Gilberto Fisone's Visit to the Donders Institute Highlights the Future of Neurotechnology
The Donders Institute had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Gilberto Fisone from Karolinska Institutet as a keynote speaker of the Donders Discussions. Fisone, a renowned figure in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease, shared his insights into his work on the brain's complex networks and the potential of neurotechnology to improve clinical treatments.
Fisone's visit coincided with the Donders Discussions, an annual event that brings together researchers from various disciplines to discuss cutting-edge developments in neuroscience. The event's theme, "Empowering Connections: From Neurons to Society," resonated strongly with Fisone's research. His focus on understanding the intracellular mechanism and neural circuits that underlie cognitive, affective and motor functions aligns perfectly with the event’s mission to bridge the gap between fundamental neuroscience and societal impact.
The Donders Discussions, which serve as a platform for early-career researchers, has become a highlight in the academic calendar. This year, with NeurotechEU as one of the sponsors, the event also placed special emphasis on the growing role of technology in advancing neuroscience.
Parkinson’s at the cellular and molecular level
Gilberto Fisone studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease. He is chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, home to approximately 200 researchers across more than 30 research groups, studying the molecular organization and cellular connectivity of the nervous system, to provide basic information for the development of therapeutic approaches.
At the Donders Institute, Fisone presented his work on Parkinson's disease, highlighting how his team developed animal models to study the complex symptomatology of this disorder.
One of the challenges in Parkinson's treatment is that traditional interventions, such as levodopa, have been developed to primarily address the cardinal motor symptoms - tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. Fisone’s work delves into the more complex non-motor symptoms like sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment, which affect a large proportion of patients and are less effectively managed by current therapies. His research aims to provide a holistic understanding of the disorder, exploring how therapeutic strategies can be designed to counteract these broader symptoms.
NeurotechEU: fostering a culture of collaboration
NeurotechEU is a European University initiative that promotes collaboration across borders, providing young scientists with opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and interdisciplinary research. Fisone underscored the importance this network: “The ability to expose students, PhD candidates, and postdocs to different research environments is invaluable. It allows them to engage with new ideas and approaches, which is critical for driving innovation.”
At Karolinska Institutet, NeurotechEU has made it easier for many neuroscientists to collaborate with other European research groups, expanding the scope and impact of their research. The initiative not only supports the development of new treatments but also promotes a broader understanding of neurological disorders across different fields, from molecular biology to computational neuroscience.
Fisone emphasised the importance of fundamental research for clinical applications. His work shows how an understanding of neuronal signaling and networks in experimental models can provide key information for the development of therapies that improve the quality of life for patients with neurodegenerative disorders. With the support of initiatives like NeurotechEU and platforms such as the Donders Discussions, the future of neuroscience is promising.