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Vera D'Urso is an Associate Professor of Zoology at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, where she has been employed since 1994. Her academic career began with a CNR scholarship from 1977-1980, followed by work as a Confirmed Researcher at the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Catania from 1980-1994. She has received DAAD scholarships for research at the University of Marburg in Germany in 1984 and 1987. Dr. D'Urso earned her Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Catania with a grade of 110 cum laude. She furthered her expertise with postgraduate courses in "Quantitative Methods in Ecology" at the International Center of Theoric Physics in Miramare, Trieste in 1980. Dr. D'Urso is a leading expert in several entomological fields, with primary research interests in: Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers and related insects) Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae (sand flies) Systematics and biodiversity of Mediterranean insects Insect vectors of phytoplasmas affecting economically important plants Alien species and their ecological impact Tardigrades and their taxonomy Her extensive publication record spanning over 95 scientific papers demonstrates her expertise in insect systematics, morphology, and ecology. Recent research has focused on Mediterranean biodiversity, particularly examining alien species like Balclutha brevis and their impact on local ecosystems. She has also made significant contributions to understanding phytoplasma transmission in grapevines, sandfly vectors of leishmaniasis in Sicily, and tardigrade taxonomy in extreme environments including Antarctica. Dr. D'Urso has served on numerous scientific committees including the editorial board of Biodiversity Journal, and has been a referee for multiple prestigious journals. She has participated in research projects including "Morphology, Systematics, Biology and Biogeography of Rhynchota Insects" (1994-99) and studies on sandflies in areas with high canine leishmaniasis endemicity (2004-06). Her academic service includes membership on doctoral committees at the University of Catania, participation in national evaluation committees for associate professor positions in Zoology, and serving on the Department Board of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (2018-2020). She has also conducted numerous entomological collection missions in Italy and abroad including Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, former Yugoslavia, Germany, Tunisia, Libya, and Malta.

• Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha
• Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae
• Insect Systematics
• +6 more

Lucia Muggia serves as an Associate Professor in Systematic Botany at the Department of Life Sciences (DSV) of the University of Trieste. She holds multiple institutional roles including Department Council Member, Course of Study Recommendations Member for Environmental Biology programs, and Coordinator of the 'Environment and Life' PhD program (XXXIX Cycle). Her academic activities span across several degree programs including SM56 - Environmental Biology, SM58 - Ecology and Sustainability of Global Change, and multiple cycles of the PHD01 - Environment and Life doctoral program. Professor Muggia's research focuses on the biology of lichen symbiosis and plant-animal ecophysiology within the Environmental Biology research group. Her work intersects with environmental monitoring, ecological responses to global change, and plant-environment interactions. The research themes evident from her project involvement include environmental biomonitoring, ecological sustainability, and plant responses to environmental stressors. She actively participates in numerous research initiatives, often serving as Scientific Manager or Financial Manager for projects funded by various entities including the Ministry of University and Research, University of Udine, OGS (National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics), and other research organizations. Current projects include 'iNEST Interconnected North-East Innovation Ecosystem,' 'Effects of 2D-NanoMaterials on seed plants reproduction,' and 'Prot. 2022Z7PXKW - Graphite for graphene: digging into the diversity of primary degrading microorganisms.' Research Group: Biology of lichen symbiosis (Prof. Tretiach) - Environmental Biology - Plant and animal ecophysiology Departmental Roles: Department Council Member, Course of Study Recommendations Member Doctoral Programs: Coordinator for PHD01 - Environment and Life - XXXIX Cycle, Member for multiple previous cycles (XXX through XXXVIII)

