Dr. Andrey Popatanasov | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Andrey Popatanasov |Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Bulgaria

Andrey Popatanasov is a dedicated and interdisciplinary Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. With a unique academic foundation spanning Psychology, Physics, and Biology, Andrey brings a rare blend of scientific perspectives to his work. He has earned Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology, and is currently finalizing his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology. His research focuses on the molecular basis of behavior, neurophysiology, and the effects of electromagnetic radiation on living systems. With over 10 publications, 2 books, and active involvement in 7 research projects, he has made notable contributions to our understanding of ligand-biomolecule interactions, genome regulation, and neurodevelopment in children. A member of three scientific societies, he remains committed to the pursuit of science that benefits both individuals and society. His integrative approach makes him a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus 

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. Multidisciplinary Education & Expertise

   • Holds BSc degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, along with MSc degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology – showcasing exceptional academic breadth.

   • Expected PhD in Human and Animal Physiology adds specialized depth to an already broad foundation.

2. Research Productivity

   • 10 publications in recognized journals and 7 completed/ongoing research projects reflect active involvement in scientific work.

   • Books published with ISBN (two volumes) show his commitment to academic dissemination.

3. Diverse Research Contributions

   • Strong focus on affective and prosocial behavior, genomic complexity, neurodevelopment, and electromagnetic radiation effects.

   • Combines in silico, in vitro, and behavioral methods – demonstrating scientific versatility.

4. Institutional Engagement

   • Currently affiliated with the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, a reputable research body in Eastern Europe.

   • Active collaborations and membership in three professional societies validate professional integration.

5. Ethical and Social Orientation

   • Expressed motivation to use science “for the benefit of our fellow human beings” aligns with the broader mission of responsible research.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

1. Citation Impact

   • Citation index (3.5) is modest. While quality of research may be high, broader visibility and impact in the scientific community could be improved.

2. Lack of Industry/Consultancy Involvement

   • No consultancy or industry-linked projects limits real-world application and knowledge transfer.

3. Editorial/Leadership Roles

   • Absence of editorial appointments or scientific leadership roles (e.g., principal investigator, grant manager) suggests early-career status or limited exposure in scientific governance.

4. Patent Activity

   • No patents filed or under process. Given his interdisciplinary research, potential for translational innovations is underutilized.

🎓 Education:

Andrey Popatanasov’s educational journey is both comprehensive and cross-disciplinary. He holds three Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, demonstrating early on his commitment to exploring the full spectrum of life and behavioral sciences. Building on this diverse base, he pursued three Master’s degrees in fields closely aligned with each undergraduate focus: Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology. These degrees reflect his drive to merge theory with application, especially in fields involving human health, neuroscience, and molecular research. In 2025, he is expected to complete his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology, further enhancing his academic credentials. His educational background empowers him to approach research questions with a multidisciplinary lens, enabling innovative perspectives across cognitive sciences, neurobiology, and quantum biology. Andrey’s education sets a strong foundation for his integrative research and positions him as a well-rounded scholar capable of contributing meaningfully across scientific domains.

🧪 Experience:

Andrey Popatanasov’s professional experience has developed in tandem with his academic studies. While pursuing his degrees, he concurrently worked in several scientific institutes under the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, contributing to both laboratory-based research and computational modeling. Currently, he serves as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, where he applies his multi-domain expertise to complex problems in neuroscience, molecular biology, and behavioral science. He has been actively involved in 7 research projects, authored 10 scientific articles, and published 2 academic books. His work includes studying neurobehavioral disorders, gene expression regulation, and the bioeffects of electromagnetic radiation. Despite not yet engaging in consultancy or industry collaborations, Andrey’s contributions in academic research have demonstrated both depth and societal relevance. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing PhD work, he continues to build a meaningful career rooted in both scientific rigor and human-focused inquiry.

🔬 Research Focus:

Andrey Popatanasov’s research spans several intersecting domains: neuroscience, molecular biology, biophysics, and psychology. His key focus areas include:

• Affective and prosocial behavior, particularly in pathological states

• Ligand interactions with biomolecules, explored through in silico and in vitro methods

• Genomic complexity and expression control, with implications for cell physiology

• Neurodevelopment in children, especially regarding language and cognitive processing

• The impact of electromagnetic radiation, especially from quantum sources, on biological and soft matter systems

📚 Publication Top Notes:

1. 📡 Electromagnetic Radiation Effects on Biomolecular Stability and Structure

2. 🧬 Computational Modeling of Ligand-Receptor Dynamics in Neurological Systems

3. 🧠 Behavioral and Molecular Correlates of Stress in Rodent Models

4. 🧫 The Role of Genome Architecture in Gene Expression and Cell Function

5. 👶 Language Complexity and Brain Function in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

6. 🤝 Multimodal Investigation of Prosocial Behavior and its Neural Basis

7. 💥 Interaction of High-Energy Electromagnetic Fields with Soft Matter

8. ⚛️ Quantum Radiation Exposure and its Biophysical Implications in Organic Systems

9. 🧪 Receptor Binding Analysis through Molecular Dynamics Simulations

10. 🔍 Bioinformatics-Based Comparative Study of Behavior-Linked Gene Expressions

📝 Conclusion:

Andrey Popatanasov is a highly promising researcher whose cross-disciplinary education, innovative scientific work, and integrative approach to research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While citation impact and industry engagement could be further developed, his commitment to foundational and applied research across neuroscience, psychology, and molecular biology stands out. His intellectual curiosity, publication record, and societal outlook reflect both scholarly excellence and a growth trajectory suitable for long-term scientific contribution.