معرفی
Prof. Dr. Silvio O. Rizzoli is a full Professor and Director of the Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology at the University Medical Center Göttingen, Faculty of Medicine. He leads a pioneering research group in synaptic function and super-resolution microscopy, with a focus on STED imaging and quantitative synaptology. His laboratory is part of multiple interdisciplinary programs including IMPRS in Molecular Biology, Neurosciences, and Cellular and Molecular Physiology of the Brain.
- BSc in Biochemistry, University of Bucharest (1996–2000)
- PhD in Physiology, University of Colorado, Denver (2000–2004)
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (2004–2007)
- Group Leader, European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen (2007–2012)
- Professor (W3), University Medical Center Göttingen (2012–2014)
- Director, Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology (2014–present)
His research focuses on overcoming the diffraction limit in optical microscopy to study synaptic vesicle recycling, protein domain patterning, and the molecular architecture of synapses. Using STED, electron microscopy, and NanoSIMS, his lab investigates the functional organization of presynaptic compartments, developing concepts like stoichiometric biology to link molecular distribution with function. His group has demonstrated the role of a small pool of 'perfect' vesicles in neurotransmission and their buffering function in vivo.
The recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on super-resolution imaging, synaptic proteomics, and vesicle dynamics. The work integrates advanced microscopy with biochemical and biophysical approaches to analyze protein clusters, vesicle trafficking, and nanoscale organization in neurons. Key themes include the development of nanobody-based imaging (Imageomics), expansion microscopy (ONE Microscopy), and ultra-resolution techniques (ULTRARESOLUTION).
Prof. Rizzoli leads major funded projects including:
- Imageomics (Horizon 2020 FET-OPEN)
- ULTRARESOLUTION (ERC Synergy Grant)
- The Neuron Nanomap
- NanoSIMS 50L
He is the Director of the Göttingen EXM Forum (GEF25), promoting accessibility of super-resolution microscopy. His lab collaborates widely across engineering, physics, and life sciences to develop next-generation imaging tools. Though no formal students are listed, his leadership in training environments like IMPRS indicates active mentorship. The lab’s work has broad implications for neuroscience, diagnostics, and biomedical imaging.
