Hiroshi Nagase | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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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.

ROSA MOURAO | Neuropharmacology | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. ROSA MOURAO | Neuropharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. ROSA MOURAO, UNIVERSIDADES FEDERAL DO OESTE DO PARÁ, Brazil.

Prof. Dr. Rosa Helena Veras Mourão is a distinguished Brazilian biochemist and full professor at UFOPA, with a strong academic foundation in Biological Sciences and Plant Biochemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Pernambuco, including a research fellowship at UNICAMP under Prof. Dr. Mário Saad. Her research centers on the biochemical properties of Amazonian medicinal plants, focusing on diabetes, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, essential oils, and the effects of Bothrops atrox venom.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Rosa Helena Veras Mourão embarked on her scientific journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Ceará in 1993. Her early academic choices reflected a deep curiosity about the natural world, especially the biochemical aspects of plant life. She soon pursued a Master’s degree in Plant Biochemistry at the same institution, which she completed in 1996. Her growing interest in health-related plant biochemistry led her to a doctoral program in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Pernambuco, awarded in 2006. During her Ph.D., she was selected for a prestigious sandwich fellowship at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), where she conducted research under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Mário Saad, further sharpening her expertise in metabolic disorders like diabetes.

🧪 Professional Endeavors in Biochemistry

Currently a Full Professor at the Institute of Collective Health at the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Prof. Mourão has built a solid career blending academic research with community outreach. Her expertise lies in Biochemistry, particularly medicinal plants and their applications in treating chronic diseases. Her work consistently merges scientific rigor with social relevance, focusing on diabetes, antimicrobial resistance, anti-inflammatory responses, and the effects of Bothrops atrox venom. She has mentored numerous Master’s students through UFOPA’s Health Sciences and Natural Resources programs and also advises Ph.D. candidates under the REDE BIONORTE initiative, reflecting her pivotal role in academic mentorship and capacity building in the Amazon region.

🌿 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Mourão’s research delves into the pharmacological potential of Amazonian flora, particularly essential oils and plant extracts with therapeutic effects. Her contributions include advancing the standardization of bioactive extracts, evaluating their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and assessing their applicability in the treatment of diabetes. Her scientific investigations into Bothrops atrox venom have added critical insights to toxinology. Furthermore, her interdisciplinary approach bridges biochemistry with ethnopharmacology, respecting traditional knowledge systems while applying rigorous scientific methods to validate their efficacy.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Her commitment to research excellence earned her the prestigious CNPq Research Productivity Fellowship (PQ2), which she held until 2023. This national recognition highlighted her sustained contributions to Brazilian science, particularly in the fields of medicinal chemistry and natural products. In academic circles, her name appears under various bibliographic formats such as MOURÃO, R.H.V. and Rosa H. Mourão, indicating her prolific and diverse scholarly output. She is also active on national platforms such as the Lattes Curriculum system and holds an ORCID iD, further ensuring her work’s visibility and impact within global research communities.

🌎 Impact and Social Innovation

Beyond academia, Prof. Mourão is deeply involved in projects that fuse scientific knowledge with social innovation. She co-founded Deveras Amazônia, a startup that transforms Amazonian biodiversity into culinary experiences, and Xibé Oficial, a fashion-focused enterprise using natural dyes extracted from Amazonian plants. Her technological extension projects with local communities in Western Pará demonstrate her commitment to applying scientific research for social impact, focusing on sustainable development and strengthening regional production chains. Her work empowers Amazonian communities by integrating traditional knowledge with entrepreneurial strategies.

🔬 Legacy in Scientific Mentorship

Throughout her academic career, Prof. Mourão has mentored a generation of scientists who now contribute to fields as diverse as biochemistry, pharmacognosy, and public health. As a Master’s and Ph.D. advisor, she fosters critical thinking, innovation, and social responsibility in her students. Her guidance helps shape professionals capable of addressing both local health challenges and broader scientific questions. Her legacy lies not only in her publications and projects but also in the human capital she has developed over decades of service.

🌱 Future Contributions and Vision

Looking ahead, Prof. Rosa Helena Veras Mourão remains a beacon of interdisciplinary research in the Amazon. Her vision includes expanding collaborations that promote bioeconomic development rooted in sustainability, enhancing the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream science, and scaling up social-impact projects. With her strong academic foundation and unwavering dedication to public health and biodiversity, she continues to serve as an inspiring force in Brazilian science, forging a future where innovation, ecology, and equity go hand in hand.

