Ki Jung Kim | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ki Jung Kim | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Institute for Basic Science, South Korea

Ki Jung Kim, Ph.D., is a Senior Researcher at the Center for Cognition and Sociality at the Institute for Basic Science, located in Daejeon, South Korea. With a strong academic foundation in genetic engineering, neuropharmacology, and neurobiology, Dr. Kim has developed expertise in the dynamics of neuro-glial-vascular interactions, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying vascular cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. His research spans across diverse methodologies, including advanced animal models and in vitro approaches, to unravel the complex cellular communication between neurons, astrocytes, and blood vessels in the brain.

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Education

Dr. Kim earned his Bachelor of Science in Genetic Engineering from KyungHee University, South Korea, in 2000. He went on to complete a Master of Science in Neuropharmacology at the Catholic University of Korea’s College of Medicine, where he worked under the mentorship of Prof. Ki-Wug Sung. His doctoral research, also at the Catholic University of Korea, culminated in a Ph.D. in Neurobiology in 2009, where he continued under the guidance of Prof. Sung, further solidifying his expertise in brain function and neurovascular coupling.

Experience

Dr. Kim began his research career as a Research Assistant in the Department of Pharmacology at Catholic University of Korea, where he contributed to numerous projects exploring neuropharmacology. From 2009 to 2019, he served as a Postdoctoral Associate and later as a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, USA. During this time, Dr. Kim focused on vascular cognitive impairment and the neurovascular unit’s role in brain function. In 2021, he joined the Institute for Basic Science as a Senior Researcher, where he continues his investigation into brain function and vascular health, specifically looking at the impact of astrocyte activity in neurodegenerative diseases.

Research Interest

Dr. Kim’s research primarily investigates neurovascular coupling, focusing on how astrocytes contribute to the regulation of blood flow and neuronal activity in the brain. His work seeks to better understand the pathophysiology of vascular cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. By using mouse models and advanced imaging techniques, Dr. Kim aims to elucidate the role of astrocytes and endothelial cells in maintaining brain homeostasis and how their dysfunction contributes to disease. His research combines elements of neurobiology, pharmacology, and vascular biology to address key questions in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

Award

Dr. Kim has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being part of pioneering teams recognized for their work in neurovascular coupling. He has been cited widely in the field and has contributed to several highly regarded publications, including those in journals such as Neuroglia, Exp Neurobiol, and GeroScience. Dr. Kim’s work has been acknowledged for advancing our understanding of vascular cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases, making him a respected leader in his field.

Publication

Dr. Kim’s research has led to several influential publications, including:

Kim, K.J., Lee, J.H., Lim, J., et al. (2025). Astrocyte‐Specific Phenotyping of FAD4T as an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model. Glia.

Lee, Y., Reva, M., Kim, K.J., et al. (2025). Distinct modes of dopamine modulation on striatopallidal synaptic transmission. BioRxiv.

Kim, K.J., Patterson, R.E., Diaz, J.R., et al. (2024). Dynamic Neuro-Glial-Vascular Responses in a Mouse Model of Vascular Cognitive Impairment. Neuroglia.

Joo, J., Kim, K.J., Lim, J., et al. (2024). Generation of astrocyte-specific BEST1 conditional knockout mouse with reduced tonic GABA inhibition. Exp Neurobiol.

Nam, M.H., Ko, H.Y., Kim, D., et al. (2023). Visualizing reactive astrocyte-neuron interaction in Alzheimer’s disease. Brain.

Kim, K.J., Diaz, J.R., Presa, J.L., et al. (2021). Decreased parenchymal arteriole tone in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment. GeroScience.

Ramiro-Diaz, J.M., Kim, K.J., Brands, M., et al. (2019). Augmented astrocyte microdomain Ca2+ dynamics and parenchymal arteriole tone in angiotensin II-infused hypertensive mice. Glia.

Conclusion

Dr. Ki Jung Kim’s work at the Institute for Basic Science has significantly advanced our understanding of the neurovascular unit’s role in brain health and disease. His expertise in neurovascular coupling and its implications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and vascular cognitive impairment has positioned him as a key contributor to the field. With numerous publications, international presentations, and ongoing research, Dr. Kim’s career continues to have a profound impact on the scientific community’s understanding of brain function and neurodegenerative diseases.

