Nicodemo Giuseppe PASSALACQUA

Nicodemo Giuseppe PASSALACQUA is an Associate Professor in Environmental and Applied Botany at the Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, a position he has held since 2024. Previously, he was a Type B Researcher at the same department from 2021 to 2024. He has a long-standing association with the Botanical Garden and Natural History Museum of Calabria, having served as Curator and later as Head from 2019 to 2021. He is a member of the Scientific Council of the Museum System of the University of Calabria and the Technical Committee for the Protection of Nature and Mycological Heritage in Calabria. He currently serves as the scientific coordinator of a major EU-funded project under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and is part of the teaching staff for the Life Science and Technology PhD program.

• PhD in Biosystematics and Plant Ecology, University of Florence (1995)
• BSc in Natural Sciences (with honors), University of Florence (1990)

His research centers on plant ecology, phytogeography, biodiversity, and conservation, particularly of Mediterranean and Calabrian flora. He investigates intraspecific variability, functional traits, and the impact of environmental gradients on plant form and function. His work also includes documenting native and alien vascular flora, as well as algae, bryophytes, fungi, and lichens in Italy. He applies botanical knowledge to cultural heritage through studies on biodeteriogenic flora on historical buildings.

His recent publications show a consistent focus on floristic documentation, plant systematics, and ecological adaptation. Articles such as 'Intraspecific variability of leaf form and function' and 'Old-growth forests in the Pollino National Park' reflect his interest in plant-environment interactions and conservation. His involvement in 'Notulae' series highlights his role in updating the Italian flora inventory. Work on 3D modeling for pasture monitoring indicates innovative methodological approaches.

• Scientific Coordinator, 'Operational protocols and tools for the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems' (Tech4You Project, EU NextGenerationEU)
• Phytotaxa Section Editor for Morphometrics and Saxifragales
• Member, Teaching Staff, Life Science and Technology PhD Program
• Member, Scientific Council, Museum System, University of Calabria
• Representative, Technical Committee for Nature and Mycological Heritage, Calabria

He teaches Applied Phytogeography, Systematic Botany, and Plant Ecology at the University of Calabria. His affiliation with the 'Vegetal Biology' research group, specifically the 'Taxonomy, Conservation and Plant Ecology' section, places him within a collaborative environment focused on biodiversity and conservation. He has co-authored over 220 publications, with more than 90 indexed in major databases, demonstrating sustained research productivity and collaboration with national and international experts in botany and ecology.