Prof. Zaal Kokaia | Stem Cells | Best Researcher Award.

Lund University,Sweden

Professional Profiles:

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Prof. Zaal Kokaia is a distinguished figure in experimental medical research, specializing in stem cells and restorative neurology. Currently serving as Professor of Experimental Medical Research at Lund University’s Faculty of Medicine since January 2008, he also heads the Laboratory of Stem Cells & Restorative Neurology at Lund Stem Cell Center, University Hospital BMC B10, Lund, Sweden.

🎓 Education:

He earned his Master of Sciences in Biology, specializing in Biology and Chemistry education, from Tbilisi State University in 1984. Following this, Prof. Kokaia completed his Candidate of Biological Sciences (PhD) at the I. Beritashvili Institute of Physiology, Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1987. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lund, Sweden, in 1995, and later achieved his Doctor of Sciences (DSc) from the I. Beritashvili Institute of Physiology in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1997. In 1999, he was appointed Docent of Experimental Neurology at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University.

🔍 Research Focus:

Prof. Kokaia’s research primarily focuses on stem cells and their applications in restorative neurology, aiming to develop innovative therapies for neurological disorders. His work has significantly contributed to understanding neuronal replacement and regeneration mechanisms in the adult brain, particularly after stroke.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Throughout his career, Prof. Kokaia has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Research Award from the King Gustav V and Queen Victoria’s Foundation in 2004, the Petre Sarajishvili Medal for his contribution to neuro-education in Georgia in 2009, and the Bengt Falck Prize in Neuroscience by Lund University in 2020.

Professional Experience: 💼

His professional journey includes pivotal roles such as Coordinator of the EU consortium StemStroke (2006-2009) and Coordinator of the EU consortium TargetBraIn (2011-2016). He has also served as Director of the Lund Stem Cell Center (2011-2020) and held memberships in various scientific advisory boards and policy committees.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Neuronal replacement from endogenous precursors in the adult brain after stroke

Authors: A Arvidsson, T Collin, D Kirik, Z Kokaia, O Lindvall

Journal: Nature Medicine

Volume: 8

Issue: 9

Pages: 963-970

Citations: 3636

Year: 2002

Inflammation is detrimental for neurogenesis in adult brain

Authors: CT Ekdahl, JH Claasen, S Bonde, Z Kokaia, O Lindvall

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Volume: 100

Issue: 23

Pages: 13632-13637

Citations: 1879

Year: 2003

Stem cell therapy for human neurodegenerative disorders–how to make it work

Authors: O Lindvall, Z Kokaia, A Martinez-Serrano

Journal: Nature Medicine

Volume: 10

Supplement: 7

Pages: S42-S50

Citations: 1244

Year: 2004

Stem cells for the treatment of neurological disorders

Authors: O Lindvall, Z Kokaia

Journal: Nature

Volume: 441

Issue: 7097

Pages: 1094-1096

Citations: 1055

Year: 2006

Apoptosis and proliferation of dentate gyrus neurons after single and intermittent limbic seizures

Authors: J Bengzon, Z Kokaia, E Elmér, A Nanobashvili, M Kokaia, O Lindvall

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Volume: 94

Issue: 19

Pages: 10432-10437

Citations: 975

Year: 1997

Author Metrics 📊 :

He holds an impressive H-index of 74 (Web of Science) and 81 (Google Scholar), with total citations exceeding 32,000. His publications have been cited over 24,000 times, highlighting the influence and relevance of his work in academia.

📅 Research Timeline:

His research timeline spans from foundational academic training in Georgia and Sweden in the late 1980s to his current leadership and pioneering research at Lund University. Prof. Kokaia’s contributions have consistently pushed the boundaries of stem cell research and restorative neurology, impacting both scientific understanding and clinical applications.