Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is a Brazilian physiotherapist and researcher with expertise in neuroengineering, maternal and child health, and neonatal care. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where she also completed her undergraduate studies. Valéria holds a Master’s in Neuroengineering from the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences and has extensive experience in hospital and academic settings. Her research contributions focus on neonatal neural activity and pediatric urological sequelae linked to congenital infections like Zika virus. She has served in both clinical and academic roles across various Brazilian institutions, including UFRN, ISD, HU-UFGD, and HRG. Fluent in Portuguese and proficient in English, she also acts as a journal referee and participates in numerous collaborative health projects. Valéria has earned distinctions for her dedication to education and contributions to neonatal physiotherapy research and care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is completing her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy (2021–2025) at UFRN, under Dr. Silvana Alves Pereira. She earned a Master’s in Neuroengineering (2018–2020) at the Edmond and Lily Safra Institute, supervised by Dr. Reginaldo Freitas Jr., with a CAPES scholarship. Previously, she completed a specialization in Maternal and Child Health through a multiprofessional residency at UFRN (2016–2018), also under Dr. Pereira. Her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy (2011–2015) was completed at UFRN with CNPq scholarship support. Complementary education includes over 20 short courses in areas like public health, intensive care, clinical pilates, neonatal care, and professional development, offered by institutions such as FIOCRUZ, CEDEP, UFMG, and the Albert Einstein Institute. These reflect her commitment to continuous learning and interdisciplinary training in health care and leadership. She also completed a 240-hour English language course and has participated in multiple training programs since 2009, enhancing her clinical and academic capacities.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Valéria has accumulated rich experience in public health, academic research, and clinical physiotherapy. Since 2022, she works at the University Hospital of Grande Dourados (HU-UFGD/Ebserh) as a government-employed physiotherapist. She has concurrently held research and academic roles at UFRN since 2021. Her past positions include clinical roles at Hospital Rio Grande, Hospital Municipal de Campanha, and UPA Esperança, and academic/research posts at Instituto Santos Dumont (ISD), where she contributed to projects on Zika-related pediatric sequelae. From 2016 to 2018, she was a research fellow at the Regional Hospital Dr. Mariano Coelho. Her early experience includes a scholarship-based position at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra. She’s also an active participant in ongoing projects at Instituto Fernandes Figueira and ISD. Valéria’s work combines hands-on physiotherapeutic care with clinical research, specializing in neonatal, neurological, and urological rehabilitation, making her a key contributor in multidisciplinary health teams.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Valéria received an Honorable Mention in 2018 from the Escola Multicampi de Ciências Médicas do RN for her contribution to the first class of the multiprofessional residency in maternal and child health. In 2015, she won first place in the area of Neonatal and Pediatric Physiotherapy at the III Northeastern Congress of Cardiorespiratory and Intensive Care Physiotherapy (CONEFIR), highlighting her excellence as a student-researcher. These awards recognize her early and continued dedication to improving clinical physiotherapy practice in neonatal and pediatric populations, as well as her commitment to rural health education and service delivery. Her leadership in education and practical training programs, especially in underserved areas, has been widely acknowledged. These honors underscore her impact on both the academic and practical dimensions of physiotherapy and affirm her growing reputation as a committed clinician, researcher, and mentor in Brazil’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Research Interests 🔬

Valéria’s research focuses on neonatal neurophysiology, pediatric rehabilitation, and health impacts of congenital infections such as the Zika virus. At UFRN, her Ph.D. work investigates the relationship between neural activity and visual processing in premature newborns. Through the Instituto Santos Dumont and Instituto Fernandes Figueira, she has contributed to long-term studies on urinary and intestinal dysfunctions in children with congenital Zika syndrome. She integrates neuroengineering principles into pediatric physiotherapy to enhance diagnostic and rehabilitative outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach includes neurodevelopmental monitoring, urological sequelae analysis, and intervention design for affected children. In addition to field research, she is involved in designing care protocols, training health professionals, and evaluating public health strategies. Her work bridges neuroscience, physiotherapy, and maternal-child care, aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable pediatric populations. She also serves as a peer reviewer, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practices in neurorehabilitation and child health.

