James Shine | Systems Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. James Shine | Systems Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. James Shine | The University of Sydney | Australia

This researcher is an influential systems neurobiologist whose work has significantly advanced the scientific understanding of whole-brain neural dynamics. With over 170 peer-reviewed publications, more than 16,000 citations, an h-index of 67, and an i10-index of 177, their scholarly contributions have shaped multiple domains within contemporary neuroscience. Their research integrates multimodal neuroimaging, computational modelling, network science, and systems-level neurobiology to uncover the principles governing cognition, attention, and consciousness. A major focus of their work involves developing biophysically informed models that link neuroanatomical organization with large-scale patterns of human brain activity, enabling the generation of testable predictions across imaging modalities. Their publications span impactful studies in neuroimaging, neurobiology, and computational science, including widely cited papers in high-profile journals. Their seminal insights into dynamic functional brain network integration have catalyzed global interest in time-resolved brain connectivity, influencing methodological developments and being adopted by more than 100 research groups across over 90 countries. Their research program also advances innovative computational frameworks for analysing complex neural signals, contributing both theoretical and practical tools that inform the study of neurodegenerative conditions and cognitive function. their work continues to shape the direction of systems neuroscience and quantitative brain research.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shine, J. M., Bissett, P. G., Bell, P. T., Koyejo, O., Balsters, J. H., Gorgolewski, K. J., … (2016). The dynamics of functional brain networks: Integrated network states during cognitive task performance. Neuron, 92(2), 544–554.

Hansen, J. Y., Shafiei, G., Markello, R. D., Smart, K., Cox, S. M. L., Nørgaard, M., … (2022). Mapping neurotransmitter systems to the structural and functional organization of the human neocortex. Nature Neuroscience, 25(11), 1569–1581.

Lurie, D. J., Kessler, D., Bassett, D. S., Betzel, R. F., Breakspear, M., Kheilholz, S., … (2020). Questions and controversies in the study of time-varying functional connectivity in resting fMRI. Network Neuroscience, 4(1), 30–69.

Shine, J. M., Breakspear, M., Bell, P. T., Ehgoetz Martens, K. A., Shine, R., … (2019). Human cognition involves the dynamic integration of neural activity and neuromodulatory systems. Nature Neuroscience, 22(2), 289–296.

Poldrack, R. A., Laumann, T. O., Koyejo, O., Gregory, B., Hover, A., Chen, M. Y., … (2015). Long-term neural and physiological phenotyping of a single human. Nature Communications, 6, 8885.

Shine, J. M., Matar, E., Ward, P. B., Frank, M. J., Moustafa, A. A., Pearson, M., … (2013). Freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease is associated with functional decoupling between the cognitive control network and the basal ganglia. Brain, 136(12), 3671–3681.

Carmen Berenguer | Behavioral Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carmen Berenguer | Behavioral Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carmen Berenguer | Universitat de Valencia | Spain

Dr. Carmen Berenguer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Valencia. She holds a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience and Special Educational Needs, and a Ph.D. in Psychology with the distinction of Cum Laude and International Doctorate from the same university. Her research has consistently focused on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), exploring cognitive, social, communication, and learning dimensions. In recent years, she has extended her work to examine comorbid conditions such as sleep difficulties and to design psychosocial intervention programs for families of children with ASD and ADHD. Dr. Berenguer has completed or participated in nine research projects and authored 20 books. She holds two patents related to psychosocial programs and augmented reality applications for educational and therapeutic purposes. With 54 published documents, her work has been cited in 994 scientific papers, accumulating a total of 1,077 citations and achieving an h-index of 17, reflecting her significant impact in developmental psychology and neurodevelopmental research.

Profiles: Scopus | orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

(2025). Characteristics, motivations and attitudes of students using ChatGPT and other language model-based chatbots in higher education. Education and Information Technologies.

(2025). Parenting stress in autistic and ADHD children: Implications of social support and child characteristics. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

(2025). Sleep disturbances in autistic children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

(2025). Augmented reality and learning-cognitive outcomes in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.

