Dr. Tomasz Pieciak is a Visiting Researcher at the University of Valladolid, Spain. His work focuses on advancing signal and noise modeling in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including data reconstruction algorithms, diffusion MRI, diffusion relaxometry MRI, and applying deep learning techniques in medical imaging. He has received multiple prestigious awards and recognitions for his contributions. Research Interests: His research emphasizes improving MRI accuracy through advanced computational methods. Specific areas include: Optimizing MRI signal processing for better diagnostic clarity Developing novel algorithms for medical image reconstruction Exploring diffusion MRI techniques for tissue characterization Integrating deep learning models into medical imaging workflows Awards & Honors: Siemens Promotional Award (2018) Polish Image Processing Society Best Dissertation (2018) ABB Research Center Distinction (2019) Bekker Prize (2020) MEMENTO Challenge Winner (2020) Best Presentation Award (2022) Ministerial Education Distinction (2022) MICCAI’23 Best Reviewer (2023) His work bridges theoretical advancements with clinical applications, particularly in understanding brain tissue microstructure through MRI innovations.
Natália Kocsel is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction, Eötvös Loránd University. She is affiliated with the Institute of Psychology and actively contributes to the Research Group on Personality, Health and Emotion Regulation, serving as a lecturer and member. Her roles also include membership in the Research Ethics Committee. Her research focuses on emotional processing, migraine-related neurological mechanisms, rumination, impulsivity, and their interplay with mental health and addiction. Key areas include the neural correlates of emotion regulation, cognitive processes in pain management, and behavioral interventions like autogenic training. Publications highlight fMRI studies on migraine vs. tension-type headaches and the psychological underpinnings of gambling disorders. She holds a doctoral affiliation with the Faculty of Education and Psychology's Doctoral School of Psychology. Education details are not explicitly listed, but her academic trajectory is evident through her current position and research output. Research interests emphasize clinical neuroscience intersections, particularly how cognitive-behavioral factors influence chronic conditions like migraine. She explores topics such as stress hormones, heart rate variability, and emotional response modulation using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Publications from 2022–2025 reveal a focus on longitudinal analyses of rumination traits, neuroimaging correlates of emotional stimuli, and behavioral interventions. Her work bridges clinical psychology with neurobiological mechanisms, aiming to improve understanding of pain, addiction, and mental health disorders. No awards are listed, but her active research groups and prolific publication record indicate sustained scholarly engagement. Advising and grants are not detailed here, though her affiliation with doctoral programs suggests supervision roles. She is part of collaborative teams investigating migraine’s neural basis and psychosocial impacts, contributing to both clinical and theoretical advancements in the field.
Dr. Stephanie Forkel is an Associate Professor at Radboud University and a Principal Investigator at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. She leads the Language and Communication Theme across multiple institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and the Centre for Language Studies. Her research focuses on neurovariability, white matter anatomy, and precision neuroscience applied to neurological disorders like stroke and brain tumors. Forkel is also the founder and chair of the Clinical Neuroanatomy Seminars, promoting open science and global education through YouTube lectures and workshops. Education & Qualifications: PhD in Neuroimaging (King's College London, 2013) Habilitation (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 2021) iuss promovendi (Radboud University, 2023) Extended Teaching Qualification (UTQ, 2023) Research Interests: Forkel investigates how brain structural variability influences cognition and recovery in health and disease. Her lab uses advanced neuroimaging (diffusion MRI, tractography), post-mortem dissections, and computational models to study language networks and neurological disorders. Key areas include white matter phenotypes, predictors of stroke recovery, and evolutionary neuroanatomy. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including landmark studies on tractography applications, language pathway anatomy, and neuroplasticity in aphasia. Recent work emphasizes translational challenges in network neuroscience and the ethical use of portable MRI. Awards & Recognition: 2023 Elizabeth Warrington Prize (Neuropsychology) 2022 Education in Neuroimaging Award (OHBM) Wellcome Image Awards (2017) Leadership & Outreach: Editorial board member of Cortex and Brain Structure and Function ; Programme Chair of the Organization of Human Brain Mapping. Co-founded the Neuroscience Alliance NGO to improve global access to neuroscience education. Runs the CNSeminars YouTube channel with >65 free lectures on clinical neuroanatomy.
