The world-renowned neuroscientist was the guest of UniSR’s 2025 Welcome Days for a Lectio Magistralis on the essence of being human.

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University had the honor of hosting Joseph LeDoux, one of the most prominent neuroscientists worldwide, for a Lectio Magistralis titled “The Four Realms of the Self”, one of the most significant moments of the 2025 Welcome Days.

A Professor Emeritus at New York University and member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, LeDoux is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on emotion, memory, and consciousness. His presence at UniSR was not only a major scientific event, but also a concrete expression of the University’s international vocation and commitment to excellence in research and education.

The Four Realms of the Self 

Introduced by Professor Flavia Valtorta, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor LeDoux guided students and faculty on a fascinating journey into the nature of the human mind and identity.

In his lecture, he explained how our understanding of the “self” arises from the interplay of four inseparable dimensions: the biological, the psychological, the social, and the cultural. Four realms that intertwine and influence one another, shaping our identity and consciousness.

LeDoux “has managed to reconcile the perspectives of neurobiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and philosophers.” Yet his work goes beyond theoretical coherence: he has shown that body and mind are one, that physical and psychological wellbeing are deeply interconnected.

This vision is one that UniSR shares and promotes every day, placing the idea of integrated wellbeing at the center of its teaching and research. The University continuously strives to create an inclusive, welcoming, and caring environment, where each student can feel supported and valued — a place where personal wellbeing is an integral part of the educational experience.

LeDoux’s curiosity extends far beyond the lab. He is also the lead singer and songwriter of The Amygdaloids, a rock band inspired by the brain and its mysteries. His songs have been featured in the stage play Map of Your Mind, in Werner Herzog’s 2024 film Theatre of Thought, and in the Amazon documentary Neuroscience and Emotions.

Through both his research and his music, LeDoux reminds us that science and creativity share the same goal: to understand what it means to be human.

A global campus, a shared future 

Events like this embody what internationalization truly means at UniSR: not only attracting students and scholars from all over the world, but fostering authentic exchange of ideas and perspectives.

As our campus continues to grow and our community becomes increasingly international, welcoming figures like Joseph LeDoux reinforces UniSR’s mission — to be a place where knowledge bridges disciplines, where medicine, psychology, and philosophy meet, and where students grow as citizens of the world.