Team
Our consortium brings together leading researchers from across Europe and the United States, with expertise spanning progressive MS, neuroimmunology, statistics, multi-omics, stem cells, and regenerative medicine.
Stefano Pluchino
MD, PhD
University of Cambridge
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​Stefano Pluchino is a Co-PI for RESTORE and has been pivotal in early and late pre-clinical studies and was a senior author in the recent hNSC-SPMS study. Stefano Pluchino leads research on regenerative therapies for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), with a focus on stem cells, gene therapy, and exosome-based strategies. He is a Clinical Professor of Regenerative Neuroimmunology at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Consultant in Neurology. Stefano’s work has advanced understanding of neuroinflammation, stem cell signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction in MS, and contributed to early clinical trials of neural stem cell therapies. He received his MD and PhD from the University of Siena and has been recognized with several awards, including the FISM Rita Levi-Montalcini Prize and the Royan International Award.
Angelo Luigi Vescovi
PhD
University Link Campus
Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center
​Angelo Vescovi is a Co-PI for RESTORE and has been pivotal in early and late pre-clinical studies and was a senior author in the recent hNSC-SPMS study. He has played a key role in translating neural stem cell research into early clinical applications, including Italy’s first hNSC-ALS trial. He is President of the National Bioethics Council of Italy, Professor at Link Campus University, and a Member of the Board of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center and Yas Clinic Khalifa. His research focuses on neural stem cells for the treatment of MS, ALS, glioblastoma, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Angelo began his stem cell research in Canada, later co-authoring a landmark Science paper in 1999. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and currently serves as President of the National Bioethics Council of Italy.
Frederik Barkhof
MD, PhD
University College London
As a Co-Investigator for the RESTORE Project, Frederik Barkhof is leading efforts in advanced imaging, outcomes research, and study design for regenerative studies in multiple sclerosis (MS). He is a Professor of Neuroradiology at University College London (UCL), where his research focuses on white matter disease, ageing and dementia, and glioma. Frederik has made significant contributions to MS research, recognized with the John Dystel Prize awarded by the American Academy of Neurology and the National MS Society in 2018. He holds an MD and PhD from VU University in Amsterdam.
Olga Cicarelli
PhD
University College London
As a Co-Investigator for the RESTORE Project, Olga Ciccarelli is leading efforts in advanced imaging, outcomes research, and study design for regenerative studies in multiple sclerosis (MS). She is a NIHR Research Professor of Neurology at University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, where her research focuses on the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in MS. Olga has played a key role in advancing imaging-based approaches to understand and monitor disease progression in MS. She received her medical degree from the University of Rome and earned a PhD in Neurological Studies from UCL in 2005.
Maria Pia Sormani
PhD
University of Genoa
As a Co-Investigator for the RESTORE Project, Maria Pia is leading efforts in advanced imaging, outcomes research, and study design for regenerative studies in multiple sclerosis (MS). She is a Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Genoa, with a research focus on methodological and statistical challenges in MS clinical trials. Maria Pia holds degrees in Biophysics, Medical Physics, and Biostatistics, and has built extensive international collaborations to advance the field.
James Rowe
PhD
University of Cambridge
As a Co-Investigator for the RESTORE Project, James Rowe focuses on applying new protocols combining multimodal MRI and PET imaging to study neuroinflammation. He is a Professor of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Cambridge. His research employs multi-modal neuroimaging alongside drug studies to investigate the mechanisms underlying human disease and develop novel treatments. James trained in experimental psychology at Cambridge, earned his medical degree at Oxford, completed a PhD at UCL, and undertook Neurology training in London and Copenhagen.
Marua Malpetti
PhD
University of Cambridge
As a Co-Investigator for the RESTORE Project, Maura is pioneering new protocols in multimodal MRI + PET imaging to unlock the mysteries of neuroinflammation. With a solid background from Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Italy—where she studied FDG PET in Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia—and a PhD from the University of Cambridge focusing on neuroimaging markers and tauopathies, she’s at the forefront of neurodegenerative research. Her team at Cambridge University combines PET imaging, fluid biomarkers, and post-mortem data to deepen our understanding of primary tauopathies, FTD, and related disorders.
Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti
MD, PhD
University of Cambridge
As a Co-Investigator for the RESTORE Project, Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti is leading multi-omics studies to advance our understanding of CNS diseases. With an MD from the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan and a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences from the University of Cambridge, he brings a strong clinical and research background. Luca is a Senior Clinical Research Associate and Group Leader at Cambridge University, as well as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London. His research focuses on developing novel therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, particularly studying the role of cellular metabolism and mitochondria.
Angelo D’Alessandro
PhD
University of Colorado
​As a Co-Investigator for the RESTORE Project, Angelo leads work on mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics. He is a tenured Full Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, where he directs the Metabolomics Core and Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource for the Cancer Center. His NIH-funded research has led to over 630 publications. Angelo is Founder and CSO of Omix Technologies and Altis Biosciences, and serves on advisory boards for Hemanext and Macopharma. He is a recipient of multiple awards, including the AABB Hall of Fame and Jean Julliard Award, and is affiliated with Vitalant Research Institute, the Linda Crnic Institute, and the Gates Grubstake Center.
Rowan Binkley-Jones
University of Cambridge
Rowan is the Project Coordinator for RESTORE, where she oversees communication, timeline management, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams. She holds a BS in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MS in Project Management and Data Analysis from CSU. With a strong foundation in engineering and a focus on data-driven project execution, she brings valuable technical insight and organizational expertise to the team. Her experience in project administration, combined with analytical skills and attention to detail, supports the efficient advancement of RESTORE’s preclinical research and preparation for future clinical trials.
Dominic Shadbolt
Dominic, who empowers MS patients through his online platform theMSGuide, will head our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group, bringing crucial patient perspectives to our work.
Alan Thompson
University College London
Professor Alan Thompson will chair an Advisory Board for the RESTORE project.