Calixto Machado | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Dr. Calixto Machado | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Calixto Machado | Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery | Cuba

Calixto Machado is a Full Professor and Senior Researcher in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana, Cuba, and a Corresponding Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. He completed his medical degree, followed by specialist training in neurology and clinical neurophysiology, and then earned his PhD. Over four decades he has led pioneering research on disorders of consciousness, brain death, stroke, autism, autonomic nervous system disorders and the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. He has published nearly 700 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and authored seven books; his work is recognised internationally through numerous symposia and awards. His Google Scholar profile lists an h-index of 37, and over 24 000 citations across his published documents.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Machado, C. (2025, September 9). Jahi McMath case: A comprehensive and updated narrative. World Journal of Critical Care Medicine, 14(3), 107513.

Machado, C. (2022). The Jahi McMath case: First detailed study of her brain. Neurology India, 70(5), 22–35.

Giacino, J. T., Ashwal, S., Childs, N., Cranford, R., Jennett, B., Katz, D. I., Kelly, J. P., & others. (2002). The minimally conscious state: Definition and diagnostic criteria. Neurology, 58(3), 349–353.

Sloan, M. A., Alexandrov, A. V., Tegeler, C. H., Spencer, M. P., Caplan, L. R., & others. (2004). Assessment: Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 62(9), 1468–1481.

Machado, C. (2002). Brain death worldwide: Accepted fact but no global consensus in diagnostic criteria. Neurology.

Machado, C. (2007). Cerebral response to patient’s own name in the vegetative and minimally conscious states. Neurology, 69(7), 708.

Machado, C., Korein, J., Ferrer, Y., Portela, L., & others. (2007). The concept of brain death did not evolve to benefit organ transplants. Journal of Medical Ethics, 33, 197–200.

Machado, C. (2007). The concept of brain death did not evolve to benefit organ transplants. In C. Machado (Ed.), Brain death: A reappraisal (pp. 1–20). Springer.

Machado, C. (2007). Brain death: A reappraisal. Springer Science & Business Media.

Machado, C. (2007). The first organ transplant from a brain-dead donor. In C. Machado (Ed.), Brain death: A reappraisal (pp. 1–20). Springer.

Machado, C. (2010). Diagnosis of brain death. Neurology International, 2(1), e2.

Graf, W. D., Miller, G., Epstein, L. G., & Rapin, I. (2017). The autism “epidemic”: Ethical, legal, and social issues in a developmental spectrum disorder. Neurology, 88(14), 1371–1380.

Machado, C., Korein, J., Aubert, E., Bosch, J., Alvarez, M. A., Rodríguez, R., & others. (2007). Recognizing a mother’s voice in the persistent vegetative state. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 38(3), 124–126.

Lewis, A., Bernat, J. L., Blosser, S., Bonnie, R. J., Epstein, L. G., Hutchins, J., & others. (2018). An interdisciplinary response to contemporary concerns about brain death determination. Neurology, 90(9), 423–426.*

Kaviya Chinnappa | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Kaviya Chinnappa | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kaviya Chinnappa | Institute of Fer a Moulin (NeuroSU), Paris | France

Dr. Kaviya Chinnappa is a neuroscientist whose research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cerebral cortex development, cortical progenitor dynamics, and neurodevelopmental disorders. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH) in Alicante, Spain, and currently serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institut du Fer à Moulin (Inserm), Paris, where she investigates the role of ceramide synthase in neocortex formation and its association with cortical malformations such as heterotopia. Her work integrates advanced genetic, molecular, and imaging approaches to uncover regulatory pathways controlling neuronal proliferation, polarity, and differentiation. Dr. Chinnappa has contributed to several high-impact publications in journals including Nature, Science Advances, Journal of Cell Biology, Cells, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, BioEssays, Cerebellum, and Journal of Neurochemistry. Her studies have provided key insights into the roles of miRNAs, centrosomal proteins, and sphingolipid metabolism in brain development. She has received multiple distinctions, including the Extraordinary PhD Thesis Award and the Valérie Chamaillard Fellowship. With an h-index of 5, 4 i10-index publications, and 164 citations across 156 documents, Dr. Chinnappa continues to advance translational neuroscience through her innovative research on cortical development and neurogenetic disorders.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Camargo Ortega, G., Falk, S., Johansson, P. A., Peyre, E., Broix, L., Sahu, S. K., … (2019). The centrosome protein AKNA regulates neurogenesis via microtubule organization. Nature, 567(7746), 113–117.

