Kai Yuan | Biology | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kai Yuan | Biology | Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor | Peking University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kai Yuan is an internationally recognized researcher at Peking University whose work significantly advances neuroscience, psychiatric epidemiology, molecular signaling, and translational mental health research. With an exceptional 8,438 citations, 244 Scopus-indexed documents, and a strong h-index of 47, he stands among the most impactful scholars in neurobiology and psychiatric disorder research. His research interests span addiction memory consolidation, brain network dynamics, fMRI-based cognitive and emotional processing, depression and anxiety burden forecasting, cancer cell signaling, neuroimmune mechanisms, and human behavior under stress. Dr. Yuan’s research skills are wide-ranging and include advanced neuroimaging analytics, molecular and cellular assays, biomarker profiling, psychophysiological modeling, machine-learning–based disease prediction, and multidisciplinary clinical collaboration, often demonstrated through publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Translational Psychiatry, BMC Medicine, Communications Biology, and Journal of Affective Disorders. Although Scopus Preview does not list formal award entries, Dr. Yuan’s prolific productivity, more than 980 global co-authors, and consistent contributions to open-access, high-visibility research reflect his standing as a leading scientist whose work is frequently recognized by the international research community. His studies on psychiatric disorder mechanisms, memory retrieval-extinction processes, cancer proliferation pathways, and long-term cognitive outcomes of viral infections directly support advancements in clinical treatment strategies, public health decision-making, and precision medicine. In conclusion, Dr. Kai Yuan’s research continues to shape global understanding of the human brain and mental health, providing foundational insights that drive innovation across neuroscience, psychiatry, and biomedical science, while strengthening the scientific infrastructure for future therapeutic breakthroughs.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Yu, Y. F., Jia, T. Y., Lin, X., Bao, Y. P., Chang, S. H., Sun, J., Gao, T., Shi, J., Ai, S. Z., & Yuan, K.* (2025). Unveiling causal relationship between white matter tracts and psychiatric disorders. Communications Biology, 8(1), 1221.

  2. Xu, A., Yuan, K.#, Xue, S., Lu, W., Wu, X., Liu, W., Xue, Q., Liu, L., Hu, J., Guo, L., Zhang, Y., Hu, X., Chun Wong, G. T., Lu, L., & Huang, C. (2025). Laminin–dystroglycan mediated ferroptosis in hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion-induced cognitive impairment through AMPK/Nrf2. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 230, 1–16.

  3. Chen, X., Li, Z., Han, Y., Yang, L., Han, Q., Cao, L., Guan, X., Liu, S., Meng, S., Liu, X., Lu, L., Zhang, Z., & Yuan, K.* (2025). A coordinated and enhanced brain network supports the persistence of long-term cocaine memory. Translational Psychiatry, 15(1), 444.

  4. Liu, X.#, Yuan, K.#, Lu, T., Lin, X., Zheng, W., Xue, Y., Shi, J., Lu, L., & Han, Y. (2023). Preventing incubation of drug craving to treat drug relapse: From bench to bedside. Molecular Psychiatry, 28(4), 1415–1429.

  5. Yue, J. L.#, Yuan, K.#, Bao, Y. P., Meng, S. Q., Shi, L., Fang, Q., Guo, X. J., Cao, L., Sun, Y. K., Lu, T. S., Zeng, N., Yan, W., Han, Y., Sun, J., Shi, J., Kosten, T. R., Xue, Y. X., Wu, P., & Lu, L.* (2022). [Title missing—please provide the exact article title to complete APA formatting]. EBioMedicine, 85, 104283.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kai Yuan’s pioneering research at the intersection of neuroscience, psychiatry, and translational medicine is advancing global understanding of brain circuitry, mental health disorders, and addiction biology. His work contributes to science by uncovering causal neural mechanisms that shape cognition, behavior, and psychiatric vulnerability, supports society through improved diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for depression, addiction, and neurological injury, and drives global innovation by integrating advanced neuroimaging, molecular signaling, and computational analytics to inform next-generation precision mental healthcare.

 

Joshua Berenbaum | Biology | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Joshua Berenbaum | Biology | Research Excellence Award

