Andrea Falini is a Full Professor of Neuroradiology at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (School of Medicine). He holds leadership roles including Head of the Neuroradiology Department at the Scientific Institute S. Raffaele Hospital and Head of the Advanced Diagnostic in Neuro-oncology Unit. His career spans clinical, academic, and administrative roles since 1991, with extensive experience in neuroradiology, neuro-oncology, and neuroimaging research. Education: MD (1986, University of Milan), PhD in Neurological Sciences (1989), and specialized training in Neurology and Radiology at leading institutions, including a visiting scholar position at UCSF (1996). Research interests focus on advanced MRI techniques, neuro-oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive neuroscience. His work emphasizes functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and clinical applications in glioma management and neurodegenerative disorders. Awarded the 1989 'De Visart' Prize and grants supporting his international collaborations. He has authored 218+ peer-reviewed articles, with an H-index of 40+, and actively contributes to academic committees and international conferences. Leadership roles include Vice-Director of the Neuroscience Division (2014–present) and coordination of the BraiMap Research Program. His academic teaching spans neuroradiology, biomedical engineering, and cognitive neuroscience courses.
Chiara Spironelli is an Associate Professor at the University of Padua, Italy. Her research focuses on cerebral plasticity in neurological patients, language lateralization using EEG, and electrophysiological correlates of emotional processing and visuo-spatial attention. She explores how empathy modulates emotional stimulus processing and investigates brain structural alterations in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Her work integrates neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, EEG) to study functional connectivity, particularly between cognitive networks and the cerebellum. Key interests include gender differences in affective processing, the role of posture on brain activity, and the impact of mood induction tasks on neural responses. She has contributed to understanding linguistic reorganization in aphasia and the neurobiological basis of psychopathic traits. Publications emphasize EEG-based analyses of emotional responses, resting-state connectivity, and clinical applications in neuropsychiatric conditions. Her research highlights interdisciplinary approaches bridging cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, and neurology.
Chiara Begliomini is an Associate Professor at the Department of General Psychology, University of Padova. Her research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying action planning and execution, particularly using functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate motor control, handedness effects, and cerebellar contributions to cognition. She explores cognitive and motor functions across the lifespan, with a special emphasis on aging populations and neurological disorders. Her work integrates neuroimaging techniques such as VBM and DTI to study brain structure-function relationships. Key research topics include cerebellar laterality, the impact of cognitive reserve on neurodegeneration, and the neuropsychological consequences of post-COVID-19 infection. She also investigates behavioral and neural correlates of binge eating, impulse control, and sensorimotor integration in grasping movements. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining fMRI with kinematic analyses and neuromodulation techniques. Her studies often address clinical populations, such as individuals with mild cognitive impairment, anorexia nervosa, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Her research portfolio reveals a strong focus on translational neuroscience, bridging basic science and clinical applications. Ongoing work explores cerebellar-cortical interactions, the role of handedness in motor networks, and the neurobiological basis of agency and intentionality.
Giuseppe Iannaccone is a full Professor at the University of Pisa , Department of Information Engineering. His research focuses on quantum electronics , neuromorphic computing , and 2D materials for advanced applications in analog circuits and high-temperature electronics. Lead researcher in QUEPE Quantum Engineering and QUEFORMAL projects Pioneer in neuromorphic chip design using silicon and 2D materials Active in developing high-temperature integrated circuits for industrial applications His recent work explores twisted transition metal dichalcogenides for spintronics, inkjet-printed 2D electronics on paper substrates, and wireless power transfer systems for medical devices. The Google Scholar articles show consistent contributions to analog neuromorphic engines , quantum transport modeling , and steep-slope transistor architectures . Collaborations include Gianluca Fiori and Benjamin Zambrano in neuromorphic hardware development. He actively promotes student well-being through institutional initiatives like the Ufficio Benessere at University of Pisa and has taught RFID and IoT courses for PhD students. Current research integrates MoS2/graphene heterostructures and van der Waals junctions for next-generation electronics.
Costanza Papagno is Full Professor at the University of Trento's Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, with additional affiliations at the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC) and Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMED). Her clinical leadership includes serving as Head of the Center for Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CeRiN) since 2017. With dual degrees in Medicine and Neurology from Milano University and a PhD in Psychobiology, she has held research positions at Cambridge's MRC Applied Psychology Unit and visiting professorships internationally. Her research explores neuropsychological rehabilitation, subcortical recovery mechanisms, Parkinson's cognitive deficits, and neuroplasticity in brain tumors. Key investigations include auditory-verbal memory in sentence comprehension, social cognition in neurodegeneration, and neural correlates of abstract language. She maintains active collaborations in awake surgery protocols and develops clinical assessment tools. Publication analysis reveals concentrated expertise in Parkinson's neurocognition, aphasia rehabilitation, brain asymmetries, and teleneuropsychology platforms. Recent works emphasize digital health interventions, network neuroscience approaches to neurodegeneration, and refinement of intraoperative cognitive mapping techniques. Honors include multiple international grants (ESF, NATO, Erasmus), editorship of the Journal of Neuropsychology, and presidency of the Italian Neuropsychology Society. She coordinates multinational initiatives like the Signature project for social cognition assessment standards in neurocognitive disorders. Clinical innovations include pioneering awake surgery protocols at Milan's Policlinico Hospital and establishing the CeRiN neurorehabilitation center. She regularly contributes to national treatment guidelines and serves on ethics committees for neurosurgical research.
