Prof. Silvia Maria Zanoli is a researcher at the Department of Computer, Management and Automation Engineering (DIIGA) within the School of Engineering at Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM). Her work focuses on advanced process control and automation technologies across diverse industrial applications. University: Polytechnic University of Marche Department: Computer, Management and Automation Engineering Email: s.zanoli@univpm.it Her research spans automation engineering, control systems, and machine learning applications in industrial settings, particularly for energy efficiency and predictive maintenance. Key areas include: Model Predictive Control (MPC) for HVAC and hydroelectric systems Deep learning in medical diagnostics Industry 4.0 technologies for process optimization Stochastic modeling and fault detection systems Publications (2023-2025) demonstrate cross-disciplinary expertise in applying control theory to real-world problems like steel production, cement manufacturing, and renewable energy systems. Recent work highlights AI integration in industrial processes and environmental engineering challenges.
Andrea Scapellato serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Catania. His primary teaching responsibility involves the course Mathematical Models Applied to the Environment , with active instruction confirmed for academic years 2022/2023 through 2024/2025. His research focuses on applied mathematical methodologies for environmental systems analysis. Key areas include: Development of computational models for ecological processes Quantitative analysis of environmental data Mathematical simulation of natural phenomena Teaching activities have been conducted in specialized facilities including the Giacomini Hall at the Botanical Garden and Room 126 on the University Campus, reflecting integration with both theoretical and field-based academic resources. While publication details exist per departmental references, specific scholarly output could not be extracted from the provided notices. Course scheduling updates are systematically communicated through the university's Studium platform.
Erica Platania is a Research Fellow in Prehistory and Protohistory at the University of Catania, Department of Humanities (DISUM). She specializes in zooarchaeology, focusing on animal resource exploitation, cultural landscapes, and pastoralism in Sicilian and Cretan prehistoric contexts. Her work integrates archaeological and textual data with digital methodologies. PhD in Cultural Heritage Studies (University of Catania, 2019) Master's in Archaeology (University of Catania-Warsaw) Bachelor's in Cultural Heritage Sciences (University of Catania) Her research centers on prehistoric architectural documentation, faunal remains analysis, and experimental archaeology, particularly in Minoan Crete and Bronze Age Sicily. Recent projects include CHANGES (EU-funded) and PIA.CE.RI. research groups. Key publication trends include zooarchaeology of Bronze Age communal spaces, bone processing techniques, and digital heritage management systems. She actively participates in international conferences like ScapeCon and the International Congress of Cretan Studies. 2023-present: Research Fellow, CHANGES - Spoke 6 (EU PNRR funding) 2024-present: Lecturer in Prehistory and Protohistory, DISUM 2024-present: Lecturer in Aegean Civilizations, DISUM Scientific awards include the Region of Sicily PO FSE 2014-2020 scholarship and a University of Catania Ateneo scholarship for international study at Warsaw University. She contributes to the editorial board of Creta Antica and collaborates with research teams in Italy, Belgium, and Poland.
Giovanni Coppini is a Principal Scientist and Director of the Strategic Program "Global Coasts as a New Frontier" at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) Foundation, leading international efforts to develop integrated coastal ocean observation systems and climate adaptation solutions for vulnerable coastal communities. He co-chairs the GlobalCoast Network Memorandum of Understanding under the UN Decade of Ocean Science’s CoastPredict Programme and represents CMCC in the Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience. PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Bologna 20+ years in operational oceanography Former director of CMCC’s Global Coastal Ocean and Ocean Predictions Divisions His research focuses on coastal resilience through machine learning applications, oil spill forecasting, search-and-rescue systems, and Digital Twin of the Ocean components. He has contributed to over 80 peer-reviewed publications and led the Mediterranean Monitoring and Forecasting Centre (Med-MFC) of the Copernicus Marine Service since 2015.
