PhD projects and EU funds
PNRR Projects
Below you can find information on the projects financed by the funds of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)
Molecular Medicine
PhD Student: Erika Di Domenico
Supervisor: Emilie Venereau
Abstract
HMGB1 is a nuclear protein released by cells upon stress or damage to act as a mediator of sterile inflammation and regeneration. A lower expression of HMGB1 within the cell, and its extracellular release have both been associated with hallmarks of aging. Our working hypothesis is that cells tend to release HMGB1 upon aging, due to constant cell stress and damage, leading to cell-intrinsic damage, as well as inappropriate inflammatory signalling and damage of cells/tissues. We will combine loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments to decipher the contribution of HMGB1 in the aging process.
Objectives
We expect to decipher HMGB1’s contribution to the aging process, evaluating its value as biomarker to distinguish between healthy and pathological aging, and assessing the therapeutic potential of HMGB1 recombinant protein in aged cells.
PhD Student: Manuel Alejandro Montano Castillo
Supervisor: Marco Bacigaluppi
Abstract
Ischemic stroke has a worse clinical outcome in the elderly compared to young individuals. Age-related changes in the immune system may give rise to modified immune responses that could potentially impact the outcomes of strokes. We will investigate the age-related molecular and cellular changes of immune cells in elderly mice and their role in worsening ischemic stroke and identify new therapeutic targets.
Objectives
Identify molecular and cellular changes in the immune compartment that correlate with the outcome post-stroke to discover new therapeutic targets optimizing acute stroke treatment in the elderly.
PhD Student: Luisa Ricci
Supervisor: Simone Cardaci
Abstract
Cancer is considered an age-related disease. Interestingly, a hallmark of aging such as metabolic rewiring, is also instrumental in promoting malignant transformation. This project aims at understanding the molecular mechanisms driving metabolic reprogramming in cancer and determining how the metabolic landscape of the tumour microenvironment affects tumor progression.
Objectives
Using analytical chemistry, cell biology and computational approaches, we plan to identify immunometabolic features affecting tumor growth, as well as tumor-specific metabolic liabilities exploitable for clinical benefit
PhD Student: Ainhoa Viana Alzola
Supervisor: Dr. Jean-Michel Cioni
Abstract
Endosomes play essential roles in cellular function and survival by regulating multiple intracellular trafficking routes. Defects in endosomal trafficking have been shown to occur during healthy aging as well as a wide range of age-related human diseases, mainly affecting the nervous system. Proper endosomal trafficking is essential for neuronal function and survival. However, what causes the age-related impairments in endosomal functions in neurons, and the functional consequences, are not understood
Objectives
This project aims at investigating the link between impairments in endosomal trafficking and altered proteostasis in the aging brain by focusing on the molecular changes occurring on the organelle.
PhD Student: Roberta Vacca
Supervisor: Raffaella Di Micco
Abstract
Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell (HSPC) gene therapies require an ex vivo activation step which, by mostly unexplored mechanisms, can strongly reduce HSPC fitness. It is emerging that an accelerated proliferation of HSCs, which is expected to occur during manipulation in culture but also upon transplantation, might lead to DNA damage through accumulation of oxidative stress, all factors implicated in HSC aging. Therefore, we propose to integrate knowledge of aged HSC biology to preserve HSC functionality during ex vivo culture and upon transplantation.
Objectives
The project aims at identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of physiological aging in HSCs and apply these findings to improve the efficacy of cell and gene therapy applications for the treatment of human diseases.
PhD Student: Alessandra Weber
Supervisor: Luigi Naldini
Abstract
Editing by homology direct repair (HDR) in human HSPCs remains poorly efficient and this limits its therapeutic applications in most diseases. Novel strategies enabling enrichment of HDR-edited HSPCs would decrease competition by unedited cells, improving therapeutic efficacy and at the same time increasing safety by purging out cells harboring undesired loss of-function editing outcomes at the target site.
The aim of this PhD project is to develop innovative strategies for ex-vivo and in-vivo enrichment of human edited HSPCs harboring targeted integration of highly expressed cassettes into genomic safe harbors (GSHs).
Objectives
Selection strategies can be achieved by i) ex-vivo sorting of engineered cells by means of editing-coupled selector, or ii) conferring in-vivo selective disadvantage to cells not undergoing HDR.
