Joshua Barzilay | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Joshua Barzilay | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, Emory School of Medicine | United States

Dr. Joshua I. Barzilay is a senior clinician–scientist and board-certified endocrinologist whose research spans diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and aging, integrating epidemiology with long-term clinical outcomes. His early work included oncology and hematology research, followed by a sustained focus on endocrine and metabolic disorders during his tenure at Kaiser Permanente of Georgia and Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Barzilay has made influential contributions to large, multicenter clinical and population-based studies, including ALLHAT, ACCORD/ACCORDION, and the Cardiovascular Health Study, where he has served on steering committees and specialty working groups. His research has clarified the impact of glucose dysregulation, insulin resistance, and antihypertensive therapies on cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and incident diabetes, particularly in older adults. A major theme of his work is the relationship between metabolic syndrome, frailty, autonomic function, and cardiovascular risk, providing evidence to guide treatment strategies in complex patients. In addition to his research, Dr. Barzilay has played a key role in national diabetes and hypertension guideline development, medical education, and dissemination of evidence-based care, shaping clinical practice across endocrinology and primary care.

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Anant Bahadur Patel | Neurometabolism | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Anant Bahadur Patel | Neurometabolism | Research Excellence Award

CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology | India

Dr. Anant Bahadur Patel is a leading neuroscientist specializing in brain energy metabolism and neurotransmitter energetics using advanced in vivo and ex vivo ^13C NMR spectroscopy. His research focuses on understanding how excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) neuronal activity, together with astroglial metabolism, support brain function in health and disease. By combining stable ^13C-labeled substrates (glucose and acetate) with metabolic modeling, his work quantitatively measures neuronal and astrocytic metabolic fluxes across different brain regions. Dr. Patel has made seminal contributions by demonstrating the tight stoichiometric coupling between neurotransmitter cycling and oxidative glucose metabolism, challenging the astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle hypothesis and establishing neuronal glucose oxidation as a primary energy source. His laboratory pioneered regional neurometabolic mapping in the mouse brain and clarified astrocytic contributions to cerebral energetics. A major thrust of his research addresses neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, depression, and addiction. He has identified early impairments in glutamate and GABA energetics as potential biomarkers for preclinical diagnosis and shown that neurometabolic deficits can be restored through pharmacological, dietary, and behavioral interventions. Overall, his work has significantly advanced quantitative neurometabolism and its translational relevance to brain disorders.

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Hugo Libreros | Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Hugo Libreros | Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

University of Arizona | United States

Hugo M. Libreros-Jiménez, Ph.D., is a mechatronic engineer and neuroscientist specializing in brain research with a strong technological and biomedical engineering orientation. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronic Engineering with a focus on process automation from the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Xalapa, followed by a Ph.D. in Brain Research (Health Sciences with a technological approach) from the Institute for Brain Research at the University of Veracruz. His research integrates neuroengineering, neuroelectronics, and automation applied to neuroscience, with particular emphasis on neural recording technologies, neuroendocrinology, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He has authored 2 peer-reviewed documents, published in NeuroSci, including works on cranial nerves and the neurobiological foundations of autism. His scholarly output has accumulated 14 citations, with an h-index of 1 and an i10-index of 1, reflecting emerging impact in interdisciplinary neuroscience research. His academic experience includes international research training in regenerative neurobiology and neuroelectronics, where he contributed to the development of platinized graphene fiber electrodes for simultaneous autonomic nerve recordings and supported graduate-level teaching in neural engineering methods. He has actively disseminated his research through oral and poster presentations at major national and international conferences in neuroscience and biomedical engineering, and he has contributed to the peer-review process as a reviewer for a physiology-focused scientific journal.