Publication

1. Antifungal chemosensitization through induction of oxidative stress: A model for control of candidiasis based on the Lippia origanoides essential oil
Authors: Sandra Layse F. Sarrazin, Jean-Paul Bourdineaud, José Guilherme S. Maia, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Ricardo B. Oliveira
Year: 2024

2. Lip balm made from butter extracted from bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) Amazonian fruit seeds: Development and characterization
Authors: Bruna Carvalho Cantal de Souza, Walberson da Silva Reatgui, Junior Avelino de Araújo, Rosa Helena Veras Mourão, Leopoldo C. Baratto, Gabriela B. dos Santos, Kariane M. Nunes
Year: 2024

3. Volatile Constituents of Some Myrtaceous Edible and Medicinal Fruits from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Adenilson S. Barroso, Lais T. Massing, Chieno Suemitsu, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo, José Guilherme S. Maia
Year: 2024

4. Molecular modelling and anticholinesterase activity of the essential oil from three chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.)
Authors: Antônio Q. Silva Júnior, Gabriela dos Santos Rodrigues, Karina A. de Sousa, Leoneide E. M. Bouillet, Gabriela B. dos Santos, Adenilson S. Barroso, Rosa Helena Veras Mourão
Year: 2024

5. Seasonal Variation in Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Aniba canelilla
Authors: Ellen de Nazaré S. da Cruz, Luana de Sousa P. Barros, Bruna de Araújo Guimarães, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, José Guilherme S. Maia, William N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly da Silva, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo
Year: 2023

6. Distribution of Carapa Guianensis Associated to Topoclimatic Variables Indicating Potential Clusters for Cultivation in the State of Pará
Authors: Denison Lima Correa, Lucieta G. Martorano, Leila Sheila S. Lisboa, Carlos T. dos S. Dias, Alberdan S. Santos, Rosa Helena V. Mourão
Year: 2023

7. Seasonal Influence on Volatile Composition of Psidium friedrichsthalianum Leaves, Sampled in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Paulo V. L. Santos, Ellen de N. S. da Cruz, Jennifer de A. Nunes, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Walnice M. O. do Nascimento, José Guilherme S. Maia, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo
Year: 2023

8. Seasonal Variability of a Caryophyllane Chemotype Essential Oil of Eugenia patrisii Vahl Occurring in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Ellen de N. S. da Cruz, Luana de S. Peixoto, Jamile S. da Costa, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Walnice M. O. do Nascimento, José Guilherme S. Maia, William N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly da Silva, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo
Year: 2022

9. Atividade antioxidante de extratos de Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu)
Authors: Carlena Sinara M. da Silva, Rosa Helena Veras Mourão
Year: 2022

10. Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (Myrtales: Myrtaceae): análise dos produtos elaborados a partir do seu fruto
Authors: Carlena Sinara M. da Silva, Rosa Helena Veras
Year: 2021

🧾 Conclusion

Prof. Rosa Helena Veras Mourão exemplifies a modern scientist whose work harmonizes rigorous biochemical research with social and environmental impact. Her commitment to advancing science in the Amazon, empowering communities, and nurturing future scholars positions her as a transformative figure in Brazilian research. Her legacy is defined not only by academic excellence but also by her visionary efforts to blend innovation with inclusivity, ensuring that science serves both nature and society.

Rui-Juan Lv | Epilepsy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rui-Juan Lv | Epilepsy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rui-Juan Lv, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.