Zaidi, D., Chinnappa, K., & Francis, F. (2022). Primary cilia influence progenitor function during cortical development. Cells, 11(18), 2895.

Chinnappa, K., Cárdenas, A., Prieto-Colomina, A., Villalba, A., … (2022). Secondary loss of miR-3607 reduced cortical progenitor amplification during rodent evolution. Science Advances, 8(2), eabj4010.

Prieto-Colomina, A., Fernández, V., Chinnappa, K., & Borrell, V. (2021). MiRNAs in early brain development and pediatric cancer: At the intersection between healthy and diseased embryonic development. BioEssays, 43(7), 2100073.

Chatterjee, A., Chinnappa, K., Ramanan, N., & Mani, S. (2018). Centrosome inheritance does not regulate cell fate in granule neuron progenitors of the developing cerebellum. The Cerebellum, 17(5), 685–691.

Zaidi, D., Chinnappa, K., Yigit, B. N., Viola, V., Cifuentes-Diaz, C., Jabali, A., … (2024). Forebrain Eml1 depletion reveals early centrosomal dysfunction causing subcortical heterotopia. Journal of Cell Biology, 223(12), e202310157.

Chinnappa, K., Márquez-Galera, Á., Prieto-Colomina, A., Nomura, Y., … (2019). MIR3607 regulates cerebral cortex development via activation of Wnt/βCat signaling. bioRxiv, 729939.

Chinnappa, K., Ballorin, F., & Francis, F. (2025). Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: Sphingolipids and ceramides in brain development. Journal of Neurochemistry, 169(10), e70262.

Eleonora Bieber | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Eleonora Bieber | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eleonora Bieber | IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris | Italy

Dr. Eleonora Bieber is a highly experienced neurodevelopmental disorder therapist and biomedical scientist based in Livorno, Italy, with over 15 years of expertise in pediatric neurorehabilitation, higher education, and clinical research. Her professional work integrates clinical practice with academic innovation, focusing on motor learning and imitation processes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCD). At the IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation in Pisa, she has played a key role in conducting clinical evaluations, designing individualized rehabilitation programs, and leading research initiatives that bridge clinical and academic environments. Her involvement in cutting-edge projects, such as INNOVATivE Technologies in Neurorehabilitation and the Artificial Intelligence and Cerebral Palsy (AINCP) project, underscores her commitment to technological innovation in neurorehabilitation. With strong skills in research design, SPSS-based data analysis, and interdisciplinary coordination, Dr. Bieber continues to contribute significantly to advancing evidence-based practices in neurodevelopmental therapy. Her scholarly impact includes 5 publications, 78 citations, and an h-index of 4, reflecting her influence in the field of neurodevelopmental research and her dedication to improving therapeutic outcomes for children through collaborative, technology-enhanced approaches.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Martini, G., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2023). Insights on action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and typically developing children. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 136, 104556.

Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Di Gregorio, F., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2021). A new protocol for assessing action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A feasibility and reliability study. Human Movement Science, 78, 102717.

Buchignani, B., Beani, E., Pomeroy, V., Iacono, O., Sicola, E., Perazza, S., Bieber, E., Feys, H., Klingels, K., & Cioni, G. (2019). Action observation training for rehabilitation in brain injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurology, 19, 186.

Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Cioni, G., Feys, H., Guzzetta, A., & Klingels, K. (2016). Manual function outcome measures in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): Systematic review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 55, 53–63.

Jane Paulsen | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Dr. Jane Paulsen | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jane Paulsen | University of Wisconsin Madison | United States

Dr. Jane S. Paulsen, Ph.D., is a Professor of Neurology and Vice Chair for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she also contributes to the Department of Neurosciences Graduate Program. Her expertise lies in cognitive, psychiatric, and imaging correlates of neuropsychiatric disorders, with a strong focus on the early detection of brain diseases and the development of innovative methods for clinical trials. She has significantly advanced the understanding of genetic discrimination and the discovery and validation of biological and clinical markers of brain disease, incorporating neuroimaging and omics-based outcomes into her research. Dr. Paulsen completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Iowa, followed by postdoctoral training in Neuropsychology at the University of California, San Diego, where she worked on Alzheimer’s and geriatric psychiatry research. Over her career, she has held key positions including Director of the Huntington’s Disease Clinical Research Program at UCSD and has contributed extensively to advancing neuropsychological research and clinical applications. Her scholarly impact includes 4 published documents, 78 citations from 77 documents, and an h-index of 3, reflecting her influence in the fields of neurology, neuropsychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Reserach Gate | linked In

