Anaita Udwadia Hegde | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Anaita Udwadia Hegde | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Director of Neurosciences | NH Srcc Children’s Hospital | India

Dr. Anaita Udwadia-Hegde is an eminent pediatric neurologist from India recognized for her leadership in child neurology, epilepsy care, neurogenetics, and developmental disorders with vast contributions through clinical practice, teaching, research, and community service. She serves as Consultant Pediatric Neurologist across leading hospitals in Mumbai and is Director of Neuroscience at NH SRCC Children’s Hospital. She has held prestigious leadership roles including President of the Association of Child Neurology of India and Executive Board Member of the International Child Neurology Association. She founded rural neurology medical camps and the Kamal Udwadia Foundation to support children with neurological concerns. Her international collaborations extend across multicentric drug trials, academic studies, and global guidelines development. She is widely published in reputed journals and has authored several textbook chapters. She is deeply committed to advancing pediatric neurology, promoting equity in healthcare, and mentoring the next generation of child neurologists in India and beyond.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Anaita Udwadia-Hegde pursued her medical training at Seth G.S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, completing her MBBS, Diploma in Child Health, and MD in Pediatrics with specialization in pediatric neurology. She further advanced her academic career by achieving the MRCPCH qualification from London University and undertook fellowship training in Neurosciences at the Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, where she gained international expertise in pediatric neurology and epilepsy care. Her academic foundation combines rigorous clinical training with advanced research exposure in complex neurological and developmental disorders. This strong educational background laid the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to advancing pediatric neuroscience through research, clinical excellence, and teaching. Her qualifications reflect an integration of Indian and international medical education, enabling her to bridge global knowledge with local clinical needs and establishing her as a highly respected academician and clinician.

Professional Experience

Dr. Anaita Udwadia-Hegde has extensive clinical and academic experience spanning over two decades in pediatric neurology, working across premier hospitals including NH SRCC Children’s Hospital, Jaslok Hospital, Wadia Children’s Hospital, and Breach Candy Hospital. She has led pediatric neurology departments, supervised postgraduate training, and mentored fellows in pediatric neurology, significantly shaping the field in India. She has served in leadership roles such as President of the Association of Child Neurology of India, Medical Director at Jai Vakeel for Children in Need of Special Care, and Director of the International Ketogenic Association. She is an examiner and guide for pediatric neurology fellowships and has contributed to developing guidelines in child neurology and cerebral palsy care. Her career includes initiating rural neurology outreach programs, leading patient support initiatives, and actively participating in ethics committees. Her expertise covers epilepsy, cerebral palsy, genetic neurology, developmental disorders, and clinical research in international drug trials.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Anaita Udwadia-Hegde has been honored nationally and internationally for her outstanding contributions to pediatric neurology, clinical research, and medical education. Her leadership as President of the Association of Child Neurology of India and Executive Board Member of the International Child Neurology Association reflects recognition by her peers worldwide. She has been acknowledged for founding rural pediatric neurology medical camps, which pioneered specialized care for underserved populations in India. Her role as Director of the International Ketogenic Association highlights her global impact on dietary therapy in epilepsy management. As a founder and trustee of the Kamal Udwadia Foundation, she has been commended for her efforts to improve health, education, and environmental support for children with neurological challenges. She has served in advisory roles for multiple patient support groups and ethics committees, receiving respect as a leader dedicated to advocacy, sustainability, and equitable access to pediatric neurological care worldwide.

Research Focus

Dr. Anaita Udwadia-Hegde’s research focus lies in pediatric neurology with special emphasis on epilepsy, genetic and metabolic disorders, cerebral palsy, and neurodevelopmental conditions. She has led and participated in numerous international multicenter drug trials investigating novel treatments for epilepsy, Rett syndrome, ataxia telangiectasia, spinal muscular atrophy, and other rare neurological disorders. Her academic studies in India include pioneering work on genetic ataxias, SCN8A-related epilepsy, autism genetics, quality of life in cerebral palsy, and evaluation of the ketogenic diet in epilepsy. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed chapters in leading pediatric neurology textbooks. Her research integrates clinical observation with translational approaches, bridging genetic, pharmacological, and neurodevelopmental perspectives. She is dedicated to developing cost-effective diagnostic tools and management strategies tailored to Indian populations while contributing to international guidelines. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to improving outcomes in children with complex neurological conditions through innovation and collaboration.

