Dr. Stela Dragomanova| Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stela Dragomanova, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria

Dr. Stela Dragomanova is a distinguished researcher and educator at the Medical University of Varna. She earned her master’s degree in Pharmacy from the Medical University of Sofia in 2004 and later specialized in Clinical Pharmacy. In 2020, she completed her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Dr. Dragomanova’s research centers on neuropharmacology, particularly neurodegenerative diseases. She is a member of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union and serves as Chairlady of the Ethics Committee for the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium in Varna. Dr. Dragomanova has published 30+ peer-reviewed papers, contributing significantly to pharmacology and neuroscience. She has also served as Assistant Professor from 2010 to 2021 and is currently Chief Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the Medical University of Varna.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stela Dragomanova demonstrates a strong profile as a candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and a focus on neuropharmacology, her research is centered around neurodegenerative diseases, a critical area of biomedical research. Her expertise in in vivo preclinical models and behavioral tests positions her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community, particularly in neuropharmacology and toxicology.Her academic career includes over a decade of teaching and research at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria, where she has steadily advanced from Assistant Professor to Chief Assistant Professor. Dr. Dragomanova has also made substantial contributions to the scientific literature, with 30+ publications, including articles in high-impact journals such as Antioxidants and Molecules, with topics addressing neuroprotective strategies and experimental pharmacology.

Education

Dr. Stela Dragomanova began her academic journey at the Medical University of Sofia, where she obtained her master’s degree in Pharmacy in 2004. She further specialized in Clinical Pharmacy, enhancing her expertise in pharmacological interventions. Driven by her passion for neuropharmacology, Dr. Dragomanova pursued her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Neurobiology, completing it in 2020. Her doctoral research provided significant insights into neurodegenerative diseases and related pharmacotherapies. With a strong foundation in experimental pharmacology and toxicology, Dr. Dragomanova is equipped with advanced skills in preclinical in vivo models and behavioral testing. Her academic qualifications, coupled with her research experience, reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in the pharmaceutical and neuropharmacological fields.

Experience

Dr. Stela Dragomanova has been an integral part of the Medical University of Varna since 2010, starting as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacotherapy. She transitioned into the role of Chief Assistant Professor in 2021, where she continues to lead and mentor young scientists in neuropharmacology. In her academic career, she has overseen numerous research projects focusing on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in exploring neuroprotective agents and pharmacological treatments. She has extensive expertise in in vivo preclinical models and behavioral testing in experimental pharmacology. Dr. Dragomanova is also deeply involved in regulatory and ethical aspects of pharmacology research, serving as the Chairlady of the Ethics Committee for the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium in Varna and being an active member of several scientific and pharmaceutical associations.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Stela Dragomanova has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacology and her dedication to healthcare and education. In 2018, she was named “Pharmacist of the Year” for the Varna region by the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium. This prestigious award highlights her commitment to the pharmaceutical profession and the positive impact of her work in the healthcare sector. In addition to her regional recognition, Dr. Dragomanova is an esteemed member of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, which is part of the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU). She also holds leadership roles in several academic and professional organizations, including the Bulgarian Association of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Therapeutics. Her extensive experience in both research and education further solidifies her as a prominent figure in the pharmacological sciences.

Research Focus

Dr. Stela Dragomanova’s research is primarily focused on neuropharmacology, particularly in understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Her work aims to discover potential therapeutic agents that can mitigate the progression of disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She has developed expertise in using in vivo preclinical models to evaluate neuroprotective compounds and conduct behavioral tests. Her research explores the role of antioxidants and polyphenols, studying their neuroprotective effects and potential applications in pharmacotherapy. Additionally, Dr. Dragomanova is interested in the therapeutic potential of lipid emulsions in treating convulsions and other toxicological conditions. Her investigations have led to a deeper understanding of the molecular and biochemical processes that drive neurodegeneration, with a strong focus on developing novel interventions for these challenging medical conditions.

