Raphael Tiziani

Raphael Tiziani is a Fixed-term Researcher (RTDa) at the Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Italy, where he has been employed since 2021. His teaching portfolio includes Analytical Chemistry for Agricultural, Food and Mountain Environmental Sciences, and Wood Chemistry/Laboratory for Wood Technologies programs.

He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (2015), followed by a PhD in Food Engineering and Biotechnology (2021) from the Free University of Bolzano, and a Master's in Agri-Food Biotechnology (2017) from the University of Verona.

Dr. Tiziani's research focuses on plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, particularly nutrient deficiencies (iron/phosphorus) and microplastic contamination. He investigates root exudation dynamics, rhizosphere interactions, and carbon fractionation in plants, with applications in soil carbon sequestration (SCOOP project) and innovative root exudate mapping techniques (DGT EXUDATES project). His work extends to extreme environments including the Galápagos Islands.

Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals strong thematic continuity in microplastic-plant-soil interactions, nutrient stress physiology, and soil health assessment. Key trends include methodological innovations in root exudate sampling, cross-species stress response comparisons, and translational applications for sustainable agriculture.

He actively contributes to major research initiatives:

• DGT EXUDATES: Development of millimeter-resolution root exudate mapping
• SCOOP: Soil carbon sequestration in apple orchards via cover cropping
• HuMUS (Horizon Europe): Soil health fact sheets and land management frameworks
• ECHO (Horizon Europe): Citizen-engaged soil toolkit development

Committed to the university's third mission, he translates complex research for policymakers and young citizens through science communication initiatives focused on soil health and climate change mitigation.