Marcelo Mattar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Marcelo Mattar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at New York University | United States

Dr. Marcelo Mattar is a distinguished cognitive and computational neuroscientist whose work bridges psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at New York University, where he also holds affiliate roles with the Center for Neural Science, the Center for Data Science, and the NYU-KAIST partnership. His career reflects a global trajectory, with academic appointments across leading institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom, including the University of California, San Diego; the University of Cambridge; and Princeton University. Dr. Mattar’s research integrates theoretical modeling, machine learning, and experimental neuroscience to understand the neural and computational principles underlying learning, decision-making, and memory. He has contributed extensively to the academic community through teaching, mentoring, peer review, and editorial service for top-tier journals. Widely recognized for his academic leadership, he has delivered invited talks at world-renowned research centers, summer schools, and international conferences. His dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration has positioned him at the forefront of computational neuroscience, making significant contributions to both fundamental science and its applications in understanding human cognition. Dr. Mattar’s career is marked by intellectual breadth, methodological rigor, and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Mattar’s educational background reflects a strong foundation in both engineering and the cognitive sciences. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the Aeronautics Institute of Technology in Brazil, where he developed a robust understanding of systems analysis, problem-solving, and computational modeling. His interdisciplinary curiosity led him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued advanced studies in psychology, statistics, and neuroscience. He earned a Master’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Statistics, and ultimately a Ph.D. in Psychology under the guidance of a distinguished team of advisors with expertise in cognitive neuroscience, brain imaging, and network science. His doctoral work combined behavioral experimentation with advanced data analysis and network-based modeling to investigate cognitive processes such as decision-making and memory retrieval. Throughout his training, Dr. Mattar cultivated expertise in statistical inference, computational simulations, and the integration of complex datasets from neuroimaging and behavioral studies. This diverse academic preparation provided him with the quantitative and theoretical skills necessary to explore the brain’s computational architecture. His educational trajectory exemplifies a unique blend of technical precision and psychological insight, forming the basis for his later contributions to computational and cognitive neuroscience.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mattar’s professional career is characterized by a seamless integration of teaching, research, and collaborative leadership across top-tier institutions. At New York University, he plays a central role in shaping the academic curriculum in cognitive and computational neuroscience, while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations through his affiliations with neuroscience and data science centers. Prior to his NYU appointment, he served as an Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science at the University of California, San Diego, with concurrent roles in computer science and neuroscience graduate training. His international research experience includes serving as a Newton International Fellow in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge and as a postdoctoral affiliate of Trinity College. Earlier, at Princeton University’s Neuroscience Institute, he contributed to groundbreaking research in computational modeling of cognition. In addition to his institutional roles, Dr. Mattar is a sought-after speaker, having delivered invited lectures at globally recognized research organizations. His professional experience extends beyond academia through service as a reviewer and guest editor for leading scientific journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the rigor and visibility of research in his field. His career path illustrates a balance between scientific discovery, academic mentorship, and global scientific engagement.

Research Interest

Dr. Mattar’s research interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and machine learning, with a particular emphasis on understanding the neural and computational mechanisms of learning, decision-making, and memory. He seeks to uncover how the brain represents, processes, and utilizes information to guide adaptive behavior in dynamic environments. His work often involves building and testing computational models that mimic human cognitive processes, allowing him to explore the principles underlying mental functions such as planning, exploration, and reward-based learning. He is deeply interested in the role of reinforcement learning algorithms in shaping behavior and how these computational frameworks can be aligned with neural activity patterns observed through neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods. Another central theme in his research is the integration of network neuroscience approaches to investigate the brain as a complex, interconnected system. By combining statistical modeling, data science techniques, and cognitive theory, Dr. Mattar addresses questions that are relevant not only for basic science but also for applications in artificial intelligence (AI) and clinical neuroscience. His interdisciplinary research agenda reflects a commitment to bridging theoretical models with empirical data, thereby advancing a mechanistic understanding of human cognition.

