Irina Ekimova | Neuroscience | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Irina Ekimova | Neuroscience | Best Research Article Award

Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences | Russia

Dr. Irina Ekimova is a distinguished neurophysiologist, Associate Professor, and Head of the Laboratory of Comparative Thermophysiology at the Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Saint Petersburg, Russia. She earned her Ph.D. in physiology with a focus on neurobiology, equipping her with expertise in cellular and molecular neuroscience. Over her career, Dr. Ekimova has gained extensive professional experience in both teaching and advanced research, mentoring young scientists while leading high-impact projects at the national and international level. Her research interests center on comparative thermophysiology, sleep neurobiology, neurodegenerative disorders, and the molecular role of heat shock proteins in protecting brain function. She has significantly contributed to elucidating the somnogenic and anticonvulsant effects of stress-induced proteins, as well as their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential, particularly in the early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Ekimova’s research skills include molecular biology techniques, neurophysiological experimentation, translational medicine approaches, and advanced diagnostic development. She has published widely in Scopus-indexed and peer-reviewed journals, presented at international conferences, and actively collaborated across borders to advance global neuroscience. Her achievements have been recognized through academic leadership roles and honors within the scientific community, highlighting her dedication to both innovation and societal impact. By integrating her scientific expertise with leadership in collaborative initiatives, she continues to bridge fundamental research with clinical applications. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to advancing neuroscience and developing novel strategies for neuroprotection, Dr. Irina V. Ekimova is highly deserving of the Best Research Article Award, as her work represents a significant step forward in understanding and treating neurodegenerative pathologies while demonstrating exceptional academic excellence, innovation, and global research potential (Ekimova, n.d.).

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Pazi, M. B., Belan, D. V., Komarova, E. Y., & Ekimova, I. V. (2024). Intranasal administration of GRP78 protein (HSPA5) confers neuroprotection in a lactacystin-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(7), 3951.

Lapshina, K. V., & Ekimova, I. V. (2024). Aquaporin-4 and Parkinson’s disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(3), 1672.

Guzeev, M. A., Kurmazov, N. S., & Ekimova, I. V. (2023). Chronic sleep restriction in rats leads to a weakening of compensatory reactions in response to acute sleep deprivation. S.S. Korsakov Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry, 123(5), 235–241.

Simonova, V. V., Guzeev, M. A., Ekimova, I. V., & Pastukhov, Y. F. (2022). Chaperone Hsp70 (HSPA1) is involved in the molecular mechanisms of sleep cycle integration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(8), 4464.

Ekimova, I. V. (2021). Modeling of chronic sleep restriction for translational studies. Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii im. S.S. Korsakova, 121(4), 26–33.

Ekimova, I. V. (2021). Preventive administration of the heat shock protein Hsp70 relieves endotoxemia-induced febrile reaction in pigeons (Columba livia) and rats. Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology, 57(5), 813–821.

Ekimova, I. V. (2021). Age-related characteristics of sleep impairments in a model of the preclinical stage of Parkinson’s disease in rats. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 51(6), 749–756.

Ekimova, I. V. (2021). Assessment of the efficacy of preventive therapy with chaperone inducer U133 in a model of the preclinical stage of Parkinson’s disease in elderly rats. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 51(6), 743–748.

Ekimova, I. V. (2021). Chronic sleep restriction disrupts slow-wave sleep homeostatic regulation and damages monoaminergic structures in the rat brain. Sleep, 44(Supplement_2), zsab072.111.

Ekimova, I. V. (2020). Age-related differences in sleep disturbances in rat models of preclinical Parkinson’s disease. Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii im. S.S. Korsakova, 120(9), 226–232.

Plaksina, D. V., & Ekimova, I. V. (2020). Age-related features of α-synuclein pathology in the brain on modeling the preclinical stage of Parkinson’s disease in rats. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 50(1), 69–75.

Ekimova, I. V., Pazi, M. B., & Plaksina, D. V. (2020). Assessment of the neuroprotective potential of glucose-regulated heat shock protein in a model of Parkinson’s disease in rats. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 50(1), 83–89.

Ekimova, I. V. (2020). U-133, a chaperone inducer, eliminates sleep disturbances in a model of the preclinical stage of Parkinson’s disease in aged rats. Advances in Gerontology, 10(3), 301–309.

Ekimova, I. V. (2020). Impairment to cognitive functions in Wistar rats in a model of the preclinical stage of Parkinson’s disease. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 50(5), 547–552.

Karpenko, M. N., Muruzheva, Z. M., Pestereva, N. S., & Ekimova, I. V. (2019). An infection hypothesis of Parkinson’s disease. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 49(9), 1184–1190.

Chesnokova, A. Y., Ekimova, I. V., & Pastukhov, Y. F. (2019). Parkinson’s disease and aging. Advances in Gerontology, 9(2), 131–137.

Ekimova, I. V. (2019). Exogenous heat shock protein 70 kDa facilitates the restoration of sleep and thermoregulatory characteristics in rat endotoxemia model. Sleep, 42(Supplement_1), zsz067.067.

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),

Evgeniya Pushchina | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Pushchina | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

National Scientific Center of Marine Biology Far Eastern Branch Russian Academy of Sciences | Russia

Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Pushchina  is an accomplished neuroscientist specializing in reparative molecular neurobiology and neurochemistry, currently serving as Chief Researcher and Head of the Laboratory of Cell Differentiation at the A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. With over scientific publications including  articles in leading journals, nine monographs, and high-impact research featured in Neural Regeneration Research, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Brain Science, she has become a recognized international expert in neuronal regeneration, adult neurogenesis, and molecular signaling. Her work has been highlighted among the Most Important Results of the Russian and Ukrainian Academies of Sciences, and she actively serves as a reviewer for top-tier journals. She has collaborated with global research centers in India, Ukraine, USA, France, and China, and her contributions to optogenetics, neuroplasticity, and cell differentiation mark her as a leading authority in modern neuroscience.

