Prof Dr. Wojciech Kolanowski | Nutrition Award | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Wojciech Kolanowski | Nutrition Award | Best Researcher Award 

Prof Dr. Wojciech Kolanowski ,Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Prof. Dr. Wojciech Kolanowski, in Poland, is a distinguished specialist in human nutrition. He currently serves as a professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Lublin, Poland. Prof. Kolanowski’s research focuses on nutrition and health, child nutrition, obesity, food hygiene and safety, food security, functional foods, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA), and clinical nutrition. His academic career includes previous roles at Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities and the Warsaw University of Life Sciences.

Professional Profile:

Scopus 

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Prof. Dr. Wojciech Kolanowski is an expert in human nutrition with a strong academic and research background. His significant contributions span various fields of nutrition, including child nutrition, obesity, functional foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy food processing. His extensive work on food hygiene, safety, and dietary supplements underscores his expertise in promoting public health through improved nutritional practices.

Education:

  • Professor in Health Sciences (2019) 🎓
  • Habilitation in Food Science and Nutrition (2012) 📜
  • PhD in Food Science and Nutrition (2013) 🧠
  • MSc Eng. in Food Science and Nutrition (1996) 🥼

Work Experience:

  • Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin (2021–present) 🏥
  • Vice Dean of Science, Faculty of Natural Science, Siedlce University (2014–2021) 🎓
  • Researcher and Lecturer, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (1996–2014) 🌿
  • Expert Reviewer for National Science Center and National Center for Research and Development (2013–present) 🧪

Publication top Notes:

The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Intervention at School on BMI and Body Composition in Overweight Children: A Pilot Study

The effect of pomegranate juice consumption on bone histomorphometric parameters with the use of an animal model

The protein nutritional status affects hope of patients in the terminal phase of cancer

Perspective of Using Apple Processing Waste for the Production of Edible Oil with Health-Promoting Properties

Assessing Food Safety Compliance in a Small-Scale Indian Food Manufacturer: Before and after Certification of the Food Safety Management System and Foreign Supplier Verification Program

Vaihere Delaune | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vaihere Delaune | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Fellow at Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland

Dr. Vaihere Aurore Delaune, born on April 30, 1985, in Lautoka, Fiji Islands, is a French national and an accomplished surgeon. She serves as a Research Fellow and Registrar in the Department of Digestive Surgery at Geneva University Hospitals. Dr. Delaune specializes in general and digestive surgery with a focus on colorectal conditions. She holds an MD-PhD from the University of Geneva, where her research centered on immune modulation in pancreatic islet transplantation. Fluent in French and English, Dr. Delaune has contributed significantly to surgical innovation and clinical research, earning recognition through several prestigious grants and awards. With a dual passion for clinical work and academic research, she has co-authored multiple publications and continues to play an active role in the Swiss surgical community.

Profile:

Strengths for the award:

  1. Extensive Academic Background: Dr. Delaune holds an MD-PhD with a focus on immune monitoring and hypoxia-mediated injury in pancreatic islet transplantation, demonstrating a solid foundation in both clinical and scientific research. Her specialized training in general and digestive surgery, as well as her continuous professional development in advanced topics such as robotic surgery and colorectal procedures, reflects her commitment to ongoing education.
  2. Clinical and Research Expertise: With over 10 years of experience in various surgical domains, particularly in digestive and transplant surgery, Dr. Delaune has made significant strides in both clinical practice and research. She currently balances her role as a 50% Research Fellow and 50% Registrar in Digestive Surgery at Geneva University Hospitals, showcasing her ability to integrate clinical experience with high-impact research.
  3. Research Contributions: Dr. Delaune’s research portfolio is impressive, spanning a variety of topics including immune modulation, pancreatic islet transplantation, and healing mechanisms in obesity-related complications. She has been the recipient of significant research grants, including CHF 30,000 and CHF 40,000 for her work on colon anastomosis in murine obesity models, which highlights her ability to secure funding for impactful projects.
  4. Publication Record: Dr. Delaune has contributed to high-quality research publications, including cover articles in journals such as Transplant International and Heliyon. She has also reviewed manuscripts for prestigious journals such as the British Journal of Surgery and Pharmaceutics, which demonstrates her recognition in the academic community.
  5. Leadership and Recognition: She has received multiple awards, such as the Encouragement Prize of the Swiss Visceral Surgery Society and the EPITA Best Poster award. Dr. Delaune has also been a key member of several professional organizations, including the Swiss Minimal Invasive Surgery (Swiss-MIS) board and the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).
  6. Mentorship and Teaching: Dr. Delaune has actively contributed to the academic community through teaching medical students, post-graduate residents, and nursing staff. Her leadership roles, such as being in charge of the digestive semiology branch for bachelor’s students and organizing grand rounds, indicate her ability to mentor future generations of medical professionals.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Collaboration: While Dr. Delaune has a strong record of working within the Geneva University Hospitals and with Swiss-based research groups, expanding her international collaboration efforts could enhance her profile. Working with global research institutions could provide a broader perspective and introduce more diverse methodologies into her research.
  2. Research Impact and Citation: While her publications are noteworthy, increasing the citation impact of her work may be an area to focus on. Emphasizing publications in journals with broader international readership could help increase the visibility and influence of her research.
  3. Innovation in Research: Dr. Delaune’s work in pancreatic islet transplantation and colon anastomosis is cutting-edge, but diversifying into emerging areas such as AI in surgery or precision medicine might further solidify her standing as a leading researcher. She has demonstrated interest in AI applications for organ transplantation, which could be expanded into a larger body of work.

Education:

Dr. Vaihere Aurore Delaune has an impressive educational background, beginning with her International Baccalaureate (IBO) from Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2002. She pursued medical education at Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, France, earning her Medical School Diploma in 2010. She later specialized in surgery and achieved her Basic Surgery Exam in 2011 from Geneva, Switzerland. In 2018, Dr. Delaune completed her MD-PhD at the Geneva Faculty of Medicine, focusing her thesis on “Immune monitoring and modulating hypoxia-mediated injury in pancreatic islet transplantation” under the supervision of Prof. Christian Toso. In 2020, she earned the title of FMH Specialist in General Surgery, Bern, Switzerland. Dr. Delaune has further enhanced her expertise through several courses, including supervisory and coaching skills, clinical research, proctology, pelvic floor disease, and ultrasound, underscoring her commitment to both clinical practice and academia.

Experience:

Dr. Vaihere Aurore Delaune brings over a decade of experience in general and digestive surgery. She currently works as a 50% Research Fellow and 50% Registrar at Geneva University Hospitals, a position she has held since November 2021. Prior to this, she worked as a Registrar at the same institution, focusing on digestive surgery (2020-2021) and general surgery at Etablissements Hospitaliers du Nord Vaudois (2019-2020). Between 2015 and 2018, Dr. Delaune balanced clinical work with research, spending 80% of her time as a basic science research resident under Prof. Christian Toso’s group. Her early career involved residency positions in digestive surgery, intensive care, urology, emergency care, and orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Delaune is known for her hands-on involvement in colorectal surgery and pancreatic islet transplantation, making her a well-rounded surgeon and researcher with expertise in trauma care, proctology, and transplantation.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Vaihere Aurore Delaune has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2021, she won the Encouragement Prize of the Swiss Visceral Surgery Society, a testament to her surgical and research contributions. She also co-authored the EPITA Best Poster in basic research in Igls, Austria (2018). Notably, in 2017, she was a co-author for the ARS Best Presentation award at the Swiss Surgical Society. Dr. Delaune’s research has been continuously supported by prestigious grants such as the Fonds Ernst et Lucie Schmidheiny (2023), the Fonds Projet Recherche et Développement HUG (2021-2024), and the Ligue genevoise contre le cancer (2016-2019). These grants have fueled her research on colon anastomosis healing and immune modulation, particularly in pancreatic islet transplantation. Her academic and clinical achievements highlight her pivotal role in advancing digestive surgery and translational research.

Research Focus:

Dr. Vaihere Aurore Delaune’s research primarily focuses on colorectal surgery, pancreatic islet transplantation, and immune modulation. Her work investigates the healing mechanisms in colon anastomosis, especially in the context of obesity, aiming to improve surgical outcomes for obese patients. She has spearheaded research on modulating hypoxia-mediated injuries in pancreatic islet transplantation, exploring immune responses to improve transplant survival rates. Her interest in translational medicine is evident through her studies on colorectal cancer surgery, aiming to personalize treatment strategies based on patients’ gut microbiomes. In recent years, Dr. Delaune has shifted some focus toward robotic surgery and artificial intelligence, examining their potential to enhance the precision and success of complex digestive procedures. Her research has not only contributed to scientific advancements but also led to practical applications in digestive and transplant surgery, making her a recognized leader in the field.