Guido Orzes is an Associate Professor in Management Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Free University of Bozen (Italy). He also maintains affiliations as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter Business School (UK) and previously served as a Visiting Scholar at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (USA). His academic work focuses on the intersection of global operations, sustainability, and supply chain management. Dr. Orzes teaches several core engineering management courses including Economics and Management for Bachelor programs in Electronics and Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering, Electronic and Information Engineering, and Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Management Control and Business Planning and Process and Technology Management for Master's programs in Industrial Mechanical Engineering. His research centers on international sourcing strategies and their social and environmental implications. Key areas include offshoring and reshoring strategies, social and environmental sustainability in global operations, and the organizational design of global sourcing functions including International Purchasing Offices. His work examines how companies can balance operational efficiency with ethical considerations in complex global supply chains. Analysis of his publication record from 2014-2024 reveals a consistent research trajectory evolving from foundational work on International Purchasing Offices toward broader sustainability implications of global operations and more recently examining the environmental impacts of digital technologies in Industry 4.0 contexts. His research spans both manufacturing and service sectors with particular attention to China as a key sourcing destination. Dr. Orzes has published extensively in top-tier operations management journals including the International Journal of Operations and Production Management, International Journal of Production Economics, International Business Review, and Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, demonstrating both theoretical rigor and practical relevance in addressing contemporary global supply chain challenges.
Serena Tomasi is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law , University of Trento, with expertise in Philosophy of Law , Argumentation Theory , Rhetoric , and Legal Methodology . She has taught courses including Philosophy of Law, Legal Argumentation, and Legal Informatics. Education : PhD in Comparative and European Legal Studies (University of Trento, 2012, summa cum laude ); Laurea in Scienze Giuridiche (2005, cum laude ); Laurea Magistrale in Law (2008, cum laude ). Research interests focus on argumentation theory's application to legal contexts, forensic rhetoric, cognitive-emotional judicial reasoning, legal informatics, and vulnerability in law. She leads projects on Hospitable Professions and Living Integration Laws , analyzing how emotions and fallacies impact judicial decisions. Recent trends in her publications explore the intersection of rhetoric, argumentation, and judicial education, including empirical studies on argumentation in EU policy and Swiss legal education models. She actively participates in COST Action CA17132, focusing on public argumentation norms. Scientific awards : Coretti Prize (2010) for top performance in Post-Graduate Legal Training School Professional activities include memberships in the Rhetoric Society of Europe , ISSA , and Società Italiana di Filosofia del Diritto . She coordinates the Trento Training School on rhetorical argumentation and organizes annual Giornate Tridentine di Retorica conferences.
Stefano Conti is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia . He teaches courses such as Geo-energies , Global Tectonics and Sedimentary Basins , and Geology of the Italian Territory , focusing on geological resources, energy transition, and tectonic-sedimentary relationships. His research emphasizes methane seepage , seep-impacted sedimentation , and stratigraphic geology , particularly in the northern Apennines . Key themes include carbonate sedimentation , fluid expulsion dynamics , and paleoclimatic reconstructions . His scientific publications analyze Miocene seep carbonates, their geochemical signatures, and associations with chemosynthetic fauna. He investigates sedimentary basin evolution , fluid migration pathways , and isotope stratigraphy to understand methane cycling and its geological impacts. Teaching methods combine theoretical lectures , field excursions , and practical exercises in seismic section interpretation and geological map analysis.
Vittorio Maselli is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE). His work spans sedimentology, stratigraphy, and environmental geoscience. Research Focus: Tectonics, climate change, microplastics, and sedimentary processes. Teaching: Courses include Principles of Geology, Geothematic Surveying, and Sedimentary Environments. Contact: Office at Via Campi 103, Modena; email vittorio.maselli@unimore.it . Key Research Trends: Analysis of submarine landslides, gas hydrates, delta sustainability, and microplastic transport mechanisms. His 2024-2025 publications address climate drivers of tropical cyclones, Arctic geohazards, and carbon cycle dynamics. Methodologies: Seismic stratigraphy, fieldwork, GIS mapping, and multidisciplinary environmental modeling. Collaborative projects with international teams highlight applications to climate mitigation and hazard assessment.
