Daniela CONTI
Daniela Conti is an Associate Professor of General Psychology (scientific-disciplinary sector PSIC-01/A) at the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania, where she is responsible for various courses in general and developmental psychology, also within interdepartmental and multidisciplinary contexts.
Following a solid academic background, including a degree in Psychology with honors and an International Ph.D. in Neuroscience, she has gained significant international research experience, particularly at Sheffield Hallam University (UK), where she served as a Senior Research Fellow in the European project CARER-AID, an Individual Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship focused on social robotics and the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Her scientific activity lies at the intersection of psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and advanced technologies, with particular attention to the use of assistive robotics in the context of autism and intellectual disabilities. She is Principal Investigator of research projects funded by the University of Catania (Pia.ce.ri.) and has developed collaborations with healthcare institutions and national and international research centers.
She has numerous publications in indexed scientific journals, is a speaker at international conferences, a reviewer for peer-reviewed journals, and an expert evaluator for the European Commission. She also holds institutional roles within the Department, including Student Ombudsperson, member of the Quality Committee, and the Doctoral Board in Interpretation Sciences.
Daniela is a member of prominent scientific associations such as the Italian Association of Psychology (AIP), the American Psychological Association (APA), and EUCognition – European Society for Cognitive Systems.
Currently Vice-Director, Evaluation Expert Group (GEV) Area 11b – Psychological Sciences (Sectors 11/E1–11/E4), VQR 2020–2024, ANVUR – National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes.
Daniela Conti’s research is situated at the intersection of psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and advanced technologies, with a particular focus on the use of assistive robotics in clinical and educational settings. Her work primarily addresses neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities, investigating how innovative technological tools—including social robots—can support personalized psychoeducational interventions.
She has gained significant international research experience in social robotics through her role as a Senior Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University (UK), within the framework of the European project CARER-AID (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship). This project explored human-robot interaction and the potential of robotics to assist caregivers and promote inclusion of vulnerable populations.
Daniela Conti is the Principal Investigator of research projects funded by the University of Catania (Pia.ce.ri.) and has established collaborations with healthcare institutions and national and international research centers. Her research interests include:
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General and developmental psychology
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Human-machine interaction
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Assistive and cognitive technologies
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Evidence-based approaches to neurodevelopmental disorders
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Cognitive neuroscience applied to education and rehabilitation
Her research findings have been published in peer-reviewed international journals and presented at major international conferences. She regularly serves as a peer reviewer for scientific journals and as an expert evaluator for the European Commission.
- Guest Editor “Discover Artificial Intelligence” Springer Nature (10/2025-presente). Collection: “Automation Bias and Cognitive Implications of Human–AI Collaboration in High-Stakes Contexts”.
- Guest Editor “Complex & Intelligent Systems” Springer Nature (8/2024-10/2025). Collection: “Exploring Embodied Robotics: Bridging Physical and Cognitive Systems”.
- Guest Editor “Applied Sciences” (5/2023-7/2025). Special Issue: “Recent Advances in Human-Robot Interactions”.
- Member Editorial Board “Interaction Studies” (9/2021-presente).
- Associate Editor della rivista internazionale “Frontiers in Psychology” (9/2020 al 11/2021). Topic: “Closure and Reopening of Schools and Universities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevention and Control Measures, Support Strategies for Vulnerable Students and Psychosocial Needs”.