Publications Top Notes:

  • Artificial Intelligence: Present and Future Potential for Solid Organ Transplantation (2022) 🤖
  • Intraportal islet transplantation: The impact of the liver microenvironment (2017) 🩺
  • PROphylactic MESH (PROMESH) for stoma closure: A randomized controlled trial (2023) 🧠
  • NKG2D blockade in a syngeneic rat model of intraportal islet transplantation (2019) 🐀
  • Hemorrhoidal disease in 2022: How to select the most appropriate treatment? (2022) 💊
  • Maternal obesity increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (2024) 🧬
  • Robotic mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse: The Geneva technique (2023) 🤖
  • Impact of maternal obesity on liver disease in offspring: Transcriptomic analysis (2022) 🧬

Conclusion:

Dr. Vaihere Aurore Delaune is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her balanced expertise in clinical and basic science research, strong publication record, and leadership in both research and teaching are exemplary. While enhancing international collaboration and increasing the global impact of her research could add to her profile, her current contributions to digestive surgery and transplant immunology already position her as a top contender for this award.

Henu Verma | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Henu Verma | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Helmholtz zentrum Munich,Germany

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma is an accomplished Senior Postdoctoral Scientist at the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) / Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany. With a strong background in biotechnology, medical research, and immunology, he has developed expertise in lung biology, lung transplantation, and neutrophil activation. Dr. Verma earned his PhD as an International Marie Curie fellow from the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, Naples, Italy. He is an active researcher, having published over 77 papers, with research interests that span lung immunopathology, cancer biology, and viral diseases. Additionally, Dr. Verma collaborates with renowned international scientists and has contributed to diverse fields, including gastrointestinal cancer research, hematological diseases, and viral pathogenesis. His global research impact is further reflected in his editorial roles and collaborations with researchers in Europe, USA, India, and other countries.

Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Academic Excellence and Research Output:
    • Dr. Verma holds a PhD from a prestigious program as a Marie Curie fellow at the University of Luigi Vanvetelli, Naples, Italy.
    • He has published an impressive 77 papers, including high-impact journal articles, and contributed to 7 book chapters. With over 160 total impact factors, 828 citations, and an h-index of 15, his research clearly has been influential in multiple areas of medical and biological sciences.
    • His work spans a broad spectrum, including biotechnology, oncology, immunology, and molecular biology, with a specific focus on lung health, cancer, and genetic disorders like Sickle Cell Disease.
  2. Leadership in Research:
    • As a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist at the Comprehensive Pneumology Center in Helmholtz Zentrum, Munich, Dr. Verma is currently leading critical research on lung immunopathology and lung transplantation, a field of global relevance.
    • He has a strong track record of mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, showcasing his role as a leader and educator in the scientific community.
  3. Global Collaborations and Multidisciplinary Expertise:
    • Dr. Verma has an extensive network of international research collaborators across Germany, USA, Italy, France, Turkey, China, and India, contributing to a wide range of studies from cancer biology to viral research.
    • His research contributions span multiple fields, including oncology, immunology, gastroenterology, and clinical trials, indicating his versatility and cross-disciplinary approach to solving complex medical challenges.
  4. Editorial and Peer-Review Contributions:
    • Dr. Verma holds several editorial roles and frequently reviews for high-impact journals like Nature, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and Elsevier, reflecting his expertise and recognition in the scientific community.
    • His involvement in the editorial boards of prestigious journals such as the Journal of Pediatric Genetics and the World Journal of Gastroenterology further solidifies his position as a thought leader.
  5. Research Focus and Societal Impact:
    • His research on lung transplantation, primary graft dysfunction, and the mechanisms of smoking-induced neutrophil activation after transplantation highlights the potential real-world impact of his work, especially in addressing critical healthcare challenges.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Language Proficiency:
    • Dr. Verma has only basic proficiency in German (A1) and intermediate skills in Italian (A2). Given his long-term stay in Germany, enhancing his language skills could improve his ability to engage with local collaborators, teach, and mentor students more effectively in a German-speaking environment.
  2. Grant Funding and Independent Projects:
    • While his research output and collaborations are impressive, Dr. Verma could benefit from securing more independent research grants as a lead investigator. This would further establish his capacity to manage large-scale projects and enhance his visibility as a principal researcher.

Education:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree (2009-2012) in Biotechnology, Botany, and Chemistry from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology (2012-2014) from Ayush Health Science University, Raipur, where his focus on advanced molecular biology techniques and their applications in healthcare solidified his path toward biomedical research. In 2018, Dr. Verma embarked on his PhD journey as an International Marie Curie Fellow at the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) under the University of Luigi Vanvetelli in Naples, Italy. His doctoral research centered on unraveling molecular mechanisms in cancer metastasis and understanding their broader implications on human health. This educational background laid a strong foundation for his expertise in immunology, cancer research, and the molecular basis of diseases, shaping his subsequent career as a leading researcher in lung immunopathology.

Experience:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma has a rich scientific career, starting as a Research Fellow at the Sickle Cell Institute, Raipur (2015-2018), where he investigated genetic disorders and blood diseases. His early research experiences led to his PhD (2018-2021) as a prestigious International Marie Curie Fellow at the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology in Naples, Italy, where he conducted cutting-edge research in cancer biology. Since 2021, Dr. Verma has been serving as a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist at Helmholtz Zentrum München in the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity. Here, his research focuses on lung immunopathology, lung transplantation, and neutrophil activation mechanisms. His international collaborations span across Germany, USA, India, and other countries, contributing to significant advancements in molecular biology and disease research. He has supervised undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students and has been active in organizing and participating in several international conferences.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma has been recognized for his exceptional research and contributions to science with multiple awards. He received the prestigious International Marie Curie Fellowship (2018-2021) during his PhD, a testament to his outstanding academic and research potential. His achievements date back to his school years, where he was named Best Student of the Year (2008-2009), and he led the Science & Technology (Eco) Club in Raipur. Dr. Verma has consistently secured top positions in various state and national-level science and technology fairs, including first place at the Indian Science & Technology Fair (2008-2009) and the Western India Science State Level Competition (2006-2007). His consistent excellence in academic research and leadership has positioned him as a key contributor in lung immunology, cancer biology, and biomedical research, earning him editorial roles in several renowned international scientific journals.

Research Focus:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma’s current research primarily revolves around lung immunopathology and lung transplantation. He is exploring how Cathepsin B-induced ferroptosis contributes to DNA damage after lung transplantation, potentially leading to primary graft dysfunction. Another key focus of his research is understanding the epigenetic changes in neutrophil activation caused by smoking, a factor that contributes to lung transplant rejection. Dr. Verma is also investigating the protective role of Cystatin C in preventing graft dysfunction during lung transplant rejection. His research has broad implications for improving outcomes in lung transplantation and understanding molecular pathways involved in lung diseases. Additionally, Dr. Verma continues his work on cancer biology, especially in understanding the molecular reprogramming of cancer cells. His cross-disciplinary research collaborations, spanning Europe, USA, and Asia, reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge in both lung biology and cancer research.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Nanotechnology-based drug delivery system: Current strategies and emerging therapeutic potential for medical science 🧪💊
  • Physical Activity and Nutritional Influence on Immune Function: An Important Strategy to Improve Immunity and Health Status 🏋️🍎🦠
  • Adapting and surviving: intra and extra-cellular remodeling in drug-resistant gastric cancer cells 🧬👾
  • Curcumin Extraction, Isolation, Quantification and Its Application in Functional Foods: A Review With a Focus on Immune Enhancement Activities and COVID-19 🌱💪🦠
  • Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress Tethered to Cardiovascular Diseases ❤️🔬
  • Pain Management Issues as Part of the Comprehensive Care of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease 🧬⚕️
  • Current Updates on the European and WHO Registered Clinical Trials of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 🌍💉🦠
  • Current understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on gastrointestinal disease: Challenges and openings 🦠🌡️
  • Genetic variant in the BCL11A (rs1427407) loci associate with fetal hemoglobin levels in Indian sickle cell disease patients 🧬🩸
  • Dynamic propagation and impact of pandemic influenza A (2009 H1N1) in children 🧒💉
  • Retrospection of the effect of hydroxyurea treatment in patients with sickle cell disease 💊🧬
  • Convalescent Plasma Transfusion a Promising Therapy for Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19) 🧪🩸
  • Gastric cancer stem cells: a glimpse on metabolic reprogramming 🧬🔬
  • Molecular mechanism, diagnosis, and potential treatment for novel coronavirus (COVID-19): a current literature review and perspective 🦠🔬
  • Presence of atypical beta globin gene cluster haplotypes in sickle cell anemia patients of India 🧬🩸
  • Assessment of renal function in Indian patients with sickle cell disease 🧬🩸
  • Ocular manifestations of sickle cell disease and genetic susceptibility for refractive errors 👁️🧬
  • Radiological and clinical spectrum of COVID-19: A major concern for public health 🦠🩺
  • A retrospective look at anti-EGFR agents in pancreatic cancer therapy 🧪🔬
  • Rapid diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) detection: An evidence-based report 🧪🦠

