Gaia Novarino is a professor of Institute of Science and Technology, Klosterneuburg, Austria. Novarino’s research aims to study genes underlying inherited forms of neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism. Her group employs many different techniques, from molecular biology to behaviour, to identify common pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this group of disorders.

Recent advancements in the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research have uncovered an array of genes associated with the risk of developing this complex condition, shedding light on crucial biological pathways. Despite this progress, critical questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the mechanisms through which genetic mutations translate into ASD and the reasons behind the phenotypic similarity across different genetic forms of the disorder. Addressing these questions is not only pivotal for ASD understanding but can also unravel fundamental principles of brain function and development.

Professor Gaia Novarino holds a plethora of prestigious awards and grants, including the ERC grant and the Boehringer Ingelheim FENS Research Award.