Azzeddine Charki | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Azzeddine Charki | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Azzeddine Charki is a Professor of Cognitive and Biological Psychology at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. Dr. Charki is an esteemed researcher and active member of the Laboratory for Studies and Research in Cognitive and Human Sciences, focusing on psychology and language. With a strong dedication to cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, he supervises numerous research projects and contributes significantly to academic discourse. He has authored and co-authored several publications in high-impact journals on topics such as executive function, mentalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and ADHD. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, he integrates pedagogical expertise with rigorous data analysis and project management. Dr. Charki’s commitment to advancing psychological science is matched by his passion for mentoring and fostering academic growth in his field.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Azzeddine Charki earned his Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his deep specialization in neuropsychology and cognitive sciences, particularly in executive function and mentalizing. Throughout his academic training, he developed a multidisciplinary understanding of brain-behavior relationships, integrating biological, cognitive, and social perspectives. His education emphasized both theoretical models and practical application in clinical and developmental contexts. Dr. Charki also received training in pedagogy, research methodology, and advanced data analysis techniques, which he continues to use in his academic career. His strong educational background has enabled him to contribute to Moroccan and international scholarship in cognitive and neuropsychology. His academic formation has also nurtured a strong inclination toward interdisciplinary research and collaborative knowledge production, particularly in the study of social cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Azzeddine Charki began his academic career as a Temporary Professor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez (2020–2022), where he taught and conducted research in cognitive and neuropsychology. Since November 2023, he has been serving as Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca. Over the years, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and participated in collaborative initiatives within the university’s Laboratory for Studies and Research in Cognitive and Human Sciences. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Charki has contributed extensively to the academic literature with a focus on executive functioning, theory of mind, and developmental psychopathology. His professional experience also includes project management, scientific writing, and dissemination of research findings. His bilingual and multicultural skills have allowed him to reach a wide range of students and researchers across Arabic, Francophone, and Anglophone academic contexts.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Azzeddine Charki has earned recognition primarily through his impactful research publications and academic service in Morocco’s leading institutions. Although specific named awards were not detailed, his repeated inclusion in peer-reviewed international and regional journals such as Applied Neuropsychology: Child, Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology, and the Arab Journal of Psychology signifies scholarly acknowledgment of his research excellence. His work on autism spectrum disorder, theory of mind, and executive functions reflects high intellectual merit and contributes meaningfully to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in neuropsychology. Dr. Charki’s mentorship of numerous student research projects and his active engagement in cross-disciplinary studies also underscore his standing as a respected academic. Being a core member of a cognitive science laboratory at Hassan II University further testifies to his leadership in scientific inquiry and academic collaboration. These contributions collectively demonstrate his respected status and growing impact in the field of cognitive psychology and neurodevelopmental research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Charki’s research centers on cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, with particular interest in executive functions, social cognition, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He investigates mentalizing processes, especially the cognitive and affective domains of theory of mind in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His work explores both typical and atypical development, aiming to identify neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying disorders such as ASD and ADHD. He also delves into comparative frameworks across schizophrenia spectrum disorders, highlighting the neurobiological overlap in social cognition deficits. Dr. Charki integrates developmental psychology, neurobiology, and psychometric assessments to explore how children’s cognitive representations are structured and evolve in different socio-cultural contexts. His scholarly publications demonstrate a strong methodological foundation and innovative contributions to understanding how executive functions interact with social behavior. Furthermore, he actively examines Moroccan sociocultural representations in educational contexts, blending qualitative and quantitative approaches to enrich cognitive psychological theory and practice.

Conclusion

Dr. Azzeddine Charki is a dedicated cognitive psychologist whose interdisciplinary research on executive function, mentalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorders enhances both scientific understanding and educational practice through a culturally grounded and evidence-based approach.

