Sanjay Awathale | Neuroinflammation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sanjay Awathale | Neuroinflammation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sanjay Awathale |SVKM NMIMS Global University | India

Dr. Sanjay Awathale is a distinguished pharmacology researcher with an academic foundation spanning Diploma, Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmacy, complemented by a postdoctoral fellowship in the USA. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, where his work focused on the neurobiology of reward memory and associative learning. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at SVKM NMIMS Global University, Dhule, he has contributed extensively to neuroscience and pharmacology through his research on addiction, neuroplasticity, mood disorders, and behavioral pharmacology. His scholarly output includes multiple high-impact publications, book chapters, and patents, such as the design of an anger chamber for behavioral studies. Dr. Sanjay Awathale has been the recipient of prestigious fellowships from AICTE, SERB, ICMR, and RFMH, reflecting his academic excellence. He has also presented his work at numerous national and international conferences, establishing himself as an emerging leader in neuropharmacology.

Publication Profile

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Educational Qualifications

Dr. Sanjay Awathale has pursued an extensive academic journey in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in pharmacology. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, under the mentorship of Professor Dadasaheb M. Kokare. His doctoral research, titled “Localization of reward memory engrams using positive and negative reinforcement protocols,” was successfully submitted, defended, and awarded. Prior to this, he completed his M. Pharm. in Pharmacology at the same university, supported by an AICTE fellowship, under the guidance of Dr. Dadasaheb M. Kokare. He holds a B. Pharm. degree from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Wardha, with distinction, and a Diploma in Pharmacy from Agnihotri Institute of Pharmaceutical Education, where he excelled academically. Additionally, he qualified the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test and is a registered pharmacist with the Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council.

Research Experience

Dr. Sanjay Awathale has gained rich and diverse research experience in pharmacology and neuroscience through several prestigious fellowships and projects. As a Principal Investigator, he is currently leading a Start-Up Grant from the Department of Health Research, ICMR-DHR, Government of India. He previously worked as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York, where he explored the role of the Cannabinoid receptor GPR55 in alcohol addiction using advanced techniques such as GTPγ binding assays, fibre photometry, and confocal microscopy. During his tenure as Senior Research Fellow at ICMR, he investigated neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems underlying reward-related memory. His Ph.D. research at RTM Nagpur University focused on associative reward learning and neuroplasticity, employing operant conditioning and advanced molecular techniques. Earlier, as a JRF and SRF with SERB, he studied the CART peptide’s role in reinforcement, and as a postgraduate fellow, he examined its impact on energy balance and reproductive behavior.

Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. Sanjay Awathale has made significant contributions to teaching and mentorship alongside his active research career. He has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM NMIMS Global University, Dhule, India, where he is engaged in training and guiding future pharmacists and researchers. During his post-doctoral fellowship at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in New York, he mentored a research volunteer, providing hands-on guidance in advanced neuroscientific techniques. Earlier, at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, RTM Nagpur University, he played a pivotal role in mentoring twelve postgraduate students and nine doctoral scholars, assisting them in their thesis research work. He also taught pharmacology to undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy students, combining theoretical instruction with practical laboratory training. His role as both educator and mentor reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.

Research Focus

Dr. Sanjay Awathale research primarily focuses on neuropharmacology and behavioral neuroscience, with a special emphasis on the neural mechanisms underlying reward, motivation, and emotion. His work investigates how neuropeptides, neurotransmitter systems, and specific brain regions, including the lateral hypothalamus, medial forebrain bundle, superior colliculus, and nucleus accumbens, regulate reward-seeking behavior, fear extinction, and anger-like responses. He also explores the neurobiological basis of psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction, using both pharmacological and neuromodulation approaches, including deep brain stimulation. Additionally, his research encompasses the therapeutic potential of natural compounds and neuroactive herbal agents in cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders. Dr. Awathale employs a wide range of experimental techniques, including operant conditioning, intracranial self-stimulation, neurochemical assays, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analyses, to dissect complex neural circuits. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience with translational applications in neuropsychiatric therapeutics.

Publication Top Notes

LSD1-BDNF activity in lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle area is essential for reward seeking behavior
Years: 2021
Citations: 22

Neuropeptide CART modulates dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens: Insights into the anatomy of rewarding circuits
Years: 2021
Citations: 13

Denial of food to the hungry rat: a novel paradigm for induction and evaluation of anger-like emotion
Years: 2020
Citations: 12

Neuroplastic changes in the superior colliculus and hippocampus in self-rewarding paradigm: importance of visual cues
Years: 2022
Citations: 10

Neuropeptide S facilitates extinction of fear via modulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic circuitry
Years: 2022
Citations: 8

Neuroactive herbal agents for cognitive dysfunction
Years: 2021
Citations: 7

Lycopene alleviates BCG-induced depressive phenotypes in mice by disrupting 5-HT3 receptor–IDO1 interplay in the brain
Years: 2024
Citations: 6

Pharmaceutical waste: a health risk for humans
Years: 2023
Citations: 5

Conclusion

Dr. Sanjay Awathale is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His strong publication record, patents, international exposure, and leadership in neuropharmacology research position him as a deserving candidate. With continued global collaboration and greater outreach, his contributions can achieve even broader recognition in the scientific community.