Anastasia Morandi Raikova is a Research Fellow at the Interdepartmental Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMEC), University of Trento, Italy. Her research focuses on animal cognition, particularly in domestic chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus), exploring neural mechanisms underlying spatial cognition, lateralization, and sensory processing. She holds a Ph.D. in Neurobiology of Comparative Cognition from the University of Trento (2017–2021) and a Master’s in Applied Cognitive Psychology from the University of Padua (2015–2017). Her work integrates neuroanatomical, behavioral, and immunohistochemical techniques to study how environmental and developmental factors shape neural coding. Key areas include hippocampal lateralization, spatial navigation strategies, and the impact of early sensory deprivation on brain function. Education: Ph.D. in Neurobiology of Comparative Cognition (2017–2021), University of Trento Master’s in Applied Cognitive Psychology (2015–2017), University of Padua Bachelor’s in Cognitive Psychology (2011–2014), University of Trento Her research highlights include discovering hippocampal lateralization in spatial orientation tasks and the role of light stimulation in neuronal development. She has presented at major conferences like the International Society of Neuroethology and the Avian Cognitive Neuroscience Workshop, winning multiple awards for her poster and oral presentations. She is affiliated with the Animal Brain Cognition Group at CIMeC, collaborating on projects investigating avian brain structure-function relationships and evolutionary cognitive mechanisms. Her work bridges comparative psychology and neuroscience, with implications for understanding developmental plasticity in vertebrates.
Davide Barreca is a Full Professor of Biochemistry (BIO/10) at the University of Messina, where he has held progressively senior positions since 2011. Starting as University Researcher in 2011, he became Associate Professor in 2019 and Full Professor in January 2022. His academic home is primarily in the Faculty of Pharmacy, though his current teaching spans multiple departments including Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Barreca's research focuses on macromolecular stabilization processes using biopolymers, carbohydrates, and ions, with particular expertise in protein folding/unfolding mechanisms and characterization of ornithine carbamoyltransferase. His work spans biochemical, pharmaceutical, and food science applications, with strong emphasis on phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and their biological activities. His 221 publications demonstrate consistent research output, with recent work (2023-2025) focusing on red blood cell biochemistry, ferroptosis mechanisms, SARS-CoV-2 interactions, and sustainable bioplastics. These publications appear in high-impact journals across biochemistry, molecular biology, and food science domains. Among his notable recognitions: 2013: Article selected among 20 most outstanding papers by BioMedLib 2014: Paper included in 'Staying Current: Formulation of Biopharmaceuticals' 2019: INC Award winner for almond polyphenol research 2019: Two papers selected for journal cover images Dr. Barreca serves in significant editorial roles including Editor-in-Chief of 'Mini-Reviews In Medicinal Chemistry' and editor for multiple international journals. He is an active member of numerous professional societies including the Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Chemical Society. His teaching portfolio is extensive, covering Biochemistry and Applied Biochemistry for Pharmacy students since 2010/11, Biochemical Methodologies for Biological Sciences since 2019/20, and various specialized courses in molecular diagnostics and enzymology. He has also contributed to textbook development, co-authoring 'Biochimica della nutrizione' published by Zanichelli.
Prof. Casoni Filippo Marco is an Associate Professor in Human Anatomy at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy. He holds expertise in human morphology, neurosciences, and developmental biology. His professional journey includes roles as a researcher at INSERM U837 (Lille, France), postdoctoral fellowships at NIH (USA) and Mario Negri Institute (Milan), and teaching at multiple universities. He is fluent in Italian, English, French, and basic German. Key awards include the Société de Neuroendocrinologie award (2013, 2012) and a poster award from the Italian Proteomic Society (2004). His research focuses on cerebellar neurobiology, retinal diseases, and cellular heterogeneity, with recent studies on calcium signaling in neurodegenerative disorders and Müller cell pathology in retinal diseases. Education: PhD in Biosciences (Pavia University and Mario Negri Institute, 2004), Master’s in Bioscience (Pavia University, 2000). Training includes workshops on cell culture techniques and molecular spectroscopy. Grants include a Foundation pour la Recherche Medicale grant (2011–2013). Research interests span cerebellar nuclei function, Purkinje cell development, and neurodegenerative biomarkers. He teaches human morphology in medical programs and contributes to ophthalmology-related studies. Current projects involve exploring therapeutic targets for retinal diseases and cholesterol’s role in sleep-related cognitive impairments.
