Camilla Bellone

Camilla Bellone is an Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Neuroscience at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine. She serves as Vice-Dean for Basic Research and Technology and coordinates the Synapsy Centre for Neuroscience Research in Mental Health. Her research examines synaptic mechanisms underlying addiction and social behavior deficits in autism spectrum disorders through molecular and systems neuroscience approaches.

Education includes:

• Master's in Pharmacy, University of Milan
• PhD, University of Milan
• Postdoctoral fellowship, University of San Francisco

Dr. Bellone's research investigates synaptic plasticity in reward pathways induced by addictive substances, and neural determinants of social behavior in autism. She employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, electrophysiology, and machine learning to study neuronal circuits in the ventral tegmental area, superior colliculus, and olfactory tubercle. Current work focuses on translating findings into therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate strong focus on: neural circuitry of social behavior, autism pathophysiology, dopamine signaling, optogenetic tools, and machine learning approaches for behavioral analysis. Predominant themes include synaptic plasticity mechanisms, reward processing, threat assessment, and translational models bridging basic neuroscience with clinical applications.

Scientific Awards:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2019)
• SNSF Professorship Grant (2014)
• SNSF Ambizione Fellowship (2011)

Dr. Bellone established her laboratory at University of Lausanne through SNSF funding before returning to Geneva. She leads research teams investigating addiction neurobiology and autism-related circuits at the Synapsy Centre. Current projects examine oxytocin's role in neuroinflammation, dopamine regulation of threat salience, and computational analysis of social behavior.

As Vice-Dean, she oversees basic research initiatives and technology development within the Faculty of Medicine. Her laboratory collaborates extensively within the Synapsy Centre to advance neuroscience research in mental health disorders.