Publication

Prospective study to analyze the yield and clinical impact of trio exome sequencing in 137 Indian children with autism spectrum disorder
Year: 2025

NGLY1-CDDG: report of two cases from India and brief review of literature
Year: 2025

Long-term safety of dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in autologous erythrocytes in pediatric patients with ataxia telangiectasia
Year: 2025

KBG Syndrome in 16 Indian Individuals
Year: 2024

Safety and Efficacy of Intra-Erythrocyte Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (EryDex) Used for Neurological Symptoms in Patients with Ataxia-Telangiectasia (ATTeST): a Multicentre, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Anaita Udwadia-Hegde’s wide-ranging clinical experience, leadership in professional societies, mentorship of future specialists, and strong research portfolio make her highly suitable for recognition through a research award. Her contributions have advanced knowledge in pediatric epilepsy, neurogenetics, rare disorders, and child neurology practice, and with continued emphasis on scalable and policy-driven initiatives, she stands as an exemplary candidate whose work bridges science, care, and social impact.

Michael Crawford | Neuroscience | Lifetime Achievement Award

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Prof. Michael Crawford | Neuroscience | Lifetime Achievement Award

Nutrition and Neurodevelopment at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital: Imperial College Medical Library, United Kingdom

Professor Michael A. Crawford is a globally recognized pioneer in the field of nutritional neuroscience and lipid metabolism. He earned his BSc in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh (1952) and his PhD in Chemical Pathology from the University of London (1960). He has held prominent academic and leadership roles across institutions including Imperial College London, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children, and London Metropolitan University.

Profile:

📚 Education & Credentials:

  • BSc in Chemistry – University of Edinburgh (1952)

  • PhD in Chemical Pathology – University of London, Hammersmith (1960)

  • Fellowships: Royal Society of Chemistry, Royal Society of Biology, Royal College of Pathologists

🏥 Current Role:

  • Visiting Professor at the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London (2010–Present)

  • Chief Investigator of the FOSS Trial (ISRCTN 24068733) on maternal nutrition and neurodevelopment

🧪 Research Impact:

A pioneer in brain nutrition, Dr. Crawford discovered the essential role of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in brain development and mental health. His research predicted the rise in mental disorders due to poor maternal nutrition—now validated by increasing global concern.

🌍 Global Influence & Collaborations:

Dr. Crawford has contributed to WHO/FAO expert consultations, worked with governments (UK, Oman, Japan), and advised major health organizations and food companies on lipid nutrition and brain health.

📜 Key Positions Held:

  • Director, Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition (1989–2010)

  • Head, Biochemistry & Nutrition, Nuffield Institute (1965–1989)

  • Lecturer, Makerere University Medical School, Uganda (1960–1965)

  • Visiting & Special Professor in the UK and internationally

🎖️ Awards & Honors:

  • Chevreul Medal (2015) 🇫🇷

  • Brain of the Year (2013) 🧠

  • Order of the Rising Sun, Japan 🇯🇵

  • Alexander Leaf Lifetime Achievement Award, ISSFAL (2016)

  • Hall of Fame, Royal Society of Medicine (2010)

✈️ Military & Personal:

  • Served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force (1952–56)

  • Passionate about music (piano), beekeeping, scuba diving, and flying

  • Married to Sheilagh Inglis (deceased); father of 6 children including 2 adopted

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 10,425

  • Citing Documents: 7,433

  • Published Works: 328

  • h-index: 55

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Docosahexaenoic Acid Explains the Unexplained in Visual Transduction
    Entropy (Basel, Switzerland), 2023
    DOI: 10.3390/e25111520

  2. The Shrinking Brain (Book – Conceptualization)
    Michael A. Crawford & David Marsh, 2023

  3. Net Effects Explain the Benefits to Children From Maternal Fish Consumption Despite Methylmercury in Fish
    Neurotoxicology, 2023
    DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.10.010

  4. The Imperative of Arachidonic Acid in Early Human Development
    Progress in Lipid Research, 2023
    DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101222

  5. A Study of Severe Malnutrition in Malawian Children Illustrates the Need for Appropriate Lipid Nutrition to Protect the Brain
    The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2022
    DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab425

  6. Male and Female, Prenatal Brain Development Differs in Response to the Maternal Omega-3 and -6 Nutritional Status
    Current Developments in Nutrition, 2021
    DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab046_031

  7. Lipids in the Origin of Intracellular Detail and Speciation in the Cambrian Epoch and the Significance of the Last Double Bond of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Cell Signaling
    Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2021
    DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102230

  8. An Abundance of Seafood Consumption Studies Presents New Opportunities to Evaluate Effects on Neurocognitive Development
    Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2019
    DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2019.10.001

  9. Relationships Between Seafood Consumption During Pregnancy and Childhood and Neurocognitive Development: Two Systematic Reviews
    Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2019
    DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2019.10.002

  10. In Transition: Current Health Challenges and Priorities in Sudan
    BMJ Global Health, 2019
    DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001723

  11. Randomized Controlled Trial of Brain Specific Fatty Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women Increases Brain Volumes on MRI Scans of Their Newborn Infants
    Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2018
    DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.09.001