Alice Melani | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Alice Melani | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Student, Scuola Normale Superiore, University of Pisa, Italy  ✨

Alice Melani is an ambitious neuroscience researcher with a robust academic background and extensive research experience in cutting-edge neuroscience techniques. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Neuroscience at the University of Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore. Her work focuses on neuronal circuits, emotional contagion, and exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Alice has presented her research at renowned international conferences and has been recognized for her academic excellence and leadership. She is also a passionate advocate for gender equity in STEM, organizing events and initiatives to inspire future generations of women scientists.

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Education 🎓

Alice Melani’s educational journey reflects her passion for neuroscience. She is pursuing an MSc in Neuroscience at the University of Pisa (expected October 2025), where she has excelled in courses such as neuropharmacology, neural stem cells, and sensory neuroscience. Simultaneously, she is enrolled in the Second-level Master in Neuroscience at Scuola Normale Superiore (expected November 2025), where she received a full scholarship and studied advanced topics like neurophysiology, AI, and molecular neurophysiology. She completed her Bachelor’s in Biotechnology (2020–2023) at the University of Milano-Bicocca with top honors (110/110 cum laude), where her thesis explored vascular barriers in intestinal inflammation.

Experience 🧪

Alice has gained extensive research experience through prestigious internships and projects. Currently, at the CNR/Scuola Normale Superiore laboratories, she is conducting a semi-independent project analyzing neuronal circuits involved in emotional contagion using fiber photometry, viral tracing, and muscimol injections. She also participated in research on neuronal nicotinic receptors and cholinergic synaptogenesis at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Alice has presented her work at international events, including the RIKEN CBS Summer Program and Oxford Autumn School in Neuroscience, showcasing her ability to bridge innovative research with practical applications.

Research Interests 🔬

Alice’s research interests focus on unraveling the complexities of the brain. She is particularly passionate about investigating neuronal circuits underlying emotional contagion and exploring psychedelics as tools for mental health therapy and basic neuroscience research. Additionally, she is interested in sensory perception, brain-machine interfaces, and neurophysiological processes driving cognitive and emotional behaviors.

Awards and Recognition 🏆

Alice has been recognized for her academic achievements and leadership in neuroscience. She was selected for the prestigious RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2024, where she presented her research on psychedelics. As a TEDxPISA speaker in 2024, she shared her insights on future neuroscience perspectives. Alice also received full scholarships for her studies at Scuola Normale Superiore and earned distinction for her academic performance at the University of Milano-Bicocca.

Publications 📚

Psychedelics: State of Art and Where We Are Going (Unpublished, 2024) – Analysis of therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of psychedelics.

Poster Presentation at RIKEN CBS Summer Program (2024): “Beyond the Stigma: The Hidden Potential of Psychedelics.”

MDMA and Its Role in Promoting Empathy – Presented the neurobiological effects of MDMA in June 2024.

Brain Organoid Transplantation – Discussed frontiers in neural regeneration at a conference in December 2023.

Conclusion

Alice Melani demonstrates an exceptional combination of academic excellence, research innovation, leadership, and communication skills. While strengthening her publication record and securing independent recognition could further enhance her profile, her impressive contributions to neuroscience, advocacy for women in STEM, and global engagement make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Assoc Prof. Dr. Dubravka Svob Strac | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. Dubravka Svob Strac | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Dubravka Svob Strac, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia

Dr. Dubravka Svob Strac is an accomplished scientist in the field of Molecular Neuropsychiatry. She currently leads the Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry at the Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, Croatia. With over two decades of experience, her work focuses on biomedicine and health, contributing significantly to the study of molecular neuropharmacology and neuropsychiatric disorders. Dr. Svob Strac is also an associate professor at the University of Rijeka’s Department of Biotechnology, actively involved in both research and education.

Profle

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Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Dubravka Svob Strac has a highly accomplished career in molecular neuropsychiatry, with extensive experience in both research and academic roles. Her leadership as head of the Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry at the Rudjer Boskovic Institute and her numerous publications (97 WoS-indexed papers) highlight her excellence. With multiple national and international awards, including the Croatian National Science Award and Rudjer Boskovic Institute awards, she has a proven track record of impactful research. Her mentorship of PhD and Master’s students and active involvement in organizing scientific meetings further emphasize her contributions to the field.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Strac’s research output and supervision are impressive, increasing international collaborations, particularly with more interdisciplinary or translational research, could further strengthen her candidacy. Moreover, diversifying her leadership roles in global research projects and engaging in more high-impact collaborative studies might provide even more visibility to her research, elevating her position for a broader international recognition.

Education 🎓

PhD in Biology (2007), University of Zagreb, Croatia

MSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology (2004), University of Zagreb, Croatia

BSc in Molecular Biology (1998), University of Zagreb, Croatia

PMS in Business and Management (2011), Baltazar Zapresic College, Croatia
She has also completed 53 short-term international educational courses, further enhancing her expertise in molecular biology and neuropharmacology.

Experience 🧠

Dr. Svob Strac has held numerous key positions throughout her career. Currently, she serves as the Head of the Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry at Rudjer Boskovic Institute and is an Associate Professor at the University of Rijeka. She has previously served as Assistant Professor at J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek and has a long-standing affiliation with Rudjer Boskovic Institute, where she started as a younger assistant in 1998 and rose through the ranks.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Svob Strac’s research centers on neuropharmacology and psychiatric disorders, with a focus on molecular mechanisms underlying stress, addiction, and neurodegeneration. Her interdisciplinary work bridges molecular medicine and mental health, making her a leading figure in Croatian neuroscience and pharmacology.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Svob Strac has been recognized multiple times for her contributions to science and education. Notable awards include the Croatian National Science Award (2019), multiple Rudjer Boskovic Institute awards (2017-2022), and various scholarships from prestigious organizations such as FENS and IBRO. Her commitment to science popularization has also earned her several accolades.

Publications 📚

Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Published in Neuropharmacology, 2022, Cited by 50 articles.

Genetics in Neurodegeneration, Journal of Biomedicine, 2021, Cited by 30 articles.
Dr. Svob Strac has also contributed to 22 book chapters and presented at numerous conferences.

Conclusion

Dr. Dubravka Svob Strac is a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” with her significant contributions to molecular neuropsychiatry, academic mentorship, and active involvement in scientific leadership. Although a stellar candidate, focusing on broader international collaboration could enhance her future impact.