**Brussels – The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the winners of the Synergy Grants, €10 million in funding over six years for groups of 2-4 researchers. Among the 56 selected projects is “Custom-made neuron for cell therapy in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease,” an innovative research initiative aimed at developing personalized stem cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. The project, which involves researchers from several universities, including the University of Milan and the University of Turin in Italy, as well as Lund University (Sweden) and the Technical University of Denmark, aims to create custom neurons and cellular products tailored to the individual needs of patients, optimizing the reconstruction of neuronal circuits and enhancing functional recovery. The approach involves the use of advanced technologies such as bioengineering and genomics to produce neurons that can specifically address therapeutic needs, protecting and modulating neuronal activity based on the patient’s pathology. The Italian researchers involved are Elena Cattaneo from the University of Milan and the National Institute of Molecular Genetics, and Annalisa Buffo from the Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi-Montalcini and the NICO – Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi at the University of Turin. They emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the significance of a project that represents a major step forward in regenerative medicine. Additionally, Cattaneo highlighted her pride in working with a team of female scientists and the competitiveness of the Italian and European research systems. (9colonne)