Dirigente di Ricerca, CNR-Istituto Analisi dei Sistemi e Informatica, Italy
Dr. Cinzia Volonté is a distinguished neuroscientist and expert in microglia, currently ranked among the top 0.073% of global experts in the field. Her exceptional career includes being named a top Italian scientist in neurosciences and holding several prestigious appointments, including EU Expert and ANVUR GEV Expert Evaluator. 🌟
Publication Profile
Scopus
Strengths for the Award
- Distinguished Research Record:Dr. Volonté has a robust publication record with 141 total publications and high citation metrics (h-Index of 49 on Google Scholar, 43 on Web of Science, and 44 on Scopus). Her research in microglia and neurodegeneration is highly influential, reflected in her ranking as a top expert in the field and significant citations.
- Leadership and Recognition:She holds prominent positions, such as Research Director at CNR and Director of the Cellular Neurobiology Unit, indicating strong leadership and a long-standing commitment to her field.Her accolades include being ranked among the top Italian scientists in neurosciences and being nominated as an EU Expert, which underscores her recognition in the scientific community.
- Innovative Research Focus:Dr. Volonté’s research on purinergic and histaminergic signaling in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and MS is cutting-edge. Her work involves developing novel therapeutic strategies, showcasing her contribution to advancing treatment options.
- Editorial and Evaluation Roles:Her extensive involvement in editorial boards and as a project evaluator highlights her influence and the trust placed in her expertise by various scientific and funding bodies.
- Patent Contributions:Dr. Volonté holds patents related to the prevention of cerebral ischemia and cytotoxicity, reflecting her practical impact on applied research and therapeutic development.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Impact and Interdisciplinary Work:While Dr. Volonté’s work is highly specialized, expanding her research to interdisciplinary fields or more diverse areas of neuroscience could enhance her impact and applicability across different scientific and medical domains.
- Public Engagement and Outreach:Increasing efforts in public science communication and outreach could help in making her research more accessible to a broader audience, including non-specialists and policymakers.
- Collaborative Research Initiatives:Building more collaborative projects with researchers outside her primary field of expertise could lead to new insights and innovations, fostering interdisciplinary approaches.
Education
Dr. Volonté earned her qualifications as a Full Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from MIUR ASN-DD in 2013. Her academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to the fields of neuroscience and molecular biology. 🎓
Experience
Dr. Volonté has extensive experience as a Project Evaluator for various international research agencies, including the European Science Foundation and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. She has served as a scientific committee member and organizer for multiple conferences and has been involved in editorial responsibilities for leading journals. 🧠
Research Focus
Her research delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in ALS and MS. Dr. Volonté is particularly focused on purinergic and histaminergic signaling pathways, aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies using advanced models and cell cultures. 🔬
Awards and Honours
Dr. Volonté has received several notable awards, including the Luca Barone Award from the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in 1984 and 1983. She was also honored with the Young Scientist Lectureship Award by the International Society for Neurochemistry in 1993. 🏆
Publication Top Notes
Skaper SD, Volonté C. MiRNAcles in the Brain: What to Wish and What to Fear. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets., 14(2), 155-156 (2015). DOI: 10.2174/187152731402150305113941
Volonté C, Apolloni S, Parisi C. MicroRNAs: Newcomers into the ALS Picture. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets., 14(2), 194-207 (2015). DOI: 10.2174/1871527314666150116125506
Volonté C, Parisi C, Apolloni S. New kid on the block: Does histamine get along with inflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets., 14(5), 677-86 (2015). DOI: 10.2174/1871527314666150225143921
Conclusion
Dr. Cinzia Volonté is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Research Award due to her significant contributions to neuroscience, particularly in understanding neurodegeneration and developing novel therapeutic approaches. Her extensive publication record, high citation metrics, and leadership roles reflect her exceptional expertise and influence in her field. While there are opportunities to enhance the broader impact of her work and increase public engagement, her accomplishments and ongoing research make her a strong contender for this prestigious award.