CARMINA MONTOLIU | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. CARMINA MONTOLIU | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr.  CARMINA MONTOLIU, UNIVERSIDAD DE VALENCIA/INCLIVA,  Spain.

Carmina Montoliu Felix, a Valencia-born scientist and educator, is a distinguished Catedrática de Universidad at the Universidad de Valencia, specializing in Cellular Biology and Pathology. With a strong foundation in biomedical sciences and a dual role in both academia and clinical research through INCLIVA, she has become a key figure in translational medicine in Spain. Her work focuses on uncovering cellular mechanisms of disease, supported by national recognition such as her Group A classification by ISCIII. With extensive contributions indexed on platforms like ORCID and Scopus, she has gained international visibility and continues to influence the fields of pathology and biomedicine.

Profile

Orcid

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Carmina Montoliu Felix was born in Valencia, where she also pursued her academic career rooted in the life sciences. Her early interest in biology and medical sciences led her through a rigorous academic pathway that would eventually shape her into a leading figure in cellular pathology. With a profound dedication to understanding human disease at the cellular level, she cultivated a strong foundation in biology, which became the cornerstone of her future specialization in Cellular Biology and Pathology. These formative years instilled in her a passion for translational research, which continues to drive her work.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Catedrática de Universidad at the Facultad de Medicina y Odontología of the Universidad de Valencia, Carmina Montoliu Felix holds a prestigious position within the Departamento de Patología, specifically in the Unidad de Biología. She achieved this distinguished academic rank on November 3, 2023, under BOE nº 274, a recognition of her academic excellence and contributions to higher education. Alongside her academic post, she is also an investigadora adscrita at the Fundación INCLIVA, playing a dual role in both teaching and active biomedical research. Her employment reflects the seamless integration between university instruction and clinical research aimed at improving patient outcomes.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Carmina Montoliu Felix has been a pivotal contributor to the field of Cellular Biology, with specific expertise in Pathology (Área 661). Since February 29, 2012, she has been classified as a Group A Researcher within the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) framework. Her research activities are aligned with the Programa de Estabilización de Investigadores and the Sistema Nacional de Salud (I3SNS), focusing on intensifying biomedical research and fostering translational discoveries. Her scientific work is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and commitment to uncovering the molecular basis of diseases, contributing significantly to both national and international health research landscapes.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Montoliu Felix’s academic excellence has been affirmed through numerous accolades, including the Group A classification by the Comisión Técnica de Evaluación de Recursos Humanos del ISCIII, one of the highest distinctions for biomedical researchers in Spain. Her appointment as a full professor is a testament to her leadership in medical education and scientific research. She is widely recognized among her peers for her scholarly impact, rigor, and commitment to nurturing future scientists and medical professionals.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her work not only resonates within academic circles but also extends into clinical research through her active role at INCLIVA. By integrating research and practice, Carmina Montoliu Felix exemplifies how scientific inquiry can lead to tangible health benefits. Her influence spans collaborations with national healthcare systems and academic institutions, reinforcing her role as a key figure in the biomedical field. Through platforms such as ORCID and Scopus (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4740-4788; Scopus ID: 6701923138), her contributions are accessible globally, further amplifying her scientific impact.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a career marked by consistent advancement and dedication to discovery, Carmina Montoliu Felix is poised to continue shaping the future of cellular pathology and biomedical research in Spain and beyond. Her dual engagement in academia and clinical research ensures that her legacy will include both scientific breakthroughs and a generation of inspired students and researchers. Looking ahead, she is expected to further expand the integration of molecular biology into clinical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care through science.

📚 A Life Committed to Science and Society

Beyond her technical expertise and professional roles, Carmina Montoliu Felix embodies the ideals of a scholar deeply committed to the betterment of society through science. Her residence and professional base in Valencia, her continuous academic contributions, and her service within public institutions paint the portrait of a researcher who bridges the lab and the community. Through her enduring efforts, she not only advances knowledge but also enhances the collective understanding of human health and disease.

