Francesco Freddi

Francesco Freddi is an Associate Professor of Solid and Structural Mechanics at the Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, where he has been a faculty member since 2015. He previously served as Assistant Professor (2007–2015) and Research Associate (2006–2007) at the same institution. He earned his Ph.D. in Solids and Structural Mechanics from the University of Bologna in 2004 and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Parma in 2000.

His research focuses on solid and structural mechanics, with emphasis on fracture mechanics, phase-field modeling, structural health monitoring, and computational methods. He leads advanced research in digital twins, AI-based monitoring systems, and failure modeling in civil structures. His recent work integrates machine learning and sensor technologies for predictive maintenance of bridges and railway infrastructure.

The most recent publications highlight trends in digital twin applications, wireless monitoring systems, neural network-based model updating, and phase-field modeling of fracture in complex materials. These reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach combining mechanics, data science, and civil infrastructure resilience.

Scientific Awards and Distinctions:

• Fellowship to attend the Third MIT Conference on Computational Fluid and Mechanics (2005)
• Scientific Collaborator, School of Civil Engineering, Tongji University (2022–2023)
• Research Fellow at IAC-CNR Rome (2017–2021, 2021–present)

Prof. Freddi has supervised multiple Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, including H. Hasani, A. Ballout, L. Mingazzi, and F. Vadalà. He has secured significant research funding from MIUR-PRIN, Marie Curie, ReLUIS, and European PNRR programs. He is the Principal Investigator of projects such as Dynamic Interactive Digital Monitoring Systems for Bridge Management (Marie Curie), TWYRES: a digital TWin for fracture and fatigue simulations in tYRES (MIUR-PRIN 2022), and MATHPROCULT (MIUR-PRIN-PNRR). He also coordinates industrial research contracts with companies like FIAMA, SISGEO, and B&S s.r.l., and public infrastructure assessments for the Province of Parma.

He is actively involved in scientific leadership, serving on editorial boards of journals including Frontiers in Materials, Current Physics (Interfaces), and Materials (Guest Editor). He has organized minisymposia at major conferences such as AIMETA, SIMAI, and IUTAM, and has delivered over 15 invited seminars globally. He is a founding member of the Sustainable Mobility Center and the ECOSISTER Hub at the University of Parma, contributing to national research innovation ecosystems.