A computational approach to translational neuroscience

Traumatic injuries and diseases of the motor system affect millions of people worldwide. Only in Europe approximately 3 million people are affected by the consequences of spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis, for a total estimated healthcare cost of 45 billion euros per year. Treatments for these conditions are needed to ease both their growing economic and societal impact. Recent advances in neurotechnologies and brain machine interfaces have prompted promising results in laboratory settings. However, none of these approaches translated into actual clinical solutions to motor paralysis. Specifically, the scarce knowledge on the mechanisms of neural control of movement hinder the design of effective neurotechnologies thus limiting their usability for people with severe disabilities. Here present a computational and technological framework to understand how damaged neural circuits can use electrical stimulation inputs for correcting aberrant motor behaviors. I will then show how to use this knowledge to design and test novel neurotechnologies enhancing motor recovery after paralysis.
 
Bio
My main interest is the understanding of the neural control of movement with a focus on translational applications in motor disorders. I have a background in applied physics and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, in Pisa. Since my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Silvestro Micera, and during my Post-Doc at EPFL hosted by Prof. Gregoire Courtine I have worked towards the definition of a computational framework for the design of neuroprosthetics. My models revealed the neural targets of epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord (Journal of Neuroscience., Neuron) and currently represent the generally accepted model of epidural stimulation by the international community. I have then translated the concepts that my models outlined in rats to Rhesus monkeys and developed a technology that linked motor related signals from the brain to stimulation protocols applied at the lumbar spinal cord. These protocols and technologies restored locomotion in monkeys with spinal cord injury as early as 6 days after lesion (Nature). In 2016 I obtained a SNSF Ambizione grant at the University of Fribourg where I established an advanced experimental platform for motor neuroscience in nonhuman primates. I am currently developing Brain Computer Interfaces and electrical stimulation strategies for the recovery of arm and hand movements after spinal cord injury. Ultimately, I love science.

Video transmission using zoom : https://epfl.zoom.us/j/9946495775