Michele Perni, PhD

Michele Perni, PhD, is a Scientist in the Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE). He earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (UK), where he trained with the late Prof. Sir C. M. Dobson and studied protein misfolding and aggregation in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. He subsequently worked in biotech in the UK and US as a Team Leader and Director of R&D, focusing on drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Across these roles, he helped advance key programs from proof of concept through IND-enabling studies and supported pharma partnering. At ASPE, he applies this translational experience to help advance the preclinical pipeline toward clinical trials and build collaborations with private-sector partners.