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

Lucas Muñoz-Lopez | Neuroscience | Best Academic Researcher Award

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
    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
    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
    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
    CONTRIBUTORS: Raquel Martín-Ríos; José C. Perales; Francisca López-Torrecillas; Lucas Muñoz Lóp

Alaa Abd-Elsayed | Neuromidulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed | Neuromidulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed 🇺🇸 is an American board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison 🏥, recognized for his leadership, groundbreaking research 🔬, and compassionate patient care 💉, with a prolific academic career as a professor, director, and global speaker 🎤, blending clinical excellence, innovation, and education 📚 in pain management, with over two decades of medical service and leadership roles across Egypt 🇪🇬 and the U.S. 🇺🇸, while holding numerous prestigious certifications 🏅, published research, and leadership awards 🏆, he stands as a dedicated pioneer in improving chronic pain therapy 🔥 and anesthesiology practice worldwide 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Alaa’s academic journey began at Assuit University 🇪🇬, earning his MBBCh 🩺 in 2000 & MPH 🎓 in 2006; postgrad, he trained extensively in the U.S. 🇺🇸, completing internships, anesthesiology residency, and a pain medicine fellowship 🏥 at the University of Cincinnati 🎯, and a Clinical Research Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic 🧪; board-certified in anesthesiology & chronic pain medicine 💊, and a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) 🏆, he capped his academic prowess with an Executive MBA 🎓 in 2023, mastering both medicine & healthcare leadership 🧠, and attending diverse leadership programs 💼 from AAPL, UW Health, and Faulkner University, cementing a strong foundation in clinical care and strategic innovation ⚡.

Experience 👨‍🏫

With over 20 years in medicine 🩺, Dr. Alaa has held roles from intern 👨‍⚕️ in Egypt 🇪🇬 to Associate Professor 📖, First Division Chief, and Medical Director at UW-Madison 🇺🇸; he’s led UW Health Pain Services 🔥, pioneering chronic pain medicine management 💊; his journey spanned positions at Assuit University, Cleveland Clinic, and University of Cincinnati 🏥; he’s served as chief fellow, staff anesthesiologist, researcher 🔬, educator 📚, and leader, combining advanced clinical practice 🏆 with administrative excellence 💼, mentoring future physicians while driving cutting-edge research 🚀 and pain medicine innovations 🌟.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Alaa’s distinguished career is crowned with awards 🌟 like the Raj/Racz Excellence Award 🥇, Physician of the Year 🏅, America’s Top Doctors 👏, Fellow of ASA 🧠, and recognition as a World Expert 🌍 in pain by Expertscape; multiple top research, poster 🖼️, and abstract prizes 🧾 from ASIPP, MARC, ASPN, ASA, INS & WSA 🏆 highlight his prolific contributions, while his books 📚 were ranked among the best in anesthesiology and pain medicine 💊; his research has shaped clinical practices 🌡️ and his leadership has been applauded across national and global stages 🎤, underlining his impact as a clinician, educator, and thought leader 💡.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Alaa’s research explores pain management innovation 🔥, neuromodulation ⚡, spinal cord stimulation 🧠, dorsal root ganglion therapies 💉, and anesthesiology outcomes 🧾; he’s passionate about translating bench-to-bedside discoveries 🏥, optimizing patient-centered chronic pain therapies 💊, and advancing perioperative safety 🌡️; his peer-reviewed publications 📚, clinical trials 🧪, and systematic reviews ⚗️ have influenced global practices 🌍, securing his place among top 0.05% scholars worldwide 🏆; his scientific vision combines clinical evidence, bioethics, and real-world health solutions for pain relief and anesthetic care 🧠💡.

