Research topics

The research activities carried out at the Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB) are characterized by a broad multidisciplinarity and profound interdisciplinarity, which overall guarantee excellent investigation standards around topics relating to Life and Environmental Sciences. At DEB, these activities are developed along the two fundamental research lines, the eco-biological one and that of human well-being and health. In particular, DEB researchers are engaged in the study of the eco-evolutionary mechanisms that generate and support biodiversity and over the years have made essential contributions to the planning of strategies for the conservation and management of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity, to the restoration of eco- and evolutionary services systemic, and the sustainable use of natural resources, including the development of approaches for detecting pollutants and their impacts on ecosystems. Also important are the contributions to the study of the origin and therapy of various diseases, including on an environmental basis, and to food science, both carried out also with biophysical approaches. The picture is completed by studies on the chemistry of natural organic substances and phytochemistry in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical sectors.  Within the classification adopted by the European Research Council (ERC), the most prestigious research funding body in Europe, the Department’s research activities are mainly located within the area of knowledge and understanding of the Life Sciences (LS). Numerically but not scientifically less relevant is the contribution in relation to the area of Physical Sciences and Engineering (PE).

To find out more about the Department’s research projects, visit this page.

To find out more about the laboratories and centers of the Department, visit this page.