42
      Link: http://www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org/docs/vol1_issue1_07_papazisis.pdf

    • Title: Efficacy, safety and tolerability of green tea catechins in the treatment of external anogenital warts: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
      Authors: T.G. Tzellos, C. Sardeli, A. Lallas, G. Papazisis, M. Chourdakis, D. Kouvelas
      Journal: JEADV, 2011
      Volume/Issue: 25(3), 345–353
      DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03733.x

    • Title: Epidemiology of antenatal depression among women with high-risk pregnancies due to obstetric complications: a scoping review
      Authors: I. Tsakiridis, V. Bousi, T. Dagklis, C. Sardeli, V. Nikolopoulou, G. Papazisis
      Journal: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2019
      Volume: 300, 849–859
      DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05234-0

    • Title: Respiratory syncytial virus vaccines: a review of the candidates and the approved vaccines
      Authors: X. Topalidou, A.M. Kalergis, G. Papazisis
      Journal: Pathogens, 2023
      Volume/Issue: 12(10), 1259
      DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101259

    • Title: Evaluation of dietary habits and assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors among Greek university students
      Authors: M. Chourdakis, T. Tzellos, C. Pourzitaki, K.A. Toulis, G. Papazisis, …
      Journal: Appetite, 2011
      Volume/Issue: 57(2), 377–383
      DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2011.06.005

    • Title: COVID-19 vaccines adverse events: potential molecular mechanisms
      Authors: M. Lamprinou, A. Sachinidis, E. Stamoula, T. Vavilis, G. Papazisis
      Journal: Immunologic Research, 2023
      Volume/Issue: 71(3), 356–372
      DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09313-6

    • Title: PDE5 inhibitors: in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile
      Authors: D. Kouvelas, A. Goulas, G. Papazisis, C. Sardeli, C. Pourzitaki
      Journal: Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2009
      Volume/Issue: 15(30), 3464–3475
      DOI: 10.2174/138161209789271792

    • Title: Prevalence of antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women hospitalized in a high-risk pregnancy unit in Greece
      Authors: T. Dagklis, G. Papazisis, I. Tsakiridis, F. Chouliara, A. Mamopoulos, …
      Journal: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 2016
      Volume: 51, 1025–1031
      DOI: 10.1007/s00127-016-1249-6

     

Mark Myers | Neuroscience | Excellence in Research

Dr Mark Myers | Neuroscience | Excellence in Research

Professor  at University of Tennessee Health Science Center, United States

Mark H. Myers, Ph.D. is a distinguished professional in the fields of computer science, biomedical engineering, and computational neurodynamics. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), a position he has held since 2014, and serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Mathematics/Computer Science Department at Christian Brothers University since 2020.

Profile:

scopus

Education:

🎓 Ph.D. in Computer Science – University of Memphis (2005-2011) 🧠 Dissertation: Simulation of Abnormal/Normal Brain States Using the KIV Model 🎓 M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering – University of Memphis 🧩 Thesis: Vagus Nerve Implant Simulator for Seizure Prediction and Treatment 🎓 M.Sc. in Computer Science – University of Memphis (2004-2005) 🧪 Thesis: Optimization of EEG Analysis for Cognitive Phase Transitions 🎓 B.Sc. in Physics, Minor in Math – University of Alabama

Professional Experience:

🔬 Assistant Professor – University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine (2014-present) 🖥️ Adjunct Professor – Christian Brothers University, Mathematics/Computer Science Department (2020-present) 📊 Sr. Data Science Architect Consultant – Cognosante, LLC for Veteran’s Administration (2020-2021) 💼 CTO/CEO – NeuroDyne, Inc (2017-present) 🔬 Director, Center for Biomedical Informatics – UTHSC, College of Medicine (2015-2016) 🔬 Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology – UTHSC, College of Medicine (2012-2015) 👨‍🏫 Adjunct Professor, Computer Science – University of Memphis (2012-2015) 🔬 Research Assistant – Computational Neurodynamics Lab, University of Memphis (2004-2012) ⚓ Sr. R&D Software Engineer Consultant – U.S. Navy-Department of Defense Contractor (2009-2011) 📦 Senior Enterprise Architect – FedEx Express (2006-2009)