Research Skills

Dr. Mattar possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span experimental design, computational modeling, and advanced statistical analysis. He is proficient in constructing and validating reinforcement learning models, neural network architectures, and probabilistic frameworks for cognitive processes. His expertise includes the use of network neuroscience tools to examine brain connectivity and the application of machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition in high-dimensional datasets. Skilled in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB, he develops custom analytical pipelines for integrating behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological data. His statistical expertise allows him to conduct rigorous hypothesis testing, model comparison, and cross-validation to ensure the robustness of his findings. Dr. Mattar is also experienced in designing behavioral experiments that probe decision-making and memory processes, often employing virtual environments and computational simulations. In addition to his technical competencies, he has demonstrated strong scientific communication skills through teaching, mentoring, and presenting at international conferences. His ability to bridge quantitative methods with theoretical insights enables him to address complex research questions in cognitive neuroscience with precision and creativity, making him a versatile and impactful researcher in his field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mattar’s academic excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards and honors from international institutions and scientific organizations. Among these is the Newton International Fellowship in the United Kingdom, which supported his research and facilitated collaborations with leading experts in computational neuroscience and engineering. He has been the recipient of competitive travel grants, including one from the Computational and Systems Neuroscience Conference, enabling him to share his research with global peers. His early career achievements were further recognized with a fellowship from the Summer Institute in Cognitive Neuroscience and a best poster award at the Repetition Suppression Summer School. In Brazil, his academic promise was acknowledged with the Fundação Estudar award, which supported his studies during his formative research years. These honors reflect not only his scholarly contributions but also his active engagement in advancing the frontiers of cognitive and computational neuroscience. His awards underscore his dedication to excellence, international collaboration, and interdisciplinary research. Collectively, these recognitions affirm his standing as a leading researcher whose work continues to influence the academic and scientific communities at both national and international levels.

Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 2,620+

  • h-index: 23

  • i10-index: 29

These metrics reflect Dr. Marcelo Mattar’s scholarly impact and contributions to the fields of cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and computational modeling. An h-index of 23 indicates that at least 23 of his publications have received 23 or more citations each, while the i10-index of 29 shows a substantial number of works with over ten citations—demonstrating consistent and growing influence across his research portfolio.

Publications Top Notes

1. Prioritized memory access explains planning and hippocampal replay
Citations: 420
Year: 2018

2. Optimal trajectories of brain state transitions
Citations: 209
Year: 2017

3. Functional network dynamics of the language system
Citations: 189
Year: 2016

4. A functional cartography of cognitive systems
Citations: 188
Year: 2015

5. Experience replay is associated with efficient nonlocal learning
Citations: 175
Year: 2021

6. Planning in the brain
Citations: 137
Year: 2022

7. A network neuroscience of human learning: Potential to inform quantitative theories of brain and behavior
Citations: 136
Year: 2017

8. The temporal dynamics of opportunity costs: A normative account of cognitive fatigue and boredom
Citations: 114
Year: 2022

9. de Bruijn cycles for neural decoding
Citations: 103
Year: 2011

10. Simultaneous perceptual and response biases on sequential face attractiveness judgments
Citations: 80
Year: 2015

Conclusion

Dr. Marcelo Mattar exemplifies the modern interdisciplinary scientist, blending the quantitative rigor of engineering with the conceptual depth of cognitive neuroscience. His career trajectory—from engineering studies in Brazil to faculty leadership at a premier U.S. institution—demonstrates both intellectual versatility and a sustained commitment to advancing scientific understanding. His research, centered on the computational principles of learning, decision-making, and memory, contributes to bridging the gap between neuroscience and artificial intelligence. As an educator, he brings complex concepts to life for undergraduate and graduate students, fostering analytical skills and inspiring the next generation of scientists. His service to the scientific community as an editor, reviewer, and invited speaker reflects his leadership and influence in the field. Dr. Mattar’s body of work underscores the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological innovation, and scientific curiosity. With a career marked by international engagement, academic excellence, and impactful scholarship, he continues to make significant contributions to both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in cognitive science and computational neuroscience. His ongoing work promises to shape the future of brain research, artificial intelligence and the development of intelligent systems.

 

Sukhes Mukherjee | Neuroscience | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee | Neuroscience | Outstanding Scientist Award

Additional Professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal, India.

