Francesca Saviola is currently a post-doctoral fellow at MIP:lab working with advanced functional brain and spinal cord imaging.

Current research

I am a neuroscientist with a deep interest in neural dynamics. My research focuses on functional imaging, time series analysis, and brain metabolism, particularly regarding functional brain connectivity and its relevance to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Currently, I aim to enhance our understanding of neural interactions between the brain and spinal cord by developing functional conductivity and high-resolution functional spectroscopic imaging within an advanced connectomics framework, applicable to both healthy individuals and clinical populations.

Background

Previously, I worked at the University of Brescia’s Department of Neuroradiology with Prof. Roberto Gasparotti and Dr. Daniele Corbo. I completed my PhD in Cognitive and Brain Science at the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, where I explored challenges and opportunities in human brain functional connectivity under the supervision of Prof. Jorge Jovicich. I also spent part of my PhD at Roehampton University under the supervision of Prof. Paul Allen.

My fascination with neural dynamics began in 2021 during visits to MIP:lab, supported by the ISMRM Exchange grant. I hold a degree in Cognitive Sciences from the University of Trento and previously earned a clinical Bachelor’s in Psychiatric Rehabilitation from the University of Milan. My master’s thesis and early research were guided by Prof. Jorge Jovicich in collaboration with several esteemed cognitive and clinical scientists, including Prof. Silvio Sarubbo, Prof. Olivier Collignon, Prof. Nicola De Pisapia, and Prof. Paolo Brambilla. In recognition of my contributions to research, I received the “Ilenia Graziola” award from FBK and the University of Trento in 2018 for young researchers.