Rosario Osta | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof.Dr. Rosario Osta | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Rosario Osta, CIBERNED-Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza,  Spain.

Prof. Rosario Osta Pinzolas is a distinguished geneticist and full professor at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Her academic roots in veterinary sciences and a Ph.D. in Genetics laid the foundation for a prolific career in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and genetic disorders. With leadership roles in multiple high-profile research consortia such as CIBERNED, TRICALS, and ENCALS, she has established herself as a central figure in neurodegenerative disease research. Her scholarly output includes over 100 indexed publications, multiple national and international research projects, and an h-index exceeding 45.

Profile

Orcid 

Scopus

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Rosario Osta Pinzolas began her academic journey with a solid foundation in veterinary sciences, graduating as Licenciada en Veterinaria from the University of Zaragoza in 1989. Her academic inclinations quickly shifted toward molecular genetics, leading her to complete a Ph.D. in Genetics at the same university in 1994. Her early studies were driven by a deep curiosity about the mechanisms of heredity and gene expression, setting the tone for a lifelong commitment to biomedical research. These formative years cultivated her scientific rigor and sowed the seeds for a career that would eventually bridge basic science and translational medicine.

🧬 Professional Endeavors in Genetics and Biomedicine

Prof. Osta currently holds the esteemed title of Catedrática (Full Professor) in the Department of Anatomy, Embryology, and Genetics at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza. Since 2018, she has led her department with a focus on integrative biomedical sciences. She is the principal investigator of the LAGENBIO group recognized by both the Aragon Health Research Institute and the Government of Aragon. Under her leadership, the group has developed two major subprograms: TERAGEN and REGENERAGEN. As coordinator of the “Neuroscience and Mental Health Program” at IISA, she has spearheaded numerous efforts to understand and address neurological diseases through genetic approaches.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus in Neuroscience

A prominent figure in neuroscience, Prof. Osta’s research lies at the intersection of genetics and neurodegeneration. She is currently the principal investigator of the only Aragon-based group within CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), reflecting her national influence. Her team represents Zaragoza in prominent European consortia such as TRICALS and ENCALS, both focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases. Through more than 100 indexed publications, predominantly in top-tier journals, her work delves into the molecular underpinnings of neurological disorders and explores regenerative medicine strategies, thereby contributing to innovative therapeutic avenues.

🧪 Accolades and Recognition in Scientific Excellence

Prof. Osta’s academic and research career has been punctuated by consistent recognition. She has completed five research productivity periods and one technology transfer period, acknowledged by CNEAI — a mark of sustained scientific impact. She has led over 74 research projects and contributed to more than 100 collaboration contracts, earning her four competitive research awards from respected institutions including CORIS, AREA, IIS, and SEBBM. Her contributions have been lauded not only for scientific quality but also for practical relevance in biomedical advancements.

🚀 Innovation and Impact in Translational Research

An ardent advocate for science with societal impact, Prof. Osta has significantly contributed to technology transfer. She holds nine patents, five of which have been licensed to industry partners. Her collaborations with companies have led to meaningful translational outputs, emphasizing her role in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions. As former Director of the Technology Transfer and Innovation Secretariat at the University of Zaragoza for nearly a decade, she played a crucial role in institutional innovation strategies. Her involvement in joint university-company chairs and her role in the UZ Technology-Based Business Creation Committee for over 12 years further underscore her influence on academic entrepreneurship.

📚 Mentorship and Educational Leadership

Beyond the lab, Prof. Osta has left a profound mark as an educator and mentor. Since 2013, she has coordinated the Interuniversity Doctoral Program in Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, a joint initiative between the Universities of Zaragoza and La Rioja. Her mentorship includes the supervision of 13 Ph.D. theses — 9 of which earned international distinction and 6 received extraordinary doctoral awards. Her influence extends to guiding numerous undergraduate and master’s theses, fostering a new generation of scientists with a deep commitment to research excellence and innovation.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Rosario Osta’s legacy is defined by her ability to integrate scientific discovery, mentorship, and innovation. As a member of the Scientific Committee of the Luzón Foundation, her vision reaches beyond academia into public health advocacy and strategic research planning. With nearly 19,000 citations on Google Scholar and an h-index of 45, her work continues to inspire and inform global research communities. Her continued leadership in collaborative European projects ensures her contributions will shape the future of neuroscience, genetics, and translational medicine for years to come.