Dr. Lv Rui-Juan is a distinguished neurologist and researcher whose academic foundation was built at Zhengzhou University and Peking Union Medical College. Over the past decade, she has advanced through several professional roles at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, ultimately becoming Chief Physician and Associate Professor. Her research is primarily centered on epilepsy, especially temporal lobe epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis, with a focus on advanced diagnostic techniques like FDG-PET imaging. Dr. Lv has led over 10 significant research projects and published more than 20 SCI-indexed papers, making substantial contributions to clinical neuroscience in China and beyond.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Lv Rui-Juan began her academic journey in clinical medicine at Zhengzhou University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree between 2000 and 2005. With a solid foundation in medicine, she further pursued a Master’s degree in Neurology from the same university (2005–2007). Her thirst for deeper neurological knowledge led her to Peking Union Medical College, one of China’s top medical institutions, where she completed her Doctorate in Neurology between 2007 and 2010. These academic milestones established a strong groundwork for her future in both clinical practice and neuroscience research.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lv Rui-Juan’s professional path is deeply rooted in one of China’s most prestigious neurology centers—Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Since 2010, she has steadily advanced from Physician to Attending Physician, then to Deputy Chief Physician, and finally, as of December 2022, to Chief Physician. Her parallel appointment as Associate Professor since 2021 highlights her dual commitment to patient care and academic instruction. A notable period in her career includes a clinical research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic (2014–2015), which broadened her international clinical exposure and enriched her perspective in neurology.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lv’s work primarily revolves around epilepsy, with a particular focus on temporal lobe epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis. Her expertise in the clinical and basic sciences has allowed her to lead over ten funded research projects, including prestigious grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation. Her current project investigates the application of semi-quantitative FDG-PET imaging in the early diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis—a promising step toward improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes in neurology.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Although no individual awards or titles were explicitly listed, Dr. Lv’s rapid rise to Chief Physician and her role as Associate Professor speak volumes about her standing in the medical and academic community. Her contributions are well-acknowledged through over 20 SCI-indexed publications, many of which she authored or co-authored as the first or corresponding author. Her scholarly contributions to CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics reinforce her recognition in the global neuroscience community.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Lv Rui-Juan’s research contributes significantly to the clinical translation of neuroscience, helping shape the way autoimmune neurological disorders are diagnosed and treated. Her collaborative approach and long-standing affiliation with Capital Medical University’s Department of Neurology position her as a key influencer in the field. Through her clinical, academic, and research roles, she has mentored peers, contributed to institutional growth, and driven forward China’s role in global neurology advancements.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong academic lineage, international clinical training, and significant research output, Dr. Lv Rui-Juan is well-positioned to influence the next generation of neurologists. Her commitment to combining imaging, clinical research, and patient care sets a high standard. As autoimmune and epilepsy-related disorders become more prevalent, her work on early diagnostic tools and personalized treatment strategies will likely leave a lasting legacy in neurological sciences.

🧬 Neuroscience and Innovation

At the heart of Dr. Lv’s contributions lies a commitment to neurological innovation, particularly within the domain of functional brain disorders and imaging-based diagnosis. Her ability to bridge basic science with clinical neurology through technologies like FDG-PET illustrates a forward-thinking approach. Her sustained research in autoimmune mechanisms and epilepsy pathology stands as a beacon of innovation in translational neuroscience and may pave the way for biomarker-based diagnostics in neurology.

Publication

  • Title: Recognition of seizure semiology and semiquantitative FDG‐PET analysis of anti‐LGI1 encephalitis
    Authors: Tao‐Ran Li, Yu‐Di Zhang, Qun Wang, Xiao‐Qiu Shao, Rui‐Juan Lv
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: Intravenous methylprednisolone or immunoglobulin for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody autoimmune encephalitis: which is better?
    Authors: Tao-Ran Li, Yu-Di Zhang, Qun Wang, Xiao-Qiu Shao, Zhi-Mei Li, Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Clinical and genetic characteristics of type I sialidosis patients in mainland China
    Authors: Rui‐Juan Lv, Tao‐Ran Li, Yu‐Di Zhang, Xiao‐Qiu Shao, Qun Wang, Li‐Ri Jin
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Correlation between tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA and microRNA-155 expression in rat models and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
    Authors: Tao-Ran Li, Yan-Jie Jia, Qun Wang, Xiao-Qiu Shao, Ping Zhang, Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: The role of the microRNA-146a/complement factor H/interleukin-1β-mediated inflammatory loop circuit in the perpetuate inflammation of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy
    Authors: Tao-Ran Li, Yan-Jie Jia, Chao Ma, Wen-Ying Qiu, Qun Wang, Xiao-Qiu Shao, Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: Circular RNA: a new star in neurological diseases
    Author: Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2017

 

  • Title: Status epilepticus-related etiology, incidence and mortality: A meta-analysis
    Author: Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2017

 

  • Title: Significance of MDR1 gene C3435T polymorphism in predicting childhood refractory epilepsy
    Author: Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2017

 

  • Title: Temporal lobe epilepsy with amygdala enlargement: a subtype of temporal lobe epilepsy
    Author: Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2014

 

  • Title: Somatosensory reflex seizures in a patient with hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis
    Author: Rui-Juan Lv
    Year: 2014

 

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Lv Rui-Juan’s career reflects a well-rounded blend of clinical excellence, academic rigor, and impactful research. Her dedication to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological disorders, such as autoimmune encephalitis and epilepsy, highlights her as a key contributor in the field of neuroscience. Her growing influence, both nationally and internationally, positions her as an ideal candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award, with a promising future that will likely bring further advancements in neurological science and patient care.