Panagiota Koutsimani | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Panagiota Koutsimani | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Adjunt Lecturer | University of Western Macedonia | Greece

Dr. Panagiota Koutsimani is a cognitive neuropsychologist specializing in burnout, cognitive functioning, and mental health. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Macedonia and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding the relationships between burnout, depression, and anxiety, notably through her widely cited meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Psychology. She has also investigated cognitive performance in non-clinical burnout populations, highlighting the role of family support as a protective factor. Her work employs rigorous methodologies, including longitudinal studies and meta-analyses, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing psychological research. In addition to her research, Dr. Koutsimani has extensive teaching and dissertation supervision experience, mentoring emerging researchers in both cognitive and neuropsychology fields. According to her Google Scholar profile, total citations 1903, since 2020 citations 1854, h-index 8, i10-index 7.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, and K. Georganta, “The relationship between burnout, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, p. 429219, 2019.

2. A. Kariou, P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, and O. Lainidi, “Emotional labor and burnout among teachers: A systematic review,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 23, p. 12760, 2021.

3. P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, E. Masoura, and E. Panagopoulou, “Burnout and cognitive performance,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 4, p. 2145, 2021.

4. P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, and K. Georganta, “The relationship between burnout, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, p. 284, 2019.

5. P. Koutsimani and A. Montgomery, “A two-wave study on the associations of burnout with depression and anxiety: The mediating and moderating role of perceived family support,” Psychological Reports, vol. 126, no. 1, pp. 220–245, 2023.

Hao Yang | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hao Yang | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished professor at Yang Soochow University, China

Dr. Hao Yang is a distinguished professor and leading neuroscientist specializing in stem cell therapy for central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Currently serving as Director of the Translational Medicine Center at Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, he has made significant contributions to regenerative medicine, particularly in reprogramming mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and astrocytes for functional recovery in spinal cord injury. With over 90 SCI-indexed publications—more than 60 as first or corresponding author—and a total impact factor exceeding 330, his research is widely recognized, earning over 3,700 citations in high-impact journals such as Nature Neuroscience, Cell, and Neuron. Dr. Yang has led 13 major research projects and holds editorial and reviewer roles in several international journals. He has been honored with multiple national awards, including the Provincial First Prize for Scientific Progress and the Gusu Talent Award, reflecting his leadership and innovation in translational neuroscience.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Hao Yang earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology in 2007 from the prestigious Fourth Military Medical University (FMMU), under the mentorship of Academician Ju Gong, a renowned neuroscientist. His strong academic foundation was further enriched through international postdoctoral training. In 2010, he joined Emory University in the United States as a Postdoctoral Fellow, gaining exposure to cutting-edge neuroscience research. He later enhanced his global academic experience as a Visiting Scholar at Loma Linda University in 2015. This diverse educational background, combining rigorous Chinese academic traditions with Western biomedical research approaches, laid the groundwork for his expertise in neuroregeneration and stem cell therapy. Dr. Yang’s educational journey reflects a strategic focus on translational neuroscience, bridging theoretical insights and clinical application. His training under leading scientists and at world-class institutions has significantly shaped his scientific vision and capacity for innovative research in central nervous system repair and regenerative medicine.

Professional Experience

Dr. Hao Yang has held several key academic and research leadership roles throughout his career. Following completion of his Ph.D., he joined the faculty of the Fourth Military Medical University, where he began building his research credentials. From 2012 to 2016, he served as Principal Investigator at the Stem Cell Research Center of Renji Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, where he led pioneering work in regenerative therapies. Since 2016, he has been the Director of the Translational Medicine Center at Honghui Hospital, affiliated with Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he leads multidisciplinary teams in translational neuroscience. He also holds the title of Distinguished Professor at Soochow University and Adjunct Professor at Ningxia Medical University. These positions reflect his strong academic reputation and leadership in advancing stem cell therapy and neurorepair research. Dr. Yang’s professional journey demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory marked by innovation, leadership, and impactful collaboration.