Publication

Title: Novel FKBP prolyl isomerase 1A (FKBP12) ligand promotes functional improvement in SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice
Authors: L. Moreno-Martinez, N. Gaja-Capdevila, L. Mosqueira-Martín, R. Osta, F.J. Gil-Bea
Year: 2025

Title: Identifying Hub Genes and miRNAs Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Bioinformatics Pathway to Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: E. Gascón, A.C. Calvo, N. Molina, P. Zaragoza, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Comparative Blood Profiling Based on ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Differential Diagnosis of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—Pilot Study
Authors: K. Tkachenko, J.M. González Sáiz, A.C. Calvo, R. Osta, C. Pizarro Millán
Year: 2024

Title: Sex differences on constitutive long non-coding RNA expression: Modulatory effect of estradiol and testosterone in muscle cells
Authors: T. López-Royo, L. Moreno-Martinez, L. Moreno-García, R. Manzano, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Differentially expressed lncRNAs in SOD1 G93A mice skeletal muscle: H19, Myhas and Neat1 as potential biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: T. López-Royo, L. Moreno-Martinez, P. Zaragoza, R. Manzano, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Proteomic profiling of human plasma extracellular vesicles identifies PF4 and C1R as novel biomarker in sarcopenia
Authors: P. Aparicio, D. Navarrete-Villanueva, A. Gómez-Cabello, R. Osta, R. Manzano
Year: 2024

Title: Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome Analysis: A Comprehensive Examination of Differentially Expressed Genes
Authors: E. Gascón, P. Zaragoza, A.C. Calvo, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Intermediate Repeat Expansion in the ATXN2 Gene as a Risk Factor in the ALS and FTD Spanish Population
Authors: D. Borrego-Hernández, J.F. Vázquez-Costa, R. Domínguez Rubio, M. Povedano, A. García-Redondo
Year: 2024

Title: New Insights into Endogenous Retrovirus-K Transcripts in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: L. Moreno-Martinez, S. Macías-Redondo, M.H.P. Strunk, R. Osta, J. Schoorlemmer
Year: 2024

Title: Analysis of Plasma-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy
Authors: M. García-Gracia, L. Moreno-Martinez, A. Hernaiz, S. García-Belenguer, I. Martín-Burriel
Year: 2024

🏆 Conclusion

Based on her outstanding research contributions, innovation in translational science, mentorship record, and leadership within national and European research programs, Prof. Rosario Osta Pinzolas is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her profile reflects not only academic excellence but also societal impact and visionary leadership. While there is room for enhanced global outreach, her sustained achievements and contributions make her highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Sahar Mohammadzadeh | Neurodevelopmental Processes | Breakthrough Research Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Sahar Mohammadzadeh | Neurodevelopmental Processes | Breakthrough Research Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sahar Mohammadzadeh, Damghan university,  Iran.

Dr. Sahar Mohammadzadeh is an accomplished Assistant Professor at Damghan University, whose academic path began in French literature but evolved into a distinguished career in sport sciences. With advanced degrees from Shahid Beheshti University and international research experience in Switzerland, she has specialized in motor behavior, mental fatigue, and cognitive performance in athletes. Her scholarly contributions blend neuroscience and physical education, positioning her at the intersection of motor learning and brain-based performance enhancement. From improving gait in elderly populations to exploring attention networks in skilled athletes, her research reflects both depth and diversity in human movement science.

Profile

Google Scholar

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sahar Mohammadzadeh embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Tehran, graduating in 2009. Her transition from the humanities to sport sciences marked a unique interdisciplinary path that shaped her future contributions. Driven by a passion for understanding human movement and cognitive performance, she pursued her M.Sc. in Physical Education and Sport Sciences with a specialization in Motor Behavior at Shahid Beheshti University, completing it in 2012. Her academic dedication culminated in a Ph.D. in Motor Behavior – Motor Learning from the same institution in 2019, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to sport psychology and motor cognition.

🧠 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Mohammadzadeh’s research primarily centers on mental fatigue, cognitive performance, and motor learning in athletes. Her Ph.D. dissertation, focusing on the effect of cognitive training on behavioral and electrophysiological indicators of attention network function following mental fatigue in skilled athletes, illustrates her deep engagement with the neurocognitive dimensions of sport performance. She explores how mental exhaustion influences athletic efficiency and how cognitive interventions can enhance attentional capabilities. Her research aligns neuroscience with sports science, contributing valuable insights into athlete preparedness and cognitive resilience.

👩‍🏫 Professional Endeavors and Academic Roles

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport Sciences at Damghan University, Iran, Dr. Mohammadzadeh plays a pivotal role in shaping future scholars and practitioners in the field. Her tenure at the university has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence, mentoring, and interdisciplinary research. She has also extended her academic boundaries internationally, having spent six months as a visiting scholar at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, where she conducted research on brain activity and mental fatigue in athletes. This experience enriched her global perspective and reinforced her expertise in sport cognitive neuroscience.