(2025). Occupational stress, burnout, and job satisfaction amongst Spanish speech-language pathologists. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology.

Yue Ding | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yue Ding | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yue Ding | Shanghai Mental Health Center | China

Dr. Yue Ding is a distinguished neuroscientist and biomedical engineer whose research focuses on the neural mechanisms of music and rhythm-based interventions for affective and anxiety disorders, particularly in children and adolescents. With a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Tsinghua University and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Dalian University of Technology, Dr. Ding has extensive experience in both academic and industry settings, including leadership roles at Shanghai Mental Health Center, AI Institute at iFlytek, and Nielsen Consumer LLC, as well as a visiting scholar position at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Ding’s research integrates neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality to develop personalized interventions, including closed-loop music therapies, rhythm interactive training, and controllable music generation models, supported by numerous national and municipal grants. His work also explores neural oscillations in depression and anxiety, taste perception, and language impairments in Alzheimer’s patients. He is actively involved in professional organizations, including the Art Psychotherapy Committee, Music Psychology Committee, and editorial boards of prominent journals such as Scientific Reports and Frontiers in Psychiatry. With 17 published documents, Dr. Ding has garnered 228 citations and holds an h-index of 8, reflecting his influential contributions to the fields of neuroscience, neuroengineering, and mental health research.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Linked In

Featured Publications

Ding, Y., Hu, X., Li, J., Ye, J., Wang, F., & Zhang, D. (2018). What makes a champion: The behavioral and neural correlates of expertise in multiplayer online battle arena games. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 34(8), 682–694.

Ding, Y., Hu, X., Xia, Z., Liu, Y. J., & Zhang, D. (2021). Inter-brain EEG feature extraction and analysis for continuous implicit emotion tagging during video watching. IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing, 12(1), 92–102.

Ding, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhou, W., Ling, Z., Huang, J., Hong, B., & Wang, X. (2019). Neural correlates of music listening and recall in the human brain. Journal of Neuroscience, 39(41), 8112–8123.

Ding, Y., Chu, Y., Liu, M., Ling, Z., Wang, S., Li, X., & Li, Y. (2022). Fully automated discrimination of Alzheimer’s disease using resting-state electroencephalography signals. Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, 12(2), 1063–1077.

Ding, Y., Gray, K., Forrence, A., Wang, X., & Huang, J. (2018). A behavioral study on tonal working memory in musicians and non-musicians. PLOS ONE, 13(8), e0201765.

Zhang, Y., Ding, Y., Huang, J., Zhou, W., Ling, Z., Hong, B., & Wang, X. (2021). Hierarchical cortical networks of “voice patches” for processing voices in human brain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 118(44), e2103518118.

Zhou Yu | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhou Yu | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yu Zhou is a postdoctoral researcher at Army Engineering University, specializing in the intersection of neuroscience, computer vision, and target detection. His research primarily focuses on deceptive visual design for both human and machine perception, exploring how visual stimuli can influence detection, recognition, and cognitive processing. Zhou has conducted pioneering studies on camouflage and optical deception, utilizing EEG-based brain functional network analysis to evaluate target visibility and cognitive responses. His work integrates principles from weapon science, biomedical engineering, and computer science to develop comprehensive models of visual perception and deception. Representative publications include investigations into neural responses to camouflage targets with varying exposure signs, the impact of color differences on brain activation patterns, and feasibility assessments of optical camouflage effects. Through these studies, he contributes to a deeper understanding of how visual designs can manipulate human attention and computer vision systems, providing actionable insights for defense technology applications. Zhou’s research emphasizes rigorous quantitative evaluation methods, leveraging neurophysiological data to inform the design of effective deceptive visual patterns. With an h-index of 2 and multiple citations, his work demonstrates a growing influence in fields spanning neuroscience-informed computer vision, perceptual deception, and applied optical camouflage.

