Ishrat Yousaf | Developmental Psychopathology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. prof. Dr. Ishrat Yousaf | Developmental Psychopathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ishrat Yousaf,  Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad,  Pakistan.

Dr. Ishrat Yousaf is a pioneering psychologist and academic with over eight years of experience in higher education. Her Ph.D. research broke new ground in Pakistan by addressing mental health, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals with HIV/AIDS. As an Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology, she blends clinical insight with research-driven practices. Her expertise includes psychological assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the cross-cultural validation of psychological tools. Dr. Yousaf has led several HEC-funded projects targeting youth mental health and has presented her work on international platforms. Her contributions continue to shape the fields of applied and clinical psychology in both local and global contexts.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ishrat Yousaf began her academic journey with a strong foundation in Clinical Psychology, earning her M.Sc. from the University of Peshawar after completing a Bachelor of Science from the College of Home Economics. Her academic excellence and curiosity about human behavior led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Peshawar. Her doctoral research was groundbreaking—marking the first in Pakistan to explore the psychological disorders, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This pioneering study laid the foundation for her future academic and clinical endeavors in public mental health.

👩‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

With more than eight years of experience in academia, Dr. Yousaf has served in key academic roles, most notably as Assistant Professor and now as Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology (CUST), Islamabad. Her role involves teaching, mentoring, and supervising students in various psychological disciplines, particularly in Applied and Clinical Psychology. She is deeply involved in developing curricula, designing intervention models, and leading institutional projects that merge psychological research with community outreach.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Yousaf’s research spans a wide spectrum within clinical and applied psychology. She has conducted significant work on mental health in marginalized populations, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS and youth with substance use disorders. Her work also includes cross-cultural adaptation and validation of psychological tests and developing indigenous interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy. As Principal and Co-Principal Investigator, she has led numerous projects funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, targeting depression, anxiety, and mental wellness among youth.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Yousaf has received multiple honors and scholarships. She was awarded a competitive Ph.D. scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and selected for a Developing Country Scholarship by the 74th International Congress of Psychology in Yokohama, Japan. She has consistently earned research grants based on merit and her demonstrated commitment to mental health advocacy and evidence-based psychological practice.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Yousaf’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed international journals, adding valuable insights to the fields of clinical psychology and public mental health. Her research has not only contributed to the academic body of knowledge but also informed policy and practice in mental health services in Pakistan. She has participated in and presented at both national and international conferences, enhancing the global discourse on HIV/AIDS, youth mental health, and psychological resilience.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a vision for inclusive and culturally-sensitive mental healthcare, Dr. Yousaf continues to innovate and lead in her field. Her future goals include expanding e-health psychological interventions and furthering indigenous therapy models suited for Pakistani youth. As a mentor and researcher, she is shaping the next generation of clinical psychologists equipped with the tools and cultural understanding necessary for transformative impact.

💡 Research that Heals and Empowers

At the core of Dr. Yousaf’s mission is the belief in psychology as a force for healing, empowerment, and social change. Her focus on vulnerable populations, combined with her clinical expertise, enables her to craft solutions that address the root causes of psychological distress. Her ongoing work is a testament to the powerful intersection of research, empathy, and cultural relevance in building healthier societies.

Publication

  1. Title: Anxiety scale for children with autism spectrum disorders: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation
    Authors: Dr. Ishrat Yousaf, Maryam Khan, Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muqqadas Saba
    Year: 2025

 

