Francesco Paolocci

Francesco Paolocci is a Research Director at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Division of Perugia. He holds a prominent position in plant molecular biology and fungal genomics research, with particular expertise in flavonoid biosynthesis, truffle genetics, and plant-microbe interactions. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying secondary metabolism in plants and fungi.

Dr. Paolocci's research focuses on multiple interconnected areas: genetic and environmental control of flavonoid biosynthesis in crops and model species; cloning and functional characterization of regulatory (bHLHs, MYBs) and structural genes involved in anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis; whole transcriptome analysis of genes related to oxidative stress, flavonoid and sugar biosynthesis; breeding forage legumes by transgenesis, interspecific hybridization and genome editing; and genetics and genomics of Tuber spp. and other Pezizomycetes. His work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to applied agricultural research, with particular emphasis on truffle biology and plant secondary metabolism.

Analysis of his most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a strong focus on plant-microbe interactions, particularly the symbiotic relationship between Azolla filiculoides and rice, as well as continued research on truffle genomics and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. His work demonstrates a consistent integration of molecular, genetic, and physiological approaches to address fundamental questions in plant and fungal biology.

• Premio 2008 per il Co-finanziamento di ricerche di eccellenza nel settore Agroalimentare by CNR Agrofood Department
• Co-author of a study on Lotus spp. awarded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Productiva Presedencia de la Nacion Argentina with the price Innovar 2009 Categoría Innovaciones en el Agro

Dr. Paolocci serves as a scientific responsible for several national and international projects and is an Ad Hoc Reviewer for more than 30 scientific journals. He has advised numerous graduate students and PhD students from the University of Perugia and University of Urbino. His editorial roles include Co-Editor of The Open Agriculture Journal and Review Editor for Frontiers in Plant Science, Frontiers in Fungal Biology, and Plants. His research group maintains active collaborations with institutions in Spain, France, and the UK, as evidenced by his visiting scientist positions at Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas in Valencia, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell in Paris, and John Innes Centre in Norwich.