Andrea Sciarrone is an Associate Professor at the Department of Naval, Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering (DITEN) at the University of Genoa. He teaches courses on IoT applications, applied telecommunications, and Python programming for engineering disciplines. His research focuses on the integration of IoT and AI in structural health monitoring, wireless surveillance, and biomedical diagnostics. Key areas include edge computing, microwave imaging for stroke detection, and wearable sensors for rehabilitation. He has developed innovative systems for crowd monitoring, drone-based object tracking, and contactless patient surveillance using Wi-Fi signals. The recent articles highlight trends in AI-driven IoT optimization, wireless security, and biomedical engineering. His work bridges telecommunications theory with practical implementations in infrastructure monitoring and healthcare applications. He actively contributes to the development of eHealth systems, leveraging IoT for home rehabilitation and neurological symptom detection. His technical expertise spans compressive sensing, fingerprint-based positioning, and electromagnetic imaging techniques.
Sebastiano Serpico is a Professor at the Department of Naval, Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering (DITEN) of the University of Genoa, Italy, and serves as President of the university's Scuola Superiore IANUA graduate school. His research centers on remote sensing image analysis, specializing in machine learning and deep learning techniques for image classification, semantic segmentation, and change detection. He integrates convolutional neural networks with probabilistic graphical models (Markov Random Fields, Conditional Random Fields) to process multi-sensor and multi-resolution data from satellites and UAVs, with strong emphasis on environmental monitoring applications. Recent publications reveal a dominant focus on fusing hyperspectral, SAR, and optical data using deep learning architectures for natural disaster management and water-related risk assessment. His work demonstrates consistent innovation in multiresolution fusion frameworks and unsupervised feature extraction, particularly addressing challenges in heterogeneous data analysis for environmental risk programs like Italy's 'Return' initiative under the EU Next Generation framework.
Michele Viviani serves as a Full Professor and Director of the Department of Naval, Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering (DITEN) at the University of Genoa. He holds key administrative roles including membership in the Academic Senate and School Council of the School of Engineering, and serves on the Department Board. His teaching responsibilities include Ship Handling for the Master's program and Ship Statics for the undergraduate Naval Engineering program. His research spans naval architecture and marine engineering with core expertise in propeller design optimization, cavitation phenomena, underwater acoustics, and ship maneuverability. He integrates experimental hydrodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and data-driven approaches to address challenges in marine propulsion systems and vessel performance. His methodology emphasizes combining physical testing with numerical modeling for practical engineering solutions. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals a dominant focus on reducing underwater radiated noise through advanced propeller optimization, detailed experimental studies of cavitation erosion mechanisms, and maneuverability assessments for diverse vessel types including submarines, container ships, and escort tugs. His work increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques with traditional hydrodynamic modeling to enhance prediction accuracy for noise, erosion, and maneuvering characteristics.
Chiara Guardasoni is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences of the University of Parma . She holds a full-time position in the scientific disciplinary sector MAT/08 (Numerical Analysis) and has been actively involved in teaching, research, and academic organization since 2010. Current Teachings: Numerical Methods for Differential and Integral Equations, Computational Finance, Numerical Calculus Past Positions: Full Professor (2018), Type B Researcher (2013-2017), Research Grants (2010-2013) Research Interests focus on: Numerical solutions of hyperbolic equations for transient wave propagation (energy formulations, BEM/FEM coupling, fast solvers) Numerical methods in quantitative finance and extended kinetic theory Her scientific awards include: INDAM-SIMAI 2010 award for best doctoral theses in Applied Mathematics FFABR grant (2017) for basic research funding Dr. Guardasoni collaborates with the GNCS-INdAM and has served on organizing committees for conferences such as SIMAI 2020 and the Boundary Integral Equation Workshops at the University of Parma. Contact: chiara.guardasoni@unipr.it
Yehia Moustafa Abd Alrahman is a PostDoc researcher at the SysMA research unit of IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, where he also participates in the FILIERASICURA project with Cisco. He is preparing to relocate to the University of Leicester to collaborate with Prof. Nir Piterman on the ERC Consolidator Project DSynMA (Distributed Synthesis from Single to Multiple Agents). His academic journey began with a scholarship-funded computer engineering degree at IMT Lucca, followed by a master's scholarship in computer science where he served as a teaching assistant. Abd Alrahman's research focuses on formal methods for developing correct-by-construction software systems with emphasis on predictability, adaptivity, efficiency, reusability, maintainability and modularity. His work particularly addresses challenges in contemporary information systems including embedded systems and service-oriented architectures. Currently, he is investigating formal analysis approaches for securing supply chains in cyber-physical systems. His research spans attribute-based communication, collective adaptive systems, multi-agent systems verification, and reconfigurable distributed systems. His publication record shows a consistent trajectory from foundational work on attribute-based communication (2014-2018) toward increasingly sophisticated verification frameworks for reconfigurable systems (2019-2025). Recent publications demonstrate a clear evolution toward distributed synthesis techniques, model checking for reconfigurable multi-agent systems, and formal frameworks for runtime reconfiguration. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in secure system design. Abd Alrahman completed his PhD with first honors rating 'excellent' in the Computer, Decisions, and Systems Science track at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca. While no formal awards are documented in the provided materials, his consistent publication record in top venues like FORTE, ISoLA, and AAMAS demonstrates recognition within the formal methods community. His collaborations with established researchers like Nir Piterman, Rocco De Nicola, and Michele Loreti indicate strong research networks. As a PostDoc researcher, Abd Alrahman works within the SysMA research unit at IMT Lucca, contributing to the Italian Project FILIERASICURA with Cisco. His upcoming move to Leicester represents a significant career advancement through the ERC Consolidator Project DSynMA, which will expand his research scope into distributed synthesis for multi-agent systems.
