Maryam Peymani | Parkinson | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Maryam Peymani | Parkinson | Best Researcher Award

Islamic Azad University | Iran

Dr. Maryam Peymani is an Iranian molecular geneticist from Isfahan who has built a distinguished academic career within the Department of Biology at the Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord branch, where she serves as an Associate Professor and has also contributed as a research director. With a strong educational foundation spanning genetics and molecular genetics, her academic training focused on the roles of PPARγ in cellular differentiation, which later shaped her extensive work in stem cell biology, transcriptomics, neurodegeneration, and cancer biology. Her research interests encompass cellular and molecular mechanisms, human stem cell applications, signal transduction under stress, bioinformatics, and the transcriptomic landscape of complex diseases, supported by strong skills in molecular techniques, stem cell culture, real-time PCR, cloning, Western blotting, and advanced RNA-based analyses. She has participated in diverse laboratory projects involving embryonic stem cell differentiation, neural and mesodermal pathways, inflammatory models, cardiotoxicity studies, and comprehensive bioinformatics evaluations. Recognised as a top researcher at reputable scientific institutions, she has demonstrated consistent excellence and leadership. Through a prolific publication record and dedication to mentoring students, Dr. Peymani continues to advance research in molecular genetics, contributing meaningful insights to biomedical science while fostering innovation and scientific growth.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Amiri, S., Gholizadeh, L., Rasti, A., Peymani, M., Mirjalili, S. A. M., Vahidi, S., & Kalantar, S. M. (2024). Comparison of SPAG11A gene expression in infertile men with grade 1 and grade 2 varicocele before and after treatment. JBRA Assisted Reproduction.

Hassani, M., Mahdevar, M., & Peymani, M. (2024). Exploring the role of interleukin 11 in cancer progression, patient survival, and therapeutic insights. Molecular Biology Reports.

Golozar, M., Valipour Motlagh, A., Mahdevar, M., Peymani, M., InanlooRahatloo, K., & Ghaedi, K. (2024). TBX15 and SDHB expression changes in colorectal cancer serve as potential prognostic biomarkers. Experimental and Molecular Pathology.

Yue Dong | Neurodegeneration | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yue Dong | Neurodegeneration | Best Researcher Award

Hebei Hospital of Xuanwu Hospital | China

Dr. Yue Dong is a research scientist specialising in Alzheimer’s disease, neuromodulation, and translational neuroscience, with work rooted in uncovering metabolic, molecular, and circuit-level mechanisms of cognitive vulnerability while advancing non-invasive brain-stimulation technologies. She holds a medical degree from Hebei Medical University and a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Irvine, followed by postdoctoral training at leading American institutions, where she deepened her expertise in neurodegeneration, electrophysiology, multi-omics analysis, network imaging, and cellular–circuit physiology. Her professional experience spans neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical translation, and she currently serves as a researcher at Hebei Hospital of Xuanwu Hospital, contributing to precision neuromodulation research. Her interests include Alzheimer’s pathology, brain aging, sleep–memory interactions, synaptic resilience, photobiomodulation, and AI-enabled wearable stimulation systems. She is skilled in multi-omics profiling, fluorescence lifetime imaging, fMRI and EEG analytics, metabolic modelling, and neuromodulation parameter optimisation. Her work has earned recognition through competitive national and provincial research grants, talent awards, and leadership roles in professional societies. Dr. Dong’s career reflects a commitment to advancing mechanistic discovery and real-world clinical innovation, with the overarching goal of transforming neuromodulation into accessible, scalable brain-health technology for future therapeutic applications.

Profile: Googlescholar

Featured Publications

David Blum | Neurodegeneration | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. David Blum | Neurodegeneration | Best Academic Researcher Award

