Vini Tiwari | Glia cell biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vini Tiwari | Glia cell biology | Best Researcher Award

PhD at Technical University Munich, Germany

Dr. Vini Tiwari is an emerging neuroscientist dedicated to advancing the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and glial cell biology. Currently associated with the Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM-NCB) and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dr. Tiwari is making significant contributions to research on remyelination, neuroepigenetics, and neuroimmunology. With a strong academic foundation and a commitment to tackling complex neurological challenges, Dr. Tiwari has earned recognition for excellence in research presentations and contributions to prestigious neuroscience platforms worldwide. Her work reflects a dedication to developing innovative therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders.

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Education

Dr. Tiwari’s educational journey in neuroscience began with a Bachelor of Science in Botany, with minors in Zoology, Chemistry, and Industrial Microbiology, from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2016. She then pursued a Master of Science in Neuroscience at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) in Gurgaon, India, completing her degree in 2018 with top honors. Driven by a passion for unraveling the complexities of the human brain, she commenced her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University (GSN-LMU), Munich, in October 2018, completing it in February 2024. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Tiwari maintained a consistent track record of academic excellence, earning several merit-based awards.

Experience

Dr. Tiwari’s research experience is rooted in the fields of neurodegenerative disease and glial cell biology. Her doctoral research at DZNE focused on mechanisms underlying remyelination, neuroimmunology, and neuroepigenetics, contributing significantly to understanding the role of glial cells in brain repair. Her expertise extends to primary cell culture, molecular biology techniques, microdissection, and advanced bioinformatics analyses using techniques such as ATAC-seq and RNA-seq. Dr. Tiwari has also demonstrated her skills in animal research, including conditional knockout models and stereotactic injections in mice, further underscoring her versatile research capabilities. She has been an invited speaker at various prestigious forums and has actively participated in neuroscience conferences globally, presenting her work on microglia and neuroimmune responses.

Research Interest

Dr. Tiwari’s research interests lie at the intersection of neurodegeneration, glial biology, and neuroinflammation. Her work aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving neurodegenerative disorders and develop strategies to enhance brain repair processes, especially remyelination. She is particularly focused on understanding the role of innate immune responses and epigenetic modifications in neurodegenerative disease progression and recovery. By investigating the cellular and molecular pathways involved in glial cell function, Dr. Tiwari aims to pave the way for innovative therapies that can alleviate or even reverse the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Awards

Dr. Tiwari has received numerous accolades throughout her career. These include travel grants from SyNergy (Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology) for international and European travel, reflecting recognition of her work in the neuroscience community. She was also honored with the People’s Choice award for her presentation at the Indo-Swiss Genetic Variant Analysis program. Earlier in her academic career, she secured the prestigious National Master’s Fellowship from India’s Department of Biotechnology for her master’s studies at NBRC. Her consistent academic performance has earned her several other awards, including multiple gold medals during her undergraduate studies at Banaras Hindu University.

Publications

Dr. Tiwari has published several impactful papers, showcasing her contributions to neurodegenerative research. Some of her notable publications include:

Vini Tiwari et al., Innate immune training restores myeloid responses to promote remyelination in the aged central nervous system, Immunity, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.07.001.

Hao Ji, Beatrice Dalla Volta, Vini Tiwari, et al., Designed Macrocyclic Peptide Reduces Amyloid Deposition and Neurological Damage in Murine Alzheimer’s Disease Models, Nature Communications, 2024 (in revision).

Felicitas Selter, Tatiana Hetzel, Vini Tiwari*, et al., From Ethical Presumptions to conducting animal research to publishing results and back again – Towards a more complete account of Animal research Ethics, Animals, 2024. DOI: 10.3390/ani14192896.

Mar Bosch-Queralt, Vini Tiwari et al., A fluorescence microscopy-based protocol for volumetric measurement of lysolecithin lesion-associated de- and remyelination in mouse brain, Star Protocols, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109898.