Featured Publications

Sachdev, P. S., Blacker, D., Blazer, D. G., Ganguli, M., Jeste, D. V., Paulsen, J. S., & Petersen, R. C. (2014). Classifying neurocognitive disorders: The DSM-5 approach. Nature Reviews Neurology, 10(11), 634–642.

Ross, C. A., Aylward, E. H., Wild, E. J., Langbehn, D. R., Long, J. D., Warner, J. H., & Paulsen, J. S. (2014). Huntington disease: Natural history, biomarkers and prospects for therapeutics. Nature Reviews Neurology, 10(4), 204–216.

Paulsen, J. S., Langbehn, D. R., Stout, J. C., Aylward, E., Ross, C. A., Nance, M., & Shoulson, I. (2008). Detection of Huntington’s disease decades before diagnosis: The Predict-HD study. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 79(8), 874–880.

Langbehn, D. R., Brinkman, R. R., Falush, D., Paulsen, J. S., Hayden, M. R., & International Huntington’s Disease Collaborative Group. (2004). A new model for prediction of the age of onset and penetrance for Huntington’s disease based on CAG length. Clinical Genetics, 65(4), 267–277.

Levy, M. L., Cummings, J. L., Fairbanks, L. A., Masterman, D., Miller, B. L., Craig, A. H., & Paulsen, J. S. (1998). Apathy is not depression. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 10(3), 314–319.

Sachdev, P., Kalaria, R., O’Brien, J., Skoog, I., Alladi, S., Black, S. E., Blacker, D., & Paulsen, J. S. (2014). Diagnostic criteria for vascular cognitive disorders: A VASCOG statement. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 28(3), 206–218.

Palmer, B. W., Heaton, R. K., Paulsen, J. S., Kuck, J., Braff, D., Harris, M. J., & Zisook, S. (1997). Is it possible to be schizophrenic yet neuropsychologically normal? Neuropsychology, 11(3), 437–446.

Plis, S. M., Hjelm, D. R., Salakhutdinov, R., Allen, E. A., Bockholt, H. J., Long, J. D., & Calhoun, V. D. (2014). Deep learning for neuroimaging: A validation study. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 8, 229.

Mohamed, S., Paulsen, J. S., O’Leary, D., Arndt, S., & Andreasen, N. (1999). Generalized cognitive deficits in schizophrenia: A study of first-episode patients. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56(8), 749–754.

Paulsen, J. S., Ready, R. E., Hamilton, J. M., Mega, M. S., & Cummings, J. L. (2001). Neuropsychiatric aspects of Huntington’s disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 71(3), 310–314.

Li-Ru Zhao | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Dr. Li-Ru Zhao | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. LR Zhao is a distinguished neuroscientist and professor at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, with appointments in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience & Physiology. He received his M.D. from Hebei Medical College and completed his Ph.D. at Lund University, focusing on neural stem cells, brain plasticity, and neurobiology. His postdoctoral work at the University of Minnesota explored the role of bone marrow stem cells in brain repair. Dr. Zhao’s research career spans multiple institutions, including Northwestern University and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, where he progressed from Research Assistant Professor to Associate Professor. His work primarily investigates mechanisms underlying brain repair and regeneration, with emphasis on traumatic brain injury, enriched environment interventions, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and CADASIL. He has successfully secured multiple NIH-funded grants, including R01 and R56 awards, totaling several million dollars, and has mentored numerous medical students through summer and research fellowship programs. Dr. Zhao has published 66 peer-reviewed documents, which have been cited 3,238 times by 2,814 documents, yielding an h-index of 27. His contributions have advanced understanding of hematopoietic growth factors in neurorepair, SCF+G-CSF-mediated recovery in chronic TBI, and the cellular mechanisms regulating neurodegeneration and regeneration, establishing him as a leader in translational neuroscience research.

