Joint Laboratory for Research, Education and Innovation of the DINOGMI and DIMES Departments, University of Genoa
The HUMAN NEUROTECHNOLOGY JOINT LAB (HN Joint Lab) is the joint Laboratory for Research, Education and Innovation established by the DINOGMI and DIMES Departments of the University of Genoa. It was created to develop innovative methodologies and technologies for the study of the human nervous system and their application to neurorehabilitation. Bringing together expertise in neuroscience, physiology, biomedical engineering and experimental medicine, the HN Joint Lab provides an interdisciplinary environment where fundamental research, technological innovation and clinical translation converge to advance neurotechnology and neurorehabilitation.
The HN Joint Lab represents a collaborative model between two Departments with complementary expertise, establishing a shared platform for research, education and innovation that supports the development of cutting-edge technologies, fosters the training of young researchers and accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
About the Lab
The HN Joint Lab promotes scientific research, undergraduate and postgraduate education, technological innovation and knowledge transfer in neuroscience and neurotechnology through close interaction between clinical, engineering and experimental disciplines.
Mission
Its mission is to develop advanced methodologies and technologies to investigate human brain function, sensorimotor control and neuroplasticity, supporting innovative diagnostic and neurorehabilitation strategies.
Research Areas
Neuroimaging and multimodal data analysis
Development of innovative methods for acquiring, processing and integrating neuroimaging, neurophysiological and motor behavior data.
Sensorimotor integration and neuroplasticity
Investigation of the mechanisms underlying sensorimotor integration and learning processes through innovative protocols, including approaches based on neurofeedback and augmented virtual reality with proprioceptive inputs.
Translational neurorehabilitation
Development and validation of innovative technologies, methodologies and protocols to facilitate the translation of research findings into applications for rehabilitation in neurological disorders, with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis.
Technology Platform
The HN Joint Lab hosts an integrated technology platform including functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), wearable inertial motion analysis systems, devices for hand function assessment, neurofeedback and biofeedback platforms, immersive and augmented virtual reality systems with visual and proprioceptive stimulation, proprioceptive stimulation systems, and advanced tools for the quantitative assessment of motor performance based on infrared motion capture systems.
Education
The HN Joint Lab provides an interdisciplinary environment for the education and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Medical and Engineering Schools, medical residents, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows and early-career scientists, fostering collaborative research projects, undergraduate and postgraduate theses, internships, and national and international collaborations.
Heads
Prof. Laura Bonzano (DINOGMI)
Prof. Marco Bove (DIMES)
Staff
Ambra Bisio
Monica Biggio
Costanza Iester
Francesco Mirabelli
Locations
DINOGMI – Building 3 (rooms II.007 and F.91)
DIMES – Building 11 (room T.018)
Scientific Network
The HN Joint Lab maintains an active network of scientific collaborations with researchers and research groups in Italy and abroad working in the fields of neuroscience, physiology, neuroimaging, motor control, biomedical engineering and neurorehabilitation.
National Collaborations
- Prof. Giampaolo Brichetto
neuroBRITE Research Center, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation - Prof. Davide Cattaneo
Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan; IRCCS Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy - Prof. Sabrina Brigadoi and Prof. Simone Cutini
Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Italy - Prof. Francesca Garbarini
Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
International Collaborations
- Prof. Charalambos Papaxanthis
INSERM U1093 CAPS, Université Bourgogne Europe, Dijon, France - Prof. Marco Santello
School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA - Prof. Michael Vesia
School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA