Researcher, Institute of Neuro biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria
Andrey Popatanasov is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. With a unique multidisciplinary background, he holds BSc degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, with MSc degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology. He is completing his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to scientific learning. Since 2016, Andrey has played a key role in neurobiological research, particularly on neurodegenerative disorders. His work involves molecular docking, in silico and in vivo studies, and the interaction of quantum radiation with living tissues. He has authored over a dozen peer‑reviewed articles and contributed to book chapters, demonstrating strong publication productivity. As a member of Bulgarian scientific societies in physiology, toxicology, and peptides, he actively engages in professional development and scholarly communication. His interdisciplinary expertise spans neuroscience, biophysics, psychology, and molecular biology, aligning theory with practical therapeutics and public health applications.
Professional Profile
Education
Andrey Popatanasov completed a diverse academic foundation demonstrating deep integration across fields. He earned BSc degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, offering a broad base in both social science and natural science domains. He then advanced to MSc qualifications in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology, refining clinical, physical, and cellular expertise. Currently, he is finalizing his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, integrating his multidisciplinary knowledge into experimental design and physiological interpretation. His academic versatility supports exploration at molecular, psychological, and systemic levels—ideal for neurobiological research. Andrey’s academic journey has provided advanced training in psychophysiology, radiobiology, molecular modeling, and ethology. This cross-disciplinary education empowers him to bridge computational, experimental, and clinical worlds, optimizing both research breadth and depth, and preparing him for leadership in translational neurobiology.
Experience
Since 2016, Andrey has served as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), where he contributes to neurodegenerative and affective‑behavioral studies. In 2015, he worked briefly as a Molecular Biologist at the Institute of Molecular Biology “Roumen Tsanev.” He taught physics at Sofia University’s Faculty of Physics (2014–2015) and performed specialized physics research at the Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies (2012). Earlier, between 2002 and 2005, he was a Psychophysiology researcher at the Institute of Psychology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences—focusing on cognitive‑developmental studies in children. Across these roles, Andrey developed skills in experimental design, laboratory methods, in silico modeling, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His diverse work experience reflects adaptability, integrative thinking, and proficiency across biological, physical, and psychological science—well-suited for modern neurobiology settings.
Research Focus
Andrey’s research intersects neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology, and biophysics. He investigates affective and pro-social behaviors in neurological and psychiatric conditions, including developing and testing novel ligands and neuroactive compounds in rodent disease models such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. His projects span in silico molecular docking, in vivo neuropharmacology, and mechanistic studies of ligand–biomolecule interactions. He also investigates the effects of electromagnetic radiation from quantum generators on biological soft tissue, bridging theoretical optics and experimental biology. Genomic complexity and control of expression during the cell cycle have been explored in laboratory and computational settings. He further examines language complexity’s impact on brain development in disabled children. Current work includes evaluating new memantine-based derivatives against Alzheimer’s pathology, with a focus on translational potential. Andrey’s research emphasizes integrative, multidisciplinary methods aimed at understanding neurological disorders and developing next-generation therapies.
Publication Top Notes
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In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of N-Sinapoyl‑memantine as a Candidate for Alzheimer’s Disease Management (Crystals, May 2025).
Summary: First author; used computational docking and mouse models to test memantine derivative for neuroprotection.
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Mutation Breeding Research in Sweet Pepper (Book chapter, 2023; in Mutation Breeding for Sustainable Food Production, ISBN 978‑981‑16‑9720‑3).
Summary: Examines mutation breeding strategies for climate-resilient agriculture.
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Effect of Castalagin Against HSV‑1 Infection in Newborn Mice (Natural Product Research, Dec 2023).
Summary: Evaluated antiviral effects of castalagin in neonatal HSV‑1 mouse model.
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Neuroprotective Effect of 2‑Methylcinnamic Acid Amide in an MPTP‑Induced Parkinson’s Model (Crystals, Oct 2022).
Summary: Demonstrated in vivo efficacy and docking-based binding analysis for a novel compound.
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Tyrosinyl‑amantadine in Parkinson’s Disease Rats (Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Apr 2022).
Summary: Reported behavioral and molecular improvements in 6‑OHDA Parkinsonian rats.
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Safety and Activity of Newly Synthesized Amantadine Derivative (Farmacia, Dec 2021).
Summary: Preclinical toxicity and pharmacological profiling for amantadine analogue.
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Canopy Effects on Ophrys insectifera Distribution (Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology, 2020).
Summary: Used imaging to study habitat effects on endangered orchid.
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New Neurotensin Analogue for Affective Symptoms in Parkinson’s Rats (Bulgarian Chemical Communications, 2020).
Summary: Behavioral efficacy of a neurotensin analogue in disease model.
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Ellagic Acid Prevents Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Mice (Bulgarian Chemical Communications, 2018).
Summary: Mechanistic insights into ellagic acid’s neuroprotection in AD mouse model.
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Preventive Effect of Neurotensin Analogues in Parkinson’s Rats (Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Dec 2018).
Summary: Demonstrated neurotensin analogues’ protective roles against dopaminergic degeneration.
Conclusion
Andrey Popatanasov exemplifies the profile of a committed, interdisciplinary researcher with contributions spanning fundamental and applied neuroscience, molecular medicine, and psychology. His work displays both depth and societal relevance, particularly in managing neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders. Despite modest citation metrics and limited industrial engagement, his diverse academic training, integrative research approach, and scholarly productivity make him a worthy contender for the Best Researcher Award.