PhD Student: Francesca Rita Ogliari
Supervisor: Prof. Michele Reni
Abstract
Immunotherapy (IO) alone or in combination with chemotherapy (IO-CT) has become the standard of care for most patients with metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, 20 to 30% of patients do not benefit from these treatments facing a negative risk-benefit balance. An artificial intelligence (AI) platform, that can automatically extract patients’ data (clinical, pathological, radiological, laboratoristic) and analyse them, would help clinicians understand and highlight interconnected patterns and predictive algoritms of cancer-specific outcomes. Our study aims to train the AI tool in-clinic and validate it on a larger multicentric scale.
Objectives
Primary objective is precocely identify patients not responding to standard IO-based treatments; secondary objectives are severe toxicity and long-survivals prediction. Co-secondary endpoint is the feasibility of such approach (AI and its integration in data sources) in clinical research.
PhD Student: Nicolo Pecco
Supervisor: Andrea Falini
Abstract
Gliomas are a heterogeneous group of brain neoplasms and the search for biomarkers to characterize molecular status or predict prognosis could be a breakthrough advancement in neuro-oncology. This project aims at identifying reliable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) biomarkers for personalized profiling of brain gliomas. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) model based on Deep Learning (DL) using transfer learning will be developed for glioma identification on retrospective conventional and advanced MRI datasets, followed by a radiomic analysis to extract relevant quantitative features linked to pathological, molecular and other clinical outcomes. DL models will be tested on a prospective cohort of glioma patients and on open-source databases (e.g., TCIA/TGCA-GBM), for external validation purposes.
PhD Student: Eva Baronchelli
Supervisor: Vania Broccoli
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and lethal brain cancer in adults. Despite current treatments, virtually all patients relapse due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that can self-renew and regenerate the tumor, remaining quiescent or exhibiting low proliferative activity. In order to target residual CSCs, my laboratory generated a SOX2 epigenetic silencer able to switch off the SOX2 downstream oncogenic gene network and suppress tumor relapses.
Likewise, the aim of this project is to establish another epigenetic silencing factor called TES to switch off the YAP/TAZ oncogenic transcriptional cascade which drives tumor malignancy.
PhD Student: Linda Bossini
Supervisor: Alessandro Sessa
Abstract
This project aims to exploit a newly developed murine model that conditionally overexpresses the human mutated SET binding protein 1 (SETBP1) gene through a Cre-mediated system, to delineate the in vivo consequences of its accumulation. The availability of a reliable in vivo model that faithfully recapitulates the main features of the disease serves as a powerful tool to enhance our understanding of Schinzel-Giedion syndrome (SGS) pathogenesis while providing a valuable platform for testing potential therapeutic approaches.
Objectives
Our approach involves addressing this biological question adopting a complementary approach to spatially and temporally define the origin of the pathological phenotype. This comprehensive investigation may offer insights into the potential reversibility of the disease's symptoms.
PhD Student: Paolo Camisa
Supervisor: Stefano Crippa
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the deadliest solid tumors and is often resistant to traditional chemotherapy due to a complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment. This study proposes a new mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based drug delivery system to target tumors more effectively, potentially reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing anti-tumoral activity. MSCs can migrate to tumors, alter neighboring cell signaling, and deliver anticancer drugs, inducing tumor regression and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment.
Objectives
Investigate the effects of MSC-based therapy on metastatic PDAC progression, tumor microenvironment, and immune response, and evaluate its feasibility in clinical trials.
PhD Student: Calogero Carlino
Supervisor: Davide Cittaro
Abstract:
Cancer is a complex disease, in which aneuploidies and microenvironment alterations are considered major drivers of development and progression. Recent progress in spatial multi omics enable the study of cancer in its microenvironment, offering new opportunity to dissect the interaction between aneuploidy and tumor microenvironment. The high complexity and sparsity of current multi omics readouts require reliable algorithms for the analysis, and mathematical abstraction for data integration.
Objectives
We will develop explainable probabilistic models to predict tumor aneuploidy from spatial omics data, with the aim to study the biological mechanisms that govern the emergence and evolution of cancer
PhD Student: Chiara Ceriani
Supervisor:Lorenzo Piemonti
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing β cells in the pancreas. While T1D can be managed with insulin, no treatment exists to control autoreactive T cells and prevent β cell destruction. A potential cure is represented by β cell replacement therapy that uses allogeneic islets or pancreas from cadaveric donors, but this poses immunological challenges. Stem cell-based therapies and EVs show promise in reducing autoimmune reactions and improving β cell replacement success. Inducing immunological tolerance, especially using tolerogenic Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), could prevent the disease or enhance β cell replacement therapy outcomes
Objectives:
The project aims to use EVs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived β cells to induce tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes. It involves determining the expression of immunogenic/tolerogenic molecules in iPSCs and EVs, assessing their impact on human T cells, and examining EVs in vivo and in an in vitro biological effect.
