Francesco Carimi

Francesco Carimi is a Research Director and Head of the Palermo Division at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR-CNR), part of the National Research Council of Italy. He is a leading expert in plant biotechnology, genetic improvement, and conservation of Mediterranean crops such as citrus, grapevine, and olive. He has coordinated numerous national and international research projects and training programs, contributing significantly to agri-food traceability, germplasm conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Education:

• Master of Science in Plant Science, University of Palermo (1987)
• National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor in 'Arboriculture and Forest Systems' (2018)
• National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor in 'Botany' (2020)

Research Interests:

His work focuses on plant genetics, molecular markers, somatic embryogenesis, and biotechnological tools for crop improvement. He has pioneered research in genetic certification, traceability using blockchain and IoT, and the conservation of endangered plant species like Calendula maritima and Zelkova sicula. His research integrates laboratory and field applications to enhance agri-food quality and safety.

Publication Trends:

The most recent articles reflect a strong emphasis on molecular diagnostics, genetic traceability in agri-food chains, conservation biotechnology, and sustainable cultivation systems. The integration of biotechnology with digital tools (e.g., blockchain) for food authenticity is a key emerging theme.

Scientific Awards:

• Two-year fellowship from CNR for DNA analysis in Citrus at Max-Planck-Institut, Germany (1990)
• One-year fellowship from Angelo e Salvatore Lima Mancuso Foundation for Plant Genetic Resources (1989)

Advising and Grants:

Carimi has supervised numerous PhD, Master’s, and postdoctoral researchers from institutions in Italy, Tunisia, Iran, Algeria, and Egypt. He has served as Scientific Coordinator or CNR Unit Coordinator for 29 national and international projects, managing over €29 million in funding. Notable projects include ENOBIT (blockchain for wine traceability), LIFE CALMARSI (conservation of Calendula maritima), and SicilySeeds (valorization of spontaneous edible plants).

Labs and Collaborations:

He leads a research team at IBBR-CNR in Palermo focused on molecular and cell biology of woody plants. He collaborates extensively with institutions across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, including CIHEAM, FAO, and universities in Tunisia, Algeria, Iran, and Turkey.