Paolo Prati

Paolo Prati is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Genoa specializing in Physics for Life Sciences, the Environment, and Cultural Heritage (PHYS-06/A). He serves on the University's Strategic Center Technical-Scientific Committee and leads the LUNA Physics Laboratory for the Environment.

His research spans Nuclear Physics, Environmental Physics, Atmospheric Physics, Cultural Heritage Physics, and Aerosol Science. Key focuses include nuclear astrophysics experiments at the LUNA facility (studying hydrogen/carbon burning and 22Na production in stellar environments), atmospheric aerosol characterization in the Po Valley, health impacts of particulate matter, and instrumentation development for environmental monitoring. His work bridges fundamental physics with real-world environmental and health applications.

His 2025 publications demonstrate interdisciplinary breadth: nuclear astrophysics (R-matrix analysis, NeNa cycle reactions), aerosol source apportionment via 14C dating, bacterial viability under nitrogen oxides exposure, and novel optical analyzers for complex aerosols. These reflect his dual expertise in experimental nuclear techniques and environmental systems analysis.

Professor Prati supervises thesis projects in nuclear astrophysics (LUNA 400/MV), atmospheric particulate health effects, nanoparticle-bacteria interactions, climate impacts of aerosols, and optical instrumentation development. Current teaching includes Environmental Applied Physics (BSc), Atmospheric Physics (MSc), Radiation Physics (MSc), and Cultural Heritage Conservation Physics (MSc), though specific grant funding details are not provided.

He directs the LUNA Physics Laboratory for the Environment, which conducts underground nuclear astrophysics research with environmental applications, particularly atmospheric aerosol studies through field measurements and simulation chambers.