Antonella Santuccione Chadha | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha, Women` s Brain Foundation,  Switzerland.

Dr. Antonella Chadha Santuccione is a highly accomplished clinical pathologist, neuroscientist, and executive leader with notable expertise in clinical trial management and cognitive behavioral therapy. Born in Italy and based in Switzerland, she has held executive roles and board memberships across biotech and healthcare organizations. She is also the founder and pro-bono CEO of the Women’s Brain Foundation, emphasizing her commitment to neuroscience and gender-specific brain health.

Profile

Scopus
Orcid

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Antonella Chadha Santuccione’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in medical science and behavioral therapy, reflecting her passion for understanding the human mind and body. Born on June 13, 1974, in Penne, Italy, she pursued her education in medicine, earning her MD with specialization in Clinical Pathology. Furthering her academic rigor, she attained credentials from FMH and MEBEKO and completed a CAS in Clinical Trial Management. With an eye toward holistic care and human psychology, she expanded her studies to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her diverse training laid the groundwork for a multifaceted approach to clinical neuroscience, bridging biology, diagnostics, and therapeutic psychology.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Santuccione has combined her clinical acumen with entrepreneurial vision. After relocating to Switzerland, she took on advisory roles in several neuro-focused start-ups including Bottneuro, Altoida, Pipra, ReconnectLab, and EqualCare, where she played a pivotal role in aligning scientific discovery with patient-centered innovation. Serving as an Executive Director and Board Member across multiple initiatives, she brought together cross-disciplinary teams to push the frontiers of diagnostics and digital health. Her pro-bono leadership as the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Brain Foundation further demonstrates her commitment to addressing gender disparities in brain health research and care.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Santuccione’s work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, gender-specific medicine, and clinical innovation. Her research advocacy highlights the importance of considering sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, a field historically underexplored. By promoting personalized approaches to brain health, she has helped shape how researchers and clinicians think about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across genders. Her insights into cognitive decline, early diagnostic markers, and patient-centric treatment frameworks have influenced both academic thought and clinical practice. Additionally, her work in start-ups integrates AI and data-driven technologies to monitor cognitive health, marking her as a forerunner in digital neuroscience.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Santuccione’s contributions have earned her widespread acclaim both within Switzerland and internationally. She was selected among the Top 100 Business Women in Switzerland from 2018 to 2023, a testament to her sustained influence in science and innovation. In 2019, she was named Woman of the Year by Women in Business CH through a public election, highlighting her societal impact beyond the scientific community. The World Sustainability Award in 2020 and the Bold Women Award Switzerland in 2022 recognized her efforts in building ethical, inclusive scientific models. Most recently, she received the Empowering Women Award 2024 and was featured among the Women to Watch 2025, celebrating her as a role model for future leaders.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond her clinical and scientific achievements, Dr. Santuccione has become a global advocate for change in the healthcare landscape. Her work challenges the traditional silos of medicine, psychology, and technology, offering integrative solutions that are ethical and inclusive. She has empowered countless women in STEM through her foundation, speaking engagements, and mentorship programs. Her influence extends into public policy discussions and public health awareness campaigns, where she brings attention to the need for gender equity and individualized treatment in brain disorders. She is not only a scientist but a communicator who bridges science and society.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Antonella Chadha Santuccione is a trailblazer shaping the next era of neuroscience through compassion-driven research and visionary leadership. Her legacy lies in her determination to dismantle systemic barriers in medicine—especially those that affect women—and in creating frameworks where innovation serves the individual. With ongoing roles in biotech leadership, nonprofit work, and public advocacy, she is set to further influence global conversations around brain health, mental wellness, and gendered research. Her career is a beacon for aspiring researchers who believe that science should serve humanity with empathy, precision, and equity.

