Congbo Cai | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Dr. Congbo Cai | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Congbo Cai | Xiamen University | China

Professor Congbo Cai is a distinguished researcher at the School of Electronic Science and Technology, Xiamen University, specializing in advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology development. His research encompasses ultra-fast imaging, multi-parametric quantitative MRI, deep learning reconstruction, novel neuroimaging techniques, and quantitative medical image analysis. He has led and contributed to numerous high-impact projects, including national key R&D programs, NSFC key projects, and international cooperative projects, with funding totaling several million yuan. His innovations include pioneering high-entropy encoding and overlapping-echo designs, enabling rapid, high-fidelity MRI mapping, and integrating physics-informed deep learning for enhanced image reconstruction and clinical applications. Professor Cai has published over 80 papers in leading journals such as NeuroImage, IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, and Medical Image Analysis. He holds 12 patents and serves on editorial boards, including Health and Metabolism, and as a guest editor for Frontiers in Neuroscience. His professional contributions extend to active membership and leadership roles in major MRI societies. His work has garnered significant academic recognition, with a citation count exceeding 2,300 across 872 documents, an h-index of 25, and an i10-index of 55. Professor Cai’s research continues to advance MRI science, bridging cutting-edge technology and clinical translation.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured publications

  • Author(s). (2018). Accelerating multi-slice spatiotemporally encoded MRI with simultaneous echo refocusing. Journal of Magnetic Resonance.

  • Author(s). (2018). Single-shot T2 mapping using overlapping-echo detachment planar imaging and a deep convolutional neural network. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  • Author(s). (2018). Referenceless distortion correction of gradient-echo echo-planar imaging under inhomogeneous magnetic fields based on a deep convolutional neural network. Computers in Biology and Medicine.

  • Author(s). (2018). Weighted total variation using split Bregman fast quantitative susceptibility mapping reconstruction method. Chinese Physics B.

  • Author(s). (2018). Simultaneous single- and multi-contrast super-resolution for brain MRI images based on a convolutional neural network. Computers in Biology and Medicine.

  • Author(s). (2018). Motion-tolerant diffusion mapping based on single-shot overlapping-echo detachment (OLED) planar imaging. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Nasar Ata | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Mr. Nasar Ata | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. S. M. Nasar Ata is a researcher in the Department of Neurology at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, USA, specializing in artificial intelligence applications in neuroscience. His work focuses on developing machine learning and soft computing–based algorithms such as CNN, ANN, SVM, and MLR for detecting and predicting brain-based disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis. He integrates metabolomics and imaging clinical data to identify biomarkers and construct predictive models for neurological and metabolic diseases. Dr. Ata collaborates with research centers such as JNMC and IBRC AMU on brain tumor prediction from MRI data and with RCDR AMU on diabetes-related model development. His research contributions include several submitted papers on metabolite prediction, deep learning in brain tumor detection, and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and cancer. He has also authored the textbook Basics of Bio-Sciences and actively participates in scientific discussions and editorial work. With 3 published documents, 7 citations, and an h-index of 2, Dr. Ata’s growing research profile reflects his commitment to advancing data-driven neurological diagnostics through AI and biostatistical innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | Research Gate

Featured Publication

Corrigendum to “Artificial neural network-based prediction of multiple sclerosis using blood-based metabolomics data” [Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 92, 105942 (2024)]. (2024). Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 95, 106321.

Chahra Chbili | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chahra Chbili | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chahra Chbili | University of Sousse | Tunisia

Dr. Chahra Chbili is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Techniques of Sousse (ESSTSS) and a member of the Research Laboratory of Metabolic Biophysics and Applied Pharmacology (LR/12ES02) at the Faculty of Medicine Ibn El Jazzar of Sousse, Tunisia. Her academic journey spans extensive training in biological sciences, genetics, and medical biotechnology, with a Ph.D. earned with highest honors for her work on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic study of carbamazepine therapy in epileptic and bipolar patients. Dr. Chbili’s research focuses on pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying drug efficacy and toxicity. She has contributed significantly to studies exploring the genetic determinants of drug metabolism, including investigations into glutathione-S-transferases in tuberculosis patients with drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Skilled in advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR, FISH, ELISA, and HPLC-MS, she has developed expertise in integrating molecular biology with clinical pharmacology. Dr. Chbili has authored 17 scientific documents, accumulated 138 citations across 123 indexed works, and maintains an h-index of 7, reflecting her impactful contributions to pharmacological and biomedical research in Tunisia and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Chbili, C., Mrad, S., Graiet, H., Selmi, M., Maatoug, J., Maoua, M., Abdellaoui, L., Mrizek, N., Nouira, M., Ben Fredj, M., et al. (2024). Randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study investigating the effects of Laurus nobilis tea on lipid profiles and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy North African volunteers. The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 8(17), 86–98.