Brian Gold, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky's College of Arts and Sciences. He leads research at the Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging Lab, affiliated with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and the MarkVCID Consortium. His work focuses on neuroimaging biomarkers of preclinical dementia, age-related cognitive declines, and cognitive reserve factors like bilingualism and aerobic fitness. Research areas include: Age-related brain changes (white matter integrity, iron accumulation) Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular pathology interactions Lifestyle modifiers of cognitive decline (diet, exercise, bilingualism) Development of MRI biomarkers for vascular cognitive impairment Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding how dietary intake, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and vascular pathology interact with neuroimaging markers to predict cognitive outcomes. His lab emphasizes multimodal imaging (fMRI, ASL, DTI) to study distributed neurocognitive systems. Scientific contributions include: Advancing DP-ASL for blood-brain barrier research Validating free water imaging as a VCID biomarker Exploring synergies between plasma biomarkers (S100B) and MRI metrics Investigating sex differences in cerebrovascular aging The Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging Lab operates with core values of honesty, integrity, and rigor, united by the keyphrase: "We're all in this together!"
Dr. Barbie Klein is an Associate Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Anatomy (School of Medicine) and Department of Cell and Tissue Biology (School of Dentistry) at UCSF. She co-directs the Anatomy Learning Center and advises the Willed Body Program. Her research focuses on interprofessional anatomy education, instructional design, and applications of 3D printing/virtual reality in medical education. Her work spans: Gross anatomy/histology curriculum development VR-based medical simulations Deep learning for medical image reconstruction Innovative pedagogy assessment Honors include induction into the UCSF Academy of Medical Educators (2024). She leads NIH-funded projects on educational technology integration and maintains collaborations with engineering departments for imaging research. Current projects explore AI-enhanced spectroscopic microscopy and federated learning for cancer staging.
Benjamin Brett, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. As a clinical neuropsychologist, he specializes in neuropsychological evaluations of adults and focuses on the acute and chronic effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). He is affiliated with the Brain Injury Research Program, Center for Neurotrauma Research, and Comprehensive Injury Center. His research explores mechanisms linking TBI and repetitive head impacts to long-term neurological decline, along with lifestyle factors influencing risk. Dr. Brett holds advanced degrees from the University of Memphis (PhD in Counseling Psychology), SUNY New Paltz (MS in Mental Health Counseling), and Curry College (BA in Psychology). He has authored/co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing neurocognitive changes in athletes, concussion underreporting, and biomarker associations. His honors include the 2020 David I.M. Fine Award and the 2019 Outstanding Trainee Research Award. Dr. Brett collaborates on multicenter studies and serves on committees for organizations like the Sports Neuropsychological Society. His work bridges clinical practice and research, with a focus on improving outcomes for individuals exposed to TBI through sports, military service, or other contexts.
David Littlefield is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), part of the College of Engineering. His primary research focuses on computational solid mechanics, high-performance computing (HPC), and computational magnetohydrodynamics. Applications span impact mechanics, biomechanics, weapons design, and force protection. He has authored over 200 papers and technical reports, and has served for two decades as an onsite technical expert for computational structural mechanics with the Department of Defense (DoD). Education: B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Teaching interests include numerical methods, continuum mechanics, and special topics in computational inelasticity and nonlinear finite element analysis. Professional memberships include Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2002), United States Association for Computational Mechanics, and the National Defense Industrial Association. His technical contributions include advanced finite element methods, error estimation, and code coupling algorithms for HPC. Awards and recognition include multiple DoD-recognized advancements in modeling and simulation for defense applications. Current research emphasizes HPC-driven solutions for complex material behaviors under extreme conditions.