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee is an accomplished biochemist and educator, currently serving as Additional Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal, India. With over two decades of experience spanning academia, research, and clinical biochemistry, Dr. Mukherjee has established himself as a leading figure in the field of medical biochemistry and molecular diagnostics. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Biochemistry from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, preceded by an M.Sc. (Gold Medalist) in Medical Biochemistry from Sikkim Manipal University and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Calcutta. Dr. Mukherjee’s contributions encompass extensive research on biochemical markers, liver diseases, oxidative stress, and neurochemistry, with multiple awards acknowledging his excellence in both scientific inquiry and pedagogy. He has been invited to deliver over 40 national and international lectures and serves on editorial boards of reputed journals. His affiliations include the Royal Society of Biology (UK), American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC), and the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India. Through consistent academic leadership, research productivity, and global engagement, Dr. Mukherjee exemplifies dedication to biomedical science and its application in improving healthcare outcomes.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee possesses a strong academic foundation rooted in chemistry and medical biochemistry. He began his higher education journey with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry from the University of Calcutta in 2000, laying the groundwork for a career in biomedical sciences. His academic excellence became evident during his M.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry from Sikkim Manipal University, where he earned the Gold Medal as the Best Outgoing Student in 2004. This accomplishment signified not only academic merit but also his commitment to the discipline. Dr. Mukherjee pursued doctoral studies at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, earning his Ph.D. in Clinical Biochemistry in 2009. His doctoral work focused on key clinical aspects of biochemistry and toxicology, marking the beginning of his specialization in liver diseases and neurochemistry. This multidisciplinary training across chemistry, medical biochemistry, and clinical diagnostics has provided him with a well-rounded perspective, enabling impactful contributions in both teaching and translational research. His academic background continues to support his success in mentoring, scholarly publication, and grant-winning projects at the national and international levels.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee has accumulated extensive professional experience in academic institutions across India. His current role as Additional Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at AIIMS Bhopal, a position he has held since July 2020, builds upon a decade-long academic trajectory marked by increasing leadership responsibilities. Prior to this, he served as Associate Professor at AIIMS Bhopal (2017–2020) and in several other institutions including GIMSH, Government Medical College Saharanpur, NRIIMS, and VCSGGIMS&R. His earliest faculty appointment as Assistant Professor at VCSGGIMS&R in 2010 laid the foundation for his continued focus on teaching and clinical research. Across these roles, Dr. Mukherjee has consistently demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, curriculum development, and laboratory quality assurance. His professional journey reflects versatility, having served in both government and private medical colleges. These positions have allowed him to lead departmental activities, mentor postgraduate students, and supervise diagnostic laboratories. His expertise in ISO-15189 standards and internal auditing further enhances his contributions to laboratory quality management systems. Dr. Mukherjee’s academic mobility and leadership across diverse healthcare institutions underline his adaptability and sustained excellence in biochemistry education and practice.

Research Interest

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical biochemistry, neurochemistry, hepatology, and molecular toxicology. His primary focus areas include the biochemical and molecular underpinnings of liver diseases, particularly alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disorders. He has led research initiatives examining ethanol’s impact on liver function, angiogenesis, and brain damage, utilizing both biochemical markers and enzymatic studies. His early interest in free radical biology has matured into comprehensive investigations on oxidative stress and its implications for neurotoxicity and hepatic injury. Additionally, Dr. Mukherjee has contributed to cancer biochemistry through his studies on Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma. Another key theme in his research is the development and validation of diagnostic biomarkers for various chronic diseases. He has also examined risk factors for metabolic disorders and the interplay between nutrition, toxicology, and biochemical signaling. His approach integrates classical biochemical techniques with modern molecular and analytical tools, enabling translational insights applicable to both clinical and public health settings. Dr. Mukherjee’s research continues to bridge basic biochemical mechanisms with applied clinical science, addressing current gaps in diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic intervention.

Research Skills

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee brings a diverse array of research skills that encompass clinical diagnostics, biochemical assay development, molecular biology, and quality control. He is proficient in executing and interpreting a wide range of laboratory techniques, including enzymatic assays, electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and chromatographic analyses. His training in ISO 15189 standards as an internal auditor and quality manager equips him to maintain rigorous standards in clinical laboratories, ensuring data integrity and diagnostic accuracy. Dr. Mukherjee is adept in designing experimental protocols for studying oxidative stress, free radical damage, and hepatotoxicity. His collaborative projects with organizations like CSIR and Daiichi Pure Chemicals demonstrate his capability in handling complex, multidisciplinary research themes. His experience spans both in vivo and in vitro models, allowing him to dissect the biochemical pathways involved in neurotoxicity and liver disease. Furthermore, his familiarity with statistical tools, scientific writing, and peer review enhances his ability to contribute to high-quality publications and research proposals. Whether as a principal investigator or co-investigator, Dr. Mukherjee’s methodical and quality-driven research approach has earned him recognition in academic, industrial, and regulatory research environments.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee has been the recipient of numerous national and international awards that recognize his academic distinction, research contributions, and leadership in medical biochemistry. Early in his career, he was honored with the Best Outgoing Student Gold Medal from Sikkim Manipal University (2004), followed by multiple awards from the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India, including the P.S. Murthy Award (2008), Sita Devi Award (2009), and the Pitabus Jamuna Memorial Award (2012). His research in neurochemistry earned him the prestigious Young Investigator Award from the International Society for Neurochemistry (2009), and international recognition continued with travel fellowships from AACC, USA, and a fellowship in South Korea. Dr. Mukherjee is a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (MNAMS), the Linnean Society (FLS), and the Royal Society of Biology (CSi), among others. His inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who and awards from MAIER and NMMTA further reflect his scientific impact and professional visibility. These honors underscore a career marked by excellence in research, education, and service to the biomedical community.

