Soheila Hosseinzadeh | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soheila Hosseinzadeh | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Soheila Hosseinzadeh, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Dr. Soheila Hosseinzadeh is a distinguished Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with a rich academic background that spans nursing, physiology, and neuroscience. Over the years, she has made substantial contributions to neuroscience education and research, particularly in the fields of cognitive neurophysiology and addiction studies. Her expertise includes a wide range of advanced techniques such as event-related potential analysis, EEG-based neurofeedback, behavioral studies, and molecular tools like RT-PCR and ELISA. She has played a pivotal role in training students and developing neuroscience programs at multiple academic institutions, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both teaching and scientific innovation.

Academic Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Soheila Hosseinzadeh’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in an interdisciplinary understanding of human physiology and neurological sciences. Her early career began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2000, which was soon followed by a Master’s degree in Physiology in 2003. Demonstrating a keen interest in the mechanisms underlying brain function and behavior, she further advanced her expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2013. These academic milestones laid a solid groundwork for her future in teaching and cutting-edge neurophysiological research.

Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience

After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Hosseinzadeh embarked on an academic and research-oriented career that has spanned over a decade. From 2014 to April 2022, she served as a neurophysiology course instructor at Babol University of Medical Sciences, nurturing future scientists with her in-depth understanding of brain physiology. Since April 2022, she has continued her academic contributions at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where she teaches courses in Neuroscience and Addiction Studies. Her dual role as educator and researcher places her at the forefront of neuroscience education in Iran.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Hosseinzadeh’s research is focused on the interface of cognitive neuroscience and addiction studies. Her technical proficiency includes advanced neurophysiological techniques such as event-related potential (ERP) recording and analysis, quantitative EEG (QEEG)-based neurofeedback, and behavioral assessments in animal models. She is also experienced in molecular biology tools including real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, alongside rodent stereotaxic surgeries and flow cytometry. Her work often explores neural mechanisms underlying cognitive functions, brain plasticity, and responses to addictive substances—bridging lab findings with clinical relevance.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Hosseinzadeh has earned recognition for her expertise in neurophysiological and behavioral science. Her dual roles at prestigious institutions such as Tehran University of Medical Sciences reflect her trusted authority in the field. While her accolades are more rooted in impact and mentorship than in public awards, her consistent engagement in neuroscience education and translational research is a clear indicator of peer acknowledgment and professional respect.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Hosseinzadeh’s influence extends beyond academic teaching. By integrating theoretical neuroscience with hands-on technical applications like neurofeedback and EEG-based cognitive training, she fosters a research culture that promotes both clinical innovation and scientific discovery. Her guidance has shaped students and young researchers in multiple universities, many of whom continue to advance the fields of neurophysiology and cognitive rehabilitation across the country.

Legacy in Neurotechnology and Cognitive Health

Her pioneering efforts in cognitive task design and ERP analysis have significantly contributed to Iran’s growing reputation in brain research. As one of the few experts integrating neurofeedback with behavioral science and electrophysiology, Dr. Hosseinzadeh has helped establish a platform for neurotechnological interventions in addiction and mental health studies. Her legacy lies in creating an interdisciplinary approach that merges neuroscientific inquiry with practical healthcare applications.

Future Contributions and Vision

Looking ahead, Dr. Soheila Hosseinzadeh is poised to make even greater strides in neuroscience, particularly in the domains of addiction neurobiology, cognitive rehabilitation, and neurofeedback therapy. With continuous advancements in brain-monitoring tools and behavioral modeling, she aims to lead research projects that offer deeper insights into brain-behavior relationships and provide innovative treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. Her vision includes developing collaborative research networks that connect Iranian neuroscience to global scientific conversations.

Publication

Piperine restores streptozotocin-induced cognitive impairments: Insights into oxidative balance in cerebrospinal fluid and hippocampus
M Khalili-Fomeshi, MG Azizi, MR Esmaeili, M Gol, S Kazemi, …
2018

Plasma microparticles in Alzheimer’s disease: The role of vascular dysfunction
S Hosseinzadeh, M Noroozian, E Mortaz, K Mousavizadeh
2018

Elevated CSF and plasma microparticles in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced cognitive impairment
S Hosseinzadeh, M Zahmatkesh, MR Zarrindast, GR Hassanzadeh, …
2013

Effect of methamphetamine exposure on the plasma levels of endothelial-derived microparticles
A Nazari, M Zahmatkesh, E Mortaz, S Hosseinzadeh
2018

Hippocampal DHCR24 down regulation in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced cognitive decline
S Hosseinzadeh, M Zahmatkesh, M Heidari, GR Hassanzadeh, …
2015

Increment of CSF fractalkine-positive microvesicles preceded the spatial memory impairment in amyloid beta neurotoxicity
L Karimi-Zandi, M Zahmatkesh, G Hassanzadeh, S Hosseinzadeh
2022

Arbutin intervention ameliorates memory impairment in a rat model of lysolecethin induced demyelination: Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects
S Ashrafpour, MJ Nasr-Taherabadi, A Sabouri-Rad, S Hosseinzadeh, …
2024

Conclusion

Dr. Hosseinzadeh’s career reflects an exemplary blend of academic excellence, technical expertise, and visionary research in neuroscience. Her efforts have significantly advanced the understanding of brain function, particularly in the context of addiction and cognitive health. As a leader in her field, she continues to inspire the next generation of neuroscientists while actively contributing to translational research that bridges laboratory findings with clinical solutions. With her ongoing work and future vision, Dr. Hosseinzadeh stands out as a key figure in shaping the future of neuroscience in Iran and beyond.

