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.

Victoria Carter | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Victoria Carter | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Victoria Carter | VCA West Coast Vet Hospital | United States

Victoria Carter is a highly skilled small-animal internal-medicine clinician and researcher whose diverse training and leadership reflect her commitment to veterinary excellence. After earning a BSc (Hons) in Biological Science from the University of Guelph in Canada, followed by a DVMS (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery) from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh (where she received multiple awards including the CEVA Dermatology Prize and the Outstanding Student Leadership Award), she completed internships, a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania – Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, and now serves as one of the lead internal medicine clinicians at the VCA West Coast Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital in Fountain Valley, CA. Her clinical repertoire includes advanced endoscopic procedures (gastroduodenoscopy, ileocolonoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, cystoscopy/vaginoscopy and tracheoscopy) and she is experienced in high-volume inpatient and outpatient settings, collaborating across hospital services to tailor diagnostics and care plans for complex cases. Her research interests include immune-mediated diseases, such as primary immune-mediated neutropenia in the context of an earlier-diagnosed Evans syndrome in dogs (Carter & Silvestrini, Vet Rec Case Rep) and a retrospective international study on hypercobalaminaemic cats in progress under mentor Paolo Silvestrini MSc, PhD, DECVIM(CA). She has authored [DOCUMENTS-COUNT] publications, amassed [CITATIONS-COUNT] citations, and holds an h-index of [H-INDEX]. A native Canadian, fluent in English and French, she brings strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills — especially in high-pressure environments — and fosters a positive, collaborative veterinary team culture while building excellent relationships with clients and patients.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Carter, V., & Silvestrini, P. (2025, September 24). Primary immune‐mediated neutropenia as part of a relapse of previously diagnosed Evans syndrome in a dog. Veterinary Record Case Reports.

Pengdong Gao | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Pengdong Gao | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Pengdong Gao, Communication University of China, china.

Dr. Pengdong Gao is an accomplished Associate Researcher at the National Key Laboratory of Media Convergence and Communication, Communication University of China. His academic journey from Applied Mathematics to Cybernetics and ultimately to a Ph.D. in Measurement Technology laid the foundation for a career deeply rooted in interdisciplinary innovation. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Gao has consistently contributed to national and institutional research programs. His primary focus lies in applying AI and deep learning to space weather forecasting, ionogram analysis, image processing, and real-time rendering technologies.

Profile

orcid

 

📘 Early Academic Pursuits

Pengdong Gao’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in mathematical sciences at Tianjin University. He earned his B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics in 2001, followed by an M.Sc. in Operations Research and Cybernetics in 2004. His scholarly commitment culminated in a Ph.D. in Measurement Technology and Instruments, completed in 2007. This progressive academic path reflects a consistent emphasis on analytical precision, systems modeling, and instrumental innovation—laying the groundwork for his later endeavors in computational methods, digital imaging, and space-weather-related research.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral graduation, Dr. Gao embarked on his research career at the High-Performance Computing Center, Communication University of China, where he served as an Assistant Researcher. By 2009, he transitioned to the Ministry of Education’s Key Laboratory of Media Audio and Video as an Associate Researcher. Since December 2019, he has held the role of Associate Researcher at the National Key Laboratory of Media Convergence and Communication. Across nearly two decades of institutional research, he has contributed to multiple projects focusing on real-time rendering, AI-based communication technologies, and advanced multimedia processing systems.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Gao’s research lies at the intersection of media technology, artificial intelligence, and space weather. His recent publications in Space Weather journal highlight his pioneering work on ionogram prediction and detection using spatio-temporal neural networks. He has uniquely combined deep learning and image-based techniques to automate the classification of ionospheric phenomena, contributing valuable insights into space-weather forecasting. Beyond atmospheric data modeling, his work also spans areas like depth image matching, digital mural restoration, remote sensing registration, and real-scene 3D modeling—testament to his multidisciplinary proficiency.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Though his CV does not list traditional awards, Dr. Gao’s achievements are profoundly reflected in his rich portfolio of granted patents and high-impact publications. His role as principal investigator in two significant national and municipal-level projects underscores peer and institutional recognition. The breadth of his intellectual property—spanning ionospheric analysis systems, digital restoration tools, and deep learning-based image processing—illustrates both technical innovation and societal relevance. These contributions enhance the technological infrastructure of scientific visualization and intelligent media systems in China.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Gao’s work has shaped multiple layers of scientific and technological development. His contributions to the modeling and detection of ionospheric phenomena have implications for communication stability, satellite navigation, and space weather forecasting. At the same time, his innovations in AI-powered digital tools support applications in cultural preservation, wildlife monitoring, and intellectual property protection. These developments have positioned him as an influential voice in the integration of AI with scientific media applications, pushing the boundaries of what automated systems can achieve in real-time environmental analysis and media convergence.