🧬 A Champion for Brain Science and Humanity

Dr. Santuccione embodies the rare synthesis of scientific brilliance, leadership excellence, and humanitarian vision. Her work underscores a commitment to better understanding the human brain—not only through the lens of pathology, but also through the lens of experience, gender, and empathy. As she continues her journey, she stands as a symbol of what it means to be a 21st-century neuroscientist: grounded in evidence, driven by innovation, and devoted to people.

Publication

1. Title: Women’s brain health and brain capital
Authors: Laura Castro-Aldrete, Megan Greenfield, Erin Smith, Harris A. Eyre, Mariapaola Barbato, Lucy Pérez, Antonella Santuccione Chadha
Year: 2025

2. Title: Abortion and Miscarriage on Twitter: Sentiment and Polarity Analysis from a gendered perspective
Authors: Olivier Philippe, María Flores Rodero, Claire Yohalem Furtick, Laura Planas Simón, Maria Teresa Ferretti, Antonella Santuccione Chadha, Laia Subirats Maté, Davide Cirillo, María José Rementeria
Year: 2024

3. Title: Inducing prion protein shedding as a neuroprotective and regenerative approach in pathological conditions of the brain: from theory to facts
Authors: Matamoros-Angles A, Mohammadi B, Song F, Shafiq M, Brenna S, Puig B, Glatzel M, Altmeppen HC
Year: 2023

4. Title: Global synergistic actions to improve brain health for human development
Authors: Owolabi MO, Leonardi M, Bassetti C, Jaarsma J, Hawrot T, Makanjuola AI, Dhamija RK, Feng W, Straub V, Camaradou J, et al.
Year: 2023

5. Title: Sex and gender considerations in Alzheimer’s disease: The Women’s Brain Project contribution
Authors: Laura Castro-Aldrete, Moser MV, Putignano G, Ferretti MT, Schumacher Dimech A, Antonella Santuccione Chadha
Year: 2023

6. Title: Towards AI-driven longevity research: An overview
Authors: Marino N, Putignano G, Cappilli S, Chersoni E, Antonella Santuccione Chadha, Calabrese G, Bischof E, Vanhaelen Q, Zhavoronkov A, Scarano B
Year: 2023

7. Title: Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and amyloid β (Aβ) interact with cell adhesion molecules: Implications in Alzheimer’s disease and normal physiology
Authors: Pfundstein G, Nikonenko AG, Sytnyk V
Year: 2022

8. Title: Prions induce an early Arc response and a subsequent reduction in mGluR5 in the hippocampus
Authors: Ojeda-Juárez D, Lawrence JA, Soldau K, Pizzo DP, Wheeler E, Aguilar-Calvo P, Khuu H, Chen J, Malik A, Funk G, et al.
Year: 2022

9. Title: Digital biomarkers and sex impacts in Alzheimer’s disease management – potential utility for innovative 3P medicine approach
Authors: Harms RL, Ferrari A, Meier IB, Martinkova J, Santus E, Marino N, Cirillo D, Mellino S, Catuara Solarz S, Tarnanas I, et al.
Year: 2022

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Antonella Chadha Santuccione’s career is a model of interdisciplinary excellence, innovation, and advocacy. Her ability to blend neuroscience research with executive leadership and public engagement sets her apart as a visionary in brain health. She not only advances the scientific understanding of neurodegeneration but also actively reshapes how gender and equity are addressed in medical research. With a lasting legacy in both scientific and humanitarian domains, she is exceptionally well-suited for high-level recognition such as the Best Researcher Award and remains a powerful voice shaping the future of neuroscience globally.

 

Izabela Małysz-Cymborska | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Izabela Małysz-Cymborska | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Izabela Małysz-Cymborska,  Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Poland.