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On the cranial nerves
HM Libreros-Jiménez, J Manzo, F Rojas-Durán, GE Aranda-Abreu, et al.NeuroSci, 5(1), 8–38
The Long and Winding Road to Understanding Autism
J Manzo, ME Hernández-Aguilar, MR Toledo-Cárdenas, et al.NeuroSci, 6(3), 84 ·

Xufeng Huang | Neuroscience of Obesity and Schizophrenia | Neuroscience Academic Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Xufeng Huang | Neuroscience of Obesity and Schizophrenia | Neuroscience Academic Excellence Award

University of Wollongong | Australia

Professor Xufeng Huang is an internationally recognised molecular neuroscientist whose research integrates brain biology, metabolism, psychopharmacology, and nutritional science to address major public health challenges. His work has elucidated central molecular mechanisms of diet-induced obesity, including leptin resistance, neural injury, and cognitive decline, and translated these discoveries into preventive and therapeutic strategies. He has led pioneering research on antipsychotic-induced metabolic disorders in schizophrenia, identifying key neurotransmitter and receptor pathways and advancing safer pharmacological and adjunctive interventions. Professor Huang has also driven innovation in functional nutrition, notably the discovery and clinical validation of β-glucan as an effective dietary fibre for metabolic syndrome control, influencing dietary guidelines and policy. With extensive leadership of NHMRC-funded programs and international collaborations, his research spans mechanistic discovery, animal and human studies, and clinical translation. His contributions have shaped evidence-based interventions in brain health, obesity, metabolic disease, and severe mental illness, with sustained impact on clinical practice, policy development, and translational research across Australia and internationally.

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Development of high fat diet-induced obesity and leptin resistance in C57Bl/6J mice
– S Lin, TC Thomas, LH Storlien, XF Huang, International Journal of Obesity, 2000

Effects of dietary fat types on body fatness, leptin, and ARC leptin receptor, NPY, and AgRP mRNA expression
– H Wang, LH Storlien, XF Huang, American Journal of Physiology–Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2002

Selective antagonist [3H] SR141716A binding to cannabinoid CB1 receptors is increased in the anterior cingulate cortex in schizophrenia
– K Zavitsanou, T Garrick, XF Huang, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2004

Molecular evidence of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction in schizophrenia
– CS Weickert, SJ Fung et al., Molecular Psychiatry, 2013

Gabriel Siquier-Dameto | Neuroscience of Pain and Analgesia | Innovative Research Award

Mr. Gabriel Siquier-Dameto | Neuroscience of Pain and Analgesia | Innovative Research Award

Mr. Gabriel Siquier-Dameto | Universidad de Girona | Spain

Gabriel Bernat Siquier Dameto is a Spanish researcher and medical professional whose work bridges clinical anatomy, neuroscience, and aesthetic medicine. Born in Palma de Mallorca and currently based in Campanet, he is affiliated with the Universitat de Girona, where he serves as a doctoral researcher within the Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA) in the Department of Medical Sciences. Alongside his academic pursuits, he has developed a distinguished career as a medical director and aesthetic physician at Dameto Clinics International, contributing to the advancement of modern aesthetic practices. His expertise has led to influential roles as a Key Opinion Leader and worldwide trainer for leading biomedical and aesthetic technology companies, including RELIFE under the MENARINI Group and Suisselle S.A., as well as advisory work as a consultant for GLG. With recognized identifiers such as ORCID, ResearcherID, and ScopusID, Gabriel maintains an active scientific presence while integrating clinical knowledge with innovative aesthetic applications. His research interests and professional practice reflect a commitment to improving patient outcomes, advancing medical education, and promoting evidence-based aesthetic procedures, positioning him as a respected figure in both academic and clinical environments.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Siquier-Dameto, G., Gimeno-Beltrán, J., Bellia, G., Boadas-Vaello, P., & Verdú, E. (2025). Combined systemic and cutaneous ovalbumin–aluminum sensitization triggers thermal hyperalgesia, spinal gliosis, and nociceptive nerve fibers sprouting in mice. Physiologia, 5(3). doi:10.3390/physiologia5030032

Siquier-Dameto, G., Iguaran-Pérez, A., Gimeno-Beltrán, J., Bellia, G., Giori, A. M., Boadas-Vaello, P., & Verdú, E. (2025). Subcutaneous injection and brush application of ovalbumin–aluminum salt solution induces dermatitis-like changes in mice. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(5), 1701. doi:10.3390/jcm14051701

Siquier-Dameto, G., Boisnic, S., & Verdú, E. (2024). Revitalizing effect on the scalp after injection with a mechanically stabilized hyaluronic acid complex in subjects with androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(22), 6878. doi:10.3390/jcm13226878

