SCIENTIFIC CV 1985: degree in Medicine with honours, University of Pavia (studies in the Collegio Ghislieri). 1989: specialization in Neurology with honours, University of Pavia. 1989: Department of Physiology, University of Liverpool with Prof. John Garthwaite 1990: University Researcher. Institute of General Physiology, University of Pavia 1991: Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Oslo with Prof Per Andersen 1998: Associate Professor of Physiology. Teaching Physiology, Neurobiology and Neuroscience. 2006. Full Professor of Physiology, University of Pavia. Teaching Physiology (Faculty of Pharmacy), Neurobiology and Neuroscience (Faculty of Sciences). THE RESEARCH We are investigating the synaptic properties of the mossy fiber − granule cell synapse of cerebellum, with particular regard to the functional role of NMDA receptors. NMDA receptors regulate synaptic excitation and induce long term synaptic plasticity. Moreover, we are investigating inhibitory GABAergic connections and Golgi cell intrinsic electroresponsiveness. Other research lines concern voltage − dependent channels (calcium, sodium potassium) and their impact on the excitable response. Calcium dynamics are investigated with imaging techniques, and in vivo recordings from the granular layer are used to better understand the cellular implications of neuronal functions at the system level. To this aim, granular layer functions are also investigated by using mathematical models, with particular concern for information transfer and signal coding. Recently we have developed a multi−electrode array (MEA) and fast imaging system with voltage−sensitive dyes for investigating spatio−temporal dynamics of excitation and plasticity in cerebellar slices. In add