Dr. Izabela Małysz-Cymborska is a distinguished biomedical researcher and Associate Professor in Neurosurgery at the University of Warmia and Mazury, Poland. Her academic path began with a Master’s in Biology and culminated in a Ph.D. focused on hormonal mechanisms, followed by a Habilitation in Medicine. Her research spans neuroregeneration, stem cell therapy, and immunomodulatory strategies for neurological diseases such as ALS and stroke. She has led and contributed to nationally funded projects like NanoTech4ALS, Explore Me, and her current OPUS-funded investigation using a swine model for stroke therapy. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular biology, reproductive science, and clinical neuroscience, demonstrating a rare ability to translate foundational research into therapeutic innovation.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Izabela Małysz-Cymborska embarked on her academic journey with a deep-rooted interest in biological sciences. Born on September 21, 1985, in Poland, she pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, earning a Master of Science degree in Biology in 2009. Her passion for advanced biomedical research led her to the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, where she completed her Ph.D. in 2015. Her doctoral research, grounded in hormonal action mechanisms, laid the foundation for her future contributions to neurobiology and regenerative medicine.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience

Dr. Małysz-Cymborska’s postdoctoral and professional journey has been largely rooted in neuroscientific investigation, with a special focus on neuroregeneration and stroke therapy. Since 2021, she has held the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Warmia and Mazury. Her early postdoctoral fellowships (2015–2018) focused on pioneering work in the application of glial progenitors and stem cells in neurological disorders like ALS. These formative experiences not only enriched her research trajectory but also provided a vital bridge between animal studies and translational medicine.

🧪 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Małysz-Cymborska’s research portfolio reflects a consistent dedication to understanding complex neural pathologies and their treatment through regenerative approaches. She has led and contributed to several national and international projects, including NanoTech4ALS, which investigated MRI-monitored transplantation techniques using hydrogel carriers for ALS treatment. Her current role as Principal Investigator in the OPUS-funded project explores an endovascular model of stroke in swine, opening new therapeutic pathways for immunomodulation. She has also delved into reproductive biology, investigating the influence of gonadotropins on prostaglandin synthesis and the function of the corpus luteum, showcasing her multidisciplinary expertise.

🧬 Bridging Regeneration and Technology

A major hallmark of Dr. Małysz-Cymborska’s work is the integration of regenerative medicine and cutting-edge biomedical technologies. Her involvement in Explore Me and NanoTech4ALS demonstrated her commitment to merging cellular therapy with advanced biomaterials and imaging. These projects explored the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells and human glial progenitors for neurodegenerative conditions, reflecting her drive to push boundaries in translational medicine and neurosurgery.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Małysz-Cymborska’s scientific accomplishments were recognized through her Habilitation Degree in Medicine, awarded in 2022 by the University of Warmia and Mazury—a prestigious academic achievement in Poland that underscores her contributions to the medical sciences. Additionally, her appointment as the Dean’s representative for animal experiments between 2018 and 2019 further illustrates the trust and respect she commands within her institution and the research community.

🌍 Impact and Influence in Translational Neuroscience

Her work has had significant implications not only in Poland but also across the global neuroscience landscape. By focusing on models that simulate real-world human neurological disorders, such as swine models for stroke and ALS, she has established platforms that can more accurately predict treatment outcomes in humans. Her collaborative efforts within national strategic medical programs have enriched the broader field of translational neuroscience, particularly in immune response modulation and neural repair mechanisms.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As her OPUS project continues until 2025, Dr. Izabela Małysz-Cymborska is poised to deliver crucial insights into stroke immunotherapy. Her legacy lies in her ability to traverse boundaries between endocrinology, neurobiology, and regenerative therapy—crafting a unique niche that advances both fundamental science and clinical application. With a promising trajectory ahead, she is set to influence future protocols in neurovascular therapy, offering hope to patients with currently untreatable conditions.

