27 Jan 2025
Dr Pinto wins Leading Researcher of the Year: Sex/Gender in Neuroscience Award
Institute of Biomedical Engineering Senior Research Associate, Dr Joana Pinto, has won the Leading Researcher of the Year: Sex/Gender in Neuroscience Award in the inaugural Women in Neuroscience UK, (WiNUK) Awards.
Dr Joana Pinto, a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), has been recognised with the inaugural “Leading Researcher of the Year: Sex/Gender in Neuroscience” Award by Women in Neuroscience UK.
Dr Pinto works with Professor Daniel Bulte in the Biomedical Image Analysis Cluster, and is the founder and Principal Investigator of 'The Maternal Brain Project', an ongoing research initiative dedicated to understanding the short- and long-term impact of pregnancy on the maternal brain using advanced neuroimaging techniques such as MRI. In 2024, she founded the Women’s Health Book Club within the IBME, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering inclusivity and knowledge-sharing in the field.
This recognition underscores Dr Pinto’s significant contributions towards understanding sex and gender differences in neuroscience research, an area that has become increasingly important in shaping both scientific progress and public health. Her work has played a pivotal role in challenging traditional research paradigms while advancing innovative methodologies that promote more equitable and inclusive research practices.
“This extraordinary neuroscientist is a pioneer in women’s brain health, leading innovative research on pregnancy, high blood pressure, and their long-term effects on dementia risk. Their dedication has inspired groundbreaking research, enhanced community engagement, and driven collaboration across disciplines, positioning them as a transformative leader in sex/gender neuroscience.”
Women in Neuroscience UK, (WiNUK)
The award was sponsored by the UK Dementia Research Institute and presented at the inaugural Women in Neuroscience UK event held in Cambridge.
If you would like to join the Women’s Health Book Club and its mailing list, please email Dr. Joana Pinto at joana.pinto@eng.ox.ac.uk. This initiative is open to anyone interested in the often-overlooked field of women’s health.
