Prof. Slawomir Michalak | Neuropharmacology | Top Pharmaceutical Breakthrough Award

Institute of Neurological Disorders Poznan University of Medical Sciences | Poland

Prof. Slawomir Michalak is an accomplished neurologist, neuropathologist, and laboratory medicine specialist whose contributions have significantly advanced clinical neuroscience, translational neurology, and biomarker-driven research. He leads the Stroke Unit at the University Hospital in Poznań while simultaneously heading the Department of Neurology, the Department of Neurosurgery, and the Institute of Neurological Disorders at Poznan University of Medical Sciences. His academic journey includes prestigious international fellowships at the Biochemisches Institut of Christian Albrechts Universität in Kiel and at the Istituto di Patologia Generale of the Università degli Studi in Perugia, where he strengthened his foundation in molecular neuropathology. He further enhanced his expertise through intensive neuropathology and laboratory medicine courses in leading European scientific hubs such as Berlin, Budapest, Lübeck, Aachen, and specialized mitochondrial research programs in Schroecken, Austria. As a visiting professor at the M. Ospanov West Kazakhstan State Medical Academy, he delivered advanced lectures and supervised doctoral research in neurodegenerative and demyelinating disorders.Prof. Michalak’s scientific portfolio demonstrates exceptional breadth and innovation. He has played a central role in multidisciplinary research initiatives, including a large Polish–Singaporean project developing computer-aided decision support systems for acute ischemic stroke therapy, and joint studies with international collaborators aimed at profiling pathological proteins in skin biopsies of patients with movement disorders. His work also encompasses biochemical and clinical signature identification for interferon therapy response in multiple sclerosis. As a contributor to the European COST Action project on mitochondrial mapping, he has examined the complex interplay of evolution, age, gender, lifestyle, and environmental factors on mitochondrial dynamics. His ongoing clinical research includes a major investigation on the influence of Cerebrolysin on blood–brain barrier integrity in acute ischemic stroke. He also collaborates with global experts on smart digital therapeutics using generative artificial intelligence and contributes to the Glioblastoma Research Group at Poznan University of Medical Sciences to advance biomarker-based early detection strategies.With more than five hundred scientific publications, a substantial cumulative impact factor, over two thousand citations, and a strong h-index, Prof. Michalak has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary neurology. His book publications, extensive consultancy roles, and active involvement in translational industry–academia partnerships further highlight his enduring impact. His research in stroke biology, neuroimmunology, neuro-oncology, and molecular biomarkers continues to shape clinical understanding and inspire innovation across the global neuroscience community.

Featured Publications

Ambrosius, W., Michalak, S., & Kozubski, W., & Kalinowska, A. (n.d.). Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease: Current insights into the disease pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(1), 100.

Kazmierski, N. W. R., Michalak, S., & Wencel-Warot, A. (n.d.). Serum tight-junction proteins predict hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke patients. Neurology, 79, 160.

Jasiak-Zatonska, M., Kalinowska-Łyszczarz, A., Michalak, S., & Kozubski, W. (n.d.). The immunology of neuromyelitis optica—Current knowledge, clinical implications, controversies and future perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(3), 273.

Wyciszkiewicz, A., Kalinowska-Łyszczarz, A., Nowakowski, B., Kaźmierczak, K., & Michalak, S. (n.d.). Expression of small heat shock proteins in exosomes from patients with gynecologic cancers. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 9817.

Zaborowski, M. S., Spaczynski, M., & Nowak-Markwitz, E., & Michalak, S. (n.d.). Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes associated with ovarian tumors. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 71.

Adamczak-Ratajczak, A., Kupsz, J., Owecki, M., Zielonka, D., Sowinska, A., & Michalak, S., et al. (n.d.). Circadian rhythms of melatonin and cortisol in manifest Huntington’s disease and in acute cortical ischemic stroke. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 68(4), 539–546.

Isabel Cristina Céspedes | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Isabel Cristina Céspedes, Escola Paulista de Medicina – UNIFESP, Brazil

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isabel Cristina Céspedes is a prominent researcher with a focus on genetics, neuroscience, and psychobiology. She obtained her Ph.D. in Morphofunctional Sciences from the University of São Paulo in 2007, specializing in stress-related brain responses in rodents. With postdoctoral work at UNIFESP and extensive teaching experience at universities like USP and UNIP, she explores topics such as substance abuse, epigenetics, and transfusion medicine. She has contributed to numerous publications in journals like Behavioural Brain Research and The Journal of Neuroscience. Her ongoing research investigates the effects of blood transfusions and addiction disorders. 🧠🔬💉📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isabel Cristina Céspedes has a distinguished academic background, holding a Ph.D. in Morphofunctional Sciences from the University of São Paulo, specializing in neurobiological responses to stress 🧠. Her postdoctoral research at the Federal University of São Paulo deepened her expertise in genetic and molecular neurobiology 🔬. With a passion for understanding the intricate mechanisms of stress at the molecular level, Dr. Céspedes has contributed significantly to the field, advancing knowledge in neurobiology and stress-related disorders. Her work continues to inspire and shape research in neuroscience and molecular biology 🧬✨.

Leadership in Academia

Dr. Céspedes is an active educator, researcher, and mentor at prestigious institutions such as UNIFESP and USP, where she has made significant contributions to the academic community 📚. With her dedication to higher education, she holds several administrative and leadership roles, guiding academic programs and playing a pivotal part in various committees 🏫💼. Her work reflects a passion for both academic excellence and student mentorship, and her leadership has helped shape the educational landscape at these esteemed institutions 🌟. Through her efforts, Dr. Céspedes continues to inspire and shape future scholars and professionals 🌱.

Research Projects

Dr. Céspedes is conducting pioneering research on the epigenetic effects of blood transfusions, aiming to enhance clinical practices and improve patient outcomes. By examining how transfusions influence gene expression, their work is providing valuable insights into patient health and long-term recovery. Dr. Céspedes’ research contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved, which could lead to more personalized medical treatments and better management of transfusion-related complications. This groundbreaking work is opening new avenues in both clinical and genetic research, offering potential advancements in healthcare. 🧬🩸🔬👩‍🔬

Research Focus

Dr. Isabel Cristina Céspedes focuses on neuroscience, particularly in the areas of neuroplasticity, anxiety, stress responses, and neurogenesis. Her research investigates how environmental factors, such as chronic stress and psychological interventions, affect the brain’s defensive responses, Fos immunoreactivity, and hippocampal neurogenesis. She has also explored the effects of substances like alcohol on brain function, including how they alter locomotion and neurocircuitry associated with reward and anxiety. Additionally, Dr. Céspedes contributes to studies on hormonal regulation, particularly cortisol, and its implications for mental health. Her work spans animal models, psychological interventions, and neurobiological mechanisms. 🧠🔬💉📚