University of MilanFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaFondazione Asino per la Neurochirurgia Oncologica ETSAcademic year 2026/27 · English
II Level University Master
Surgical
Neuro-Oncology
Advanced training at the intersection of surgery, science and international clinical practice.
Starts16 Nov 2026
Duration18 months
Credits60 CFU
ExperienceMilan + international rotations
The programme
A new model for advanced training
From biological insight to surgical mastery.
A comprehensive international pathway for physicians who wish to develop advanced expertise in surgical neuro-oncology. The Master combines interactive teaching, clinical discussion and direct observation in leading European centres.
Curriculum
Eight integrated teaching areas
One continuous educational journey.
Molecular & Translational Neuro-Oncology
Tumour biology, molecular classification, biomarkers, liquid biopsy and translational models.
Fundamentals of Neuroanatomy
Applied neuroanatomy for safe neuro-oncological approaches, operative planning and surgical decision-making.
Oncologic Neuroradiology
Advanced imaging, differential diagnosis, treatment planning and radiological assessment of cranial and spinal tumours.
Technical Strategies & Surgical Approaches
Decision-making, complex approaches, resection strategies and complication avoidance.
Intraoperative Guidance
Fluorescence, intraoperative ultrasound, imaging, mapping, monitoring and emerging technologies.
Radiotherapy & Systemic Treatments
Modern radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatments and integrated therapeutic pathways.
Multidisciplinary Neuro-Oncology
Tumour boards, neuropathology, neuroradiology, rehabilitation and longitudinal patient care.
Education, Simulation & Global Practice
Surgical simulation, assessment, team training and international models of care.
Learning experience
Interactive teaching
Web-based lectures held once a month on Fridays, combining case discussions and live exchange with more than 70 international experts across the programme’s teaching areas.
Hands-on training
Two full days dedicated to anatomical approaches through cadaver dissection at the ICLO Teaching and Research Center in Verona, complemented by surgical simulation on 3D-printed anatomical models at the Besta NeuroSim Center in Milan.
Clinical immersion
Tumour boards, operating theatre observation and three-week international observerships.
Programme Committee
Expertise without borders
Learn with leaders shaping the field.
More than 70 international experts contribute to the programme, bringing together neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists and translational scientists from Italy, Europe and beyond.
01Francesco DiMecoProgramme DirectorProgramme Director
Neurosurgeon and academic leader in surgical neuro-oncology, with expertise in complex brain tumour surgery, intraoperative technologies and translational research.
02Franco ServadeiNeurosurgery
Internationally recognised neurosurgeon and educator with extensive experience in academic neurosurgery, clinical research and the development of advanced training programmes.
03Marco CenzatoNeurosurgery
Neurosurgeon with expertise in complex cranial surgery, cerebrovascular disease, skull-base procedures and multidisciplinary neurosurgical care.
04Marco LocatelliNeurosurgery
Academic neurosurgeon whose clinical and teaching activity includes skull-base, pituitary and neuro-oncological surgery.
05Alessandro PerinNeurosurgery
Neurosurgeon with expertise in skull-base and endoscopic surgery, neuro-oncology and advanced surgical training.
06Andreas RaabeNeurosurgery
International expert in brain tumour and cerebrovascular surgery, known for advancing intraoperative imaging, mapping and surgical visualisation.
07Antonio ChioccaSurgical Neuro-Oncology
Neurosurgeon-scientist specialising in malignant brain tumours, tumour biology, immunotherapy and the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical care.
08Torstein R. MelingNeurosurgery
Academic neurosurgeon with international expertise in brain tumour surgery, meningiomas, skull-base surgery and outcomes research.
09Andrea CardiaNeurosurgery
Neurosurgeon dedicated to cranial neuro-oncology, complex surgical approaches and multidisciplinary management of patients with brain tumours.
10Fabio Maria TriulziNeuroradiology
Professor and neuroradiologist with broad expertise in advanced neuroimaging, central nervous system disease and imaging-based clinical decision-making.
11Giorgio ConteNeuroradiology
Neuroradiologist and researcher focused on advanced imaging of brain tumours, quantitative imaging and radiological assessment in neuro-oncology.
12Giuseppe CuriglianoMedical Oncology
Internationally recognised medical oncologist and clinical researcher with expertise in precision oncology, immunotherapy and innovative systemic treatments.
Select a faculty member to read their profile. Faculty composition and individual teaching assignments are subject to final programme scheduling.
Clinical rotations
An international network
Observe excellence where it happens.
Participants complete a three-week observership at a partner centre, attending clinical activities, multidisciplinary meetings, operating theatre sessions and educational initiatives as observers.
Milan
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
Bern
Bern University Hospital
Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Bonn
University Hospital Bonn
Verona
Borgo Trento Hospital
Bologna
Bellaria Hospital
Copenhagen
Rigshospitalet
Placement is based on educational interests and availability, while ensuring balanced distribution across participating institutions.
Admissions
First edition · 2026/2027
Take the next step in neuro-oncology.
Qualification
Second-level University Master’s degree
Entry requirement
Degree in Medicine, good knowledge of English, and an interest in the field of surgical neuro-oncology
Language
English
Academic year
2026/2027
Programme fee
€5,016, including insurance
The official call for applications and submission deadlines are currently being finalised by the University of Milan.
Official page & application ↗Scholarships
Supporting access to advanced education
Ten scholarships. One commitment to opportunity.
Fondazione ASINO per la Neurochirurgia Oncologica ETS – is a founding partner of this Master's programme. As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing excellence in surgical neuro-oncology training, the Foundation is making ten scholarships available, to be awarded to eligible candidates according to their position in the final merit ranking, including some neurosurgeons from countries classified as Low- or Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) by the World Bank, in order to promote access to specialist education in these countries
Scholarships funded by
Visit the Foundation Begin the next chapter
Advanced surgery begins with a broader perspective.
For programme and organisational information, contact the Master’s coordination office.
Apply through UNIMI ↗