• States of Consciousness Study of the neural and cognitive mechanisms of states of consciousness, including those induced by psychedelic substances, meditation, hypnosis, and virtual reality experiences, to better understand their nature and effects on the brain and mind.

• Virtual Reality and Lucid Dreaming Exploration of the use of virtual reality to induce lucid dreams and study their effects on cognitive flexibility, creativity, and perceptual experience.

• Meditation and Mindfulness Study of the effects of contemplative practices on brain function, mental well-being, and cognitive performance, with the aim of integrating these practices into daily life to improve quality of life.

• Attention Control and Executive Functions Research on the neural mechanisms that regulate attention and cognitive control, which are crucial for goal-directed behavior and mental focus.

• Creativity and Neural Processes Examination of the cognitive and neural foundations of creative thinking and problem-solving, identifying factors that can enhance creativity.

• Well-Being and Emotional Regulation Assessment of the impact of psychological and neurobiological practices on emotional regulation, mental health, and overall well-being.

• Impact of AI and XR on the Human Mind Investigation of how artificial intelligence and Extended Reality (Virtual and Augmented) influence human cognition, exploring potential applications and ethical implications of advanced technologies in the context of mental functioning and well-being.

• Cognitive Study of Prehistoric Art of Riparo Dalmeri An investigation into the oldest forms of prehistoric art in Trentino, using cognitive and neuroscientific approaches to decipher the meaning and techniques used by ancient artists.

BOOKS OR CHAPTERS

• De Pisapia N. La Coscienza. Il Mulino (in uscita settembre 2024).

• De Pisapia, N. (in uscita luglio 2024) "Understanding Consciousness in the Age of AI and XR: Altered States, Emerging Realities, and the Digital Self" in Santoianni, Flavia, Giannini, Gianluca, Ciasullo, Alessandro (a cura di), MIND, BODY, AND DIGITAL BRAINS:, Berlin, Germany: Springer.

• De Pisapia N., Vignoli M. 2021 Smart Working Mind. Il Mulino

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

• Macchi, G., & De Pisapia, N. (2024). Virtual reality, face-to-face, and 2D video conferencing differently impact fatigue, creativity, flow, and decision-making in workplace dynamics. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 10260.

• Grecucci, A., Rastelli, C., Bacci, F., Melcher, D., & De Pisapia, N. (2023). A supervised machine learning approach to classify brain morphology of professional visual artists versus non-artists. Sensors.

• Rastelli, C., Greco, A., De Pisapia, N., & Finocchiaro, C. (2022). Balancing novelty and appropriateness leads to creative associations in children. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) NEXUS.

• Penazzi, G., & De Pisapia, N. (2022). Direct comparisons between hypnosis and meditation: a mini-review. Frontiers in Psychology.

• De Pisapia, N., & Dall’Avanzi, M. (2022). The examination of conscience: a preliminary study on the effects on metamemory after a two-week practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1-7.

• De Pisapia, N., & Rastelli, C. (2022). Creativity as an information-based process. Rivista internazionale di Filosofia e Psicologia, 12(1), 1-18.

• Rastelli, C., Greco, A., Kenett, Y. N., Finocchiaro, C., & De Pisapia, N. (2022). Simulated visual hallucinations in virtual reality enhance cognitive flexibility. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1-14.

• Penazzi, G., & De Pisapia, N. (2021). La consapevolezza nella regolazione emozionale. Giornale italiano di psicologia, 48(3), 785-790.

• De Pisapia, N. (2021). Lucid dreaming: from phenomenology to the neurobiological research. Giornale Italiano di Psicologia, 48(1), 187-218

I regularly give talks on topics related to my research and experience in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Below are some of the main themes I cover:

• States of Consciousness: I explore the neural and cognitive mechanisms of both ordinary and altered states of consciousness, including those induced by psychedelic substances, meditation, hypnosis, and virtual reality experiences. I discuss the potential benefits and risks of these states for cognitive flexibility, creativity, and personal well-being.

• Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Work Environments: I examine how AI and virtual reality are transforming workplaces. I analyze how these technologies can enhance productivity, facilitate training, and promote innovation. I also discuss the ethical and practical implications of integrating these advanced technologies into work contexts.

• Mindfulness and Contemplative Practices: I analyze the effects of mindfulness and other contemplative practices on the brain and mind. I explain how these techniques can improve concentration, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

• Creativity and Innovation: I examine the cognitive and neural processes underlying creativity, offering strategies to stimulate innovative thinking.

• Mental and Emotional Well-Being: I discuss theoretical principles and techniques to improve emotional regulation and promote mental well-being, based on the latest neuroscientific findings.