Inserm | France

Dr. David Blum is a leading physiologist and neuroscientist specialising in neurodegeneration, serving as a research director at Inserm within a prominent laboratory dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies. He completed his academic training in physiology and neuroscience, building a strong foundation that guides his work on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders. His professional experience includes extensive leadership in research programmes focused on Tau biology, metabolic regulation, neuroinflammation, and purinergic signalling, with particular emphasis on adenosine pathways. His research interests centre on understanding how Tau pathology disrupts memory, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function, as well as exploring environmental, metabolic, and epigenomic contributors to disease progression. He possesses advanced research skills in experimental neuroscience, molecular physiology, genetic models, biomaterial applications, and translational approaches linking bench discoveries to clinical insights. Dr. Blum has been recognised through international collaborations, scientific contributions, and participation in excellence centres dedicated to neurodegenerative disease research. His honours reflect his influential role in advancing knowledge on Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and related disorders. Overall, he stands as a highly respected scientist whose integrative work continues to shape current understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms and supports the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Anett Hudák | Neurodegeneration | Women Researcher Award

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Ms. Anett Hudák | Neurodegeneration | Women Researcher Award

Anett Hudák is a skilled molecular biologist with deep expertise in neurobiology, virology, and molecular pathology. She earned her MSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Debrecen with a specialization in biomedical sciences and pharmacology. Over the years, she has significantly contributed to the understanding of cellular communication, amyloid pathology, and viral entry mechanisms through her work on syndecans. With professional experience spanning academia and industry, Anett currently serves as a molecular biologist at Pharmacoidea Ltd., where she leads impactful research on Alzheimer’s disease, SARS-CoV-2, and neurodegeneration. Her publications in high-impact journals like Scientific Reports and International Journal of Molecular Sciences reflect her strong research acumen. Anett’s extensive training in laboratory techniques, radiation protection, and animal experimentation, along with her dedication and collaborative mindset, make her a valued asset in translational biomedical research. She continues to drive discovery at the intersection of molecular biology and therapeutic innovation.

Profile

🎓 Education

Anett Hudák began her academic journey at Benka Gyula Lutheran Primary School and graduated from Andrássy Gyula Secondary School. She completed her BSc in Biology with a specialization in Laboratory Operations at the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Science and Technology. She further pursued an MSc in Molecular Biology at the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Medicine, specializing in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology. During her studies, she also received extended-level radiation protection training from the University of Debrecen’s Radiation Protection Service. Anett later earned a Certification in Laboratory Animal Science from the Institutional Animal Welfare Committee at Semmelweis University. Her academic formation has been enriched by intensive hands-on research training in various biomedical techniques including PCR, genotyping, electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, and animal experimentation. This solid educational background has laid the groundwork for her successful transition into a career in academic and industrial molecular biology research.

🧪 Experience

Anett Hudák has a rich portfolio of research and laboratory experience, beginning with her early work on HPV detection in cervical cancer diagnostics at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Debrecen. She expanded her expertise during her research internship at the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, where she investigated IL-1RI’s role in inflammatory pain models. From 2012 to 2014, she gained proficiency in cell biology techniques including immunofluorescence and Western blotting. She worked as a laboratory biologist at the Institute of Physiology, Semmelweis University (2015–2016), contributing to studies on lymphangiogenesis in embryonic development. Since 2016, she has been a molecular biologist at Pharmacoidea Ltd., conducting translational research on syndecans in viral transmission, amyloid aggregation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Her contributions to scientific conferences and collaborative publications demonstrate her ability to lead and participate in high-impact research projects that bridge molecular science and therapeutic development.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While formal awards are not extensively listed in Anett Hudák’s CV, her achievements are evident through her selection for prominent speaking roles and poster presentations at respected conferences such as the Pannonia Congress of Pathology (2014), MÉT 2015, and FAMÉ 2016. Her research has consistently been showcased in these forums, highlighting its relevance and impact. Furthermore, Anett’s work has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals like Scientific Reports and International Journal of Molecular Sciences, indicating recognition by the scientific community. Her collaborative publications with international experts, such as Martin Hofmann-Apitius and Mimoun Azzouz, underscore her respected standing in biomedical research. Anett’s ability to lead first-author publications and contribute significantly to multi-author research reflects a level of distinction that is often synonymous with academic honors. Her rising trajectory in neurodegenerative and virology research suggests she is well-positioned for future scientific accolades and leadership roles.