Publications Top Notes

Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Anticonvulsants’ Toxicity
Trehalose: Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms—An Updated Review
Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Anticonvulsants’ Toxicity
Neuropharmacological investigation of myrtenal conjugates with aminoadamantane
Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from Geranium sanguineum L. in Viral Infections, Including SARS-CoV-2

Dr.kelig mahe, Ifremer, France

Dr. Kélig MAHE is a leading researcher at IFREMER, specializing in marine science, particularly in the fields of sclerochronology and fisheries. Since 2021, he has been the head of the Halieutiques Manche-Mer du Nord Unit, overseeing numerous national and European projects related to fish age estimation and stock management. Dr. MAHE’s expertise spans biological data coordination, fish age determination workshops, and the development of TNPC software. He has co-supervised 11 PhD students and 12 master’s students, contributing significantly to scientific innovation, as demonstrated by his 2010 award for scientific and technological innovation at IFREMER. His contributions extend internationally, with leadership in numerous European research collaborations.

Professinal Profile

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Education

Dr. Kélig MAHE’s academic journey is rooted in marine and environmental sciences. He earned his PhD in Marine Biology from Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO) in 2019, focusing on fisheries and environmental ecosystems. Prior to this, he completed his Diplôme d’Etudes Approfondies (DEA) in Coastal and Littoral Ecosystem Dynamics from ULCO in 2002. Dr. MAHE’s foundational knowledge in marine resource management was shaped during his engineering studies at the prestigious Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Agronomie de Rennes (ENSAR), where he graduated with a specialization in Halieutics in 2003. His multidisciplinary education also includes a Maîtrise des Sciences et Techniques in Environmental Sciences from the University of Rouen, completed in 2001, providing him with a well-rounded scientific background in both marine biology and environmental management.

Experience

Dr. MAHE Kélig has an extensive research career at IFREMER, where he has been actively engaged since 2007. His role evolved from a research cadre to leading the Halieutiques Manche-Mer du Nord Unit in 2021. His vast experience includes coordinating national biological data, managing research programs on fish age estimation, and providing expert advice on stock management. His involvement in European research projects is extensive, including leadership positions in projects like Med-Units, Sumaris, and Microtolithe. Dr. MAHE has also represented IFREMER in international workshops and played a pivotal role in advancing sclerochronology, both through research and the development of TNPC software. His management experience includes overseeing teams and mentoring students, making significant contributions to both scientific research and talent development.

Awards and Honors

Dr. MAHE Kélig’s distinguished contributions to marine science have earned him notable recognition. In 2010, he was awarded the IFREMER Trophée de l’innovation for his pioneering work in scientific, technical, and technological fields. His leadership and contributions have made a global impact, notably in European research collaborations, where he co-chaired 13 international workshops and participated in 4 European working groups. His expertise in sclerochronology has positioned him as an expert for IFREMER in international fora. Dr. MAHE’s influence extends to organizing international symposia, such as the 6th International Symposium on Biological Shape Analysis in 2019. His collaborative spirit and innovative work have consistently advanced marine research, particularly in fisheries biology, earning him respect and recognition within the global scientific community.

Research Focus

Dr. MAHE Kélig’s research centers on sclerochronology, the study of calcified structures in fish, to improve age determination methods and enhance fisheries management. His work plays a critical role in understanding fish population dynamics and the impacts of environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations and CO2 levels, on marine species. Dr. MAHE has been at the forefront of integrating modern technologies in fisheries research, particularly through his contributions to the TNPC software for processing calcified structures. His research also extends to interdisciplinary collaborations, where he has led and participated in numerous European projects, focusing on sustainable fishery practices, species population structures, and biogeographical studies. His commitment to research excellence is evidenced by his active role in advancing knowledge in otolith morphogenesis, age determination, and stock management, all of which are pivotal for sustainable marine resource management.

Publications Top Notes

Asymmetry of Sagittal Otolith Shape in Mediterranean Red Mullet: Comparative Analysis of 2D and 3D Otolith Shape Data (2023).
Effect of Temperature and CO2 on Morphogenesis of Sagittal Otoliths in Atlantic Herring (2023).
Spatial Structuring of Demersal Fish Around Réunion Island Based on Otolith Shape (2023).
New Scale Analyses Reveal Centenarian African Coelacanths (2021).
Complementarity and Discriminatory Power of Genotype and Otolith Shape in Eastern English Channel Sole (2020).