PhD Student:Irina Cutei
Supervisor:Vania Broccoli
Abstract
PRR12 is a neglected gene, whose haploinsufficiency has been recently associated with neurodevelopmental and eye abnormalities. Its function is still unknown. In our project we plan to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action underlying the pathogenic effects of PRR12 haploinsufficiency, and so to gain new insight into the role of the gene. To do so, we will create a Knock-Out stable cell line and a Loss-Of-Function mouse line.
Objectives
Our hypothesis is that PRR12 might play an important role as epigenetic regulator in neurodevelopment. We will test this performing gene expression and DNA methylation studies on our KO and LOF models.
PhD Student: RacheleD’Amore
Supervisor: Alessandro Aiuti
Abstract
Alpha-mannosidosis (α-MAN) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) that leads to progressive skeletal, immunological and neurological impairments. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) transplantation and enzyme replacement therapy are the standard of care for α-MAN but incompletely correct the disease skeletal and neurological phenotype. It was previously showed in two types of LSDs that HSPC- Gene therapy (GT) is able to correct non-hematopoietic tissues, including CNS and bones. Our goal is to generate pre-clinical evidence for the development of HSPC-GT for α-MAN by exploiting a MAN2B1-/- mouse model that we are currently characterizing at skeletal and neurological level.
PhD Student: Chiara Garsia
Supervisor: Angela Gritti
Abstract
We explore an approach in which human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived NSCs (hiPSC-NSCs) are modified using state-of-the-art epigenome editing technology to empower their therapeutic plasticity, endowing them with an inducible anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective activity and myelinogenic potential, which will be assessed in relevant in vitro and in vivo models.
Objectives
The main goal of the project is to generate engineered hiPSC-NSCs with enhanced therapeutic plasticity, to study their biology and to evaluate their potential application as novel cell sources for the development of cell-based strategies for demyelinating disorders
PhD Student: Alexandra Maria Lazar
Supervisor: Arturo Chiti
Abstract
The project investigates the application of parametric imaging using long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT systems to improve oncological diagnostics. By providing detailed spatiotemporal data on radiotracer distribution, LAFOV PET/CT offers enhanced sensitivity and comprehensive whole-body imaging. The study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, and clinical utility of this method for better understanding tumor physiology, improving diagnostic accuracy, and personalizing treatment strategies in oncology.
Objectives
To establish LAFOV PET-based parametric imaging as a reliable tool for tumor detection and characterization, and therapy response assessment, thereby enhancing personalized management of oncological patients.
PhD Student:Martina Mainardi
Supervisor: Gaia Colasante
Abstract
Dravet Syndrome (DS) is an infantile epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug resistant seizures, cognitive impairment, and high risk of mortality. It is caused by mutations in SCN1A gene encoding the alpha subunit of the sodium channel Nav1.1. DS is considered to be caused by inhibitory neurons hypoexcitability, but secondary circuit modifications contribute to disease progression and information on the optimal neuronal populations to target at different disease stages is lacking..
Objectives
The project aims to reactivate Scn1a gene expression only in inhibitory neurons in a DS mouse model at different disease stages to assess whether targeting them is actually sufficient to recover DS symptoms.
PhD Student:Francesca Marzuttini
Supervisor: Eliana Ruggiero
Abstract
The final aim of this project is to generate a T cell receptor (TCR)-redirected T cells-based immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. High throughput sequencing technologies, immune repertoire profiling and in vitro immunological functional assays will be employed to identify and validate novel tumor-specific TCRs from AML patients’ samples. Newly identified TCRs will be used to re-address T cell specificity towards the tumor by TCR gene editing approach. The safety, the efficacy of the TCR-engineered T cells and the dissection of the players involved in the co-evolution of T cell/tumor interactions will be further addressed in vitro and in vivo in the last aim of the project.
Results obtained in this project will lead to the generation of living drugs to be tested as novel therapeutic options for AML patients.