🔬 Research Focus

Anett Hudák’s research centers on the role of syndecans in cellular communication, neurodegenerative disease pathology, and viral entry mechanisms. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding how these membrane proteins facilitate the internalization and aggregation of amyloid-β, α-synuclein, and tau—key proteins involved in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. She also explores how syndecans enable SARS-CoV-2 entry, including variants like Delta and Omicron, offering insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention. Recent studies delve into the interaction between apolipoproteins and syndecans and how these pathways impact cellular events relevant to amyloid disorders. Her use of tissue decolorization, single-cell resolution imaging, and endocytosis analysis has positioned her research at the forefront of molecular neuroscience and virology. Anett’s interdisciplinary approach, spanning molecular biology, cell signaling, and pathology, not only addresses fundamental mechanisms but also aims to inform novel therapeutic strategies for infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.

✅ Conclusion

Anett Hudák is a dedicated and impactful molecular biologist whose research on syndecans, neurodegeneration, and viral entry has advanced both basic science and translational applications in biomedicine.

Publications

Jesus Avila | Tauopathies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Jesus Avila | Tauopathies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jesus Avila is a distinguished cognitive scientist and Professor ad honorem at the Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM-CSIC), Spain. He obtained his degree in Chemistry and PhD in Molecular Biology from Universidad Complutense Madrid, focusing on RNA polymerase in B. subtilis. His postdoctoral research at NIH, USA, centered on the SV40 virus. Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Avila has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the neuronal cytoskeleton, particularly tau protein, its role in Alzheimer’s disease, and tauopathies. With over 694 published journal articles, 33 books, 4 patents, and collaborations across the USA, France, UK, Germany, and Spain, his work is internationally recognized. He serves on editorial boards of prestigious journals including EMBO J, FEBS Letters, Neuroscience, and Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (Deputy Editor). Dr. Avila is a member of EMBO, Academia Europaea, AAAS, and Royal Academies of Sciences and Medicine of Spain.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Jesus Avila pursued his higher education at Universidad Complutense Madrid (UCM), earning a degree in Chemistry. He further specialized by completing a PhD in Molecular Biology at UCM, where his research focused on the B. subtilis RNA polymerase system. This solid foundation in molecular biology provided him with the expertise to investigate complex neurobiological mechanisms. He then advanced his academic career with postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, where he studied the SV40 virus—a crucial step that introduced him to advanced molecular virology and neurobiology techniques. This diverse academic background enabled him to establish a globally recognized research portfolio in neurodegeneration, particularly tau protein’s role in neuronal function and dysfunction.

Experience

Dr. Avila has an illustrious career spanning several decades at the Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM-CSIC), where he has led pioneering research into the neuronal cytoskeleton, tau protein dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. His early research at NIH on SV40 virus provided him with robust molecular expertise, which he translated into comprehensive studies on tauopathies and Alzheimer’s disease upon returning to Spain. Dr. Avila has successfully led over 30 major research projects, consulted on 8 industry collaborations, and published 694 peer-reviewed articles. His work includes the authorship of 33 books and the filing of 4 patents. Through sustained collaborations with global leaders in neuroscience from the USA, France, UK, Germany, and Spain, he has significantly advanced the understanding of aging and cognitive decline. His academic leadership and editorial roles underscore his vast experience in guiding both research and scientific discourse.

Research Interests

Dr. Avila’s research primarily investigates the neuronal cytoskeleton, with a central focus on tau protein and its role in neurodegeneration. Beginning with tau’s structural function in neurons, his work has expanded to explore how tau dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. Utilizing molecular and cellular approaches, including advanced mouse models, he has dissected the pathological mechanisms linking tau pathology to cognitive decline. Recognizing aging as the principal risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, his current investigations target neuronal rejuvenation strategies to mitigate age-associated neurodegeneration. His integrative approach combines molecular biology, neurogenetics, and translational models, contributing significantly to the understanding of disease progression and potential therapeutic interventions. Through over 694 publications, 33 books, multiple patents, and international collaborations, Dr. Avila has substantially advanced the field of cognitive neuroscience, particularly in understanding and combating tau-mediated cognitive disorders.