Profiles: Scopus | Linked In

Featured Publications

  • Author(s). (2024). Research guideline recommendations for research on stem cells, human embryos, and gene editing.

  • Author(s). (2024). Hematopoietic growth factors regulate the entry of monocytes into the adult brain via chemokine receptor CCR5. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

  • Author(s). (2024). Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals immunomodulatory effects of stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment in the brains of aged APP/PS1 mice. Biomolecules.

  • Author(s). (2023). Stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor promote remyelination in the chronic phase of severe traumatic brain injury. Cells.

  • Author(s). (2021). SCF + G-CSF treatment in the chronic phase of severe TBI enhances axonal sprouting in the spinal cord and synaptic pruning in the hippocampus. Acta Neuropathologica Communications.

Sofia Gandolfi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Ms. Sofia Gandolfi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sofia Gandolfi | Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta | Italy

Ms. Sofia Gandolfi is an Italian Speech and Language Therapist specializing in the assessment and management of swallowing disorders, particularly in children with neurogenic and neuromuscular conditions such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She has gained extensive clinical experience at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta in Milan, where she performs swallowing screenings, clinical evaluations, and develops individualized rehabilitation plans involving therapy, compensatory strategies, and dietary recommendations in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that include neurologists, ENT specialists, gastroenterologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists. Her work emphasizes evidence-based interventions to enhance swallowing safety, efficiency, and quality of life for patients. Sofia also has experience in assessing and treating children and adults with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, both in outpatient settings and home-based care. Beyond clinical practice, she has contributed to research on swallowing physiology, intervention efficacy, and quality improvement initiatives in dysphagia services. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Speech and Language Studies with a specialization in Dysphagia from Trinity College Dublin. Her academic contributions are reflected in 1 published document, 1 citation, and an h-index of 1, demonstrating her emerging engagement in research and her commitment to advancing clinical practices in speech and swallowing therapy.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured Publications

Mozzanica, F., Pizzorni, N., Gitto, M., Dosi, C., Mandelli, A., Gandolfi, S., & others. (2024). Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1: Feasibility, swallowing safety and efficacy, and dysphagia phenotype. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 281(12), 6523–6532.

Gandolfi, S., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Arnoldi, M. T., Zanin, R., Biagi, S., Rinaldi, L., & others. (2025). Exploring the trajectory of swallowing within psychomotor development in spinal muscular atrophy: Moving toward integrated care. Audiology Research.

Masson, R., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Scopelliti, M., Arnoldi, M., Zanin, R., & others. (2025). 519P The challenge of swallowing assessment in SMA1: Dysphagia clinical features and available assessment tools. Neuromuscular Disorders, 53, 105608.

Edris Hoseinzadeh | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Edris Hoseinzadeh | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edris Hoseinzadeh | Saveh University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Edris Hoseinzadeh is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health Engineering at Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Iran. He is a highly accomplished environmental health engineer recognized for his innovative research on sustainable solutions for water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and waste valorization. His scientific expertise spans advanced oxidation processes, electrochemical systems, nanotechnology applications, and the integration of artificial intelligence in smart remediation technologies. Dr. Hoseinzadeh has authored over 90 research papers, holds multiple patents, and has achieved an h-index of 18 with more than 2,500 citations, reflecting his significant impact in the field. His work addresses critical global challenges such as emerging contaminants, pharmaceutical pollutants, microplastics, and antibiotic-resistant genes, with a focus on resource recovery and circular economy principles. As Head of the Department of Environmental Health Engineering at Saveh University, he has also demonstrated strong leadership and academic mentorship, guiding over 15 graduate theses and serving as Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the HOZAN Journal of Environmental Sciences. Dr. Hoseinzadeh’s research combines scientific rigor with practical innovation, contributing to the advancement of environmental sustainability and public health protection.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured Publications

(2025). Factors influencing source separation intention for improving waste management in educational places: A case study for a university campus. International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering.

 (2024). Microplastics contamination in popular soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Iran: Quantity and characteristics. Results in Engineering.

 (2024). Soil pollution indices and health risk assessment of metal(loid)s in the agricultural soil of pistachio orchards. Scientific Reports.

 (2024). Treatment of real carwash wastewater using high-efficiency and energy-saving electrocoagulation technique. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy.