Seyedeh Masoumeh Seyedhosseini Tamijani | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Seyedeh Masoumeh Seyedhosseini Tamijani | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

Dr. Seyedeh Masoumeh Seyedhosseini Tamijani is a dedicated neuroscientist whose work bridges the realms of neurophysiology, addiction studies, and cognitive neuroscience. With a solid foundation in midwifery and physiology, she transitioned into neuroscience to address complex neurobiological questions, particularly in neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, and addiction-related disorders. Her academic journey, practical research experience, and teaching portfolio reflect a comprehensive understanding of both the biological and behavioral underpinnings of neurological diseases. Throughout her career, she has contributed significantly to experimental neuroscience using molecular, cellular, and behavioral methods, making her a prominent figure in the Iranian neuroscience research community.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Tamijani began her academic career with a Bachelor of Science degree in Midwifery from Gilan University of Medical Sciences (2000–2004). Motivated to deepen her scientific knowledge, she pursued a Master of Science in Physiology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (2007–2010), where she developed an interest in neuroendocrinology. Her academic aspirations culminated in a Ph.D. at the Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (2012–2017), where she focused on neural mechanisms underlying addiction and cognitive function. Her multidisciplinary educational background uniquely positioned her to explore neurochemical and behavioral dimensions of brain health and disease.

Experience

Dr. Tamijani possesses extensive laboratory experience across several domains including cellular studies (e.g., primary and lymphocyte cultures), molecular biology techniques (such as RT-PCR and DNA/RNA electrophoresis), and proteomics methods like immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. She has conducted numerous animal surgeries and behavioral experiments, including memory and anxiety-related tasks such as the Y-maze, open field, and novel object recognition tests. Beyond the lab, she has contributed to academia through teaching physiology, neurobiology, and experimental neuroscience to students ranging from undergraduates to Ph.D. candidates. Her teaching spans various institutions, including Mashhad University, Mazandaran University, and neuroscience summer schools organized by IBRO/APRC.

Research Interest

Dr. Tamijani’s research interests are rooted in understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in disorders such as Alzheimer’s and drug-induced cognitive decline. She is particularly focused on the neural and hormonal mechanisms underlying addiction, especially methamphetamine-related neurotoxicity, and the role of neuroendocrine hormones like thyroid, estrogen, and progesterone in cognitive function. She also explores the therapeutic potential of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques such as vagus nerve and peripheral nerve stimulation, bridging the gap between bench research and clinical application.

Award

Though specific awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Tamijani’s repeated participation and oral/poster presentations at national and international conferences—including the Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Congress, Addiction Science Congress, and Iranian Congress of Physiology and Pharmacology—reflect recognition from the scientific community. Her role as a speaker on neuroendocrine protection in methamphetamine-induced models, and her engagement in collaborative research on hormonal modulation and neuromodulation, underline her influence in advancing neuroscience research in Iran.

Publication

Dr. Tamijani has published extensively on the neurochemical and cognitive effects of methamphetamine, hormonal therapy, and novel therapeutic techniques. Notable publications include:

Thyroid hormone treatment alleviates the impairments of neurogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis and memory performance induced by methamphetamine (NeuroToxicology, 2019), cited by 27 articles.

Intranasal insulin treatment restores cognitive deficits and insulin signaling impairment induced by repeated methamphetamine exposure (Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2017), cited by 19 articles.

Thyroid hormones: possible roles in epilepsy pathology (Seizure, 2015), cited by 23 articles.

The effect of Crocus sativus extract on human lymphocytes’ cytokines and T helper 2/T helper 1 balance (Journal of Medicinal Food, 2011), cited by 32 articles.

Implication of thyroid hormone receptors in methamphetamine neurocognitive effects (NeuroToxicology, 2022), cited by 11 articles.

Vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of nervous system disease: a review article (Tehran University Medical Journal, 2022), cited by 5 articles.

A review on novel object recognition disruptions induced by methamphetamine (Addiction and Health, 2023), a recent addition expected to gather impact.

Conclusion

Dr. Seyedeh Masoumeh Seyedhosseini Tamijani’s work embodies the intersection of molecular neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, and therapeutic innovation. With a strong emphasis on addiction-related neurotoxicity and neuroprotection through hormonal and neuromodulatory interventions, she contributes meaningfully to understanding and mitigating cognitive dysfunction. Her multi-level research—from molecular pathways to behavior—offers translational insights into treatment strategies for neurological disorders. As both a scientist and educator, she continues to influence the next generation of neuroscientists and remains a vital contributor to the evolving landscape of brain research.