PhD Student:Miriam Meloni
Supervisor:Rossella Galli
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadliest brain tumor in adults. The average GBM patient’s survival time is 15 months and only 5% of patients survive more than five years. Recently, cancer metabolism emerged as an important opportunity both for treatment and diagnosis; this concept can be applied also to GBM. To this end, we subjected xenografts from intracranial injection of Glioma Stem Cell to untargeted metabolomics to identify metabolic vulnerabilities in the most aggressive mesenchymal (MES) subtype
Objectives
Harnessing metabolic dysregulation of MES subtype of GBM can reveal therapeutic targets to be exploited to improve treatment strategies and explore new diagnostic approaches
PhD Student: Sara Pozzi
Supervisor: Samuel Zambrano
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapy is a multifaceted problem. Non-genetic heterogeneity is recognized as a driving factor in the emergence of drug-resistant populations: the transcription factor (TF) p53, a tumor suppressor activated upon DNA damage, plays a central role in this context, since p53 activation dynamics in response to therapy is thought to drive cell fate decision. Here we aim to combine live cell imaging, molecular biology and advanced data analysis to determine to what extent p53 dynamics is predictive of the response to therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and in patient-derived organoids (PDOs).
Objectives:
To develop an image and data analysis pipeline able to predict CRC cells response to therapy in live cell imaging experiments. This system will then be extended to the analysis of the response of PDOs to chemotherapies.
PhD Student: Alessandro Romano
Supervisor: Alessandra Mortellaro
Abstract
Nod-like receptors (NLRs) are multiprotein complexes that, under inflammatory conditions,
stimulate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and trigger cell death. Yet, their role in
hematopoiesis needs to be understood. This project seeks to elucidate the contribution of NLRs to hematopoiesis, focusing on their impact on hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells (HSPCs) in both physiological and inflammatory conditions.
Objectives
We aim to determine whether NLRs play a role in the maintenance and diNerentiation of the hematopoietic stem cell-progenitor cell pool in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases
Dottorando: Giuseppe Suanno
Supervisore: Giulio Ferrari
Abstract
The cornea is the most densely innervated tissue in the human body. Most ocular surface diseases have been associated with altered corneal nerve morphology and function. While these abnormalities have been widely described, their impact on wound healing and inflammation has just started to emerge. In addition, the role of aging on nerve function/morphology and its subsequent impact on corneal inflammation and wound healing remains largely unexplored.
Obiettivi
The project will focus on the impact of age and injury on corneal nerve function, morphology, and phenotype. This project will provide crucial information to identify therapeutic targets and inform personalized treatments aimed at alleviating highly prevalent ocular diseases.
PhD Student: Bazezew Yenew Tessema
Supervisor: Daniela Maria Cirillo
Abstract
The clinical management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is challenging due to high recurrence and progression rates. Intravesical BCG is the gold standard for high-grade NMIBC, but only 50% of patients fully respond, and over 10% experience mild to severe side effects. Consequently, long-term follow-up with multiple tests and maintenance treatments is needed, resulting in additional healthcare costs.
Objectives
This project aims to characterize mycobacterial extracellular vesicles (MEVs) and use them as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and a safer alternative therapy for NMIBC. MEVs may also address the limitations related to BCG shortages.
PhD Student: Alessia Ugolini
Supervisor:Chiara Bonini
Abstract
In this project we aim at developing and comparing different strategies to increase the lifespan of CAR-T regulatory cells. CAR-Tregs will be generated according to protocols already developed and tested in the lab. We will study CAR-Treg dynamics and persistence in a humanized mouse model, exploiting an in vivo imaging system, addressing so the kinetic of the cells in the presence of different human stimuli.
Objectives
Based on results of the in vivo model, we will set-up different novel strategies to prolong Treg persistence by exploiting cytokine signaling pathways or improving the cells phenotype
PhD Student: Martina Leone
Supervisor:Paola Falletta
Abstract
The Integrated Stress Response (ISR) is an adaptive signaling pathway that senses and responds to microenvironmental cues. Cancer cells hijack ISR to promote metastasis and drug resistance. Our project aims to dissect the mechanism by which ISR drives Colorectal Cancer (CRC) aggressiveness to define new targetable vulnerabilities, and measure ISR activation in CRC Patient-Derived Organoids to predict clinical response to therapies and provide data to Artificial Intelligence-based digital models
Objectives
The identification of events triggered by the transcriptional and translational reprogramming induced by ISR that lead to metastatic potential and drug resistance in CRC.