  1. Title: Depression, Anxiety, Stress And Wellbeing Of Young Psychology Students In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
    Authors: Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muhammad Naeem, Taqdees Fatima, Noor Ul Sabahat, Dr. Ishrat Yousaf
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Development of Wellness Guide: A Guided Self-Help Indigenous Intervention for Reducing Depression, and Anxiety and Enhancing Wellbeing of Pakistani Youth
    Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan, Sabahat Haqqani
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Indigenous Conceptualization of Depression and Anxiety: FGDs with Pakistani Youth and Health Practitioners
    Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Editorial
    Authors: Naeem, B.; Aqeel, M.; Maqsood, A.; Yousaf, I.; Ehsan, S.; Gavrielides, T.
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: Psychometric properties of the revised Urdu version dyadic adjustment scale for evaluating marital relationship quality between madrassa and Non-Madrassa married women
    Authors: Naeem, Bushra; Aqeel, Muhammad; Maqsood, Aneela; Yousaf, Ishrat; Ehsan, Saima
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: Impact of Procrastination on Self-esteem of College and University Students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
    Authors: Sana Khurshid, Saima Parwez, Ishrat Yousaf
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: HIV Treatment Adherence Self-efficacy Scale for Pakistani HIV/AIDS patients: Translation and psychometric evaluation
    Authors: Yousaf, Ishrat; Haqqani, Sabahat
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: The influence of illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders on students mental health during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan: a Web-based cross-sectional survey
    Authors: Aqeel, Muhammad; Abbas, Jaffar; Shuja, Kanwar Hamza; Rehna, Tasnim; Ziapour, Arash; Yousaf, Ishrat; Karamat, Tehmina
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: Maladaptive schema modes as the predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder among trauma survivors
    Authors: Zaman, S.; Arouj, K.; Irfan, S.; Yousaf, I.
    Year: 2021

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Ishrat Yousaf’s journey reflects a profound commitment to advancing mental health awareness, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations. Her research, teaching, and therapeutic practices have set new benchmarks in clinical psychology in Pakistan. With a focus on culturally adaptive interventions and youth-centered mental health solutions, she is poised to leave a lasting legacy as both a scholar and a changemaker. Her ongoing dedication ensures that psychology in Pakistan continues to evolve with compassion, relevance, and scientific rigor.

Jing Du | Neuropsychopharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jing Du | Neuropsychopharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jing Du, Beijing Anding Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, China.

Prof. Jing Du is a distinguished professor, Ph.D. advisor, and accomplished researcher at Beijing Anding Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University. With a strong academic foundation, including her B.M. from Beijing University, Health Science Center, and Ph.D. from Rutgers University, she has made significant strides in mental health research. Her work bridges Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern neuroscience, focusing on developing innovative drugs for psychiatric disorders. Through groundbreaking research on molecules like cordycepin (3’-dA), Dr. Du has contributed to understanding neuroimmune mechanisms and creating novel therapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Her efforts are shaping the future of mental health care and inspiring new paths in interdisciplinary research.

 

profile

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Jing Du embarked on her academic journey with a passion for unraveling the complexities of mental health. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine from the prestigious Beijing University, Health Science Center, and pursued her doctoral studies at Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey. These foundational years laid the groundwork for her to merge the realms of neuroscience and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), equipping her with a unique perspective to address global mental health challenges.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Prof. Jing Du serves as a professor and Ph.D. advisor at Beijing Anding Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University. She also boasts an illustrious tenure as a translational scientist at the National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, USA. Her career reflects a harmonious blend of academic rigor and clinical expertise, emphasizing innovation in drug development and collaboration with clinicians to improve mental health treatments.

🌿 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Du’s research stands at the intersection of neuroscience and TCM. Her work focuses on isolating single molecules from herbal remedies to develop groundbreaking treatments for psychiatric disorders. By identifying drug targets and exploring molecular mechanisms, she bridges traditional wisdom with modern science. Her notable project on cordycepin (3’-dA) demonstrated its rapid antidepressant effects and potential to modulate neuroimmune responses, offering hope for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Du’s groundbreaking work has earned her recognition in the scientific community, with her studies published in high-impact journals such as Neuropsychopharmacology. Her innovative approaches have set benchmarks in mental health research, particularly her efforts to uncover novel therapeutic mechanisms. Her dedication continues to inspire peers and mentees in the field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through her interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Du has significantly influenced both academic and clinical domains. Her research has not only advanced scientific understanding but also paved the way for the integration of TCM into modern psychiatric care. By addressing the unmet needs of patients with mental illnesses, her work has the potential to transform treatment paradigms on a global scale.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Du envisions a future where the fusion of traditional and modern medicine leads to innovative, effective treatments for psychiatric disorders. Her ongoing research and mentorship ensure that her legacy will continue to inspire new generations of scientists committed to mental health. As a pioneer in her field, she remains a steadfast advocate for holistic and evidence-based approaches to care.