(2024). Water recovery and treatment of spent filter backwash from drinking water using chemical reactor–ultrafiltration process. Journal of Water Process Engineering.

(2024). Utilization of local corn (Zea mays) wastes for bioethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.

Nasar Ata | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Mr. Nasar Ata | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. S. M. Nasar Ata is a researcher in the Department of Neurology at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, USA, specializing in artificial intelligence applications in neuroscience. His work focuses on developing machine learning and soft computing–based algorithms such as CNN, ANN, SVM, and MLR for detecting and predicting brain-based disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis. He integrates metabolomics and imaging clinical data to identify biomarkers and construct predictive models for neurological and metabolic diseases. Dr. Ata collaborates with research centers such as JNMC and IBRC AMU on brain tumor prediction from MRI data and with RCDR AMU on diabetes-related model development. His research contributions include several submitted papers on metabolite prediction, deep learning in brain tumor detection, and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and cancer. He has also authored the textbook Basics of Bio-Sciences and actively participates in scientific discussions and editorial work. With 3 published documents, 7 citations, and an h-index of 2, Dr. Ata’s growing research profile reflects his commitment to advancing data-driven neurological diagnostics through AI and biostatistical innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | Research Gate

Featured Publication

Corrigendum to “Artificial neural network-based prediction of multiple sclerosis using blood-based metabolomics data” [Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 92, 105942 (2024)]. (2024). Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 95, 106321.

Karen Kikuta | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Ms. Karen Kikuta | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Karen Kikuta | UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine | United States

Ms. Karen Kikuta is an accomplished MD Candidate at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine with expertise in neuroscience, immunology, and global health research. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience with minors in Public Health and Biology from Santa Clara University and conducted advanced immunological studies at Stanford University’s Binns Program for Cord Blood Research, investigating immune cell subsets using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Her work has resulted in publications in high-impact journals, including Frontiers in Immunology and the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Karen has contributed to seven major research projects spanning neurodevelopment, infectious disease, and translational medicine, notably pioneering studies on antenatal Zika virus exposure and its long-term neurobehavioral and cardiac outcomes in children. Her research portfolio includes 2 published documents, 45 citations, and an h-index of 2. She has presented findings at national and international conferences, reflecting her dedication to bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application. As a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association, Karen is committed to integrating scientific innovation with compassionate care to advance understanding and treatment of neuroinfectious and developmental disorders.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured publication

Kikuta, K., Hernandez, C. J., Dunshee de Abranches, A., Damasceno, L., de Britto, J. A., Jardim Duarte, C., Vasconcelos, Z., Zin, A., Brasil, P., Moreira, M. E., & Nielsen-Saines, K. (2025). Academic and social-behavioral assessment in a prospective cohort of normocephalic school-aged children with antenatal Zika virus exposure. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 159, Article 108026.

Wilfred Angie Abia | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Wilfred Angie Abia | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wilfred Angie Abia |  University of Yaounde 1 | Cameroon

Wilfred Angie Abia is an accomplished biochemist and food safety toxicologist whose career bridges Africa and Europe through impactful teaching, research, and international collaborations. His academic foundation in medical biochemistry, nutrition, and toxicology has evolved into a distinguished career specializing in food contaminants, mycotoxin biomonitoring, fraud detection, and risk assessment. He has held influential postdoctoral and leadership positions in projects addressing agri-food safety and consumer health protection. His contributions span mycotoxicology, food fraud prevention, One Health research, and climate-related food safety challenges. Beyond research, he plays an important role as a senior lecturer and mentor, advancing both academic excellence and professional training in food safety.

Profile

Google Scholar
Orcid
Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Wilfred Angie Abia began his academic journey with a strong foundation in biochemistry, focusing on medical laboratory technology, nutritional sciences, and food safety. His doctoral studies at the University of Yaoundé I provided him with advanced expertise in food contaminants, safety, and biomonitoring of multimycotoxin exposures. His early academic years were marked by interdisciplinary training that connected biochemistry, nutrition, toxicology, and public health, setting the stage for his specialized career in agri-food safety and toxicology.

Professional Endeavors

His professional career spans teaching, research, and project management across multiple institutions and international collaborations. He has held postdoctoral fellowships and senior research positions in Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom, where he advanced projects on food safety, toxicology, and fraud detection. His work at Queen’s University Belfast included leadership roles in large-scale European initiatives, where he served as both a researcher and project manager. As a Senior Lecturer of Biochemistry and Food Safety/Toxicology at the University of Yaoundé I, he combines teaching, mentorship, and research with program coordination responsibilities, shaping the next generation of food safety professionals.

