Presentation
The Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA) brings together preclinical, clinical, and psychological expertise dedicated to the study of health across the entire lifespan. Its multidisciplinary structure integrates neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, nutraceuticals, and medical sciences, fostering dialogue between basic research, clinical research, and healthcare practice.
For the period 2023–2027, NEUROFARBA has been recognized as a Department of Excellence, achieving the highest score in the standardized indicator of departmental performance. The project, funded with more than €9 million, is dedicated to developing innovative therapies and diagnostic tools to address frailty at the extremes of life, from childhood to old age.
Teaching
Education is one of the core pillars of the Department’s activities. NEUROFARBA contributes to degree programmes, specialization schools, doctoral programmes, advanced training courses, continuing education programmes, and master's programmes, bringing together diverse yet closely interconnected expertise.
Teaching activities promote up-to-date technical and specialized knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to assess the quality of information, also through laboratory experiences. Particular attention is devoted to participatory and cooperative learning methods, the informed use of digital tools, and lifelong learning, in order to train professionals capable of addressing the evolving landscape of research, clinical practice, and the labour market, while upholding the ethical and civic responsibilities inherent to health-related disciplines.
Research
NEUROFARBA’s research is founded on the integration of diverse scientific expertise and on translating experimental findings into tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Research activities include the study of neurological, psychological, and pediatric diseases; the design and evaluation of novel bioactive compounds; pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology; cognitive neuroscience; nutraceuticals; and the development of human cellular and molecular models and biotechnological tools.
The Department collaborates with universities, research institutions, healthcare facilities, and public and private organizations. It also serves as the administrative headquarters of the Interdepartmental Center for Biomedical Imaging Research and the Center for Laboratory Animal Housing Services.
The network of joint laboratories includes the Perinatal Research Laboratory, the laboratory dedicated to protocols and outcome measures in rehabilitation medicine, and the Sleep Laboratory. These collaborations promote the sharing of expertise, infrastructure, and methodologies among the Department, healthcare institutions, and other partners.
Third Mission
NEUROFARBA promotes the valorization of research outcomes and makes them available to society through technology transfer, intellectual property protection, clinical trials, professional training, science communication, and community engagement.
Public lectures, initiatives for schools and families, and collaborations with institutions, associations, and companies foster dialogue between the university and the local community, contributing to the dissemination of reliable scientific knowledge on health-related topics.
The Department’s activities in teaching, research, and third mission also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, with particular reference to health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, innovation, responsible consumption, climate action, and the development of lasting partnerships.
Within this framework, the Department regards scientific knowledge as a common good and directs its activities toward achieving a tangible impact on quality of life and the sustainable development of society.
Last update
18.09.2026