Kazuto Ikemoto | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company | Japan

Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto is a distinguished researcher and Senior Scientist at the Niigata Research Laboratory of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Japan. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nagasaki University, he has made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry, food functionality, biotechnology, and semiconductor cleaning technologies. His extensive research portfolio includes 25 published documents, reflecting a deep engagement in both industrial and scientific innovation. Dr. Ikemoto’s scholarly influence is evidenced by 453 citations from 291 documents and an h-index of 13, underscoring the consistent impact of his research within the scientific community. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical industrial applications, advancing methodologies in material science and biochemical processes. Recognized for his outstanding achievements in corporate research, Dr. Ikemoto received the prestigious JSBBA Award for Corporate Researchers in 2023, highlighting his dedication to innovation and excellence. Through his pioneering studies and leadership at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, he continues to drive advancements that contribute to technological development and sustainability, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in applied chemical research and industrial biotechnology.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Koshizawa, T., Numaguchi, T., Tamakoshi, M., Sato, Y., Hashimoto, K., Mohamad Ishak, N. S., & Ikemoto, K. (2025). High-spermidine-producing yeast strain for autophagy-promoting applications. Processes.

Koshizawa, T., Numaguchi, T., Tamakoshi, M., Sato, Y., Hashimoto, K., Mohamad Ishak, N. S., & Ikemoto, K. (2025). High-spermidine-producing yeast strain for autophagy-promoting applications [Preprint].

Mohamad Ishak, N. S., & Ikemoto, K. (2025). Direct HPLC method for reduced pyrroloquinoline quinone in functional and biological matrices [Preprint].

Sugimoto, J., Ikemoto, K., Nagamatsu, K., Mino, A., & Nakamura, F. (2025). ピロロキノリンキノンジナトリウム（PQQ）摂取後の20から65歳の健康な大人に対する認知機能と安全性の評価 [Preprint]. Jxiv, JST preprint server.

Ikemoto, K. (2025). 長寿物質(老化を抑制する物質) [Preprint]. Jxiv, JST preprint server.

Tamakoshi, M., Suzuki, T., Nishihara, E., Nakamura, S., & Ikemoto, K. (2023). Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adults. Food & Function.

Ikemoto, K., Imaruoka, S., & Mohamad Ishak, N. S. (2023). From the kitchen to the lab: Discovery and application of food catalysts to promote the coupling of quinone with amines [Preprint].

Mohamad Ishak, N. S., Numaguchi, T., & Ikemoto, K. (2023). Antiviral effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone through redox catalysis to prevent coronavirus infection. ACS Omega.

Tsuji, S., Ikemoto, K., & Akagawa, M. (2022). PQQの体脂肪減少機能 [Preprint]. Jxiv, JST preprint server.

Mohamad Ishak, N. S., Ikemoto, K., Kikuchi, M., Ogawa, M., Akutagawa, K., & Akagawa, M. (2021). Pyrroloquinoline quinone attenuates fat accumulation in obese mice fed with a high-fat diet, Daphnia magna supplied with a high amount of food, and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ACS Food Science & Technology.

Saihara, K., Kamikubo, R., Ikemoto, K., Uchida, K., & Akagawa, M. (2017). Pyrroloquinoline quinone, a redox-active o-quinone, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Biochemistry.

Ikemoto, K., Sakamoto, Y., Tanaka, R., Ogata, K., Matsushita, N., & Nakamura, S. (2017). Unusual ionic bond and solubility mechanism of NanPQQ (n = 0–4) crystals. Crystal Growth & Design.

Maria Bougiesi | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Maria Bougiesi | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

University of Thessaly | Greece

Author Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Maria Bougiesi began her academic journey at the University of Thessaly, Greece, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science. Her passion for understanding the mind-body connection led her to pursue a double Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, deepening her knowledge in behavioral sciences and physical activity. This solid foundation laid the groundwork for her pioneering doctoral research on mental health differences across age groups participating in dance and group exercise programs.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Maria’s academic insights are complemented by a strong practical background. She has taught Greek traditional dance to people of all ages, skillfully merging cultural heritage with scientific methodology. Her teaching style reflects her belief in the therapeutic and developmental power of movement. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bougiesi has actively contributed to research projects, international conferences, and serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals, marking her presence in the global academic community.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bougiesi’s research bridges psychology, neuroscience, and physical activity, with a specific focus on how dance and exercise influence cognitive function and mental well-being. Her PhD internship at Otto von Guericke University in Germany provided her with exposure to cutting-edge studies in neurosciences and mental health, while her Master's studies also included enriching experiences at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland and an intensive academic course in Belgium. Her work is notable for exploring the psychological effects of dance across diverse age groups.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Maria’s interdisciplinary expertise and dynamic approach have gained recognition in the form of academic collaborations, teaching invitations, and conference presentations. She is admired for her dedication, creativity, and empathy, and her work continues to attract interest from both the academic and wellness communities.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Bougiesi’s mission is clear: to promote global well-being through dance. Her influence extends beyond academia into the lives of individuals and communities who benefit from her programs. Whether working with youth or seniors, she emphasizes inclusivity, self-expression, and mental wellness, making her research truly impactful on a human and societal level.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Bougiesi aspires to expand her international collaborations and create accessible dance-based wellness interventions tailored for different age groups. Her goal is to make dance a universally acknowledged tool for mental health, blending culture, science, and joy. As she continues her journey, her legacy will be defined by her unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary education, health promotion, and the empowerment of all through movement.