PhD Student: Francesca Nicola
Supervisor:Daniela Maria Cirillo
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as a major threat to the health of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis and other immunocompromised patients. The mechanisms of infection and resistance are poorly understood. It is urgent to deepen our understanding of pathogenicity to develop personalized treatments and prevent severe lung damage. My PhD project aims to elucidate the immune mechanisms in response to Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) infection and persistence, identifying new therapeutic targets to mitigate disease progression.
Objectives
To achieve a more comprehensive understanding of immune mechanisms counteracting Mabs infection and persistence, we will clarify the role of mucosal immune response in disease progression and host-bacteria interaction at the cellular level.
PhD Student: Tommaso Russo
Supervisor:Angelo Quattrini
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43)-positive inclusions in the brain and spinal cord are the neuropathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). TDP-43 positive aggregates have been recently reported in motor nerve biopsies of ALS patients, not only in the axon, but also in the myelinating Schwann cells, suggesting non-cell autonomous effects. We generated mice overexpressing human mutated TDP-43 selectively in Schwann cells and characterized them.
Objectives
The main aim of the project is to study the non-cell autonomous role of TDP-43 pathology in Schwann cells in ALS.
PhD Student: Francesco Di Mauro
Supervisor:Giuseppina Arbone
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a highly aggressive tumor, treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT), for which only 20% of patients achieve a pathological complete response. We have recently demonstrated that the baseline immune microenvironment is correlated with therapy response. We hypothesize that the response to nCT might result from the stimulation of a local T cell response against tumor neoantigens (TNAs).
Objectives
The aim of my project is to define the breadth and dynamics of TNAs-specific T cell responses (from blood and tumor) in patients with EAC, comparing responders versus non-responders to nCT
PhD Student: Gabriele Metalli
Supervisor:Giovanni Tonon
Abstract
Understanding and countering cancer resistance remains the most significant challenge in
oncology. Despite advanced new therapies, first-line treatment for many cancer types remains
chemotherapy, yet the mechanisms behind tumor cell resistance remain unclear. We propose that chemotherapy resistance stems from epigenetic modifications and suggest a strategy to prevent and reverse these changes by interfering with the emergence of resistance.
Objectives
Our objective is to leverage genomic biobanks of patient-derived organoids and microfluidic platforms for drug screening to evaluate transcriptional states and identify epigenetic modifiers affecting tumor development. We expect to identify key modifiers and assess chemotherapy response, integrating this data with AI approaches at San Raffaele.
PhD Student: Alessia Bottoni
Supervisor:Roberto Furlan
Abstract
Neutrophils seem to be involved in autoimmune disease progression as effector of the innate immune system. Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligands are key inhibitors in immune response, attenuating signalling from the T cell antigen receptors. We identified a subpopulation of immunosuppressive neutrophils expressing PD-L2, providing new insights in the involvement of neutrophils role in neuroinflammation.
Objectives
To provide a full picture of the involvement of PD-L2+ neutrophils in the pathogenic mechanism of multiple sclerosis and provide a better knowledge of their biology.
Philosophy
Dottorando: Diletta Caimmi
Supervisore: Francesca Pola
Abstract:
This project aims to focus on virtuous institutional and para-institutional practices for the dissemination of material and immaterial cultural heritage in an inclusive, participatory, and territorially responsible way. In particular, in the selection of reference case studies, attention will be paid to entities that orient their proposals according to an ecological, feminist, and decolonial sensitivity.
Objectives:
The goal is to develop operational strategies to enhance the transformative impact of artistic practice on society, in line with the objectives set out in the Faro Convention of 2005.
PhD Student: Benedetta Angela Maria Carraro
Supervisore: Francesca Pola
Abstract
The project is intended to develop research dedicated to Key enabling technologies (KETs) for the enhancement, conservation and knowledge of the historical-artistic heritage of Villa Pisani in Bagnolo di Lonigo (VI), a stratified UNESCO heritage site and a hub for cultural events and initiatives, with a multi-year program of contemporary art exhibitions. The project is part of the NRRP Mission “From Research to Business”, NextGenerationEU, and involves collaboration with the Cultural Association Villa Pisani Contemporary Art and startup company RAD HUB S.r.l.