Publications 

Karin N Westlund | Chronic Pain Relief | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karin N Westlund | Chronic Pain Relief | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karin N. Westlund High is a distinguished neuroscientist and physiologist, currently a Distinguished Professor at UNM School of Medicine and a Research Physiologist at NM VA Health Care. 🇺🇸 She is recognized for her groundbreaking work in pain mechanisms and translational neurobiology. 📚 Her leadership as Vice Chair for Research and longstanding academic contributions span over four decades, advancing the fields of anesthesiology, neuroscience, and chronic pain treatment. 🧠💉

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Westlund High earned a B.A. (Zoology) 🎓 from the University of Texas at Austin (1975), followed by an M.A. in Zoology (1976). She received her Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics from UTMB Galveston in 1981. 🧪 During her graduate and postdoctoral years, she developed strong expertise in pain pathways and biophysics. 🧬 Her education laid a solid foundation for her influential career in academic medicine and neuroscience research. 📖🧠

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 1982 to the present, Dr. Westlund High has held key roles: tenured professor at UTMB Galveston, University of Kentucky, and UNM. 🏫 She was also Vice Chair for Research at UNM Anesthesiology (2017–2024) and served in VA medical systems in KY & NM. 🏥🧪 She led cell biology graduate programs, taught extensively in medicine and dentistry, and contributed to national research ethics. 🧑‍🏫🧠

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Westlund High is the recipient of over 20 prestigious honors, including the Frederick W.L. Kerr Award (2008) 🏆, Innovator of the Year (2023), and multiple NIH awards. 💡 She’s been honored for teaching, research excellence, and innovation, including winning EQUALIZE Pitch Competition and a U.S. patent award (2025). 🇺🇸 She has served on editorial boards and grant panels globally, shaping pain research. 🌍🔬

Research Interests 🔬

Her research centers on pain neurobiology 🔍—investigating trigeminal nerve injury, chronic pain, neuroinflammation, and targeted therapeutic antibodies. 🧠💊 With deep NIH and VA support, she has led studies using translational animal models to discover novel pain relief methods. 🐭⚗️ Her work impacts both clinical and preclinical pain management, with over 40 years of translational insights and innovation. 💥📈

Publications 
  • Role of HDAC5 Epigenetics in Chronic Craniofacial Neuropathic Pain

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2024-06 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sifong Elise Hui; Karin N Westlund
  • Pluripotential GluN1 (NMDA NR1): Functional Significance in Cellular Nuclei in Pain/Nociception

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2023-08 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Terry A. McNearney; Karin N Westlund
  • Rapid Generation and Molecular Docking Analysis of Single-Chain Fragment Variable (scFv) Antibody Selected by Ribosome Display Targeting Cholecystokinin B Receptor (CCK-BR) for Reduction of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2023-07 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Adinarayana Kunamneni; Marena A. Montera; Ravi Durvasula; Dr Sascha Alles; Sachin Goyal; Karin N Westlund

Jolanta Dorszewska | Neurobiology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Jolanta Dorszewska | Neurobiology | Women Researcher Award

Professor Jolanta Dorszewska is a globally recognized neuroscientist and pharmacologist based at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland 🧠🇵🇱. She leads the Laboratory of Neurobiology, exploring the molecular and genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases 🧬. With over 35 years of academic experience, her work spans neurochemistry, clinical neurology, and genetic research in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease 🧪. A prolific author, she has contributed to 80+ research papers, 50+ reviews, and 30+ book chapters 📚. She serves on editorial boards of top neuroscience journals and holds leadership roles in national and international neurological societies 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Prof. Dorszewska earned her M.Sc. in Pharmacy with distinction from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 1987 🏅. She completed board certifications in Pharmaceutical Analytics (1990 & 1997) and received her Ph.D. in 1996 🧪. In 2004, she qualified as an Associate Professor and achieved full Professorship in 2016 🎓. Her academic growth includes training in medical genetics from 2012 to 2020 🧬. Her education reflects an evolving blend of pharmacy, neurobiology, and genetics, forming the foundation of her current research excellence 💡.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Prof. Dorszewska began as an Assistant in the Dept. of Pharmacy (1987-88), then in Clinical Neurochemistry (1988-96) at PUMS 👩‍🔬. She was a Research Scientist in New York (1999–2000) 🗽 and has led the Laboratory of Neurobiology since 2004 🧠. She became Full Professor in 2022 🏛️. She also lectured at the National High Medical School in Pila (2012–2018) 📖. Her career blends hands-on research, global collaboration, and dedicated academic leadership 📚. She continues to mentor, publish, and drive innovations in neurology and neurochemistry 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Awards and Honors:
Prof. Dorszewska is a Local Honorary Member of the 12th World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (2018) 🌐. She has served as Guest Editor for 6 prestigious theme issues and holds editorial roles in top-tier journals like Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience and Current Alzheimer Research 📘. A section and associate editor for journals across the USA, UK, and Poland 🌍, she’s a key figure in scientific publishing 🖋️. She’s affiliated with the Polish Academy of Sciences and international neurological societies and has co-edited 5 books 📚.

