The Italian Roberta De Zio is also part of the Nobel team for Medicine Hegemann

Roberta De Zio, an Italian researcher at the University of Bari, has collaborated with Nobel laureate Peter Hegemann on optogenetics research. This technique, which earned Hegemann and others the 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine, allows for the control of electrical activity in specific cells using light. De Zio's work, part of an international study published in Science Advances, highlights the potential for advancements in neuroscience and cardiovascular research. The University of Bari has invested in optogenetics technology to enhance interdisciplinary research capabilities. De Zio's training included significant experience in Germany, contributing to her expertise in this field.