Pengdong Gao | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Pengdong Gao | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Pengdong Gao, Communication University of China, china.

Dr. Pengdong Gao is an accomplished Associate Researcher at the National Key Laboratory of Media Convergence and Communication, Communication University of China. His academic journey from Applied Mathematics to Cybernetics and ultimately to a Ph.D. in Measurement Technology laid the foundation for a career deeply rooted in interdisciplinary innovation. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Gao has consistently contributed to national and institutional research programs. His primary focus lies in applying AI and deep learning to space weather forecasting, ionogram analysis, image processing, and real-time rendering technologies.

Profile

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📘 Early Academic Pursuits

Pengdong Gao’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in mathematical sciences at Tianjin University. He earned his B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics in 2001, followed by an M.Sc. in Operations Research and Cybernetics in 2004. His scholarly commitment culminated in a Ph.D. in Measurement Technology and Instruments, completed in 2007. This progressive academic path reflects a consistent emphasis on analytical precision, systems modeling, and instrumental innovation—laying the groundwork for his later endeavors in computational methods, digital imaging, and space-weather-related research.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral graduation, Dr. Gao embarked on his research career at the High-Performance Computing Center, Communication University of China, where he served as an Assistant Researcher. By 2009, he transitioned to the Ministry of Education’s Key Laboratory of Media Audio and Video as an Associate Researcher. Since December 2019, he has held the role of Associate Researcher at the National Key Laboratory of Media Convergence and Communication. Across nearly two decades of institutional research, he has contributed to multiple projects focusing on real-time rendering, AI-based communication technologies, and advanced multimedia processing systems.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Gao’s research lies at the intersection of media technology, artificial intelligence, and space weather. His recent publications in Space Weather journal highlight his pioneering work on ionogram prediction and detection using spatio-temporal neural networks. He has uniquely combined deep learning and image-based techniques to automate the classification of ionospheric phenomena, contributing valuable insights into space-weather forecasting. Beyond atmospheric data modeling, his work also spans areas like depth image matching, digital mural restoration, remote sensing registration, and real-scene 3D modeling—testament to his multidisciplinary proficiency.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Though his CV does not list traditional awards, Dr. Gao’s achievements are profoundly reflected in his rich portfolio of granted patents and high-impact publications. His role as principal investigator in two significant national and municipal-level projects underscores peer and institutional recognition. The breadth of his intellectual property—spanning ionospheric analysis systems, digital restoration tools, and deep learning-based image processing—illustrates both technical innovation and societal relevance. These contributions enhance the technological infrastructure of scientific visualization and intelligent media systems in China.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Gao’s work has shaped multiple layers of scientific and technological development. His contributions to the modeling and detection of ionospheric phenomena have implications for communication stability, satellite navigation, and space weather forecasting. At the same time, his innovations in AI-powered digital tools support applications in cultural preservation, wildlife monitoring, and intellectual property protection. These developments have positioned him as an influential voice in the integration of AI with scientific media applications, pushing the boundaries of what automated systems can achieve in real-time environmental analysis and media convergence.

🧾 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Gao’s trajectory signals continued leadership in integrating artificial intelligence with space and media sciences. His vision bridges theoretical modeling with practical systems—from national R&D programs to media restoration frameworks. The patents he has co-authored reflect a commitment to solving real-world challenges through data-driven innovation. As the field of science communication evolves, Dr. Gao is poised to contribute further to the democratization of complex data through intelligent platforms, ensuring that future technologies are both functional and socially meaningful.

🛰️ Innovation in Space and Media Intelligence

What makes Dr. Gao’s career particularly impactful is his niche synthesis of space-weather science with digital media engineering. His recent leadership in projects like the AIGC New Horizons in Science Communication and the Large-Scale Scene Real-Time Rendering Engine showcases his ability to work across both scientific discovery and media application. By harnessing spatio-temporal GANs and neural rendering techniques, his work is not only improving how we analyze the ionosphere but also how we communicate these findings in accessible, compelling ways to the broader public.