Research Interests 🔬

Research Focus:
Her research spans lipid metabolism in hypoxia 🧫, cerebral sterols 🧠, neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine) 🧪, apoptosis in aging and disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) 💔, and gene polymorphisms (MTHFR, MAO-B, PARK) 🧬. She investigates homocysteine metabolism, catecholamine pathways, and molecular changes in neurodegeneration 🧠. Since 2009, she’s focused on genetic mutations (PARK, APOE), biomarkers (ASN, microRNAs), and migraine genetics ⚙️. She uses advanced techniques like HPLC, PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry 🔍. Her interdisciplinary work integrates neurobiology, pharmacogenomics, and molecular neuroscience in tackling brain diseases 🚀.

Publications 
  • Genetic variants of ZNF746 and the level of plasma Parkin, PINK1, and ZNF746 proteins in patients with Parkinson’s disease

    IBRO Neuroscience Reports
    2025-06 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jolanta Dorszewska; Jolanta Florczak-Wyspiańska; Bartosz Słowikowski; Wojciech Owecki; Oliwia Szymanowicz; Ulyana Goutor; Mateusz Dezor; Paweł P. Jagodziński; Wojciech Kozubski
  • Kinesiotherapeutic Possibilities and Molecular Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis

    Sclerosis
    2025-04-03 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Katarzyna Wiszniewska; Małgorzata Wilk; Małgorzata Wiszniewska; Joanna Poszwa; Oliwia Szymanowicz; Wojciech Kozubski; Jolanta Dorszewsk
  • Unraveling the Role of Proteinopathies in Parasitic Infections

    Biomedicines
    2025-03-03 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Mikołaj Hurła; Damian Pikor; Natalia Banaszek-Hurła; Alicja Drelichowska; Jolanta Dorszewska; Wojciech Kozubski; Elżbieta Kacprzak; Małgorzata Paul
  • Expression of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Early Oxidative DNA Damage in Aging Rat Brain—The Effects of Memantine

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-02-14 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Małgorzata Anna Lewandowska; Agata Różycka; Teresa Grzelak; Bartosz Kempisty; Paweł Piotr Jagodziński; Margarita Lianeri; Jolanta Dorszewska

