Choosing a research environment closely integrated with the clinical world

Giuseppe Barisano is a neuroimaging researcher and incoming Assistant Professor at Karolinska Institutet, where he will join the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society in November 2026. Originally from Italy and currently based at Stanford University, his research combines neuroimaging and multi-omics to better understand neurodegenerative diseases.

Portrait in front of a tree trunk.
Giuseppe Barisano will start his position as an assistant professor at KI in the autumn of 2026. Photo: N/A

Driven by a lifelong curiosity about how the human body works, he focuses on detecting early damage in the brain’s smallest blood vessels – aiming to uncover mechanisms that could enable earlier diagnosis and new treatment strategies. 

What made you decide to join KI?
"KI’s strong reputation attracted me, but the deciding factors were the supportive research environment and generous startup package, enabling me to launch my work immediately. Combined with Sweden’s family-friendly culture, it offers a sustainable balance between world-class research and personal life that you don't always find in high-level academia."

How did you experience the recruitment process at KI?
"I was very impressed by the recruitment process at KI. Communication was clear and professional, and the team was exceptionally kind and supportive. It felt personal and welcoming, giving me confidence that KI truly values and supports its staff from the very start."

What strengths do you see in KI’s research environment?
"Having immediate access to cutting-edge technology and expert support from core facilities allows us to move much faster than we could in a more isolated environment. This is perfectly complemented by the seamless access to the Karolinska University Hospital and clinical data. For my work on brain vasculature, being able to bridge the gap between basic research and real-world clinical data is an invaluable strength."

What makes KI an attractive place for you as a researcher?
"The most compelling aspect for me is the strong clinical orientation. Being so closely integrated with the clinical world means that my research has a clear, direct pathway toward patient impact.  Furthermore, the impression that I have so far is that there is a good collaborative spirit; there is a genuine culture of openness where high-level experts from different disciplines are eager to work together."

Personal facts

Name: Giuseppe Barisano

Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS)

Research area: Neuroimaging and multi-omics in the context of neurodegenerative disorders

Starting date as Assistant Professor: 9 November 2026

Previous workplace(s): Stanford University (US)