PhD Candidate | Boston University | United States

Mr. Joshua G. Berenbaum is an early-career neuroscientist and clinical research professional affiliated with the VA Boston Healthcare System, where his work centers on the complex interplay between frontal lobe dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and disorders of consciousness. His research contributions, reflected in 2 Scopus-indexed documents, 2 citations, and an h-index of 1, highlight a developing yet meaningful scholarly presence within neuropsychology and clinical neuroscience. Mr. Berenbaum’s primary research interests include frontal lobe syndromes, mechanisms of consciousness, executive dysfunction, neurocognitive assessment, functional brain–behavior relationships, and the neurobiological foundations of impaired awareness in neurological and psychiatric conditions. His notable publication, Frontal Disorders and Consciousness: A Review, demonstrates his focus on synthesizing multidisciplinary evidence to better understand how disruptions in frontal circuits affect awareness, emotional control, behavioral regulation, and higher-order cognitive processes. His research skills include systematic literature analysis, clinical data interpretation, neuropsychological evaluation frameworks, critical appraisal of neuroimaging findings, and scientific synthesis across neurology, psychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. In collaborative settings, he contributes to multidisciplinary research teams investigating traumatic brain injury, degenerative disorders, and neuropsychiatric symptoms linked to frontal system deficits. Although early in his academic trajectory, Mr. Berenbaum has received recognition through institutional research support, scholarly participation at clinical neuroscience seminars, and contributions to research activities within the Veterans Health Administration, reflecting emerging honors consistent with promising junior investigators. His work aims to bridge theoretical neuroscience with clinical application, improving diagnostic clarity and care pathways for individuals experiencing impairments in consciousness and executive functioning. In conclusion, Mr. Joshua Berenbaum represents a developing researcher committed to advancing understanding of frontal lobe–related cognitive disorders, integrating rigorous analysis with clinically grounded perspectives, and contributing to the growing scientific discourse on consciousness and neurobehavioral dysfunction.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Berenbaum, J. G., Nadkarni, P. A., & Marvel, C. L. (2023). An fMRI analysis of verbal and non-verbal working memory in people with a past history of opioid dependence. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 17, 1053500.

Berenbaum, J. G., Morrison, B., Hagan, B., Xie, K. Y., Turk, K. W., & Budson, A. E. (2025). Frontal disorders and consciousness: A review. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 25(1), 1–12.

Mr. Joshua G. Berenbaum’s work advances scientific understanding of how frontal lobe dysfunction affects consciousness, cognition, and behavior, providing insights essential for improving neurological and psychiatric care. His research supports society by informing better diagnostic tools and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with brain injury and cognitive disorders. Ultimately, his contributions strengthen clinical practice and inspire innovations that enhance patient outcomes and neurocognitive health worldwide.

Aniket Gade | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aniket Gade | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Institute of Chemical Technology | India

Dr. Aniket Krishnarao Gade, affiliated with the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India, is a prominent researcher in nanotechnology, green chemistry, and sustainable agriculture. He has earned recognition for his extensive contributions to eco-friendly synthesis of metallic and metal-oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts and microbial systems, advancing applications in environmental remediation, crop protection, and biomedical fields. Dr. Gade’s educational background includes a strong foundation in chemical technology and nanoscience, enabling him to integrate interdisciplinary approaches in his research. Professionally, he has developed multifunctional nanomaterials such as Ag-doped ZnO and iron oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants, antimicrobial and antifungal activity, and anticancer therapies, while also exploring innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture through carbon nanodots and pycnidia-forming fungi to enhance crop yield, fertilizer efficiency, and pest management with minimal ecological impact. His research interests encompass nanomaterial synthesis, theranostic nanomedicine, environmental nanotechnology, and agricultural nanobiotechnology, reflecting a commitment to solving real-world challenges through sustainable science. Dr. Gade possesses advanced research skills in nanoparticle fabrication, characterization techniques, biosensor development, and interdisciplinary experimental design, demonstrating a balance of fundamental and applied expertise. Throughout his career, he has received multiple awards and honors recognizing his scientific innovation and impact in nanotechnology and green chemistry. With a prolific record of 122 documents indexed in Scopus, over 15,234 citations, and an h-index of 43, his work has influenced a broad spectrum of scientific studies and applications. In conclusion, Dr. Gade’s career exemplifies a harmonious blend of research excellence, innovation, and societal relevance, making him a leading figure in sustainable nanotechnology and its applications in agriculture, environment, and human health.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Sah, P. M., Gite, S. G., Naik, H. S., Sonawane, R., Nadrowska, J., Golińska, P., Raut, R. W., & Gade, A. K. (2025). Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles: A versatile multifunctional nanomaterial for anticancer, antibacterial, and recyclable photocatalyst. IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience.

  2. Rai, M., Shende, S. S., Gade, A. K., Prokisch, J., & Avila-Quezada, G. D. (2025). Carbon nanodots for crop protection and fertilizer use in agriculture. BioNanoScience.

  3. Deshmukh, F., Kiran, K., Pawar, S. V., Nawani, N., Golińska, P., Gade, A., Ingle, P., & Gaikwad, S. C. (2025). Efficient photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes using Achyranthes aspera-mediated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: A green synthesis approach. Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment.

  4. Raut, R. W., Naik, H. S., Sah, P. M., Golińska, P., & Gade, A. (2025). A comparative analysis of optical biosensors for rapid detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza. Biotechnology and Bioengineering.

  5. Shende, S. S., Gade, A. K., Minkina, T. M., Ingle, P. U., Rajput, V. D., Sushkova, S. N., Mandzhieva, S. S., Rai, M., & Wong, M. H. (2024). Exploring sustainable management by using green nano-silver to combat three post-harvest pathogenic fungi in crops. Discover Nano.