Publications

  • Charki, A., Zarbouch, B., Bouchala, C., & Meklaui, F., Z . (2024). Neuronal and developmental dimensions of mentalizing and it’s connection with executive functions. Arab Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.57642/AJOPSY911

 

  • Charki, A., Meklaoui, F. Z., Charki, A., & Ettouzani, A. (2025). Examining the association between variation of ASD and cognitive and affective domains of mentalizing in verbal children with ASD. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622965.2025.2504502

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lin Zhou | Cognitive Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Zhou | Cognitive Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhou Lin is an accomplished Associate Professor at Shandong Sport University, serving as a master’s supervisor and Deputy Director of the Sports Rehabilitation Research Center. A recipient of the May 4th Outstanding Youth Medal from the Shanghai Health System and the Hebei Doctoral Innovation Program award, Dr. Zhou has made notable contributions to sports rehabilitation. With extensive clinical and academic experience, she focuses on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, cognitive function promotion through exercise, and digital health. She previously worked at Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, where she specialized in neurorehabilitation and orthopedic recovery. Dr. Zhou is actively engaged in scholarly activities, having published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in SCI/SSCI/CSCD journals, and serves as an editorial board member and reviewer for top international journals. Her current academic service includes membership in the Pediatric Rehabilitation Committee (DCD Group) of the Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Zhou Lin holds a strong academic foundation in medicine and rehabilitation sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine, followed by a Master’s degree in Sports Rehabilitation, and subsequently completed her Doctorate in Sports Human Science. Her academic training spans clinical diagnostics, physical therapy, and the integration of kinesiology and cognitive health. The multi-disciplinary nature of her educational background equips her with a robust skill set for addressing complex health issues, particularly in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation. Dr. Zhou’s academic journey reflects her deep commitment to both foundational medical science and applied rehabilitation practices. Her studies have enabled her to investigate the mechanisms of human movement and recovery while emphasizing evidence-based, life-cycle health interventions, making her an influential figure in China’s sports medicine and rehabilitation research landscape.

Experience

Dr. Zhou Lin began her clinical career in 2008 at Huadong Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, where she worked until 2016 in the Department of Rehabilitation. Her practice focused on orthopedic and neurorehabilitation, managing conditions like sports injuries, spinal pain syndromes, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical recovery. She is proficient in a range of physical therapy techniques, including Maitland and Mulligan joint mobilizations, PNF, Bobath, Brunnstrom, Rood therapies, McKenzie diagnostics, and kinesiology taping. After transitioning into academia, she became an Associate Professor at Shandong Sport University, where she also supervises graduate students and coordinates research at the Sports Rehabilitation Research Center. Additionally, she has served in national rehabilitation societies, including the DCD Group of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Committee and previously as a youth member of Shanghai Rehabilitation Medical Association committees. Her rich blend of clinical and academic roles uniquely positions her to train future practitioners while contributing to the development of rehabilitation science.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhou Lin’s research focuses on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, exercise-cognition interactions, and digital health promotion. Her work emphasizes improving physical function and cognitive well-being across the human lifespan through scientifically structured rehabilitation programs. She explores the interplay between physical activity and mental performance, especially in populations affected by neurological or orthopedic conditions. Additionally, her interest in digital health tools aligns with the growing need for tech-enabled, personalized rehabilitation strategies. Dr. Zhou has been involved in multiple high-impact research initiatives, including a project under the Hebei Doctoral Innovation Program, and has contributed to national and provincial research efforts like the National Social Science Foundation, Shandong Province Key R&D Plan, and Hebei Virtual Simulation Projects. Her role as an editor and reviewer for over ten international SCIE-indexed journals underlines her thought leadership and scientific influence in the global rehabilitation and public health communities.

Awards

Dr. Zhou Lin has been recognized for her excellence in healthcare and research with several prestigious awards. Notably, she received the May 4th Outstanding Youth Medal from the Shanghai Health System, an honor bestowed upon emerging leaders making impactful contributions in the medical field. She was also selected for the Hebei Province Doctoral Innovation Program, highlighting her innovative research contributions in sports rehabilitation. Her editorial roles in high-impact journals such as Journal of Medical Internet Research, BMC Public Health, Frontiers in Psychology, and Frontiers in Public Health demonstrate her recognition at the global level. Over the past three years, she has published 23 research articles in top-tier SCI, SSCI, and CSCD journals. These honors reflect her commitment to advancing rehabilitation science and promoting interdisciplinary innovations that improve patient care and health outcomes through evidence-based interventions and digital technologies.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhou Lin is a dynamic researcher, clinician, and educator whose interdisciplinary expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, cognitive health, and digital innovation places her at the forefront of sports rehabilitation science in China and internationally.