Siquier-Dameto, G., Boadas-Vaello, P., & Verdú, E. (2024). Intradermal treatment with a hyaluronic acid complex supplemented with amino acids and antioxidant vitamins improves cutaneous hydration and viscoelasticity in healthy subjects. Antioxidants, 13(7), 770. doi:10.3390/antiox13070770

Siquier-Dameto, G., Boisnic, S., Boadas-Vaello, P., & Verdú, E. (2023). Anti-aging and depigmentation effect of a hyaluronic acid mechanically stabilized complex on human skin explants. Polymers, 15(11), 2438. doi:10.3390/polym15112438

Tateo, A., Siquier-Dameto, G., Artzi, O., Humzah, D., Molina, B., Jain, R., Lanzarotti, A., Laouedj, M., Dapis, N., & Bellia, G. (2021). Development and validation of IBSA photographic scale for the assessment of neck laxity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 14, 1087–1097. doi:10.2147/CCID.S302860

Siquier-Dameto, G. (2020). Positive effect of hybrid stable cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid in psoriasis: A clinical series. Esperienze Dermatologiche. doi:10.23736/S1128-9155.21.00511-2

Adil el Housseini | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Adil el Housseini | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Adil el Housseini | Ibn Zohr University Agadir Morocco | Morocco

Adil EL Housseini is a dedicated PhD candidate in biology at Ibn Zohr University, Faculty of Sciences of Agadir, specializing in toxicology, biochemistry, and the molecular characterization of scorpion venoms. His doctoral research explores the biochemical composition, ecotoxicity, and pathophysiological mechanisms of venoms from selected Buthid species, with a particular focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies for scorpion envenomation. Adil has contributed to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications and authored book chapters spanning biomedical polymers, chitosan-based therapeutic applications, radioprotective biomaterials, and neurobiological insights into astrocyte function. His work on the kinetics of brain oxidative stress following scorpion envenomation highlights his strong command of experimental toxicology and neurobiochemical analysis. With an h-index of 1, two indexed documents, and two citations, he continues to build a research profile grounded in rigorous experimentation and interdisciplinary scientific inquiry. Adil’s skills include venom biochemistry, laboratory toxicology, data interpretation, and scientific writing, supported by strong language proficiency in Arabic, French, and English. His commitment to advancing knowledge in venom toxicology and biomedical sciences positions him as a promising emerging researcher contributing to both fundamental understanding and applied therapeutic innovation.

Profile: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ait Hamdan, Y., Rhazi, M., El-Mansoury, B., Kabdy, H., Oukhrib, M., Ait Baba, A., … (2024). Astrocytes functions and their involvement in brain injury: A focus on the biomaterials’ role in mitigating traumatic brain injury. In Physiology and Function of Glial Cells in Health and Disease (pp. 145–163).

Mabsor-Zgandaoui, S., Rachmoune, K., Aftais, I., Elamrani, F. E., Amradi, I., … (2026). Biomedical polymers: Foundations and future innovations in medicine. In Biomedical Applications and Toxicity of Polymers, Nanoparticles

Ait Hamdan, Y., Armadi, I., Elamrani, F. E., Mekouar, M., El Housseini, A., … (2026). Therapeutic implications of chitosan and its derivatives: Focus on cancer treatment. In Biomedical Applications and Toxicity of Polymers, Nanoparticles

Rachmoune, K., Mabsor-Zgandaoui, S., El Housseini, A., Ait Hamdan, Y., … (2026). Radioprotective effects of chitosan polysaccharides and biomedical applications. In Biomedical Applications and Toxicity of Polymers, Nanoparticles

Armadi, I., Elouali, S., Abana, A., El Housseini, A., Loqman, S., & Belbachir, A. (2025). Overview of biomaterials classification, properties, and biomedical applications. In Innovations and Applications of Advanced Biomaterials in Healthcare 

Oleksandr Shapoval | Neuroimaging | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Oleksandr Shapoval | Neuroimaging | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Oleksandr Shapoval | Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences | Czech Republic