Profile:

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Google Scholar

Education:

Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Pushchina completed her academic journey with distinction, earning a Candidate of Sciences in Biology (Ph.D.)  and later a Doctor of Science in the A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Her doctoral training was rooted in molecular neurobiology, neurochemistry, and the reparative processes of the nervous system, fields that became the cornerstone of her scientific career.  she was elected Professor of the Department of Biological Sciences, RAS, in recognition of her academic achievements and contributions to neuroscience. She has also pursued advanced professional development and international training, including internships at Stanford University, NASA, and Collège de France in the fields of optogenetics and optopharmacology, which further expanded her technical and methodological expertise. Her education is distinguished by a consistent dedication to bridging classical biology with emerging interdisciplinary innovations, ultimately shaping her role as a global expert in neurobiology.

Experience:

Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Pushchina professional career spans over two decades of research, teaching, and leadership in neuroscience. As Chief Researcher and Head of the Laboratory of Cell Differentiation at NSCMB FEB RAS, she leads projects on neuronal regeneration and neuroplasticity. She has served as an expert for the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Register of Experts of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Rosnauka, and multiple dissertation councils. Internationally, she has collaborated with institutions such as the Brien Holden Eye Research Center in India, the A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology in Ukraine, and Stanford University in the USA. She has lectured at global conferences and taught advanced courses in histology, cell biology, and neurobiology at universities in Russia and Ukraine. As a mentor, she has supervised multiple PhD candidates, master’s students, and bachelor’s research projects, contributing to the training of highly skilled specialists. Her experience reflects excellence in both research leadership and academic development.

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Pushchina has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for her contributions to neuroscience. She is a laureate of Presidential Grants for young PhD researchers and young Doctors of Science, as well as recipient of multiple RFBR and RAS-funded projects. Her project “Regeneration in the Central Nervous System: From Theory to Experiment” earned a Gold Medal at the Moscow International Fair of Education. She has been honored with the badge of “Honorary Mentor” and the Medal dedicated to the Anniversary of Russian Science. Her research excellence has also been recognized internationally, with diplomas and certificates from leading conferences in China, Japan, USA, France, and Austria, including the “Best Abstract Award” and “Certificate of Excellence” from the Wings for Life Foundation.

Research Focus:

Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Pushchina research is centered on reparative molecular neurobiology, adult neurogenesis, neuronal regeneration, and neuroplasticity, with a strong emphasis on understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying nervous system repair. Her studies on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and glial responses in fish models such as Oncorhynchus mykiss have provided insights into constitutive neurogenesis and trauma-induced regeneration. She has pioneered work in optogenetics, semiconductor microelectronics, and neuropharmacology in collaboration with Stanford University and NASA, applying advanced imaging and gene-transfer technologies to explore neuronal activity and regeneration. Her collaborations with global research institutions have advanced knowledge in stem cell biology, optopharmacology, and molecular physiology, contributing to translational applications in neural repair and rehabilitation. Pushchina’s research bridges fundamental biology with applied biomedical innovation, focusing on creating interactive tools, molecular markers, and experimental strategies to enhance our understanding of central nervous system regeneration. Her work continues to shape international neuroscience, offering new perspectives in repair and recovery mechanisms.

Publication:

Title: Cystathionine β-synthase in the CNS of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou (Salmonidae) and carp Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae)
Year: 2011
Citations: 28

Title: Features of adult neurogenesis and neurochemical signaling in the Cherry salmon Oncorhynchus masou brain
Year: 2013
Citations: 26

Title: The quasi-fractal structure of fish brain neurons
Year: 2004
Citations: 22

Title: Cell proliferation and apoptosis in optic nerve and brain integration centers of adult trout Oncorhynchus mykiss after optic nerve injury
Year: 2016
Citations: 16

Title: Mechanical brain injury increases cells’ production of cystathionine β-synthase and glutamine synthetase, but reduces Pax2 expression in the telencephalon of juvenile chum
Year: 2021
Citations: 14

Title: Reparative neurogenesis in the brain and changes in the optic nerve of adult trout Oncorhynchus mykiss after mechanical damage of the eye
Year: 2016
Citations: 14

Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Modulates Adult and Reparative Neurogenesis in the Cerebellum of Juvenile Masu Salmon, Oncorhynchus masou
Year: 2020
Citations: 13

Title: The neurochemical organization and adult neurogenesis in the masu salmon brain
Year: 2017
Citations: 12

Title: Participation of Neurochemical Signaling in Adult
Year: 2014
Citations: 12

Title: Nitric oxide-ergic organization of medullar cranial nuclei in teleost fishes
Year: 2007
Citations: 12

Title: GFAP expression in the optic nerve and increased H₂S generation in the integration centers of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) brain after unilateral eye injury
Year: 2020
Citations: 11

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Pushchina is a highly accomplished and deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking contributions to neurobiology, leadership in scientific institutions, extensive mentoring of young scholars, and impactful international collaborations establish her as an outstanding researcher. With continued focus on translational outcomes and wider global partnerships, her work has the potential to shape the future of neuroscience research. She stands as an exemplary role model in academia, combining scientific excellence with dedicated service to the research community.