Rosario Osta | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof.Dr. Rosario Osta | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Rosario Osta, CIBERNED-Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza,  Spain.

Prof. Rosario Osta Pinzolas is a distinguished geneticist and full professor at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Her academic roots in veterinary sciences and a Ph.D. in Genetics laid the foundation for a prolific career in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and genetic disorders. With leadership roles in multiple high-profile research consortia such as CIBERNED, TRICALS, and ENCALS, she has established herself as a central figure in neurodegenerative disease research. Her scholarly output includes over 100 indexed publications, multiple national and international research projects, and an h-index exceeding 45.

Profile

Orcid 

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Rosario Osta Pinzolas began her academic journey with a solid foundation in veterinary sciences, graduating as Licenciada en Veterinaria from the University of Zaragoza in 1989. Her academic inclinations quickly shifted toward molecular genetics, leading her to complete a Ph.D. in Genetics at the same university in 1994. Her early studies were driven by a deep curiosity about the mechanisms of heredity and gene expression, setting the tone for a lifelong commitment to biomedical research. These formative years cultivated her scientific rigor and sowed the seeds for a career that would eventually bridge basic science and translational medicine.

🧬 Professional Endeavors in Genetics and Biomedicine

Prof. Osta currently holds the esteemed title of Catedrática (Full Professor) in the Department of Anatomy, Embryology, and Genetics at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza. Since 2018, she has led her department with a focus on integrative biomedical sciences. She is the principal investigator of the LAGENBIO group recognized by both the Aragon Health Research Institute and the Government of Aragon. Under her leadership, the group has developed two major subprograms: TERAGEN and REGENERAGEN. As coordinator of the “Neuroscience and Mental Health Program” at IISA, she has spearheaded numerous efforts to understand and address neurological diseases through genetic approaches.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus in Neuroscience

A prominent figure in neuroscience, Prof. Osta’s research lies at the intersection of genetics and neurodegeneration. She is currently the principal investigator of the only Aragon-based group within CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), reflecting her national influence. Her team represents Zaragoza in prominent European consortia such as TRICALS and ENCALS, both focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases. Through more than 100 indexed publications, predominantly in top-tier journals, her work delves into the molecular underpinnings of neurological disorders and explores regenerative medicine strategies, thereby contributing to innovative therapeutic avenues.

🧪 Accolades and Recognition in Scientific Excellence

Prof. Osta’s academic and research career has been punctuated by consistent recognition. She has completed five research productivity periods and one technology transfer period, acknowledged by CNEAI — a mark of sustained scientific impact. She has led over 74 research projects and contributed to more than 100 collaboration contracts, earning her four competitive research awards from respected institutions including CORIS, AREA, IIS, and SEBBM. Her contributions have been lauded not only for scientific quality but also for practical relevance in biomedical advancements.

🚀 Innovation and Impact in Translational Research

An ardent advocate for science with societal impact, Prof. Osta has significantly contributed to technology transfer. She holds nine patents, five of which have been licensed to industry partners. Her collaborations with companies have led to meaningful translational outputs, emphasizing her role in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions. As former Director of the Technology Transfer and Innovation Secretariat at the University of Zaragoza for nearly a decade, she played a crucial role in institutional innovation strategies. Her involvement in joint university-company chairs and her role in the UZ Technology-Based Business Creation Committee for over 12 years further underscore her influence on academic entrepreneurship.

📚 Mentorship and Educational Leadership

Beyond the lab, Prof. Osta has left a profound mark as an educator and mentor. Since 2013, she has coordinated the Interuniversity Doctoral Program in Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, a joint initiative between the Universities of Zaragoza and La Rioja. Her mentorship includes the supervision of 13 Ph.D. theses — 9 of which earned international distinction and 6 received extraordinary doctoral awards. Her influence extends to guiding numerous undergraduate and master’s theses, fostering a new generation of scientists with a deep commitment to research excellence and innovation.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Rosario Osta’s legacy is defined by her ability to integrate scientific discovery, mentorship, and innovation. As a member of the Scientific Committee of the Luzón Foundation, her vision reaches beyond academia into public health advocacy and strategic research planning. With nearly 19,000 citations on Google Scholar and an h-index of 45, her work continues to inspire and inform global research communities. Her continued leadership in collaborative European projects ensures her contributions will shape the future of neuroscience, genetics, and translational medicine for years to come.

