Gabriella Sonnante

Dr. Gabriella Sonnante is a Research Director at Italy's National Research Council (CNR), leading research programs at the Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR) in Bari. With over 25 years at CNR, she has progressed from Researcher to Senior Researcher before assuming her current leadership role in 2021. She holds a Biology degree from the University of Bari and has conducted research internationally at institutions including UC Davis, John Innes Centre, and University of Frankfurt.

Her research focuses on plant molecular evolution, domestication processes, and genetic resource characterization, utilizing molecular markers (SNP, SSR, AFLP), genomics, and transcriptomics. Key species in her studies include wheat, legumes, and globe artichoke, with emphasis on genes involved in polyphenol synthesis, nitrogen utilization, and abiotic stress responses. She manages the Cynara (artichoke) germplasm collection and studies genetic diversity conservation in agricultural systems.

Her extensive publication record demonstrates consistent focus on crop genetics and genomics, with recent work emphasizing molecular characterization of traditional landraces, stress-responsive genes in wheat, and biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean crops. Research frequently integrates advanced techniques like NMR metabolomics, SNP genotyping, and whole-genome analysis.

Dr. Sonnante serves on the PhD teaching faculty at the University of Bari (PhD program: 'Biodiversity, Agriculture and Environment') and represents CNR in the European Plant Science Organization. She leads multiple national and EU-funded projects including Agritech National Research Center (PNRR), BiodiverSO (Puglia region), and PON ALIFUN on functional foods.