Francesco Leccese

Francesco Leccese is Associate Professor of Environmental Technical Physics at the University of Pisa’s Department of Energy, Systems, Land and Building Engineering and serves as Vice-Rector (Pro-Rettore) for Construction and Real Estate since 2022. He has been a full-time faculty member since 2006 and leads the Lighting and Acoustics Laboratory.

Education

• PhD in Energetics, University of Pisa, 2002
• Laurea (MSc) in Civil Engineering (Buildings), University of Pisa, 1997

Research Interests

Professor Leccese’s research spans the entire spectrum of Environmental Technical Physics. His core themes include:

• Physical-technical performance of opaque and glazed building-envelope components
• Thermal, visual and acoustic comfort in indoor environments
• Energy performance of buildings and HVAC systems
• Human exposure to physical agents at workplaces
• Environmental pollution from anthropogenic and natural sources
• Smart monitoring, IoT and data-driven control for energy savings

He combines advanced experimental measurement campaigns with modelling and simulation, leading to over 200 scientific publications and a co-owned national patent for an innovative illuminating device for radiodiagnostic stations.

Recent Publication Trends

Between 2023 and 2025 his work has concentrated on urban overheating mitigation, textile-based solar shading, thermal resilience of building envelopes, and integrated indoor-environmental-quality (IEQ) assessment. These studies often merge on-site infrared thermography, sensor networks and occupant-centred data analysis to optimise both energy demand and human comfort.

Scientific Awards & Patents

• Co-owner, National patent for an illuminating device for radiodiagnostic reporting stations

Institutional Service & Grants

• President, Joint Council of the Master’s programmes in Structural & Building Engineering and Civil Infrastructure & Environmental Engineering (since 2021)
• Member, Doctoral School of Energy, Systems, Land and Construction Engineering (since 2015)
• Member, School of Engineering Council (since 2022)
• Head, Lighting and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Engineering (since 2006)

Laboratory & Teams

Professor Leccese directs the Lighting and Acoustics Laboratory at the School of Engineering, where interdisciplinary teams of researchers and graduate students conduct experimental and simulation studies on lighting, acoustics and environmental physics.