• Systematic Botany
• Lichen Symbiosis
• Plant Ecology
• +3 more

Anna Maria Palermo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences at the University of Calabria, where she specializes in General Botany (BIO/01). She has held this position since October 2022, following a long academic trajectory that includes serving as a confirmed researcher since 2004 and prior technical service from 1990 to 2004. She is actively involved in teaching, research, and academic governance, with no indication of retirement or departure. Education: Laurea in Scienze Biologiche, University of Naples (1986) Professional qualification as Biologist, University of Naples (1987) Her research interests lie at the intersection of molecular botany and cultural heritage conservation. She focuses on molecular biosystematics of Mediterranean flora, particularly rare and endemic species in Calabria, using techniques such as ISSR, RAPD, AFLP, microsatellites, DNA barcoding, and isoenzyme analysis. A second major research line involves the study of biodeteriogens —fungi, cyanobacteria, algae, and lichens—on both organic (paper, wood, parchment) and inorganic (stone, plastic) cultural artifacts. Her work includes developing green conservation methods, notably using titanium dioxide nanoparticles for biocidal and preventive treatments. Her recent publications highlight a strong engagement in orchid pollination biology , heritage biodeterioration , and molecular taxonomy . These works reflect interdisciplinary trends combining ecology, botany, and conservation science, often with applications to historical monuments in Southern Italy. Scientific Service and Recognition: Reviewer for international journals: Environmental Engineering and Management, Journal Plant Biology, Aerobiologia, Studies in Conservation, Journal of Fungi, Horticulture, International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, Botanical Studies Member of the Scientific Secretariat of the PhD Program in Life Science and Technology (2021) Member of the Italian Botanical Society since 2007 Active participant in research groups on plant biology and conservation Anna Maria Palermo has supervised numerous Master's and PhD theses in Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Cultural Heritage Conservation. She has participated in research projects, organized workshops, and collaborated with various institutions. She is a key member of the Plant Biology Research Group at the University of Calabria, specifically contributing to the section on Biosystematics, Conservation, and Botany in Cultural Heritage led by Prof. Giuseppe Pellegrino.

• Botany
• Molecular Biosystematics
• Plant Genetics
• +7 more

Hannes Schuler is a Tenured Associate Professor of Agricultural and Forest Entomology at the Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (UniBZ). His research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of insect pest species, with particular emphasis on host-microbe interactions and symbiont-mediated adaptations. He leads the Schuler Lab and is a member of the Competence Centre for Plant Health at UniBZ. Dr. Schuler's primary research interests include: Evolutionary ecology of insect pest species Microbial symbionts and their impact on host ecology and evolution Population genomics of invasive insect species Sustainable pest management approaches Tripartite interactions between phytoplasma, vectors, and microbiomes His research combines genomic and population genomic approaches with in vivo experiments in laboratory and semi-field settings. Dr. Schuler's lab has made significant contributions to understanding the role of bacterial symbionts in invasion processes, particularly in fruit flies (Rhagoletis species), psyllids, and bark beetles. Recent work has focused on the microbiome of invasive species, symbiont-mediated adaptations, and the development of sustainable pest control strategies that reduce chemical pesticide use. Dr. Schuler has edited a special issue of the journal Insects titled "Insect Symbionts: Evolution and Application," which features 11 publications spanning topics from symbiont-driven seasonal adaptation to Wolbachia-mitochondrial DNA associations. His research has been presented at numerous international conferences including the European Conference of Entomology and the Population Genetics Group Meeting, with recent presentations at CNIE 2025 in Siena covering apricot aphids, olive fly symbionts, and psyllid symbionts. Among his notable achievements: Successful supervision of multiple PhD students including Maja, Juan, and Giulia Calia Securing funding for multiple research projects on insect symbionts and pest management Establishing international collaborations with researchers across Europe Organizing lab activities and mentoring junior researchers Dr. Schuler actively supervises Master's and PhD students, teaches courses on plant protection, theory of scientific method, and plant and livestock health, and maintains an active research program with multiple ongoing projects investigating the role of symbionts in invasion biology and sustainable pest management.

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Insect Symbionts
• Microbiome Research
• +5 more

Alessandra Pesce is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics (DIFI) of the University of Genoa, Italy. Her research focuses on structural biology of globins, protein aggregation, and cold-adapted enzymes, with applications in life sciences, environmental monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation. She teaches Applied Physics and Biophysics at both undergraduate and graduate levels in Physics and Biological Sciences. Her work spans from atomic-level characterization of protein crystals using Atomic Force Microscopy to large-scale ecological projects like the LIFE+ WHALESAFE initiative for sperm whale conservation through acoustic monitoring. Email: alessandra.pesce@unige.it Phone: +39 010 33 56243 Research Interests: Structural characterization of hexa-coordinated globins in marine organisms Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of truncated hemoglobins in pathogenic bacteria Quaternary structure adaptations in Antarctic enzymes Development of acoustic monitoring systems for marine mammal conservation Protein aggregation mechanisms in amyloid-related diseases Publication Trends: Over 15 years, her research demonstrates expertise in combining X-ray crystallography with biophysical techniques to study globin family proteins across diverse species (from nematodes to whales). Key themes include heme reactivity modulation, ligand diffusion pathways, and structure-function relationships in extremophile proteins, with recent emphasis on marine conservation technology.