Publication

1. Title: IonoGAN: An Enhanced Model for Forecasting Quiet and Disturbed Ionospheric Features From Predicted Ionograms
Authors: Chu Qiu, Jinhui Cai, Zheng Wang, Pengdong Gao, Guojun Wang, Quan Qi, Bo Wang, Zhengwei Cheng, Jiankui Shi, Yajun Zhu et al.
Year: 2025

2. Title: Ionospheric Response Forecasting and Analysis During Magnetic Storm by a Short-Term Ionogram Prediction Model
Authors: Wang Zheng, Cai Jinhui, Gao Pengdong, Wang Guojun, Shi Jiankui
Year: 2025

3. Title: Prediction of Ionograms With/Without Spread‐F at Hainan by a Combined Spatio‐Temporal Neural Network
Authors: Pengdong Gao, Jinhui Cai, Zheng Wang, Chu Qiu, Guojun Wang, Quan Qi, Bo Wang, Jiankui Shi, Xiao Wang, Kai Ding
Year: 2024

4. Title: Automatic Detection and Classification of Spread‐F From Ionosonde at Hainan With Image‐Based Deep Learning Method
Authors: Zheng Wang, Meiyi Zhan, Pengdong Gao, Guojun Wang, Chu Qiu, Quan Qi, Jiankui Shi, Xiao Wang
Year: 2023

🏅 Conclusion

Dr. Pengdong Gao is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His remarkable blend of technical depth, innovative problem-solving, and real-world application positions him as a leader in the fusion of artificial intelligence with environmental and media sciences. With ongoing impactful research and a clear trajectory of continued excellence, he not only meets but exceeds the standards typically associated with this prestigious recognition. With minor enhancements in global engagement and academic leadership, his influence is set to expand even further.

 

Soumya Pahari | Clinical Neuroscience | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Soumya Pahari | Clinical Neuroscience | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Soumya Pahari,  Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal.

Dr. Soumya Pahari, MBBS, is a globally engaged physician with a deep-rooted passion for neurosurgery, clinical research, and public health advocacy. From excelling in medical school on a full academic scholarship to completing hands-on neurosurgical training in both Nepal and the U.S., Dr. Pahari has built a career that blends clinical excellence with scholarly rigor. Their dedication to global neurosurgical research, reflected through projects with Vanderbilt University and Mission Brain Foundation, demonstrates a commitment to solving complex medical challenges through evidence-based innovation. Beyond the operating theater, their work as a mental health advocate and educator underscores a holistic approach to medicine that prioritizes human connection, education, and equity.

 

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Soumya Pahari’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in science, nurtured during their high school years at St. Xavier’s College, Nepal,  Their passion for medicine soon led them to pursue an MBBS degree at the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS), where they not only excelled academically but also earned the prestigious NAIHS Academic Scholarship in 2016. Throughout medical school, they developed a keen interest in neuroscience and surgical disciplines, which laid the groundwork for their future specialization in neurosurgery and global neurosurgical initiatives.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neurosurgery

Driven by an unrelenting commitment to clinical excellence, Dr. Pahari’s professional training includes a year-long position as House Officer in the Department of Neurosurgery at Shree Birendra Hospital, Nepal’s only neurosurgical unit under the Nepalese Army. Here, they performed critical procedures such as EVD insertion, burr hole evacuation, and tracheostomy, while actively assisting in advanced surgeries like aneurysm clipping and tumor resections. Later, as a Visiting Scholar in Neurosurgery at West Virginia University (WV, USA) under Dr. P. David Adelson, they broadened their exposure by shadowing surgeons, presenting clinical cases, and initiating a quality improvement project focused on vagal nerve stimulators for refractory epilepsy patients. These experiences have collectively enriched Dr. Pahari’s surgical acumen and global neurosurgical insight.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Research forms a core pillar of Dr. Pahari’s career, with a focus on pediatric cerebrovascular disorders, endovascular interventions in extradural hematomas, and quality improvement in epilepsy care. As a Research Collaborator with Vanderbilt Global Neurosurgery Program, they are leading a systematic review to assess the global burden of pediatric cerebrovascular diseases, contributing meaningfully to evidence-based global neurosurgical strategies. Simultaneously, their work with the Mission Brain Foundation aims to analyze the emerging utility of endovascular techniques in traumatic brain injury management. Earlier, they also contributed as an administrator and content developer at the Abdulrauf University of Neurosurgery’s Research Institute in California, helping curate educational content for aspiring neurosurgeon-scientists.

🌍 Advocacy, Mental Health & Global Impact

Dr. Pahari’s commitment to health extends beyond the operating room into the domain of mental health and psychosocial well-being. As a Founding Board Member of Antardhoni Nepal, they’ve played a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and support services in underserved communities. Their leadership also reflects through media engagement as a Podcast Host for ‘Behind White Coats’, a platform where pressing global health issues and common illnesses are discussed with clarity and compassion. These endeavors underline their belief in a holistic approach to health, where mental, social, and physical well-being are equally prioritized.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout their academic and professional career, Dr. Pahari has garnered several accolades, notably being ECFMG Certified in August 2024 and scoring an impressive 253 on USMLE Step 2. Their achievements are further supported by certifications such as the Diploma in Neurotrauma Care from the Global Neuro Foundation, which granted them 43.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits, enhancing their preparedness for managing acute neurotrauma in global contexts. These recognitions reflect their unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and continuous learning.