Conclusion:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma’s extensive research contributions, global collaborations, and leadership in his field make him a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award. His work addresses critical challenges in lung immunology, cancer biology, and genetic disorders, areas of global importance. With a proven track record of high-impact publications, cross-disciplinary expertise, and mentorship, Dr. Verma has demonstrated both the depth and breadth of his research abilities. Improving his language skills and securing additional independent research grants would further solidify his standing as a top-tier researcher. Nonetheless, his current accomplishments and trajectory are highly commendable and make him deserving of this award.

Sara Tassoni | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sara Tassoni | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at  University of Hohenheim , Germany

Sara Tassoni is a Doctoral Researcher in Ecology at the University of Hohenheim, Germany. With over six years of experience in insect classification and project management, Sara specializes in multitrophic interactions in agricultural landscapes. Her interdisciplinary academic journey, spanning environmental protection, agricultural science, and diagnostic imaging, underscores her broad scientific expertise. Sara’s work focuses on promoting biodiversity in agroecosystems and enhancing sustainable practices. She is proficient in RStudio and QGIS, fluent in three languages (Italian, English, German), and has co-authored research on insect conservation published in Global Ecology and Conservation. Her passion for nature extends beyond her research, as she enjoys hiking, dog training, and reading.

Profile:

ORCID Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Experience:
    • Sara has over six years of experience in insect classification, particularly with Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, which demonstrates her technical expertise in entomology.
    • Her PhD work focuses on multitrophic interactions within a landscape context, a complex area of ecology. This shows her ability to engage in multidisciplinary research.
    • Her experience in leading a small team and managing field and lab work underlines her project management and leadership skills, vital for any researcher.
  2. Publication Record:
    • Sara co-authored a significant research article in Global Ecology and Conservation about insect conservation in agricultural landscapes. Publishing in such a reputable journal shows that her work is contributing to the scientific community at a high level.
  3. Diverse Academic Background:
    • Her educational journey, spanning agricultural and food sciences, ecology, and diagnostic imaging, showcases versatility. This interdisciplinary approach enhances her research perspective, particularly in understanding ecological systems in agricultural contexts.
  4. Technical Proficiency:
    • Proficient in RStudio and QGIS, Sara demonstrates strong data analysis and geospatial skills, which are essential for modern ecological research.
  5. International and Multilingual Experience:
    • Fluent in English, Italian, and German, she can collaborate with a broad international audience. Her fluency in multiple languages could enhance her ability to participate in global research initiatives and conferences.
  6. Award-Winning Involvement in Projects:
    • Her contribution to the BiodivObst project, which was recognized by the UN, is a notable achievement. It indicates that her work has not only scientific merit but also real-world impact in promoting biodiversity in fruit orchards.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Impact:
    • While Sara has made valuable contributions, particularly in agricultural landscapes, increasing her publication output or extending her research to more global or diverse ecological issues might enhance her standing further.
  2. Advanced Statistical Skills:
    • Although she has intermediate knowledge of RStudio, further development of advanced statistical analysis skills could enhance her research depth, particularly for high-level ecological modeling.
  3. Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition:
    • There’s no mention of her involvement in securing research funding. Gaining experience in grant writing and acquiring independent research funding would be a key area to improve her candidacy for higher research accolades.

Education:

Sara Tassoni began her academic career with a BSc in Diagnostic Imaging Radiography and Radiation Therapy (2014) from the University of Parma, Italy, where she graduated with full honors. She then pursued a BSc in Agricultural and Food Science and Technology (2018) at the University of Reggio Emilia and Modena, graduating cum laude with a thesis on invertebrate biodiversity in pear orchards. Her MSc (2021) from the University of Hohenheim focused on the environmental protection of agricultural systems, where her thesis studied tree microhabitats as indicators of bat and bird communities. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Ecology (since 2022), investigating multitrophic interactions in landscape contexts, particularly concerning insect conservation and biodiversity promotion.

