Francesca Santoro

Forschungszentrum Jülich, University of Bonn

Papers

Total Citations

179

H-Index

About

Francesca Santoro is a leading figure at the frontier of bioelectronics and neuromorphic computing, pioneering the use of organic mixed conductors to create adaptive, brain-inspired systems. Her research uniquely bridges materials science, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, focusing on developing devices that can mimic biological neural processes. Her most influential work, an organic brain-inspired platform published in 2024, demonstrates a groundbreaking closed-loop system capable of adaptive synaptic potentiation and depression. This platform was successfully interfaced with a robotic hand, enabling it to autonomously learn and grasp objects of varying sizes—a major step toward embodied AI. Her highly cited 2023 review on organic mixed conductors (159 citations) has become a foundational resource for the field, outlining how these materials can revolutionize bioinspired electronics. Santoro’s contributions are shaping the next generation of computing, offering energy-efficient, adaptive hardware that directly interacts with biological systems. Her work not only advances fundamental science but also holds transformative potential for prosthetics, neuroprosthetics, and autonomous robotics.