Chbili, C., Fathallah, N., Laadhari, C., Ouni, B., Saguem, S., Ben Fredj, M., Abdelghani, A., Ben Saad, H., & Ben Salem, C. (2022). Glutathione-S-transferase genetic polymorphism and risk of hepatotoxicity to antitubercular drugs in a North-African population: A case-control study. Gene, 808, 146019.

Rebai, A., Chbili, C., Ben Amor, S., Hassine, A., Ben Ammou, S., & Saguem, S. (2021). Effects of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 deletions on Parkinson’s disease risk among a North African population. Revue Neurologique, 177(1–2), 93–99.

Chbili, C. (2021, August 22). The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled pilot study. Journal article.

Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Selmi, M., Mrad, S., Khairi, H., Limem, K., Mrizek, N., Saguem, S., & Ben Fredj, M. (2020). Evaluation of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on lipid profile biomarkers in healthy volunteers. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(6), 518–526.

Rebai, A., Reçber, T., Nemutlu, E., Chbili, C., Kurbanoglu, S., Kir, S., Ben Amor, S., Özkan, S. A., & Saguem, S. (2020). GC-MS based metabolic profiling of Parkinson’s disease with glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 polymorphism in Tunisian patients. Combinatorial Chemistry and High Throughput Screening, 23(8), 785–794.

Lin Xiao | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Lin Xiao | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lin Xiao | Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation | China

Dr. Lin Xiao is a distinguished Professor of Neuroscience at the Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, whose pioneering research has significantly advanced understanding of oligodendrocyte biology and myelin plasticity. His work elucidates the mechanisms by which adaptive myelination contributes to motor learning and memory, proposing a novel “biphasic plasticity model” that distinguishes distinct phases of learning and consolidation. Dr. Xiao’s research has been published in leading journals including Nature Neuroscience, Science, Nature Communications, and Advanced Science, collectively garnering over 2,800 citations and an h-index of 28, with approximately 20 peer-reviewed articles. His landmark paper in Nature Neuroscience has become a classic reference with over 500 citations, demonstrating substantial influence in the field. He has led multiple projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, including completed and ongoing studies, and established major collaborations with institutions such as University College London. His research areas include glial–neuron interactions, mechanisms of remyelination, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, and psychiatric disorders including depression. These contributions have been recognized with national awards and have opened promising avenues for therapeutic strategies in demyelinating and cognitive disorders.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid | Research Gate  

Featured Publications

Marques, S., Zeisel, A., Codeluppi, S., Van Bruggen, D., Mendanha Falcão, A., et al. (2016). Oligodendrocyte heterogeneity in the mouse juvenile and adult central nervous system. Science, 352(6291), 1326–1329.

Xiao, L., Ohayon, D., McKenzie, I. A., Sinclair-Wilson, A., Wright, J. L., Fudge, A. D., et al. (2016). Rapid production of new oligodendrocytes is required in the earliest stages of motor-skill learning. Nature Neuroscience, 19(9), 1210–1217.

Liu, S., Yu, M., He, Y., Xiao, L., Wang, F., Song, C., Sun, S., Ling, C., & Xu, Z. (2008). Melittin prevents liver cancer cell metastasis through inhibition of the Rac1‐dependent pathway. Hepatology, 47(6), 1964–1973.

Li, C., Xiao, L., Liu, X., Yang, W., Shen, W., Hu, C., Yang, G., & He, C. (2013). A functional role of NMDA receptor in regulating the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and remyelination. Glia, 61(5), 732–749.

Feng, P. A. N. (2003). Fast mode decision for intra prediction. JVT-G013, March 2003.

Li, Y. X., Ding, S. J., Xiao, L., Guo, W., & Zhan, Q. (2008). Desferoxamine preconditioning protects against cerebral ischemia in rats by inducing expressions of hypoxia inducible factor 1α and erythropoietin. Neuroscience Bulletin, 24(2), 89–95.

Elzbieta Paszynska | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Research Article Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Dr. Elzbieta Paszynska | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Dr. Elzbieta Paszynska | Poznan University of Medical Sciences | Poland

Professor Elzbieta Paszynska is a distinguished expert in dentistry, serving as Chair of the Department of Integrated Dentistry and Chair of Community Dentistry at Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Her academic focus includes community dentistry, adult comprehensive dental treatment, dental materials, and clinical research in oral health, particularly in patients with eating disorders. She has led numerous significant research projects, including studies on salivary biomarkers, oral health status in eating disorders, and the caries-preventive effects of hydroxyapatite toothpaste in children and adults, collaborating with multiple international institutions. Her research has contributed to over 70 scientific documents with more than 598 citations and an h-index of 13. She has published high-impact works in journals such as Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Public Health, Frontiers in Psychiatry, Nutrients, and the Journal of Dentistry. Her contributions include interdisciplinary projects integrating dentistry, ethics, and public health, and she has coordinated large-scale EU-funded projects and international collaborations. Her work has been recognized with multiple institutional and national awards for scientific excellence, teaching, and professional contributions to dentistry, as well as honors from professional dental associations. She is an active member of national boards and promotes innovation in dental education and research.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications

  • Obesity and central accumulation of fat in school-age children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. (2025). Scientific Reports.

