Zhi Li | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhi Li | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhi Li | Qinghai University | China

Zhi Li is a researcher specializing in cellular biology, infection and immunity, host–pathogen interactions, vector and vector-borne diseases, and zoonoses. His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying host responses to parasitic infections and the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases in animals. As an Assistant Professor at Qinghai University, he has contributed significantly to research on parasitic pathogens affecting livestock and wildlife in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region. His studies have explored infections caused by Echinococcus shiquicus, Theileria annulata, and various fluke species, emphasizing their identification, transmission dynamics, and host interactions. Through collaborations with national and international researchers, he has published in leading journals such as Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, Parasitology Research, Parasites & Vectors, and Acta Tropica. His research integrates molecular biology, immunological assays, and field epidemiology to develop improved diagnostic tools and better understand pathogen adaptation in diverse ecological settings. By linking laboratory findings with field observations, Zhi Li’s work contributes to controlling zoonotic and vector-borne diseases that threaten both animal and human health, aligning with the global “One Health” approach that connects veterinary and biomedical research for sustainable disease management.

Profile: Orcid

Li, Z., Han, Y., Liu, J.-L., Zhang, X.-Y., Shen, X., Guo, Z.-H., Yin, H., Duo, H., & Fu, Y. (2025). High diversity of Piroplasm species carried by ticks from Qinghai, China. Acta Tropica, 250, 107907.

Fu, Y., Zhang, X., Li, Z., Shi, Z., Ma, X., Meng, R., Zhang, Q., Zhao, C., Guo, S., Ma, W., et al. (2023, November 23). Emerging Echinococcus shiquicus infection of Asian badgers in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2023, 6874033.

Fu, Y., Zhang, X., Li, Z., Meng, R., Duo, H., Shen, X., Ma, Y., & Guo, Z. (2023, July). Identification and prevalence of fluke infection in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake, China. Parasitology Research.

Zhang, X., Jian, Y., Li, Z., Duo, H., Guo, Z., & Fu, Y. (2023, February 25). Optimization of single-tube nested PCR for the detection of Echinococcus spp. Experimental Parasitology, 246, 108358.

Liu, J., Zhao, S., Li, Z., Zhang, Z., Zhao, B., Guan, G., Yin, H., & Luo, J. (2023, February 23). Activation of telomerase activity and telomere elongation of host cells by Theileria annulata infection. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1123456.

Carmen Berenguer | Behavioral Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carmen Berenguer | Behavioral Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carmen Berenguer | Universitat de Valencia | Spain

Dr. Carmen Berenguer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Valencia. She holds a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience and Special Educational Needs, and a Ph.D. in Psychology with the distinction of Cum Laude and International Doctorate from the same university. Her research has consistently focused on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), exploring cognitive, social, communication, and learning dimensions. In recent years, she has extended her work to examine comorbid conditions such as sleep difficulties and to design psychosocial intervention programs for families of children with ASD and ADHD. Dr. Berenguer has completed or participated in nine research projects and authored 20 books. She holds two patents related to psychosocial programs and augmented reality applications for educational and therapeutic purposes. With 54 published documents, her work has been cited in 994 scientific papers, accumulating a total of 1,077 citations and achieving an h-index of 17, reflecting her significant impact in developmental psychology and neurodevelopmental research.

Profiles: Scopus | orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

(2025). Characteristics, motivations and attitudes of students using ChatGPT and other language model-based chatbots in higher education. Education and Information Technologies.

(2025). Parenting stress in autistic and ADHD children: Implications of social support and child characteristics. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

(2025). Sleep disturbances in autistic children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

(2025). Augmented reality and learning-cognitive outcomes in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.

(2025). Occupational stress, burnout, and job satisfaction amongst Spanish speech-language pathologists. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology.