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

Ata Jahangir Moshayedi | Brain Stimulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ata Jahangir Moshayedi | Brain Stimulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ata Jahangir Moshayedi is an Associate Professor at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology 🇨🇳 with a PhD in Electronic Science 🎓 from Savitribai Phule Pune University 🇮🇳. He is a prolific academic 🧠 with over 90 publications 📚, three authored books 📖, two patents 🧾, and nine copyrights 📝. A distinguished member of IEEE ⚡, ACM 💻, Instrument Society of India 🧪, and Speed Society of India 🚀, he contributes to editorial boards 🗞️ and international conferences 🌐. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges robotics 🤖, AI 🤖, VR 🕶️, and embedded systems 🔧, driving innovation in education and technology 🚀.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Moshayedi earned his PhD in Electronic Science from Savitribai Phule Pune University 🇮🇳, specializing in robotics and automation 🤖. His educational path is deeply rooted in multidisciplinary technologies like embedded systems 🔧, machine vision 👁️, and AI 🧠. With academic training grounded in both theory 📘 and application 🛠️, he cultivated expertise across digital systems 💡 and bio-inspired robots 🦾. He integrates engineering principles with computer science 💻 to develop cutting-edge innovations in virtual and intelligent systems 🌍. His educational achievements laid the foundation for his impactful career in academic research and mentoring 📈.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Moshayedi has served as Associate Professor at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology 🇨🇳 since 2018. He leads modules in Robotics 🤖, Embedded Systems 💻, and Digital Image Processing 📷. He supervises UG and PG research 🧪, formulates grant proposals 💡, and serves as a module leader and tutor across advanced computer engineering courses 🧑‍🎓. His role includes designing learning materials 📘, aligning curriculum with accreditation standards 🎯, and evaluating student performance 🎓. He has extensive teaching experience in C/C++ programming 💾, algorithm analysis 📊, and mobile app programming 📱, ensuring comprehensive academic development.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🥇2024: Best Mentor, Jiangxi University 👨‍🏫 | 🏅2022: Book Award (Unity in Embedded System Design and Robotics) 📖 | 🥉2022: 3rd National & 1st Provincial Prize, Handy Pipe Detector, China Computer Design Competition 🛠️ | 🥉2021: 3rd National & 2nd Provincial, PEA Project (Pandemic Exam Assistant) 🧪 | 🏆2021: Innovation Award, Iran National Festival 🌍 | 🥉2021: 3rd National & 2nd Provincial, RDK Cloud Robot, Intelligent Service Robot Challenge ☁️🤖 — All reflecting his excellence in guiding innovation, mentoring students 👨‍🎓, and advancing global tech competitions 🌐.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Moshayedi’s research integrates robotics 🤖, AI 🧠, and embedded systems 🔧. His work on bio-inspired robots 🐜, mobile robot olfaction 👃, and sensor modeling 🧪 explores intelligent perception and environmental interaction 🌫️. He develops machine vision-based systems 👁️, virtual reality environments 🕶️, and smart embedded architectures 🖥️. His focus on plume tracking 🌬️ and cloud robotics ☁️ brings autonomous systems closer to real-world application. Merging theory and practice 🔍, his research propels innovation across intelligent systems, cyber-physical interaction 🌐, and real-time automation, making significant strides in modern engineering and applied AI 🤖.

Publications 

LUCIANO VITORINO | Cognitive Aging | Cognitive Aging Excellence

Dr. LUCIANO VITORINO | Cognitive Aging | Cognitive Aging Excellence

Dr. Luciano Magalhães Vitorino, Ph.D., RN 🇧🇷 is a dedicated professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Itajubá, Brazil 🏥, with expertise in nursing, gerontology, spirituality, and health 🌱. He has built a multidisciplinary academic and research career blending healthcare, cognition, and spirituality 🧠🙏. With over 1,500 citations 📚 and extensive teaching roles in medicine and nursing 🩺, he leads the Research Center and the Assessment Center at FMIT, actively contributing to the Research Ethics Committee 👨‍🔬. His international academic collaborations, including the University of Alberta 🇨🇦, reflect his global engagement 🌍. A recognized academic voice, he served as Guest Editor for Frontiers in Psychiatry 📰 and holds memberships across academic platforms 📊. Through education, mentorship, and pioneering research, Dr. Luciano is influencing healthcare for the aging population 💡👴👵.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Luciano holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cognition, Spirituality, and Aging from UFJF (2017–2019) 🧘‍♂️🧠, a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Quality of Life & Spiritual Health from UNIFESP (2012–2016) 📖, and a B.Sc. in Nursing from Faculty of Nursing Wenceslau Braz (2006) 🩺. He specialized in Urgency and Emergency Care (2008–2010) ⛑️. His Ph.D. work was guided by experts from UNIFESP and the University of Alberta 🇨🇦, exploring spiritual/religious coping among older adults. His dissertation and thesis focused on quality of life and religious coping in nursing homes and community settings 🙏🏘️. His postdoctoral project assessed spirituality’s influence on cognitive decline in aging populations 🧓. This unique education, combining nursing, public health, and spirituality, positions him as a thought leader in holistic geriatric care

