Kenneth Drinkwater | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Kenneth Drinkwater | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Senior Lecturer | Manchester Metropolitan University | United Kingdom

Dr Kenneth Drinkwater is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and an established researcher specializing in cognitive, biopsychology, and neuropsychology, with a strong record of academic leadership and scholarly impact. He holds advanced qualifications in psychology and academic practice, supported by foundational training in design and applied disciplines, reflecting a multidisciplinary perspective. His professional experience spans research, teaching, and clinical support roles, alongside sustained leadership as unit lead and tutor across multiple stages of undergraduate psychology programmes. His research focuses on cognitive and neuropsychological processes, with a substantial body of peer-reviewed publications that are widely cited, demonstrating influence and continuity within his field. He has contributed to curriculum development, mentoring, and the advancement of research-informed teaching, while also supporting the academic community through reviewing and scholarly service. His work has been recognized through strong citation performance, research visibility, and sustained contributions to psychology, underscoring his continued potential for advancing knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-led innovation.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Top 5 Featured Publications

 

Anna Cavallaro | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Anna Cavallaro | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

University of Bari | Italy

Dr. Anna Cavallaro, a PhD Candidate in Gender Studies at the University of Bari, is an emerging scholar specializing in developmental and educational psychology with a strong focus on study strategies, digital learning processes, and eye-tracking methodologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Modern Philology with a specialization in teaching, training, and research, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Humanities from the University of Salerno. Her professional experience includes serving as an Adjunct Teaching Assistant in the Experimental Pedagogy and Educational Technologies Lab at the University of Salerno and as an Academic Tutor in Psychology of E-learning at the University of Bari, roles through which she contributes to instructional innovation and student mentorship. She has also expanded her international research experience as a visiting researcher at the University of Oslo. Dr. Cavallaro is an active member of a nationally funded research project on digital learning, where she investigates socio-cognitive and emotional-motivational factors influencing students’ engagement with digital materials. Her research output includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and contributions to edited volumes addressing gender stereotypes, inclusive digital pedagogies, and the integration of eye-tracking tools in educational research. She has presented her work at international conferences, delivered seminars, and contributed to symposia on technology-enhanced learning and gender studies. Skilled in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, she is proficient in the use of NVivo, R Studio, and eye-tracking technologies for data collection and analysis. Dr. Cavallaro’s academic achievements and growing portfolio of scholarly publications reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in gender-responsive education and evidence-based instructional practices, positioning her as a strong candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Cavallaro, A., & Ligorio, M. B. (2025). Gender comparison of factors involved in self-study activities with digital tools: A mixed study using an eye tracker and interviews. Education Sciences.

2. Cavallaro, A., Ventrella, A., & Ligorio, M. B. (2025). Italian college students’ study strategies integrating digital technology: A multilevel analysis comparing gender and STEM versus non-STEM students. In Methodologies and Intelligent Systems for Technology Enhanced Learning (pp. 230–238). Springer.

3. Cavallaro, A. (2025). Il background teorico e gli studi sugli eye tracker. In F. Faiella (Ed.), Eyetracking glasses per migliorare la didattica. FrancoAngeli.

4. Cavallaro, A. (2025). Superare gli stereotipi di genere: Digital learning e pedagogia generativa per un orientamento professionale inclusivo e autodeterminato. Attualità Pedagogiche.

5. Cavallaro, A. (2024). Linguaggio e stereotipi: Osservazioni sui ruoli di genere nei libri di testo scolastici. Cooperazione Educativa, 3, 68–74.

Dr. Anna Cavallaro’s research advances evidence-based educational practices by integrating gender analysis, digital learning, and eye-tracking methodologies to better understand and support diverse learners. Her work contributes to more inclusive pedagogical models, informing policy, instructional design, and technological innovation in education.

EUGENIA MANDAL | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. EUGENIA MANDAL | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Katowice, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia Katowice, Poland

Professor Eugenia Mandal, PhD, Dlitt, is a distinguished Polish psychologist specializing in social and clinical psychology. She graduated with an MA in Psychology from the University of Silesia in 1980, later earning a PhD in 1990 and a DLitt in 2000. In 2010, she was awarded the title of Professor of Humanities by the President of Poland. She serves at the University of Silesia, holding key academic and leadership positions. Professor Mandal is an influential voice in gender studies, interpersonal relations, and social psychology. She has authored over 210 academic works, including influential books such as Love, Power, and Manipulation in Close Relations and Femininity and Masculinity: Popular Opinions and Academic Research. A recipient of numerous state honors, she founded the Polish Society for the Psychology of Close Relations in 2018. Her research, teaching, and mentorship have profoundly impacted psychology in Poland and beyond.

