Marina Makri | Neuroscience & Education | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Marina Makri | Neuroscience & Education | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marina Makri, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Marina Makri is a multidisciplinary researcher whose academic and professional journey bridges biology, psychotherapy, and neuroscience. With foundational degrees in biological sciences and advanced training in counseling and clinical psychology, she has crafted a unique research identity focused on neurodegenerative diseases, genetic counseling, and caregiver support. Her contributions to numerous Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 projects demonstrate her expertise in managing international collaborations, developing innovative educational tools, and promoting genetic literacy. Her dedication extends beyond research, as seen in her extensive volunteer work aimed at supporting caregivers and vulnerable populations through inclusive, science-driven initiatives.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Marina Makri’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in biological sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2010, followed by a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, focusing on Ecological Design and Sustainable Development. Her academic curiosity soon led her into the field of mental health and counseling. Between 2014 and 2017, she pursued a Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London while simultaneously undertaking multiple advanced training programs in clinical diagnosis, child and adolescent psychopathology, and psychological assessment. This multidimensional academic background laid the groundwork for her current doctoral research at the School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, initiated in 2020.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neurodegenerative Research

Marina’s career reflects her deep commitment to neurological and cognitive health. Her most impactful contributions have emerged from her involvement in numerous EU-funded projects related to Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative conditions. As a Research Associate and Project Manager for Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programs, she has played pivotal roles in initiatives like “Enhancing Genetic Knowledge for Neurodegenerative Disorders through Gamification,” “Genetic Counseling in European Universities,” and the internationally recognized “Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN).” These roles showcase her interdisciplinary expertise in genetics, cognitive science, and patient education.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Marina’s research portfolio is extensive and firmly rooted in supporting vulnerable populations through innovation and empathy. Her work spans cognitive rehabilitation, genetic counseling, and game-based learning for adults with disabilities. A unique blend of scientific inquiry and psychological understanding characterizes her contributions, as seen in projects such as Games4CoSkills and E.L.So.M.C.I., which explore educational and cognitive development through gamification. She is also deeply involved in supporting informal caregivers through initiatives like InfoCARE and S.IN.CA.L.A., contributing to both academic literature and real-world health policy enhancements.

🌍 Community Impact and Volunteering

Beyond research, Marina has consistently extended her expertise through volunteering. Her engagement with the Greek Carers Network EPIONI and the Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders reflects her commitment to accessible education and support for caregivers. Her initiatives often bridge generations and address the needs of underserved groups, such as women with physical disabilities and at-home caregivers, emphasizing equity and social innovation. Through these projects, she has elevated the voices of informal carers and contributed to a more inclusive healthcare model.

🧬 Accolades and International Collaborations

Marina’s collaborative work has garnered recognition on both national and European platforms. Her role as a Greek Coordinator for the Washington University-led DIAN study signals her integration into prestigious global research networks. Many of the Erasmus+ projects she has managed or contributed to have been distinguished for their innovation in health education, genetic literacy, and caregiver support. These endeavors reflect not only her organizational excellence but also her scientific credibility and capacity for thought leadership in neuroscience and genetics.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

Marina Makri is poised to be a leading figure in integrating mental health, neurogenetics, and public education. With a PhD nearing completion and a decade of hands-on project experience, she stands ready to shape future directions in personalized medicine and cognitive care. Her vision aligns with emerging global priorities—promoting early detection, democratizing genetic knowledge, and developing engaging tools for lifelong learning and mental resilience.

🌟 Influence and Inspiration

Marina’s multifaceted career has left a meaningful imprint on the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and community health. Her synthesis of biology, psychotherapy, and digital innovation serves as an inspiring model for young researchers seeking to make a societal impact through science. By harmonizing rigorous academic research with compassionate care, she continues to influence both clinical practices and educational frameworks—contributing to a future where science and humanity go hand in hand.

publication

Title: Interventions for Caregivers of People with Dementia in Greece
Author: Marina Makri
Year: 2017

 

🏁 Conclusion

Marina Makri exemplifies the modern researcher who not only advances scientific knowledge but also ensures it reaches and benefits the wider community. Her work in genetics, cognitive health, and caregiver education underscores a commitment to interdisciplinary solutions and social impact. As she completes her PhD, her trajectory suggests continued influence in neurocognitive research, public health education, and inclusive policy development—making her a promising and impactful leader in the field of neuroscience and health psychology.

EMRE MISIR | Cognitive Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Assist. Prof. Dr. EMRE MISIR | Cognitive Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr.  EMRE MISIR, Baskent University, Turkey.

Dr. Emre MISIR is a distinguished psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher, whose academic journey began at Adnan Menderes University and led to specialization in psychiatry at Dokuz Eylül University. His professional career includes serving as a Specialist Physician at Yozgat City Hospital before transitioning to an academic role at Başkent University Faculty of Medicine. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at Ankara University, focusing on Theory of Mind in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). His outstanding exam scores, professional memberships, and active research contributions underscore his dedication to advancing psychiatry.

Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Born on July 16, 1989, in Şahinbey, Gaziantep, Turkey, Dr. Emre MISIR embarked on an academic journey rooted in a passion for medicine and mental health. He completed his medical education at Adnan Menderes University between 2006 and 2012, where his keen interest in the complexities of the human mind began to take shape. His dedication and academic excellence led him to pursue a specialization in psychiatry at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, where he trained extensively from 2012 to 2017.

Professional Endeavors 🏥

Following his specialization, Dr. MISIR served as a Specialist Physician at Yozgat City Hospital from 2017 to 2020, providing essential mental health care to diverse patient populations. In July 2020, he transitioned to Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, where he continued his professional practice before taking on a more academic role. By April 2020, his expertise and commitment to education earned him a Lecturer position at Başkent University, where he has been actively involved in mentoring young psychiatrists and medical students.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

With a profound interest in the intersection of psychiatry and neuroscience, Dr. MISIR has dedicated his research to understanding complex cognitive and psychological disorders. Currently pursuing a doctoral program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at Ankara University, his research explores the intricate mechanisms underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). His thesis, titled “Theory of Mind in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Relationship with Cognitive Functions, Overvalued Ideas, Insight, Schizotypal Personality Traits, and Other Clinical Characteristics,” under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Berna Binnur Kıvırcık Akdede, sheds light on the cognitive and neurobiological factors influencing psychiatric conditions.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. MISIR’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in his outstanding achievements in competitive examinations. His remarkable performance in the TUS Clinical Exam (Fall 2012) with a rank of 101, and his high ALES Numerical score of 88.58 demonstrate his academic rigor. Additionally, his proficiency in English, certified by a YÖKDİL score of 88.75, further amplifies his ability to contribute to international research and collaboration in psychiatry and neuroscience.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Beyond clinical practice and academia, Dr. MISIR is an active member of key professional organizations, including the Turkish Psychiatric Association, the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy Association, and the Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology Association, where he serves as the Treasurer. His contributions to these organizations reflect his dedication to advancing psychiatric research and improving mental health treatments in Turkey and beyond. Through his engagement in professional networks, he has been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting evidence-based psychiatric practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

As a psychiatrist, researcher, and educator, Dr. MISIR continues to push the boundaries of neuroscience and psychiatric research. His work not only enhances the understanding of cognitive disorders but also paves the way for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. With his ongoing doctoral research and contributions to academic literature, he aspires to shape the future of psychiatric treatment, integrating neurobiological insights with clinical practice. His unwavering dedication to mental health and neuroscience ensures that his influence will extend beyond his current academic and clinical roles, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Publication

  • Clinical Characteristics of Cognitive Subgroups of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Raşit Tükel, Berna Binnur Akdede, Emre Bora

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Form of the 4th Version of the Mental Illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA) Scale

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Yasemin Hosgören Alıcı, Zeynep Bozkurt, Hüseyin Batuhan Elhan

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Functional connectivity in rumination: a systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Yasemin Hoşgören Alıcı, Orhan Murat Kocak

    • Year: 2023

 

  • Synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia

    • Authors: Emre Mısır, Güvem Gümüş Akay

    • Year: 2023

 

  • The effects of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase single nucleotide polymorphisms on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

    • Authors: Emre Misir, Mutlu Muhammed Ozbek, Eren Halac, Serkan Turan, Gokce Elif Alkas, Remzi Ogulcan Ciray, Cagatay Ermis

    • Year: 2022

 

  • DSM-5 Anksiyöz Distres Değerlendirme Ölçeği Türkçe Formunun Major Depresif Bozukluk için Geçerlilik ve Güvenilirlik Çalışması

    • Authors: Emre Mısır

    • Year: 2020

 

  • Reliability and validity of the Turkish Version of DSM-5 Anxious Distress Rating Scale for major depressive disorder

    • Authors: Misir, Emre; Hacimusalar, Yunus

    • Year: 2020

 

  • THE BRIEF RESIDENT WELLNESS PROFILE: VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF TURKISH VERSION

    • Authors: Misir, Gamze Akyol; Balik, Gurcan; Misir, Emre; Kartal, Mehtap

    • Year: 2020

 

  • The concept of schizotypy and schizotypal personality disorder

    • Authors: Misir, Emre; Alptekin, Koksal

    • Year: 2020

 

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. MISIR’s career embodies a commitment to merging clinical expertise with neuroscience research to enhance the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders. His contributions to academia, professional organizations, and clinical practice solidify his role as an influential figure in modern psychiatry. As he continues to explore the intricate mechanisms of mental health, his work promises to shape the future of psychiatric care and inspire the next generation of researchers and clinicians. His journey is one of excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication to mental health and neuroscience.