Department of Biomedical Sciences at University of Cagliari, Italy
Prof. Federico Brandalise is a neuroscientist with expertise in synaptic physiology, dendritic integration, and neuroplasticity. He has held academic positions at the University of Cagliari, University of Milan, and research fellowships at institutions in Switzerland and the United States. His work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 3Brain – Massimo Grattarola Award and the Advanced Postdoc Mobility Fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation. His research explores the cellular mechanisms underlying learning, memory, and neurological disorders.
Publication Profile
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Educational Details
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of Zurich, Switzerland (2016)
- Thesis: The Dendritic NMDA Spike as a Fundamental Mechanism Initiating Associative Plasticity in the CA3 Region of the Hippocampus
- Supervisors: Prof. Fritjof Helmchen, PhD, and Prof. Urs Gerber, MD
- Master’s Degree in Neurobiology, University of Pavia, Italy (2013)
- Thesis: Synaptic cross-talk between granule cells and Golgi cells through GABAB-mediated modulation of GABAA-dependent neurotransmission in the cerebellum
- Supervisor: Prof. Paola Rossi
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology and Biomedical Science, University of Pavia, Italy (2008)
- Thesis: The NR2A subunit of the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor is required for potentiation at the cerebellar mossy fiber to granule cell synapse and vestibulo-cerebellar motor learning
- Supervisor: Prof. Paola Rossi
Professional Experience
Prof. Federico Brandalise is a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Cagliari, Italy, where he is part of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology. Before his current role, he was a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Milan (2021–2024). His postdoctoral work includes research at the University of Geneva, focusing on the learning-related modulation of cortical dendrites, and at the University of Texas at Austin, investigating dendritic signaling in Fragile X syndrome. His doctoral research at the University of Zurich explored dendritic NMDA spikes in hippocampal associative plasticity.
Research Interest
Prof. Brandalise specializes in neurophysiology, synaptic plasticity, and dendritic integration. His work focuses on understanding neural circuit mechanisms in learning and memory, the role of dendritic nonlinearities in cortical processing, and the implications of voltage-gated ion channels in neurodevelopmental disorders and glioblastoma stem cells.
Top Noted Publication
Dendritic NMDA spikes are necessary for timing-dependent associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells
- Nature Communications (2016) – Citations: 95
Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber‐CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild‐Type Mice
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2017) – Citations: 82
Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2019) – Citations: 81
NR2A subunit of NMDA receptors is required for potentiation at the mossy fiber to granule cell synapse and vestibulo-cerebellar motor learning
- Neuroscience (2011) – Citations: 57
Dietary Supplementation of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom and Spatial Memory in Wild-Type Mice
- International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms (2018) – Citations: 51
Conclusion
Prof. Federico Brandalise is an exceptional researcher with strong credentials in synaptic physiology, neuroplasticity, and glioblastoma research. His high-impact publications, international experience, and recognition through prestigious fellowships and awards make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. To further strengthen his candidacy, he could expand his clinical impact, interdisciplinary collaborations, and leadership roles in international research networks.