Italian CP researcher receives award

Italian researcher Andrea Guzzetta has been awarded the Elsass Foundation Research Prize 2025 for his groundbreaking research in early detection of CP and his significant commitment to improving the lives of children with CP.

He is internationally recognised for his work on early brain development and neuroplasticity in infants with brain injuries. His long-term goal is to improve early detection of CP to reduce the severity of functional impairments. Guzzetta is the fourth recipient of the Elsass Foundation’s international research award.

Andrea Guzzetta, a professor at the University of Pisa, will receive the 2025 award worth 1 million DKK this May. The prize will support his ongoing projects aimed at strengthening and supporting the early bond between parents and children.

Creating value in Denmark

According to Jens Bo Nielsen, chair of the selection committee, Guzzetta was chosen for two key reasons: his significant research, which has had great international influence on early CP diagnosis, and the notable changes his research has brought to clinical practice.

“Andrea Guzzetta has not only contributed new, important knowledge, but has also helped ensure better and more effective support for children with CP and their families - both in Denmark and worldwide. This aligns perfectly with the values of the Elsass Foundation and has laid the groundwork for the new CP clinic at Rigshospitalet, focusing on early diagnosis and intervention,” says Jens Bo Nielsen.

Nielsen also highlights Guzzetta’s leadership of the SMILE Laboratory (Stella Maris Infant Lab for Early Intervention) at the Stella Maris Scientific Institute in Pisa:

“Under Andrea Guzzetta’s guidance, the lab has become a global hub for research on motor and visual functions in infants with early brain injuries.”

A game-changer

Guzzetta has made an impressive contribution to paediatric neurology research, with over 285 publications in renowned journals.

The selection committee particularly emphasises his development of clinical techniques to assess visual function in infants, which they describe as original and outstanding. Additionally, he has significantly advanced other methods, such as General Movements Assessment and neuroimaging techniques, which are used to detect developmental disorders early after birth and to provide more accurate CP diagnoses in high-risk children.

The research has been a game-changer for clinicians worldwide, enabling earlier interventions that can significantly improve children’s developmental outcomes.

Diagnosis timing matters

One of the many projects contributing to Guzzetta receiving the award is BornToGetThere, which was supported by the Foundation. Guzzetta is one of the initiators of this nearly completed EU-funded research and development project.

Guzzetta is one of the initiators of the research and development project Borntogetthere, which was supported by the Foundation.

The project examines barriers to implementing early CP diagnostics in different European countries, including Denmark, and how these can be overcome. CP diagnosis is often made relatively late - frequently after the child’s first birthday or later. This timing affects the effectiveness of interventions.

The project also focuses on ensuring that both new knowledge and practices in this field are accessible in all countries, including low-income nations and remote regions.

“The BornToGetThere project demonstrates that Professor Guzzetta is not only committed to advancing science but also to ensuring that the latest research is made available to vulnerable populations,” says Jens Bo Nielsen.

A moved prize recipient

The news of receiving the Elsass Foundation Research Prize 2025 has left Guzzetta moved and grateful:

“When I received the call, I felt honoured, humbled, and extremely happy. I am deeply thankful and feel privileged to receive this support for my research,” says Andrea Guzzetta. He also highlights the prize's importance for CP research moving forward:

“The prize is a significant milestone for our CP research, emphasising the impact of our work on early detection, surveillance, and intervention. It also allows us to set ambitious, long-term research goals that will hopefully benefit the CP community for the years to come.”

CP researcher Andrea Guzzetta will receive the 2025 award worth 1 million DKK this May. 

The prize includes 1 million DKK, with 750,000 DKK allocated for new research and 250,000 DKK recognising Guzzetta’s previous work. According to Guzzetta, the prize opens up new research opportunities:

“We now have the chance to explore under-researched areas of CP, particularly neuroplasticity and how very early interventions can impact a child’s development. We’re also excited to broaden our focus on creating accessible support for parents of at-risk infants, helping them feel empowered and improving their quality of life.”

Professor Andrea Guzzetta will receive the award during a ceremony at the Foundation in Charlottenlund on May 21st, 2025.

Read more about the Elsass Foundation Research Prize and meet the previous price winners from 2019, 2021 and 2023.