Maansi Solanky | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Maansi Solanky | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maansi Solanky | LSU Health New Orleans | United States

Maansi Solanky is a dedicated medical scholar pursuing her Doctor of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, with a strong interdisciplinary background in health and human sciences from the University of Southern California. Her academic journey integrates medicine, analytics, and public health, reflected in her extensive research and operational experience across multiple institutions. As an Operations Analyst at Evergreen Nephrology, she contributed to improving healthcare delivery through data-driven solutions, process optimization, and interdepartmental collaboration. Her research at the USC Keck School of Medicine explored neural communication mechanisms underlying schizophrenia and analyzed food insecurity in Los Angeles County using advanced data analytics. Additionally, her work with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency led to actionable insights enhancing organ donation efficiency through comparative data modeling in R, SQL, and SAS. With teaching experience as a Chemistry Supplemental Instruction Leader for over 700 students, she demonstrates a passion for mentorship and education. Maansi is also deeply engaged in community initiatives promoting public health and equitable healthcare access. She has authored 5 research documents, accumulated 42 citations, and holds an H-index of 3, underscoring her growing influence in medical research and data-driven healthcare innovation.

Profile: Oricd

Featured Publication

Solanky, M., Khosla, M., & Alahari, S. K. (2025). Assessing the tumor suppressive impact and regulatory mechanisms of SPDEF expression in breast cancer. Cancers, 17(21), 3556.

Calixto Machado | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Calixto Machado | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Calixto Machado | Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery | Cuba

Calixto Machado is a Full Professor and Senior Researcher in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana, Cuba, and a Corresponding Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. He completed his medical degree, followed by specialist training in neurology and clinical neurophysiology, and then earned his PhD. Over four decades he has led pioneering research on disorders of consciousness, brain death, stroke, autism, autonomic nervous system disorders and the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. He has published nearly 700 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and authored seven books; his work is recognised internationally through numerous symposia and awards. His Google Scholar profile lists an h-index of 37, and over 24 000 citations across his published documents.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Machado, C. (2025, September 9). Jahi McMath case: A comprehensive and updated narrative. World Journal of Critical Care Medicine, 14(3), 107513.

Machado, C. (2022). The Jahi McMath case: First detailed study of her brain. Neurology India, 70(5), 22–35.

Giacino, J. T., Ashwal, S., Childs, N., Cranford, R., Jennett, B., Katz, D. I., Kelly, J. P., & others. (2002). The minimally conscious state: Definition and diagnostic criteria. Neurology, 58(3), 349–353.

Sloan, M. A., Alexandrov, A. V., Tegeler, C. H., Spencer, M. P., Caplan, L. R., & others. (2004). Assessment: Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 62(9), 1468–1481.

Machado, C. (2002). Brain death worldwide: Accepted fact but no global consensus in diagnostic criteria. Neurology.

Machado, C. (2007). Cerebral response to patient’s own name in the vegetative and minimally conscious states. Neurology, 69(7), 708.

Machado, C., Korein, J., Ferrer, Y., Portela, L., & others. (2007). The concept of brain death did not evolve to benefit organ transplants. Journal of Medical Ethics, 33, 197–200.

Machado, C. (2007). The concept of brain death did not evolve to benefit organ transplants. In C. Machado (Ed.), Brain death: A reappraisal (pp. 1–20). Springer.

Machado, C. (2007). Brain death: A reappraisal. Springer Science & Business Media.

Machado, C. (2007). The first organ transplant from a brain-dead donor. In C. Machado (Ed.), Brain death: A reappraisal (pp. 1–20). Springer.

Machado, C. (2010). Diagnosis of brain death. Neurology International, 2(1), e2.

Graf, W. D., Miller, G., Epstein, L. G., & Rapin, I. (2017). The autism “epidemic”: Ethical, legal, and social issues in a developmental spectrum disorder. Neurology, 88(14), 1371–1380.

Machado, C., Korein, J., Aubert, E., Bosch, J., Alvarez, M. A., Rodríguez, R., & others. (2007). Recognizing a mother’s voice in the persistent vegetative state. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 38(3), 124–126.

