Senior Researcher at University of Pisa, Italy
Graziella Orrù is a Senior Researcher at the University of Pisa, specializing in neuropsychology, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), neurorehabilitation, and machine learning. She holds a Ph.D. in Geriatrics Sciences and has received extensive training in clinical psychology, cognitive psychotherapy, and neuropsychology. Throughout her career, she has worked internationally, including at prestigious institutions like King’s College and UCL in the UK, and has made significant contributions to the fields of neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation. Graziella has been recognized with the International Award for Journalism, Social Care, and the Diffusion of Scientific Information for her work in promoting research and human rights. She is an Associate Editor for the Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal and is registered as a Clinical Psychologist both in Italy and the UK. Her research continues to influence the academic community, particularly in the areas of NIBS, cognitive therapy, and machine learning.
Professional Profile
Education
Graziella Orrù’s educational journey is marked by a strong foundation in clinical psychology and neuropsychology. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2002, followed by a post-Master’s Degree in Neuropsychology in 2010. She completed her Ph.D. in Geriatrics Sciences at the University of Padua in 2010 and also obtained a specialization in Cognitive Psychotherapy in the same year. Her academic path includes further post-doctorate training and habilitation at Istituto Berna, as well as a four-year specialization program. These qualifications have equipped Graziella with a robust academic and clinical background, fostering her expertise in both research and therapeutic practices in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation.
Professional Experience
Graziella Orrù has an extensive and diverse professional experience in both research and clinical practice. She currently serves as a Senior Researcher at the University of Pisa, where she leads research initiatives in neuropsychology, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), and neurorehabilitation. Prior to this, she worked internationally in the UK, holding positions at prestigious institutions such as King’s College and UCL, and collaborating with organizations like The Disability Trust in Cambridge and CHT-London. Her work has focused on the application of advanced techniques such as tDCS and machine learning in clinical settings. In addition to her research, Graziella is a registered Clinical Psychologist in both Italy and the UK, and she has made significant contributions to the field of cognitive psychotherapy. She also serves as an Associate Editor for the Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal, reflecting her leadership and involvement in the scientific community.
Research Interest
Graziella Orrù’s research interests lie at the intersection of neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation, and advanced technological methods. She is particularly focused on non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), especially transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), exploring its applications in improving cognitive functions and neurorehabilitation. Graziella is also deeply engaged in neuropsychology, studying the effects of brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive impairments. Her work integrates innovative approaches such as machine learning to enhance research methodologies and improve therapeutic interventions. Additionally, she has a strong interest in cognitive
psychotherapy, combining it with her neuropsychological expertise to develop more effective treatment strategies for patients. Graziella’s research aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience and clinical practice, contributing to advancements in cognitive rehabilitation and mental health care.
Award and Honor
Graziella Orrù has received notable recognition for her contributions to research and social impact. In October 2013, she was awarded the International Award for Journalism, Social Care, Promotion of Human Rights, Communication, Research, and Diffusion of Scientific Information as part of the 5th edition of the International Award “Don Luigi di Liegro” in Rome. This prestigious honor highlighted her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting human rights through her research and communication efforts. Her award reflects not only her academic achievements but also her commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding, particularly in the fields of neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Graziella Orrù is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her multi-disciplinary expertise, outstanding international contributions, and leadership in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation position her as an influential figure in the scientific community. To enhance her candidacy, focusing on improving public outreach, increasing inter-field collaborations, and making research more accessible would elevate her work even further.
Publications Top Noted
- Title: Parents’ dispositional mindfulness and child behavior: The mediating role of the child dispositional mindfulness
Authors: Levantini, V., Matiz, A., Ciacchini, R., Conversano, C., Muratori, P.
Year: 2025
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: About Distress in Chronic Pain Conditions: A Pre–Post Study on the Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Fibromyalgia and Low Back Pain Patients
Authors: Ciacchini, R., Conversano, C., Orrù, G., Gemignani, A., Crescentini, C.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: Interoceptive Ability and Emotion Regulation in Mind–Body Interventions: An Integrative Review
Authors: Lazzarelli, A., Scafuto, F., Crescentini, C., Gemignani, A., Conversano, C.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: Challenging large language models’ “intelligence” with human tools: A neuropsychological investigation in Italian language on prefrontal functioning
Authors: Loconte, R., Orrù, G., Tribastone, M., Pietrini, P., Sartori, G.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: Large Language Models and cognitive psychology. Answers to the comments | I LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS E LA PSICOLOGIA COGNITIVA. RISPOSTE AI COMMENTI
Authors: Orrù, G., Sartori, E.G.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: Large Language Models and cognitive psychology | I LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS E LA PSICOLOGIA COGNITIVA
Authors: Sartori, G., Orrù, G.
Year: 2024
Citation: 8 citations
- Title: Is Interoception Deficit Linking Alexithymia and Eating Spectrum Symptoms? Study on a Non-Clinical Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Miniati, M., Lippi, M., Palagini, L., Gemignani, A., Perugi, G.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: USING MACHINE LEARNING FOR EARLY ALZHEIMER’S DETECTION IN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
Authors: Graziella, O., Andrea, P., Conversano, C., Gemignani, A.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: Exploring the therapeutic potential of tDCS, TMS and DBS in overcoming tobacco use disorder: an umbrella review
Authors: Orrù, G., Baroni, M., Conversano, C., Gemignani, A.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
- Title: The effects of right temporoparietal junction stimulation on embodiment, presence, and performance in teleoperation
Authors: Cesari, V., Orrù, G., Piarulli, A., Gemignani, A., Menicucci, D.
Year: 2024
Citation: 0 citations
