Prof. Dr. Carmina Montoliu | Biomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Education

Dr. Carmina Montoliu Felix holds a distinguished academic background in biological sciences. She completed her PhD at the University of Valencia in 1996, receiving the Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado for her outstanding thesis on cellular response mechanisms. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the same institution in 1995, graduating with exceptional academic performance. Over the years, she has continued to expand her knowledge through international collaborations and involvement in high-impact research projects. Her academic journey reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and her pursuit of knowledge in the fields of neuroscience and hepatology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Carmina Montoliu Felix has held several prestigious roles throughout her career. She is currently a professor at the University of Valencia, where she leads groundbreaking research in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). From 2001 to 2020, she was a senior researcher at INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, focusing on neuroinflammation and its neurological implications. Between 1995 and 2000, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Valencia Biomedical Research Foundation, where she advanced her expertise in diagnostic methodologies. Her extensive experience also includes leadership roles in various scientific programs and committees, as well as supervising numerous students in advanced research studies.

Research Interest 

Dr. Carmina Montoliu Felix specializes in understanding the neurological impairments caused by liver diseases, particularly minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Her work explores how cognitive and motor dysfunctions arise from neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and systemic changes in patients with liver disorders. Using advanced brain imaging techniques, she investigates alterations in cortical thickness, hippocampal connectivity, and functional integrity. Her research has also led to the identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis, including elevated serum 3-nitrotyrosine levels. Additionally, she is pioneering therapeutic interventions, such as evaluating the effectiveness of rifaximin in reversing neuroinflammation and cognitive impairments in MHE patients.

Honors and Awards

Dr. Carmina Montoliu Felix has received numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career. Her doctoral research earned her the Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado, showcasing her academic excellence. She has published 124 scientific articles, with 64 in top-tier journals, earning an H-index of 38 and over 4,500 citations. Additionally, she has been a recipient of multiple competitive research grants, including from prestigious organizations like the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Her teaching achievements include having her course “Metal Mechanical Properties” approved as a first-class undergraduate course in Valencia. She also holds two international patents, reflecting her innovative contributions to science.