Lewis, A., Bernat, J. L., Blosser, S., Bonnie, R. J., Epstein, L. G., Hutchins, J., & others. (2018). An interdisciplinary response to contemporary concerns about brain death determination. Neurology, 90(9), 423–426.*

Siphokazi Gatyeni | Systems Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Siphokazi Gatyeni | Systems Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Siphokazi Gatyeni | University of Johannesburg | South Africa

Dr Siphokazi Princess Gatyeni is a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the University of Johannesburg, having progressed through roles as Assistant Lecturer and Marker. She earned her PhD in Applied Mathematics with a thesis on the long-term dynamics of COVID-19 in South Africa under the supervision of Prof Farai Nyabadza and Prof Faraimunashe Chirove. Prior to that she completed an MSc in Mathematics studying modelling of in- and out-patient rehabilitation for substance abuse, and an Honours in Biomathematics modelling substance abuse dynamics. Her research focuses on infectious-disease modelling (COVID-19, TB, malaria), optimal control theory and social behaviour in epidemic systems, with demonstrated expertise in MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, LaTeX, R-Studio, Excel and SPSS. According to Google Scholar she has been cited 41 times. Her h-index is currently not publicly listed on that profile but the citation count reflects an active early-career research trajectory. Her work includes recent journal articles on meningitis transmission and the impact of vaccination strategies, as well as modelling the effects of stigma on COVID-19 transmission. In the classroom she emphasises real-world applications and technology-assisted instruction, teaching courses from Engineering Mathematics through Numerical Analysis and Special Topics, and is committed to mentoring postgraduate students in interdisciplinary mathematical modelling.

Profile: orcid

Featured Publications

Gatyeni, S. P. (2025). Mathematical modeling of meningitis transmission dynamics and the impact of vaccination strategies. Scientific African, e03048.

Mbalilo, V. M., Nyabadza, F., & Gatyeni, S. P. (2025). Modelling the potential impact of TB-funded prevention programs on the transmission dynamics of TB. Infectious Disease Modelling.

Gatyeni, S. P., Chirove, F., & Nyabadza, F. (2022). Modelling the potential impact of stigma on the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in South Africa. Mathematics, 10(18), 3253.

Gatyeni, S. P. (2022). Application of optimal control to the dynamics of COVID-19 disease in South Africa. Scientific African, e01268.

Kathrin Eichinger | Clinical Neuroscience | Outstanding Contribution Award

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Dr. Kathrin Eichinger | Clinical Neuroscience | Outstanding Contribution Award 

Dr. Kathrin Eichinger | Medizinische Universitat Wien | Austria

Dr. Med. Kathrin Eichinger is an Austrian physician specializing in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, currently serving as a Consultant in Child and Adolescent Medicine with subspecialty training in Neuropediatrics at the Medical University of Vienna. Her clinical and academic focus lies in neuroimmunology, with ongoing doctoral research in neuroscience examining acute necrotizing encephalitis. Dr. Eichinger’s experience spans several leading medical institutions, including Sankt Anna Children’s Hospital and the Hospital of the Brothers of Mercy in Eisenstadt, complemented by an observership in Neurointensive Care and Neuroimmunology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has also contributed to clinical research through her involvement in the eSMART randomized controlled trial on electronic symptom management at the Medical University of Vienna. Her expertise is further supported by certification in pediatric EEG and active participation in numerous neuropediatric congresses and workshops across Europe. Multilingual in German, English, and Spanish, Dr. Eichinger combines her clinical acumen with strong research engagement, reflected in her growing academic footprint with an h-index of 3, five peer-reviewed documents, and approximately 45 citations. Her professional pursuits integrate advanced clinical training, translational neuroscience, and a dedication to improving pediatric neurocare.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Eichinger, K., Breu, M., Renken, M., Siegert, S., Hilz, E., Glatter, S., Csaicsich, D., Boehm, M., Lechner, C., Kornek, B., et al. (2025). Complications of therapeutic plasma exchange in pediatric neuroimmune disorders. Children, 12(11), 1457.

  • Grasl, S., Janik, S., Dressler, A., Diehm, R., Gröppel, G., Eichinger, K., Grasl, M. C., Gstoettner, W., Feucht, M., Vyskocil, E., et al. (2021). Management and outcome of vagus nerve stimulator implantation: Experience of an otolaryngeal/neuropediatric cooperation. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 278(10), 3729–3738.

