Giorgio Sabella

Giorgio Sabella is an Associate Professor of Zoology (SSD BIO/05) at the University of Catania, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, specializing in the Animal Biology Section. He has held this position since November 2010, following his tenure as a Researcher from February 2001 to October 2010. His academic career spans decades of research and teaching in zoology, entomology, and environmental conservation, with extensive contributions to scientific literature and academic administration.

Dr. Sabella earned his Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Catania in December 1981 with full marks and honors. His early career included serving as Curator of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Catania from February 1990 to January 2001, where he developed expertise in natural history museology and specimen curation.

His primary research focuses on taxonomy, systematics, faunistics, and biogeography of Coleoptera Staphylinidae (particularly Pselaphinae) and Tardigrades. He has conducted extensive field research in various regions worldwide including Italy, Tunisia, Greece, Ecuador, Congo, and Chile, resulting in the description of over 140 new species. His work also encompasses animal phylogeny, forest ecology of beetle and pseudoscorpion communities, environmental impact assessment methodologies, and biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean ecosystems. His research has significant applied aspects, particularly in environmental monitoring and protected area management.

His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on taxonomic revisions of Coleoptera, particularly the Pselaphinae subfamily, with increasing integration of technological approaches like drone monitoring for environmental assessment. His work spans traditional taxonomy, cave biology, island biogeography, and conservation applications across Mediterranean regions.

Dr. Sabella has supervised numerous PhD, master's, and undergraduate theses across various programs at the University of Catania, including the International PhD in "Entomological Sciences and Protection of Agro-ecosystems" and the PhD in "Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences." He has coordinated multiple research projects funded by the Ministry of University and Research, the Ministry of the Environment, and the European Community, including the INTERREG Italy-Malta FAST project focused on alien species management.

As Scientific Director of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Catania since March 2016, he oversees significant natural history collections. He has also served as President of undergraduate and master's degree programs, and as Delegate for the Third Mission of his department, connecting academic research with societal applications. His leadership extends to various scientific committees including the Regional Council for Natural Heritage Protection in Sicily and multiple provincial scientific councils.