  • Miescher’s Cheilitis as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge—A Case Report. (2025). Medicina, Kaunas, Lithuania.

  • Prevalence of Toothache in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Worldwide Studies. (2025).

  • Pain experience and behavior management: efficacy of photobiomodulation as an adjunct to local anesthesia in MIH patients—a randomized split-mouth clinical study. (2025). Frontiers in Neurology.

  • Clinical evidence of caries prevention by hydroxyapatite: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. (2025).

Hiroshi Nagase | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Hiroshi Nagase | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hiroshi Nagase | University of Tsukuba | Japan

Prof. Hiroshi Nagase is a distinguished Japanese scientist recognized for his pioneering contributions to medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry from Nagoya University, Japan, and later served as a Visiting Scientist at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Medicinal Chemistry. Dr. Nagase began his professional career at Toray Industries Inc., where he advanced from Researcher to Director in the Basic Research Laboratories. He later joined Kitasato University’s School of Pharmacy as a Professor and subsequently served as a Principal Investigator and Professor at the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (IIIS) under the World Premier International Research Center Initiative at the University of Tsukuba, where he now holds the title of Professor Emeritus. His academic and research influence extended through adjunct professorships at the University of Tokyo, the University of Nagasaki, Toyohashi Polytechnic College, and Nagoya University. Dr. Nagase has authored 39 scientific documents, which have collectively garnered 279 citations from 189 sources, reflecting his substantial impact on the field. With an h-index of 10, his research continues to inspire advancements in medicinal chemistry, neuropharmacology, and therapeutic innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | Research Gate

Featured Publication

Nagase, H. (2025). Development of novel bioactive alkaloids based on specific reactions of the 4,5-epoxymorphinan framework. Synlett.

[Authors not listed]. (2025). Delta opioid receptor agonists activate PI3K–mTORC1 signaling in parvalbumin-positive interneurons in mouse infralimbic prefrontal cortex to exert acute antidepressant-like effects. Molecular Psychiatry.

Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Ms. Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | India

Ms. Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan is a dedicated PhD scholar at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, specializing in Medical Oncology with a focus on Breast Cancer Immunology and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME), particularly in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Her doctoral research involves a Phase 2/3 open-label pilot clinical trial to evaluate neoadjuvant metronomic chemotherapy for modulating the TME and enhancing chemo- and immunotherapy responses, quantifying immunosuppressive cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes from blood and tumour tissue. She holds an M.Sc. in Physician Assistant (Medical Oncology) and a B.Sc. in Physician Assistant (General Medicine), with extensive clinical training in oncology, hematology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care. Priyadharshini has strong expertise in flow cytometry, cell culture, in vitro drug testing, cytotoxicity assays, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and clinical trial design, using advanced analytical tools such as FlowJo, SPSS, and GraphPad Prism. She has authored several publications, with an h-index of 3, over 7 documents, and more than 50 citations. A member of ESMO, ASCO, and I-OSI, she is committed to advancing cancer research, translating innovative findings into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes globally.

Profiles: Orcid | Linked In

Featured publications

Veeralakshmanan, P., Jose, W. M., Udayakumaran, S., Bindhu, M. R., Dutta, D., Rajesh, K., Kavalagunta, S., Bhaskaran, R., Haridas, N. K., Rakesh, M. P., et al. (2025). Multimodal management and outcome of pediatric and adolescent malignant central nervous system tumors: A single‐center retrospective study. Malignancy Spectrum.

Surendran, H. P., Sah, S. K., Veeralakshmanan, P., Nair, P., Ashok, H. P., Unnikrishnan, M. K., Kalavagunta, S., Sasidharan, A., Chandran, D., Poornachary, N. M., et al. (2025). Efficacy of hippocampal avoidance whole brain radiotherapy to preserve the cognitive functions among brain metastasis patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurology India, 73(5), 715–725.

Irene Litvan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Irene Litvan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Irene Litvan | University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Irene Litvan, MD, is the Tasch Endowed Professor of Neurology and Director of the Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center at the University of California, San Diego. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. As a leading clinician-scientist, she has directed major multicenter and international initiatives to develop clinical and neuropathologic diagnostic criteria, identify disease biomarkers, and advance therapeutic interventions. Her extensive research spans epidemiologic, genetic, and clinico-pathologic correlation studies that have significantly deepened the understanding of movement disorders. Dr. Litvan’s scholarly impact is reflected in 6 published documents, 10 citations, and an h-index of 1. Throughout her distinguished career, she has received consistent funding support from national and international agencies, industry collaborations, and philanthropic organizations. Beyond her research, she has served as a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of neurologists and neuroscientists. Dr. Litvan also leads the UC San Diego Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, fostering clinical excellence and research innovation aimed at improving diagnosis, management, and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement-related neurological disorders.