 Publications

  • Understanding parental support for children’s 24‐hour movement behaviors based on an adapted HAPA framework: A three‐wave prospective study

    Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being
    2025-06 | Journal article
    Part ofISSN: 1758-0846
    Part ofISSN: 1758-0854
    CONTRIBUTORS: Wei Liang; Guifang Liu; Ning Su; Ryan E. Rhodes; Yanping Duan; Chun-Qing Zhang; Lingfei Wang; Lin Zhou; Hanxiao Zhu
  • Associations of Reallocating Sedentary Time to Physical Activity and Sleep with Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults

    Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
    2024-10 | Journal article
    Part ofISSN: 1530-0315
    Part ofISSN: 0195-9131
    CONTRIBUTORS: WEI LIANG; YANPING WANG; NING SU; HUIQI SONG; RYAN E. RHODES; XIANG WANG; BORUI SHANG; LIN ZHOU; QIAN HUANG; DANRAN BU et al.
  • Adherence to 24-Hour Movement Guidelines Among Chinese Older Adults: Prevalence, Correlates, and Associations With Physical and Mental Health Outcomes

    JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
    2024-06-13 | Journal article | Author
    Part ofISSN: 2369-2960
    CONTRIBUTORS: Wei Liang; Yanping Wang; Qian Huang; Borui Shang; Ning Su; Lin Zhou; Ryan E. Rhodes; 0000-0002-9093-7897; Yanping Duan
  • Electronic Health Literacy Scale-Web3.0 for Older Adults with Noncommunicable Diseases: Validation Study

    Journal of Medical Internet Research
    2024-06-03 | Journal article | Author
    Part ofISSN: 1438-8871
    CONTRIBUTORS: wenfei cai; Wei Liang; HUAXUAN LIU; Rundong Zhou; Given Names Deactivated Family Name Deactivated; Lin Zhou; Ning Su; Hanxiao Zhu; Yide Yang
  • Individual, family, and environmental correlates of fundamental motor skills among school-aged children: a cross-sectional study in China

    BMC Public Health
    2024-01-17 | Journal article
    Part of ISSN: 1471-2458
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yuxiu He; Lin Zhou; Wei Liang; Qi Liu; Wanxin Liu; Shijian Wang

