Alina Diana Zamfir | Brain Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Alina Diana Zamfir | Brain Science | Best Researcher Award

National Institute for R&D in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter | Romania

Dr. Alina Diana Zamfir is a distinguished Romanian physicist and professor known for her pioneering research in biophysics, mass spectrometry, and biomolecular analysis. She earned her academic degrees in physics from leading Romanian universities, including a Ph.D. in Physics and two habilitations in Biophysics and Physics from prestigious institutions in Romania and Germany. Currently serving as a Senior Scientific Researcher at the National Institute for Research and Development in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter and as a Professor at Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, she also mentors doctoral candidates at the West University of Timisoara. Her professional journey includes research and teaching appointments in Germany and collaborations with international universities and corporations. Dr. Zamfir’s research interests focus on mass spectrometry-based proteomics, glycomics, and microfluidics for the analysis of complex biological systems. She is highly skilled in advanced spectrometric analysis, microfluidic platform development, and molecular characterization of biomolecules. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Romanian Academy Prize, the Elsevier Top Cited Article Award, and the Wiley Award, she is also President of the Romanian Society for Mass Spectrometry. Her extensive contributions to molecular biophysics and analytical chemistry continue to advance biomedical innovation and interdisciplinary scientific excellence worldwide.

Profile: Google scholar

Featured Publications

Zhi Li | Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zhi Li | Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Henan Agricultural University | China

Dr. Zhi Li is a distinguished academic and researcher in forestry sciences, specializing in soil conservation, plant nutrition, and eco-engineering of forest ecosystems. Serving as a Professor and M.S. tutor at Henan Agricultural University, he has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge in forest soil management and land restoration. As Deputy Director of the Tourism Management Department at the College of Forestry, he bridges interdisciplinary approaches that combine ecological conservation with sustainable land use practices. His research spans soil microbiological dynamics, erosion control, and the reconstruction of degraded forestland. Beyond teaching and mentorship, Dr. Li has actively contributed to forestry development through leadership roles in professional societies, including the China Society of Forestry. Recognized for his scholarly contributions and administrative service, he continues to influence forestry practices both nationally and internationally. His academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to sustainable forestry, resource management, and ecological restoration.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Zhi Li built a strong academic foundation in forestry and management, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Xinyang Normal University. His keen interest in natural resource conservation and ecosystem sustainability led him to pursue advanced studies in forestry. He completed a Master’s degree at Jiangxi Agricultural University, focusing on soil and water conservation as well as desertification control. Driven by a desire to deepen his expertise, he earned his Ph.D. from the same institution, where his doctoral dissertation examined the variation of soil microbiological characteristics and their ecological influencing factors in meadow systems. This research provided new insights into the microbial processes that drive soil fertility and forest health. His multidisciplinary educational background, integrating tourism management, forestry, and environmental science, equipped him with the knowledge and tools to address both scientific and practical challenges in ecosystem conservation, land management, and forestry sustainability.

Experience

Dr. Zhi Li’s professional career has been marked by excellence in teaching, research, and institutional service. Since joining Henan Agricultural University, he has served as a Lecturer and later as a Postdoctoral researcher, contributing significantly to both academic development and scientific innovation. Currently, as a Professor and M.S. tutor, he mentors graduate students, guiding them in advanced forestry research. His leadership role as Deputy Director of the Tourism Management Department highlights his ability to integrate ecological research with broader applications in tourism and land use. Beyond teaching, Dr. Li actively contributes to forestry science as Director of the Office of the Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Cultivation, under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. He also serves as a Standing Committee Member of the Under-Forest Economy Branch of the China Society of Forestry. His career reflects a balance of scholarly research, academic mentorship, and service to the forestry profession.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhi Li’s dedication to forestry science and education has earned him recognition through academic, professional, and leadership honors. His membership in the China Society of Forestry underscores his standing in the national academic community, while his appointment as Standing Committee Member of its Under-Forest Economy Branch reflects his expertise in sustainable forestry economics. As Director of the Office of the Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Cultivation, he contributes to shaping national-level research in forest conservation and resource management. His achievements are also reflected in his service as Deputy Director of the Tourism Management Department, a role that recognizes his leadership in combining ecological conservation with applied management fields. These distinctions honor not only his research contributions but also his ability to build bridges between academia, policy, and practical forestry solutions. His accolades represent a career marked by academic distinction, scientific innovation, and professional service at multiple levels.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhi Li’s research focuses on the ecological and environmental sustainability of forest ecosystems, with an emphasis on soil, plant nutrition, and erosion control. He is particularly interested in forestland nutrition management and the mechanisms that regulate soil fertility and forest productivity. His work explores the interactions between soil microbiology, plant growth, and ecological restoration in degraded or erosive forestlands. By studying soil microbiological variations and their influencing factors, he contributes valuable knowledge to improving soil health and resilience in forestry systems. Another key area of his research involves eco-engineering approaches, which integrate biological, ecological, and engineering principles to restore degraded landscapes and promote long-term ecological balance. His investigations extend to forest plant nutrition, resource conservation, and land reconstruction strategies. Collectively, his research supports sustainable forestry practices, informs policy decisions, and advances the development of environmentally responsible methods for managing forest resources in diverse ecosystems.