Profiles: Scopus | Reasearch Gate

Featured publication

Author(s). (2024). Neural responses to camouflage targets with different exposure signs based on EEG. Neuropsychologia.

Ramesh Chatragadda | Systems Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ramesh Chatragadda | Systems Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ramesh Chatragadda, National Institute of Oceanography, India.

Dr. Ramesh Chatragadda is a leading Indian marine biologist whose academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to ocean science. With a strong educational foundation in Marine Biology, he has steadily progressed through research fellowships, national postdoctoral work, and various scientific roles, ultimately becoming a Senior Scientist at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography and an Assistant Professor at AcSIR. His research focuses on biological oceanography, marine microbial ecology, and environmental sustainability. Internationally recognized through numerous early-career awards and travel fellowships, Dr. Chatragadda’s work continues to influence marine science both in India and globally. His role as a researcher, mentor, and collaborator underscores his dedication to advancing the understanding of ocean ecosystems.

Profile

Google Scholar

🌟 Strengths for the Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ramesh Chatragadda stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his impressive research trajectory and impactful scientific contributions. His specialization in biological oceanography and marine microbial ecology demonstrates a critical understanding of marine ecosystems and environmental sustainability. With a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and a robust professional history at premier institutions like CSIR-NIO, NIOT, and NCCR, he brings both field experience and academic depth to his research.

A major strength lies in his international recognition, having secured multiple prestigious awards and travel grants from global bodies such as COBRA, SCOR, PICES, and the Grantham Foundation. These accolades reflect not only the quality but also the global relevance of his research. Additionally, his dual role as a Senior Scientist and Assistant Professor underlines his capacity to balance innovation, publication, and mentorship. His contributions are actively shaping the future of Indian marine research and building strong international scientific networks.

🔍 Areas for Improvement

While Dr. Chatragadda’s achievements are significant, he may consider expanding his interdisciplinary collaborations further, especially with climate scientists, policy makers, and data modelers to translate research into direct marine conservation policies. Increasing open-access publications, science communication efforts, and involvement in community outreach or citizen science programs could enhance public engagement and increase the societal impact of his work. Additionally, assuming editorial roles in international journals or organizing global symposiums would further cement his position as a thought leader in ocean science.

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ramesh Chatragadda’s journey into the depths of marine science began with a strong academic foundation. He completed his B.Sc. in 2009 from Acharya Nagarjuna University with a focus on Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry. His passion for the ocean and its living resources led him to pursue an M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Fisheries from Andhra University, graduating in 2011. Driven by an insatiable curiosity about marine ecosystems, he earned his Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Pondicherry University in 2016. These formative years not only refined his academic interests but laid a solid groundwork for his future explorations in biological oceanography.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Chatragadda’s professional journey reflects a consistent rise in scientific responsibility and academic excellence. After gaining experience as a Junior and Senior Research Fellow at Pondicherry University, he became a National Postdoctoral Fellow at the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands under the National Institute of Ocean Technology. His career further advanced with his appointment as Project Scientist-B at the National Centre for Coastal Research. He later joined the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) as a Scientist, and was promoted to Senior Scientist in September 2023. Alongside, he holds the designation of Assistant Professor at the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), mentoring the next generation of ocean scientists.

🌊 Contributions and Research Focus

At the heart of Dr. Chatragadda’s career lies his profound commitment to understanding marine life and the ecological complexities of ocean systems. His expertise in biological oceanography allows him to explore the intricate interactions between marine organisms and their environment. He is especially noted for his work in marine microbial ecology, bioluminescence, and the functional dynamics of oceanic biological processes. His research endeavors contribute to sustainable marine resource utilization, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation in coastal and deep-sea ecosystems.