Dr. Adam Clemente is a Lecturer in Psychology at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) since March 2024. He is affiliated with the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences and contributes to both teaching and research within the Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre . His academic journey includes a PhD from ACU and roles as Senior Research Officer and Sessional Academic. Education : Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours), PhD at ACU Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research Research Interests focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) , neuroimaging (MRI/diffusion MRI), cognitive neuroscience , and addiction studies . He explores white matter integrity, brain-behavior relationships, and network communication efficiency, particularly in TBI patients and cannabis users. Publication Trends indicate expertise in structural connectomics, fixel-based analysis, and attentional lapses research. His work bridges clinical profiling, multimodal rehabilitation, and neuroplasticity in brain-injured populations, with recent emphasis on cannabis-related neurobiology. Scientific Accolades : Peter W Sheehan Psychology Scholarship (ACU, 2013) Australian Psychological Society prize (2014) Research Training Program Scholarship (2016-2020) Best Protocol Presentation (ACU Disability Research Network, 2016) NCLD Conference Scholarship (2016) Travel/Training Grants (ACU, 2018-2019) Public Engagement includes a guest appearance on Einstein A Go-Go (Triple R FM Melbourne, 2021) discussing cannabis use disorder and brain function research.
Gaétane Deliens is a Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology at the Faculty of Psychology, Université Libre de Bruxelles. She co-leads the interdisciplinary ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) research group, the first dedicated to autism in French-speaking Belgium. Her research focuses on communication impairments and language delays in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Key Research Areas: Language acquisition in autism Sensory integration and pragmatics Sleep-dependent memory consolidation Neurocognitive mechanisms in communication disorders Methodological innovations for hard-to-test populations Labs: UR2NF (Neuropsychology and Physiological Research Unit) ACTE autism research group Her recent publications emphasize sleep's role in memory reconsolidation, theta-band brain connectivity in autistic children, and audiovisual integration challenges in nonverbal autistic populations. She employs novel methods to study low-functioning and motor-impaired individuals, expanding traditional autism research boundaries.
Chih Hung Lo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, with emphasis on autophagy, lysosomal dysfunction, and receptor signaling in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Lo's educational background includes: Ph.D. from University of Minnesota (2019) B.B.A. from National University of Singapore (2014) B.E. from National University of Singapore (2014) His research spans Neurodegeneration , Alzheimer's Disease , Multiple Sclerosis , Neuroinflammation , Autophagy , and Drug Discovery . The Lo Lab investigates how autophagy and lysosomal dysfunction—driven by inflammatory cytokine receptor signaling (e.g., TNF), lipid dysregulation, and intrinsically disordered proteins (e.g., tau)—contribute to neuroinflammation. They combine interdisciplinary approaches to study receptor structure-function and protein dynamics for biosensor engineering and high-throughput drug screening , with strong focus on nanomedicine for brain targeting . Analysis of his recent publications (2020-2023) reveals dominant themes in lysosomal acidification dysfunction in neurodegeneration, TNFR1 signaling modulation , tau oligomerization , and bioengineering applications for translational neuroscience. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, particularly in Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis therapeutics. Dr. Lo's scientific honors include: Trainee Professional Development Award, Society for Neuroscience (2023) Selected as Young Scientist for Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2023) BBA Rising Star in Biochemistry & Biophysics (2023) UMN Best Dissertation Award (2020) BME Department Best Dissertation Award (2020) He actively mentors students through Syracuse's graduate programs and serves as Review Editor for Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience , Guest Editor for International Journal of Molecular Sciences , and peer reviewer for multiple journals. His academic service includes editorial roles for Pharmaceuticals and Immunology , and membership in the Society for Neuroscience. The Lo Lab operates at the neuroscience-bioengineering interface, maintaining collaborations with Yale, Harvard, and Nanyang Technological University. Current projects focus on developing TNFR1 biosensors, tau oligomer-targeted therapies, and nanomedicine platforms for brain delivery, with strong emphasis on clinical translation of basic discoveries.
Dr. Christian Schiffer is a Research Fellow at the Research Centre Jülich, leading the 'Large-scale AI for Brain Mapping' team within the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1). His work focuses on developing deep learning algorithms for automated analysis of cytoarchitectonic brain structures using high-resolution histological data. He heads the Helmholtz AI Young Investigator Group, which integrates contrastive learning, graph neural networks, and high-performance computing (HPC) workflows to advance brain mapping technologies. His research applies methods like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and generative models to extract microstructural features from petabyte-scale microscopy datasets. Key contributions include 3D cytoarchitectonic mapping, integrating topology with histological data, and improving computational efficiency for large-scale neuroimaging analysis. Schiffer also collaborates with the 'Big Data Analytics' group, advancing tools for 3D reconstruction and interactive AI applications in neuroscience. Notably, he received the Helmholtz AI Award 2023 for his contributions to AI-driven neuroscience. His work bridges artificial intelligence, supercomputing, and neuroanatomy to create data-driven brain atlases, enabling deeper insights into brain connectivity and function. Schiffer’s group actively contributes to open-source tools like the Julich-Brain platform and participates in initiatives such as the 'BigBrain' project.