 

Publications

 

Title: Changes in the Quality of Idesia polycarpa Maxim Fruits from Different Ecotypes During the Growth Process
Year: 2025

Title: Investigation of Biomass and Carbon Storage of Tree Species in Zhengzhou, a Megacity in China
Year: 2025

Title: Identification and Chemical Control of Stem Canker Pathogen of Idesia polycarpa
Year: 2025

Title: Research on Urban Forest Park Management Based on Recreation Concept
Year: 2025

Title: Study on Phenotypic Variation in Wild Populations of Prunella vulgaris
Year: 2024

Title: Sex-Dependent Rhizosphere Microbial Dynamics and Function in Idesia polycarpa through Floral and Fruit Development
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Zhi Li is an accomplished forestry scientist, educator, and leader whose contributions to soil science, plant nutrition, and ecological restoration reflect a deep commitment to sustainable forestry, academic excellence, and the integration of research with practical applications for resource conservation and land management.

Sarah Leibowitz | Behavioral Neurobiology | Most Cited Article Award

Dr. Sarah Leibowitz | Behavioral Neurobiology | Most Cited Article Award

The Rockefeller University | United States

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz is a Research Associate Professor at The Rockefeller University in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology. With a career dedicated to uncovering the neural basis of addiction, she focuses on how the brain regulates consumption of substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as high-fat and high-sugar foods. Her pioneering work explores the transition from casual intake to substance dependence, linking specific brain mechanisms to addictive behaviors. Dr. Leibowitz’s research also highlights how emotional traits—such as impulsivity and anxiety—influence substance use. In recent years, she has expanded her work to investigate how maternal diet and drug exposure during pregnancy affect the brain development and behavior of offspring. Her studies reveal persistent neural and behavioral changes that may increase vulnerability to addiction later in life. Through her research, she aims to identify early indicators of addiction risk and explore preventive strategies for substance abuse disorders.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz earned her Ph.D. in behavioral neurobiology, establishing her foundation in neuroscience and psychobiology. Although specific details of her academic institutions are not publicly disclosed, her academic trajectory clearly reflects rigorous training in neurobiology, endocrinology, and developmental neuroscience. Her education emphasized the interplay between brain structure, behavior, and environmental stimuli—especially as related to addiction and nutrition. Over the course of her doctoral and postdoctoral work, she developed specialized expertise in rodent models, neurochemical techniques, and behavioral neuroscience. Her educational background has equipped her to contribute significantly to the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying addiction, impulsivity, and maternal influences on brain development. Dr. Leibowitz’s academic formation has not only shaped her robust research career but also positioned her as a mentor and thought leader in the intersection of behavioral neuroscience, addiction research, and developmental psychobiology.

 Experience

Dr. Sarah Leibowitz brings decades of experience in behavioral neuroscience, serving as a Research Associate Professor at The Rockefeller University. In this role, she leads research exploring how neurochemical circuits in the brain influence the consumption of addictive substances and palatable foods. Her experience spans experimental neurobiology, developmental studies, and translational addiction research, using advanced rodent models to simulate human behavioral patterns. She has worked extensively on characterizing the neural pathways that control emotional traits such as impulsivity and anxiety, which predispose individuals to addiction. In addition, Dr. Leibowitz has pioneered investigations into prenatal programming—studying how maternal substance use affects offspring neurodevelopment and behavior. Her career has been marked by interdisciplinary collaborations, significant grant support, and mentoring emerging scientists. Dr. Leibowitz’s extensive lab-based research experience has positioned her at the forefront of studies on addiction vulnerability, making meaningful contributions to both basic neuroscience and potential clinical applications.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors for Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz are not publicly detailed, her long-standing appointment at The Rockefeller University—a prestigious research institution—attests to her outstanding contributions in behavioral neurobiology. Recognition in the scientific community is reflected through her published research, influential collaborations, and leadership in addiction-related neuroscience. She is frequently cited in peer-reviewed journals, indicating strong academic impact and recognition from fellow researchers. Her studies addressing prenatal influences on addiction vulnerability have garnered widespread attention in developmental neuroscience and public health sectors. In addition to academic merit, Dr. Leibowitz’s role as a mentor and educator suggests acknowledgment of her commitment to training the next generation of scientists. The significance and longevity of her research position imply that she has received competitive research funding and peer-reviewed grants, further recognizing the value of her work in advancing understanding of substance use disorders.