Publication

Title: Novel FKBP prolyl isomerase 1A (FKBP12) ligand promotes functional improvement in SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice
Authors: L. Moreno-Martinez, N. Gaja-Capdevila, L. Mosqueira-Martín, R. Osta, F.J. Gil-Bea
Year: 2025

Title: Identifying Hub Genes and miRNAs Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Bioinformatics Pathway to Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: E. Gascón, A.C. Calvo, N. Molina, P. Zaragoza, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Comparative Blood Profiling Based on ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Differential Diagnosis of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—Pilot Study
Authors: K. Tkachenko, J.M. González Sáiz, A.C. Calvo, R. Osta, C. Pizarro Millán
Year: 2024

Title: Sex differences on constitutive long non-coding RNA expression: Modulatory effect of estradiol and testosterone in muscle cells
Authors: T. López-Royo, L. Moreno-Martinez, L. Moreno-García, R. Manzano, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Differentially expressed lncRNAs in SOD1 G93A mice skeletal muscle: H19, Myhas and Neat1 as potential biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: T. López-Royo, L. Moreno-Martinez, P. Zaragoza, R. Manzano, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Proteomic profiling of human plasma extracellular vesicles identifies PF4 and C1R as novel biomarker in sarcopenia
Authors: P. Aparicio, D. Navarrete-Villanueva, A. Gómez-Cabello, R. Osta, R. Manzano
Year: 2024

Title: Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome Analysis: A Comprehensive Examination of Differentially Expressed Genes
Authors: E. Gascón, P. Zaragoza, A.C. Calvo, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Intermediate Repeat Expansion in the ATXN2 Gene as a Risk Factor in the ALS and FTD Spanish Population
Authors: D. Borrego-Hernández, J.F. Vázquez-Costa, R. Domínguez Rubio, M. Povedano, A. García-Redondo
Year: 2024

Title: New Insights into Endogenous Retrovirus-K Transcripts in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: L. Moreno-Martinez, S. Macías-Redondo, M.H.P. Strunk, R. Osta, J. Schoorlemmer
Year: 2024

Title: Analysis of Plasma-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy
Authors: M. García-Gracia, L. Moreno-Martinez, A. Hernaiz, S. García-Belenguer, I. Martín-Burriel
Year: 2024

🏆 Conclusion

Based on her outstanding research contributions, innovation in translational science, mentorship record, and leadership within national and European research programs, Prof. Rosario Osta Pinzolas is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her profile reflects not only academic excellence but also societal impact and visionary leadership. While there is room for enhanced global outreach, her sustained achievements and contributions make her highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Burak Derkus | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Burak Derkus | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Burak Derkus, Ankara University, Turkey.