Experience:

Since 2022, Sara Tassoni has been working as a Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems at the University of Hohenheim. She leads a small research team, focusing on fieldwork and lab work in agricultural ecosystems, and is skilled in statistical analysis using RStudio and QGIS. Prior to this, she worked as a Student Research Assistant (2018-2020), where she contributed to a biodiversity project in fruit orchards that was awarded by the UN. Sara’s earlier experience includes internships and assistant roles in entomology labs, radiology departments, and administrative work. Her hands-on expertise in insect classification, biodiversity conservation, and project management makes her a valuable researcher in agroecology and sustainability.

Research Focus:

Sara’s research primarily focuses on the conservation of insect biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Her PhD explores multitrophic interactions within a landscape context, looking at the role of semi-natural habitats and crop heterogeneity in promoting sustainable ecosystems. A key focus of her work is on wild bee species and their relationships with flowering plants, aiming to develop practical recommendations for agricultural systems to enhance biodiversity and ecological health. Sara’s research not only addresses ecological concerns but also promotes agroecological practices that can be integrated into sustainable agriculture. She combines field experiments with statistical analyses using RStudio and geospatial mapping through QGIS to understand these complex interactions.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Insect conservation in agricultural landscapes needs both high crop heterogeneity and semi-natural habitats (🌿🐝)

Conclusion:

Overall, Sara Tassoni is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award” based on her strong research background, leadership in ecological projects, and her publication record in reputable journals. Her technical proficiency and international experience further strengthen her candidacy. While there are areas for growth, particularly in expanding her research impact and securing research funding, her current achievements and contributions to the field of ecology make her a strong contender for the award.

Birgitta Dresp | Cognitive Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Birgitta Dresp | Cognitive Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Director at CNRS ,France

Dr. Birgitta Dresp-Langley is a distinguished cognitive and computational neuroscientist and Research Director at the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), France, affiliated with the ICube Laboratory at the University of Strasbourg. She earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from Paris Descartes University in 1991 and completed her Habilitation in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at Strasbourg University in 1998. Dr. Dresp-Langley has significantly contributed to the fields of perception, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and data quality. With an extensive list of published works and ongoing international collaborations, she has played an influential role in advancing knowledge in visual perception, decision-making, and AI applications. Throughout her career, Dr. Dresp-Langley has mentored several doctoral and post-doctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of cognitive scientists.

Profile:

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Dresp-Langley has over three decades of experience in cognitive science and computational neuroscience, holding a tenured position as Research Director at CNRS since 1993. Her research contributions, particularly in perception, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and decision-making, are highly impactful.
  2. Prolific Publishing Record: She has authored numerous influential research papers, with many highly cited works across fields such as visual perception, illusory forms, and digital addiction. Her most cited papers highlight her leadership in foundational research areas, including her collaboration with other top scholars.
  3. International Collaboration: Dr. Dresp-Langley is involved in a broad range of international collaborations, spanning the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa. This global reach underscores her ability to integrate cross-disciplinary expertise into her research.
  4. Supervision and Mentorship: She has successfully mentored doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers, many of whom have secured prestigious academic positions worldwide. This reflects her commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers.
  5. Editorial and Reviewing Contributions: Dr. Dresp-Langley holds senior editorial positions in various renowned journals such as Frontiers in Psychology and Frontiers in Neuroscience. This demonstrates her influence in shaping academic discourse.
  6. Scientific Leadership and Recognition: She has been a member of several high-level scientific expert committees, including the European Commission’s expert group on artificial intelligence and robotics safety. Such roles affirm her leadership in the scientific community.
  7. Multidisciplinary Focus: Her work spans several fields, including neuroscience, robotics, AI, and public health. This versatility makes her contributions relevant across diverse domains.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Increased Outreach and Public Engagement: While Dr. Dresp-Langley’s academic contributions are significant, expanding her public engagement through popular science communication could amplify her impact beyond the academic sphere. Increasing outreach to policymakers, industries, and public forums would enhance the societal relevance of her work.
  2. Focus on Emerging Technologies: As artificial intelligence and deep learning evolve, increasing her direct contributions to these rapidly developing fields through more experimental AI and robotics studies could strengthen her influence in applied technological research.
  3. Visibility in Applied Fields: While her work on perception and cognition is foundational, pushing more into applied fields, such as digital health or AI ethics, would ensure that her research remains cutting-edge in both academic and practical contexts.