Sebastiano Foti is a Full Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he also serves as Vice-Rector for Teaching and Head of the Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG). He is a member of the Academic Senate and the University Committee for Research, Technology Transfer, and Services to the Territory, and contributes to the SISCON Interdepartmental Center for Infrastructure Safety. His academic and administrative leadership underscores his central role in Italian civil engineering education and research. Research Interests: Geotechnical earthquake engineering and seismic risk assessment Soil-structure interaction and dynamic behavior of bridges Surface wave methods for seismic site characterization Hydrogen and energy storage in geological formations Soil liquefaction and foundation scour His recent publications emphasize advancements in non-invasive geophysical methods, particularly surface wave analysis, with strong applications in seismic hazard mitigation and infrastructure resilience. The research spans theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and practical implementation in urban and environmental planning. Scientific Awards: Bishop Medal 2003, British Institution of Civil Engineers Honorable Mention, Best Paper in GEOPHYSICS, SEG (2011) 2018 Outstanding Paper Award, Earthquake Spectra (EERI) Foti actively supervises PhD students and leads major research initiatives, including PNRR-funded projects such as DREAM and RETURN, focusing on resilient infrastructure and multi-risk science. He has also led commercial and public-sector collaborations with entities like ANDRA, Unicredit, and the Italian Civil Protection Department, demonstrating strong industry and policy engagement. His advisory role extends to national and international institutions, including service as a Visiting Professor at Nagoya University. Laboratories and Research Teams: He leads research within DISEG, particularly in geotechnical earthquake engineering, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving seismic safety, energy storage, and sustainable urban development.
Stefania Benetti serves as a Research collaborator at the Interdepartmental Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMEC) and holds a Tutor position in the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Trento. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, and sensory processing research, with particular emphasis on understanding brain reorganization mechanisms following sensory deprivation. Dr. Benetti's research expertise spans cognitive neuroscience with specialization in multisensory perception , particularly examining how visual and auditory information integrate during social interactions. Her groundbreaking work on brain plasticity investigates cross-modal adaptations in deaf individuals, demonstrating how visual processing recruits brain regions typically dedicated to auditory functions. Through advanced neuroimaging techniques including fMRI, MEG, and diffusion-based tractography, she explores face and voice processing mechanisms, neural decoding approaches, and structural connectivity underlying cognitive functions. Her technical skills encompass multivariate pattern analysis, brain connectivity mapping, and neural decoding methodologies applied to fundamental questions about perception and cognition. Analysis of Dr. Benetti's publication record reveals a clear research trajectory focused on sensory processing and brain adaptation. Her recent work demonstrates how prior expectations shape multisensory integration during face-to-face communication (2025), while her ongoing investigations into cross-modal plasticity show how early deafness leads to functional reorganization where visual stimuli recruit temporal regions typically dedicated to voice processing. This research bridges psycholinguistics and sensory neuroscience, revealing fundamental principles about brain organization and adaptation that have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental processes and potential rehabilitation strategies.
Alessandro Quattrone is a Full Professor at the Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento. His research focuses on translational control mechanisms in diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, leveraging expertise in RNA biology, tumor genetics, and neurobiology. He leads courses on molecular disease mechanisms and translational control, emphasizing genomic contributions to complex disorders and therapeutic strategies. Research interests include mRNA translation regulation, RNA-protein interactions, and the application of cutting-edge technologies like ribosome profiling and extracellular vesicle analysis. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, including drug development targeting epitranscriptomic machinery and personalized medicine approaches for neuroblastoma. Recent articles highlight advancements in understanding m6A-driven tumor progression, therapeutic modulation of RNA-binding proteins, and diagnostic tools for RNA detection. His studies often intersect cancer biology, neurobiology, and systems biology, with implications for novel therapies and biomarker discovery. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided data. Teaching responsibilities include collaborative roles in interdisciplinary courses integrating molecular biology, immunology, and computational methods.