Janine Hicks | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience |

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Janine Hicks | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Janine Hicks,  University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Janine Louise Hicks is a distinguished South African academic and human rights advocate with over 30 years of experience in law, gender justice, and community development. Her academic journey includes degrees from the University of Cape Town, UNISA, Sussex University, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, culminating in a Ph.D. focused on participatory development and social change. Currently a Senior Lecturer in Law at UKZN, she has played pivotal roles in both academia and civil society, offering expert legal and policy insights on gender equality, legislative reform, and international development frameworks. Janine has represented South Africa in global gender forums and contributed extensively to the analysis of state compliance with international gender conventions. Her leadership on non-profit boards and her participation in key policy spaces highlight her enduring commitment to transforming legal and social systems for marginalized communities.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Janine Louise Hicks embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in the humanities, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cape Town between 1987 and 1989. Driven by a passion for justice and human rights, she pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from UNISA, completing it in 1994. Her interest in development, social justice, and participatory governance led her to the University of Natal, where she further enriched her legal education from 1995 to 1996. Committed to understanding grassroots development, Janine advanced her studies internationally, obtaining an MA in Participation, Development and Social Change from the Institute of Development Studies at Sussex University in the UK in 2005. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2019–2021), reflecting her commitment to scholarly inquiry in gender and development.

👩‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Janine Hicks’s professional path spans more than three decades in the fields of social justice, community development, and human rights. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she has spent the last eight years mentoring future leaders in law and justice. Her work has been rooted in providing legal insights and academic leadership while bridging theory and practice. Janine’s career also encompasses substantial experience with non-profit and civil society organizations, where she has held leadership roles on several boards, ensuring that gender and participatory approaches remain central to institutional mandates and development strategies.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Janine’s research has focused intensively on the intersections of gender, law, and development, particularly in assessing and enhancing state mechanisms for gender equality. Her work delves into policy and legislative analysis, gender mainstreaming in public planning, and aligning national frameworks with international gender justice protocols. She has contributed significantly to the evaluation of state compliance with global and regional gender conventions, provided critical reports to Parliament, and engaged in global forums such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Through her research and advocacy, she has offered comprehensive recommendations to bridge gender gaps in policy and practice, shaping institutional transformation in South Africa and beyond.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While Janine does not list formal professional memberships, her influence is evident in the high-level positions she has held within civil society. She has served as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at The Valley Trust, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Community Law and Rural Development Centre, and Chairperson of Agenda Feminist Media—testaments to the trust placed in her leadership and strategic vision. Her commitment to justice and equality has made her a respected voice in policy circles and advocacy spaces, especially in the fields of gender rights and participatory development.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Janine’s work has created a lasting impact on the formulation and reform of gender-sensitive legislation, as well as on the capacity of institutions to respond to the needs of marginalized communities. Her gender analysis has shaped development programs, contributed to institutional frameworks, and ensured that women’s voices are amplified in governance processes. Her advisory role at the Denis Hurley Centre reflects her continued influence on public interest law and social equity programming. She has also played a vital role in international dialogue, influencing negotiation and resolution processes at global platforms.

🔍 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an educator, Janine is cultivating a new generation of legal scholars and social justice advocates. Her legacy lies not only in the research she has produced and the reforms she has helped shape, but also in her role as a mentor and thought leader in feminist legal education. Looking ahead, Janine is poised to continue her impactful research and policy engagement, furthering academic discourse around gender justice and participatory governance in both South African and international contexts.

💡 Vision for Inclusive Development

At the heart of Janine Hicks’s work is a vision for an inclusive and equitable society, driven by participation, transparency, and gender justice. Her multidisciplinary expertise—spanning law, development, and social change—positions her as a champion for rights-based development. Whether through academic research, civil society leadership, or international advocacy, Janine continues to be a vital force in ensuring that the principles of justice and equality are upheld in law and lived in practice.

Publication

  • Title: Community development and engagement with local governance in South Africa
    Authors: I Buccus, D Hemson, J Hicks, L Piper
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: Public participation and local governance
    Authors: I Buccus, D Hemson, J Hicks, L Piper
    Year: 2007

 

  • Title: Crafting new democratic spaces: participatory policy-making in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    Authors: J Hicks, I Buccus
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: Strengthening women’s participation in local governance: Lessons and strategies
    Author: J Hicks
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: Assessing the effectiveness of community based involvement
    Author: J Hicks
    Year: 2006

 

  • Title: Democratisation with inclusion: revisiting the role of ward committees
    Authors: I Buccus, J Hicks
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: South Africa: Expanding into
    Authors: D Budlender, J Hicks, L Vetten
    Year: 2002

 

  • Title: Bringing women into local governance: a review of enabling mechanisms in South Africa
    Author: J Hicks
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: Civil society and participatory policy making in South Africa: Gaps and opportunities
    Authors: I Buccus, J Hicks
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: ‘The wages are low but they are better than nothing’: The Dilemma of Decent Work and Job Creation in South Africa
    Authors: M Williams, E Webster, K von Holdt, N Southern, R Southall, K Skinner, …
    Year: 2011

 

✅ Conclusion

Janine Hicks’s career reflects a powerful blend of scholarship, advocacy, and leadership. Her deep-rooted expertise in gender and development, combined with her legal acumen, has positioned her as a vital contributor to South Africa’s democratic and feminist legal discourse. Through education, research, and civic engagement, she continues to shape more inclusive policies and empower future changemakers. Her legacy is one of courage, compassion, and commitment to social justice—an inspiring model for interdisciplinary and impactful work in human rights and development.