Objectives:
The main objective of the project is to improve the visitor experience and accessibility of the stratified site in an innovative key, adopting a human-centric perspective, ensuring more engaging, inclusive and sustainable solutions.
PhD Student: Elena Costa
Supervisor: Francesco Valagussa
Abstract
The current research project aims to investigate the relational dimension inherent in museums developing and exploring into some simmelian insights, bridging aesthetic-philosophical reflection with the landscape of contemporary museology.
Objectives:
The purpose of this research is to formulate an original reflection on the development of the museum institution from a mere exhibition space to a relational space
PhD Student: Cristina Ganz
Supervisor: Claudia Bianchi
Abstract
The project focuses on gender inequalities in the field of healthcare. In particular, it focuses on the interaction between health professionals and pregnant, parturient, and postpartum women during antenatal care, labour, delivery and postpartum care. The aim is to identify problematic elements in this interaction that lead to misunderstandings and sometimes compromise the quality of obstetric care.
Objectives:
The aim is to identify communicative strategies to improve the effectiveness of obstetric care and the satisfaction of the women receiving care, thereby reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and concerns.
PhD Student: Margherita Ghiara
Supervisor: Carlo Martini
Abstract
This PhD project explores the issue of scientific disinformation, investigating available strategies to detect it, as well as the influence of political knowledge and of smartphone addiction on its detection. Using tools from cognitive sciences and social epistemology, it aims to understand how young adults navigate disinformation and develop strategies to combat it effectively.
Objectives
To obtain insights into scientific disinformation detection and factors influencing it amongst young adults. Results will be translated into useful recommendations for policy makers
PhD Student: Benedetta Minardi
Supervisore: Francesca Pola
Abstract
The research focuses on identifying potential applications of Key Enabling Technologies (KET) to enhance accessibility to contemporary sculpture archives, with particular attention
given to the Andrea Cascella Archive in Milan. The project falls within the NRRP mission "From Research to Business", NextGenerationEU, and benefits from the collaboration with
the company Zenit Arti Audiovisive.
Objectives
The project aims to improve the preservation, enhancement, and accessibility of contemporary sculpture archives by using key enabling technologies and the development
of innovative solutions based on in-depth historical and artistic knowledge.
PhD Student: Cecilia Vergani
Supervisore: Roberto Mordacci
Abstract
The aim of this project is to contribute to an ethical reflection on AI that goes beyond providing technical solutions to techno-social problems. Focusing on the fact that technology is embedded in social relations and systems of production, the project aims to raise awareness of negative consequences in terms of power, exploitation, discrimination or injustice that arise from the development and use of AI in contemporary societies.
Objectives
The project aims to contribute to bridging the gap between the ethical reflection developed within industry and technological environments and the critical studies carried out in the philosophical-social sphere.
PhD Student: Martina Giovine
Supervisor: Bianca Cepollaro
Abstract
This project concerns non-discriminatory language and its implementability within public administrations, taking on challenges such as defying inclusive language, providing a survey of the main existing proposals, trying to develop a model for assessing and evaluating them, surveying and interpreting the existing empirical studies on the topic, investigating the relationship between communication, stereotypes, and biases, assessing the existing policies and good practices.
Objectives
The aim of the project is to make an original contribution to the scientific debate and to participate in the governance, organisation and strategic direction of public administrations.
PhD student : Chiara Borgonovo
Supervisor: Francesca Pola
Abstract
The research project adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating modern image theories and art history, to examine the material aspects of digital media in relation to artworks that incorporate technological components. It analyzes the complex challenges posed by such works at the interpretive, conservation, and curatorial levels, while tracing the historical development of media art in Italy, identifying relevant case studies, and evaluating the historical-critical, conservation, and curatorial strategies applied or applicable in such contexts.
Objectives
The main goal of the project is to identify new methodological approaches and collaborative strategies applied nationally and internationally for studying, preserving and curating media art. The project aims to generate insights that will promote knowledge advancement and help establish best practices in media art research, conservation, and curatorship within Italy.
PhD Student: Edoardo La Ragione
Supervisore: Andrea Tagliapietra
Abstract
The project intends to investigate the paradigm shifts that have occurred following the entry of the "digital space" into governance practices and the forms of life it has opened up. In particular, it is necessary to think about how the space of the 'political' is being redefined today where certain traditional criteria of definition seem to no longer hold sway.
Objectives
We are expected to be able to adequately 'map' the present, reconstructing its past genealogically and trying to see possible future outcomes.