Concetta Federico is an Associate Professor of Genetics (SSD BIO/18) at the Department of Animal Biology "M. La Greca" at the University of Catania, Italy. She currently holds the position of TD-b Researcher in Genetics since 2020, following her National Scientific Qualification II band in SSD Bio-18 Genetics from April 10, 2018. Her academic career spans over two decades with the University of Catania, where she has served as a TD-a Researcher (2014-2019), Contract Professor of Genetics (2005-2014), and Research Fellow in Genetics (1999-2001, 2005-2010). Her educational background includes a Degree in Biological Sciences (1995), Qualification to practice as a biologist (1996), Specialization in Medical Genetics (2000), SISSIS qualification in classes A059 and A060 (2002-2003), and a PhD in Evolutionary Biology (2009). She has been a member of the Italian Genetics Association (AGI) since 2009. Dr. Federico's research focuses on several interconnected areas within genetics and molecular biology. Her primary research lines include environmental mutagenesis, examining in vitro genotoxicity tests on various environmental matrices and identifying biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility in populations exposed to environmental pollutants. She also investigates the organization of the vertebrate genome in interphase nuclei, with particular emphasis on genomic DNA organization in chromosomal bands and interphase nuclei of primates. Additional research interests encompass chromatin organization during cellular differentiation and in tumor cells, DNA polymorphisms in humans and livestock animals for forensic entomology applications, and the role of the tau gene in cellular aging, neurodegeneration, and tauopathies. Analysis of her most recent publications reveals a strong focus on molecular genetics, cellular biology, and their applications in health and disease. Her work spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience (particularly in neurodegenerative diseases), cancer biology, environmental toxicology, and forensic genetics. A recurring theme across her publications is the investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying cellular responses to various stressors, with significant contributions to understanding nuclear organization, gene expression, and protein function in both normal and pathological conditions. Dr. Federico has made substantial contributions to her field through numerous publications in reputable scientific journals. While specific awards are not detailed in the provided information, her extensive publication record and ongoing research activities demonstrate her standing in the scientific community. In terms of teaching and mentorship, Dr. Federico has taught Genetics courses across multiple degree programs at the University of Catania, including the Degree in Biological Sciences, Degree Course in Environmental and Natural Sciences, and Degree in Biotecnologie. Her teaching responsibilities have spanned from 2006 to 2021, demonstrating her commitment to academic education and student development. Her research appears to be conducted within collaborative frameworks, as evidenced by her numerous co-authored publications with researchers from various institutions. Her work often involves interdisciplinary approaches, combining genetics with cell biology, neuroscience, and environmental science to address complex biological questions.
Erik Vesselli is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics , Università degli Studi di Trieste (Italy). He serves on the Executive Board as Lecturer Representative, Department's Board as Member, and multiple Doctoral Studies Boards for Physics and Nanotechnology programs. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis at atomic-level interfaces, particularly involving 2D materials , single-atom biomimetic catalysts , and metal-organic frameworks . Research Group: Leads the Structure and Reactivity of Surfaces and 2D Materials group, specializing in near-ambient pressure studies. His work bridges the "pressure gap" between ultra-high vacuum conditions and industrial catalytic environments through advanced techniques like IR-Vis SFG vibronic spectroscopy , NAP-XPS , and ab initio simulations . Key research themes include: Atomic-scale characterization of catalytic reaction mechanisms Biomimetic design of single-atom catalysts CO/CO2 activation at metal-organic interfaces Electrocatalytic systems for energy conversion Self-assembly of 2D materials on templated supports His recent publications (2016-2021) demonstrate expertise in: Surface reaction dynamics under ambient conditions Spin-state manipulation in molecular interfaces Metal-organic framework stability and functionality Graphene-metal hybrid systems for catalysis Operando spectroscopic characterization Computational modeling of catalytic processes Collaborations span institutions in Italy , Austria , Germany , and Sweden , with funding from MIUR , UniTs , and Beneficentia Stiftung . He supervises multiple PhD students and contributes to doctoral education across multiple cycles.
Emiliano Biasini is an Associate Professor at the University of Trento, affiliated with the Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO) and the Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMED). His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's and prion-related disorders, with a strong emphasis on protein misfolding, aggregation, and drug discovery. He employs zebrafish models and advanced biochemical techniques to investigate mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and develop novel therapeutic strategies. His expertise spans biomolecules, enzymology, and amyloid biochemistry, with contributions to understanding copper toxicity in Wilson disease and the functional roles of prion proteins. Teaching responsibilities include courses on biochemistry and macromolecular technologies, emphasizing protein structure-function relationships and proteomic analysis. Recent research highlights include identifying modulators of prion proteins, developing anti-prion compounds, and exploring the structural basis of protein aggregation. His work bridges fundamental biology with translational medicine, aiming to translate molecular insights into clinical applications.
Luca Lanzoni is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari' at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. His expertise lies in structural mechanics, materials science, and sustainable construction. He teaches courses such as Construction Science, Structural Design of Dams and Reservoirs, and Theory of Structures, focusing on both theoretical and computational methods. His research emphasizes finite elasticity, nonlinear mechanics, and composite materials like Shot-Earth. Key areas include beam and plate mechanics, material characterization, and sustainable construction solutions. He has contributed to advancements in structural stability, energy forms in hyperelastic materials, and computational modeling of nanoscale systems. He maintains active collaborations in experimental and numerical analysis, with a focus on translating theoretical insights into practical applications. His work bridges micro and macro scales, addressing challenges in both traditional and cutting-edge materials.
