Jorge Hugo Villafañe | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 18/11/202518/11/2025 by Forensic Scientist

Prof. Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

European University of Madrid | Italy

Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe is an eminent researcher whose scientific contributions have significantly advanced the fields of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, epidemiology, and global health metrics. With a Scopus-indexed portfolio of 326 publications, he has produced a substantial body of high-quality research that includes randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, book chapters, and collaborative international studies. His work demonstrates exceptional global visibility, reflected in 14,878 citations from 10,899 documents and a robust h-index of 47, underscoring his sustained scholarly influence. Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe is widely recognized for his involvement in major The Lancet Global Burden of Disease (GBD) initiatives, contributing to landmark analyses on disease prevalence, disability, mortality, life expectancy, and risk factor trends across more than 200 countries. Beyond global health, he has published extensively on therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, osteoarthritis, nonspecific neck pain, and rehabilitation outcomes, with several of his papers surpassing 100–200 citations, marking him as a leading authority in musculoskeletal science. His research leadership extends to competitive funding achievements in rehabilitation and participation in large-scale projects that have shaped contemporary clinical guidelines. He has delivered influential findings at international scientific conferences, contributed to editorial and peer-review roles in respected journals, and advanced methodological standards in rehabilitation research. Through his innovative investigations and contributions to high-impact global epidemiological studies, Dr. Jorge Hugo Villafañe continues to influence clinical practice, public health strategies, and the scientific understanding of musculoskeletal disorders, positioning him among the most impactful researchers in his field.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Ferrari, A. J., Santomauro, D. F., Aali, A., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., Abbastabar, H., … (2024).
Global incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 371 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2133–2161.

Naghavi, M., Ong, K. L., Aali, A., Ababneh, H. S., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., … (2024).
Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2100–2132.

Brauer, M., Roth, G. A., Aravkin, A. Y., Zheng, P., Abate, K. H., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., … (2024).
Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2162–2203.

Steinmetz, J. D., Seeher, K. M., Schiess, N., Nichols, E., Cao, B., Servili, C., … (2024).
Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Neurology, 23(4), 344–381.

Vollset, S. E., Ababneh, H. S., Abate, Y. H., Abbafati, C., Abbasgholizadeh, R., … (2024).
Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: A forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 403(10440), 2204–2256.

Yanrong Zhu | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 04/11/202504/11/2025 by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Yanrong Zhu | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

East China Normal University | China

Dr. Yanrong Zhu is an emerging scholar in the field of early childhood education, with her research focusing on cognitive development, inclusive pedagogy, and the learning processes of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Her scholarly work integrates developmental psychology, educational neuroscience, and inclusive teaching strategies to explore how children acquire deep learning skills through play-based and interactive learning environments. Her notable publication, “Do Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Have Deep Learning Ability? An Exploratory Research in Inclusive Play” (Journal of Intelligence, 2025), provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of learning engagement and knowledge retention among neurodiverse children. Dr. Yanrong Zhu’s research bridges theoretical understanding and practical educational innovation, emphasizing the design of inclusive learning frameworks that foster critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptive learning abilities in early education settings. Through her contributions, she highlights the significance of inclusive play as a foundation for cognitive and social development, promoting equal learning opportunities for all children. Her research advances the global dialogue on inclusive education, offering empirical evidence and conceptual models that support educators and policymakers in creating more responsive, child-centered, and inclusive early learning systems aligned with contemporary developmental and educational psychology standards.

Profile: Sci Profile

Featured Publications

• Zhu, Y., & Su, X. (2023). Do children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have deep learning ability? An exploratory research in inclusive play. Journal of Intelligence, 13(11), 135. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13110135

Mickela Heilicher | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 30/08/202530/08/2025 by Forensic Scientist

Ms. Mickela Heilicher | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

University of Wisconsin, Madison | United States

Ms. Mickela Heilicher is an emerging scholar and community-engaged researcher whose work integrates psychology, neuroscience, and social justice. She has dedicated her academic career to exploring the complex intersections of incarceration, trauma, and mental health. Through her research, she has not only contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of mental health challenges faced by incarcerated populations but has also emphasized the importance of participatory and humanizing approaches in scientific inquiry. Her scholarship reflects both innovation and compassion, seeking to bring evidence-based practices into contexts where they can generate meaningful social change.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education

Ms. Mickela Heilicher began her academic journey with a foundation in psychology and neuroscience, where she developed a strong interest in understanding human behavior through both biological and social lenses. She continued her education at the graduate level, earning a Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health and incarceration, and expanded her training through a graduate certificate in community-engaged scholarship. Currently, she is pursuing doctoral studies in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where her research focuses on mental health interventions in carceral environments. Throughout her education, she has been guided by leading mentors and has cultivated expertise in community-based and interdisciplinary research methods.