Education:

Dr. Birgitta Dresp-Langley earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Science in 1991 from Paris Descartes University, where she focused on visual perception, particularly illusory form phenomena and their neural correlates. In 1998, she completed her Habilitation in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at Strasbourg University. Her habilitation expanded on her previous work and explored computational models of perception and neural networks. Dr. Dresp-Langley’s educational background is deeply rooted in experimental psychology, neurophysiology, and computational modeling, which provided her with a strong interdisciplinary approach to cognitive science. She has received international recognition for her pioneering research in visual perception, depth perception, and human-computer interaction. Her educational background established her as a leader in both cognitive science and neuroscience research.

Experience:

Since 1993, Dr. Birgitta Dresp-Langley has held a tenured position as a Research Director at the CNRS, where she has led groundbreaking research in cognitive and computational neuroscience. She is affiliated with the ICube Laboratory at the University of Strasbourg, focusing on perception, human-computer interaction, and AI. Dr. Dresp-Langley has supervised numerous doctoral and post-doctoral researchers and collaborated with scientists worldwide, including from the U.S., Kenya, and Japan. She is also a Senior Associate Editor for several prestigious journals, such as Frontiers in Psychology and Frontiers in Neuroscience. Beyond her academic career, she has served as a member of European expert committees on artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality safety. Over the years, her work has garnered significant financial support through CNRS, IDEX, and European Commission-funded projects, contributing to the understanding of visual and cognitive processes.

Research Focus:

Dr. Birgitta Dresp-Langley’s research focuses on the interdisciplinary fields of cognitive and computational neuroscience. Her work investigates human perception, particularly how the brain processes visual information, such as depth perception, illusory contours, and form perception. She also explores how artificial intelligence can model and simulate these cognitive processes, creating applications for human-computer interaction and robotics. Dr. Dresp-Langley has made significant contributions to understanding how the brain interprets visual stimuli, filling gaps between local contrast detection and global grouping. Her research also covers decision-making mechanisms and data quality in complex information systems. A leading voice in visual perception, she has published extensively on the interplay between color, contrast, and spatial awareness in both humans and artificial systems. Additionally, her research includes examining the impacts of digital addiction on cognitive health and behavior, further showcasing her multidisciplinary expertise.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Deep reinforcement learning for the control of robotic manipulation: a focused mini-review 🤖
  • Bright lines and edges facilitate the detection of small light targets 🔦
  • Phenomena of illusory form: Can we bridge the gap between levels of explanation? 🤔
  • Contour integration across polarities and spatial gaps: from local contrast filtering to global grouping 👁️
  • Beyond the classical receptive field: The effect of contextual stimuli 🧠
  • Psychophysical evidence for low-level processing of illusory contours and surfaces in the Kanizsa square 🔳
  • Digital addiction and sleep 🌙
  • Subthreshold summation with illusory contours 🧩
  • Children’s health in the digital age 💻
  • Interaction of color and geometric cues in depth perception: When does “red” mean “near”? 🟥
  • Detection facilitation by collinear stimuli in humans 🧍‍♂️
  • Contrast detection facilitation by spatially separated targets and inducers 🎯
  • Psychophysical measures of illusory form perception 🔮
  • Effects of saturation and contrast polarity on the figure-ground organization of color on gray 🎨
  • A neural network model for long-range contour diffusion in vision 🧑‍💻
  • The quantization error in a Self-Organizing Map as a contrast and color-specific indicator 🖥️
  • Depth perception from pairs of overlapping cues in pictorial displays 🖼️
  • Seeing virtual while acting real: Visual display and strategy effects on the time and precision of eye-hand coordination 🖲️
  • On illusory contours and their functional significance 🧐
  • Ultraviolet reflecting photonic microstructures in the King Penguin beak 🐧

Conclusion:

Dr. Birgitta Dresp-Langley’s contributions to cognitive science, computational neuroscience, and related fields make her a highly suitable candidate for a Best Researcher Award. Her long-standing impact through publications, international collaborations, mentorship, and scientific leadership positions demonstrate excellence in research. While increasing public engagement and continuing to advance her work in emerging technologies could enhance her influence further, her overall profile is exemplary for this accolade.