Seyyed Ali Zendehbad | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Seyyed Ali Zendehbad | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Seyyed Ali | Zendehbad University of Mazandaran | Iran

Dr. Seyyed Ali Zendehbad is a multidisciplinary researcher specializing in biomedical signal processing, cognitive computational neuroscience, and neurorehabilitation technologies. His research integrates deep learning, pattern recognition, and multimodal biological data modeling to enhance fatigue detection and neurorehabilitation systems. He has authored several peer-reviewed papers in reputable journals such as Scientific Reports, IEEE Access, Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research, and Healthcare Technology Letters, focusing on hybrid AI frameworks, EMG signal processing, and muscle synergy-based biofeedback mechanisms. Dr. Zendehbad’s work on developing intelligent rehabilitation systems, including his models like TraxVBF and FatigueNet, contributes to advancing telemonitoring and assistive technologies for neurological recovery. His scholarly output includes more than 25 documents, over 600 citations, and an h-index of 12, reflecting his growing impact in computational neuroscience and biomedical engineering. Recognized for innovation, he has achieved first-place awards in multiple national startup competitions and was honored with the Best Poster Award at the Congress of Neurology and Clinical Electrophysiology of Iran. As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Mazandaran, his ongoing work emphasizes integrating trustworthy AI into telehealth systems, promoting equitable and efficient digital healthcare delivery through interdisciplinary research and technological innovation.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

1. Mazrooei Rad, E., Mazinani, S. M., & Zendehbad, S. A. (2025). Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease using non-linear features of ERP signals through a hybrid attention-based CNN-LSTM model. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Update, 5, 100192.

2. Zendehbad, S. A., Sharifi Razavi, A., Tabrizi, N., & Sedaghat, Z. (2025). A systematic review of artificial intelligence techniques based on electroencephalography analysis in the diagnosis of epilepsy disorders: A clinical perspective. Epilepsy Research, 207, 107582.

3. Mazrooei Rad, E., Zendehbad, S. A., & Hosseinzadeh, V. (2025). Fetal QRS complex detection based on adaptive filters and peak detection. Research on Biomedical Engineering, 41(3), 424–438.

4. Zendehbad, S. A., Ghasemi, J., & Samsami Khodadad, F. (2025). FatigueNet: A hybrid graph neural network and transformer framework for real-time multimodal fatigue detection. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 640.

5. Safdel, A., Zendehbad, S. A., & Ghasemi, J. (2025). Advanced deep learning approaches for accurate and efficient suspicious behavior detection in surveillance videos. Computational Sciences and Engineering, 21(2), 1099.

Maria -Camelia Stancioaica | Clinical Neuroscience |

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Ms. Maria -Camelia Stancioaica | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maria -Camelia Stancioaica | Fundeni Clinical Hospital | Romania

Dr. Maria Camelia Stăncioaica is a dedicated Romanian hematologist affiliated with the Fundeni Clinical Institute in Bucharest, where she serves as the Acute Leukemia Program Coordinator. She holds an M.D. in Clinical Hematology and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Carol Davila University of Medicine. Her professional development includes international experience through observership at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA and an internship at Pitié–Salpêtrière Hospital in France. Dr. Stăncioaica has contributed to advancing hematologic research through publications addressing acute leukemia, fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, and targeted therapies in acute myeloid leukemia. Her notable works include studies on FLT3 inhibitors, differentiation syndrome in pregnancy, and invasive fusariosis outbreaks. Actively engaged in global scientific dialogue, she has been a speaker and session chair at prominent hematology conferences across Europe. She also participates in several clinical trials as both principal and subinvestigator, focusing on novel therapeutic strategies in leukemia management. Dr. Stăncioaica’s research achievements are reflected in her 21 citations, 2 h-index, and 1 i10-index, underscoring her growing influence in clinical hematology. She is a member of the European Hematology Association and the Romanian Society of Hematology, contributing to both national and international medical communities.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Ghiaur, A., Doran, C., Gaman, M. A., Ionescu, B., Tatic, A., Cirstea, M., … Stancioaica, M. C. (2024). Acute promyelocytic leukemia: Review of complications related to all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide therapy. Cancers, 16(6), 1160.