Publication

  • Hydrogel-based scaffolds to support intrathecal stem cell transplantation as a gateway to the spinal cord: clinical needs, biomaterials, and imaging technologies
    Authors: JM Oliveira, L Carvalho, J Silva-Correia, S Vieira, M Majchrzak, …
    Year: 2018

 

  • Advances in bioinks and in vivo imaging of biomaterials for CNS applications
    Authors: EP Oliveira, I Malysz-Cymborska, D Golubczyk, L Kalkowski, …
    Year: 2019

 

  • The role of glia in canine degenerative myelopathy: relevance to human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Authors: D Golubczyk, I Malysz-Cymborska, L Kalkowski, M Janowski, JR Coates, …
    Year: 2019

 

  • Methacrylated gellan gum and hyaluronic acid hydrogel blends for image-guided neurointerventions
    Authors: S Vieira, P Strymecka, L Stanaszek, J Silva-Correia, K Drela, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • MRI-guided intrathecal transplantation of hydrogel-embedded glial progenitors in large animals
    Authors: I Malysz-Cymborska, D Golubczyk, L Kalkowski, A Burczyk, M Janowski, …
    Year: 2018

 

  • Endovascular model of ischemic stroke in swine guided by real-time MRI
    Authors: D Golubczyk, L Kalkowski, J Kwiatkowska, M Zawadzki, P Holak, J Glodek, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor system in porcine oviducts after induction of ovulation and superovulation
    Authors: I Małysz-Cymborska, A Andronowska
    Year: 2014

 

  • Rabbit model of human gliomas: implications for intra-arterial drug delivery
    Authors: H Qin, M Janowski, MS Pearl, I Malysz-Cymborska, S Li, CG Eberhart, …
    Year: 2017

 

  • Two in one: use of divalent manganese ions as both cross-linking and MRI contrast agent for intrathecal injection of hydrogel-embedded stem cells
    Authors: L Kalkowski, D Golubczyk, J Kwiatkowska, P Holak, K Milewska, …
    Year: 2021

 

  • Effect of hCG and eCG treatments on Prostaglandins Synthesis in the Porcine Oviduct
    Authors: I Małysz‐Cymborska, AJ Ziecik, A Waclawik, A Andronowska
    Year: 2013

 

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Małysz-Cymborska’s career reflects a compelling fusion of scientific curiosity, clinical relevance, and academic rigor. With notable achievements in regenerative medicine and translational neuroscience, she continues to shape the future of therapeutic interventions for complex neurological disorders. Her ongoing research promises to pave the way for advanced stroke treatments and immune-based neurotherapies, cementing her role as a key contributor to modern biomedical science.

Camilla Bellone | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Camilla Bellone | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Camilla Bellone,  University of Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Camilla Bellone is a renowned neuroscientist whose academic and research career has been marked by excellence, innovation, and impact. From her foundational training in Italy to her leadership role in Geneva, she has made pioneering contributions to understanding the neural underpinnings of social behavior. Her work bridges basic science and clinical relevance, and she has played a vital role in training, mentorship, and international collaboration within the neuroscience community.

Profile

Google Scholar

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Camilla Bellone began her academic journey with a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Milano in 2000. With a strong foundation in pharmacology and medical chemistry, she pursued her Ph.D. in “Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Medical Chemotherapy” at the same institution, completing it in 2006. Her early education shaped a robust scientific mindset, preparing her for a career at the intersection of neuroscience and pharmacology. These formative years set the tone for her later work on the molecular mechanisms that govern complex behaviors in both healthy and diseased states.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

After her doctoral studies, Dr. Bellone enhanced her research acumen through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), gaining international exposure. She later returned to Switzerland, where she served as a scientist under the Ambizione Fellowship at the University of Geneva. Her academic path took a significant leap when she became an Assistant Professor at the University of Lausanne in 2014, followed by a transition to the University of Geneva in 2016. In 2020, she was promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Neuroscience, where she continues to lead cutting-edge investigations and mentor future neuroscientists.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

