It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of world-renowned neuroscientist Daniela Parolaro, professor of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at University of Insubria, Varese, Italy, on March 28th in Milan at the age of 72. We grieve her tragic loss with the knowledge that her important contributions to science will live on through her legacy.
Not only was she a passionate and brilliant researcher, but she was also a great and beloved mentor to many researchers in her university and in the communities of neuropsychopharmacology and cannabinoid research. Her discoveries and insights into how the endogenous cannabinoid system serves diverse brain functions, particularly throughout development, have forever changed our understanding of the brain in health and disease.
Considered a pioneer in the field of cannabinoid research, after years devoted to research in opioid abuse, her first article revealing the impact of chronic cannabinoid treatment on CB1 receptor gene expression in the brain dates back to 1994. She developed a spectacular research program and has made seminal contributions to the field of cannabinoid research, spanning from the first evidence of cannabidiol actions in the cancer field to the possible exploitation of cannabidivarin in the treatment of cognitive and behavioral impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders through the long-lasting effects of cannabis exposure during adolescence. In her long and prolific career, she also studied the molecular underpinnings of chronic exposure to opiates and contributed to the advancement of that field as well.
After she retired from Academia, she devoted all her energies and passion to the directions of an Italian non-profit foundation for the study of substance use disorders, i.e., Fondazione Zardi-Gori, where she acted as a Scientific Director and propelled the funding of this research in Italy through national calls for projects and post-doctoral fellowships aimed at supporting career development of early-stage researchers. Through her contagious enthusiasm, this Foundation has sponsored Gordon Research Conferences on Cannabinoid functions in the CNS and many other national and international meetings to help funding young researchers.
Being such a dynamic and passionate leader and a wonderful, well-loved human being, she built a network of allies that recognized her active role in the field where she acted as President of International Cannabinoid Research Society in 2005, as the first woman, and as a chairwoman of International Association for Cannabis as Medicine in 2013. Author and collaborator on more than 170 scientific papers, Daniela was also the recipient of the 2020 Mechoulam Award for her lifetime contribution to cannabinoid research.
She touched the lives and careers of many of us, and we feel privileged to have had this opportunity. She will be remembered as an inspiring teacher, generous colleague, and treasured friend. Her legacy of rigorous science, mentorship, generosity and kindness will endure long into the future. She will be sorely missed.
Cite this article as: Rubino T, Zamberletti E, Melis M (2022) Daniela Parolaro, PhD (January 1, 1950–March 28, 2022), Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 7:3, 235–236, DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.29018.mem.