BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY
The research area in Biodiversity and Ecology is dedicated to studying biological diversity and ecological interactions, adopting an approach that encompasses both natural ecosystems and those altered by human activities. Research activities focus on analyzing animal, plant, and microbial biodiversity, investigating genetic variability and ecosystem functions of animals, plants, and microorganisms—particularly native species—to understand their relationships with the environment.
Urban ecology is another key research field, aiming to assess human impact on biodiversity and ecosystem well-being in cities and suburban areas, as well as to develop sustainable management strategies for the conservation of green spaces. On the evolutionary front, the research explores the processes that have shaped species diversity, employing molecular approaches to gain deeper insights into speciation and adaptation dynamics.
Particular attention is also given to biodiversity conservation through the development, validation, and application of methodologies for monitoring and protecting endangered species. This includes integrating conservation genetics techniques with detailed ecological assessments. Lastly, environmental biotechnology plays a role in developing solutions for restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.
This comprehensive research effort aims to actively contribute to the conservation, restoration, monitoring, and enhancement of biodiversity in an increasingly interconnected world facing growing anthropogenic pressures.
Research Laboratories
• FoodNutraLab - Luca Campone
• Integrative Taxonomy and Ecosystem Interactions - Andrea Galimberti, Paolo Biella, Davide Maggioni
• Microbiology Lab - Patrizia Di Gennaro, Jessica Zampolli
• Plant diversity, Ecology and Evolution - Fabrizio Grassi
• ZooPlantLab - Maurizio Casiraghi, Massimo Labra, Werther Guidi Nissim
