Dr. Maurizio Corbetta stands as a preeminent figure in contemporary neuroscience, renowned for his transformative contributions to understanding brain networks and attention mechanisms. He currently serves as Full Professor and Chair of Neurology in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Padova, Italy, where he has held this distinguished position since October 2016. As the founding director of the Padua Neuroscience Center, he has established a highly interdisciplinary research program centered on brain networks in health and society. Prior to his appointment in Padova, Dr. Corbetta held multiple prestigious positions at Washington University School of Medicine, including Norman J. Stupp Professor of Neurology, Professor of Radiology, Anatomy and Neurobiology, and Bioengineering, while serving as Chief of the Division of Neuro-Rehabilitation and Director of Neurological Rehabilitation from 2001 to 2016.
Dr. Corbetta's pioneering research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of attentional systems in the human brain through his discovery of the dorsal and ventral attention networks, a breakthrough that has been cited more than 5,000 times in the scientific literature. His pathogenetic model of hemispatial neglect following focal brain injury represents a significant advance in clinical neuroscience, providing crucial insights into the physiological correlates of neurological syndromes. He has developed innovative brain imaging methodologies that combine functional connectivity MRI, magneto-encephalography, and electro-corticography to study the functional organization of the brain with unprecedented precision. His work on the relationship between structural damage, altered physiology, and behavioral deficits following stroke has revealed the low dimensionality of post-stroke neurological impairments, challenging traditional neuropsychological approaches that emphasize modular brain organization.
Recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher by Thompson Reuter for his position in the top 1% of citations in his field, Dr. Corbetta maintains an impressive H-index of 62 according to Scopus, reflecting his substantial scholarly impact. His research program continues to push boundaries by investigating the effects of focal injuries on brain network organization with particular emphasis on potential applications for neuromodulation therapies. Dr. Corbetta's interdisciplinary approach integrates brain imaging, computational modeling, and clinical studies to advance both theoretical understanding and practical applications in neurology. As director of the Padua Neuroscience Center, he is cultivating the next generation of neuroscientists while expanding the frontiers of knowledge on how brain networks support cognition and how they can be restored following injury.