Publications

📄 The Level of Quality of Life Experienced by Young Adults Practicing Greek Traditional Dance, Latin Dance and Group Exercise Programs
Authors: M. Bougiesi, V. Zisi
Journal: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Year: 2025

📄 Rhythmic cueing, dance, resistance training, and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: C.C. Karpodini, P.C. Dinas, E. Angelopoulou, M.A. Wyon, A.N. Haas, ...
Journal: Frontiers in Neurology
Year: 2022

📄 Emotional Intelligence Levels of Adult Hellenic Traditional Dancers and Group Exercisers
Authors: M. Bougiesi, P. Dinas, V. Zisi, E. Pollatou, Y. Theodorakis
Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
Year: 2021

📄 Systematic Participation in Folk Dance or Physical Activity? Effects in Quality of Life in the Elderly
Authors: Β. Ζήση, Α. Γιάννη, Μ. Μπουγιέση, E. Πολλάτου, M. Μιχαλοπούλου
Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
Year: 2014

📄 Quality of Life and Dance in Middle Aged and Older Adults: A Literature Review
 Authors: M. Bougiesi, A. Gianni, V. Zisi
 Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
 Year: 2014

Sandra Baez | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sandra Baez | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Universidad de los Andes | Colombia

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sandra Jimena Báez embarked on her academic journey by graduating as a psychologist from the National University of Colombia in 2008. She pursued further studies in neuropsychology, completing a master's degree at the University Institute of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires. Dr. Báez obtained her doctorate in psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience from the Argentine Catholic University. During her academic pursuits, she received specialized training in neuroimaging techniques at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Báez's professional endeavors encompass a rich tapestry of research and teaching roles. She has served as an associate professor at the Universidad de los Andes since 2016, engaging in neuropsychological evaluation, stimulation, and rehabilitation procedures. Additionally, she has conducted research in various prestigious institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and the Institute of Cognitive Neurology in Argentina. Her teaching experience spans undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on social cognition, neurosciences, and experimental psychology.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Báez's research focuses on the neuropsychological aspects and correlates of social cognition in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. She has led numerous research projects investigating conditions such as ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Asperger syndrome, and Huntington's disease. With over 70 publications, including books, book chapters, and articles, Dr. Báez's work delves into the intricate relationship between social cognition and neuropsychiatry. Her research has been published in renowned journals such as Nature Human Behavior, JAMA Neurology, and Cortex.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Báez's contributions to the field have garnered significant recognition. In 2016, she received an award from the Argentine Huntington Association for her research on social emotions and moral judgment in families affected by Huntington's disease. Subsequently, in 2019, she was honored with the L'Oreal-UNESCO award for women in science. Her outstanding achievements culminated in being named the best researcher in Colombia in the area of psychology in 2023, as per the Research.com platform.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Báez's work has made a profound impact on the field of neuropsychology and social cognition. Through her research, she has advanced our understanding of the neural underpinnings of social behavior in various clinical populations. Her insights have not only contributed to academic discourse but also hold implications for the development of interventions and treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute and Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Báez continues to shape the future of neuropsychological research. Her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering equity in brain health underscores her dedication to creating a lasting legacy in the field. With a trajectory marked by excellence and innovation, Dr. Báez's future contributions are poised to further enrich our understanding of the human brain and its intricate relationship with social cognition.

Notable Publications

Neuroanatomical markers of social cognition in neglected adolescents 2024

Presbycusis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Its Association with Dementia 2024

Health, psychosocial and cognitive factors associated with anxiety symptoms 2024

PRKCA and TCF4 Genetic Variants in Anxiety Symptoms and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in a Sample of Colombian Subjects Selected on the Basis of High Anxiety Scores 2023

Overactivation of posterior insular, postcentral and temporal regions during preserved experience of envy in autism 2023 (1)