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biophysics
• +4 more

Giovanna Di Nardo is an Associate Professor at the University of Turin , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology . Her research focuses on the structure-function relationship of human aromatase , its role in brain function, and estrogen-dependent tumors. Key research areas include: Drug metabolism Post-translational enzyme regulation Electrochemical and spectroscopic methods X-ray crystallography Biocatalyst engineering Endocrine disruptor screening Recent publications highlight innovations in: P450-based drug discovery platforms Phosphomimetic protein studies Monkey/dog cytochrome P450 comparisons Pesticide endocrine disruption Genomic analysis of plant sterility She contributes to teaching in Biochemistry and participates in academic governance bodies.

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Structural Biology
• +7 more

Agostino Tomasello is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences at the University of Palermo. His academic position (BIOS-01/C classification) reflects his specialization in marine biological systems, with particular focus on Mediterranean seagrass ecosystems. He maintains regular office hours both at the main campus (Viale delle Scienze building 16) and at the Trapani teaching center for Biotechnology students. Dr. Tomasello's research interests center on marine ecology, particularly the biology and conservation of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. His work spans environmental monitoring, coastal management, and the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. He has extensively studied seagrass transplantation, habitat mapping using acoustic technologies, and the effects of environmental stressors including climate change and ocean acidification. His publication record demonstrates expertise in both field research and advanced statistical modeling of marine ecological data. The 15 most recent articles show consistent focus on Posidonia oceanica ecosystems, with methodologies ranging from morphological analysis to geospatial modeling. His research has important implications for marine conservation and management of Mediterranean coastal environments. Dr. Tomasello actively supervises graduate students, with recent theses focused on marine biology topics including seagrass mapping, environmental monitoring, and restoration ecology. His work with students demonstrates practical application of research to real-world conservation challenges.

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• Seagrass Ecology
• +5 more

Claudia Bonechi serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Siena, Italy, with office location at III lotto, III floor, room C_03_140, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena. Her contact details include email claudia.bonechi@unisi.it and office phone +39 0577232123 (internal extension 2123). She teaches Physical Chemistry courses for the First Cycle Degree in Chemical Sciences across multiple academic years (2021/2022-2025/2026). Research Interests: Drug delivery systems using liposomes and nanoparticles for natural compounds and pharmaceuticals Physicochemical characterization of polymers, hydrogels, and nanocarriers via spectroscopy and rheology Applications in topical formulations, cancer therapy, and reproductive health Development of cytotoxic macrocyclic structures and oxidative stress modulation techniques Recent Publication Trends (2023-2025): Her work demonstrates concentrated expertise in liposomal encapsulation of plant extracts (e.g., rose petals, grape pomace, olive) with applications in cytotoxicity studies, sperm protection during cryopreservation, and topical antioxidant delivery. Methodologies prominently feature NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, and rheological analysis across pharmaceutical, biochemical, and nanotechnology domains. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in source materials Advising and Grants: Source texts provide no details regarding student supervision, research funding, or grant acquisitions. Laboratories and Teams: Specific laboratory facilities, research groups, or collaborative teams were not documented in available information.

• Physical Chemistry
• Drug Delivery
• Liposome Formulation
• +3 more

Annalisa Falace is an Associate Professor at the University of Trieste within the Department of Life Sciences (DSV) . She specializes in Environmental and Applied Botany (BIO/03) with focus on marine macroalgae, coastal habitat ecology, and restoration of Cystoseira stands. PhD in Environmental Biomonitoring (University of Trieste) Specialization courses: Algology Laboratory (Trieste), Roscoff Biological Station (France), Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris VI), ARAGO Laboratory (Banyuls-sur-Mer) Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining taxonomic , physiological , and ecological studies. Key projects include: Biodiversity monitoring through macroalgal indicators (Water Framework Directive) Eco-physiological responses to herbicides, temperature stress, and osmotic stress Innovative restoration methodologies for marine forests Coralligenous habitat analysis and rhodolith bed conservation Current leadership roles include Scientific Manager for: LIFE21-NAT-IT-REEForest (active) Posidonia monitoring projects (active) iNEST Interconnected North-East Innovation Ecosystem (active) She mentors researchers and students through involvement in doctoral committees and supervises lab members including Dr. Sara Kaleb and Dr. Annalisa Caragnano. Her work contributes to: Marine Strategy Framework Directive compliance Horizon 2020 environmental protection measures Adriatic Sea conservation initiatives

