Graduated in Biological Sciences at the University of Messina, he obtained a PhD in “Sciences and Engineering of the Sea” (17th cycle) at the University of Naples “Federico II” in collaboration with the University of Montpellier II (Montpellier, France). He deals with the development and optimization of microbial biotechnologies aimed at cleaning up the environment. He is the author of more than 70 scientific articles and 15 chapters in national and international volumes. Co-inventor of 4 national patents and co-founder of a spin-off of the CNR and the University of Messina (ATHENA Green Solutions) with the role of Technical Director. He has participated, as coordinator or CNR manager, in numerous national and international projects, including research contracts with different companies.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.