Roberto Defez

Roberto Defez is a Senior Researcher at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), affiliated with the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR-CNR) in Naples. His work focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly nitrogen fixation, bacterial auxin delivery, and abiotic stress tolerance in legumes and cereals. He holds a 1980 Biology degree from the University of Naples and has conducted postdoctoral research at institutions like the Institut Pasteur in Paris.

His research interests span symbiotic nitrogen fixation, endophytic bacteria's role in plant growth, and the application of microbial solutions to agricultural challenges. Key contributions include studies on indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) regulation in rhizobia and its impact on plant metabolism.

Defez has authored over 170 publications and holds patents related to bacterial strain modification for enhanced plant growth. He actively engages in science communication, addressing GMOs and agricultural policy. Awards include the Guido Dorso 2020 Prize for Science and membership in the Italian National Academy of Agriculture.

He has led numerous grants, organized international conferences, and advised on EU GMO policies. His work bridges lab research with field applications, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and microbial biotechnology.