Divisions
Neuroscience
Our mission is to contribute to the unraveling of the inner workings of the human nervous system and mind and to find causes and treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases. To accomplish this, we investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal and glial dysfunction and we engage in translational and clinical research projects. The impressive advances in our knowledge of the nervous system have made neuroscience one of the most active branches in modern biology and medicine and the integration between basic and clinical research is key to the success of our long-term goal: building on the knowledge generated by basic and clinical research to translate our discoveries into novel therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders, some of humanity's most disabling disorders.
Organization
The Division of Neuroscience harbors more than 300 scientists organized in several research units. Among these, those involved in translational medicine have assembled into the the Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE). View all research units here.
To provide scientific, technical and social support for junior faculties recently recruited into the Division of Neuroscience or recently promoted group leaders, there is a dedicated Mentoring Program.
Members of the Division are also part of the faculty of Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, being affiliated to the Schools of Medicine, of Psychology or of Philosophy. Excellence in higher education is a priority for the Division of Neuroscience. For this reason, the Division is actively involved in the PhD programs of Molecular Medicine and of Cognitive Neuroscience, which offer positions for 3 years on a highly competitive basis.
Research
Scientists affiliated to the Division work together to investigate key and hot issues in neuroscience, with emphasis on the following areas: neurobiology, neuroepidemiology, neuropathology, neurophysiology, neuroimmunology, psychopathology and neuroimaging.
Our strategy is to improve our knowledge of the inner mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological functioning of the nervous system, and to exploit this knowledge to improve diagnostics of diseases and to develop more rational and personalized therapies.
Clinical collaborations
The Division of Neuroscience daily collaborates with the following research groups, affiliated with the clinical departments of the hospital:
Dario Bonanomi
Group leader, Molecular neurobiology Unit
Francesco Benedetti
Group leader, Psychiatry and clinical psychobiology Unit
Vania Broccoli
Group leader, Stem cells and neurogenesis Unit
Gian Giacomo Consalez
Group leader, Developmental neurogenetics Unit
Jean-Michel Cioni
Group leader, RNA biology of the neuron Unit
Patrizia D'Adamo
Research associate, Molecular genetics of intellectual disabilities
Ivan de Curtis
Group leader, Cell adhesion Unit
Giulio Ferrari
Group leader, Eye repair lab Unit
Rossella Galli
Group leader, Neural stem cell biology Unit
Fabio Grohovaz
Group leader, Cellular neurophysiology Unit
Nicoletta Landsberger
Group leader, Rett research and neurodevelopmental diseases Unit
Sonia Levi
Group leader, Proteomic of iron metabolism Unit
Francesca Maltecca
Project leader, Mitochondrial dysfunctions in neurodegeneration Unit
Daniela Perani
Group leader, In vivo structural and molecular neuroimaging Unit
Flavia Valtorta
Group leader, Neuropharmacology Unit
Michele Simonato
Group leader, Gene therapy of neurodegenerative diseases Unit
Cellular Neurophysiology
Fabio Grohovaz, Group leader
Eye repair lab
Giulio Ferrari, Group leader
Cell adhesion
Ivan de Curtis, Group leader
Developmental neurogenetics
Gian Giacomo Consalez, Group leader
Gene therapy of neurodegenerative diseases
Michele Simonato, Group leader
In vivo structural and molecular neuroimaging
Daniela Perani, Group leader
Mitochondrial dysfunctions in neurodegeneration
Francesca Maltecca, Project leader
Molecular genetics of intellectual disabilities
Patrizia D'Adamo, Research associate
Molecular neurobiology
Dario Bonanomi, Group leader
Neural stem cell biology
Rossella Galli, Group leader
Proteomic of iron metabolism
Sonia Levi, Group leader
Neuropsychopharmacology
Flavia Valtorta, Group leader
Psychiatry and clinical psychobiology
Francesco Benedetti, Group leader
Rett Research and neurodevelopmental diseases
Nicoletta Landsberger, Group leader
RNA Biology of the Neuron
Jean-Michel Cioni, Group leader
Stem cells and neurogenesis
Vania Broccoli, Group leader
Discovered SETD5 role in preserving brain development and neuronal wiring
The study explained the role of the gene SETD5, whose mutation is linked to some forms of intellectual disabilities. This discovery paves the way for the identifications of new therapeutic targets.
The ARVO prize for Translational Research in Ophthalmology awarded to Giulio Ferrari
The ARVO Foundation - in collaboration with Pfizer – awarded Giulio Ferrari one of its most prestigious prizes for translational research in ophthalmology.
ERC starting grant awarded to Jean Michel Cioni
The European Research Council awarded more than € 600 million to early-career researchers from over 50 countries: among the winners Jean Michel Cioni, group leader of the RNA biology of the neuron Unit.
Hacking communication among cells to turn off inflammation
A study carried out by researchers of Ospedale San Raffaele shows that extracellular vesicles may be used to modulate brain inflammation.
Two positions are immediately available in the Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, headed by Vania Broccoli