Author Metrics

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee’s scholarly contributions to the fields of medical biochemistry and clinical sciences are reflected in his impressive author metrics. As of the latest data, he has accumulated a total of 1,581 citations, demonstrating the significant influence and widespread recognition of his research in national and international scientific communities. With an h-index of 20, Dr. Mukherjee has at least 20 publications that have each been cited a minimum of 20 times, indicating both productivity and the sustained academic relevance of his work. His i10-index of 35 further illustrates that 35 of his research articles have received 10 or more citations, highlighting the consistent quality and impact of his contributions over time. These metrics reflect his expertise across a broad spectrum of biomedical research areas, including clinical biochemistry, neurochemistry, toxicology, free radical biology, and liver disease biomarkers. His work continues to be cited in leading peer-reviewed journals and used as a reference in both academic and clinical settings. These quantitative indicators affirm Dr. Mukherjee’s position as a respected researcher and thought leader in his field, underlining the continued academic and translational value of his scientific endeavors.

Publications Top Notes

1. Alcoholism and its effects on the central nervous system

  • Authors: S. Mukherjee

  • Journal: Current Neurovascular Research

  • Year: 2013

  • Citations: 146

2. Consequences of alcohol consumption on neurotransmitters – an overview

  • Authors: S. Mukherjee, S.K. Das, K. Vaidyanathan, D.M. Vasudevan

  • Journal: Current Neurovascular Research

  • Year: 2008

  • Citations: 87

3. Evaluation of blood oxidative stress‐related parameters in alcoholic liver disease and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

  • Authors: S.K. Das, V. Balakrishnan, S. Mukherjee, D.M. Vasudevan

  • Journal: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation

  • Year: 2008

  • Citations: 82

4. Oxidative stress is the primary event: effects of ethanol consumption in brain

  • Authors: S.K. Das, K.R. Hiran, S. Mukherjee, D.M. Vasudevan

  • Journal: Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry

  • Year: 2007

  • Citations: 80

5. Evolving interplay between dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota—an emerging importance in healthcare

  • Authors: S.K. Ray, S. Mukherjee

  • Journal: Frontiers in Nutrition

  • Year: 2021

  • Citations: 79

  • DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.634944

6. Medicinal properties of milk thistle with special reference to silymarin – an overview

  • Authors: S.K. Das, S. Mukherjee, D.M. Vasudevan

  • Publisher: CSIR

  • Year: 2008

  • Citations: 79

  • (This might be a review report or a book chapter – not always indexed in peer-reviewed journals.)

7. Comparison of haematological parameters in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease

  • Authors: S.K. Das, S. Mukherjee, D.M. Vasudevan, V. Balakrishnan

  • Journal: Singapore Medical Journal

  • Year: 2011

  • Citations: 74

8. Biochemical and immunological basis of silymarin effect, a milk thistle (Silybum marianum) against ethanol-induced oxidative damage

  • Authors: S.K. Das, S. Mukherjee

  • Journal: Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods

  • Year: 2012

  • Citations: 67

9. Prediction of crushing behaviour of honeycomb structures

  • Authors: A. Chawla, S. Mukherjee, D. Kumar, T. Nakatani, M. Ueno

  • Journal: International Journal of Crashworthiness

  • Year: 2003

  • Citations: 56

10. Protective effect of resveratrol and vitamin E against ethanol-induced oxidative damage in mice: biochemical and immunological basis

  • Authors: S.K. Das, S. Mukherjee, G. Gupta, D.N. Rao, D.M. Vasudevan

  • Publisher: CSIR

  • Year: 2010

  • Citations: 53

  • (Possibly a CSIR report or chapter in a collected work.)

Conclusion

Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee exemplifies a dynamic and dedicated medical biochemist with extensive experience in teaching, research, and clinical diagnostics. Over the years, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of liver disease, neurotoxicity, and oxidative stress through interdisciplinary research backed by strong biochemical methodology. His professional appointments across renowned institutions and his progression to the role of Additional Professor at AIIMS Bhopal demonstrate his commitment to academic leadership and institutional development. With over 40 invited lectures, numerous editorial and peer-review roles, and active involvement in national and international societies, Dr. Mukherjee maintains a prominent presence in the global scientific community. His accolades and fellowships reflect both early promise and sustained excellence in medical biochemistry. A skilled educator, auditor, and mentor, Dr. Mukherjee continues to advance translational research and quality laboratory practices, fostering innovations that directly impact patient care and biomedical education. His career is a testament to perseverance, interdisciplinary thinking, and lifelong learning in the service of science and society.