معرفی
Flavio Donato is an Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he leads a research group investigating the structural and functional maturation of neural networks related to orientation and memory. His work focuses on how abstract thinking develops throughout life, with particular emphasis on neurons in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus that create the brain's 'cognitive map' for navigating physical and conceptual spaces.
- Nationality: Italian
- Position: Assistant Professor of Neurobiology since 2019
- Education: PhD in Neurobiology from University of Basel (Summa Cum Laude)
- Research Focus: Neural network development, memory formation, spatial cognition
Donato's research program examines how neural networks supporting cognitive functions emerge during development. His laboratory conducts longitudinal studies visualizing, recording, and manipulating neural activity across multiple life stages of animals. Using approaches from genetics, quantitative behavioral analysis, in vivo imaging, viral tracing, computational modeling, and optogenetics, his team identifies stereotypical patterns of neural activity associated with specific behaviors. A key aspect of his work explores sensitive periods for neurodevelopmental disorders, investigating how traumatic experiences in children may increase susceptibility to mental illness later in life.
His recent publications reveal trends in developmental neuroscience with a strong focus on hippocampal-entorhinal circuitry, memory formation mechanisms, and the ontogeny of cognitive functions. His research spans from molecular mechanisms of synapse formation to systems-level understanding of spatial representation and memory dynamics during development.
- Eppendorf & Science prize for neurobiology of 2017 (Grand Winner) for essay 'Assembling the brain from deep within'
- EMBO Long-term fellowship (2013-2015)
As a principal investigator, Donato mentors PhD students including Vilde Kveim, who recently received the Shepherd prize for her PhD work. His lab, Donatolab, investigates how the brain stores multiple 'copies' of events as revealed in his August 2024 study. Donato is also active in the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence, contributing to broader neuroscience discourse and policy discussions about the future of the field.
His research group employs cutting-edge methodologies to study neural development from birth to functional maturity, with implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and developing targeted therapeutic interventions based on deciphering mechanisms of neurotypical cognitive development.