🧬 Interdisciplinary Impact and Innovation

Bridging the gap between motor behavior, cognitive science, and athletic performance, Dr. Mohammadzadeh brings a unique lens to sport sciences. Her master’s thesis investigated the effect of balance training on gait kinematic characteristics in elderly women, reflecting her early interest in movement rehabilitation. With time, her work evolved into a more cognitive and neuropsychological domain, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of how mental states affect physical performance. Her interdisciplinary approach has helped in developing better training protocols and strategies for mental and physical endurance among athletes.

🌍 Global Recognition and Scholarly Engagement

Dr. Mohammadzadeh’s international exposure, particularly through her scholarly visit to Switzerland, has elevated her academic standing. She has collaborated with international peers in research focused on brain activity and mental fatigue—an area gaining critical attention in sports science. Her dual-language proficiency and academic versatility have enabled her to engage with diverse research communities and disseminate knowledge across borders.

🏅 Accolades and Academic Achievements

Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Mohammadzadeh has demonstrated outstanding performance, earning accolades for both her research quality and educational commitment. Her selection as a visiting scholar in Switzerland is a testament to her recognition in international academic circles. She continues to contribute actively through lectures, publications, and research, gaining respect as an emerging voice in the field of motor learning and athlete cognition.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong foundation in both cognitive neuroscience and sport sciences, Dr. Sahar Mohammadzadeh is poised to make lasting contributions to the understanding of mental performance in athletes. Her future work aims to further investigate brain-behavior relationships in sport, design neurocognitive training modules, and foster holistic athlete development. As a dedicated educator and a passionate researcher, her legacy will be defined by her efforts to merge science with sport for better mental and physical performance.

Publication

  • Title: The effect of balance training on hip, knee, and ankle joints Kinematic compatibility of older women during walking
    Authors: A Farsi, H Ashayeri, S Mohammadzadeh
    Year: 2016

 

  • Title: The effect of six weeks balance training program on kinematic of walking in women elderly people
    Authors: A Farsi, H Ashayeri, S Mohammadzadeh
    Year: 2015

 

  • Title: The effect of cognitive fatigue on the neural efficacy of the executive control network among athletes: dual regulation system model
    Authors: S Mohammadzadeh, A Farsi, R Khosrowabadi
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Sonification of Motor Imagery in the Basketball Jump Shot: Effect on Muscle Activity Amplitude
    Authors: H Ramezanzade, G Badicu, S Cataldi, F Parimi, S Mohammadzadeh, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: The effect of a play-centered SPARK physical education program on motor proficiency and self-efficacy in children with developmental coordination disorder
    Authors: S Mohammadzadeh, F Habibifar, H Ramezanzade, M Jafarzadeh, …
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: Impact of Motivational Climate on Student Achievement in Sport: A Social Cognitive Theory Perspective
    Authors: S Mohammadzadeh, L Alizadeh
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Effects of vitamins K1 and K3 addition to diets with calcium deficiency on performance and physicochemical indicators of tibia bone in Japanese quails
    Authors: S Mohammadzadeh, T Vahdatpour, Y Ebrahimnezhad
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: The Effect of Mental Fatigue on the Planning and Preparation of Alerting and Orienting Attention Networks in Athlete Students; A Non-Controlled Clinical Trial
    Authors: S Mohammadzadeh, A Farsi, R Khosrowabadi
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: The effects of sensory motor exercise on strategies of stepping over obstacles in older adults women
    Authors: S Mohammadzadeh, F Habibifar, BZ Hatami, A Farsi
    Year: 2016

 

  • Title: Training-related changes in gait and balance in older women
    Authors: S Mohammadzadeh, F Habibifar, BZ Hatami
    Year: 2016

 

  • Title: The impact of play-based group motor program on gross motor function and self-efficacy in children with DCD
    Authors: F Habibifar, S Mohammadzadeh, A Farsi, M Jafarzadeh, A Rabavi
    Year: (Year not provided — likely around 2024–2025 based on style)

 

✅ Conclusion

Through her innovative and interdisciplinary research, Dr. Sahar Mohammadzadeh has emerged as a key contributor to the evolving field of sport cognitive science. Her work not only advances academic knowledge but also provides practical solutions for athletic training and mental resilience. As she continues to explore the frontiers of brain activity and motor learning, her impact will resonate across both academic institutions and the broader sporting world. Her journey reflects a dynamic blend of scholarship, global engagement, and a vision for improving athletic and cognitive health through science.