Azzeddine Charki | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

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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

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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
    DOI: 10.1111/aphw.70034
    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
    DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003491
    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
    DOI: 10.2196/46072
    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
    DOI: 10.2196/52457
    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
    DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17728-2
    Part of ISSN: 1471-2458
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yuxiu He; Lin Zhou; Wei Liang; Qi Liu; Wanxin Liu; Shijian Wang

Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

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prof. Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

 

Universität Würzburg, Germany

Profile

Education

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

Work experience

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

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

Publication