🧾 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Gao’s trajectory signals continued leadership in integrating artificial intelligence with space and media sciences. His vision bridges theoretical modeling with practical systems—from national R&D programs to media restoration frameworks. The patents he has co-authored reflect a commitment to solving real-world challenges through data-driven innovation. As the field of science communication evolves, Dr. Gao is poised to contribute further to the democratization of complex data through intelligent platforms, ensuring that future technologies are both functional and socially meaningful.

🛰️ Innovation in Space and Media Intelligence

What makes Dr. Gao’s career particularly impactful is his niche synthesis of space-weather science with digital media engineering. His recent leadership in projects like the AIGC New Horizons in Science Communication and the Large-Scale Scene Real-Time Rendering Engine showcases his ability to work across both scientific discovery and media application. By harnessing spatio-temporal GANs and neural rendering techniques, his work is not only improving how we analyze the ionosphere but also how we communicate these findings in accessible, compelling ways to the broader public.

Publication

1. Title: IonoGAN: An Enhanced Model for Forecasting Quiet and Disturbed Ionospheric Features From Predicted Ionograms
Authors: Chu Qiu, Jinhui Cai, Zheng Wang, Pengdong Gao, Guojun Wang, Quan Qi, Bo Wang, Zhengwei Cheng, Jiankui Shi, Yajun Zhu et al.
Year: 2025

2. Title: Ionospheric Response Forecasting and Analysis During Magnetic Storm by a Short-Term Ionogram Prediction Model
Authors: Wang Zheng, Cai Jinhui, Gao Pengdong, Wang Guojun, Shi Jiankui
Year: 2025

3. Title: Prediction of Ionograms With/Without Spread‐F at Hainan by a Combined Spatio‐Temporal Neural Network
Authors: Pengdong Gao, Jinhui Cai, Zheng Wang, Chu Qiu, Guojun Wang, Quan Qi, Bo Wang, Jiankui Shi, Xiao Wang, Kai Ding
Year: 2024

4. Title: Automatic Detection and Classification of Spread‐F From Ionosonde at Hainan With Image‐Based Deep Learning Method
Authors: Zheng Wang, Meiyi Zhan, Pengdong Gao, Guojun Wang, Chu Qiu, Quan Qi, Jiankui Shi, Xiao Wang
Year: 2023

🏅 Conclusion

Dr. Pengdong Gao is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His remarkable blend of technical depth, innovative problem-solving, and real-world application positions him as a leader in the fusion of artificial intelligence with environmental and media sciences. With ongoing impactful research and a clear trajectory of continued excellence, he not only meets but exceeds the standards typically associated with this prestigious recognition. With minor enhancements in global engagement and academic leadership, his influence is set to expand even further.

 

Jiwei Nie | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jiwei Nie | Emerging Areas in Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiwei Nie, Haier Group, China.

Jiwei Nie is an accomplished Chinese researcher specializing in Artificial Intelligence-based Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Detection, with a strong focus on AI large models. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Design and Automation and evolved into a deeply integrated path through a Master’s and Ph.D. in Control Science and Engineering at Northeastern University. Throughout his doctoral research, he has made notable contributions to the field of Visual Place Recognition (VPR) for autonomous systems, publishing in prestigious journals such as IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems and IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters. Jiwei’s innovations—especially in lightweight, training-free image descriptors and adaptive texture fusion—have positioned him at the forefront of applied AI in robotics and automation. He has also presented at major international conferences and holds multiple patents.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

 Jiwei Nie displayed a deep interest in engineering and innovation from an early age. His academic journey began at Hebei University of Science and Technology, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation. His strong academic performance earned him first-class honors, and he graduated in July 2018. Motivated to delve deeper into the fusion of machinery and intelligence, he advanced to Northeastern University, completing his Master’s degree in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering by July 2020. Driven by a vision to integrate control systems with intelligent technologies, he enrolled in a PhD program in Control Science and Engineering under a prestigious Integrated Master-PhD track, further solidifying his expertise in the intelligent automation domain.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Jiwei’s professional development has been tightly interwoven with his academic path, where he has continuously applied theoretical insights to practical problems in Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems. As a member of the Communist Party of China, he approaches his work with a strong sense of discipline and public responsibility. His fluency in English, proven by his CET-6 certification, has enabled him to actively contribute to the global research community, engaging in international collaborations and conferences. Alongside his research, Jiwei has contributed to academic circles through mentorship roles and cross-institutional projects, making a significant impact both inside and outside his university.

