Ekaterina Yurtaeva | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ekaterina Yurtaeva | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

 York St John University | United Kingdom

Dr. Ekaterina Yurtaeva, an HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, is a distinguished researcher and practitioner in psychology, specializing in trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and integrative therapeutic approaches. She earned her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from York St John University , with a dissertation focused on intercultural love and romantic relationships under the supervision of Prof. Divine Charura and Dr. Natalie Smith. She also holds an MSc in Early Childhood Research with First Class Honors from Leipzig Research Center for Early Child Development, Germany, where her research examined neural correlates of attachment in adolescents, and a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology with Clinical Psychology from the University of Kent, UK. Professionally, Dr. Yurtaeva serves as a Counselling Psychologist at the Nightingale Hospital, London, and the Humber and North Yorkshire Resilience Hub, providing evidence-based interventions for adults presenting with trauma, work-related stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic health conditions. Her clinical experience includes leadership in reflective practice sessions, CPD training, and the delivery of both individual and group psychotherapy, demonstrating advanced application of CBT, DBT, ACT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and person-centered modalities. Dr. Yurtaeva’s research interests encompass culturally sensitive psychological interventions, trauma stabilization, and cross-cultural mental health practices. She has contributed to projects on autism, severe mental illness, and simulation-based training, and her work has been published in reputable journals, including the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. Her skills in statistical analysis (SPSS, R), research design, and cross-cultural competencies complement her clinical expertise. Recognized for her excellence in research and clinical practice, she has received accolades including the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Yurtaeva’s leadership, interdisciplinary knowledge, and commitment to evidence-based, culturally responsive practice establish her as a global leader in counselling psychology, with strong potential to advance international collaborations, Q1 publications, and mentorship initiatives that elevate research and practice standards in mental health globally.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Yurtaeva, E., & Groves, E. (2025). Improving outcomes for traumatised health and social care staff through the implementation of a trauma pathway within an NHS staff support service: A case study. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.

Yurtaeva, E., & Charura, D. (2025). Intercultural romantic relationships: How is the love? The Family Journal. Advance online publication.

Yurtaeva, E., & Charura, D. (2024). Comprehensive scoping review of research on intercultural love and romantic relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

Rania H. Al-Taie | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Rania H. Al-Taie | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Mustansiriyah University, College of Medicine | Iraq

Al-Taie, R. H.  is a neuroscience researcher and medical graduate from the Faculty of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad , currently serving as a Research Assistant at Insight Psychiatric Clinic and Coordinator at the Axon Foundation for Research and Development, with prior experience as a freelance research trainer, research team member at Mustansiriya University, exchange officer with IFMSA-Iraq, and event organizer for scientific conferences, while also teaching research methodology, CNS anatomy and physiology, and delivering mental health awareness lectures. She has authored numerous publications including case reports, systematic reviews, and original articles in high-impact neurosurgery and psychiatry journals, with research interests spanning neuroanatomy, neurosurgery, psychiatric disorders, and patient-centered innovations. Al-Taie has completed specialized international training in neurosurgery mentorship (Hoz Neurosurgery Mentorship), artificial cadaver surgical skills (WFNS & UpSurgeon), cardiovascular surgery clerkship (Hacettepe University, Turkey) clinical neuroscience research methodology, and advanced neurology programs (MDS-AOS School for Young Neurologists, Bangkok, and has received recognition through active memberships in IFMSA, the Walter E. Dandy Neurosurgical Club, Al-Hayat Society for Multiple Sclerosis Patients, and the European Society for Medical Oncology. Her research skills include advanced data analysis, meta-analysis, JAMOVI statistical software, PCR, histology, and literature synthesis, complemented by voluntary health awareness initiatives with UNICEF, campaigns on antimicrobial resistance, kidney health, diet, and community-based renewable energy training, as well as her role as a content creator and mental health advocate focusing on stigma reduction, PTSD, depression, and women’s mental health in Iraq. As a candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award, her strengths include exceptional academic dedication, early career leadership in neuroscience and psychiatry, and a strong publication record with global collaborations, which highlight her promise as a young scientist; areas for improvement include the need to secure independent research grants, lead multi-institutional projects, and refine her broad research scope into more specialized expertise to strengthen her niche identity; her future research potential lies in advancing translational studies bridging clinical neuroscience with psychiatric care and policy, particularly in addressing stigma and mental health challenges in underserved regions; and in conclusion, Dr. Al-Taie is a highly deserving candidate whose academic achievements, research productivity, teaching excellence, and advocacy efforts demonstrate both immediate impact and significant long-term potential in neuroscience and psychiatry.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Al-Shalchy, A., Al-Wassiti, A. S. A., Elboraay, T., Mutar, M. T., Hashim, M. A. B., et al. (2024). Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma: Comprehensive review of epidemiology, clinical staging, and treatment outcomes. World Neurosurgery.

Al-Shalchy, A., Al-Wassiti, A. S., Hashim, M. A., Al-Khazaali, Y. M., Talib, S. H., et al. (2024). Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of carotid cavernous fistulas: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cureus, 16(7).

Al-Alousi, H. M., Al-Kubaisi, K. T., Ismail, M., Al-Ageely, T. A., Abdulameer, A. O., et al. (2022). Transbasal penetrating traumatic brain injury caused by a rifle rod: A case report. Surgical Neurology International, 13, 3.

Al-Shalchy, A. K., Al-Taie, R. H., Algabri, M. H., Al-Khafaji, N. H. A., Loulida, H., et al. (2025). Surgical strategies in basal ganglia gliomas: A systematic review of resection extent, mortality, and neurological recovery. World Neurosurgery, 124174.

Al-Shalchy, A. K., Hashim, M. A. B., Al-Taie, R. H., Al-Badri, S. G., Abdalridha, R. H., et al. (2025). Thalamic cavernomas: A systematic review of clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and surgical outcomes. World Neurosurgery, 123972.

Al-Juboori, A. A., Badran, S. A., Sulaiman, I. I., Shahadha, A. A., Alsamok, A. S., et al. (2025). Clinical implications of sagittal stratum damage: Laterality, neuroanatomical developmental considerations, and functional outcomes. Surgical Neurology International, 16, 4.

Alshammaa, H. I., Al-Taie, R. H., Mujbel, A. M., & Mujbel, A. M. Sr. (2024). Impact of long-term depression on employment outcomes: A systematic review and case series from Iraq on career trajectory and job stability. Cureus, 16(10).

Mohammad, N. K., Rajab, I. A., Al-Taie, R. H., Ismail, M., Mohammad, N., & Al-Taie, R. (2024). Machine learning and vision: Advancing the frontiers of diabetic cataract management. Cureus, 16(8).

Ismail, M., Muthana, A., Al-Ageely, T. A., Ahmed, F. O., Al-Taie, R. H., Al-Khafaji, A. O., et al. (2024). Teleproctoring in therapeutic neurointervention: Experience from Iraq-Saudi Arabia collaboration. Surgical Neurology International, 15(280),