Franca Codazzi

Franca Codazzi is an Associate Professor of Physiology at the School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. Her research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Friedreich's ataxia, and examines mechanisms of calcium and iron handling in neurons and glial cells. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Milan and has held academic positions since 2000, including postdoctoral research at Duke University Medical Center (1998–1999).

Her educational background includes a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology from the University of Milan. Her work combines advanced microscopy, cellular and molecular biology techniques to study pathophysiological mechanisms in the CNS, aiming to develop therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.

Key research interests include synaptic activity modulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and iron dysregulation in diseases like Friedreich's ataxia. Over 50+ publications highlight her contributions to understanding neurodegenerative pathways and developing stem cell-based models for disease correction.

Teaching responsibilities include physiology courses for the Medicine and Surgery program, emphasizing translational applications of basic neuroscience research.