Publication

1. Multifaceted Applications of Microbial Pigments: Current knowledge, Challenges, and Future Directions for Public Health Implications
L Ramesh, CH., Vinithkumar, N.V., Kirubagaran, R., Venil, C.K. and Dufosse — 2019

2. Ecological and biotechnological aspects of pigmented microbes: a way forward in development of food and pharmaceutical grade pigments
CH Ramesh, L Dufosse — 2021

3. Marine pigmented bacteria: A prospective source of antibacterial compounds
R Ramesh, CH., Vinithkumar, N.V. and Kirubagaran — 2019

4. Applications of Prodigiosin Extracted from Marine Red Pigmented Bacteria Zooshikella sp. and Actinomycete Streptomyces sp.
C Ramesh, NV Vinithkumar, R Kirubagaran, CK Venil, L Dufosse — 2020

5. Marine natural products from tunicates and their associated microbes
CH Ramesh, T Bhushan Rao, R Mohanraju, N Thakur, L Dufossé — 2021

6. Natural substrates and culture conditions to produce pigments from potential microbes in submerged fermentation
CH Ramesh, VR Prasastha, M Venkatachalam, L Dufosse — 2022

7. Toxicity studies of Trichodesmium erythraeum (Ehrenberg, 1830) bloom extracts, from Phoenix Bay, Port Blair, Andamans
S Narayana, J Chitra, SR Tapase, V Thamke, P Karthick, C Ramesh, … — 2014

8. Seaweed potential of Little Andaman, India
CH Karthick, P., Mohanraju. R., Murthy, K.N., Ramesh — 2013

9. Antibacterial activity of certain cephalopods from Andamans, India
R Mohanraju, DB Marri, P Karthick, S Narayana, KN Murthy, C Ramesh — 2013

10. Distribution and diversity of seaweeds in North and South Andaman Island
P Karthick, R Mohanraju, CH Ramesh, KN Murthy, S Narayana — 2013

🏁 Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Ramesh Chatragadda demonstrates a rare combination of scholarly excellence, research productivity, and global outreach. His commitment to marine biology, recognized by multiple international honors, positions him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. While a few strategic enhancements could broaden the impact of his work, his existing contributions already reflect a high level of research merit, leadership potential, and long-term vision. Based on his credentials and continued dedication to advancing marine science, he is highly suitable for this prestigious recognition.

Mona Fikry | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Mona Fikry | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr.  Mona Fikry, Faculty of Pharmacy-Cairo University, Egypt.

Dr. Mona Fikry Said, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Cairo University, stands out as a dedicated educator, researcher, and mentor in the field of medicinal chemistry. Her academic journey reflects a blend of deep scientific knowledge and practical teaching expertise. She has supervised numerous postgraduate theses and published extensively in prestigious journals. Her research, particularly in the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel compounds for neurodegenerative diseases, highlights her commitment to addressing real-world health challenges. Beyond her publications, Dr. Said’s influence extends through academic collaboration, curriculum development, and mentorship.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Mona Fikry Said began her academic journey with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, eventually channeling her passion for medicinal chemistry into advanced academic and research endeavors. Her early commitment to learning laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to both academic excellence and scientific innovation. This formative stage was marked by rigorous study and a growing interest in drug design and discovery, which shaped her professional focus.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Dr. Said has become a respected educator and mentor in her field. She has been actively involved in teaching a wide array of pharmaceutical chemistry courses and guiding numerous master’s and doctoral students through their theses. Her role extends beyond instruction, as she also participates in academic advising and serves as an external examiner for other institutions.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Said’s research is deeply rooted in pharmaceutical chemistry, with a particular focus on the development of novel bioactive compounds. Her most recent completed project, “Probing new 3-hydrazinyl indole phenacetamide derivatives as multitarget anti-Alzheimer: Synthesis, in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies,” exemplifies her multidisciplinary approach to drug discovery. She integrates synthesis, pharmacological testing, and computational modeling to explore new therapeutic avenues, especially for neurodegenerative diseases.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While not always publicly documented, Dr. Said’s scientific contributions are widely acknowledged through her publications in high-impact journals such as European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Diversity, Bioorganic Chemistry, and Future Medicinal Chemistry. Her expertise is recognized by her academic peers, and her involvement in national academic programs highlights her standing in the pharmaceutical education community.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Through her publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, Dr. Said has significantly contributed to the body of knowledge in pharmaceutical chemistry. Her work bridges theoretical research and practical applications, influencing both the academic landscape and the early stages of pharmaceutical development. By mentoring postgraduate students and collaborating across institutions, she has helped cultivate a new generation of researchers in Egypt and beyond.