Horst Penkert, Alix Bertrand, Vini Tiwari, et al., Proteomic and lipidomic profiling of demyelinating lesions identifies lipid mediators as modulators in inflammation resolution, Cell Reports, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109898.

K.G. Rolland, H. S. Pandey, V. Tiwari et al., Cytoprotective action of Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Baill. against the oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on neurons and astrocytes, GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018. DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2018.5.

Conclusion

Dr. Vini Tiwari’s impressive track record in research, presentations, and publications makes her a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her dedication to exploring the complex interplay between glial cells and neurodegeneration, coupled with her consistent academic excellence, positions her as an emerging leader in neuroscience. With ongoing projects that hold promise for significant therapeutic advancements, Dr. Tiwari is poised to continue making meaningful contributions to the field of neurodegenerative research.

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong – Neuroscience – Academic Brilliance Star Award

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong - Neuroscience - Academic Brilliance Star Award

National Neuroscience Institute - Singapore

Professional Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Graduating as a medical doctor in 1991 marked the beginning of a journey steeped in rigorous academic and clinical training. Following this achievement, I undertook five years of postgraduate clinical training in internal medicine. This phase was crucial for honing my clinical skills and gaining a profound understanding of patient care. The experience provided a solid foundation for my subsequent shift towards research. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into the scientific underpinnings of medical conditions, I pursued a PhD at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Science. This period was instrumental in developing my expertise in biochemistry and biophysics, laying the groundwork for my future contributions to translational neuroscience.

Professional Endeavors

In 2003, I embarked on post-doctoral training at the National University of Singapore (NUS), focusing on research in Parkinson's Disease (PD). This transition marked the beginning of my professional endeavors in neuroscience. The comprehensive training at NUS equipped me with advanced research skills and an in-depth understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. My journey then led me to the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), where I joined the National PD Translational Bench to Bedside team. At NNI, I engaged in pioneering research aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. My role as a Clinician Scientist at NNI and Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School underscores my commitment to both clinical practice and academic research.

Contributions and Research Focus On Neuroscience

My research primarily focuses on neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson's Disease (PD). My lab is dedicated to identifying and validating new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This work is critical for uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate medicine, biochemistry, and biophysics, my research aims to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, I have successfully administered and completed five major research grants on PD in Singapore, highlighting my capability in leading complex research projects and contributing valuable knowledge to the field.

Accolades and Recognition In Neuroscience

Throughout my career, I have received substantial support and recognition for my research contributions. My work has been funded by prestigious grants from the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), the Singapore Health Foundation (SHF), and collaborative pilot grants from Duke-Duke-NUS. These grants not only underscore the significance of my research but also reflect the confidence the scientific community has in my ability to advance the field of neurodegenerative disease research. The successful administration of these grants and the impactful outcomes of my projects have earned me a respected position within the research community.

Impact and Influence

My research has made significant strides in enhancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. By focusing on the molecular pathogenesis of conditions like Parkinson's Disease, my work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers that can revolutionize the way these diseases are diagnosed and treated. The interdisciplinary nature of my research, combining elements of biochemistry, biophysics, and translational neuroscience, ensures a comprehensive approach to tackling these complex diseases. The collaborative efforts and the impactful achievements of my research projects have contributed to the advancement of medical science and have the potential to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Neuroscience

Looking ahead, my commitment to advancing the field of neurodegenerative disease research remains steadfast. I aim to continue exploring new frontiers in translational neuroscience, driven by the goal of uncovering innovative therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. The foundation I have built through my academic and professional endeavors positions me to make lasting contributions to the field. My ongoing research, supported by prestigious grants and collaborations, will undoubtedly yield further insights into the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Through these efforts, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy that enhances the scientific understanding and clinical management of neurodegenerative disorders, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide.

Notable Publications

Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibitors and Dopamine Receptor Agonists Combination Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease 2024

Passive immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease: challenges & future directions 2024

Role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease 2023