Research Focus

Dr. Leibowitz’s research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, particularly the transition from use to dependence on substances like alcohol, nicotine, and palatable foods. Her laboratory investigates how neurochemical pathways in various brain regions drive compulsive consumption and are influenced by traits such as novelty seeking, impulsivity, and anxiety. A major area of her research explores the developmental origins of addiction: how maternal consumption of drugs or high-fat/high-sugar diets during pregnancy alters brain development and long-term behavior in offspring. These studies reveal that such prenatal exposures can “reprogram” the brain, increasing susceptibility to substance use disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Through rodent models, Dr. Leibowitz aims to identify biomarkers and early-life predictors of addiction risk, as well as investigate potential interventions for prevention. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates behavioral neuroscience, endocrinology, and developmental biology, contributing valuable insights into addiction’s origins, progression, and possible prevention strategies.

Publications

Title: Neurological Disorders Induced by Drug Use: Effects of Adolescent and Embryonic Drug Exposure on Behavioral Neurodevelopment
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Title: Utility of the Zebrafish Model for Studying Neuronal and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Embryonic Exposure to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis
Year: 2023
Citations: 8

Title: Role of Chemokine Cxcl12a in Mediating the Stimulatory Effects of Ethanol on Embryonic Development of Subpopulations of Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons and Their Projections
Year: 2023
Citations: 10

Title: Embryonic ethanol exposure induces ectopic Hcrt and MCH neurons outside hypothalamus in rats and zebrafish: Role in ethanol‐induced behavioural disturbances
Year: 2022
Citations: 18

Conclusion

Dr. Sarah F. Leibowitz’s work stands at the intersection of neuroscience, behavior, and developmental biology, providing groundbreaking insights into addiction, prenatal brain development, and preventive strategies for substance use disorders, making her a leading figure in behavioral neurobiology and addiction research.

 

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

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

said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

Dr. said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

 

Profile

  • Googlescholar
  • Researchgate

Education

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 1993 from The American University in Washington, D.C., where he also completed his Master of Arts in Psychology in 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Distributive Science from the same institution, which he obtained in 1986. Fluent in English and German, he also has familiarity with French. He can be reached via email at spournaghash@yahoo.com or by telephone at 011-98-09122074388.

Work experience
  • Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has extensive academic and research experience in psychology. He served as a Research Associate in 2001 at the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. In 2002, he took a sabbatical as a researcher at the Department of Psychology, Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, focusing on cross-cultural studies related to Iranian attitudes towards the West. Since 2002, he has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Tehran University, having previously held the same position at Azzahra University in Tehran from 1996 to 2001. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Council on Energy and Economic Studies at the Institute for International and Political Studies (IPIS) from 1998 to 2000, where he also worked as a political researcher. His early academic career included serving as a Teaching and Research Assistant at The American University’s Department of Psychology from 1987 to 1990, where he contributed to courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience Seminar, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, and Learning and Behavior.

Books

Fundamentals of Clinical Psychopharmacology, (2007); Samt Publications
-Drugs and Behavior, (2004); Samt Publications.
-Physiological Psychology, Tehran University Publication.
-Intimacy; Alzahra University Publication.
-Theories of Addiction, Alzahra University Publication.

Conference Presentations

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has contributed extensively to neuroscience and psychology research, presenting his findings at prestigious conferences such as the Society for Neuroscience and the Eastern Psychological Association. His work has focused on drug discrimination learning, conditioned taste aversion, and the effects of opioids and their antagonists. In 1987, he co-authored studies assessing the discriminative stimulus properties of naloxone and the failure of cholecystokinin to counteract morphine sulfate’s effects. His later research explored the antagonism of morphine stimuli, the role of buprenorphine in opiate-naive and dependent animals, and the impact of RO15-4513 on ethanol-induced taste aversion. He has collaborated with notable researchers, including A.L. Riley, contributing to investigations on diazepam exposure and behavioral toxicology. His presentations in New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Boston, and other major research venues highlight his significant role in advancing psychopharmacology and behavioral neuroscience.

Publication