Contributions and Research Focus

Abia’s research focuses on food contaminants, safety, and human health with a special emphasis on mycotoxicology. He has pioneered studies in exposure assessment, biomarker development, and human biomonitoring, particularly in vulnerable populations. His work extends to food integrity, authenticity, fraud detection, and traceability, ensuring consumer health protection. He has contributed significantly to toxicological risk assessments of chemicals in food, drugs, and the environment, while also addressing broader themes such as climate change, food security, and the One Health approach. His unique contributions include research into the neurotoxicology of mycotoxins, highlighting the intersection of food safety and neuroscience.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Abia has been recognized through prestigious international research fellowships and visiting scholar positions in leading research centers across Europe and Africa. His involvement in high-impact projects such as MycoMarker and FoodSafer underscores his leadership in global food safety initiatives. His achievements are further strengthened by professional certifications, including specialized training in food fraud prevention, which demonstrate his commitment to continuous professional growth and excellence in his field.

Impact and Influence

His work has had a profound impact on advancing food safety research, shaping policies, and protecting public health. By bridging biochemistry with toxicology, agri-food safety, and environmental sciences, he has influenced how food contaminants and fraud are detected and managed. His role as a lecturer and mentor ensures that his expertise is transmitted to students and young researchers who will continue to advance the field. His contributions also extend to policy and science diplomacy, where he actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable solutions in food and health security.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Abia’s legacy lies in his dedication to safeguarding food systems, advancing toxicological research, and promoting interdisciplinary approaches that connect human, animal, and environmental health. His work in mycotoxin biomonitoring and neurotoxicology offers critical insights into the hidden health risks of food contamination. Looking ahead, his future contributions are likely to expand in areas of food fraud prevention, climate-smart agriculture, and One Health frameworks, ensuring resilient food systems for global populations. His combination of research excellence, teaching, and science diplomacy positions him as a thought leader in shaping the future of food safety and toxicology.

Publications

  • Title: Determination of multi-mycotoxin occurrence in cereals, nuts and their products in Cameroon by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
    Authors: WA Abia, B Warth, M Sulyok, R Krska, AN Tchana, PB Njobeh, MF Dutton, …
    Year: 2013

  • Title: Mycotoxin exposure in rural residents in northern Nigeria: A pilot study using multi-urinary biomarkers
    Authors: CN Ezekiel, B Warth, IM Ogara, WA Abia, VC Ezekiel, J Atehnkeng, …
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Development and validation of a rapid multi‐biomarker liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method to assess human exposure to mycotoxins
    Authors: B Warth, M Sulyok, P Fruhmann, H Mikula, F Berthiller, R Schuhmacher, …
    Year: 2012

  • Title: Bio-monitoring of mycotoxin exposure in Cameroon using a urinary multi-biomarker approach
    Authors: WA Abia, B Warth, M Sulyok, R Krska, A Tchana, PB Njobeh, PC Turner, …
    Year: 2013

  • Title: Ultra-sensitive, stable isotope assisted quantification of multiple urinary mycotoxin exposure biomarkers
    Authors: B Šarkanj, CN Ezekiel, PC Turner, WA Abia, M Rychlik, R Krska, M Sulyok, …
    Year: 2018

  • Title: Low doses of mycotoxin mixtures below EU regulatory limits can negatively affect the performance of broiler chickens: A longitudinal study
    Authors: O Kolawole, A Graham, C Donaldson, B Owens, WA Abia, J Meneely, …
    Year: 2020

  • Title: Urinary analysis reveals high deoxynivalenol exposure in pregnant women from Croatia
    Authors: B Šarkanj, B Warth, S Uhlig, WA Abia, M Sulyok, T Klapec, R Krska, …
    Year: 2013

Conclusion

Wilfred Angie Abia’s work exemplifies a rare integration of scientific expertise, international leadership, and educational impact. His contributions to food safety, toxicology, and agri-food research not only safeguard public health but also strengthen global food systems. With his continued focus on innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and capacity building, he stands as a key figure in shaping the future of food safety science and policy worldwide.