• Marine Macroalgae Taxonomy
• Coastal Marine Habitat Ecology
• Restoration of Cystoseira Stands
• +6 more

Fulvio Pupilli is a Research Director at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR-CNR), in Perugia. His research focuses on plant reproductive biology, particularly apomixis (asexual seed reproduction) in grasses like Paspalum simplex . He holds a Laurea in Biology from the University of Perugia (1985). Key activities include molecular genetics of apomixis, comparative genomics, and collaborative projects with Argentina on apomixis characterization. He has coordinated EU-funded projects and developed methods for crop improvement through apomictic systems. His work integrates cytogenetics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics to understand apomixis mechanisms. Pupilli has authored over 60 publications, reviewed for journals like Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture , and contributed to international conferences. His research bridges fundamental biology and applied agriculture, aiming to engineer apomixis into crops for clonal propagation.

• Plant Reproduction
• Apomixis
• Molecular Genetics
• +4 more

Michele Bellucci serves as a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), part of Italy's National Research Council (CNR), based at the Perugia branch. His research spans plant biotechnology with particular expertise in plastid engineering, molecular farming, and plant secretory pathways. Dr. Bellucci earned his degree (1992) and PhD (2003) from the University of Perugia. His career at CNR began with fellowships at the Istituto di Ricerche sul Miglioramento Genetico delle Piante Foraggere (1995-1999), followed by positions as Technician (1999-2006), Researcher (2006-2020), and Senior Researcher (2020-present) at the Institute of Plant Genetics, which became IBBR in 2013. His primary research focuses on plastid biotechnology, where he has developed protocols for tobacco plastid transformation to accumulate recombinant proteins in chloroplasts, later extending this to sugar beet. He investigates non-food crops through molecular farming, expressing human enzymes and protein bioplastics in plants. His work on hop (Humulus lupulus L.) genetics examines genetic diversity in wild Central Italian populations. A significant portion of his research explores secretory protein traffic to the endoplasmic reticulum or vacuole, where he demonstrated the existence of protein quality control pathways in the ER for degradation directed to plant vacuoles. Dr. Bellucci's publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple disciplines including CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in polyploid crops like alfalfa, hybridization barriers in cleistogamous legumes such as Vicia ervilia, and the molecular mechanisms of apomixis in Paspalum species. His recent work (2021-2024) shows particular strength in protein biopolymer development, plant-based expression systems, and the intersection of plant developmental biology with agricultural applications. He maintains extensive collaborations with the University of Perugia and other Italian research institutions, contributing to both fundamental plant science and practical agricultural biotechnology applications. His work bridges basic research on plant cellular processes with potential applications in sustainable biomaterial production and crop improvement.

• Plastid biotechnology
• Plant genetic engineering
• Molecular farming
• +5 more

Emanuele De Paoli is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Genetics at the University of Udine, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A). His academic career includes postdoctoral positions at the University of Delaware's Delaware Biotechnology Institute (2007-2010) and Istituto Agrario di San Michele all'Adige (2010-2011) before joining the University of Udine as a Researcher in 2011, where he has advanced to Associate Professor. Dr. De Paoli's research focuses on plant genomics and epigenomics, plant breeding and biotechnology, and bioinformatics. His work spans multiple plant species including grapevine, poplar, and various agricultural crops, with particular emphasis on understanding genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying stress responses, phenological development, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. His laboratory investigates DNA methylation patterns, transposable element activity, and gene regulation networks that influence plant development and resilience. His publication record shows strong trends in climate change adaptation research, particularly regarding how rising temperatures affect grapevine phenology and dormancy cycles. He has developed significant expertise in advanced genomic techniques including ddRAD sequencing, methylome analysis, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. His work bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical agricultural applications, especially in developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Dr. De Paoli teaches graduate-level courses including Genetic Technologies for Plant Innovation and Plant Breeding in the Biotechnology and Agricultural Science Master's programs. He is an active member of the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics (SIGA) and maintains extensive research collaborations across Europe as evidenced by his numerous co-authored publications. His research has been supported through various academic and institutional channels, enabling his laboratory to pursue innovative approaches to plant genomics and breeding.

