Genova, European Capital of Neuroscience: €114 Million for the Mnesys Project

Genova once again confirms its leading role at the European level in the field of scientific research, strengthening its position alongside the sports and technology sectors.

Launched in 2022, Mnesys is now one of the most ambitious programs in the European neuroscience landscape. The initiative involves around 90 organizations, including 25 founding partners — among them 7 universities — and more than 800 researchers who have been working for four years on the study of the nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases.

The project has received total funding of €114.7 million from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) through resources from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), confirming the strategic importance of the initiative at both national and European levels.

Founded in Genova, Mnesys places particular emphasis on the contribution of younger generations: a significant share of the researchers involved are young professionals, demonstrating the city’s ability to attract and develop highly qualified human capital.

The program’s goal is to deepen knowledge of the nervous system, its diseases, and possible therapies. This commitment is especially significant considering that in Italy one person out of four is over the age of 65, while Liguria holds the record as the oldest region in Europe, with a consequent increase in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases.

In this context, Mnesys stands out as one of Europe’s leading research initiatives for the development of innovative healthcare solutions.

The project has also achieved a significant milestone from a management perspective: it is among the few programs funded by the PNRR to have fully met its deadlines, successfully allocating 100% of the assigned resources. This achievement, certified by the Ministry, strengthens the credibility and effectiveness of the organizational model developed in Genova under the leadership of Enrico Castanini, Director General of Liguria Digitale.

With Mnesys, Genova further consolidates its role as a European hub for advanced research, confirming itself as an attractive territory for investment, innovation, and talent.

Written by Aurora Galletto and Irene Bellotto.