Giuseppe Pappalardo is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Catania , specializing in rural buildings and agro-forest land planning. His academic career spans decades of contributions to agricultural engineering and territorial planning. Education: Graduated in 1983 from the University of Catania's Faculty of Agriculture. Pappalardo's research focuses on rural architecture , GIS applications , and territorial planning , particularly for DOC cheese dairies, honey/vegetable processing facilities, and semi-urban agricultural landscapes. His work emphasizes the integration of traditional rural buildings with modern planning techniques. His publications highlight the use of GIS technology for urban green management , forest monitoring , and land use cartography , with a strong focus on Sicily's agricultural systems. Articles from 2007–2014 demonstrate interdisciplinary engagement with agricultural engineering, environmental science, and landscape design. He has taught courses across multiple institutions, including the University of Catania and the University of Messina, covering topics like Geomatics , Surveying , and Agricultural Systems Planning . Contact: gpappalr@unict.it | Office: Via S. Sofia, 100 - 2nd floor, no. 17, Catania.
Lucia Scaffardi is a Full Professor of Comparative Public Law at the University of Parma's Department of Law, Political and International Studies. She teaches Italian and Comparative Constitutional Law in the Political Science and International Relations program and Comparative Public Law in the Jurisprudence program. As Coordinator of the BRICS Parma Research Group and member of the Teaching Board for the Doctorate in Legal Sciences (University of Parma and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia), she maintains significant academic leadership roles. Her educational background includes a degree with honors from the University of Genoa and a PhD in Constitutional Law from the University of Bologna (1996). This strong foundation has supported her extensive research career spanning constitutional systems, human rights, and emerging legal challenges. Professor Scaffardi's research interests demonstrate remarkable breadth and relevance to contemporary challenges. Her work on genetic databases for judicial purposes bridges bioethics and criminal procedure, while her investigations into Novel Food regulation address cutting-edge food technology challenges. Her pioneering research on BRICS legal networks has established her as a leading scholar in South-South legal cooperation. She also maintains strong expertise in federal systems, fundamental rights protection, and European constitutional law. Her publication trajectory reveals a strategic evolution from traditional constitutional scholarship toward interdisciplinary work addressing emerging technologies and global governance challenges. Recent publications (2023-2025) focus on cell-based meat regulation, AI and data protection, environmental constitutionalism, and food security - demonstrating her ability to anticipate and address legal challenges at the forefront of societal development. Professor Scaffardi has directed significant research projects, including the national-level study "Legal Transplants and Parliaments: A Possible Dialogue Among Legislators," which resulted in influential publications on comparative law in legislative drafting. Her international research fellowships at Oxford, Coimbra, King's College London, and the American University of Washington highlight her global academic engagement. As Coordinator of the BRICS Parma Research Group, she leads an active research team investigating legal cooperation among emerging economies. Her work bridges academic scholarship and practical policy development through previous advisory roles with the Italian government's Unit for Simplification and Regulatory Quality and the National Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnology and Life Sciences.
