Yi Zhang | Obesity and Inhibitory-control | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yi Zhang | Obesity and inhibitory-control | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Xidian University, China

Dr. Yi Zhang is a distinguished neuroscientist and professor at the School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, China, where he also directs the Center for Brain Imaging. Born in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, in 1980, Dr. Zhang has dedicated his academic and research career to exploring the brain’s mechanisms using advanced neuroimaging tools. With a PhD in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems, he combines engineering and neuroscience to investigate conditions like obesity, addiction, and acupuncture effects. He has published over 80 journal articles and served on editorial boards of several high-impact journals. His work emphasizes functional MRI, brain modulation, and neurofeedback to improve cognitive and behavioral health. Recognized with multiple national awards, Dr. Zhang has also served as a visiting scholar in the U.S. and holds memberships in prestigious global neuroscience and medical imaging societies. His research continues to drive innovation in non-invasive brain intervention and signal processing techniques.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Yi Zhang’s academic journey is rooted in Xidian University, Xi’an, China, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering in 2003. He continued his postgraduate studies in the same institution, receiving his Master’s degree in 2006 and PhD in 2009 in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems, focusing on integrating engineering and intelligent control with neural research. His passion for bridging technology and life sciences led him to further his academic exposure abroad. From 2010 to 2011, he was a visiting scholar at the Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida College of Medicine in the United States. This international experience broadened his expertise in functional MRI and advanced medical imaging. His multidisciplinary educational background has laid a strong foundation for his research in brain imaging, signal processing, and behavioral neuroscience, allowing him to contribute significantly to understanding neural mechanisms in health and disease.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Yi Zhang has had a progressive academic career at Xidian University, starting as a Teaching Assistant in the School of Electronic Engineering (2006–2008), followed by roles as Lecturer (2008–2010), Associate Professor (2010–2015), and Professor since 2015 at the School of Life Science and Technology. His teaching has been complemented by his leadership as Director of the Center for Brain Imaging, where he spearheads interdisciplinary research projects. He has collaborated internationally as a visiting scholar at the University of Florida, enhancing his global perspective in brain imaging. His professional contributions encompass mentoring, publishing, and developing cutting-edge research on obesity, addiction, acupuncture, and real-time neurofeedback. Dr. Zhang has also held key editorial and organizational roles, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence. With over 15 years of continuous experience, he remains a prominent figure in neuroimaging, blending teaching and research to cultivate innovation in neuroscience and intelligent systems.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Yi Zhang has been the recipient of several prestigious national and institutional honors in recognition of his contributions to neuroscience and medical imaging. In 2022, he received the First Prize of the Shaanxi Higher Education Science and Technology Award for his research on brain modulation in obese patients. His work on acupuncture mechanisms using fMRI earned him First and Second Prizes from the China Society for Stereo Vision and Beijing Natural Science Award in 2015 and 2014, respectively. He was named an Early Career Investigator under the “Hua Mountain Scholar Program” in 2014 and by NIDA’s mini-convention in 2011. Additional accolades include First Prizes from the Shaanxi Higher Education and second prize from the Provincial Science and Technology Award in 2011. These recognitions affirm his innovative work in functional neuroimaging and its applications in cognitive enhancement, pain management, and behavioral intervention. His research continues to garner attention and impact across disciplines.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Yi Zhang’s research lies at the intersection of brain science, medical imaging, and behavioral neuroscience. His primary focus is the application of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain activity in conditions like obesity, heroin addiction, and acupuncture. As Director of the Center for Brain Imaging, he leads studies on real-time neurofeedback to modulate brain functions, especially appetite and reward mechanisms. His work aims to decode neural patterns and develop interventions that influence behavior and cognition. With an engineering background, he also develops advanced signal processing algorithms to handle dynamic, multivariate neurobiological data. His interdisciplinary approach has helped bridge neuroscience and intelligent systems, enabling novel therapeutic strategies. Dr. Zhang’s research has influenced fields like psychopharmacology, neurofeedback therapy, and brain modulation, providing insights into the biological basis of behavior and supporting non-invasive treatment strategies. He has co-authored over 80 journal papers, affirming his position as a leader in neuroimaging innovation.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Yi Zhang stands out as a visionary neuroscientist whose interdisciplinary expertise in engineering and life sciences advances brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience. Through pioneering research in fMRI, neurofeedback, and brain modulation, he addresses critical health issues like obesity, addiction, and pain. With a distinguished academic record, numerous awards, and a global scholarly presence, Dr. Zhang continues to shape the future of neuroscience research and education through his leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving human health.

Publications

  • A hybrid network integrating convolution and transformer for thymoma segmentation

    Intelligent Medicine
    2023-08 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.imed.2022.06.003
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Xiulong Feng; Karen M. von Deneen; Wen Wang; Guangbin Cui; Yi Zhang

  • MG-Net: Multi-level global-aware network for thymoma segmentation

    Computers in Biology and Medicine
    2023-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106635
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Karen M. von Deneen; Xiao Fan; Gang An; Guangbin Cui; Yi Zhang

  • Electroacupuncture enhances resting-state functional connectivity between dorsal caudate and precuneus and decreases associated leptin levels in overweight/obese subjects

    Brain Imaging and Behavior
    2022-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00519-3
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yang He; Karen M. von Deneen; Guanya Li; Borong Jing; Yanyan Zhou; Kaiya Zhang; Yi Zhang; Yuanyuan

  • A dense connection encoding–decoding convolutional neural network structure for semantic segmentation of thymoma

    Neurocomputing
    2021-09 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2021.04.023
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Xiulong Feng; Gang Xing; Karen M. von Deneen; Wen Wang; Yi Zhang; Guangbin Cui

Faheem Arshad | Cognitive Neurosciences | Best Researcher Award

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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

Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

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prof. Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

 

Universität Würzburg, Germany

Profile

Education

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

Work experience

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

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

Publication