Alice Onofrio

I am a Psychiatry Resident at the University of Ferrara, Italy. During my residency, I have gained experience in a variety of psychiatric settings — from inpatient and outpatient units to consultation-liaison services and psycho-oncology. This has strengthened my conviction that psychiatry must integrate neuroscience, social understanding, and empathy to truly address human suffering.

My clinical and research work focus on the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. I am particularly interested in first episode psychosis, sex differences in psychiatric disorders, and the influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors on the course and outcomes of mental illness. My research has explored topics such as demoralization in older adults, the role of cannabis use in first-episode psychosis, and disparities in access and treatment across populations.

Statistical data are often seen as cold and impersonal, yet behind every number lies a human story. I believe that science communication connects research with lived experience, transforming data into stories that resonate with people. Making mental health science open and understandable is not just an academic goal, it’s a way to bring evidence closer to the people it can benefit most. When research becomes relatable, it has the power to inspire awareness, empathy, and change in how we think and talk about mental health.