Featured Publications

Postuma, R. B., Berg, D., Stern, M., Poewe, W., Olanow, C. W., Oertel, W., Obeso, J., et al. (2015). MDS clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 30(12), 1591–1601.

McKeith, I. G., Dickson, D. W., Lowe, J., Emre, M., O’Brien, J. T., Feldman, H., et al. (2005). Diagnosis and management of dementia with Lewy bodies: Third report of the DLB Consortium. Neurology, 65(12), 1863–1872.

Dubois, B., Slachevsky, A., Litvan, I., & Pillon, B. (2000). The FAB: A frontal assessment battery at bedside. Neurology, 55(11), 1621–1626.

Emre, M., Aarsland, D., Brown, R., Burn, D. J., Duyckaerts, C., Mizuno, Y., Broe, G. A., et al. (2007). Clinical diagnostic criteria for dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 22(12), 1689–1707.

Litvan, I., Goldman, J. G., Tröster, A. I., Schmand, B. A., Weintraub, D., Petersen, R. C., et al. (2012). Diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease: Movement Disorder Society Task Force guidelines. Movement Disorders, 27(3), 349–356.

Litvan, I., Agid, Y., Calne, D., Campbell, G., Dubois, B., Duvoisin, R. C., Goetz, C. G., et al. (1996). Clinical research criteria for the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome): Report of the NINDS–SPSP international workshop. Neurology, 47(1), 1–9.

Höglinger, G. U., Respondek, G., Stamelou, M., Kurz, C., Josephs, K. A., Lang, A. E., et al. (2017). Clinical diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy: The Movement Disorder Society criteria. Movement Disorders, 32(6), 853–864.

Karen Kikuta | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Ms. Karen Kikuta | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Karen Kikuta | UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine | United States

Ms. Karen Kikuta is an accomplished MD Candidate at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine with expertise in neuroscience, immunology, and global health research. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience with minors in Public Health and Biology from Santa Clara University and conducted advanced immunological studies at Stanford University’s Binns Program for Cord Blood Research, investigating immune cell subsets using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Her work has resulted in publications in high-impact journals, including Frontiers in Immunology and the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Karen has contributed to seven major research projects spanning neurodevelopment, infectious disease, and translational medicine, notably pioneering studies on antenatal Zika virus exposure and its long-term neurobehavioral and cardiac outcomes in children. Her research portfolio includes 2 published documents, 45 citations, and an h-index of 2. She has presented findings at national and international conferences, reflecting her dedication to bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application. As a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association, Karen is committed to integrating scientific innovation with compassionate care to advance understanding and treatment of neuroinfectious and developmental disorders.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured publication

Kikuta, K., Hernandez, C. J., Dunshee de Abranches, A., Damasceno, L., de Britto, J. A., Jardim Duarte, C., Vasconcelos, Z., Zin, A., Brasil, P., Moreira, M. E., & Nielsen-Saines, K. (2025). Academic and social-behavioral assessment in a prospective cohort of normocephalic school-aged children with antenatal Zika virus exposure. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 159, Article 108026.

Claudia Pauciulo | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Mrs. Claudia Pauciulo | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Claudia Pauciulo | Borghesiana Veterinary Clinic | Italy

Mrs. Claudia Pauciulo is the Head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery Department at Borghesiana Veterinary Clinic in Rome, Italy, and a certified veterinary neurologist completing her ECVN Residency. She holds a Master’s Degree in Diagnostic Imaging and a GP Certificate in Neurology, combining strong academic training with extensive clinical experience in advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT), neurosurgery, and case management. Her research focuses on feline and canine hyperesthesia syndromes, central nervous system lymphoma, intervertebral disc disease, and peripheral neuropathies. Dr. Pauciulo has published as both first author and coauthor in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Record Case Reports, Journal of Small Animal Practice, and Veterinary Sciences (MDPI). She maintains an active citation record with growing visibility in Scopus- and SCI-indexed publications. Her current h-index is 2, with a total of 10 citations across multiple publications. Through her collaborative research with leading ECVN diplomates and contributions to international neurology congresses, Dr. Pauciulo continues to advance veterinary neuroscience, integrating clinical excellence with innovative research to improve evidence-based therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders in companion animals.

Profiles: Orcid | Linked In

Featured Publication

Pauciulo, C., & Gallucci, A. (2025, September 25). Long‐term outcome of presumptive idiopathic hyperesthesia syndrome in a dog treated with fluoxetine. Veterinary Record Case Reports.