📘 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Said’s lasting impact lies not only in her research but also in her educational leadership. With each class she teaches and each thesis she supervises, she sows the seeds for future advancements in medicinal chemistry. Her continued involvement in clinical academic programs and university examinations ensures that her influence will resonate across institutions for years to come. Looking forward, her research aims to expand into more diverse therapeutic targets, further strengthening Cairo University’s role in pharmaceutical innovation.

🧬 Research Vision in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

With an enduring commitment to discovery, Dr. Mona Fikry Said envisions a research future driven by interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of cutting-edge techniques. Her dedication to the design and synthesis of multitarget agents reflects a broader mission to combat complex diseases like Alzheimer’s. In doing so, she positions herself at the forefront of modern pharmaceutical chemistry, where innovation and impact go hand in hand.

Publication

  • Synthesis of novel 1,3,4-trisubstituted pyrazoles as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents
    FA Ragab, NMA Gawad, HH Georgey, MF Said
    2013

 

  • Design and synthesis of ibuprofen-quinoline conjugates as potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug candidates
    AM Ghanim, AS Girgis, BM Kariuki, N Samir, MF Said, A Abdelnaser, …
    2022

 

  • Pyrazolone derivatives: Synthesis, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, quantitative structure–activity relationship and in vitro studies
    FAF Ragab, NM Abdel-Gawad, HH Georgey, MF Said
    2013

 

  • Synthesis and selective inhibitory effects of some 2-oxindole benzenesulfonamide conjugates on human carbonic anhydrase isoforms CA I, CA II, CA IX and CAXII
    RF George, MF Said, S Bua, CT Supuran
    2020

 

  • Synthesis, molecular modelling and QSAR study of new N-phenylacetamide-2-oxoindole benzensulfonamide conjugates as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
    MF Said, RF George, A Petreni, CT Supuran, NM Mohamed
    2022

 

  • Synthesis and molecular docking of new imidazoquinazolinones as analgesic agents and selective COX-2 inhibitors
    HH Hassanein, HH Georgey, MA Fouad, AM El Kerdawy, MF Said
    2017

 

  • New NSAID conjugates as potent and selective COX-2 inhibitors: Synthesis, molecular modeling and biological investigation
    RM Bokhtia, SS Panda, AS Girgis, N Samir, MF Said, A Abdelnaser, …
    2023

 

  • Development of Isatin‐Based Schiff Bases Targeting VEGFR‐2 Inhibition: Synthesis, Characterization, Antiproliferative Properties, and QSAR Studies
    IA Seliem, SS Panda, AS Girgis, QL Tran, MF Said, MS Bekheit, …
    2022

 

  • Synthesis and computational studies of novel fused pyrimidinones as a promising scaffold with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and COX inhibitory potential
    MF Said, HH Georgey, ER Mohammed
    2021

 

  • Novel Curcumin Mimics: Design, Synthesis, Biological Properties and Computational Studies of Piperidone‐Piperazine Conjugates
    MA Youssef, SS Panda, DR Aboshouk, MF Said, A El Taweel, M GabAllah, …
    2022

 

✅ Conclusion

Through her unwavering dedication to pharmaceutical chemistry, Dr. Said has carved out a meaningful role in academia and research. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also nurtures future innovators in the field. With a strong foundation in both teaching and research, and a vision for multidisciplinary innovation, she is poised to continue making impactful contributions to drug discovery and pharmaceutical education in the years to come.