Giovanni Buccino

Magna Graecia University, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

Papers

Total Citations

182

H-Index

About

Giovanni Buccino is a leading figure in cognitive neuroscience, best known for his pioneering work on the embodied nature of language and action understanding. His research explores how the brain’s motor system, particularly mirror neurons, underpins our comprehension of actions, emotions, and even abstract concepts. In his highly cited work, *Grasping Language – A Short Story on Embodiment* (2010, 177 citations), Buccino synthesizes evidence showing that language comprehension is not purely abstract but is grounded in the same neural circuits used for performing and perceiving actions. This contribution has profoundly shaped the field of embodied cognition. More recently, Buccino has extended his inquiry into human-robot interaction, investigating how we perceive robotic actions and how factors like gender influence acceptance—a critical area as robots become integrated into healthcare and assistance. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience with pressing societal questions, demonstrating a sustained impact on both theoretical frameworks and applied technology. With a career marked by influential syntheses and forward-looking research, Buccino remains a vital voice in understanding the neural roots of social interaction.