Professor Andrea Guzzetta presented with 1 million DKK research award
Professor Andrea Guzzetta from the University of Pisa has made a significant impact on the field of early diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. May 21 he was presented with the Elsass Foundation Research Prize 2025 by Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte.
His research into the early detection of Cerebral Palsy (CP) has been described by colleagues as a game changer for clinicians worldwide, contributing to improved developmental outcomes for children at risk of CP.
In recognition of this, the Italian professor and CP researcher Andrea Guzzetta was awarded the Elsass Foundation Research Prize 2025, amounting to 1 million Danish kroner. The foundation's protector, Princess Benedikte, presented the award during a ceremony at the foundation on Wednesday, May 21st.
Prior to the award ceremony, the Elsass Foundation hosted a well-attended international mini symposium on early diagnosis and intervention of CP, with participation from researchers and professionals from Denmark and around the world, both in person and online. Professor Guzzetta served as the keynote speaker for the event.
The foundation's protector, Princess Benedikte, presented the award to Professor Andrea Guzzetta during a ceremony at the foundation. FOTO: Elsass Fonden.
From research findings to practical tools
Professor Guzzetta is a paediatrician specializing in neurology and psychiatry at the University of Pisa and leads the SMILE Lab (Stella Maris Infant Lab for Early Intervention). Under his leadership, the lab has become a hub for international research on motor and visual functions in infants with early brain injuries.
Guzzetta has developed clinical techniques to assess visual function and movement disorders in infants, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses of CP in high-risk children.
Guzzetta’s research in early detection of CP and the significant changes it has brought to clinical practice make him a deserving recipient of the Research Prize 2025, according to Jens Bo Nielsen, professor and chair of the prize committee.
"His strong international and interdisciplinary collaborations, clinical expertise, and dedication to integrating research findings into practical tools that improve the quality of life for children with CP make him a highly worthy recipient of this important award in the CP field," says Nielsen.
A dedicated mentor
Most of the research prize is earmarked for new research, and according to Kirsten Smedegaard Andersen, chair of the board at the Elsass Foundation, Guzzetta serves as a great inspiration to other researchers:
"We are pleased to present the award to someone who motivates younger researchers to engage in CP research. Professor Guzzetta is a dedicated mentor and teacher who plays a crucial role in training the next generation of clinicians and researchers in the CP field."
Guzzetta plans to use the prize to fund research efforts focusing on parents and the often challenging situations they face.
"This recognition enables us to pursue initiatives that strengthen and support parents, with particular emphasis on the mutual understanding and connection between parents and children, as this is a core aspect of early intervention," says Guzzetta.
Prior to the award ceremony, the Elsass Foundation hosted a international mini symposium on early diagnosis and intervention of CP. Former award winner Iona Novak was one of the day's speakers. FOTO: Elsass Fonden
Latest insights from international researchers
Participants from all over the world attended the day's mini symposium, both in person and online. International researchers provided insights into how new research initiatives can push the boundaries of early detection, in the hope of improving the quality of life for both children and their parents.
One of the speakers was Australian Professor Iona Novak, who received the Elsass Foundation Research Prize in 2021. She has developed an assessment system that helps distinguish between ineffective and effective treatments for children with CP. The system has been translated into multiple languages and implemented in clinical practice in 24 countries. At the mini symposium, Novak discussed how global collaboration can support early intervention for children with CP.
Professor Christina Høi-Hansen from the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescents at Rigshospitalet and Mary Elizabeth's Hospital provided a Danish perspective on the day's topic. She spoke about the nationwide research project CP-EDIT, supported by the Elsass Foundation. The aim of the project is to identify children with CP earlier, so they can receive the right help and training while there is still an opportunity to influence the brain and reduce long-term effects.
Award recipient Guzzetta concluded the symposium with a presentation on early development, intersubjectivity, and early intervention from the perspective of infants with visual impairments.
Learn more about award recipient Andrea Guzzetta and his research in the profile article here.