📢 Influence Through Education and Media

An inspiring communicator and educator, Dr. Pahari has invested time in peer tutoring through Medlife Stories, where they guided junior students through complex medical concepts. Their innovative spirit also led them to head marketing strategies for The SET Exhibition during their early college years—an event that showcased student innovation in science and technology. Through educational content creation, public speaking, and mentoring, Dr. Pahari continues to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders while making medicine more accessible and engaging for all.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Soumya Pahari looks ahead, their vision is clearly anchored in the intersection of clinical neurosurgery, global health equity, and academic research. With ongoing collaborations in global neurosurgical research and growing experience in both developed and developing healthcare systems, they are uniquely positioned to bridge disparities in neurosurgical care. Their future contributions are expected to amplify the voices of underrepresented populations in global health discourse, enhance neurosurgical systems through data-driven quality improvement, and inspire young physicians to approach medicine with both empathy and rigor. Their legacy, still unfolding, promises to be one of profound impact, innovation, and inclusion.

Publication

 

  • Title: Gallstone among patients presenting to the department of surgery in a tertiary care center: a descriptive cross-sectional study
    Authors: S Pahari, S Basukala, U Piya, Y Khand, B Thapa, O Thapa, S Thapa
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: A rare case of retroperitoneal extension in Fournier’s gangrene: A case report and review of literature
    Authors: S Basukala, Y Khand, S Pahari, KB Shah, A Shah
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Large posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma with intradural cervical spine extension: a rare case report and review of literature
    Authors: A Dahal, JJ Malla, D Neupane, N Lageju, LS Jaiswal, S Chaudhary, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Complicated pylephlebitis secondary to perforated appendicitis in a child-A rare case report
    Authors: S Pahari, M Shrestha, S Basukala, P Kafle, K Rai, Y Khand, O Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: A life-threatening complication of biliary peritonitis following T-tube removal: A case report and review of literature
    Authors: Y Khand, S Basukala, U Piya, P Mainali, S Pahari, KB Shah
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Spontaneous splenic hematoma secondary to dengue infection: a rare case report
    Authors: S Pahari, S Basukala, P Kunwar, K Thapa, Y Khand, O Thapa
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: An unusual case of perforated stump appendicitis: a case report
    Authors: S Basukala, BD Pathak, S Pahari, S Gurung, B Basukala, BB Rayamajhi, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Acute Pancreatitis among Patients Visiting the Department of Surgery in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
    Authors: S Basukala, BD Pathak, P Dawadi, S Bohara, A Tamang, S Pahari, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Patient Safety and organizational Safety Culture in Surgery: A Need of an Hour in the developing countries
    Authors: S Basukala, S Bohara, A Thapa, A Shah, S Pahari, Y Khand, O Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Acute recurrent pancreatitis in a child with pancreatic divisum–A case report
    Authors: O Thapa, S Basukala, M Shrestha, Y Khand, S Pahari, S Bohara, A Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

✅ Conclusion

With a powerful blend of academic distinction, surgical skill, and compassionate advocacy, Dr. Soumya Pahari stands at the forefront of a new generation of physician-leaders. Their journey is a testament to the impact that global collaboration, research, and empathy can have on healthcare. As they continue to pursue excellence in neurosurgery and global health, their work promises not only to improve lives in the operating room but to inspire systemic change across borders. The future undoubtedly holds even greater contributions from this rising medical changemaker.

EMRE MISIR | Cognitive Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. EMRE MISIR | Cognitive Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr.  EMRE MISIR, Baskent University, Turkey.

Dr. Emre MISIR is a distinguished psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher, whose academic journey began at Adnan Menderes University and led to specialization in psychiatry at Dokuz Eylül University. His professional career includes serving as a Specialist Physician at Yozgat City Hospital before transitioning to an academic role at Başkent University Faculty of Medicine. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at Ankara University, focusing on Theory of Mind in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). His outstanding exam scores, professional memberships, and active research contributions underscore his dedication to advancing psychiatry.