✨ Bridging Science and Humanity

Prof. Jing Du’s work exemplifies a commitment to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and human well-being. Her efforts to develop accessible, impactful treatments reflect her dedication to addressing the global burden of mental health disorders. With every step forward, she embodies the spirit of innovation, compassion, and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the world of psychiatric medicine.

📚 Publications

  1. Title: An insightful comparison of the current neuroimmune mechanism(s) with the thoughts of differential syndromes from traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of MDD
    Authors: Jiyi Xu, Yi Zhang, Lei Li, Xiaodong Zhao, Feilong Huang, Jing Du
    Year: 2025

 

  1. Title: Ganoderic acid A ameliorates depressive-like behaviors in CSDS mice: Insights from proteomic profiling and molecular mechanisms
    Authors: Xu, Jin-jie; Kan, Wei-jing; Wang, Tian-yi; Li, Lei; Zhang, Yi; Ge, Zi-yu; Xu, Ji-yi; Yin, Zi-jia; Feng, Yuan; Wang, Gang et al.
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Quantitative proteomics combined independent PRM analysis reveals the mitochondrial and synaptic mechanism underlying norisoboldine’s antidepressant effects
    Authors: Li, Lei; Kan, Weijing; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Tianyi; Yang, Feng; Ji, Tengfei; Wang, Gang; Du, Jing
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Utilizing plasma drug levels and genetic testing to achieve optimal treatment response in a patient with treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder
    Authors: Xu, Jin-jie; Xiao, Chunfeng; Pan, Yanli; Tang, Yi-lang; Wang, Mingwan; Li, Sheng; Xie, Gaoming; Du, Jing; Ren, Yanping; Wang, Wei
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Demographic, clinical and biochemical correlates of the length of stay for different polarities in Chinese inpatients with bipolar disorder: A real-world study
    Authors: Wang, Wei; Du, Jing; Li, Sheng; Xie, Gaoming; Xu, Jinjie; Ren, Yanping
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: The FXR mediated anti-depression effect of CDCA underpinned its therapeutic potentiation for MDD
    Authors: Li, Haoran; Zhu, Xuequan; Xu, Jinjie; Li, Lei; Kan, Weijing; Bao, Hongkun; Xu, Jiyi; Wang, Weiwei; Yang, Yang; Chen, Pei et al.
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: The Dectin-1 Receptor Signaling Pathway Mediates the Remyelination Effect of Lentinan through Suppression of Neuroinflammation and Conversion of Microglia
    Authors: Zhang, Dandan; Jia, Yue; Sun, Xingzong; Li, Haoran; Yin, Min; Li, Hongliang; Dai, Lili; Han, Li; Wang, Lei; Qian, Menghan et al.
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: Activation of FXR by ganoderic acid A promotes remyelination in multiple sclerosis via anti-inflammation and regeneration mechanism
    Authors: Jia, Yue; Zhang, Dandan; Li, Haoran; Luo, Shaolei; Xiao, Yuhuan; Han, Li; Zhou, Fuchun; Wang, Chuanyue; Feng, Lei; Wang, Gang et al.
    Year: 2021

 

  1. Title: Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides ameliorated depression-like behaviors in the chronic social defeat stress depression model via modulation of Dectin-1 and the innate immune system
    Authors: Li, Haoran; Xiao, Yuhuan; Li Han; Jia, Yue; Luo, Shaolei; Zhang, Dandan; Zhang, Ling; Wu, Peng; Xiao, Chunjie; Kan, Weijing et al.
    Year: 2021

 

  1. Title: Interactions Between Adenosine Receptors and Cordycepin (3′- Deoxyadenosine) from Cordyceps Militaris: Possible Pharmacological Mechanisms for Protection of the Brain and the Amelioration of Covid-19 Pneumonia
    Authors: Jing Du; Weijing Kan; Hongkun Bao; Yue Jia; Jian Yang; Hongxiao Jia
    Year: 2021

 

Conclusion

Prof. Jing Du’s career is a testament to the power of integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science. Her impactful research and dedication to addressing mental health challenges highlight her as a pioneer in the field. By fostering collaboration between researchers and clinicians, she is paving the way for transformative advancements in psychiatry. Dr. Du’s legacy lies not only in her scientific contributions but also in her commitment to improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental illness worldwide.