Nicola Della Ca'

Nicola Della Ca' is an Associate Professor at the University of Parma, affiliated with the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences. His career spans teaching, research, and third mission activities (technology transfer and industry collaboration). He has been actively involved in academic governance, including roles in orientation commissions, quality assurance for Master's programs, and leadership in the Emilia Romagna Section of the Italian Chemical Society.

• Scientific Affiliations:
  • Member, Italian Chemical Society (Industrial Chemistry Division, Catalysis & Organometallic Interdivisional Groups)
  • Coordinator, Interuniversity Consortium for Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis (CIRCC, Parma Unit)
  • Member, Interdepartmental Center for Energy and Environment (CIDEA)

Research Focus: Prof. Della Ca' specializes in catalytic methodologies for organic synthesis, with emphasis on:

• C-H bond activation and functionalization
• Carbonylation reactions using CO and CO2
• Development of novel catalytic systems for pharmaceutical and industrial applications
• Mechanochemical and photochemical approaches to sustainable synthesis

His work includes projects on visible-light-promoted dearomatization, heterogeneous palladium catalysis, and CO2 valorization into industrial chemicals.

Scientific Contributions: With over 70 SCOPUS-indexed publications (H-index: 25; ~2700 citations), he has pioneered carbonylation protocols for synthesizing high-value organic compounds. Notable achievements include a patented anti-HIV agent (2016) and leadership in EU-funded projects like METACYL (MSCA, 2020-2022) and PARMA PoC (MISE, 2021-2023).

Awards & Recognition:

• Seal of Excellence (MSCA-IF-2018)
• Giorgio Squinzi Prize (2023)
• Multiple publications highlighted in Organic Chemistry Portal, ChemInform, and Synfacts
• 3 Frontispiece/Inside Back Cover publications
• 2 Hot Paper/Very Important Publications

Teaching & Mentorship: He teaches Principles of Industrial Chemistry (B.Sc.) and Development and Management of Industrial Chemical Processes (M.Sc.). As Quality Assurance Manager (2017-present), he ensures academic excellence in the Industrial Chemistry Master's program.