2. Mohorea‐Neata, A. L., Ghita, M. C., Moroti, R., Ghiaur, A., Ionescu, B., Tatic, A., … Stancioaica, M. C. (2023). Invasive fusariosis in acute leukaemia patients—An outbreak in the haematology ward. Mycoses, 66(8), 705–710.

3. Droc, G., Stancioaica, M. C., Soare, C. G., Stefan, M. G., Ingustu, D., Martac, C., … Ghiaur, A. (2023). Acute promyelocytic leukemia and severe differentiation syndrome in pregnancy—A management challenge. Life, 13(5), 1141.

4. Coriu, D., & Stancioaica, M. C. (2023). Moving low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes from humans to mice: Is it truly that simple? Haematologica, 109(1), 8.

5. Stancioaica, M. C., Coriu, D., & Ghiaur, G. (2025). FLT3: A 35-year voyage from discovery to the next generation of targeted therapy in AML. Cancers.

Victoria Carter | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Victoria Carter | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Victoria Carter | VCA West Coast Vet Hospital | United States

Victoria Carter is a highly skilled small-animal internal-medicine clinician and researcher whose diverse training and leadership reflect her commitment to veterinary excellence. After earning a BSc (Hons) in Biological Science from the University of Guelph in Canada, followed by a DVMS (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery) from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh (where she received multiple awards including the CEVA Dermatology Prize and the Outstanding Student Leadership Award), she completed internships, a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania – Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, and now serves as one of the lead internal medicine clinicians at the VCA West Coast Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital in Fountain Valley, CA. Her clinical repertoire includes advanced endoscopic procedures (gastroduodenoscopy, ileocolonoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, cystoscopy/vaginoscopy and tracheoscopy) and she is experienced in high-volume inpatient and outpatient settings, collaborating across hospital services to tailor diagnostics and care plans for complex cases. Her research interests include immune-mediated diseases, such as primary immune-mediated neutropenia in the context of an earlier-diagnosed Evans syndrome in dogs (Carter & Silvestrini, Vet Rec Case Rep) and a retrospective international study on hypercobalaminaemic cats in progress under mentor Paolo Silvestrini MSc, PhD, DECVIM(CA). She has authored [DOCUMENTS-COUNT] publications, amassed [CITATIONS-COUNT] citations, and holds an h-index of [H-INDEX]. A native Canadian, fluent in English and French, she brings strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills — especially in high-pressure environments — and fosters a positive, collaborative veterinary team culture while building excellent relationships with clients and patients.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Carter, V., & Silvestrini, P. (2025, September 24). Primary immune‐mediated neutropenia as part of a relapse of previously diagnosed Evans syndrome in a dog. Veterinary Record Case Reports.

Wenxin Deng | Social and Cultural Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wenxin Deng | Social and Cultural Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wenxin Deng | Soochow University | China

Dr. Wenxin Deng is a distinguished researcher at Soochow University, China, recognized for her contributions to the scientific community through impactful research publications and scholarly influence. She has authored 4 research documents that collectively have been cited in 43 other academic works, reflecting the growing recognition of her research contributions. With an h-index of 3, Dr. Deng’s scholarly output demonstrates both productivity and citation impact within her field. Her research is characterized by a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation across interdisciplinary areas. Through her publications, Dr. Deng has contributed valuable insights that have informed and guided ongoing investigations in her domain. Her academic efforts underscore a dedication to excellence, intellectual curiosity, and the continuous pursuit of solutions to complex scientific challenges. At Soochow University, she continues to play an active role in research development, mentoring, and collaboration, reinforcing her position as a promising academic contributing to China’s and the global scientific community’s advancement.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Deng, W. (2025). AI and knowledge sharing in team performance: Emotional intelligence as the mediator between coordination and performance. Sustainable Futures.

Deng, W., & Jiang, M. (2025). A multilevel fuzzy AHP model for green furniture evaluation: Enhancing resource efficiency and circular design through lifecycle integration. Systems.

Jiang, M., Deng, W., & Lin, H. (2024). Sustainability through biomimicry: A comprehensive review of bionic design applications. Biomimetics.