• Plant Genomics
• Epigenomics
• Plant Breeding
• +4 more

Luciana Baldoni is a Research Director at the National Research Council of Italy's Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR-CNR), leading the Perugia Division. She specializes in olive tree biology with extensive research in genomics, genetic resource evaluation, and breeding programs. Her laboratory maintains over 4,000 olive genotypes and develops molecular databases for cultivar identification. Her research focuses on: Olive genomics and functional gene characterization in metabolic pathways Stress response mechanisms to drought, salinity and pathogens Development of molecular markers (SNP, SSR) for breeding Olive oil authentication through DNA analysis Conservation of ancient cultivars and wild olive populations Publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on olive genetics, stress physiology, and quality trait improvement, with international collaborations across Mediterranean and South American growing regions. Research consistently integrates field studies with molecular approaches. She leads multiple projects including: BIOMEnext (2022-2025): Biodiversity-based Mediterranean farming systems LIVINGAGRO (2019-2022): Cross-border agroforestry laboratories OLIVE HUB (2022-2023): Alternative cultivar development Supervises PhD/Master's students and postdoctoral researchers while collaborating with international institutions on olive research and conservation initiatives.

• Olive Genomics
• Plant Genetics
• Crop Breeding
• +4 more

Beatrice Belfiori serves as a Researcher at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), specifically within the Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR) at the Perugia Division. With over 13 years of continuous service since August 2011, she maintains active research in fungal genetics and truffle biology. Her academic foundation includes a PhD in Plant Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Perugia (2010) and a Laurea in Agricultural Sciences with highest honors from the same institution (2004). Her research focuses on the molecular ecology and reproductive biology of truffles, particularly Tuber species including T. melanosporum, T. aestivum, and T. borchii. Through extensive publication records spanning over 15 years, she has established expertise in mating type characterization, population genetics, genetic diversity assessment, and mycorrhizal symbiosis. Her work frequently employs molecular markers including SSRs and ITS sequences to investigate truffle biodiversity, reproductive modes, and phylogeographic patterns across European and international contexts. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward applied research with significant ecological and commercial implications. Her studies address critical challenges in truffle cultivation, biodiversity conservation in natural habitats, monitoring of truffle sites, and quality assessment of truffle products. Recent work demonstrates expanding international collaboration, particularly with Argentinian researchers studying T. melanosporum cultivation outside its native range. Belfiori's scientific contributions include pivotal discoveries regarding the heterothallic nature of truffle reproduction, which fundamentally changed understanding of Tuber life cycles. Her research bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical applications for truffle cultivation and conservation, making significant contributions to both academic knowledge and the truffle industry. She actively participates in major research initiatives including the INTACT RISE-MSCA Project, which supports global truffle research collaboration. Her work spans field studies in Italian truffle grounds, molecular laboratory analyses, and international comparative studies examining truffle biodiversity across different geographical regions.

• Fungal Genetics
• Truffle Biology
• Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
• +5 more

Maria Stefania Grillo is a Research Director at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), Portici. She heads the IBBR UOS Portici unit and has extensive experience in plant genetics and biotechnology research. Previously, she served as Head of IGV UOS Portici (2002-2010) and Senior Scientist at the CNR-Plant Genetics Institute (2002 onwards). Her research focuses on plant genetics and biotechnologies applied to breeding of vegetable crops and sustainable agriculture systems. Dr. Grillo coordinates a research group that identifies and characterizes genes involved in plant stress responses using functional genomics and advanced phenotyping in Solanaceae (tomato, pepper, potato) and Arabidopsis. Her work has particularly emphasized RNA regulatory mechanisms in osmotic stress response pathways. She has contributed significantly to understanding how traditional crop varieties respond to environmental stresses. Dr. Grillo's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent research themes in plant stress physiology, particularly drought and salinity responses in tomato and pepper. Her recent work has increasingly incorporated advanced genomic and phenotyping technologies to understand the molecular basis of stress tolerance in traditional crop varieties. She has been actively involved in multiple EU and national research projects related to sustainable agriculture and crop improvement. She serves on the Scientific Committee of the Portici Camps Foundation and has been a member of various academic committees including the Doctorate School Committee 'Biologia dei Sistemi' at the University of Salerno (2010-2017). Dr. Grillo has tutored and supervised numerous undergraduate and PhD students as well as post-doctoral researchers. Her research group has been involved in significant projects including Genome Editing in Plants (PlantED), E-crops for Sustainable Digital Agriculture, AgroBiodiversità Campana, and the EU H2020 TOMRES project focused on stress tolerance in tomato. She serves as PI for IBBR Portici in several major initiatives including the National Research Centre for Agricultural Technologies (Agritech) under the PNRR program.

• Plant Genetics
• Plant Biotechnology
• Functional Genomics
• +5 more