🤖 Contributions and Research Focus

Jiwei Nie’s research is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence-based Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Detection, with a special emphasis on AI Large Models. His work focuses on developing lightweight, efficient algorithms for Visual Place Recognition (VPR)—a critical capability for autonomous vehicles and robotic systems. He has pioneered new methods in saliency encoding, feature mixing, and texture fusion, leading to more robust and adaptive AI systems. Through these contributions, he has addressed real-world challenges in long-term navigation and intelligent perception, pushing the boundaries of control science and machine intelligence.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

During his PhD, Jiwei published multiple high-impact articles in leading SCI-indexed journals. His paper in the IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, titled “A Training-Free, Lightweight Global Image Descriptor for Long-Term Visual Place Recognition Toward Autonomous Vehicles”, has been particularly well-received and is ranked in Q1. Additional works in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters have been ranked in Q2, highlighting his innovations such as MixVPR++ and Efficient Saliency Encoding. Furthermore, Jiwei’s presence has been notable at world-class conferences like ICPR, ICRA, and IROS, where he presented his work to a global audience of peers and experts. He also holds several patents, including an invention patent, and continues to submit further manuscripts to top-tier venues.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Jiwei’s research has had a significant influence on the future of intelligent transportation and autonomous systems. His development of training-free VPR models has contributed to making autonomous navigation more scalable and cost-effective, especially in dynamic environments where traditional AI systems fail. His proposed methods are not only academically rigorous but are also computationally efficient, paving the way for real-world deployment. Through his innovation and academic collaborations, he has helped bridge the gap between theoretical AI models and practical engineering applications, which is vital for industries moving toward Industry 4.0 and smart mobility solutions.

🧠 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Jiwei Nie aspires to deepen his research in generalized large AI models, expanding the scalability and generalization abilities of pattern recognition systems across domains beyond transportation—such as smart surveillance, industrial robotics, and medical imaging. His planned future publications and continued patent filings reflect a strong ambition to lead the next generation of intelligent systems research. Jiwei is committed to fostering innovation that aligns with both academic excellence and societal needs, aiming to establish himself as a pioneering researcher and mentor in the evolving field of intelligent detection and AI integration.

🔬 Vision in AI and Control Engineering

Jiwei Nie stands as a rising expert in the convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Control Science, and Robotic Vision, a field essential for the future of smart systems and automation. His deep technical knowledge, coupled with a strategic vision, positions him to contribute not only as a researcher but also as a thought leader in AI-driven engineering. With a career rooted in innovation and societal benefit, his trajectory points toward a legacy of breakthroughs that will influence smart cities, autonomous systems, and global AI research landscapes for years to come.

Publication

  • Title: A survey of extrinsic parameters calibration techniques for autonomous devices
    Authors: J Nie, F Pan, D Xue, L Luo
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: A training-free, lightweight global image descriptor for long-term visual place recognition toward autonomous vehicles
    Authors: J Nie, JM Feng, D Xue, F Pan, W Liu, J Hu, S Cheng
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Forest: A lightweight semantic image descriptor for robust visual place recognition
    Authors: P Hou, J Chen, J Nie, Y Liu, J Zhao
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: A novel image descriptor with aggregated semantic skeleton representation for long-term visual place recognition
    Authors: J Nie, JM Feng, D Xue, F Pan, W Liu, J Hu, S Cheng
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Efficient saliency encoding for visual place recognition: Introducing the lightweight pooling-centric saliency-aware VPR method
    Authors: J Nie, D Xue, F Pan, Z Ning, W Liu, J Hu, S Cheng
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: 3D semantic scene completion and occupancy prediction for autonomous driving: A survey
    Authors: G Xu, W Liu, Z Ning, Q Zhao, S Cheng, J Nie
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: A Novel Image Descriptor with Aggregated Semantic Skeleton Representation for Long-term Visual Place Recognition
    Authors: N Jiwei, F Joe-Mei, X Dingyu, P Feng, L Wei, H Jun, C Shuai
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Optic Disc and Fovea Localization based on Anatomical Constraints and Heatmaps Regression
    Authors: L Luo, F Pan, D Xue, X Feng, J Nie
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: A Novel Fractional-Order Discrete Grey Model with Initial Condition Optimization and Its Application
    Authors: Y Liu, F Pan, D Xue, J Nie
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: EPSA-VPR: A lightweight visual place recognition method with an Efficient Patch Saliency-weighted Aggregator
    Authors: J Nie, Q Zhào, D Xue, F Pan, W Liu
    Year: 2025

 

🔚 Conclusion

With a solid foundation in engineering and control systems and an innovative mindset in artificial intelligence, Jiwei Nie is poised to become a key figure in the evolution of intelligent automation technologies. His work contributes not only to academic theory but also to practical applications that influence the development of autonomous vehicles, intelligent detection systems, and large AI model architectures. As he approaches the completion of his Ph.D. in early 2025, Jiwei is expected to continue pushing technological boundaries, inspiring future advancements in AI research and real-world intelligent systems deployment.