Prof. Burak Derkus has distinguished himself as a pioneering academic and researcher at Ankara University, Turkey, where he has played a vital role in shaping the future of biomedical engineering. His work spans across key disciplines such as biosensors, nanobiotechnology, and lab-on-a-chip technologies. By merging biology with cutting-edge engineering, he has developed innovative solutions aimed at improving diagnostic efficiency and accessibility. His career reflects a balance between scientific discovery, practical application, and educational leadership.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From the heart of Turkey, Prof. Burak Derkus began his journey into the world of science and discovery with an unwavering curiosity and dedication. His early academic path was marked by a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, which he cultivated during his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Prof. Derkus demonstrated exceptional aptitude in analytical thinking and laboratory precision, laying the groundwork for a promising academic future. His formative years were spent exploring the intersections of biology, materials science, and engineering, which later became the pillars of his specialized research focus.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Derkus established himself as a dynamic figure in academia through his ongoing association with Ankara University, one of Turkey’s leading research institutions. Here, he contributed not only as a scholar but also as a mentor, actively participating in the development of innovative curriculum modules and engaging students in high-impact research. His professional path is characterized by his interdisciplinary approach, blending principles of nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and microfabrication to tackle complex challenges in healthcare and diagnostics.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Renowned for his pioneering work in lab-on-a-chip systems, biosensors, and nanobiotechnology, Prof. Derkus has carved out a unique niche in biomedical microdevices. His research focuses on developing miniaturized platforms that can detect diseases with higher sensitivity, speed, and accuracy. By integrating biomaterials with microfluidic technologies, he aims to revolutionize early disease diagnosis and personalized medicine. His published works are rich with innovation, often bridging the gap between engineering and clinical applications.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Prof. Derkus has earned numerous accolades that reflect his scientific excellence and leadership. His publications in high-impact journals, along with international conference presentations, have positioned him as a thought leader in the biomedical engineering community. He has been invited to serve on editorial boards and scientific committees, further endorsing his reputation as a respected academic figure. These honors underscore his persistent efforts in advancing applied sciences and improving public health through technological innovation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Derkus’s influence extends beyond Turkey, resonating across international scientific circles. His research projects have fostered collaborations with institutions across Europe and Asia, facilitating knowledge exchange and cross-border innovation. By mentoring graduate students and young researchers, he continues to inspire a new generation of scientists. His contributions to the development of cost-effective, portable diagnostic tools hold immense potential for global health, particularly in under-resourced communities.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Derkus is not just a researcher but a visionary thinker. His legacy is being built upon the transformative technologies he develops, aimed at addressing the future needs of society. His ongoing work promises to enhance biomedical diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and point-of-care testing. Looking ahead, he is poised to lead larger interdisciplinary collaborations, potentially contributing to the design of smart diagnostic devices powered by artificial intelligence and integrated sensors.

Publication

  • Title: Supramolecular self-assembly to control structural and biological properties of multicomponent hydrogels
    Authors: BO Okesola, Y Wu, B Derkus, S Gani, D Wu, D Knani, DK Smith, …
    Year: 2019

 

  • Title: Fabrication of human hair keratin/jellyfish collagen/eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite osteoinductive biocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: From waste to …
    Authors: YE Arslan, TS Arslan, B Derkus, E Emregul, KC Emregul
    Year: 2017

 

  • Title: Applying the miniaturization technologies for biosensor design
    Authors: B Derkus
    Year: 2016

 

  • Title: Myelin basic protein immunosensor for multiple sclerosis detection based upon label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
    Authors: B Derkus, E Emregul, C Yucesan, KC Emregul
    Year: 2013

 

  • Title: Simultaneous quantification of Myelin Basic Protein and Tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of Multiple Sclerosis patients using nanoimmunosensor
    Authors: B Derkus, PA Bozkurt, M Tulu, KC Emregul, C Yucesan, E Emregul
    Year: 2017

 

  • Title: Growth‐Factor Free Multicomponent Nanocomposite Hydrogels That Stimulate Bone Formation
    Authors: B Okesola, S Ni, B Derkus, C Galeano, A Hasan, Y Wu, J Ramis, L Buttery, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Untargeted multi-omic analysis of colorectal cancer-specific exosomes reveals joint pathways of colorectal cancer in both clinical samples and cell culture
    Authors: CC Eylem, M Yilmaz, B Derkus, E Nemutlu, CB Camci, E Yilmaz, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Multicomponent hydrogels for the formation of vascularized bone-like constructs in vitro
    Authors: B Derkus, BO Okesola, DW Barrett, M D’Este, TT Chowdhury, D Eglin, …
    Year: 2020

 

 

🧭 Conclusion

Prof. Derkus’s journey is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and its potential to drive meaningful change in global healthcare. His contributions have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also inspired collaborative innovation on an international scale. With a forward-looking mindset and a deep commitment to societal benefit, he continues to influence the field through research, mentorship, and visionary thinking. As science and medicine evolve, Prof. Burak Derkus remains a guiding force, building a legacy rooted in healing, discovery, and human impact.