Maria Bougiesi | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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

University of Thessaly | Greece

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🎓 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


Maria Margariti | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Maria Margariti | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

1st Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Maria Margariti embarked on her academic journey at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she earned her Diploma in Medicine in 1989. Her dedication to psychiatry led her to complete a fellowship training program in community psychiatry in the UK in 1991-1992. By 1995, she had achieved her Psychiatric Specialty Licensure and continued her education with a Ph.D. in Psychiatric Education, which she completed in 2000. Her early academic foundation laid the groundwork for a successful career in psychiatry.

Professional Endeavors 🏥

Since 2002, Dr. Margariti has been an integral part of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she progressed from Lecturer to her current position as Associate Professor of Psychiatry. She has been pivotal in various leadership roles, including heading the psychiatric emergencies and outpatient clinic at Eginition Hospital. Additionally, she founded the Crisis Intervention and Management Unit for severe psychiatric disorders, showcasing her commitment to advancing psychiatric care.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Margariti’s research primarily focuses on psychiatric education and the psychopathology of psychosis. Her extensive clinical observations led to the recognition of a complex emotional state called ‘Psychotic Arousal.’ This groundbreaking concept highlights an increased affective tone and symptoms of experiential alienation in acute psychosis. Her work has opened new avenues for understanding the neurobiology of emotions and consciousness in the context of psychiatric disorders.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Margariti’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. She has published 45 journals and is cited 716 times, reflecting the impact of her research. She has been involved in developing clinical guidelines for treating schizophrenia and has served as an advisor in various professional psychiatric organizations. Her leadership roles and innovative research have solidified her reputation in the psychiatric community.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through her educational initiatives, Dr. Margariti has shaped the training of numerous medical students and trainee psychiatrists. Her involvement in postgraduate courses and mentorship has significantly influenced the next generation of psychiatric professionals in Greece. By addressing critical aspects of psychiatric education and psychopathology, her work continues to resonate within the medical community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Dr. Margariti’s pioneering research on ‘Psychotic Arousal’ is poised to leave a lasting legacy in psychiatric literature. As she continues to explore the complexities of acute psychosis, her findings may lead to enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in psychiatry. With her ongoing commitment to research and education, she is well-positioned to make further significant contributions to the field.

 

Publications


📝 Psychotic Arousal and the Psychopathology of Acute Schizophrenia: An Exploratory Study of the Experiential Emotional State in Acute Psychosis
Authors: MM Margariti, II Vlachos, D Mpourazana, P Aristotelidis, M Selakovic, ...
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Year: 2024


📝 Frequent visitors in a university psychiatric emergency department in Greece
Authors: I Vlachos, P Chondraki, P Magioglou, E Lempesi, D Bourazana, ...
Journal: European Psychiatry
Year: 2022


📝 The concept of psychotic arousal and its relevance to abnormal subjective experiences in schizophrenia. A hypothesis for the formation of primary delusions
Authors: MM Margariti, II Vlachos
Journal: Medical Hypotheses
Year: 2022


📝Psychiatric specialty training in Greece: Comparative analysis of educational programs (2000 vs 2014)
Authors: M Margariti, C Papageorgiou
Journal: Psychiatrike= Psychiatriki
Year: 2017


 

Xiaoqin Wang | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaoqin Wang | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang Normal University | China

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xiaoqin Wang's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy from Hunan Normal University, followed by a Master's and Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Cognitive Science, particularly affective neuroscience and emotion regulation, from Southwest University.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Wang's professional career spans from being a primary school teacher in Hunan province to her current role as an Assistant Professor at the School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University. She has significantly contributed to various research projects as a Principal Investigator, focusing on emotion regulation, cognitive flexibility, and mental health.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wang's research primarily revolves around understanding the neural mechanisms underlying emotion regulation, coping flexibility, and mental health. Her work has been published in reputable journals and has received funding from prestigious institutions. She explores topics such as the effects of cognitive control on emotion regulation flexibility and the training effects of interoceptive attention on emotion regulation in different populations.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Wang has received recognition for her contributions to the field of psychology, including being awarded research grants from organizations like the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Zhejiang Federation of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her publications in esteemed journals attest to her expertise and impact in the field.

Impact and Influence

Through her research, Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to advancing knowledge in cognitive science and psychology, particularly in understanding emotion regulation processes. Her findings have implications for mental health interventions and contribute to the broader understanding of human behavior and cognition.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wang's legacy lies in her commitment to advancing research in emotion regulation and cognitive science. Her mentorship of students and dedication to teaching further contribute to nurturing the next generation of psychologists. Her future contributions are anticipated to continue shaping the field and providing insights into the complexities of human emotions and cognition.

Notable Publications

Reciprocal effects between negative affect and emotion regulation in daily life 2024

Abnormal fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations and regional homogeneity in major depressive disorder with non-suicidal self-injury 2024

Interoceptive attention facilitates emotion regulation strategy use 2023 (4)

Contributions of coping flexibility and associated functional brain connectivity to resilient trajectories of negative affect during the COVID-19 Pandemic 2022

State loneliness is associated with emotional hypervigilance in daily life: A network analysis 2020 (22)