Silvi De Santis

My principal research interest is the use of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to explore the local microstructure in complex media. I have experience in investigating the biological substrates underpinning MRI contrast in a variety of different environments, ranging from porous material to the central nervous system. Two adjectives that well describe my scientific profile are multidisciplinary and translational: my background as a physicist (model developer) has been enriched with substantial experience in biology (rodent models of alcohol consumption, correspondence between imaging biomarkers and histology) and medicine (imaging of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, PET contrast). In addition, I have experience in translating validated preclinical results into human protocols. At present, I am an independent researcher & group leader in the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, where I also teach in the neuroscience master program. Current research projects cover the issue of tissue modelling in grey matter, the mechanisms of neuroinflammation, the gender dimension in ageing and the inflammatory pathology in early multiple sclerosis patients.