Research Interest

Dr. Hao Yang’s research focuses on developing novel stem cell-based therapies for central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. His pioneering work integrates tissue engineering with stem cell biology to enhance neural repair and functional recovery. A key area of his research involves reprogramming mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and astrocytes into neural stem cells and neurons, aiming to treat spinal cord injuries more effectively. He also investigates MSC paracrine effects and their application in osteochondral degeneration, often incorporating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) technologies to enhance regenerative outcomes. Dr. Yang’s studies bridge fundamental neuroscience and clinical application, contributing to the emerging field of translational medicine. His work not only explores cell-based mechanisms of regeneration but also emphasizes therapeutic strategies that are clinically viable. By combining cellular reprogramming, biomaterials, and advanced delivery systems, his research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in functional neural restoration.

Award and Honor

Dr. Hao Yang has received multiple prestigious awards and recognitions that underscore his contributions to neuroscience and regenerative medicine. In 2016, he was honored with the Provincial/Ministerial First Prize for Scientific Progress, highlighting the societal impact of his research. That same year, he earned a Third-Class Military Merit Citation for his academic excellence within the military medical system. In 2015, he was selected as a “100 Talents” Reserve Scholar by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of China’s most competitive academic honors. More recently, he was awarded the Gusu Talent Award and named a Leading Young Talent at Honghui Hospital in 2022, reflecting his continuing leadership in the field. In addition to accolades, he serves on multiple academic committees and grant review panels, including the NSFC and Ministry of Education. These honors affirm his scientific leadership, research innovation, and ongoing contributions to the advancement of medical science in China and beyond.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Hao Yang is a highly accomplished neuroscientist and research leader whose work in stem cell therapy and CNS regeneration has made significant scientific and clinical impacts. With a solid educational foundation, international research experience, and a series of prominent academic appointments, he has established himself as a leading figure in translational medicine. His research, which combines cellular reprogramming, biomaterials, and regenerative biology, addresses critical unmet needs in neural repair and neurodegeneration. Dr. Yang’s achievements are further reflected in his extensive publication record, competitive research funding, and numerous national honors. His leadership roles, including director-level appointments and editorial board service, demonstrate a deep commitment to scientific advancement and collaboration. While he continues to expand his global influence, his current body of work firmly establishes him as a top-tier researcher. Dr. Yang is exceptionally well-qualified for high-level scientific recognition, including consideration for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

1. Aberrant Development of Hippocampal GABAergic Neurons Arising from Hypothyroidism Contributes to Memory Deficits in Mice Through Maf Suppressing Mef2c

  • Authors: Mengyan Wu; Xingdong Zeng; Yongle Cai; Haonan Chen; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2025 (June 11)

2. Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell‑Derived Exosomes in Spinal Cord Injury

  • Authors: Jing An; Bo Chen; Rui Zhang; Ding Tian; Kuohao Shi; Lingling Zhang; Gaorong Zhang; Jingchao Wang; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2025 (January)

3. Advances in Genetically Modified Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Central Nervous System Injury and Neurological Diseases

  • Authors: Xiangwen Tang; Peng Deng; Lin Li; Yuqing He; Jinchao Wang; Dingjun Hao; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2024 (December 18)

4. An Overview of Current Advances in Perinatal Alcohol Exposure and Pathogenesis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

  • Authors: Xingdong Zeng; Yongle Cai; Mengyan Wu; Haonan Chen; Miao Sun; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2024 (April 20)

5. The Neuroprotective Role of Fisetin in Different Neurological Diseases: a Systematic Review

  • Authors: Yizhen Jiang; Xiangwen Tang; Peng Deng; Chao Jiang; Yuqing He; Dingjun Hao; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2023 (November)

6. An Overview of Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Potentials of Fisetin …

  • Authors: Xiangwen Tang; Peng Deng; Yizhen Jiang; Lingling Zhang; Yuqing He; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2023 (October)

7. The aOECs Facilitate the Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells …

  • Authors: Yuqing He; Yizhen Jiang; Lianwei Dong; Chao Jiang; Lingling Zhang; Gaorong Zhang; Hao Yang; Juan Liu

  • Year: 2023 (February)

8. The Anti‑inflammation Property of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Neural Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury

  • Authors: Chao Jiang; Xiaohui Wang; Yizhen Jiang; Zhe Chen; Yongyuan Zhang; Dingjun Hao; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2022 (October)