Experience

Ms. Mickela Heilicher’s professional journey reflects a blend of academic research, applied work, and collaborative engagement with communities. She has held roles as a research specialist and graduate researcher in laboratories studying trauma, neuroimaging, and mental health within incarcerated populations. Her contributions include designing and implementing clinical trials that explore the feasibility of trauma-focused therapy in prison settings, leading qualitative studies that center the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals, and developing peer-support programs for re-entry. She has also created research toolkits and reports that guide the integration of mental health services into correctional systems. In addition to research, Mickela Heilicher has taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of scholars in psychology and community-engaged work.

Research Interest

Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of incarceration, trauma, and community engagement. She is deeply invested in examining how trauma impacts mental health outcomes among justice-involved populations and how evidence-based interventions can be adapted to meet the needs of incarcerated individuals. A significant aspect of her work involves challenging the use of stigmatizing language in academic literature and replacing it with humanizing terms that respect the dignity of individuals impacted by incarceration. She is also committed to exploring participatory models of research that empower communities to shape the design and implementation of studies, thereby ensuring that research outcomes are relevant, accessible, and sustainable.

Awards

Ms. Mickela Heilicher’s dedication to research excellence and community engagement has been recognized through academic travel awards, scholarships, and multiple nominations for excellence in engaged scholarship. Her recognition stems not only from her strong publication record but also from her ability to bridge academic knowledge with real-world application. These awards reflect her growing reputation as a leader in psychology and forensic science research, and her ability to design impactful studies that contribute to both scientific progress and societal well-being.

Publications

Ms. Mickela Heilicher has co-authored numerous articles published in internationally recognized journals. Her work spans topics including stigma in the criminal legal system, neuroimaging of trauma and psychopathy, the reliability of fMRI research methods, and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in prison populations. Her publications include:

Title: How reliable are amygdala findings in psychopathy? A systematic review of MRI studies
Journal: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Published on: 2022
Citation: 55

Title: Functional imaging correlates of childhood trauma: A qualitative review of past research and emerging trends
Journal: Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
Published on: 2021
Citation: 26

Title: The influence of FAAH genetic variation on physiological, cognitive, and neural signatures of fear acquisition and extinction learning in women with PTSD
Journal: NeuroImage: Clinical
Published on: 2022
Citation: 25

Title: Large-scale neural network computations and multivariate representations during approach-avoidance conflict decision-making
Journal: NeuroImage
Published on: 2022
Citation: 17

Title: Aerobic exercise after extinction learning reduces return of fear and enhances memory of items encoded during extinction learning
Journal: Mental Health and Physical Activity
Published on: 2023
Citation: 14

Title: Test-retest reliability of fMRI during an emotion processing task: investigating the impact of analytical approaches on ICC values
Journal: Frontiers in Neuroimaging
Published on: 2022
Citation: 11

Title: Decision-making for concurrent reward and threat is differentially modulated by trauma exposure and PTSD symptom severity
Journal: Behaviour Research and Therapy
Published on: 2023
Citation: 10

Conclusion

Ms. Mickela Heilicher exemplifies the qualities of a researcher who combines academic excellence with social responsibility. Her work has expanded scientific knowledge of trauma, incarceration, and mental health while simultaneously advocating for more inclusive and respectful approaches to research. By integrating lived experiences into study design, publishing impactful findings, and developing practical interventions for correctional settings, she demonstrates a rare ability to transform research into meaningful practice. Her nomination for the Best Researcher Award highlights her as a scholar whose contributions extend beyond academia, fostering both innovation and humanity in forensic and psychological sciences.

