Start date: 20261111

End date: 20261111

Location: Aula Volta | University of Pavia, Italy

The Italian Society for Neuroscience (SINS) is pleased to present the second workshop of the Dialogues on Brain Health series, continuing our commitment to fostering cutting-edge knowledge, interdisciplinary dialogue, and innovation in neurological and mental health.

This second appointment, titled “Neuroimmune Interaction: Bridging Neuroscience and Immunology”, will take place on November 11, 2026, at the historic Aula Volta of the University of Pavia.

Once considered an immune-privileged organ isolated from peripheral immunity, the brain is now understood to exist in a constant, dynamic dialogue with the immune system. This workshop explores the complex neuroimmune crosstalk that regulates central nervous system homeostasis, functioning, and disease trajectory.

Bringing together leading national and international experts, the scientific program delves into the pivotal role of immune mechanisms across a broad spectrum of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Topics will range from fundamental mechanisms at brain borders and neuroinflammatory pathways to practical translational insights into autoimmune encephalitis, mood disorders, epilepsy, peripheral nervous system conditions, and movement disorders. Deciphering these neuroimmune interactions is essential to uncovering novel therapeutic targets, improving biomarkers for early diagnosis, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

As with our inaugural event, the program features a 2-hour Poster Session (accompanied by a light lunch), offering young researchers an invaluable opportunity to showcase their work, build networks, and engage directly with established leaders in the field.

The SINS Committee for Education and Training

PROGRAM

9:30 Registration of Participants
10:00 Introduction of the Workshop and greetings from the authorities
10:15 The neuroimmune interactionPlenary LectureMichela Matteoli
11:00 The evolving landscape of autoimmune encephalitisMatteo Gastaldi
11:30 Discussion
11:40 Inflammatory synaptopathy in mood disordersDiego Centonze
12:10 Discussion
12:20 Poster SessionLight lunch included
14:20 Inflammatory mechanisms in epilepsyLaura Librizzi
14:50 Discussion
15:00 Dissecting T cell immunity in PNS diseasesDaniela Latorre
15:30 Discussion
15:40 The role of the immune system in movement disordersMaura Malpetti
16:10 Discussion
16:20 Brain borders and immunityGabriela Constantin
16:50 Discussion
17:00 Closing of the Workshop

SPEAKERS

Diego Centonze
University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Gabriela Constantin
University of Verona, Verona, Italy
Matteo Gastaldi
IRCCS Mondino Foundation National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
Daniela Latorre
IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute & Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
Laura Librizzi
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
Maura Malpetti
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Michela Matteoli
Humanitas University & Neuro Center at IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy

CALL FOR ABSTRACT

The workshop program will include a 2-hour poster session, giving young researchers the chance to present their work and engage with peers and experts in the field.
Abstracts for the poster session will be selected through a Call for Abstracts, open to all eligible researchers interested in presenting their work.

How to submit your Abstract

Abstracts must be submitted according to the Instructions for Authors, using the Online Submission System.
Instructions for AuthorsOnline Submission System
Proposals should include the following information:
  • Full Name, Affiliation, e-mail address of the Author(s) (specifying the presenting Author)
  • Abstract’s Title (max 25 words)
  • Abstract’s Text (max 300 words)
Abstract submission will close at midnight on October 12, 2026.
Acceptance of the abstracts will be announced by October 30, 2026.

Assessment

Abstracts will be evaluated by the SINS Committee for Education and Training. Evaluators will be assigned to abstracts according to their expertise. Novelty, quality, relevance and clarity of the abstract will be evaluated.
For further information on Abstract submission, please contact the SINS Secretariat via email at segreteria@sins.it or by phone at 030 2051594.

REGISTRATION

Registration for the workshop will open soon.
All details on fees, deadlines and how to register will be published shortly. Stay tuned!

LOCATION

Aula Volta
University of Pavia
Corso Strada Nuova, 65 – 27100 Pavia (PV), Italy

Get Directions

The workshop will be hosted in the Aula Volta, one of the historic lecture halls inside the main building of the University of Pavia, one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1361.
Built in 1787 and designed by architect Leopoldo Pollack, the hall takes inspiration from Palladio’s Teatro Olimpico and was originally built for Alessandro Volta’s own physics lectures, drawing large crowds of students during his years teaching in Pavia.
Pavia is a historic university town in Lombardy, on the banks of the Ticino river, known for its medieval towers, the covered bridge over the river, and its lively academic atmosphere.

Past events