University of Pisa, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Education summary
1988-1992 - Specialisation in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Pisa
1986-1989 - PhD in Neurological and Neurosensorial Sciences, University of Pisa
1980 – 1984 - Specialisation in Neurology, University of Pisa
1974-1980 - Degree in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa
Career summary
2016-present - Full Professor, SSD MED/26, Neurology, Dep. Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa
2001-2016 - Associate Professor, SSD MED/26, Neurology, University of Pisa
1997 - 2001 - Researcher, Department of Neuroscience, University of Pisa
1993 - 1997 - Neurologist Assistant Register, SSD MED/26, Neurology, University of Pisa
1991 - 1993 - Post doc fellow, University of Ancona
What is the personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?
For over four decades I have dedicated my career to the care of patients with neuromuscular disorders and to our collective understanding of these diseases.
I currently serve as a Full Professor of Neurology at the University of Pisa, where I chair the Neurology Residency Programme and lead the Neurological Clinic. In parallel, I hold the position of Chair of Neurology at Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana and coordinate the Italian National Reference Centre within the Euro-NMD European Reference Network for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases. These roles
have given me the privilege of participating and coordinating numerous international research projects, both publicly funded and industry-sponsored, fostering translational research and the development of iinnovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
My scientific contributions span a wide spectrum of neuromuscular disorders, including dystrophies, mitochondrial diseases, neuropathies, and motor neuron diseases. I have always sought to integrate clinical, molecular, and therapeutic perspectives, contributing to clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and translational research. To date, I have authored more than 600 peer-reviewed publications with over 20,000 citations. Over the years, I have coordinated national networks and established a web-based registry for mitochondrial diseases that currently includes more than 1,400 patients, a resource that has enhanced both scientific output and patient care.
Alongside my research activity, I have actively contributed to scientific societies at both national and international levels. Between 2015 and 2018, I was President of the Italian Association of Myology (AIM), and I remain an active member of its Board. Within the European Academy of Neurology, I served as Chair of the Scientific Panel on Muscle Disorders and I am currently a member of the Programme
Committee for its annual congresses. These experiences, together with my participation as speaker and chair in numerous international meetings, have allowed me to promote scientific dialogue and collaboration across communities.
Why did you first join the WMS?
The mission of the World Muscle Society—promoting knowledge, education, inclusivity, and international collaboration in the neuromuscular field, deeply resonates with my personal and professional vision. Having previously contributed to the organisation of the 2007 WMS Congress in Italy, I am now a member of the Sustainability Committee.
What is your goal in joining the Executive Board?
I strongly believe I can now serve the Society in a broader role. If elected, I would be particularly committed to:
- expanding educational initiatives in Italy and the Mediterranean region, in close connection with WMS committees;
- supporting registries and collaborative infrastructures as a model for international sharing;
- enhancing opportunities for young researchers, clinicians, and allied professionals to take an active part in the Society’s life;
- fostering bridges between WMS, AIM, and European networks such as ERN-Euro-NMD.
I would be truly honoured to contribute my experience, energy, and vision to the WMS Board, working together with colleagues from all over the world to advance our shared mission and to continue building an inclusive and forward-looking neuromuscular community.