Awards

Dr. Avila’s exemplary contributions have earned him numerous prestigious honors. He is an elected member of EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization), Academia Europaea, AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science), and both the Royal Academies of Sciences and Medicine of Spain—testament to his global recognition and scientific excellence. His editorial appointments with highly respected journals such as EMBO J, FEBS Letters, Neuroscience, and his role as Deputy Editor of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease further validate his authority in cognitive and neurodegenerative research. His citation index surpasses 100 on Scopus, reflecting the significant influence of his work. His extensive collaborations with leading international research teams highlight his status as a respected leader in the global scientific community. The combination of his research excellence, mentorship, and leadership has positioned him as one of the foremost experts in cognitive science and neurobiology.

Conclusion

Dr. Jesus Avila’s distinguished career combines pioneering research on tau protein and Alzheimer’s disease, extensive international collaborations, over 694 publications, leadership roles in major journals, multiple prestigious memberships, and an unwavering focus on neuronal rejuvenation strategies, positioning him as a world-leading cognitive scientist whose work continues to advance global understanding of neurodegeneration.

 Publications

  • Protein tau phosphorylation in the proline rich region and its implication in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

    Experimental Neurology
    2025 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.115049

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85208758184

    Part ofISSN: 10902430 00144886
    CONTRIBUTORS: Merino-Serrais, P.; Soria, J.M.; Arrabal, C.A.; Ortigado-López, A.; Esparza, M.Á.G.; Muñoz, A.; Hernández, F.; Ávila, J.; DeFelipe, J.; León-Espinosa, G.

  • Retrotransposon Protein L1 ORF1p Expression in Aging Central Nervous System

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-05-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms26094368
    CONTRIBUTORS: Laura Vallés-Saiz; Aaron Abdelkader-Guillén; Jesús Ávila; Félix Hernández

  • Shapeshifter W-Tau Peptide Inhibits Tau Aggregation and Disintegrates Paired Helical Filaments

    Biochemistry
    2025-04-15 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00809
    CONTRIBUTORS: Indalo Domene-Serrano; Raquel Cuadros; Vega García-Escudero; Francisco Vallejo-Bedia; Ismael Santa-María; Laura Vallés-Saiz; Félix Hernandez; Jesús Avila

  • Peptide Family Promotes Brain Cell Rejuvenation and Improved Cognition through Peripheral Delivery

    ACS Omega
    2025-04-08 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c10849
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alejandro Anton-Fernandez; Indalo Domene-Serrano; Raquel Cuadros; Rocio Peinado-Cahuchola; Margarita Sanchez-Pece; Felix Hernandez; Jesus Avila

  • Partial reprogramming by cyclical overexpression of Yamanaka factors improves pathological phenotypes of tauopathy mouse model of human Alzheimer\’s disease

    Progress In Neurobiology
    2025-04-01 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2025.102743

    SOURCE-WORK-ID:

    CSIC-GB950859

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85219079150

    Part ofISSN: 0301-0082
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alejandro Anton-Fernandez; Ruiz de Alegría, Álvaro; Mariscal-Casero, Ana; Roldán-Lázaro, Marta; Peinado-Cauchola, Rocío; Jesus Avila; Felix Hernandez

  • Hippocampal rejuvenation by a single intracerebral injection of one‐carbon metabolites in C57BL6 old wild‐type mice

    Aging Cell
    2025-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1111/acel.14365
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alejandro Antón‐Fernández; Rocío Peinado Cauchola; Félix Hernández; Jesús Ávila

  • Intron retention as a productive mechanism in human MAPT: RNA species generated by retention of intron 3

    eBioMedicine
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104953

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85181837483

    Part ofISSN: 23523964
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ruiz-Gabarre, D.; Vallés-Saiz, L.; Carnero-Espejo, A.; Ferrer, I.; Hernández, F.; Garcia-Escudero, R.; Ávila, J.; García-Escudero, V.

  • Involvement of the cellular prion protein in seeding and spreading of sarkosyl-derived fractions of Alzheimer´s disease in Prnp mutant mice and in the P301S transgenic tauopathy mice model

    bioRxiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.576414

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85184321414

    Part of ISSN: 26928205
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sala-Jarque, J.; Gil, V.; Andrés-Benito, P.; Lidón, L.; Yanac-Huertas, R.E.; López-León, C.F.; Hernández, F.; Ávila, J.; Lanciego, J.L.; Soriano, J. et al.

Carmela Conte | Neurodegenerative diseases | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

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