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Born on July 16, 1989, in Şahinbey, Gaziantep, Turkey, Dr. Emre MISIR embarked on an academic journey rooted in a passion for medicine and mental health. He completed his medical education at Adnan Menderes University between 2006 and 2012, where his keen interest in the complexities of the human mind began to take shape. His dedication and academic excellence led him to pursue a specialization in psychiatry at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, where he trained extensively from 2012 to 2017.

Professional Endeavors 🏥

Following his specialization, Dr. MISIR served as a Specialist Physician at Yozgat City Hospital from 2017 to 2020, providing essential mental health care to diverse patient populations. In July 2020, he transitioned to Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, where he continued his professional practice before taking on a more academic role. By April 2020, his expertise and commitment to education earned him a Lecturer position at Başkent University, where he has been actively involved in mentoring young psychiatrists and medical students.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

With a profound interest in the intersection of psychiatry and neuroscience, Dr. MISIR has dedicated his research to understanding complex cognitive and psychological disorders. Currently pursuing a doctoral program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at Ankara University, his research explores the intricate mechanisms underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). His thesis, titled “Theory of Mind in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Relationship with Cognitive Functions, Overvalued Ideas, Insight, Schizotypal Personality Traits, and Other Clinical Characteristics,” under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Berna Binnur Kıvırcık Akdede, sheds light on the cognitive and neurobiological factors influencing psychiatric conditions.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. MISIR’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in his outstanding achievements in competitive examinations. His remarkable performance in the TUS Clinical Exam (Fall 2012) with a rank of 101, and his high ALES Numerical score of 88.58 demonstrate his academic rigor. Additionally, his proficiency in English, certified by a YÖKDİL score of 88.75, further amplifies his ability to contribute to international research and collaboration in psychiatry and neuroscience.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Beyond clinical practice and academia, Dr. MISIR is an active member of key professional organizations, including the Turkish Psychiatric Association, the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy Association, and the Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology Association, where he serves as the Treasurer. His contributions to these organizations reflect his dedication to advancing psychiatric research and improving mental health treatments in Turkey and beyond. Through his engagement in professional networks, he has been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting evidence-based psychiatric practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

As a psychiatrist, researcher, and educator, Dr. MISIR continues to push the boundaries of neuroscience and psychiatric research. His work not only enhances the understanding of cognitive disorders but also paves the way for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. With his ongoing doctoral research and contributions to academic literature, he aspires to shape the future of psychiatric treatment, integrating neurobiological insights with clinical practice. His unwavering dedication to mental health and neuroscience ensures that his influence will extend beyond his current academic and clinical roles, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Publication

  • Clinical Characteristics of Cognitive Subgroups of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Raşit Tükel, Berna Binnur Akdede, Emre Bora

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Form of the 4th Version of the Mental Illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA) Scale

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Yasemin Hosgören Alıcı, Zeynep Bozkurt, Hüseyin Batuhan Elhan

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Functional connectivity in rumination: a systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Yasemin Hoşgören Alıcı, Orhan Murat Kocak

    • Year: 2023

 

  • Synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Güvem Gümüş Akay

    • Year: 2023

 

  • The effects of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase single nucleotide polymorphisms on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

    • Authors: Emre Misir, Mutlu Muhammed Ozbek, Eren Halac, Serkan Turan, Gokce Elif Alkas, Remzi Ogulcan Ciray, Cagatay Ermis

    • Year: 2022

 

  • DSM-5 Anksiyöz Distres Değerlendirme Ölçeği Türkçe Formunun Major Depresif Bozukluk için Geçerlilik ve Güvenilirlik Çalışması

    • Authors: Emre Mısır

    • Year: 2020

 

  • Reliability and validity of the Turkish Version of DSM-5 Anxious Distress Rating Scale for major depressive disorder

    • Authors: Misir, Emre; Hacimusalar, Yunus

    • Year: 2020

 

  • THE BRIEF RESIDENT WELLNESS PROFILE: VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF TURKISH VERSION

    • Authors: Misir, Gamze Akyol; Balik, Gurcan; Misir, Emre; Kartal, Mehtap

    • Year: 2020

 

  • The concept of schizotypy and schizotypal personality disorder

    • Authors: Misir, Emre; Alptekin, Koksal

    • Year: 2020

 

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. MISIR’s career embodies a commitment to merging clinical expertise with neuroscience research to enhance the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders. His contributions to academia, professional organizations, and clinical practice solidify his role as an influential figure in modern psychiatry. As he continues to explore the intricate mechanisms of mental health, his work promises to shape the future of psychiatric care and inspire the next generation of researchers and clinicians. His journey is one of excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication to mental health and neuroscience.