At the core of Dr. Bellone’s research lies a deep interest in the neurobiological basis of social behavior, with a particular focus on how these processes are disrupted in neuropsychiatric disorders. Her lab explores the synaptic and circuit-level mechanisms that underpin social cognition, often using advanced molecular and behavioral techniques. Her work has provided critical insights into how alterations in neural plasticity and connectivity contribute to diseases such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals like Nature Neuroscience and Neuron, Dr. Bellone’s research continues to advance the field of behavioral neuroscience.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Bellone’s scientific excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors. In 2023, she received the EBBS Mid-Career Award and the Leenaards Scientific Prize for her collaborative project on cerebellar stimulation in schizophrenia. Earlier, she was elected to the distinguished FENS-KAVLI Network of Excellence in 2015, highlighting her position among Europe’s most promising neuroscientists. In 2014, she was honored with the Fondation du Prix Pfizer de la Recherche, marking an early milestone in her independent research career.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond her lab, Dr. Bellone has made meaningful contributions to the academic and scientific community. She has delivered over 20 invited lectures at international conferences and institutions, sharing her discoveries with a global audience. As a dedicated mentor, she has guided eight master’s students and seven PhD candidates, nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists. Her commitment extends to active service on academic committees, grant review panels, and editorial boards, reflecting her role as a respected leader in the field.

👩‍🔬 Balancing Science and Life

A champion of work-life integration, Dr. Bellone has managed to thrive professionally while embracing motherhood. She took two career breaks following the birth of her three children, exemplifying resilience and balance in a demanding academic landscape. Her story is an inspiration to young scientists, especially women, striving to build careers in STEM while honoring personal life choices.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Bellone’s work holds promise for transforming our understanding of social dysfunction in mental illness. Her innovative approaches—blending circuit neuroscience, pharmacology, and behavior—position her as a leading voice in the neurobiology of social behavior. With continued support from initiatives like the ERC Consolidator Grant, her research will likely pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions, leaving a lasting legacy in neuroscience and psychiatry.

Publication

  • Title: NMDA receptor subunit diversity: impact on receptor properties, synaptic plasticity and disease
    Author: P Paoletti, C Bellone, Q Zhou
    Year: 2013

 

  • Title: Cocaine triggered AMPA receptor redistribution is reversed in vivo by mGluR-dependent long-term depression
    Author: C Bellone, C Lüscher
    Year: 2006

 

  • Title: Rapid bidirectional switching of synaptic NMDA receptors
    Author: C Bellone, RA Nicoll
    Year: 2007

 

  • Title: Cocaine inverts rules for synaptic plasticity of glutamate transmission in the ventral tegmental area
    Author: M Mameli, C Bellone, MTC Brown, C Lüscher
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: In vivo reprogramming of circuit connectivity in postmitotic neocortical neurons
    Author: A De la Rossa, C Bellone, B Golding, I Vitali, J Moss, N Toni, C Lüscher, …
    Year: 2013

 

  • Title: Mechanisms of synaptic depression triggered by metabotropic glutamate receptors
    Author: C Bellone, C Lüscher, M Mameli
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: Effects of streptozotocin‐diabetes on the hippocampal NMDA receptor complex in rats
    Author: F Gardoni, A Kamal, C Bellone, GJ Biessels, GMJ Ramakers, F Cattabeni, …
    Year: 2002

 

  • Title: Neurons under T cell attack coordinate phagocyte-mediated synaptic stripping
    Author: G Di Liberto, S Pantelyushin, M Kreutzfeldt, N Page, S Musardo, R Coras, …
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: mGluRs induce a long‐term depression in the ventral tegmental area that involves a switch of the subunit composition of AMPA receptors
    Author: C Bellone, C Lüscher
    Year: 2005

 

  • Title: SHANK3 controls maturation of social reward circuits in the VTA
    Author: S Bariselli, S Tzanoulinou, C Glangetas, C Prévost-Solié, L Pucci, …
    Year: 2016

 

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Bellone’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of scientific curiosity, academic leadership, and personal resilience. As she continues to explore the brain’s most intricate social circuits, her influence will undoubtedly expand across neuroscience, psychiatry, and therapeutic innovation. Her career serves as both a roadmap and an inspiration for emerging scientists navigating the evolving landscape of brain research.