I am Professor of Genetics at Bologna University and I have a broad background in biology, molecular genetics and the genetic basis of monogenic and complex disorders. My early reseach focussed on the identification of the genes responsible for several monogenic human disorders (Emery-Dreifuss Muscolar Dystrophy, Barth Syndrome, Vohwinkel’s syndrome), but my main research interest has been the investigation of the genetic basis of autism and related disorders, collaborating in different European and international consortia (IMGSAC, Autism Genome Project). I have been particularly interested in investigating the genomic architecture of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the identification of susceptibility genes and molecular pathways, and characterisation of genetic variants with a pathological role. During my career I have been a PI or co-investigator in several grants funded by Telethon, EC, the Italian Health Ministery and I have authored 80 peer-reviewed scientific articles (H index 44). At Bologna University I also conduct an intensive teaching activity at undergraduate and graduate level, and I have been the supervisor of several PhD students and postdoctoral fellows.