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Luciano is a full-time assistant professor at FMIT since 2018 👨‍🏫. He coordinates both the Research Center (since 2022) and Assessment Center (since 2022), and is a long-standing member of the Research Ethics Committee (since 2019) 🧪📋. He previously taught at Faculty of Nursing Wenceslau Braz (2007–2012), Medical School of Itajubá (2013–2014), and Federal University of São Paulo (2013) 👨‍⚕️📘. He’s also guided health residency programs and coordinated caregiver training for elderly individuals 👵👨‍⚕️. As Guest Editor of Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022–2023), he shaped international discussions on spirituality and health 🗞️🕊️. His teaching subjects include Epidemiology, Geriatrics, Medical Semiology, and Spirituality & Health 🧬🩻. His roles reflect a passion for interdisciplinary health sciences and dedication to ethical, evidence-based care 🌟.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Luciano’s impactful research and teaching have earned him numerous citations across Scopus (h-index 13, 525 citations), Web of Science (h-index 11, 454 citations), Google Scholar (h-index 20, 1,506 citations) 📈, and ResearchGate (h-index 16, 864 citations) 🧑‍🔬. His inclusion as Guest Editor for Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022–2023) showcases recognition in global academic communities 🌍. He’s contributed to leading Brazilian and international institutions like UNIFESP, UFJF, and the University of Alberta 🇧🇷🇨🇦. Through strong publication records and global collaborations, he’s established himself as an authority on spiritual health in aging 🚀📚. His profile on Google Scholar, ORCID, and LinkedIn reflects international engagement and scholarly distinction 🌐🎖️.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Luciano’s research bridges Geriatrics, Gerontology, Spirituality and Mental Health, and AI in Healthcare 🧓🧠💻. His central interest lies in understanding how spirituality and religiosity affect cognitive aging and quality of life 🌿🧘‍♂️. His postdoctoral research—a 4-year longitudinal study—explored how spiritual coping impacts cognitive decline in community-dwelling elders 🧪🕯️. He also investigates medical education, primary healthcare, and interdisciplinary training 🩺📘. As AI transforms healthcare, he examines its integration with geriatric care and spiritual health frameworks 🤖❤️. Through mixed-methods research and international collaboration, he aims to personalize elderly care and mental wellness using both humanistic and data-driven approaches 📊✨.

Publications 

Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

apl. Prof. Dr. med. habil. Gerd Fabian Volk (👶1978, Wertheim am Main) is a leading German otolaryngologist 👨‍⚕️, currently serving as Senior Physician and Head of the Facial Nerve Center in Jena 🏥. With a deep commitment to clinical excellence, academic teaching 📚, and innovative research 🧪, he has significantly contributed to the fields of neurolaryngology, facial nerve disorders, and ultrasound diagnostics 🧠🗣️. His work bridges cutting-edge imaging 🖼️ and functional diagnostics for head-neck disorders. Living in Jena with his family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧, he actively supports patient education through YouTube 📹, coordinates national workshops, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration 🤝. Volk is a respected speaker 🎤, faculty member at international dissection courses ✂️🧠, and an initiator of hybrid symposia. He balances leadership with education, translating research into real-world clinical impact 🌍💡.