 

 

Stefan Sjørslev Ndene-Bodilsen | Stroke | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Stefan SjørslevNdene Bodilsen | Stroke | BestResearcherAward

Ph.d. in  Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital ,Denmark. 

Dr. Stefan Sjørslev Ndene-Bodilsen is a dedicated physiotherapist and researcher at the Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark. His expertise lies in neurology, rehabilitation, and developing behavior change interventions to improve physical activity among patients with diabetes mellitus and stroke. Dr. Ndene-Bodilsen completed his Ph.D. at Zealand University Hospital, focusing on the impact of sedentary behavior and light physical activity on neurological patients. With strong skills in project management and interdisciplinary collaboration, he has secured substantial research funding and published influential studies in peer-reviewed journals,His work aims to enhance rehabilitation practices through innovative, patient-centered approaches, making him a prominent figure in neurological physiotherapy research.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background🎓

Stefan Sjørslev Ndene-Bodilsen holds a Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), completed in 2018. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy from University College Aalborg (UCN) in 2016. His educational background provided him with a solid foundation in clinical physiotherapy, research methodology, and patient-centered care, particularly in the fields of neurology and rehabilitation.

Professional Experience💼

Stefan has extensive experience as a physiotherapist and researcher, with a focus on neurology, research, and clinical instruction. Since January 2025, he has been serving as a Development Therapist and Physiotherapist at Zealand University Hospital, where he leads research and development projects, supervises students, and delivers patient care with a focus on neurology.

From August 2021 to January 2025, Stefan pursued a Ph.D. at the Neurovascular Center, Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital. His research centered on the impacts of sedentary behavior and light physical activity in patients with diabetes mellitus and stroke. During this period, he successfully secured over 800,000 DKK in project funding, showcasing his project management and grant writing skills.

Awards and Honors🏆

While specific awards are not mentioned, Stefan’s successful acquisition of over 800,000 DKK in project funding is a significant achievement demonstrating his capability to secure resources for research. His published works in well-recognized journals and his presentations at high-profile international conferences also reflect his credibility and recognition in the field of physiotherapy and neurology.

Research Focus🔬

Stefan’s research is centered on behavior change interventions, physical activity, and neurological rehabilitation. His Ph.D. research explored the effects of sedentary behavior and light physical activity in patients with diabetes mellitus and stroke. He is dedicated to developing and implementing innovative rehabilitation techniques to improve patient outcomes, particularly through the co-creation of tailored interventions. His research efforts have been published in reputable journals and presented at international conferences, enhancing the visibility of his work within the scientific community.

Publication Top Notes

  • Bodilsen, Stefan Sjørslev, Mette Aadahl, Troels Wienecke, and Trine Hørmann Thomsen.
    Title: Development of a Tailored Intervention Targeting Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in People with Stroke and Diabetes: A Qualitative Study Using a Co-Creation Framework.
    Journal: Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, Volume 4, February 13, 2023, Article 1114537.
    DOI: 10.3389/FRESC.2023.1114537.

  • Ndene-Bodilsen, Stefan Sjørslev, Mette Aadahl, Trine Hørmann Thomsen, and Troels Wienecke.
    Title: A Home-Based Behaviour Change Intervention With Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in People With Stroke and Diabetes—A Feasibility and Safety Study.
    Journal: Physiotherapy Research International, Volume 30, No. 2, April 1, 2025, Article e70048.
    DOI: 10.1002/PRI.70048.

Conclusion

Dr. Ndene-Bodilsen’s consistent dedication to improving clinical practices through innovative research, combined with his ability to secure funding and effectively mentor students, makes him an excellent contender for the Best Researcher Award. Expanding his publication portfolio and pursuing international collaborations will further enhance his profile.

 

 

Ibrahim Ben Razek | Neurologie | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Ibrahim Ben Razek | Neurologie | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Ibrahim Ben Razek, CHU de Liège, Belgium

Publication Profile

Orcid

Dr. Ibrahim Ben Razek appears to be a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. Here are several reasons supporting his suitability:

Education and Training

  • Medical Degree: Université de Liège, Belgium
  • Specialized Training: Degree in Headaches and Migraine, Universités de Paris et Montpellier; Advanced courses in epilepsy, Ligue francophone belge d’épileptologie

Work Experience

  • Medical Resident in Neurology: Extensive residency experience in neurology at various reputable institutions, including CHU de Liège, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, and CHR Citadelle.
  • Specialized Residencies: Experience in pre-surgical epilepsy and general neurology, working under prominent professors.

Research and Publications

  • Scientific Publication: Co-authored a paper accepted in the Annals of Neurology, a prestigious journal, indicating his active involvement in significant research.

Skills

  • Critical Thinking and Communication: Essential for research and effective dissemination of findings.
  • Empathy and Autonomy: Important traits for patient interaction and independent research.

Contact and Professional Details

  • Current Position: Medical resident in neurology at CHU de Liège, indicating ongoing practical and research engagement.

Dr. Ben Razek’s combination of advanced education, specialized training, significant residency experience, and contributions to scientific research makes him a deserving candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award.

Publication Top Notes

Newly Developed Craving for Swiss Chocolate