Dr. Oleksandr Shapoval, Ph.D., is a dedicated scientific researcher at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague, where he contributes to advanced developments in multimodal nanomarkers for complex microbial systems. His work centers on the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of luminescent and magnetic nanoparticles, along with the design of functional colloids and nanosystems that serve as versatile multimodal imaging probes capable of immobilizing low-molecular-weight bioactive compounds and optimizing nanoparticle compatibility across diverse environments. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry with specialization in macromolecular compounds, complemented by degrees in administrative and financial management, as well as extensive training in chemical technology, fuel, and carbon materials. Over his career, Dr. Shapoval has established a strong academic presence, reflected in 136 citations, 17 published documents, and an h-index of 8, demonstrating the impact and quality of his scientific contributions. His multidisciplinary background and sustained research productivity position him as a valuable contributor to the field of nanosystems engineering, bridging chemistry, materials science, and bio-nanotechnology in ways that advance both theoretical understanding and practical application.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Vasylyshyn, T., Patsula, V., Větvička, D., Shapoval, O., Pankrác, J., Kabešová, M., Beneš, J., & Horák, D. (2025). Intraperitoneal versus intravenous administration of Flamma®-conjugated PEG-alendronate-coated upconversion nanoparticles in a mouse pancreatic cancer model. Nanoscale Advances.

Nahorniak, M., Horák, D., Šlouf, M., Steinhart, M., Shapoval, O., Engstová, H., & Ježek, P. (2025). Lanthanide-based UCNPs: Toxicity evaluation and interaction of ultrasmall core vs. core–shell nanoparticles with cells. Materials Advances.

Vasylyshyn, T., Huntošová, V., Patsula, V., Olejárová, S., Slabý, C., Jurašeková, Z., Bánó, G., Kubacková, J., Šlouf, M., Shapoval, O., et al. (2025). Surface-engineered core–shell upconversion nanoparticles for effective hypericin delivery and multimodal imaging. Nanoscale.

Shapoval, O., Patsula, V., Větvička, D., Šlouf, M., Kabešová, M., Vasylyshyn, T., Svobodová, L. M., Konefal, M., Kočková, O., Pankrác, J., et al. (2025). Theranostic verteporfin-conjugated upconversion nanoparticles for cancer treatment. Nanomaterials, 15(22), 1690.

Shapoval, O., Engstová, H., Šlouf, M., Kočková, O., Dlasková, A., Jabůrek, M., Halili, A., Mozheitová, A., Jirák, D., Ježek, P., et al. (2025). Liraglutide-conjugated poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid)-coated core–shell upconversion nanoparticles for theranostics of diabetes. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Rachna Garg | Cognitive Neuroscience | Excellence in Research Award

Ms. Rachna Garg | Cognitive Neuroscience | Excellence in Research Award

Ms. Rachna Garg | Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies under GGSIPU | India

Ms. Rachna Garg is an accomplished Assistant Professor and Psychologist at Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies, Delhi, bringing over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and psychological training. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology from Amity University, Gwalior, with a research focus on elderly mental health, resilience, and mindfulness-based cognitive interventions. She holds dual MBAs in Human Resource Management and Marketing, an MA in Psychology, and a B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary background. Her scholarly output includes multiple international publications, book chapters, and research papers indexed in SCOPUS, Web of Science, and UGC-CARE. She has authored four book chapters with ISBNs and completed two major research projects on elderly mental health, alongside an ongoing Ph.D. empirical study. Her contributions extend to extensive training programs for MCD, NDMC, DIET, and SCERT educators, where she has delivered modules on communication, conflict management, learning disabilities, and sexual literacy. She has served as Convener for a notable Faculty Development Program on Indian Knowledge Systems. With an h-index of 1, a total of 10 documents, and 5 citations across ResearchGate and Google Scholar, she continues to advance impactful psychological research. She also holds editorial and reviewer roles in multiple reputed journals.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Garg, R. (2025, October 9). Rewiring the aging mind: A randomized controlled trial on the transformative impact of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy on depression and anxiety. Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health.

Garg, R. (2025, September 13). Group-based mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral intervention for enhancing resilience and preventing depression and anxiety in at-risk elderly: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.

Garg, R. (2025, July 2). Evaluating the impact of mindfulness practices on depression, anxiety, and stress in geriatric populations: A randomized control trial. The Learning Curve, (ISSN 2321-7057).