Paulina Due-Tønnessen is an Associate Professor in the Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Oslo's Institute of Clinical Medicine (Faculty of Medicine). She also serves as a Neuroradiologist and Chief of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at Oslo University Hospital. Her research focuses on advanced MRI techniques for brain tumor diagnosis, brain development across the lifespan, and clinical applications of neuroimaging. Key projects include the EMBRACE initiative (assessing MRI efficacy in brain tumors) and collaborations with the Center for the Study of Human Cognition (led by Kristine Walhovd and Anders Fjell). Her academic interests span neuroimaging applications in oncology, pediatric neurosurgery outcomes, and cognitive neuroscience. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles highlight her work in glioma characterization, sleep deprivation effects on brain structure, and long-term outcomes of pediatric brain tumor treatments. She contributes to interdisciplinary teams exploring MRI's role in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders, substance exposure impacts, and cognitive aging. Her research integrates clinical radiology with basic neuroscience, using diffusion tensor imaging, perfusion MRI, and longitudinal studies. Collaborations span oncology, neurosurgery, and developmental pediatrics, emphasizing translational research to improve patient care and diagnostic precision.
Örjan Smedby is a Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, specializing in Medical Image Processing and Visualization. His research focuses on developing precise and efficient computational methods for medical decision-making, particularly in automated segmentation of medical images and quantitative analysis of bone structure. Key areas include tumor segmentation, bone graft analysis, and improving imaging techniques for clinical applications such as cancer treatment evaluation and osteoporosis assessment. His work integrates advanced machine learning techniques like deep learning and generative models to enhance image quality, reduce radiation exposure, and automate diagnostic processes. Collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams addressing challenges in oncology, neurology, and orthopaedics. Research Interests: - Medical Image Segmentation - Deep Learning Applications in Radiology - Quantitative Bone Microstructure Analysis - AI-Driven Diagnostic Tools - Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms His publications span topics such as optimizing PET/CT imaging protocols, Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging, and breast cancer diagnostics. The research emphasizes translating computational methods into clinical workflows to improve healthcare efficiency and accuracy.
Ruud van den Brink is a Research Fellow at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Institute of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology. His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes, particularly the role of neuromodulatory systems in shaping brain network dynamics and behavior. Key research interests include the interplay between catecholamines (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine) and large-scale cortical networks, the impact of arousal systems on decision-making and attention, and the application of neuroimaging techniques (EEG/fMRI) to study brain state dynamics. His work bridges systems neuroscience with clinical applications, such as tracking recovery in brain injury patients through EEG spectral analysis. Recent studies highlight how neuromodulators like catecholamines dynamically reconfigure brain connectivity patterns, influencing temporal processing, sensorimotor integration, and behavioral variability. Notable contributions include demonstrating how pupil dynamics and brainstem activity predict cortical interactions during flexible decisions and how attentional demands alter cortical response variability over time.
László Demkó is a Researcher at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Department of Translational Neuromodelling and Computational Psychiatry. His work focuses on integrating wearable sensor technology with clinical rehabilitation, particularly addressing spinal cord injuries and neuromotor disorders. Demkó’s research emphasizes data-driven approaches to gait analysis, upper limb movement assessment, and wheelchair usability optimization. He collaborates across disciplines to develop predictive models for neural networks and biomedical devices. Key research interests include translational neuromodelling, computational psychiatry, and biomechanical engineering. His contributions span sensor validation for clinical use, robotic orthosis design, and modular microstructure fabrication for neuronal networks. Demkó’s methodologies often bridge engineering principles with neuroscientific insights, aiming to improve patient outcomes through technology. Publications highlight advancements in gait characterization post-spinal injury, wearable sensor reliability, and neural stimulation techniques using FluidFM technology. His work demonstrates a commitment to both theoretical innovation and practical clinical applications in neurorehabilitation.