Profile 

Education 

Professor Mandal’s academic journey began at the University of Silesia, where she earned an MA in Psychology in 1980, focusing on Clinical Psychology. She completed her PhD in Psychology in 1990 at the same institution, furthering her expertise in interpersonal dynamics and social influence. In 2000, she was conferred a DLitt in Psychology by the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, an accolade signifying her contribution to psychological scholarship. Her academic achievements culminated in 2010 when she was awarded the title of Professor of Humanities in Psychology by the President of Poland. This title underscored her leadership in gender studies, social psychology, and interpersonal relations. Throughout her career, Professor Mandal has continuously advanced psychological science, enriching the academic community through her groundbreaking research, innovative psychological assessments, and active engagement in academic societies.

Research Focus 

Professor Eugenia Mandal’s research delves into the complexities of human psychology, particularly in close interpersonal relationships. Her work spans a variety of topics, including the psychology of power, social influence, and gender dynamics. She explores emotional states in relationships, such as jealousy, manipulation, support, and devotion, alongside self-image and body image issues. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates elements of social psychology, clinical psychology, and gender studies. Professor Mandal has developed psychological tools for assessing persuasion tactics and relational dynamics, contributing to the understanding of human behavior. Her research extends to the socio-cultural consequences of gender stereotypes, the psychology of femininity and masculinity, and the interplay of attractiveness and social influence. Through extensive publications and reports for institutions like the World Bank, she has shaped academic and practical discourse on gender equity, interpersonal dynamics, and psychological resilience.

Publications 

  • 📚 Podmiotowe i interpersonalne konsekwencje stereotypów związanych z płcią (2000)
  • 📖 Kobiecość i męskość: Popularne opinie a badania naukowe (2003)
  • ❤️ Miłość, władza i manipulacja w bliskich związkach (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)
  • 🤝 Konflikty między ludźmi (2011)
  • Beauty and social influence. Adonization and its correlations (2014)
  • 👩‍💼 Stereotypowe postrzeganie ról kobiet i mężczyzn jako wyznacznik karier zawodowych (2004)
  • 🌍 Self-presentational modesty across cultures: The effects of gender and social context in the workplace (1997)
  • 🔑 The need for power, sense of power, and directiveness in female and male superiors (2018)
  • 🌺 Psychiczna kobiecość i męskość, poczucie własnej atrakcyjności, style przywiązania (2010)
  • 🧠 Psychological masculinity, femininity and tactics of manipulation in patients with BPD (2013)
  • 💔 Style przywiązania, traumatyczne doświadczenia i próby samobójcze u kobiet (2012)
  • 💼 Kobiety i mężczyźni a praca zawodowa (2007)
  • 🤔 The stereotypes of man and woman in Poland-content and factor structures (2012)
  • 🌱 Socjalizacja ról społecznych związanych z płcią (1995)
  • 💕 Reinforcement sensitivity, goals, and relational aggression in romantic relationships (2021)
  • 🚶‍♀️ Do Polish never-married singles feel stigmatized? (2016)
  • 🧍‍♀️ Ciało jako proces–ciało jako obiekt (2004)
  • 🌸 Childhood violence, loss, and hurt in adult relationships as suicide risk factors (2012)
  • 👫 Masculinity and femininity in everyday life: Introduction (2012)

Sara Isernia | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sara Isernia | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. at IRCCS Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS Foundation, italy

Sara Isernia is an accomplished researcher and educator in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, focusing on advanced diagnostics and rehabilitation therapies for neurological conditions. Currently, she holds a permanent position as a Researcher at the Center for Advanced Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Therapy (CADiTeR) at the IRCCS S. Maria Nascente, Don Gnocchi Foundation in Milan, Italy. Her work emphasizes neuroplasticity, social cognition, and the innovative application of digital technologies in rehabilitation.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Sara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Genoa, where she explored the burnout syndrome in informal caregivers of dementia patients. She then completed her Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Pavia, where she focused on the role of executive functions and social abilities in the theory of mind among the elderly. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Milan, working on a project that investigates the multi-component model of theory of mind in typical and atypical development.