Associations: 🧠 Guest Editor and Topic Editor – Frontiers in Neuroscience, Brain Sciences 🧠 Review Editor – Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience 🧬 Member – Society for Neuroscience, International Neural Network Society, The Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Teaching Experience:

👨‍🏫 Adjunct Professor – Christian Brothers University Courses: Neural Networks, Operating Systems, C Programming, Introduction to AI 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor – UTHSC Courses: Neuroanatomy Lab 👨‍🏫 Adjunct Professor – University of Memphis Courses: Java Network Programming, Control Theory/Systems Neuroscience 👨‍🏫 Adjunct Professor – Rhodes College Courses: Physics I, Physics II

Research  Focus   :

Dr. Mark H. Myers’ neuroscience research is centered around several key areas:

Seizure Prediction and Detection:Development of Algorithms: Dr. Myers has developed advanced algorithms for the prediction and detection of seizures, with a focus on non-invasive techniques using EEG data.Ambulatory Monitoring: His patented work on ambulatory seizure monitoring systems aims to provide real-time detection and management of seizures, improving patient outcomes.

Brain-State Simulation:KIV Model: His Ph.D. dissertation involved the simulation of abnormal and normal brain states using the KIV model, contributing to the understanding of various neurological conditions.

EEG Analysis and Cognitive Phase Transitions:EEG Optimization: Dr. Myers’ research includes optimizing EEG analysis to detect cognitive phase transitions, enhancing the ability to monitor and interpret brain activity during different cognitive states.

Neurodynamic Modeling:Mesoscopic Modeling: He has worked on modeling neuron population dynamics to study brain disorders such as epilepsy, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying these conditions.

Neural Interfaces and Vagus Nerve Stimulation:Vagus Nerve Research: His master’s thesis on a vagus nerve implant simulator aimed at predicting and treating seizures showcases his interest in neural interfaces and their therapeutic potential.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):Visual Evoked Potentials: Recent research by Dr. Myers investigates the effects of mild traumatic brain injuries on visual pathways, providing valuable data on the impact of TBI on cognitive functions.

Multisensory Integration:Audiovisual Processing: His studies on multisensory integration, particularly in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies, explore how the brain processes and integrates information from different sensory modalities.

Collaborative Research:NSF and DOD Grants: Dr. Myers has led and contributed to numerous research projects funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, focusing on brain-computer interfaces, cognitive modeling, and autonomous systems.

Citations:

📚Citations: 179

📄 Documents: 173

📊h-index: 8

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Auditory and olfactory findings in patients with USH2A-related retinal degeneration—Findings at baseline from the rate of progression in USH2A-related retinal degeneration natural history study (RUSH2A)
    Authors: Iannaccone, A., Brewer, C.C., Cheng, P., … Stingl, K., Zein, W.M.
    Journal: American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part A, 2021, 185(12), pp. 3717–3727
  2. Automatic detection of a student’s affective states for intelligent teaching systems
    Author: Myers, M.H.
    Journal: Brain Sciences, 2021, 11(3), pp. 1–15, 331
  3. Seizure localization using EEG analytical signals
    Authors: Myers, M.H., Padmanabha, A., Bidelman, G.M., Wheless, J.W.
    Journal: Clinical Neurophysiology, 2020, 131(9), pp. 2131–2139
  4. Frontal cortex selectively overrides auditory processing to bias perception for looming sonic motion
    Authors: Bidelman, G.M., Myers, M.H.
    Journal: Brain Research, 2020, 1726, 146507
  5. Mesoscopic neuron population modeling of normal/epileptic brain dynamics
    Authors: Myers, M.H., Kozma, R.
    Journal: Cognitive Neurodynamics, 2018, 12(2), pp. 211–223
  6. A pilot investigation of audiovisual processing and multisensory integration in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies
    Authors: Myers, M.H., Iannaccone, A., Bidelman, G.M.
    Journal: BMC Ophthalmology, 2017, 17(1), pp. 240