Virginia Lam | Student diversity and development| Excellence in Research

Dr. Virginia Lam | Student diversity and development| Excellence in Research

Dr. Virginia L. Lam is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Roehampton, London, where she also leads the MSc Psychology programme. With a PhD in Psychology from Goldsmiths University of London, her research spans bilingual identity, ethnic development, intergenerational adaptation, and child psychology. Her academic journey includes over two decades of teaching and leadership roles at the University of East London and Open University. Dr. Lam has led several externally funded projects focusing on multilingualism, emotional wellbeing, and cultural identity in educational settings. She is currently an Associate Editor for the Social Development journal and plays a key role in curriculum development, student mentoring, and ethical oversight. Her work blends psychological theory with social impact, promoting inclusive education and cultural understanding. A highly regarded supervisor and examiner, Dr. Lam continues to inspire through scholarship, teaching innovation, and impactful research in developmental and social psychology.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Lam holds a PhD in Psychology from Goldsmiths University of London (2003), with a thesis on ethnic identity development in middle childhood. She earned a Master of Science (MRes) in Psychological Research Methods with Distinction from Exeter University in 1999 and a BA (Hons) in Psychology from Cardiff University in 1998, graduating with Upper Second Class Honours. In addition to her core academic qualifications, she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education at the University of East London in 2004, enhancing her pedagogical proficiency. This combination of high-level training in both psychological research and education forms the foundation of her interdisciplinary approach, integrating rigorous methodology with applied practice in developmental, social, and bilingual psychology. Her educational background underpins her role as a researcher-practitioner, enabling her to navigate and contribute to complex psychological and educational environments with expertise and innovation.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Lam’s academic career spans over two decades, including her current role as Senior Lecturer at Roehampton University (2021–present), where she also leads the MSc Psychology and MSc Developmental Psychology programmes. She coordinates research initiatives, ethics review, and curriculum development. Previously, she served at the University of East London from 2004 to 2021 in various capacities, including Programme Leader for BSc Child Psychology and Senior Lecturer, overseeing curriculum design, accreditations, and change management. Earlier roles include associate lectureships at the Open University and a research assistant post at Goldsmiths. Her expertise includes teaching developmental psychology, lifespan development, and self & identity, with strong administrative leadership, student engagement strategies, and cross-institutional collaboration. Dr. Lam also serves as Associate Editor of the Social Development journal, engaging in peer review, editorial decisions, and academic convening. Her sustained excellence in teaching, supervision, research, and programme management reflects a dynamic and impactful career in higher education.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Lam has earned recognition through multiple competitive research grants and leadership roles that reflect her academic distinction. She has secured funding from prestigious institutions such as the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Methodist Trust, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). These awards supported projects on bilingual development, emotional wellbeing in multilingual families, and cross-sector educational adaptation. Her successful RKE bids highlight her ability to lead interdisciplinary, collaborative research with practical societal impact. In 2025, she assumed the role of Associate Editor of Social Development, an honor that underscores her research credibility and scholarly influence. She has also been an invited viva chair and examiner for numerous PhD theses across institutions. Additionally, her consistent involvement in ethics committees, curriculum validation panels, and student progression frameworks reflects peer recognition of her commitment to academic excellence and institutional development.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Virginia Lam’s research focuses on identity development in multilingual and multicultural contexts, particularly among children and adolescents. Her work investigates how language, culture, and ethnicity shape self-concepts and psychological wellbeing, especially within educational systems. She leads interdisciplinary projects on emotional wellbeing among adult ESOL learners, the cultural adaptation of complementary language schools, and bilingual identity formation among diasporic populations. Methodologically, her studies integrate qualitative and mixed-method approaches, often engaging community partners and schools to bridge academic research with real-world practice. Her earlier longitudinal studies explored executive function, attention control, and cognition in bilingual children, contributing to the understanding of developmental advantages in diverse learning environments. Dr. Lam also supervises PhD projects on intersectionality, trauma, minority mental health, and self-esteem, fostering emerging research in identity, culture, and social equity. Her scholarly contributions are grounded in psychological theory yet extend to civic engagement and inclusive pedagogical innovations in higher education.

Conclusion

Dr. Virginia L. Lam exemplifies academic excellence through her leadership in multilingual identity research, curriculum innovation, and impactful psychological education, making her a valuable scholar in developmental and social psychology.

Publications
  • Academic Behavioural Confidence: The Role of Demographic, Institutional, Psychosocial, and Behavioural Factors Across Diverse University Students in England

    Psychology International
    2025-05-20 | Journal article
    Part ofISSN: 2813-9844
    CONTRIBUTORS: Virginia L. Lam; Paulina Taylor
  • Growing up bilingual through a pandemic: Children’s language exposure, proficiency, social identities, and competences pre- and post-lockdowns

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BILINGUALISM
    2024-08-06 | Journal article | Author

    SOURCE-WORK-ID:

    34db72df-a7e8-4e8c-b0a3-961e86ef563c

    2-s2.0-85201010050

    CONTRIBUTORS: Layal Husain; Virginia Lam; Martin Pinder
  • Depth of emotional experiencing and outcome in therapy with young people

    Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice
    2024-06-12 | Journal article
    Part ofISSN: 1476-0835
    Part ofISSN: 2044-8341
    CONTRIBUTORS: Darcy Geyer; Virginia Lam; Hannah Gilbert; Mick Cooper
  • On return to school: disorder symptoms, stress at home and evaluations of school COVID-19 measures

    Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health
    2024-04-18 | Journal article | Author
    Part of ISSN: 1728-0583
    Part of ISSN: 1728-0591
    CONTRIBUTORS: Virginia Lam; Mandy F. O’Driscoll

Mariana Pinho | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mariana Pinho | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher| University of Aveiro, Portugal