Garg, R., Awasthi, S., & Gupta, N. (2025, January 2). The role of a 10-week mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention in managing depression, anxiety, and stress among the elderly: A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Neonatal Surgery, 14(21s). https://doi.org/10.63682/jns.v14i21s.5344

Garg, R., Awasthi, S., & Gupta, N. (2024, November). Mindfulness meets aging: The transformative power of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral interventions for mental health in the golden years. Indian Journal of Psychology, (ISSN 0019-5553).

Lulu Zhang | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Lulu Zhang | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Lulu Zhang | Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Lulu Zhang is an Assistant Researcher at the Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (SINANO, CAS). She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Science and Technology of China and joined SINANO shortly after completing her doctoral studies. Her research is dedicated to advancing the understanding of spinal cord injury repair and regeneration, with a particular emphasis on the biological mechanisms that drive neural recovery. She has led several important research projects supported by prestigious funding bodies, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Jiangsu Province’s Outstanding Postdoctoral Program. As a core contributor, she has also played vital roles in major national and provincial initiatives, such as the CAS Pioneer Special Project, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, and the Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Program. Dr. Zhang has authored more than 10 peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals such as Biomaterials, Advanced Healthcare Materials, ACS Materials Letters, and Materials Today Bio. Her intellectual property portfolio includes three invention patents, two of which have been granted. Her academic influence is reflected in her citation metrics, with 453 citations across 415 documents, 13 total documents, and an h-index of 7.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

(2025). Reactive oxygen species-scavenging, overloaded calcium-inhibiting, neuroregeneration-promoting polydopamine functionalized magnesium oxide nanoparticle-integrated hydrogel accelerates spinal cord injury repair.

Mina Jamzad | Neuropharmacology | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mina Jamzad | Neuropharmacology | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mina Jamzad | Islamic Azad University | Iran

Dr. Mina Jamzad is an Associated Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Qods Branch of the Islamic Azad University, where she has established a strong academic presence in natural products chemistry, phytochemistry, and the structural characterization of terpenoids and essential oils. She earned her PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Campus, where her research focused on the essential oil composition of selected Labiatae species and the extraction, isolation, purification, and structure elucidation of valuable terpenoids. Building on this foundation, she completed her master’s degree in Organic Chemistry at the university’s North Tehran Branch, conducting detailed studies on the essential oil profiles of Stachys pilifera and Salvia xanthochelea under the mentorship of Professor Abdolhossein Rustaiyan. Throughout her career, Dr. Jamzad has produced impactful research, contributing significantly to the understanding of aromatic plant chemistry and bioactive natural compounds. Her scholarly output includes numerous publications, collectively receiving 2,600 citations, supported by an h-index of 23 and an i10-index of 26, underscoring the scientific relevance and sustained influence of her work. Dedicated to both research and education, she continues to advance organic chemistry through rigorous scholarship and committed academic service.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Fakhari, S., Jamzad, M., & Kabiri Fard, H. (2019). Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: A comparison. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 12(1), 19–24.

Jamzad, M., & Kamari Bidkorpeh, M. (2020). Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles by the aqueous extract of Laurus nobilis L. leaves and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity. Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry, 10(3), 193–201.

Firoozi, S., Jamzad, M., & Yari, M. (2016). Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles by aqueous extract of Satureja intermedia C.A. Mey and the evaluation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry, 6(4), 357–364.

Masoudi, S., Jamzad, M., Attari, L., & Rustaiyan, A. (2003). Volatile constituents of Stachys pilifera Benth. and Stachys acerosa Boiss. from Iran. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 15(3), 189–190.

Rustaiyan, A., Jamzad, M., Masoudi, S., & Ameri, N. (2006). Volatile constituents of Nepeta heliotropifolia Lam., Mentha mozaffarianii Jamzad and Ziziphora persica Bunge: Three Labiatae herbs growing wild in Iran. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 18(3), 348–351.

Kashkouli, S., Jamzad, M., & Nouri, A. (2018). Total phenolic and flavonoids contents, radical scavenging activity and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Laurus nobilis L. leaves aqueous extract. Journal of Medicinal Plants and By-products, 7(1), 25–32.

Jamzad, M., Jamzad, Z., Mokhber, F., Ziareh, S., & Yari, M. (2013). Variation in essential oil composition of Mentha longifolia var. chlorodichtya Rech. f. and Ziziphora clinopodiodes Lam. growing in different habitats. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 7(22), 1618–1623.