Andrew Denovan | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 13/12/202416/12/2024 by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Andrew Denovan | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Liverpool John Moores University | United Kingdom

Dr. Andrew Denovan is a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Currently, he serves as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University. With a robust academic and professional background, Dr. Denovan has established himself as a distinguished researcher in psychology, psychometrics, and individual differences.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

Strengths for the Awards

Extensive Academic Qualifications and Experience:
- Dr. Denovan holds a PhD in Psychology and several advanced certifications, including psychometric testing and teaching.
- With nearly two decades of academic and professional experience, he has contributed as a senior lecturer and psychometrician at renowned institutions like Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Prolific Research Output:
- Authored 89 peer-reviewed journal publications, two book chapters, and 22 conference proceedings.
- Research metrics, including 3,308 citations, an h-index of 28, and an i10-index of 48, reflect significant influence in the field.
- Published in high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Psychology, PLOS One, and Personality and Individual Differences.
Research Focus and Funding:
- Focus on individual differences, health psychology, psychopathology, and psychometrics demonstrates a broad and impactful research scope.
- Secured over €500,000 in research funding from prestigious organizations, such as the BIAL Foundation and Innovate UK.
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Active involvement in multiple research groups, including leadership roles in the Applied Individual Differences Research Team and PsiMetrika.
- Collaboration on multidisciplinary and international research projects highlights his ability to foster teamwork.

Education 🎓

Dr. Denovan’s academic journey is illustrious, marked by several prestigious qualifications:

PhD in Psychology (2010) – Sheffield Hallam University
MSc in Psychology (Distinction) (2006) – Teesside University
BSc in Psychology (First Class Honours) (2005) – Teesside University
In addition, he holds certifications in psychometric testing and teaching, including a PGCLTHE from Teesside University (2013).

Experience 💼

Dr. Denovan has over a decade of experience in academia and research. His roles include:

Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University (2024–present)
Senior Lecturer at University of Huddersfield and Manchester Metropolitan University (2014–2023)
Senior Psychometrician at Adelphi Values Ltd. (2021–2022)

He has also undertaken various leadership and management roles, such as Programme Leader, Ethics Lead, and REF Impact Case Study Coordinator.

Research Interests On Psychology 🔬

Dr. Denovan’s research focuses on:

Individual differences: Personality, resilience, and adaptability
Health psychology: The intersection of beliefs and well-being
Psychometrics: Development and validation of psychological measures
Statistical modeling: Advanced analytical techniques for research

His work aims to enhance the understanding of human behavior and psychological functioning.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Denovan has secured significant funding for his research, including:

BIAL Foundation (€42,000, 2023): Psychometric validation and modeling of health beliefs.
Youth Sport Trust (£4,683, 2022): Benefits of sport participation in schools.
Innovate UK (£263,706, 2020): AI-driven psychometric innovations.

These awards highlight his contributions to advancing psychology and public well-being.

Publications 📚

“The Revised Assessment of Sadistic Personality (ASP-8)”
- Authors: Rachel A. Plouffe, Christopher M. Kowalski, Kostas A. Papageorgiou, Bojana M. Dinić, Elena Artamonova, Neil Dagnall, Andrew Denovan, Foteini-Maria Gianniou, Theodoros Kyriazos, Donald H. Saklofske, Anastassios Stalikas.
- Publication Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2022.2055476
“Who Falls for Fake News? Psychological and Clinical Profiling Evidence of Fake News Consumers”
- Authors: Álex Escolà-Gascón, Neil Dagnall, Andrew Denovan, Kenneth G. Drinkwater, Miriam Diez-Bosch.
- Publication Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111893
“Paranormal Experience Profiles and Their Association with Variations in Executive Functions: A Latent Profile Analysis”
- Authors: Kenneth G. Drinkwater, Neil Dagnall, Andrew Denovan, Chris Williams, Álex Escolà-Gascón.
- Publication Year: 2022
- DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.778312
“Validation of the Spanish Version of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale”
- Authors: Andrew Denovan.
- Publication Year: 2022
- DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2022.21
“Paranormal Belief, Cognitive-Perceptual Factors, and Well-Being”
- Authors: Neil Dagnall, Andrew Denovan, Kenneth G. Drinkwater.
- Publication Year: 2022
- DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.967823
“The Ego Resiliency Scale-Revised”
- Authors: Andrew Denovan, Neil Dagnall, Kenneth G. Drinkwater.
- Publication Year: 2022
- DOI: 10.1177/07342829221090117

Conclusion ✨

Dr. Andrew Denovan is a respected academic, researcher, and leader in psychology. His contributions to psychometrics, health psychology, and statistical modeling have enriched the field, inspiring future generations of psychologists. His ongoing research continues to shape our understanding of individual differences and well-being.

Featured Publications

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