Francesca Bagnoli

Francesca Bagnoli is a Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), part of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) in Florence. She has been with IBBR since October 2014, following prior research roles at CNR's Institute of Plant Protection (IPSP) in Florence from 2011 to 2014. Her work is centered on forest genetics, conservation, and molecular marker applications.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural and Forest Genetics, University of Florence (2002). Thesis: 'Isolation and molecular characterization of genes coding antioxidant enzymes in trees: Prunus persica and Pinus pinea'.

Her research focuses on population and conservation genetics of forest trees, phylogeography, identification and use of molecular markers (SSRs, SNPs), and the molecular basis of adaptation in forest species using Bayesian statistical methods. She has contributed extensively to understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of Mediterranean and European forest trees.

Her recent publications (2021–2025) reveal strong trends in forest genomics, conservation planning, and climate adaptation. Key themes include latitudinal genetic diversity patterns in oaks, resilience of genetic diversity over geological timescales, spatial conservation planning for forest genetic resources, and microgeographical selection in conifers. Her work often integrates genomic data with ecological and paleoenvironmental evidence to infer demographic histories and adaptive processes.

Scientific Projects and Collaborations:

• EU H2020 Forgenius: Improving access to forest genetic resources information.
• EU H2020 B4EST: Adaptive breeding for resilient forests under climate change.
• EU H2020 GenTree: Sustainable use of forest genetic resources in Europe.
• LIFE IP GESTIRE: Technical services for managing Lombard oak forests.
• Bilateral Italy-Montenegro projects on adaptive capacity of beech and pine along altitudinal gradients.

Bagnoli has advised or collaborated with numerous researchers and institutions across Europe. While no formal students are listed, her role in large collaborative projects suggests significant mentorship and team leadership. She has contributed to major data platforms such as the GenTree Leaf and Dendroecological Collections, enhancing data accessibility for the scientific community.

Laboratories and Research Teams:
She is part of the Florence Division of IBBR-CNR, where she conducts research in forest molecular genetics and genomics. Her work is embedded within international consortia and EU-funded projects, involving close collaboration with INRAE (France), University of Florence, and other European research institutions. Her laboratory focuses on genetic analysis of forest tree populations using molecular markers and genomic tools.