Joana Andrade | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joana Andrade | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Portucalense University | Portugal

Dr. Joana Andrade is an Assistant Professor at Portucalense University, Portugal, and a Visiting Assistant Professor at ISPA and Universidade Lusófona. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in prison counseling, psychological assessment, and forensic mental health. Her career reflects a balance between academia and applied practice, combining teaching, research, and clinical work. With active participation in European-funded projects and international collaborations, she has become a recognized voice in forensic psychology and correctional interventions, contributing to evidence-based practices that advance both mental health care and justice systems.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Dr. Joana Andrade earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Minho, Portugal, where her doctoral research focused on the mental health and rehabilitation of prison populations. She pursued her academic training in forensic and applied psychology, equipping her with expertise in psychological assessment, intervention strategies, and risk management in justice-involved populations. Her education not only provided a strong theoretical foundation but also cultivated applied research skills that bridge clinical psychology with correctional rehabilitation.

Experience

Throughout her career, Dr. Joana Andrade has combined teaching, clinical practice, and applied research. As an Assistant Professor at Portucalense University and visiting faculty at ISPA and Universidade Lusófona, she mentors students and contributes to curriculum development in psychology and criminology. She has worked as a consultant and researcher on European Erasmus+ projects such as ActiveGames4Change, Blended Learning Environment for European Prisoners, and Coding-OUT, focusing on rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders. Additionally, she co-founded and practices at clinical psychology centers including ReConstruir, Normaliza Psicologia, and CPF, where she provides psychological services and training.

Research Interests

Dr. Joana Andrade’s research interests lie in forensic and applied psychology, with emphasis on mental health challenges among incarcerated and justice-involved populations. She investigates intervention effectiveness, trauma, antisocial behavior, suicide risk, and violence prediction in remand prisoners. She is also interested in restorative justice practices, offender rehabilitation, and psychosocial approaches to criminal behavior. Through systematic reviews, clinical trials, and applied studies, her work seeks to promote humane correctional practices, reduce recidivism, and improve mental health outcomes for offenders and victims alike.

Awards

Dr. Joana Andrade received an Honorable Mention in Academia OPP from the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses in recognition of her academic excellence. Her impactful research has gained international attention, leading to multiple publications in leading indexed journals and active contributions to cross-national projects on correctional reform and offender rehabilitation. She is now nominated for the Best Researcher Award for her outstanding contributions to forensic psychology, applied prison research, and European innovation initiatives in offender reintegration.

Publications

Dr. Joana Andrade has authored influential publications in indexed journals, addressing forensic mental health, intervention effectiveness, and correctional psychology. Some of her notable works include:

Tittle : Adapt Life on Remand: A Pilot Randomized Trial With Individuals in Pretrial Detention
Journal: Journal of Clinical Psychology
Published on: 2025

Tittle : In or Out: Justice-Involved Women Characterization and Their Perceptions about Penal Sanctions
Journal: Women & Criminal Justice
Published on: 2025

Tittle : Pre-trial detention as a last resort measure?
Journal: European Journal of Criminology
Published on: 2025

Tittle : Inmates’ mental health and violent outcomes: An exploratory study
Journal: Psychology of Violence
Published on: 2025

Tittle : Effectiveness of Intervention Programs for Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence with Substance Abuse and/or Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Journal: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse
Published on: 2024

Tittle : Validity of the Violence Risk Scale (VRS) in a Portuguese sample of remand prisoners
Journal: Psychiatry, Psychology and Law
Published on: 2024

Tittle : Remand Prisoners’ Specific Needs: A Systematic Review
Journal: Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
Published on: 2023

Tittle : Suicide concerns among pretrial detainees: Validation of the SCOPE-2 (Portuguese version)
Journal: Journal of Forensic Practice
Published on: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Joana Andrade has established herself as a distinguished researcher in forensic psychology, bridging academic research with applied practice in correctional and clinical contexts. Her innovative contributions to offender rehabilitation, mental health interventions, and risk assessment have advanced the scientific understanding of justice-involved populations in Portugal and beyond. With a strong publication record, international collaborations, and impactful Erasmus+ project leadership, she has significantly influenced both policy and practice in correctional systems. Her nomination for the Best Researcher Award reflects her commitment to excellence, societal impact, and the advancement of psychological science in justice settings.

Subodh Kumar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Subodh Kumar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso | United States

Dr. Subodh Kumar is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), El Paso, USA. With a strong foundation in molecular biology and neurobiology, Dr. Kumar’s research centers around understanding the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). He has made significant strides in uncovering the roles of synaptosomal and mitochondrial microRNAs in synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. A prolific researcher and innovator, Dr. Kumar has also contributed to biomarker discovery, therapeutic target identification, and translational neuroscience using cutting-edge multi-omics approaches.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Subodh Kumar has established an enviable track record of original, high-impact research that squarely meets—and arguably exceeds—the criteria for a “Best Researcher” distinction. His laboratory was first to profile synapse-localized microRNAs in the human brain and to link their deregulation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), opening a fresh mechanistic window on synaptic failure. That foundational discovery has already yielded four first- or corresponding-author papers in top-tier journals since 2024 (e.g., Molecular Psychiatry and Clinical & Translational Medicine) and a growing citation trajectory.

Concurrently, Dr. Kumar has secured competitive funding as PI on an NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, an R00 project running through 2026, and multiple foundation and intramural grants—clear evidence of both scientific rigor and fiscal stewardship. His service portfolio is equally compelling: associate editor for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, ad-hoc reviewer for NIH, AHA, and international agencies, and manuscript referee for leading journals such as Nature Communications. Collectively, these achievements demonstrate innovation, productivity, leadership, and an ability to translate ideas into funded, peer-validated science—key hallmarks of an award-worthy researcher.

🎓 Education

Dr. Kumar’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biology (2004) and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology (2005) from CCS University, Meerut, India. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India, in 2014. Furthering his expertise, he completed postdoctoral training in Neurobiology at TTUHSC, Lubbock, Texas, USA, in 2021. His education spans across premier institutions in India and the United States, equipping him with a solid interdisciplinary background.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Kumar holds a distinguished career spanning academia and research. He is currently an Assistant Professor at TTUHSC El Paso (2022–present) and previously served as a Research Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow at TTUHSC Lubbock. His research roots trace back to roles at PGIMER and IIMT College of Medical Science in India. He has also held influential editorial roles and served as an ad-hoc reviewer for NIH and international grant agencies. With over 15 years in scientific research, Dr. Kumar has shaped the fields of neurobiology and molecular medicine through his multifaceted experience.

🧠 Research Interests On Neuroscience

Dr. Kumar’s research is dedicated to elucidating the roles of synaptic and mitochondrial microRNAs in neurodegeneration, especially in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. His lab explores miRNA-mediated modulation of synaptic proteins, neurotransmission, and mitochondrial health using advanced in vivo models and omics platforms. Current projects focus on miR-502-3p as a biomarker and therapeutic target in AD, including studies in Hispanic populations. His research portfolio spans synapse plasticity, GABAergic signaling, multi-omics integration, and biomarker validation in human and animal models.

🏅 Awards

Dr. Kumar’s excellence in neuroscience and molecular biology has earned him numerous accolades, including the Marsh Foundation Research Award (2024) and the prestigious NIH Pathway to Independence Career Development Award (K99/R00, 2020). He received the Best Oral Presentation Award at TTUHSC El Paso’s Annual Research Symposium (2022) and Best Poster Award at the Regional Healthy Aging Symposium (2018). His early career was marked by top-tier fellowships from ICMR, CSIR, and IIT Kanpur. These honors underscore his impactful contributions to aging and neurodegenerative disease research.

📚 Publications

  • Protective effects of Indian spice curcumin against amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease
    PH Reddy, M Manczak, X Yin, MC Grady, A Mitchell, S Tonk, CS Kuruva, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 367

  • Are circulating microRNAs peripheral biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease?
    S Kumar, PH Reddy
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 333

  • Mutant APP and amyloid beta-induced defective autophagy, mitophagy, mitochondrial structural and functional changes and synaptic damage in hippocampal neurons from Alzheimer’s disease
    PH Reddy, XL Yin, M Manczak, S Kumar, JA Pradeepkiran, M Vijayan, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 292

  • MicroRNAs as peripheral biomarkers in aging and age-related diseases
    S Kumar, M Vijayan, JS Bhatti, PH Reddy
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 234

  • MicroRNA-455-3p as a potential peripheral biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease
    S Kumar, M Vijayan, PH Reddy
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 169

  • A critical evaluation of neuroprotective and neurodegenerative MicroRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease
    PH Reddy, S Tonk, S Kumar, M Vijayan, R Kandimalla, CS Kuruva, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 158

  • Defective mitophagy and synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease: Focus on aging, mitochondria and synapse
    H Morton, S Kshirsagar, E Orlov, LE Bunquin, N Sawant, L Boleng, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 142

  • Deregulated mitochondrial microRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease: focus on synapse and mitochondria
    P Gowda, PH Reddy, S Kumar
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 121

  • MicroRNA-455-3p as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease: an update
    S Kumar, PH Reddy
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 116

  • Are microRNAs true sensors of ageing and cellular senescence?
    J Williams, F Smith, S Kumar, M Vijayan, PH Reddy
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 96

🔚 Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Subodh Kumar stands out as a visionary scientist whose pioneering work in Alzheimer’s disease has bridged molecular biology and translational neuroscience. His innovative studies on synaptosomal and mitochondrial miRNAs offer promising avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. Dr. Kumar’s dedication, scholarly excellence, and translational impact make him a deserving candidate for this award recognition.