9. Tetramethylpyrazine Induces the Release of BDNF from BM‑MSCs …

  • Authors: Bo Chen; Jing An; Yun-Shan Guo; Juan Tang; Jing-Jing Zhao; Rui Zhang; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2021 (December)

10. The Involvement of Bioactive Factors in the Self‑Renewal … of Spermatogonial Stem Cells

  • Authors: Guoqing Yang; Yuqing He; Hao Yang

  • Year: 2021 (April)

11. Generation of Functional Dopaminergic Neurons from Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells …

  • Authors: Hao Yang; Dingjun Hao; Cheng Liu; Dageng Huang; Bo Chen; Hong Fan; Cuicui Liu; Lingling Zhang; Qian Zhang; Jing An et al.

  • Year: 2019 (December)

12. Sonic Hedgehog Improves the Reprogramming of Oct‑4‑Mediated Astrocytes …

  • Authors: (includes) Hao Yang

  • Year: 2019 (August 10)

Esther Schenker | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Esther Schenker | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Director, independant researcher, France

Esther Schenker is a Swiss pharmacist and biochemist with a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical industry and biomedical research. With a PhD from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, she has made significant contributions to neuroscience and drug discovery. As a Project Leader at the Institut de Recherches Servier (France), she led major initiatives such as EU-AIMS (autism spectrum disorders) and IMPRiND (protein misfolding). Her expertise spans the design and testing of innovative compounds for neurodegenerative diseases and neuroprotection. 🌍🧠💊

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education:

Esther Schenker earned her PhD in Pharmacy from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Zurich, Switzerland) in 1986. She also holds a Federal Diploma in Pharmacy from the University of Basel (Switzerland) and a Bachelor’s degree from Basel (Switzerland) in 1975. 🎓📚

Experience:

With over 30 years of experience, Esther has held various significant positions in the pharmaceutical industry. From 1999 to 2010, she was the Head of Biological Studies at the Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier (France), overseeing neuroscience drug discovery projects. She has also led innovative research projects, including work in neuroprotective therapies, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. As a post-doctoral researcher in biochemistry and endocrinology, Esther developed expertise in insulin signaling and receptor activity. 💼🧬🔬

Research Interests:

Esther’s research focuses on neuroscience, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, drug discovery, and neuroprotective therapies. She has a keen interest in studying protein misfolding, the molecular mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and the development of novel therapeutic compounds. Her work has influenced the advancement of treatments in neuroprotection and neuropsychiatric disorders. 🧠🔍🔬

Awards:

Esther Schenker has been recognized for her innovative contributions to biomedical research. Some of her achievements include participation in key IMI projects and leadership in successful preclinical drug discovery programs targeting neurodegenerative diseases. 🌟🏆

Publications:

Takillah S., Jérémie Naudé J., Didienne S., Sebban C., Decros B., Schenker E., Spedding M., Mourot A., Mariani J., Faure P. (2017)
“Acute Stress Affects the Expression of Hippocampal Mu Oscillations in an Age-Dependent Manner.”
Front. Aging Neurosci. Link

Rahman A, Lamberty Y, Schenker E, Cella M, Languille S, Bordet R, Richardson J, Pifferi F, Aujard F. (2017)
“Effects of acute administration of donepezil or memantine on sleep-deprivation-induced spatial memory deficit in young and aged non-human primate grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus).”
PLoS One Link

Rame, M., Caudal, D., Schenker, E., Svenningson, P., Spedding, M., Jay, TM., Godsil BP. (2017)
“Clozapine counteracts a ketamine-induced depression of hippocampal-prefrontal neuroplasticity and alters signaling pathway phosphorylation.”
PLoS One Link

Artigas F., Schenker E., Celada P., Spedding M. (2016)
“Defining the brain circuits involved in psychiatric disorders: IMI-NEWMEDS.”
Nat Rev Drug Discov. Link

Deguil J, Auffret A, Schenker E, Aujard F, Lamberty Y, Bartrès-Faz D, Herrero MT, Blin O, Micallef J, Richardson JC, Bordet R. (2016)
“Conclusive Article: Sorting the Good from the Bad: The Different Approaches to Predict Cognitive Properties of New Symptomatic Drug Candidates for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Early Development.”