Publication

  • Title: Valproate Damaging Effect on Erythrocyte Metabolism as a Decisive Factor in the Development of Encephalopathy
    Authors: Lyudmila Tikhonova; Eugene Maevsky; Carmina Montoliu; Elena Kosenko
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: Ammoniagenic Action of Valproate without Signs of Hepatic Dysfunction in Rats: Possible Causes and Supporting Evidence
    Authors: Gubidat Alilova; Lyudmila Tikhonova; Carmina Montoliu; Elena Kosenko
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Automatic Video-Oculography System for Detection of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Using Machine Learning Tools
    Authors: Alberto Calvo Córdoba; Cecilia Elisabet García Cena; Carmina Montoliu
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Neurofilament Light Chain Protein in Plasma and Extracellular Vesicles Is Associated with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and Responses to Rifaximin Treatment in Cirrhotic Patients
    Authors: Alessandra Fiorillo; Juan José Gallego Roig; Franc Casanova; Amparo Urios; MP Ballester; Teresa San-Miguel; Javier Megías Vericat; Elena Kosenko; Tosca J; Maria-Pilar Rios et al.
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Mild Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with Enhanced Activation of Th17 Lymphocytes in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
    Authors: Alessandra Fiorillo; Juan José Gallego Roig; Franc Casanova; Carla Giménez-Garzó; Amparo Urios; MP Ballester; Lucia Durbán; Maria-Pilar Rios; Javier Megías Vericat; Teresa San-Miguel et al.
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Erythrocytes Functionality in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Potential Link with Alzheimer’s Disease
    Authors: Elena Kosenko; Lyudmila Tikhonova; Gubidat Alilova; Carmina Montoliu
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Play a Role in Immune System Modulation in Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy
    Authors: Juan José Gallego; Alessandra Fiorillo; Franc Casanova-Ferrer; Amparo Urios; MP Ballester; Lucia Durbán; Javier Megías; Teresa Rubio; Andrea Cabrera-Pastor; Desamparados Escudero-García et al.
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Matched Paired Primary and Recurrent Meningiomas Points to Cell-Death Program Contributions to Genomic and Epigenomic Instability along Tumor Progression
    Authors: Teresa San-Miguel; Javier Megías; Daniel Monleon; Lara Navarro Cerveró; Lisandra Muñoz; Carmina Montoliu; Marina Meri; Pedro Roldán; Miguel Cerdá-Nicolás; Concha López-Ginés
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Is NMDA-Receptor-Mediated Oxidative Stress in Mitochondria of Peripheral Tissues the Essential Factor in the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy?
    Authors: Elena Kosenko; Lyudmila Tikhonova; Gubidat Alilova; Carmina Montoliu
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: A New Score Unveils a High Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
    Authors: Carla Giménez-Garzó; Alessandra Fiorillo; MP Ballester; Juan José Gallego Roig; Franc Casanova-Ferrer; Amparo Urios; Salvador Benlloch; Marti-Aguado D; Teresa San-Miguel; Tosca J et al.
    Year: 2021

 

✅ Conclusion

Carmina Montoliu Felix’s career reflects a rare blend of scientific rigor, academic leadership, and social impact. Her journey from student to full professor showcases her dedication to advancing both knowledge and healthcare. As she continues to lead research at the intersection of cellular biology and clinical application, her legacy will not only be measured in published studies and prestigious titles, but also in the real-world health outcomes and inspired minds her work cultivates. Her future contributions promise to deepen our understanding of disease and strengthen the bridge between science and society.

 

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.

 

Hiroshi Yamada | Neuroscience | Excellence in Innovation

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Mr. Hiroshi Yamada | Neuroscience | Excellence in Innovation

Mr. Hiroshi Yamada, Medical/Tsukuba, Japan.

H. Yamada, born in Kasugai, Aichi, Japan, has built an impressive academic and professional career in neuroscience. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Tohoku University, he pursued a Master’s degree at Osaka University and later obtained his Ph.D. from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. His research journey took him from postdoctoral studies in Japan to New York University, where he collaborated with renowned neuroscientist Paul W. Glimcher. Returning to Japan, he served as Section Chief at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry before joining the University of Tsukuba, where he progressed from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor. His research focuses on neural mechanisms, contributing significantly to neuroscience through both theoretical and practical advancements.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

H. Yamada’s academic journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for science and medicine. Born on September 9, 1977, in Kasugai, Aichi, Japan, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from the Faculty of Science at Tohoku University, graduating in 2000. Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of human biology, he earned his Master of Arts from the Faculty of Medicine at Osaka University in 2002. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in 2005, where he laid the groundwork for his future research in neuroscience.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience

