MORIONDO ANDREA

CURRICULUM VITAE ET STUDIORUM: PROF. ANDREA MORIONDO
Current Position and Scientific Qualifications Professor Andrea Moriondo is currently an Associate Professor of Physiology (Academic Discipline SSD BIO/09) within the Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation at the School of Medicine, University of Insubria. He has obtained the National Scientific Habilitation for first-tier teaching (Full Professor) for the Scientific Disciplinary Group 05/BIOS-06 (Physiology). Furthermore, he serves as the Chair of the Sports Science Degree Programme at the same institution.
Academic Background and Qualifications His educational background began with a Scientific High School Diploma from the Leone XIII Institute in Milan in 1989. In 1996, he earned his Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Milan, defending an experimental thesis on the direct effect of Gs protein alpha-subunits on L-type cardiac calcium channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.
In 2002, he was awarded a PhD in Neurobiology and Neurophysiology from the University of Ferrara. His doctoral dissertation investigated the physiological role of KCa channels in maintaining the dark potential of photoreceptors. He completed his advanced training with a period of study abroad (1997–1998) at Professor Peter McNaughton’s laboratory at King’s College London, specialising in the neurophysiology of nociceptors. He also holds numerous certifications for animal experimentation (categories A-B-C-D-F) and laboratory animal management.
Academic and Professional Career
• 2014 – present: Associate Professor of Physiology, University of Insubria.
• 2002 – 2014: University Researcher (SSD BIO/09), University of Insubria.
• 2001 – 2002: Research Fellowship recipient, Department of Biology, University of Ferrara.
• 1998 – 1999: Compulsory National Service (Civilian) at the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage in Milan.
• 1997: Post-graduate internship at Professor Antonio Peres's laboratory, University of Insubria.
Research Activities and Scientific Coordination Professor Moriondo’s scientific work is structured around several key research lines characterised by a biophysical and electrophysiological approach:
1. Physiology of the Lymphatic System: Researching the mechanics of lymph formation, the intrinsic and extrinsic contractility of lymphatic vessels, and the influence of intraluminal valves on flow.
2. Pulmonary Mechanics: Analysing ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and the role of the extracellular matrix (proteoglycans) in the pathophysiology of oedema.
3. Electrophysiology and Ion Channels: Investigating TRPV4 channels in the thermal modulation of the lymphatic pump, HCN channels in lymphatic pacemaking, and calcium-activated potassium channels in photoreceptors.
4. Biophysics of the Matrix: Studying the role of chondroitin sulphates as modifiers of voltage-dependent ion channel gating.
He has directed and coordinated various scientific projects, including international collaborations with World Athletics (focusing on environmental pollutants and respiratory performance) and interdisciplinary research groups developing low-cost devices for gait analysis. He is the author of 49 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and over 75 conference communications.
Teaching Activities Professor Moriondo has extensive teaching experience, serving as the lead lecturer since 2003 for various courses in Human Physiology and Neurophysiology for:
• Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery (Human Physiology 1 and 2, Neurophysiology).
• Master’s Degree in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics.
• Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Degree in Sports Science.
• Specialist Schools (Pharmacology, Clinical Biochemistry, Anaesthesiology) and PhD programmes.
Since 2007, he has consistently participated in the Teaching Boards for several PhD cycles in "Experimental and Translational Medicine" and "Experimental and Clinical Physiology", supervising numerous fellowships and doctoral theses [15–23].
Institutional and Management Roles He has held positions of significant responsibility at the university:
• Rector’s Delegate for Student Rights and services (2019–2024).
• Member of the Academic Senate as a representative of associate professors (2017–2024).
• Chair of the Sports Science Degree Programme (2022–present).
• Member of the School of Medicine Board and various quality assurance (AiQUA) and strategic monitoring commissions.
• Member of the University Body for Animal Welfare (OPBA) (2017–2023).
Awards and Honours The excellence of his scientific output has gained international recognition, notably with the prestigious “APS Select” Award in 2020 from the American Physiological Society for his research on the role of TRPV4 channels in lymphatic contractility. He also received the Borsellino Prize for the best scientific communication in 2002. His research imagery has been featured on the covers of leading journals, such as the Journal of Physiology.
Public Engagement (Third Mission) Professor Moriondo is actively involved in scientific dissemination, coordinating public events, radio interviews, and roundtables that connect physiology to social topics such as obesity, Olympic performance, nutrition, and environmental impacts on health.