Dr. Mariana Lobo Pinho is an accomplished psychologist and researcher currently serving as an Auxiliary Researcher at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln, UK. With a PhD in Psychology from the University of Lincoln, she has established a rich academic and professional career focused on equality, diversity, inclusion, and gender studies. Her multidisciplinary work bridges psychology, policy, and social justice, contributing to numerous EU-funded and national projects. Dr. Pinho has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the European Institute for Gender Equality and the Royal Society of Chemistry. She is the Principal Investigator of a major study on climate anxiety funded by La Caixa Foundation and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on family roles, identity, and environmental psychology. Her expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative research, making her a leading voice in the study of gender, work, and social transformation.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Mariana Pinho has a comprehensive academic background rooted in psychology. She began her studies with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Porto (2007–2010), followed by a Master of Science in Clinical and Health Psychology at the same institution (2010–2012). These formative years built her expertise in clinical approaches, mental health, and human behavior. She then pursued her doctoral studies in the UK, earning a PhD in Psychology from the University of Lincoln (2013–2017). During her PhD, she conducted extensive research on gender identity, work-family dynamics, and social norms, supported by a faculty bursary. Her academic training reflects a deep integration of psychological theory, applied research, and cross-cultural analysis, enabling her to lead studies that intersect clinical psychology with broader societal challenges. This rich educational trajectory laid the foundation for her international career in research, education, and policy consultation.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Mariana Pinho’s professional journey spans academic research, consultancy, and public policy across Europe. Since 2023, she has worked as an Auxiliary Researcher at CESAM, University of Aveiro, and as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Eleanor Glanville Institute, University of Lincoln. Previously, she held roles as Senior and Research Fellow at the same institute (2019–2023), where she led pioneering studies on equality and climate psychology. She has served as a consultant and national expert for the European Institute for Gender Equality, and conducted policy and evaluation research for various EU bodies. Earlier, she held research positions in Lithuania, including at Mykolas Romeris University and the Public Policy and Management Institute. Mariana has also worked in industry (Western Union) and provided psychology internships in Portugal’s National Health Service. Her multifaceted experience demonstrates her ability to translate academic insight into impactful, real-world applications in equality, inclusion, and environmental resilience.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Mariana Pinho has received notable recognition throughout her academic and professional career. Early on, she was awarded an Integrated Master’s Scholarship from the Portuguese Government, recognizing her as one of the top 10 students in her cohort. During her doctoral studies, she earned a competitive PhD Scholarship Faculty Bursary from the University of Lincoln. Her contributions to psychology and social research have earned her nominations for prestigious international awards such as the International Cognitive Scientist Awards. In 2023, her leadership in socially impactful research led to several high-profile projects, including funding from La Caixa Foundation and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Her reputation as a gender and inclusion expert has led to consultancy roles for the European Commission and recognition by the British Psychological Society. These accolades highlight her sustained excellence and influence in the fields of gender equality, environmental psychology, and inclusive policy development.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Mariana Pinho’s research centers on the intersection of social psychology, gender, family dynamics, and environmental behavior. She explores how identities—such as parental and work roles—shape and are shaped by social norms, particularly in contexts of gender non-conformity and role reversal. Her recent studies delve into climate change anxiety and its influence on pro-environmental behavior, with a focus on psychological gender disparities. She also investigates perceptions of fairness, inclusion, and psychological safety in academic and professional settings. Her research utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, bridging individual experience with structural analysis. Through projects funded by the European Commission, Royal Society of Chemistry, and La Caixa Foundation, she has contributed to key discourses on gender equality, caregiving roles, and emotional responses to environmental crises. Her work not only advances theoretical understanding but also informs inclusive policies and practices in higher education, research environments, and public health.

Conclusion

Dr. Mariana Pinho exemplifies the integration of academic rigor and societal impact through her work on gender, inclusion, and environmental psychology. Her cross-disciplinary approach enables her to address pressing global challenges with nuanced, evidence-based insights.

Publications
  • Climate Anxiety: a mechanism for change?

    2024-01 to present | Grant
    ‘la Caixa’ Foundation (Barcelona, ES)
    GRANT_NUMBER:
  • BARRIERS WITHIN BARRIERS − MINORITIES WITHIN MINORITIES: the challenges for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the UK-US STEM landscape through an intersectional lens

    2023 to 2023 | Grant
    Royal Society of Chemistry (Lincoln, GB)
  • Building Networks and Partnerships to Enable Transformational Change in Inclusive Policy and Practice Across Businesses, Organisations and Government

    2023 to 2023 | Grant
    Research England (Lincoln, GB)
  • Post-graduate Psychology Trainee Experiences of Racism

    2023 to 2023 | Grant
    British Psychological Society (Lincoln, GB)