Qingbao Guo | Neuroscience | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Qingbao Guo | Neuroscience | Outstanding Scientist Award

Xi’an No.9 Hospital | China

Prof. Qingbao Guo is a highly accomplished Associate Chief Physician in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University (formerly Tangdu Hospital), China. He specializes in cerebrovascular disorders, brain tumors, and functional neurosurgery, and is recognized for his excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of moyamoya disease and other complex neurological conditions.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Extensive Clinical Experience:

    • Over 20 years of progressive clinical practice in neurosurgery, including leadership as Associate Chief Physician at a top-tier military hospital.

    • Strong surgical expertise in cerebrovascular diseases, brain tumors, and functional neurosurgery, which are critical areas in modern neurosurgical practice.

  2. Academic Qualifications & Research:

    • A recent Ph.D. in Neurosurgery (2021–2024) focused on moyamoya disease (MMD)—a rare but significant cerebrovascular disorder.

    • Earlier Master’s-level research on peripheral vascular diseases, showing continuity in vascular-focused research.

    • Mentorship under established experts (Professors Lian Duan and Yanzheng He), enhancing academic rigor.

  3. Contribution to National Defense Health System:

    • His long-term service in military medical institutions (Air Force Medical University) underscores contributions to military medicine, a high-impact field with national importance.

  4. Interdisciplinary Relevance:

    • His work bridges clinical practice and surgical innovation, especially in the surgical management of complex neurological diseases, offering translational value to both academic and applied medicine.

🎓 Education

Prof. Qingbao Guo began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Yan’an University (1999–2004). He furthered his specialization with a Master’s degree in Surgery (2008–2011) from Southwest Medical University, under the supervision of Prof. Yanzheng He, where he focused on clinical approaches to peripheral vascular diseases. Most recently, he earned his Ph.D. in Neurosurgery (2021–2024) from the Chinese PLA Medical School, mentored by Prof. Lian Duan, with research concentrating on the pathogenesis and surgical management of moyamoya disease.

💼 Professional Experience

Prof. Qingbao Guo has an extensive and progressive professional background in neurosurgery. He is currently serving as an Associate Chief Physician at Tangdu Hospital since September 2012, where he has amassed advanced surgical experience in managing brain tumors, vascular pathologies, and functional neurosurgical disorders. Prior to this, he was an Attending Physician at the First Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University (July 2011 – August 2012), where he handled numerous vascular cases. His medical career began as a Resident Physician at Shaanxi Sengong Hospital (July 2004 – August 2008).

🔬 Research Interests On Neuroscience

Prof. Qingbao Guo’s research focuses on the pathophysiology and surgical treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, particularly moyamoya disease, a rare but serious condition affecting intracranial arteries. He is also interested in neuro-oncology, vascular neurosurgery, and advancements in functional neurosurgical procedures, with a vision to bridge translational neuroscience and surgical innovation.

🏆 Awards & Nominations

Prof. Qingbao Guo has been acknowledged for his clinical excellence and academic contribution through multiple hospital-level and regional honors. He is a nominee for the [Insert Award Name Here, e.g., “Outstanding Neurosurgeon Researcher Award 2025”] in recognition of his pioneering work in moyamoya disease surgical treatment and his consistent commitment to patient-centered research and education.

📚 Publications

🔬 Genetic Associations and Polymorphisms
  1. MTHFR Polymorphism and EDAS-induced Collateral Formation

    • [DOI: 10.3171/2024.1.JNS232121]
      Highlights the genetic influence (MTHFR) on surgical angiogenesis success post-EDAS in MMD patients.

  2. RNF213 p.R4810K Variant and Unfavorable Outcomes in Pediatric EDAS

    • [DOI: 10.1155/2024/1844190]
      Strong linkage of the RNF213 mutation with poor long-term outcomes, particularly relevant in East Asian populations.

🧪 Biomarker and Multi-Omics Studies
  1. Proteomic & Metabolomic Profiles in Pediatric MMD

    • [DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S471538]
      Identifies core disrupted pathways, potentially pointing toward new diagnostic or therapeutic targets.

  2. Complement C3 Expression & Postoperative Vasculopathy

    • [DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S451538]
      Suggests inflammatory markers like C3 as predictors of vascular changes post-intervention.