PhD Student: Giulio Pennacchioni
Supervisore: Francesca Pongiglione
Abstract
The latest IPCC reports confirm the anthropogenic origin of climate change, while adequate political actions are still lacking. Despite the consensus among moral philosophers about the importance of individual action, participation in climate mitigation is still limited. The same holds true for the collective action of institutions, whose responsibility also extends to communication and education about climate change.
Objectives:
The objective is to define the moral and epistemic responsibilities of individuals and institutions and to promote broader engagement against climate change.
Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences
PhD student: Francesca Berra
Supervisor: Andrea Galbiati
Abstract
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep and resulting in daytime impairment. The hyperarousal model suggests that it is perpetuated by physiological and cognitive arousal that is influenced by stress. So sleep reactivity (SR), the degree to which stress disrupts the sleep system, is a critical concept in understanding insomnia. When SR exceeds a certain threshold, it can lead to sleep disorders. The AIE model highlights attention's role in insomnia, and understanding attentional shifting strategies could aid in managing SR.
Objectives
Investigate the relationship between insomnia and sleep reactivity manipulating it to evaluate the impact on subjects with and without insomnia symptoms, with a focus on REM sleep, and exploring the role of attention.
PhD student: Alessandra Castelnuovo
Supervisore: Maria Salsone
Abstract
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a sleep related breathing disorder, characterized by recurrent episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway leading to sleep fragmentation. OSAS has a high epidemiological impact (9-38% of general population), it is frequently reported in male and increasing with the age. Interestingly, there is evidence for a strict correlation between OSAS and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Dementia. CPAP treatment could revert OSAS related-cognitive impairment.
Objectives
The aim of this project is to create a web-based platform, to collect the clinical-instrumental data in order to identify OSAS profiles at high risk for neurodegeneration and predict the efficacy to CPAP treatment.
PhD student: Carla Blandino
Supervisore: Chiara Brombin
Abstract
Digital revolution has impacted not only the way people interact but also the relationship with the
self image. Advances in technology and increasing of AI power have significantly improved face
detection/recognition /editing algorithms. High accessibility of these editing tools associated with
reduced awareness in the use of digital technologies may have a significant psychological impact
especially on younger users in a developmental phase where they are already facing cruci al identity
construction process es.
Objectives
To improve theoretical psychological knowledge on how adolescents manage their digital self in online contexts, exploring the role of the social environment and psychological traits, and exploiting advanced data driven statistical techniques to test and generate new research hypotheses
PhD student: Martina Lattanzi
Supervisore: Valentina Antonia Tobia
Abstract
A positive school climate promotes the academic performance and well-being of students and teachers. This project aims to investigate the impact of the different components of the school climate, with particular attention to educational and organizational innovations, the well-being and high-level cognitive skills of students and the well-being of teachers. The longitudinal study involves the administration of questionnaires, standardized tests and tasks
Objectives
The project will provide insights useful for the implementation of school policies aimed at improving the school climate and innovation.
PhD student: Laura Raffaelli
Supervisor: Francesco Benedetti
Abstract
Psychiatric research is increasingly focusing on eating disorders (EAD), exacerbated by a 20% rise in hospital admissions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Anorexia nervosa (AN), characterized by low caloric intake, low body weight, and distorted body image, shows significant brain structure and connectivity changes that partly normalize with weight restoration. Cognitive deficits appear to play a key role in exacerbating the AN symptomatology. Therefore, further research is needed to understand the role of neural correlates, inflammatory and metabolic markers in the development of cognitive deficit and the symptomatology of AN.
Objectives
The objectives are to examine brain, inflammatory, and metabolic changes in AN patients, their persistence after weight restoration, and how these factors contribute to the development of cognitive deficits in anorexia nervosa.
PhD student: Andrea Salibba
Supervisor: Luigi Ferini Strambi
Abstract
The experimental hypothesis of the project is to produce a digital cognitive-behavioral treatment for chronic insomnia (dCBT-I) with an efficacy comparable to classical treatment, in a group modality. The digital modality would make it possible to reach more patients, offering greater accessibility and availability, for whom specific treatment is not available. These benefits, in the long run, could reduce the economic and social impact of insomnia in Italy.
Objectives
The overall objective of this research project is to produce a standardized protocol in the digital mode of CBT-I (dCBT-I) in the Italian language and evaluate its effectiveness.