 

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

Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

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

Ling Mei | Cognitive Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ling Mei | Cognitive Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Ling Mei is an accomplished researcher in artificial intelligence and cognitive science, with a robust academic and professional background. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Sun Yat-sen University, one of China’s top universities, and completed a prestigious visiting scholar program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Currently serving as a tenured faculty and master’s supervisor, Dr. Mei has published 16 papers, including 7 in SCI-indexed journals, contributed to nine books, and has three national invention patents granted. Recognized as a Provincial Research Talent of China in 2024, he work integrates advanced computational models with societal needs, such as urban planning and public safety. Dr. Mei has collaborated internationally with top-tier institutions like UBC and Carnegie Mellon University, cementing he reputation as a leader in he field.

Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Mei earned he Ph.D. in Engineering from Sun Yat-sen University in 2021, a prestigious institution ranked among China’s top 10 universities. He academic journey also includes a year-long visiting scholar program at the Department of Computer Science, UBC, as part of the National Outstanding Young Researchers Program. This international exposure provided he with cutting-edge knowledge and interdisciplinary skills, enabling he to excel in artificial intelligence and cognitive science.

Work Experience 💼

Currently, Dr. Mei is a tenured faculty member and master’s supervisor at a leading Chinese university. He experience includes overseeing multiple research projects, consulting on seven industry-sponsored projects, and serving as a reviewer for the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS FOR VIDEO TECHNOLOGY. He has also been instrumental in fostering international collaborations with institutions like UBC and CMU, contributing to impactful research publications and patents.

Awards and Honors

In 2024, Dr. Mei was recognized as a Provincial Research Talent of China, highlighting he exceptional contributions to science and technology. He has also earned accolades through he impactful patents and high-quality publications.

Research Interests

Dr. Mei’s research focuses on artificial intelligence, pedestrian trajectory prediction, and public safety strategies. He innovations include the LSN-GTDA framework, which integrates behavioral and stochastic factors for better uncertainty management. He interdisciplinary approach bridges cognitive science, computational models, and societal applications, ensuring he work’s relevance and impact.

Research Skills

Dr. Mei possesses advanced skills in AI modeling, thermal diffusion processes, and signal and system theory. He expertise includes patent development, SCI journal publications, and interdisciplinary collaborations. He is adept at integrating computational techniques with practical applications, as seen in he trajectory prediction research.

📚 Publications

Crowd Density Estimation via Global Crowd Collectiveness Metric

  • Journal: Drones
  • Date: 2024-10-28
  • DOI: 10.3390/drones8110616
  • Contributors: Ling Mei, Mingyu Yu, Lvxiang Jia, Mingyu Fu

More Quickly-RRT: Improved Quick Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree Star Algorithm Based on Optimized Sampling Point with Better Initial Solution and Convergence Rate*

  • Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence
  • Date: 2024-07
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.engappai.2024.108246
  • Contributors: Xining Cui, Caiqi Wang, Yi Xiong, Ling Mei, Shiqian Wu

Learning Domain-Adaptive Landmark Detection-Based Self-Supervised Video Synchronization for Remote Sensing Panorama

  • Journal: Remote Sensing
  • Date: 2023-02-09
  • DOI: 10.3390/rs15040953
  • Contributors: Ling Mei, Yizhuo He, Farnoosh Fishani, Yaowen Yu, Lijun Zhang, Helge Rhodin

Illumination-Invariance Optical Flow Estimation Using Weighted Regularization Transform

  • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology
  • Date: 2020-02
  • DOI: 10.1109/TCSVT.2019.2890861
  • Contributors: Ling Mei, Jianhuang Lai, Xiaohua Xie, Junyong Zhu, Jun Chen

Feature Visualization Based Stacked Convolutional Neural Network for Human Body Detection in a Depth Image

  • Type: Book Chapter
  • Year: 2018
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-03335-4_8
  • Contributors: Xiao Liu, Ling Mei, Dakun Yang, Jianhuang Lai, Xiaohua Xie

Conclusion 

Dr. Ling Mei is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to he robust academic background, impactful research, and significant contributions to AI and cognitive science. To further enhance he candidacy, increasing citation influence and emphasizing community impact would solidify he position as an exemplary researcher deserving of recognition. 🌟