🧠 Neuroimaging and Risk Stratification
  1. MRI Vessel Wall Enhancement and MMD Outcomes

    • [DOI: 10.1007/S00330-023-10535-0]
      High-resolution MRI features were linked to clinical risk, potentially informing preoperative planning.

  2. Nomograms for Predicting Rebleeding and Outcomes

    • [DOI: 10.3171/2024.2.JNS232744]
      Well-validated clinical tools that integrate genetics and clinical features for long-term prognosis.

🧬 Pathophysiology and Comorbid Disease Connections
  1. Transcriptomics in MMD and SLE Crosstalk

    • [DOI: 10.3389/FIMMU.2024.1456392]
      A novel systems biology approach to uncover common pathways between MMD and autoimmune diseases like SLE.

  2. ZEB2 and Brain Microvascular Dysfunction Post-ICH

    • [DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1959702]
      Delves into molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction, bridging stroke and hemorrhage pathology.

📉 Risk Factors in Pediatric and Elderly Cohorts
  1. Preoperative Infarction & Pediatric Risk Factors

    • [DOI: 10.1007/S12975-023-01167-Z]
      Targeted focus on predictive markers in vulnerable pediatric populations.

  2. Outcomes in Elderly Post-Conservative vs. EDAS Treatment

  • [DOI: 10.3171/2023.7.JNS231060]
    Offers insights into age-specific management strategies and long-term care plans.

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Qingbao Guo stands out as a dedicated neurosurgeon, educator, and researcher, committed to transforming patient outcomes through clinical expertise and scientific inquiry. His extensive training, hands-on experience, and impactful research make him a compelling candidate for any award celebrating excellence in medical and surgical innovation.

Chengqun Wei | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Chengqun Wei | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Associate Chief Physician | Huaian Hospital of Huaian city (Huaian Cancer Hospital) | China

Dr. Chengqun Wei is the Director of the Neurology Department and an Associate Senior Physician at Huaian Hospital of Huaian City. With a medical doctorate and a specialization in neurology, he has accumulated extensive expertise in geriatric neurology. Since beginning his medical career in 2012, Dr. Wei has dedicated over seven years to the treatment of acute cerebrovascular diseases, neurological infections, and demyelinating disorders. His vast clinical experience also includes managing elderly patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Extensive Medical Expertise: With a Ph.D. in Neurology and over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Wei has demonstrated profound knowledge in geriatric neurology, cerebrovascular diseases, and neurological infections. His ability to manage complex neurological conditions in elderly patients is highly commendable.

Research Contributions: Dr. Wei has authored 7 SCI-indexed publications, indicating a strong research output. Additionally, his involvement in multiple provincial-level research projects as a principal investigator or key participant highlights his active role in advancing medical knowledge.

Technical Proficiency: His expertise in network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and web data mining showcases his ability to integrate computational tools with medical research, a valuable asset in modern biomedical sciences.

Leadership & Experience: Holding senior positions such as Associate Chief Physician and Director of Neurology, Dr. Wei has both clinical and research leadership experience, reinforcing his credentials as a top researcher.

🎓 Education

  • 🎓 2004.09-2009.06Xinxiang Medical University – Clinical Medicine (BD)
  • 🎓 2009.09-2012.06Harbin Medical University – Neurology (MD)
  • 🎓 2020.09-2023.06Harbin Medical University – Neurology (PhD)

💼 Experience

  • 2012.07-2015.05Resident Physician, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital
  • 2015.05-2021.08Attending Physician, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital
  • 2021.09-2024.03Associate Chief Physician, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital
  • 2024.03-PresentAssociate Chief Physician, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City

🔬 Research Interests On Neuroscience

Dr. Wei’s research focuses on network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and web data mining for scientific research. His work contributes to advancements in understanding neurological diseases, particularly in geriatric populations. He is proficient in analyzing large-scale medical data and has authored multiple research papers in high-impact journals.

🏆 Awards

  • 🌟 Principal investigator or key participant in multiple provincial-level research projects.
  • 🌟 Recognized for excellence in neurology research and contributions to geriatric neurological care.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Single cell analysis reveals the roles and regulatory mechanisms of type-I interferons in Parkinson’s disease
  • Authors: Quan P., Li X., Si Y., Yang F., Yao L., and others
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Journal: Cell Communication and Signaling
  • Citations: 4

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Chengqun Wei is a highly skilled neurologist with a strong academic background and clinical expertise in geriatric neurology. His contributions to research, particularly in bioinformatics and pharmacology, have positioned him as a key figure in neurological studies. His dedication to patient care and medical advancements continues to make a significant impact in the field of neurology.