Chiara Flora Bassignana

Chiara Flora Bassignana is a Research Fellow at the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo, Italy, affiliated with the Agroecology group. She contributes to the HORIZON 2020-RADIANT project, focusing on dynamic value chains for underutilized crops. Her work integrates agroecology, biocultural diversity in mountainous regions, and new ruralism frameworks.

Education:

• PhD in Ecogastronomy, Education and Society (UNISG, 2023*)
• BSc in Biodiversity Conservation (University of Turin, 2017), with thesis on butterfly ecosystem restoration at Wageningen University (Netherlands).

Research Focus: Investigates emerging agricultural trajectories and food practices in the Western Italian Alps. Specializes in biocultural heritage preservation, commons governance, and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable rural development.

Current projects emphasize revitalizing underutilized crops through dynamic value chains and participatory agroecological practices.