Congbo Cai | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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.

CARMINA MONTOLIU | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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.

 

Ibrahim Serag | Neuroimaging | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ibrahim Serag | Neuroimaging | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ibrahim Serag, Faculty of Medicine Mansoura university, Egypt.

Dr. Ibrahim Hamdino Ibrahim Serag is a dynamic intern doctor, clinical researcher, and emerging neurosurgical leader based in Mansoura, Egypt. With a stellar academic record from Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine, he has consistently demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and in clinical practice. His focused interest in neurosurgery, along with a profound commitment to medical research, has positioned him at the forefront of Egypt’s next generation of clinician-scientists.

Profile

Google Scholar

 

🧠 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ibrahim Serag embarked on his journey in medicine with an unwavering curiosity for the human brain and its intricate workings. From the very beginning of his academic life at Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine, he stood out for his intellectual commitment and passion for neurosurgery. His dedication translated into academic excellence, earning him an impressive GPA of 3.78 and numerous distinctions across all courses. Early in his studies, he was drawn to the field of neurosurgery, not just for its technical challenges but for its potential to dramatically transform patient lives.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

As an intern doctor, Dr. Serag has been immersed in clinical practice while maintaining strong involvement in academic research. His elective neurosurgical rotation at Mansoura University’s hospital offered him valuable, hands-on experience that further fueled his desire to pursue neurosurgery. His professional path also includes significant leadership roles within NEGIDA Academy, where he serves as both a clinical researcher and course co-instructor, reflecting his dedication to both practice and pedagogy.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Serag has carved a strong niche in neurosurgical research, particularly within the domains of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and neuroimaging innovations. With over a dozen publications in high-impact journals and an H-index of 5, he has become a recognized voice in clinical neurology and neurosurgical diagnostics. He leads multiple collaborative research groups under Mansoura Manchester Research Society, Tanta University, and TSRA, focusing on evidence-based medicine and the clinical application of neuroscience. His work often explores the comparative effectiveness of neurosurgical techniques such as drainage, irrigation, and anesthetic modalities in chronic subdural hematomas, as well as neuroprotective agents and AI-assisted diagnostics.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Serag’s work has been acknowledged through multiple prestigious awards, reflecting both the depth and innovation of his research. He was honored with the Best Poster Presentation at the 4th and 5th Annual Research Days at Mansoura University, and also at the Alex Neuroscience Conference (ACN 2024). His academic distinction has earned him travel grants for ISA 2024 and ICCN 2024, affirming his growing reputation on both national and international platforms. Additionally, he received honors from university deans, cementing his place among the top emerging minds in his field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond personal accomplishments, Dr. Serag’s influence resonates through the many research groups he leads and the countless students and young doctors he mentors. His role as a team leader and course co-instructor at NEGIDA Academy enables him to share knowledge and cultivate a culture of inquiry and innovation among Egypt’s next generation of neurosurgeons. His collaborations extend internationally, where he works with senior academics and clinicians to bridge gaps in neuroclinical research and global healthcare accessibility.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a vision that goes beyond borders, Dr. Serag is determined to pioneer transformational change in neurosurgical research and practice. His future aspirations are deeply rooted in advancing minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, expanding AI integration in neurodiagnostics, and fostering multinational research networks. As he seeks a neurosurgical residency, his goal remains steadfast: to blend clinical mastery with scholarly rigor, pushing the boundaries of neurological science for generations to come.

 

Publication

  • Title: Drainage versus no drainage after burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1961 patients
    Authors: A Aljabali, AM Sharkawy, B Jaradat, I Serag, NM Al-Dardery, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Using artificial intelligence to improve body iron quantification: A scoping review
    Authors: AJ Nashwan, IM Alkhawaldeh, N Shaheen, I Albalkhi, I Serag, K Sarhan, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: An updated systematic review of neuroprotective agents in the treatment of spinal cord injury
    Authors: I Serag, M Abouzid, A Elmoghazy, K Sarhan, SA Alsaad, RG Mohamed
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Irrigation versus no irrigation in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 1581 patients
    Authors: A Aljabali, I Serag, S Diab, AZ Alhadeethi, M Abdelhady, IM Alkhawaldeh, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Local anesthesia with sedation and general anesthesia for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Authors: MA Abdelhady, A Aljabali, M Al-Jafari, I Serag, A Elrosasy, A Atia, A Ehab, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Insights into head and neck cancer research in Egypt: A scoping review
    Authors: MH El din Moawad, MM Shalaby, MA Sadeq, M Al-Jafari, JW A’amar, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Exploring the mechanisms and therapeutic approaches of mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease: An educational literature review
    Authors: MHED Moawad, I Serag, IM Alkhawaldeh, A Abbas, A Sharaf, S Alsalah, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Postoperative elevated bed header position versus supine in the management of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Authors: I Serag, M Abdelhady, AA Awad, A Wageeh, A Shaboub, RH Elhalag, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Neuro-oncological research output in Africa: a scoping review of primary brain tumors
    Authors: MHE Moawad, M Al-Jafari, AM Taha, JW A’amar, O Alsayed, T Fayad, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Evaluating the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma injection for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
    Authors: M Deabes, MG Deameh, BA Bani Irshid, AH Al Darraji, I Serag, …
    Year: 2024

 

🧩 Conclusion

With a rare blend of clinical ambition, research innovation, and academic leadership, Dr. Ibrahim Serag is well on his path to becoming a transformative figure in neurosurgery. His ongoing contributions to evidence-based medicine, along with his global collaborations and scholarly achievements, underline a future filled with promise. Driven by curiosity and compassion, he aims not only to heal patients but to reshape how brain diseases are diagnosed and treated—leaving a lasting impact on the field of neurosurgery.