Experience 💼

With a wealth of teaching experience, Sara has conducted university courses at the University of Milan, covering subjects such as Social Psychology, Research Methodology, and Qualitative Research. In addition to her teaching role, she collaborates on research projects that delve into the assessment and rehabilitation of neurodegenerative conditions, making significant contributions to the understanding of neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve.

Research Interest 🔍

Sara’s research interests lie in the intersection of neuroscience and psychology, particularly in understanding social cognition and its implications for rehabilitation therapies. She investigates the role of cognitive reserve in neurodegenerative diseases, employing innovative methodologies like neuroimaging and digital health technologies. Her goal is to develop effective rehabilitation strategies that enhance the quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions.

Awards 🏆

Sara has received multiple accolades for her contributions to the field, including recognition for her innovative research on digital rehabilitation approaches. She has been nominated for various awards acknowledging her impact on the understanding and treatment of cognitive and affective disorders.

Publications 📚

Sara has an extensive list of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Below are some highlighted works with hyperlinks:

  • Exploring cognitive reserve’s influence: unveiling the dynamics of digital telerehabilitation in Parkinson’s Disease Resilience
    Isernia, S., Di Tella, S., Rossetto, F., Silveri, M.C., Baglio, F.
    npj Digital Medicine, 2024, 7(1), 116
    Link to Article
  • Biomarkers of neural integrity and immunoglobulin genes influence neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease
    Pandey, J.P., Baglio, F., Mancuso, R., Clerici, M., Agostini, S.
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2024, 464, 123167
    Link to Article
  • Different Models of Cardiac Telerehabilitation for People with Coronary Artery Disease: Features and Effectiveness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Pagliari, C., Isernia, S., Rapisarda, L., Baglio, F., Brambilla, L.
    Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 13(12), 3396
    Link to Article
  • Cognitive Reserve proxies can modulate motor and non-motor basal ganglia circuits in early Parkinson’s Disease
    Di Tella, S., Isernia, S., Cabinio, M., Silveri, M.C., Baglio, F.
    Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2024, 18(1), pp. 220–230
    Link to Article
  • Human reasoning on social interactions in ecological contexts: insights from the theory of mind brain circuits
    Isernia, S., Pirastru, A., Rossetto, F., MacPherson, S.E., Baglio, F.
    Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2024, 18, 1420122
    Link to Article
  • Reliability and minimal detectable change of the Yoni task for the theory of mind assessment
    Isernia, S., Cacciatore, D.M., Rossetto, F., Ricci, C., Baglio, F.
    Frontiers in Psychology, 2024, 15, 1412560
    Link to Article
  • Surface-based integration approach for fNIRS-fMRI reliability assessment
    Bonilauri, A., Pirastru, A., Sangiuliano Intra, F., Baselli, G., Baglio, F.
    Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 2023, 398, 109952
    Link to Article
  • Beyond the simplicity of theory of mind deficit in multiple sclerosis: from kinetic perception to socio-emotional abstraction and mentalizing
    Isernia, S., Rossetto, F., Castelli, F., Blasi, V., Baglio, F.
    Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 2023, 77, 104894
    Link to Article
  • Measuring cognitive and affective Theory of Mind with the Italian Yoni task: normative data and short versions
    Isernia, S., Rossetto, F., Blasi, V., Marchetti, A., Baglio, F.
    Current Psychology, 2023, 42(27), pp. 23519–23530
    Link to Article
  • Differential Roles of Neural Integrity, Physical Activity and Depression in Frailty: Sex-Related Differences
    Isernia, S., Cazzoli, M., Baglio, G., Baglio, F., Blasi, V.
    Brain Sciences, 2023, 13(6), 950
    Link to Article

Her research has been cited extensively, reflecting its impact and relevance in the field of psychology and rehabilitation.

Conclusion 🔚

Dr. Sara Isernia is a remarkable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in psychology and neuroscience. Her innovative research, interdisciplinary expertise, and dedication to education set her apart as a leader in her field. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in public engagement and grant writing, her strengths position her to make significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurological conditions.