Marco Aurelio M. Freire | Neuroscience | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Marco Aurelio M. Freire | Neuroscience | Excellence in Research Award

UFS, Brazil

Dr. Marco Aurélio M. Freire is a distinguished materials scientist and academic recognized for his impactful contributions to polymer science, nanocomposites, and sustainable materials engineering. His research primarily focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of high-performance polymeric materials, functional nanostructures, and bio-based composites with applications across industrial, biomedical, and environmental sectors. He Research are altered states of the nervous system, focusing on animal models of excitotoxicity and stroke and neurotoxicology, focusing on noxious actions of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminium in the nervous system. By integrating fundamental chemistry with applied materials engineering, Dr. Freire has advanced the understanding of polymer–filler interactions, surface modification processes, and the development of environmentally responsible materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and functional properties. With a prolific research portfolio, Dr. Freire has authored 1.686 citations in Scopus (h-index: 25) and 2.474 citations in Google Scholar (h-index: 28) — clear indicators of his sustained academic influence and the global reach of his scientific work. His studies are frequently cited within the international scientific community, underscoring the relevance of his contributions to advancing next-generation materials that balance performance and sustainability. His collaborative endeavors span multiple academic and industrial partnerships, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and the translation of scientific discoveries into practical, scalable solutions. Dr. Freire’s scientific excellence extends beyond research to mentorship and knowledge dissemination, where he has guided emerging scholars and contributed to the expansion of global scientific dialogue in materials science. His work holds considerable societal significance, addressing challenges such as resource sustainability, waste reduction, and the development of green materials with minimized environmental footprints. Through his leadership, innovation, and scholarly productivity, Dr. Marco Aurélio M. Freire continues to shape the evolution of modern materials research, bridging fundamental science with real-world impact and reinforcing the role of materials innovation in promoting sustainable technological advancement.

Featrued Publications

  1. Santana, M. B., Halje, P., Simplício, H., Richter, U., Freire, M. A. M., Petersson, P., … & Nicolelis, M. A. L. (2014). Spinal cord stimulation alleviates motor deficits in a primate model of Parkinson disease. Neuron, 84(4), 716–722.

  2. Freire, M. A. M., Guimarães, J. S., Gomes-Leal, W., & Pereira, A. (2009). Pain modulation by nitric oxide in the spinal cord. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 3(2), 175–181.

  3. Freire, M. A. M., Morya, E., Faber, J., Santos, J. R., Guimarães, J. S., Lemos, N. A. M., … & Nicolelis, M. A. L. (2011). Comprehensive analysis of tissue preservation and recording quality from chronic multielectrode implants. PLOS ONE, 6(11), e27554.

  4. Gomes-Leal, W., Corkill, D. J., Freire, M. A. M., Picanco-Diniz, C. W., & Perry, V. H. (2004). Astrocytosis, microglia activation, oligodendrocyte degeneration, and pyknosis following acute spinal cord injury. Experimental Neurology, 190(2), 456–467.

  5. Freire, M. A. M., Rocha, G. S., Bittencourt, L. O., Falcão, D., Lima, R. R., & others. (2023). Cellular and molecular pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury: What have we learned so far? Biology, 12(8), 1139.

Dr. Marco Aurélio M. Freire’s research advances global innovation through the development of sustainable polymeric and nanocomposite materials that enhance industrial performance while reducing environmental impact. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications, driving progress toward greener technologies and a more sustainable future.

Carmen Vivar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Carmen Vivar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

 Professor from Research and Advanced Studies Center of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico

Dr. Carmen Vivar is a distinguished neuroscientist specializing in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. She is currently a professor at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV) of the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. Dr. Vivar leads the Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity within the Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience. Her research primarily focuses on the effects of physical activity on brain function, particularly how exercise influences neurogenesis and cognitive processes. Dr. Vivar has an extensive publication record, contributing significantly to the understanding of hippocampal function and its role in learning and memory. Her work has been widely cited, reflecting her impact on the field of neuroscience.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Vivar earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience at CINVESTAV. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the electrophysiological properties of hippocampal neurons and their role in synaptic plasticity. Her research provided valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This strong foundation in cellular neuroscience has been instrumental in shaping her subsequent research endeavors.

Professional Experience

Following her Ph.D., Dr. Vivar pursued postdoctoral research at the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health in Baltimore, Maryland. There, she investigated the impact of aging on neurogenesis and cognitive function. She also served as a guest researcher at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine’s Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at New York University, where she studied the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Dr. Vivar’s international experience has enriched her research perspective and collaborations.

Research Interests

Dr. Vivar’s research interests encompass adult neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and the effects of physical exercise on brain function. She is particularly interested in how voluntary physical activity enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and improves cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Her studies aim to bridge the gap between animal models and human applications, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and age-related cognitive decline.

Research Skills

Dr. Vivar possesses expertise in electrophysiology, neurophysiology, and cellular neuroscience. She is skilled in techniques such as in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral assessments related to learning and memory. Her proficiency in these methodologies enables her to investigate the intricate relationships between neuronal activity, synaptic plasticity, and behavior.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Vivar has received recognition for her contributions to neuroscience. Her research has garnered significant citations, reflecting its impact on the scientific community. Additionally, she has been invited to speak at various international conferences and seminars, highlighting her expertise in the field. Her role as a guest speaker at events such as the Florida Atlantic Neuroscience Seminar Series underscores her standing in the scientific community.

Conclusion

Dr. Carmen Vivar’s dedication to understanding the mechanisms of neurogenesis and neuroplasticity has significantly advanced the field of neuroscience. Her research on the interplay between physical activity and brain function offers promising avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive aging. Through her extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Vivar continues to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of the brain’s capacity for adaptation and regeneration.

Publications Top Notes​

  1. Title: Running Reverses Chronic Stress‐Induced Changes in Serotonergic Modulation of Hippocampal Granule Cells and Altered Behavioural Responses
    Authors: Carmen Soto, Lazaro P. Orihuela, Grego Apostol, Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Entorhinal cortex–hippocampal circuit connectivity in health and disease
    Authors: Melissa Hernández-Frausto, Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2024

  3. Title: Running throughout Middle-Age Keeps Old Adult-Born Neurons Wired
    Authors: Carmen Vivar, Benjamin D. Peterson, Alejandro Pinto, Emma Janke, Henriette van Praag
    Year: 2023

  4. Title: Rabies Virus Tracing of Monosynaptic Inputs to Adult-Born Granule Cells
    Author: Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2022

  5. Title: Long-term taurine administration improves motor skills in a tubulinopathy rat model by decreasing oxidative stress and promoting myelination
    Author: Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2021

  6. Title: Exercise and Hippocampal Memory Systems
    Authors: Voss, M.W.; Soto, C.; Yoo, S.; Sodoma, M.; Vivar, C.; van Praag, H.
    Year: 2019

  7. Title: Running changes the brain: The long and the short of it
    Authors: Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
    Year: 2017

  8. Title: Running reorganizes the circuitry of one-week-old adult-born hippocampal neurons
    Authors: Sah, N.; Peterson, B.D.; Lubejko, S.T.; Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
    Year: 2017

  9. Title: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis, aging and neurodegenerative diseases: Possible strategies to prevent cognitive impairment
    Author: Vivar, C.
    Year: 2015

  10. Title: Plant-derived flavanol (-)epicatechin mitigates anxiety in association with elevated hippocampal monoamine and BDNF levels, but does not influence pattern separation in mice
    Authors: Stringer, T.P.; Guerrieri, D.; Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
    Year: 2015

  11. Title: Running rewires the neuronal network of adult-born dentate granule cells
    Author: Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2015