Profile

Education 🎓

Studied human medicine at Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster (1999–2006) 🎓🩺, earning his state exam. In 2007, he completed his doctorate (Dr. med.) with a thesis on axonal regeneration in retinal ganglion cells in primates and rats 🧬🐒🐀. He achieved board certification in ENT (2012) 👂👃🧠 and earned his postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) in 2017 with pioneering research on quantitative imaging of facial muscles 🖼️💪. His venia legendi was granted by Friedrich Schiller University Jena in otorhinolaryngology 📜👨‍🏫. Further qualifications include DEGUM Level II (2018) for ultrasound, clinical trial leadership certification (2009), animal research leadership certification (2002), and interdisciplinary leadership training at UKJ 🏅📊. His broad educational background underpins his medical, scientific, and didactic work, combining clinical care, diagnostics, and teaching for the next generation of ENT specialists 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👨‍🏫.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2013, Dr. Volk leads the Facial Nerve Center in Jena and co-founded the Tinnitus Center 👨‍⚕️🔊. He is currently Senior Physician at the ENT Department, University Hospital Jena and member of the steering committee for the Center for Rare Diseases Jena (since 2024) 🧩🧬. He previously held rotational research fellowships in radiology and neurology (2008–2013) and has organized national ENT courses since 2009 🧠🎓. With consistent academic teaching since 2012, he has led cadaver dissection courses, neurolaryngology workshops, and ultrasound diagnostics trainings 🧑‍🏫💻. He is an active contributor to ethics commissions and rare disease networks 👥⚖️. His work merges clinical ENT practice, surgical skill, and educational outreach through digital platforms (e.g., YouTube, www.lemg.org) 🌐📹. A devoted mentor, he organizes monthly PhD symposia and integrates hybrid teaching formats, balancing high-level medical care with forward-thinking academic initiatives 📚🏥🎯.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recipient of multiple national prizes, including the 1st Poster Prize by the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (2019) 🥇📊 for Parkinson-related facial muscle imaging, and the DEGUM Head-Neck Section Award for his habilitation research (2018) 🧠🏅. Awarded competitive IZKF research fellowships in neurology and radiology (2008–2013) 🧬🔬. Recognized leader in rare disease diagnostics and member of Germany’s CRANIO-Net for rare craniofacial disorders (since 2022) 🧩👶. Since 2020, he contributes to the Ethics Commission of the University Hospital Jena ⚖️. He is speaker for ENT indications in the Botulinumtoxin Working Group of the German Society of Neurology (since 2022) 💉🧠. Nominated for professorial posts in Bielefeld, Halle, and Charité Berlin between 2019–2023 🏛️📚. Volk’s sustained excellence across clinical care, diagnostics, research, and education has earned him national recognition and leadership roles in academic ENT medicine 🧠🏥✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Volk’s research centers on facial nerve diagnostics and therapy 🧠🧑‍⚕️, neurolaryngology, and ultrasound imaging of head-neck structures 🖼️. He specializes in quantitative imaging of facial muscles for conditions like facial paralysis and Parkinson’s disease 🤖🧠. His work combines clinical neurophysiology, MRI analysis, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) 📈💬. He also pioneers educational innovations in hybrid learning, simulation-based teaching, and cadaver dissection techniques for ENT and neurology professionals 🧑‍🏫🧪. Through platforms like www.lemg.org and dedicated YouTube channels 📹, he disseminates knowledge on advanced diagnostics such as salivary duct endoscopy, voice disorders, and botulinum toxin use 💉. A strong advocate for interdisciplinary networks and rare disease research, he leads initiatives in patient-centered care, including organizing the “Fazialis-Nerv-Tag” and supporting patient education 🤝❤️. His translational research aims to enhance diagnostic precision and develop novel rehabilitation strategies for complex craniofacial disorders 🧬🔧.

Publications 
  • Electromyography as an Objective Outcome Measure for the Therapeutic Effect of Biofeedback Training to Reduce Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis

    Healthcare
    2025-03-04 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk
  • Evaluation of the Effects of an Electromyography-Based Bio-Feedback Training of Patients with Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis Using Electromyography Amplitudes as Objective Outcome Measure

    2024-12-16 | Preprint
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk
  • Deceleration of denervated facial muscle atrophy through functional electrical stimulation: a sonographic quantification in patients with facial nerve paralysis

    European Journal of Translational Myology
    2024-11-13 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Gabriel Meincke; Johannes Krauß; Maren Geitner; Anna-Maria Kuttenreich; Dirk Arnold; Jonas Ballmaier; Thomas Lehmann; Winfried Mayr; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk