Noreen Kamal | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noreen Kamal | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noreen Kamal | Dalhousie University | Canada

Dr. Noreen Kamal, Ph.D., P.Eng., is an Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University, Canada, with cross-appointments in the Departments of Community Health and Epidemiology and Medicine (Neurology). Her research lies at the intersection of health systems engineering and clinical neuroscience, focusing on the optimization of stroke care systems, development of data-driven quality improvement frameworks, and evaluation of biomedical devices for stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Kamal has played a pivotal role in advancing integrated approaches to enhance the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of acute stroke services across Canada. Prior to joining Dalhousie University, she held academic and leadership positions at the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia, contributing extensively to clinical research and health technology innovation. Her work bridges engineering, medicine, and health policy, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered outcomes. With 107 scientific publications, 8,033 citations, and an h-index of 22, Dr. Kamal has established herself as a recognized scholar in healthcare systems improvement and translational neuroscience. Her scholarly and professional contributions continue to drive evidence-based innovation in stroke systems of care, supporting better clinical outcomes and sustainable health service delivery.

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

Featured Publications

Author(s). (2025). Exploring differences in stroke treatment between urban and rural hospitals: A thematic analysis of practices in Canada. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences.

Author(s). (2025). Designing a patient outcome clinical assessment tool for modified Rankin Scale: “You feel the same way too”. Informatics.

Author(s). (2025). Predicting ischemic stroke patients to transfer for endovascular thrombectomy using machine learning: A case study. Healthcare (Switzerland).

Author(s). (2025). Incident prescriptions for common cardiovascular medications: Comparison of recent versus pre-2020 medication adherence and discontinuation in three universal health care systems. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders.

Author(s). (2025). Rising out-of-hospital mortality in Canada during 2020–2022: A striking impact observed among young adults. Canadian Journal of Public Health.

Author(s). (2025). Discrete event simulation model of an acute stroke treatment process at a comprehensive stroke center: Determining the ideal improvement strategies for reducing treatment times. Journal of the Neurological Sciences.

Author(s). (2025). Validation of the Passive Surveillance Stroke Severity Score in three Canadian provinces. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences.

Author(s). (2025). A stochastic optimization model for designing disaster relief networks with congestion, disruption and distributional ambiguity. Infor.

Author(s). (2025). Improving access and efficiency of acute ischemic stroke treatment across four Canadian provinces: A stepped-wedge trial. Frontiers in Neurology.

Author(s). (2025). The acute stroke system of treatment across Canada: Findings from a national stroke centre survey. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences.

Shumao Xu | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shumao Xu | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Shumao Xu, Fudan University, China.

Shumao Xu’s career embodies a fusion of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurotechnology, leading to remarkable advancements in neural interfaces and brain-computer interaction. His extensive research, industry collaborations, and prestigious funding awards highlight his influence in the field. With over 60 high-impact publications and thousands of citations, his work has significantly contributed to neuroengineering, setting the foundation for future innovations.

Profile

Orcid

✨ Early Academic Pursuits

Shumao Xu’s journey in academia began with a passion for innovation and exploration in neural interfaces and biomedical engineering. He pursued his Ph.D. at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), where he laid the foundation for his research in neural engineering. His early academic years were marked by rigorous studies in material science, bioelectronics, and neurotechnology, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in neural interfaces. His commitment to excellence led him to postdoctoral training at the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Solid-State Research as an Alexander von Humboldt scholar, followed by further research at Pennsylvania State University and UCLA.

👨‍🎓 Professional Endeavors

Currently an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at Fudan University’s Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Shumao Xu is recognized as a National Overseas Young Talent (2024). His professional trajectory has been defined by his commitment to advancing brain-computer interfaces and neurotechnology. Securing funding from prestigious organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Innovative Program), and the Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Program, he has spearheaded research that pushes the boundaries of neural engineering.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Shumao Xu has dedicated his research to developing state-of-the-art neural interfaces that revolutionize neurostimulation and brain-computer interactions. His pioneering work includes implantable neural electrodes, non-invasive deep brain stimulation, calcium imaging, and non-genetic optoelectronic neural interfaces. His research extends to the development of soft magnetoelastic energy harvesters, injectable fluorescent neural probes, and triboelectric neurostimulators for self-powered neural systems. His work is crucial in creating biocompatible and energy-efficient neurotechnologies that have the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases and enhance brain function.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

With over 60 high-impact publications in renowned journals such as Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Nano Letters, Matter, and Chem, Shumao Xu has established himself as a leading researcher in neurotechnology. His impressive h-index of 28 and more than 3,300 citations stand as a testament to the significance of his contributions. He has been honored with funding from the NSFC Oversea Young Talent program for his work on injectable fluorescent neural probes and received the Humboldt Foundation’s support for optoelectronic neural modulation. His research has gained international recognition, earning him industry collaborations and consultancy projects.

⚛️ Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Shumao Xu’s work has practical applications in the medical and technological sectors. His collaborations with leading industry giants, such as Showa Denko and Teijin in Tokyo, Japan, have translated his academic innovations into real-world applications. His research in neural interfaces and brain-computer technologies has the potential to revolutionize treatments for neurological disorders, offering new hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases. His advancements in self-powered neural stimulation systems have paved the way for sustainable and long-lasting neurotechnologies.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a visionary in neuroengineering, Shumao Xu continues to shape the future of brain-computer interfaces and neural modulation. His work is not only contributing to academic advancements but also influencing the next generation of researchers and engineers in neurotechnology. His ongoing research projects, including biocompatible neural electrodes and optoelectronic neural modulation, promise to drive innovation in the field. Through his relentless pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, he aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience and technology, ultimately transforming the landscape of brain-computer interaction and neurotherapy.

Publication

  • Artificial intelligence assisted nanogenerator applications

    • Authors: Shumao Xu, Farid Manshaii, Xiao Xiao, Jun Chen

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Advances in 2D materials for wearable biomonitoring

    • Authors: Songyue Chen, Shumao Xu, Xiujun Fan, Xiao Xiao, Zhaoqi Duan, Xun Zhao, Guorui Chen, Yihao Zhou, Jun Chen

    • Year: 2025

 

  • A comprehensive review on the mechanism of contact electrification

    • Authors: J Tian, Y He, F Li, W Peng, Y He, Shumao Xu, F Manshaii, X Xiao, Jun Chen

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Advances in Brain Computer Interface for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Communication

    • Authors: Yuchun Wang, Yurui Tang, Qianfeng Wang, Minyan Ge, Jinling Wang, Xinyi Cui, Nianhong Wang, Zhijun Bao, Shugeng Chen, Jing Wang et al.

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Tailored Terminal Groups in MXenes for Fast-Charging and Safe Energy Storage

    • Authors: Shumao Xu, Minyan Ge, Weiqiang Zhang, Yuchun Wang, Yurui Tang

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Heart-brain connection: How can heartbeats shape our minds?

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Scott Kamryn, Manshaii Farid, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

  • Injectable Fluorescent Neural Interfaces for Cell-Specific Stimulating and Imaging

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Xiao Xiao, Manshaii Farid, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Multiphasic interfaces enabled aero-elastic capacitive pressure sensors

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Manshaii Farid, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Reversible metal-ligand coordination for photocontrolled metallopolymer adhesives

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Manshaii Farid, Chen Guorui, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Self-Thermal Management in Filtered Selenium-Terminated MXene Films for Flexible Safe Batteries

    • Authors: Pang Xin, Lee Hyunjin, Rong Jingzhi, Zhu Qiaoyu, Xu Shumao

    • Year: 2024

 

🌟 Conclusion

Shumao Xu’s pioneering research and dedication to neural engineering continue to push the boundaries of brain-inspired intelligence and medical advancements. His visionary contributions have paved the way for next-generation neurotechnologies that hold the potential to transform neurological treatments and human-computer interactions. As he continues his groundbreaking research, his legacy will inspire future scientists and engineers, driving forward the possibilities of neurotechnology for years to come.

Kiran Solingapuram Sai | Neuroimaging | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kiran Solingapuram Sai | Neuroimaging | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kiran Solingapuram Sai, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States.

Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai, PhD, is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Radiology at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Northern Illinois University and has extensive research experience in radiopharmaceutical chemistry. His postdoctoral training at Washington University’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology focused on radiotracer development.

Profile

Orcid

 

✨ Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, in 2001. His passion for organic chemistry led him to pursue a Master of Science in the same field at Osmania University, where he honed his expertise in chemical synthesis and molecular interactions. Determined to explore the depths of organic chemistry, he pursued his Ph.D. at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, under the mentorship of Dr. Douglas A. Klumpp. During this period, his research focused on synthetic methodologies and organic reaction mechanisms, paving the way for his future contributions to medicinal and radiopharmaceutical chemistry.

🌐 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sai’s professional journey commenced with a prestigious postdoctoral research associate position at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, where he worked under the guidance of Dr. Robert H. Mach. During his tenure from 2010 to 2013, he delved into the complexities of radiochemistry, developing novel radiotracers and exploring their applications in medical imaging. This experience laid the groundwork for his career in radiopharmaceutical sciences. In 2014, he joined Wake Forest School of Medicine as a Research Instructor and Chief Radiochemist, marking the beginning of his significant contributions to translational imaging and radiopharmaceutical production.

⚛️ Contributions and Research Focus

At Wake Forest School of Medicine, Dr. Sai played a pivotal role in the Department of Radiology and the Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI). He specialized in managing clinical and research-based radiopharmaceutical production at the Wake Forest PET Research Center. As a cyclotron manager and coordinator, he oversaw the synthesis and quality control of radiotracers essential for PET imaging. His expertise extended to the development and implementation of cGMP-approved protocols for C-11 and F-18 radiopharmaceutical production, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy. His research focuses on advancing PET imaging techniques, exploring new radiotracers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and improving imaging biomarker development.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Sai’s dedication to radiochemistry and molecular imaging has earned him recognition in the scientific community. His work has been instrumental in developing radiopharmaceuticals for neurological and oncological imaging, contributing significantly to early disease detection and targeted therapy. His contributions have been acknowledged through numerous research grants, collaborative projects, and publications in high-impact scientific journals. His commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned him as a leading figure in the field of radiopharmaceutical sciences.

🔬 Impact and Influence

Beyond his research and technical expertise, Dr. Sai has mentored budding scientists and researchers in the field of radiochemistry and imaging sciences. His guidance has helped shape the next generation of radiopharmaceutical experts, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific curiosity. His role in translational imaging programs has bridged the gap between basic research and clinical applications, directly impacting patient care by improving diagnostic imaging techniques.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Sai’s work continues to inspire advancements in molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical development. As an Associate Professor with tenure at Wake Forest School of Medicine, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of radiochemistry, developing cutting-edge imaging agents, and enhancing the precision of diagnostic medicine. His legacy in the field is defined by his unwavering commitment to scientific discovery, translational research, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in radiopharmaceutical sciences.Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai’s contributions to the field of radiopharmaceutical chemistry stand as a testament to his dedication, innovation, and impact on medical imaging and healthcare. His journey from a passionate chemistry student to a distinguished professor and researcher highlights the transformative power of science in shaping the future of medicine.

 

Publication

  1. Radiation-induced brain injury in non-human primates: A dual tracer PET study with [11C]MPC-6827 and [11C]PiB

    • Authors: Naresh Damuka, George W. Schaaf, Mack Miller, Caleb Bradley, Bhuvanachandra Bhoopal, Ivan Krizan, Krishna K. Gollapelli, Christopher T. Whitlow, J. Mark Cline, Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. The β-Secretase 1 Enzyme as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer

    • Authors: Hilal A. Rather, Sameh Almousa, Ashish Kumar, Mitu Sharma, Isabel Pennington, Susy Kim, Yixin Su, Yangen He, Abdollah R. Ghara, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai et al.
    • Year: 2023

 

  1. Development and Optimization of 11C-Labeled Radiotracers: A Review of the Modern Quality Control Design Process

    • Authors: Paul Josef Myburgh, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai
    • Year: 2023

 

  1. Binding Parameters of [11C]MPC-6827, a Microtubule-Imaging PET Radiopharmaceutical in Rodents

    • Authors: Avinash H. Bansode, Bhuvanachandra Bhoopal, Krishna Kumar Gollapelli, Naresh Damuka, Ivan Krizan, Mack Miller, Suzanne Craft, Akiva Mintz, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai
    • Year: 2023

 

  1. PET Imaging of [11C]MPC-6827, a Microtubule-Based Radiotracer in Non-Human Primate Brains

    • Authors: Naresh Damuka, Paul W. Czoty, Ashley T. Davis, Michael Nader, Susan H. Nader, Suzanne Craft, Shannon L. Macauley, Lindsey K. Galbo Thomma, Phillip M. Epperly, Christopher T. Whitlow et al.
    • Year: 2020

 

  1. One-pot synthesis of novel tert-butyl-4-substituted phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolo piperazine/piperidine carboxylates, potential GPR119 agonists

    • Authors: Nagaraju Bashetti, J.V. Shanmukha Kumar, Naresh Varma Seelam, B. Prasanna, Akiva Mintz, Naresh Damuka, Sriram Devanathan, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai
    • Year: 2019

 

Conclusion

Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai has established himself as a leading expert in radiopharmaceutical sciences, contributing significantly to translational imaging research. His work in PET radiopharmaceutical production and quality assurance underscores his role in advancing medical imaging techniques. His academic and research contributions make him a valuable asset in the field of radiology and molecular imaging.

Xiaobing Yan | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaobing Yan | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Xiaobing Yan, Hebei University, China.

Professor Xiaobing Yan is a distinguished researcher specializing in novel memory devices and memristor-based brain-inspired chip technologies. As a Senior Member of IEEE and a reviewer for leading journals, he has made significant contributions to the field of neuromorphic engineering. His outstanding achievements include recognition as a Young Changjiang Scholar and a Young Top-notch Talent under China’s National Ten Thousand Talents Program. With over 120 high-impact publications, 5,600+ citations, and an H-index of 40, he is globally recognized among the top 2% of scientists. His research has been supported by several prestigious national and provincial funding programs.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Xiaobing Yan embarked on his academic journey with a deep passion for electronics and information engineering. His early years were marked by an unwavering dedication to understanding the complexities of memory devices and neuromorphic systems. As he progressed through his studies, his curiosity and drive led him to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and hardware development. His rigorous academic training laid a solid foundation for his future contributions to next-generation computing technologies.

💪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor at the Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Xiaobing Yan has established himself as a distinguished leader in the field of electronic engineering. He is a Doctoral Supervisor and a Senior Member of IEEE, a testament to his vast expertise and influence in the scientific community. His role extends beyond academia, as he actively engages in national-level research programs and collaborates with top-tier research institutions. His professional journey is a testament to his commitment to pioneering advancements in neuromorphic computing and memristor-based brain-inspired chip technologies.

🤖 Contributions and Research Focus

Xiaobing Yan’s research primarily revolves around novel memory devices and brain-like computing systems. His work has been instrumental in the advancement of memristor-based chip technologies, which hold the potential to revolutionize artificial intelligence hardware. By bridging the gap between neuroscience and semiconductor innovation, he is contributing to the development of energy-efficient, high-performance computing architectures. His research projects, funded by prestigious national programs, aim to push the boundaries of nanoelectronics and intelligent systems.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Xiaobing Yan’s groundbreaking work has earned him widespread recognition. In 2019, he was honored as a Young Changjiang Scholar by the Ministry of Education and selected as a Young Top-notch Talent under the National Ten Thousand Talents Program. In 2024, he further cemented his legacy by winning the Excellence Award at the National Disruptive Innovation Technology Competition. His contributions are not only recognized in China but also on a global scale, as he has been listed among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University.

🌟 Impact and Influence

With over 120 high-impact publications and more than 5,600 citations, Xiaobing Yan’s research has significantly shaped the field of electronics and artificial intelligence. His H-index of 40 reflects the depth and relevance of his contributions. As a reviewer for prestigious journals such as Nature Electronics, Advanced Materials, and ACS Nano, he plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of cutting-edge research. His influence extends beyond his publications, as he mentors young researchers and fosters collaborations that drive innovation in neuromorphic computing.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a leader in disruptive technology and nanoelectronics, Xiaobing Yan is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. His ongoing research projects, including multiple National Key R&D initiatives and collaborations with leading institutions, demonstrate his commitment to pioneering breakthroughs in brain-inspired computing. With his vision and expertise, he is set to leave a lasting legacy in the development of next-generation intelligent systems, shaping the future of artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology.

Publication

  1. In situ training of an in-sensor artificial neural network based on ferroelectric photosensors

    • Authors: H. Lin, Haipeng; J. Ou, Jiali; Z. Fan, Zhen; X. Gao, Xingsen; J. Liu, Junming
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Ultra robust negative differential resistance memristor for hardware neuron circuit implementation

    • Authors: Y. Pei, Yifei; B. Yang, Biao; X. Zhang, Xumeng; S. Li, Shushen; X. Yan, Xiaobing
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Physical unclonable in-memory computing for simultaneous protecting private data and deep learning models

    • Authors: W. Yue, Wenshuo; K. Wu, Kai; Z. Li, Zhiyuan; R. Huang, Ru; Y. Yang, Yuchao
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Memristor-based feature learning for pattern classification

    • Authors: T. Shi, Tuo; L. Gao, Lili; Y. Tian, Yang; X. Yan, Xiaobing; Q. Liu, Qi
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Harnessing spatiotemporal transformation in magnetic domains for nonvolatile physical reservoir computing

    • Authors: J. Zhou, Jing; J. Xu, Jikang; L. Huang, Lisen; X. Yan, Xiaobing; S.T. Lim, Sze Ter
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Flexoelectric Effect in Thin Films: Theory and Applications

    • Authors: X. Jia, Xiaotong; R. Guo, Rui; J. Chen, Jingsheng; X. Yan, Xiaobing
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Deoxyribonucleic acid brick crystals-based memristor as an artificial synapse for neuromorphic computing

    • Authors: Z. Wang, Zhongrong; X. Liu, Xinran; J. Li, Jiahang; J. Lou, Jianzhong; X. Yan, Xiaobing
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Weighted Echo State Graph Neural Networks Based on Robust and Epitaxial Film Memristors

    • Authors: Z. Guo, Zhenqiang; G. Duan, Guojun; Y. Zhang, Yinxing; Y. Faraj, Yousef; X. Yan, Xiaobing
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. Achieving over 10 % efficiency in kesterite solar cells via selenium-free annealing

    • Authors: Q. Zhou, Qing; Y. Cong, Yijia; H. Li, Hao; Y. Sun, Yali; W. Yu, Wei
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. Hardware implementation of memristor-based artificial neural networks

  • Authors: F.L. Aguirre, Fernando L.; A. Sebastian, Abu; M. Le Gallo, Manuel; S. Matias Pazos, Sebastian; M. Lanza, Mario
  • Year: 2024

 

Conclusion

Professor Yan’s work plays a pivotal role in advancing memory technology and brain-inspired computing. His extensive research contributions and leadership in high-impact projects underscore his expertise in developing next-generation computing technologies. His global recognition and numerous accolades highlight his influence in the field, positioning him as a key figure in neuromorphic engineering and memory device innovation.