H. Yamada’s professional career began with postdoctoral research at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine under the mentorship of Minoru Kimura, focusing on advanced neurological studies. His pursuit of global scientific exposure led him to New York University in 2008, where he worked with renowned neuroscientist Paul W. Glimcher. Upon returning to Japan, Yamada took on a leadership role as Section Chief at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, from 2011. This role was pivotal in shaping his expertise in neurological research, ultimately leading to his tenure as Assistant Professor at the University of Tsukuba in 2013, and later as Associate Professor in 2022.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his career, H. Yamada has been dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the human brain. His research primarily focuses on neuroscience, exploring neural mechanisms underlying behavior and cognition. At the University of Tsukuba, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of brain functions, merging experimental data with theoretical models to advance the field. His collaborations with international experts have enriched his approach, making his work both diverse and impactful.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Yamada’s contributions to neuroscience have earned him recognition within the academic community. His leadership roles and tenured position at the University of Tsukuba reflect his outstanding research and teaching capabilities. His work at prestigious institutions like New York University and the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry has further solidified his reputation as a respected neuroscientist, contributing to both national and international scientific advancements.

🌍 Impact and Influence

H. Yamada’s research has had a profound impact on the field of neuroscience, influencing both academic circles and clinical practices. His studies on neural behavior have provided insights that bridge the gap between theoretical neuroscience and practical applications, aiding in the development of treatments for neurological disorders. As an educator, he has mentored numerous students, fostering the next generation of neuroscientists.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, H. Yamada is committed to expanding the horizons of neuroscience through innovative research and global collaborations. His legacy is not only reflected in his published work but also in the students and researchers he has inspired. As he continues his journey at the University of Tsukuba, his focus remains on advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to the global understanding of the human brain.

💡 A Lifelong Dedication to Science

H. Yamada’s life is a testament to the power of curiosity and dedication. From his early academic days in Tohoku to his current role as an Associate Professor, he has consistently pursued excellence in neuroscience. His journey underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and the relentless quest for knowledge, leaving a lasting mark on the scientific community.

Publication

  • Title: Tonically active neurons in the primate caudate nucleus and putamen differentially encode instructed motivational outcomes of action
    Authors: H. Yamada, N. Matsumoto, M. Kimura
    Year: 2004

 

  • Title: Roles of the lateral habenula and anterior cingulate cortex in negative outcome monitoring and behavioral adjustment in nonhuman primates
    Authors: T. Kawai, H. Yamada, N. Sato, M. Takada, M. Matsumoto
    Year: 2015

 

  • Title: Thirst-dependent risk preferences in monkeys identify a primitive form of wealth
    Authors: H. Yamada, A. Tymula, K. Louie, P.W. Glimcher
    Year: 2013

 

  • Title: Juxtacellular labeling of tonically active neurons and phasically active neurons in the rat striatum
    Authors: H. Inokawa, H. Yamada, N. Matsumoto, M. Muranishi, M. Kimura
    Year: 2010

 

  • Title: Free choice shapes normalized value signals in medial orbitofrontal cortex
    Authors: H. Yamada, K. Louie, A. Tymula, P.W. Glimcher
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: Tonically active neurons in the striatum encode motivational contexts of action
    Authors: M. Kimura, H. Yamada, N. Matsumoto
    Year: 2003

 

  • Title: Tonic firing mode of midbrain dopamine neurons continuously tracks reward values changing moment-by-moment
    Authors: Y. Wang, O. Toyoshima, J. Kunimatsu, H. Yamada, M. Matsumoto
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: Roles of centromedian parafascicular nuclei of thalamus and cholinergic interneurons in the dorsal striatum in associative learning of environmental events
    Authors: K. Yamanaka, Y. Hori, T. Minamimoto, H. Yamada, N. Matsumoto, et al.
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: Inactivation of the putamen selectively impairs reward history-based action selection
    Authors: M. Muranishi, H. Inokawa, H. Yamada, Y. Ueda, N. Matsumoto, M. Nakagawa, et al.
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: Goal-directed, serial and synchronous activation of neurons in the primate striatum
    Authors: M. Kimura, N. Matsumoto, K. Okahashi, Y. Ueda, T. Satoh, T. Minamimoto, et al.
    Year: 2003

 

Conclusion

H. Yamada’s career is a reflection of his dedication to advancing the understanding of the human brain. His academic achievements, leadership roles, and research contributions have left a lasting impact on the neuroscience community. As he continues his work at the University of Tsukuba, his legacy is defined not only by his scientific discoveries but also by his mentorship and influence on future generations of researchers. His journey stands as an inspiring example of the pursuit of knowledge and the transformative power of science.