Dr. Socodato is a neuroscientist at i3S in Portugal, specializing in neuroimmune interactions and their effects on brain function in health and disease. His research emphasizes glial cell biology, particularly focusing on the cytoskeleton and Rho GTPase signaling pathways.
He earned his Bachelor's in Biology (2007) and Master's in Neuroimmunology (2008) from Fluminense Federal University (UFF) in Brazil, graduating at the top of his class in both degrees. He then obtained a Ph.D. in Neurosciences at UFF in 2012, which included a split research stay at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, and once again graduated at the top of his class. In 2018, his Ph.D. thesis was recognized with distinction by the University of Porto, underscoring its significant contributions to the field of neuroscience.
Dr. Socodato has collaborated internationally, including postdoctoral positions at New York University—Langone Neuroscience Institute in the USA and IBMC in Portugal. Since 2019, he has led research at i3S, focusing on the microglial cytoskeleton and Rho GTPases. In 2025, he was appointed as an Auxiliary Researcher following a competitive FCT-CEECIND call, which supports his research on the microglial cytoskeleton and Rho GTPases in the context of Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders.
His technical expertise encompasses optogenetics, chemogenetics, FRET sensors, high-end confocal microscopy, RNAseq, proteomics, phosphoproteomics, FACS, and advanced mouse genetics. He is skilled in ImageJ, Python, Cytoscape, and GraphPad Prism. Dr. Socodato has helped secure over €1.5 million in research funding and co-founded Bioprospectum, a startup focused on developing therapies for oxidative stress and inflammation.
An active mentor, he has supervised numerous undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. students. He also provides editorial contributions to Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Biomedicines, and the Journal of Neurochemistry. His research has been published in Cell Reports, Science Signaling, Cell Death and Differentiation, among other high-impact journals.
With over 45 peer-reviewed publications (25 as the first or corresponding author), an h-index of 24, and more than 1,800 citations, Dr. Socodato’s work has left a lasting impact on the field. His research has not only deepened our understanding of microglial biology but has also offered vital insights into the synaptic and behavioral deficits associated with aging and neurodegeneration.
Dr. Socodato’s dedication to his work is matched by his commitment to family. During periods of parental leave in 2016, 2021, and 2022/23, he maintained a high level of productivity, demonstrating exceptional resilience and time management. This balance has enriched his perspective, enabling him to approach science with both rigor and humanity.
With an extensive publication record and a global collaborative perspective, Dr. Socodato is committed to advancing neuroscience through the study of the glial cytoskeleton and neuroimmune interactions.