Francesca Santoro is a Professor jointly appointed at RWTH Aachen University (where she heads the Neuroelectronic Interfaces Lab) and Forschungszentrum Jülich (IBI-3 research group). She specializes in neuroelectronic interfaces, bioelectronics, and tissue engineering, with a focus on treating neurodegenerative diseases using chip-based technologies. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering & Information Technology, RWTH Aachen/Forschungszentrum Jülich (2014) Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, University of Naples Federico II (2010) Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering, University of Naples Federico II (2008) Research: Her work bridges bioelectronics and regenerative medicine, emphasizing neural interface design, neuromorphic devices, and nanotechnology for brain repair. Recent innovations include light-mediated bioelectronics and organic electrochemical neurons that mimic biological systems. Publications: Her 15 most recent articles (2020–2025) cluster around neurohybrid systems, nanotechnology-driven neural interfaces, and organic neuromorphic devices, reflecting a consistent focus on bioelectronic solutions for neurological disorders. Awards: ERC Starting Grant (2020) Falling Walls Science Breakthrough in Engineering (2021) MIT Innovator Under 35 Europe/Italy (2018) Leopoldina Early Career Award (2022) Heart Rhythm Society Fellowship (2016) Leadership: She founded the Tissue Electronics Lab at the Italian Institute of Technology (2017–2021), co-founded BRYLA, and leads interdisciplinary teams developing next-generation neural interfaces.








